Page 37 of Vampire Blood

I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady my breathing. My skin felt damp, and my pulse thudded in my ears. Beside me, Lucas slept soundly, his arm draped protectively over my waist. The rise and fall of his chest was slow and steady, grounding me. But it wasn’t enough to silence the images still flickering in my mind.

The witch.

Her face was clearer now. Pale and sharp, framed by dark hair. Her eyes burned like embers, filled with power and desperation. I could still hear her voice, layered and echoing, as if it came from somewhere far away.

You are the key. My blood, my burden. Protect them.

I swallowed hard, the words curling around me, squeezing tight. I didn’t understand them. I didn’t understand her. ButI knew what she meant. Her magic had sealed Aurelius away, binding him with blood and sacrifice.

And now, her blood… my blood… was the key to undoing it.

I shivered, pulling the blanket higher, but it didn’t help.

I turned my head, looking at Lucas. Even in sleep, he looked strong, unshaken. Like nothing could touch him. But I’d seen the fear in his eyes earlier, no matter how hard he’d tried to hide it. He was terrified of losing me.

And I was terrified too.

I closed my eyes, but the witch’s face was still there, her words ringing louder, clearer. Protect them.

What if I couldn’t? What if I wasn’t strong enough?

I bit my lip to keep the fear at bay, but my body trembled anyway. Lucas stirred beside me, his arm tightening as if he could sense it. I wanted to wake him, to feel his touch and hear him tell me everything would be okay.

But I didn’t.

He needed rest, and I needed answers, answers I didn’t have.

I stayed there, staring at the ceiling, my mind chasing thoughts I couldn’t catch, until the fire finally died, and the room was swallowed by shadows.

Chapter Twelve

Lucas

I woke with a start, the warmth of Annika beside me gone. The bed was cool, the space where she had slept barely disturbed. A shiver ran down my spine. I didn’t think, didn’t hesitate. I threw the blanket aside and rushed to the door.

Annika?

The weight of her absence pressed against me. I wasn’t sure what made me go outside. Maybe it was the instinct to search, to find her before my mind could spiral further. Maybe I just needed to move. I shoved the door open and stepped into the cool morning air. I crossed the yard, searching the familiar grounds for any sign of her.

“Lucas.”

I froze. The voice cut through the quiet, and I spun around to find Callum standing near the edge of the yard.

“She’s not in the house,” I said, the words rough, as if I hadn’t expected anyone else to speak.

Callum didn’t seem surprised. “I saw her. She’s with Kael. By the old well.”

A chill washed over me, something dark and uneasy coiling in my gut.

Kael.

I’d been wary of him from the start, but hearing he was with Annika now...

Without thinking, I started toward the well.

Callum’s voice stopped me. “She’s not a child, Lucas. She knows what she’s doing.”

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling inside me. “She’s with him—alone.”

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