Page 69 of Over the Emerald Valley
“As far as I can tell.” He tried to smile without showing the fangs. “I still think you ask too many questions, so that hasn’t changed.”There’s only this powerful thirst.
Solon spotted the light blue vein pulsing just below Temaj’s skin. It called to him. He couldhearthe blood as it traveled and had to pull away to resist the temptation. He’d never hurt Temaj, but the urge to bite him was shocking in its strength and tenacity.
Temaj, as usual, missed nothing. “Tell me what just happened?”
Solon stood, ignoring the question because putting the answer into words was impossible. Too much to ask.
Neku left Abasi where he lay and approached them. “What do we do next?”
The grim reality of it all set in with the clarity of a black sheep among a herd of white. “I’ll open the door so that you can get out. Then…” Solon knew it was the only way, but it was still hard to say aloud. “You must kill me.”
“No!” protested both men at once.
“I can’t,” said Neku.
“But you are still yourself,” said Temaj.
But he wasn’t. Though his thoughts were his own and his motivations too, this new hunger was evil, and he didn’t know how long he could control it.
Neku’s expression was pained, but Temaj’s was devastated.
“I won’t let you die.” Temaj attempted to stand but struggled with his balance.
Solon took his elbow and helped him up.
Clinging to his waist, Temaj pleaded, “Now isn’t the time for rash decisions. Maybe there’s a way to turn back.”
Solon already knew there wasn’t. Where his heart once thumped in his chest, only stillness remained. And need. “You don’t understand.” He didn’t want to admit to it, but he must. “I drank his blood.”
“You had no choice!” cried Temaj.
“You did it for us,” Neku added.
“But it’s not over, not for me. I crave the blood still. I need more. I harbor a thirst that would be a crime to quench.” Seeing the realization dawn on his friend’s face, on his lover’s face too, brought a well of sadness so deep as to have no bottom. “I’m sorry.”
But he should’ve known Temaj was too stubborn to give in so easily.
“Take more, then. Take all the blood in him. Then see how you feel. Don’t rush to conclusions that can’t be undone.”
Solon balked at the idea. The corpse grew colder by the second. But if he hurried, the blood would still be warm. And he didn’t want to die.
Solon took a breath and gritted his teeth. “Don’t watch.”
CHAPTER24
Temaj
They honoredSolon’s request and looked only at each other. Temaj stretched his hand out to Neku to steady himself.
Neku offered his arm. “Are you injured?”
“I hit my head. It hurts, and I’m seeing two of you, but otherwise…” Temaj shrugged. His injuries were nothing compared to what Solon had endured. “Are you?”
“Banged up and bruised. Probably a few broken ribs.” Neku imitated the shrug, probably having the same thoughts.
Temaj lowered his voice. “You wouldn’t do it, would you? Kill him?”
“Never,” Neku swore. “He’s been a good friend to me. I couldn’t bear it.”
