Page 31 of Charmed By Apollo

Apollo hesitated for a moment, remembering not to mention Castalia. “Oh, just a little bit of everything,” he replied vaguely, hoping to steer the conversation away from his past encounters with the water nymph.

Geri nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response as she continued to try the food on her plate. Despite the underlying tension between them, he found himself enjoying the meal beneath the shade of the balete tree.

Lola Conching set her plate aside and fixed her gaze on them, her expression serious yet somehow gentle. “Now that we’ve enjoyed our meal, let’s get down to business.”

“We’re here because we need your help,” Geri began.

The old woman raised an eyebrow, her eyes searching Geri’s face. “Help with what, exactly?”

Geri took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. “My grandmother…she’s passed away,” she explained. “We’ve heard that you possess powerful abilities, and we’re hoping you can help us bring her back.”

Her expression softened, sympathy flickering in her eyes as she listened to Geri’s plea. “I see,” she murmured. “And what makes you think I can help you?”

Apollo spoke up. “We’ve heard rumors of your extraordinary abilities,” he interjected, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering determination. “And that you have the Siquijor Stone.”

She listened intently, her demeanor betraying no hint of surprise at their request. Instead, she regarded them both with a measured gaze, her expression inscrutable as she considered their plea. “I see. And when did your grandmother pass on?”

“A couple of days ago,” Geri replied softly, her words carrying the weight of recent loss. “We laid her to rest the other day.”

Lola Conching’s response was measured, her demeanor calm yet empathetic. “I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m afraid it’s too late.”

“T-too late?” Blood drained from Geri’s face. “What do you mean? Don’t you have the stone?”

“I do, but it only works on people who are very recently dead. It must be used within minutes of the person dying.”

“What? But why?”

“I don’t know, that’s just the way it works.” She clucked her tongue. “If you had come to me sooner, perhaps there would have been something I could do. But now…”

Apollo braced himself for Geri’s reaction, anticipating anger or frustration. However, as he glanced at her, he noticed a surprising sense of resignation in her demeanor. She sat next to him, her shoulders relaxed and her expression devoid of the fiery emotion he had expected. Geri’s acceptance of the situation resonated with Apollo, reminding him of the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

“I understand,” Geri murmured. “Thank you for your honesty.”

The witch leaned forward, her weathered face serious yet compassionate. “There are whispers,” she began. “Whispers of creatures in Transylvania who possess the power to bring back the dead.”

Geri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Transylvania? You mean vampires?”

“You know about the vampires?” Apollo asked. Like gods and shifters, the existence of vampires was hidden from the larger world.

“Of course,” Geri said. “Shifters don’t mix with them, but we know of each other’s existence.”

And Apollo could guess why—vampires, after all, were bloody-thirsty near-immortal creatures with a bad reputation for being crafty and sly. One had to tread carefully when dealing with them.

Lola Conching nodded. “Yes, vampires,” she confirmed. “Legends say they possess dark magic beyond our understanding—magic that can defy death itself.”

Geri’s eyes widened. “D-do you think they could help us?”

Lola Conching’s gaze softened as she regarded Geri with empathy. “It’s hard to say,” she admitted. “But if anyone has the power to challenge the natural order, it would be them.”

The prospect of seeking out vampires was fraught with danger, yet Apollo knew that Geri would not let anything stop her from investigating anything that could bring back her grandmother. He could tell she was already forming a plan in her mind.

“Which vampires in Transylvania?” he asked.

“The ones in Bran.” Lola Conching nodded solemnly, her gaze steady as she met his eyes. “That’s all I know,” she confirmed. “But it could be worth a visit for you.”

Apollo mulled over her words, considering the possibility of seeking out these vampires as a last resort to bring back Geri’s grandmother. He knew the risks involved—dealing with creatures as unpredictable as vampires was no small feat. Yet, the desperation in Geri’s eyes urged him to explore every avenue, no matter how perilous.

Turning to her, he found her watching him with a mixture of apprehension and hope. He could see the uncertainty etched in her features, the weight of the loss still heavy on her heart.

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