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“That’s not a problem. I can sleep on the floor, if necessary,” I said. It wouldn’t be the first time I slept in precarious conditions.
“No such thing. I don’t need as much sleep as you guys do. So how about you go take a rest while I assess what we need to do next,” Kira said.
The human side of the conversation was too tired to debate over sleeping conditions, so we all followed Zuzanna to the living room, where the couch awaited. I feared I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep after such a taxing night. But exhaustion didn’t make a chooser out of me. The moment my head reached the pillow, I was out.
∞∞∞
The following afternoon, Kira and I looked up airplane tickets. Remaining in Romania posed a threat to Athena and me, and we simply couldn’t risk it. The only problem was that I had left all my belongings at the castle. “I need at least a passport to get a flight.”
“There’s no other option but for me to return and get everything you need for your trip,” Kira said.
“But isn’t this extremely dangerous? If Gabriel catches you, the entire plan will fail,” I said.
“I’m already cooked meat. Whatever His Majesty decides to do to me is beyond my power. But the sole thing I worry about right now is how to get you both on a plane,” Kira said.
“I cannot accept this as a possibility. I could never bear the guilt of your sacrifice,” I said, fear fogging my mind.
“It is my duty to protect you, not only as my queen but also as my friend. Do not assume responsibility for my decisions, Milady. I want to do it. But first, we have to figure out what you need.”
“Besides the documents, I’ll need my phone, a charger, and my wallet. Everything else necessary for Athena you can buy afterward,” I said.
“Understood,” Kira said.
“Um, there were also a few letters tied with a red ribbon in the study desk. If you could manage to get those, it would help us tremendously.”
“I’ll try my best. But it’s not a hard promise. I have yet to find out how serious the search for you will be,” Kira said. “Please do not get out of the house until I return. My sister will keep you company.” Kira took her dagger and left, but not before hugging her sister.
The old lady peered at me with an annoyed look. I knew I wasn’t a welcome guest, but nothing could be done.
Then I noticed all the crocheted pillowcases displayed around the house. “Do you like to crochet?” I asked.
The old lady nodded coldly.
“I love crocheting as well, and knitting, and embroidering. I would love to see your pieces. They look so stunning.”
“Come this way,” Zuzanna said.
Of one thing I was sure. Once my inner grandma found a kindred soul, there could never be another outcome but friendship.
I looked around and saw a bunch of framed photographs on a doily-covered dresser. Most of them were of Kira and her family, except one where Zuzanna and another woman smiled joyfully at the camera. Based on its sepia colors, the photograph must’ve been old. “Is this also someone from your family?” I asked without realizing I might intrude on something too sensitive to discuss.
“Though not by blood, she ultimately became family,” Zuzanna said in her usual cold tone.
Though her voice held a stern inflection, one look at her face told me the woman in the picture had to be more than just a friend.
“Excuse my impertinent question, but what happened to her?”
Zuzanna exhaled deeply but remained silent for a while, until she took the dusty frame in her hand and looked with melancholic eyes at the woman. “She was sick and died shortly after this photograph was taken.”
“Wasn’t Kira already a vampire by then? Why didn’t you try and save her?” One glance at her and I regretted my words.
“Many foolishly assume that immortality can save them from their human issues. We wanted to enjoy what time had gifted us. Though she is no longer next to me, the memory of her still lives within me. I don’t need more.”
Zuzanna’s answer made me realize that nothing was as simple as one might expect. And immortality came with a new set of expectations. If I were to make a choice to turn or not, it would have to be weighed against all other aspects of my life. “Thank you. Your words have truly inspired me and taught me a great lesson, Zuzanna.”
“It’s already late, child. And it’s the right time for tea. Let’s go to the kitchen.”
“But first you must tell me how you crocheted that intricate pattern on the pillows.”
