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It was as if I was walking through a starry night sky. I’d never seen anything like it. “This is magnificent,” I gushed.
Lucian sat down at the edge of the pond. “The Goddess enjoys solitude, so she appreciates secluded little gems like this. That’s why her portal is in a cave beneath the ground.”
I sat down beside him, while luminescent creatures as small as love birds with four legs and wings that shot outward from their sides, screeched as they flew overhead. Their bright bodies contrasted with the black background of the cave, and I watched them in wonder until they vanished through a crack in the wall.
Lucian and I sat in comfortable silence, and I leaned over to rest my head on his arm. As we listened to the rushing water, he threw his arm over my shoulders and pulled me close.
Minutes went by without us speaking, but that was fine. I simply enjoyed being with him.
I’d always admired his calm and collected demeanor, and I’d started to imitate him, thinking carefully before I reacted, giving myself time to just be. And I enjoyed the peace that came with that approach. I could see more clearly, hear more, and it seemed as if the world opened itself to me whenever I took a moment to breathe and allow it to.
This time, Lucian was the one to break the silence.
"I know what you’re going through,” he said. “How it feels, the mental self-torture you put yourself through when you’re forced to do something you never would’ve wanted to.” Although his fingers ran up and down my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake, I could hear the pain in his voice.
I knew he was thinking about the woman he’d loved on earth, Otsana, who’d been bitten and turned into a vampire. She’d begged him to kill her, and he'd eventually done as she’d wished.
“It stays with you,” he added. “For a long time, it stays with you.” He looked down at me. “But what helped me get through it was that same remorse. The emotional pain that lingered because of what I’d done reminded me that I wasn’t a monster. A cold-blooded killer doesn't feel remorse, Natalie. That she-wolf would have gone on to kill countless others if you hadn’t stopped her. You put an end to her suffering, and you aren't a monster for having done that." He laid a hand on my cheek. “This is what you helped me see, after centuries of torturing myself about Otsana’s death. Please, take your own advice. You did the right thing.”
I reached up and ran a finger down the scar that ran through his brow and eye, relieved. I’d been afraid that he and Rumir, as well as Brian and Rehema, would look at me differently after what I’d done.
And even though I’d regret what happened for the rest of my afterlife, the fact of the matter was, I would have died if I hadn't fought back.
That suddenly reminded me of the red substance that had forced its way into my arm… and the vision that had followed it.
Just like the vision I’d had weeks ago, this one warned that something was coming. I didn’t say anything at the time because I didn’t want to cause a panic. But after yesterday’s events, I think it was time to share what I’d seen.
I pulled away from Lucian. “Something else happened last night, something I didn't tell you guys or the gods about.”
Lucian remained silent, and I held my arm to my chest.
"I'm not sure what it was, but something, a red substance just like I’d seen in my vision, escaped the she-wolf’s body and attacked me.” I looked up and watched the water cascade down the rocks. “It latched onto me as if it was a living thing.”
“What are you saying?” Lucian sat up. “You were infected?”
“I don’t know,” I told him quickly. “I thought so, but Hekate tested me and said I was fine. So maybe I’m immune?”
Lucian's eyes looked up and down my body, then turned away. He didn't speak, but I could see the wheels turning in his head.
“I didn’t say anything to the gods, because honestly, I was worried about what they might do. And I didn’t say anything to you guys because I didn’t want to worry you. Everything happened so fast…” I placed my hand on Lucian’s arm. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He covered my hand with his. “The gods would have had a field day with you. But this is good news. As with every virus, there are those who are immune, or who at least aren’t affected as badly as others are.”
I nodded. "And if that's the case, maybe this is a natural virus and not something that was created by magic. If a god or supernatural was behind this, no one would be immune."
"If only we knew more, we'd be able to say that for certain," he mumbled. “But why wouldn’t the gods be able to eradicate a natural virus?”
I sighed. “You’re right. Still, maybe they can figure out why I’m immune. Right?” I'd been worried about admitting what had happened to me, but maybe this was something that could help. "If they can identify what is preventing me from going ballistic, maybe they can use it to make an antidote.”
Sure, that would mean I’d be poked and prodded, but if it meant finding a cure, I’d happily submit.
Lucian pulled his leg up. “Let’s wait until Rumir speaks to them. Once we know what he finds out, we can decide what to do."
“You’re right,” I agreed. Suddenly, my bracelet beeped, and I could feel the blood drain from my face as I read the message I'd received from Rehema.
“Help?” I read it out loud before looking at Lucian. "Something’s wrong. We need to find Rehema!”
