Page 19 of Her Immortal Protector

I approach her, my wings instinctively folding tight against my back. Up close, the intricate markings on her skin seem to pulse with an otherworldly energy.

"You've done well," she says, her tone cool and appraising. "But I sense conflict within you."

I swallow hard. "It's a lot to process," I admit.

"Indeed." Her eyes narrow. "Remember your purpose, Christos. The old world has no place in our future."

The weight of her words settles on me like a stone. I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

As Nyx turns to address the others, I retreat to the shadows of the forest. My mind races with the implications of what's to come. In mere days, everything will change. Again.

I make my way to the clearing where the Changelings are gathered. The air is thick with the scent of blood and fear. As I approach, the familiar sight of writhing bodies and agonized faces greets me. It's a scene I've witnessed far too many times now, yet it never gets easier.

My eyes scan the area, taking in the various stages of transformation. Some lie still, their bodies giving up the fight.Others thrash and scream, clinging desperately to life as the Change ravages them. The sight turns my stomach.

A young woman catches my eye. Her skin is ghostly pale, veins visible beneath the surface. She whimpers softly, her body trembling with each labored breath. I kneel beside her, knowing there's nothing I can do to ease her pain.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

Guilt washes over me as I remember my own transformation. The searing pain, the fear, the confusion. I had no choice in the matter, thrust into this world of darkness and blood without warning. And now, I'm complicit in inflicting that same fate on others.

I stand, my wings rustling restlessly. The weight of what we're doing here presses down on me. These people didn't ask for this. They didn't choose to become monsters, to leave behind everything they've ever known.

My thoughts drift to Aria, to the life I once had. I'm caught between two worlds, no longer fully human but not quite embracing my vrakken nature. And soon, even that tenuous connection to my past will be severed forever.

The realization hits me like a physical blow. In a matter of days, we'll be leaving Earth behind. Everything I've ever known, every connection to my human life, will be lost. The finality of it all is overwhelming.

I look around at the Changelings once more, seeing my own struggle reflected in their faces. We're all trapped in this limbo, forced to abandon our humanity for a future we never asked for.

I pace the small cabin, my wings twitching with nervous energy. Aria sleeps peacefully on the bed, unaware of the turmoil raging inside me. The news of our imminent departure to Protheka echoes in my mind, a constant reminder of the impossible choice before me.

My eyes trace the gentle curve of Aria's face, the rise and fall of her chest. She's so vibrant, so full of life. The thought of leaving her behind twists something deep inside me. But the alternative...

I run a hand through my hair, frustration building. Even though I shared with Nyx how to make a bite less painful, Changing her could still kill her. We haven't been able to stop that from happening, and I've seen it happen too many times now, watched as the life drained from their eyes, their bodies rejecting the transformation. The memory of their screams haunts me.

But if I don't try, I'll lose her forever.

I move to the window, staring out at the dark forest. The vrakken are preparing for our journey, an air of excitement palpable even from here. This should be great news – a world of our own, free from persecution and fear. And supposedly it has magic, where we can use the magic that has been gifted to us.

It should fill me with joy, but all I feel is dread.

Aria's sleeping form on the bed draws my gaze again and again. How can someone I've known for such a short time have such a profound effect on me?

My mind replays our encounters, each moment etched into my memory with vivid clarity. Her bravery when cornered by those men. The shock and wonder in her eyes when she first saw me. The trust she placed in me, offering her blood when I was weak.

I pause, my hand unconsciously reaching for my chest. There's an ache there, a longing I've never experienced before. It hits me like a tidal wave - I love her. The realization is both exhilarating and terrifying.

How can I leave her behind? The thought of never seeing her again, of her living out her life without me, is unbearable. But the alternative... I shudder, remembering the failed Changes I'vewitnessed. The screams, the agony, the light fading from their eyes. Could I risk putting Aria through that?

I turn back to the bed, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest. She deserves to know everything. About Protheka, about the risks of Changing, about... my feelings for her. The choice has to be hers.

My heart races as I approach the bed. This conversation will change everything, no matter what she decides. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come.

"Aria," I say softly, reaching out to gently shake her shoulder. "We need to talk."

12

ARIA

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