The sun streamed through the window, brushing Rasen's exhausted face as he went out for a run. The crisp air kissed his cheeks, but it wasn't enough to clear the storm of thoughts haunting him. Each step was weighed down by guilt—Clear, Aisha… and a destiny that felt impossible to escape.
When he returned, Elbanius was waiting at the entrance, his face marked by wrinkles that spoke of wisdom and buried secrets."Follow me, dark-eyed boy," he ordered, leading Rasen to a secluded room where glass bottles hung from thick ropes, like some grim decoration.
The silence in that room was suffocating."Why are you hiding that you're a telepath?" Elbanius asked, his voice heavy with meaning.
Rasen froze. His heart pounded like a war drum. He had tried to keep it hidden—even from himself."I don't know what you're talking about," he whispered, avoiding the old man's gaze. "All I want is to protect Aisha… and uncover the truth."
Elbanius studied him for a long moment, as if measuring every unsaid word. Finally, he gave a sad, almost admiring smile."You're brave, but naïve. You'll need more than that in this place."
He opened a chest bound with chains. Inside, an old gun and glinting silver bullets shimmered in the dim light."This is yours now," Elbanius said, placing the weapon into Rasen's trembling hands before walking away.
The door slammed open. Rasen burst into the room, his face a storm of rage and resolve, pointing the gun straight at Skiller's chest."One shot... and you're dead, vampire."
Skiller raised an amused brow, more entertained than threatened."So this is what old Elbanius taught you? Fascinating.""Rasen, stop!" Aisha cried, stepping between them. "What are you doing?""Protecting you," he replied, not lowering the weapon.
Skiller let out a soft chuckle, ignoring the threat."You've got guts, human… but next time, think before you act. Not all vampires are as forgiving as I am."
Later, Rasen changed in his room, still shaken. A gentle knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts."Come in?" he mumbled, cheeks slightly flushed.
Aisha stepped inside. Seeing his shirt poorly buttoned, she smirked playfully."Need help?" she asked gently, stepping closer.
He hesitated, then nodded awkwardly. His shaky fingers fumbled with the buttons—until hers touched his. The contact was light, but it sent a shiver down his spine."You're not hurt, are you?" she whispered, instinctively checking his chest."No... just confused," he admitted, surprising himself with his honesty.
Aisha looked at him with a mix of tenderness and fear. Her fingers reached the last button—but didn't close it. Instead, she left her hand resting on his chest."You scared me today... when you pointed that gun at Skiller. I thought you were going to pull the trigger.""I would've," he murmured, "if he so much as thought about hurting you."
The silence between them thickened. Not uncomfortable—but electric. Aisha looked down, but didn't move."You can't protect me from everything, Rasen. I'm not someone easily saved.""That won't stop me."
She lifted her gaze. Her green eyes searched his, as if looking for a hidden truth."Why do you care so much?" she asked, barely above a breath.
He wanted to say it. That he couldn't stop thinking about her. That her smile was his lighthouse in the storm. But the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he placed his hand gently over hers."Because you're my anchor. Even if you don't believe it."
She smiled, but not with joy. It was the kind of smile that knew this moment wouldn't last."I'm scared too," she admitted. "Of what you feel, of what I feel… and what's coming."
He nodded."Then let's be scared together. But don't let go of my hand."
And so they stood there for a few seconds longer, until the storm returned—knocking at the door.Rasen nodded awkwardly. As their fingers met, he realized that every moment with Aisha was a gift fate could snatch away at any time.
Why do I feel this way?He knew what he felt for her went beyond friendship… but what was the point? Sometimes, Aisha felt a world away."All done," she said softly. When Rasen looked up, he found her eyes locked on his—with a depth that stole his breath.
The silence was still thick, filled with something neither of them could name. Aisha let her hands fall slowly, but didn't look away.Why do you matter so much to me, Rasen? she wondered.
"Thanks…" he murmured, stepping back awkwardly, as if distance was the only thing keeping him sane."You're welcome, Rasen," Aisha replied with a faint smile—though her mind was far from calm.
That moment marked a shift. A brush of skin and destiny. Where laughter once bonded them, now there were invisible chains... soon ready to break.
That night, the moon shone weakly—silent witness to the promises yet to be spoken."Will we still be together after this, Aisha?" Rasen asked.
She met his gaze, her eyes glowing under the silver light."That's what I want."
He took her hand, intertwining their fingers, and kissed her forehead softly."Always be honest with me," he whispered.
The moment shattered when Skiller barged in."You're both in danger. Aisha, why didn't you mention Sanathiel is back?"
Aisha felt the floor vanish beneath her feet. The truth was catching up to her.Sanathiel had always been a mystery, a shadow trailing her even in her brightest moments.
"Rasen, leave us alone."He hesitated, but she gave him a subtle nod. With a held breath, he stepped out, closing the door behind him.
The air grew heavier—thick with silent threat. Skiller's gaze was a hook, pulling her into a darkness she feared she couldn't escape.
For a second, her heart clenched at the pain in his eyes… a reflection of her own."Sooner or later, Aisha… we all reveal who we truly are," Skiller said, leaning in. "This is just the beginning. The real enemy hasn't arrived… but it will."
Aisha shut her eyes. Her mind wandered briefly to Sanathiel… then returned to Rasen—to his shy smile, to the warmth of his hand under the stars.Why do I care so much about protecting him…?
She straightened her back, facing Skiller with defiance."Do what you have to… but Rasen has nothing to do with this."
Skiller grinned, his fangs just barely showing."Interesting… would you really bet everything on him?"
Without looking away, Skiller slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a deep, ancient scar across his skin.Aisha swallowed hard but held her composure."Through my blood, I'll show you the truth… why I hide… and why I must protect Rasen."
She let her coat fall and rolled up her sleeve, exposing her veins.Skiller tilted his head, smile turning dangerous. He stepped closer, and she felt the chill of his breath.
"No…" he murmured, just a whisper. "Your neck."
The world seemed to stop. Crossing that line could change everything. Skiller wouldn't just take her blood—he would take part of her soul.But for Rasen.For Sanathiel.She would pay the price.
"If this costs me everything… so be it," she whispered. "I won't let Rasen pay for what I can't control. Do it…"
Skiller's smile widened. His fangs gleamed in the dark."Don't worry, Aisha. I won't let you die… not yet. Fate has bigger plans for you."
The tension in the room was a rope ready to snap. Aisha closed her eyes and drew a deep breath.In that moment, she realized she wasn't just giving her blood...
She was finally facing the destiny she had always feared.