Page 102 of Halfblood Deceived

Alejandro placed a hand on Chloe and Cassidy’s shoulders, gently nudging them to the exit. “Let’s go.”

They went with him, unresistant, their anger gone and replaced by something spiky, painful, and cold that made Aella feel frozen inside.

Aylana sighed, rubbing her neck. “They’re so fucking frustrating.”

Kamilla hummed in agreement, turning to face them all. “I think Alejandro has a point and you should lead the pack to better ways.”

Aylana made a disgusted face. “I am many things, but not a leader, Kam. Besides, how can I lead them when they hate me for being who I am and loving who I love? It’s not possible.”

Kamilla gave her a wry smile.

Aylana groaned and face-palmed. “Right. That was an incredibly stupid question to ask you, of all people.”

Kamilla chuckled gently. “Not stupid. And you’ll have it a bit harder than Kerian and I did a century ago, since you can’t go around killing anyone who won’t listen. But if you wish, I can share with you our more diplomatic ways.”

Aylana sighed. “Not today.”

“Not today,” Kamilla agreed, her eyes sliding toward Aella. “Are you alright, dear?”

No. No, she wasn’t alright, but she didn’t have words to explain the brittle pain making her feel as if her insides were made of glass. Nor did she want to. So she just nodded at Kamilla and shoved her shaking hands into her kangaroo pocket.

“Thank you for your help,” Diana said to Kamilla for them both, wrapping an arm around Aella. “Unless you need me, I’d like to take Aella back home.”

The vampire princess smiled. “Of course. Take the day off. You look tired.”

Diana dipped her chin in silent gratitude.

Aylana found Aella’s gaze and granted her a kind smile. “It was nice seeing you again despite the shitty circumstances, Aella.”

“And you, Aylana,” Aella said earnestly.

Diana led the way back outside, and Aella went with her, her mind churning with questions she knew had only terrible answers.

* * *

Diana had allowed Aella to be quiet for hours.

She never pushed. Never demanded.

Aella chewed on her already raw cheeks, swiping her eyes over the cozy living room from her position on the comfortable beige sofa, across from her sister.

Diana liked earthy colors. The cushions were orange, terracotta, and red. The carpet was brown and soft. Two shelves full of a varied selection of books bracketed the fireplace, and the flatscreen above it. The house was comfortable. Not too large, but not small either. It had three bedrooms and two bathrooms upstairs.

Aella had never had a bathroom all to herself. The privacy had been a wonderful experience.

The atmosphere was peaceful, as always.

Rock music at a low volume was played on the stereo. The kind that would scandalize the priests. After listening to her sister’s favorites several times now, Aella realized the songs were full of uncomfortable truths about oppression, religion, and politics. She knew most of the lyrics by heart now.

Her sister’s music or the book on her lap couldn’t distract her any longer, however.

The most pressing question burning Aella’s mind demanded an out, so she broke the silence. “What Chloe said, was it true?”

She couldn’t elaborate, but she didn’t think it was necessary.

Diana lifted her eyes from the book she had on her lap and sighed. “Yes.”

Aella knew that would be the answer.

---