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“I didn’t leave. I needed to refresh myself,” he said as he splashed water on his face.
“Since when does the vampire who rarely sleeps need to refresh? Did something happen yesterday after I fell asleep?”
Gabriel stayed silent.
“I need you to speak to me. After yesterday, there can only be one outcome. Isn’t that right?”
“Let’s sit in bed today,” Gabriel said, grabbing my hand and leading me back to the bedroom.
“Tell me killing her is the only outcome,” I insisted.
He guided me to sit on the edge of the bed as he did the same. “There is another outcome to this, to let her live.”
It felt like my whole world came crumbling down. “How can you say that? After everything she did, you wish to let her live? What if she retaliates?”
“She won’t. We killed her right hand. She’s licking her wounds now, just like us.”
“Don’t tell me you feel bad about killing Smaranda. That woman deserved to die a long time ago.”
“Your thirst for blood is understandable. But I cannot risk it again,” Gabriel said and lowered his head.
“Risk what? Me? I’m the issue here?” I asked, dumbfounded.
“What if Smaranda would’ve pushed you harder, or you could’ve hit your head? We wouldn’t be having this conversation anymore. I couldn’t even turn you, as no vampire blood was left in your system. What happened yesterday was an absolute disaster. Losing you made the entire debacle unworthy. Therefore, the only way to continue is by ending it.”
“I cannot understand how you can speak like a defeated man when you are the strongest vampire ever.”
“I have too much to lose.” He caressed my cheek. “You are too precious to me.”
“I cannot believe you want to stop when we’re so close to the finish line.”
“It is but your perception. No one knows where the finish line is. Neither she nor you have your fates sealed. She won’t risk her fate by killing you, and I prefer not to risk yours.”
“I don’t mind not being able to travel in time.”
“It is more than that. By sealing your fate, you seal your death, and there is no going back. We tried Milady. But we failed.” He took my hand between both of his. “Let’s try living a normal life. Like a normal family.”
“You must be joking. Vedoma is probably plotting a ten-step plan to exterminate us both.”
“She cannot kill me unless I accept the death. But she can kill you. If I bring a truce to the table, she’ll take it. She has lost enough, just like us.”
“So, you’re saying we can return to a normal life just like that? And bring Athena home?”
“I’ll control my feelings, and Athena will be safe. Vedoma’s spell should do the trick.”
“What if she decides to manipulate us because of the spell?”
“She needs me to command power over my people in order for them to not turn on her, and most likely, we will resume our art business.”
“I cannot believe you’re saying this. You’re returning to the same deal with the devil as before, which already led you to a miserable life. Is that what you wish to do?” I stood and tried to put some distance between us.
“If that is the only way to protect you, then yes. I’ll talk it over with Vedoma and reach a common ground.”
“What if I turn into a vampire?”
“There’s always going to be Athena. We cannot turn her before she becomes an adult, and I’m not sure if her DNA will let me. Her time-traveling powers might obstruct me from even trying. Also, you and I both know you are not ready to become a vampire. The decision must be made out of your own volition and not coerced by outer reasons. I never force anyone into eternity.”
“Then we’re putting our weapons down and pretending like nothing happened? So we can enjoy a presumed ‘normal’ family life?”
