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61. Relief of Surrendering
Last Updated:
2022-07-15 00:24:17Related chapters
Bloody Full Moon 62. The Witch's Lair
Laura - The house in the suburbsThe wind chimes sing harmoniously and soothingly at our window as I wake up. My face is strangely heated up. If it’s from what we did last night or from Paul’s hot chest where my cheek rests, I do not know.What I do know is that I'm torn apart. Whatever it is between us brings me peace to a level I've never felt before. It doesn't really matter whether this is love or anything else. Nonetheless, I can lose myself in it.It's almost like a drug. I gaze outside at the beautiful morning sky.On the one hand, there is peace and tranquility, but on the other, a violent storm threatens my entire life. This situation is going to drive me nuts. How long will I be able to maintain my sanity?Slowly, I try to get out of bed undetected. The hand on my arm tightens its grip. Apparently, there is no way to skulk away from a wolf.“Why do you want to sneak away?” he asks softly, his voice a mix of happiness and concern.An arched eyebrow and an inquisitive gaze acc
Last Updated : 2022-07-19Bloody Full Moon 63. The Nonbeliever
Paul - The witch’s lairThe walls with handmade hanging carpets seem to close in on me. It’s as if all the air has been sucked out of the room. Witches, magic, it's all bullshit. Now, do I have to believe in curses and reincarnation too? “What’s your proof?” I can’t smother the disgusted smirk on my face. “Am I to believe that you see magical strings tied to our souls? Sheeesh! Where have you hidden the rest of the circus?”The gypsy witch laughs, her eyes glinting in amusement. She stares at me with the same good-tempered gaze she has since I stepped into her house.“Do you want me to be nice or honest?”I huff, folding my arms over my chest. “You can continue being nice since I don’t believe in your honesty anyway.”"Oh, but you see, now I’m bound to reciprocate your honesty." The old witch leans toward us without leaving her chair. "I can’t remember which renowned physicist once said, ‘If I believe in God, and He doesn’t exist, I have nothing to lose. But if I don’t believe in Him
Last Updated : 2022-07-20Bloody Full Moon 64. Shift in Power
Paul - His Office at Wolves IncThe stuffy air coming in through the opened window carries the sound of the whispering people on the street and feet shuffling on the pavement. The honking of the cars usually covers up everything if one doesn’t pay attention.When I close the window, the sounds of the city disappear. It's only silence and peace that fills my office now.The warm sun shines through the window as shimmering specks of dust float in the air.I sit on the edge of the chair, facing the desk. My eyes dart all over the papers scattered on top of it.Almost a week has passed since we visited the gypsy witch. I haven't seen Laura since she dashed away after answering that phone call. I should attempt to contact her, but why must I always be the first to reach out?Even if she's hiding somewhere in her apartment, she might not want to talk to me again. I guess I've already said what needed to be said. My hand comes up to loosen up my tie.Brushing together my fingers in a futile
Last Updated : 2022-07-27Bloody Full Moon 65. Time Is Relentless
Laura - The cemeteryToday I remembered how I can still feel lonely even when surrounded by a lot of people. Their blurry faces kept dancing around me when Alisa told them I was the deceased’s niece.I should have cried my lungs out, shouting that I was Beatrice’s older sister. But I merely stood there, frozen in place with my gaze on the floor, nodding from time to time.Many of them didn't even bother to look at me. Some stared at the floor while others looked at the coffin.I’m tired. A knot in my throat formed after hearing so many worthless words of comfort. Nothing can be said to soothe the aching inside my chest. So why do they keep spouting their useless consolations?Whenever I think of her, my chest grows tight, and my throat dries.It's hard to believe that she is gone. I remember all those times I snuck into her room to play with her when we were younger.Time will pass me by regardless of whether I shield my eyes or close them firmly. Others' lives flash by in the blink o
Last Updated : 2022-07-28Bloody Full Moon 66. Start Living
Laura - The house in the suburbsBeatrice lies on her bed, unable to get up. Her weak hands lie on the blanket, her lovely gaze locked on me.I kneel by the side of the bed and touch her cheek gently, feeling a coldness.I don't know whether it's a dream, a memory, or both, but I want to see her face again; I don't want to let go.“I can’t go if you don’t find peace of mind, Laura. I’ve always been here for you. But now love is right around the corner. Let it in, or I can’t move on.”I take her hand and give her a sad smile. “Then I’ll never find love if that means you’ll always be with me.”“For everything, there’s a time,” she starts with a shallow voice. “Now is the time for me to die and for you to start living.”Her soft words always had the gift of making everything better.A strange sound makes me turn my head to the window. A bright light sweeps over everything, and Beatrice disappears. I wake from my dream to some noises from the window. Something keeps poking at the glass,
Last Updated : 2022-07-31Bloody Full Moon 67. Crushing Doubts
Laura - BucharestMy first stop is Paul’s villa. It’s been a while since I last came here. The guy at the entrance gate says Paul’s not here. I look at the phone. It’s already past 7 PM. Is he still at work? I have to try.I dash through the streets, thinking about what I'll say to Paul when I find him.As a result of the moisture in the air, the city has a less pungent smell. It reeks worse than wet dogs; the stench of wet hobos instead of filthy hobos. The crowd swarming the city center disgusts me.I cut through the narrow streets of the city center. A sudden gust of wind forces me to walk faster, but it also stirs the cobblestones beneath my feet, making the sound of breaking glass.I stop and stand outside Paul’s office building. The rainy evening washes the streets. The cars swish as they drive past on the wet asphalt.When I step inside, I'm already soaked. Water splatters across the floor tiles as I make my way to Paul's office.I nearly forgot the building's interior. It's o
Last Updated : 2022-08-01Bloody Full Moon 68. Reality Endures
Laura - The house in the suburbs"You insisted on getting here as soon as possible. Here we are," I say, turning toward Paul, who is locking the door behind him. "I hope you haven’t prepared some great romantic gesture.""To be honest, I'm not much of a romantic. Reality endures longer than romance."His arms close around me, and his warmth melts me like always. His head lowers, his cheek brushing against mine.He picks me up and carries me into the bedroom before I know it. My clothes are almost entirely on the floor when he places me on the mattress. He has quite a skill of undressing me.He kisses me passionately, and my legs wrap around his waist. I find his weight delightful.Like a hot wave, his breath shudders inside my ear shell when he speaks.“No matter how much you closed yourself in, you always left a space for me to slip in. And I always pay you attention. So it's been easy to sink in.”Steady and meticulous, Paul makes sure to nib, lick, kiss, or suck each and every one
Last Updated : 2022-08-17Bloody Full Moon 69. Zburatorii
Paul - The house in the suburbsInhaling a lungful of fresh air, I answer, “What do you want, Lexa?”"Is this how you greet me these days, Paul?" Lexa chuckles, her voice light and playful. She'll try to toy with me again. "What did I do to deserve such a happy reaction?"“Lexa, I’m busy. If you have something important to tell me, I’ll listen. Otherwise, I’ll call you later.”She pauses. Only a sigh and her breathing come through."Do you require assistance with the strigois?" Lexa's question catches me off guard, so I let her continue. "I'm aware of the unfair settlement you signed. It doesn't sound like something you'd do if you didn't have a plan. Please let me know if I can help you."“How do you know about my deal with them? It’s not public knowledge.”“I still know a thing or two about your men, Paul. Do you really think I don’t know how to make Alin or Dan talk? But I won’t give names.”Lexa likes to play games; she always has. She just gave me names, even if she says she won’
Last Updated : 2022-08-22
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Bloody Full Moon 85. Epilogue
Laura - AliveThe world is teeming with life and sensations I couldn’t see before. The air itself sizzles with electricity, and my skin tingles under the sun’s warmth. My heart is beating so fast that I can hear its thumping in my ears. Oh, how good it is to be alive. But then again, what is death?It’s a void, a nothingness, the absence of everything.So even though death is the ultimate lack of all existence, isn’t it also a state where we are given a chance to start anew?I’m not sure what I expected, but the reality is better than anything I could have imagined. Every day is a new adventure, and I love every minute of my life, full of laughter, hugs, and kisses. I must admit, destiny has one hell of a way of playing tricks on a girl. When I was young and wanted to live, I died. When I was an abomination and wanted to die, I was born anew. Sometimes, nothing goes the way you want it to, but not always what you want is what you get. And maybe it’s for the best. I am free of my c
Bloody Full Moon 84. True Love's Bite
Paul - The Retezat MountainsAuburn leaves fall kissed by the cold winds. A cold mountain that still hasn’t welcomed winter. An owl hoots a few times and, as I pass, flies away, out of reach. I can feel the change in the air, now thick with the scent of incoming rain. The sky above the tree’s canopy is gathering heavy clouds, soon to be released in a torrent of droplets. The first few stars peeking through the dark gray curtains are a sign that I don’t have much time left to find Laura. I know I'm close. To her. And I know why she ran away, putting distance between us. Because I'm possessive and selfish, not wanting to give her what she needs. I can't give her what she wants without losing everything I love. And I love her. But it seems I'm doomed to lose her anyhow.I've lost so much time denying reality, turning a blind eye to the truth. "I'm coming, Laura," I whisper to myself. The trees seem to go on forever, the forest floor stretching into the distance. Laura is nowhere in s
Bloody Full Moon 83. Reading the Future
The Gypsy Witch - Her hutMy nose scrunches. A sweet smell permeates the air, like a mixture of old spices and fresh herbs. There’s a slight vibration below my feet; the ground seems to shake with every step I take. Something will happen soon. Hehe! I should better ask the key. I reach into my pocket and take out the instrument of my favorite art. The key is a simple piece of metal for any ungifted person. But for me, it is a tool that can open the secrets of the future. I turn it over in my hand, feeling the smoothness of its surface. Cleidomancy is one of the most powerful and ancient forms of divination. It is the art of reading the future by observing the movements of a spellbound key. Some say the spirits of the dead are the ones who turn the key and direct the motion. Hehe!A witch never looks directly at the key. Instead, she always studies it from the corner of her eye, making sure she isn't seen peeking. Otherwise, the key won't move.My fingers are tingly as they seem to b
Bloody Full Moon 82. Ticking Clock
Laura - At homeI find myself lying on a bed of black velvet inside an empty room with no windows or doors. The walls are lined floor-to-ceiling with bookshelves, each filled from top to bottom. The books are all different sizes and shapes, but they all have the same purpose: to fill the emptiness inside me. “Because I’m hollow on the inside,” I whisper to myself. Under the blanket next to me, there is a figure wrapped in the same black velvet. I reach out and remove the cover, revealing an old man. His skin is wrinkled and pale, and his hair is entirely white. He looks as if he is sleeping. He slowly opens his eyes and looks at me. His hand comes up to touch my face but loses its vigor halfway through. “Are you real?” I ask him.He sighs, closing his eyes. Only a whisper of a breath escapes his lips. “Don’t be afraid, Laura. I’ll always love you.”“No!” I scream. “This can’t be real. This man can’t be Paul.”His strong features and soft gray eyes are the same. His voice is the sa
Bloody Full Moon 81. Never Let Him Go
Alisa - Stryga Inc, her officeBefore entering my office, I stroll down a short hallway and pass my assistant’s desk. Official-looking diplomas and the like hang on the wall behind her. I catch a glimpse of FB reflected in one of them as she turns off her tablet and looks up at me. Does anyone even consider this company an actual workplace? Every employee is a glorified receptionist, and most of them dawdle their time away in front of their computers without doing any real work. When did I become the most diligent person around? “Good morning, Miss Cristescu,” she says, making a good show of turning toward her computer screen as if she has tons and tons of work to do. Her voice is light and cheerful enough, showing that she hasn’t noticed my mood today. Or that she couldn’t care less.If I were to say anything to her, I would fire her on the spot. But starting to dispose of the people who annoy me would leave me working all by myself. So I just nod and continue on my way. Sighing,
Bloody Full Moon 80. Love and Fear
Laura - HomeFearing I could drop the puppy from my shaky hands, I slowly set him down on the floor. He immediately starts whimpering and wagging his tail, but I'm too scared to pick him up. I back away slowly, watching him from the corner of my eye as he scrambles to his feet. My legs feel like jelly, and I sit on the couch's edge. Several decades have passed since I've last seen Iustin, my maker. The night I met him was the night I died—the night I became a strigoi. I look at my shaking hands, remembering those times.He was the one who turned me into one of them, holding my dead body in his arms for three days and three nights, keeping my soul trapped inside and forbidding it from going to the other side. For a long time, I thought he lied to me about the process until I did the same to Alisa and turned her into a strigoi as well. He helped me escape the strigoi Council's tight grip, and I owe him my life if my life counts for anything. Iustin covered up my ability to read minds
Bloody Full Moon 79. Serendipity
Paul - At home“We’re leaving the day after tomorrow,” I announce to Dan, sitting in front of him at the kitchen table. “I’ve scheduled a week-long trip to a remote location I don’t want to disclose even to you. I’ve been careful not to go during a full moon. So you and Alin should be fine managing the pack while I’m away. Oh, and the phone signal might be lacking, so don’t try to call me.”“I see you made up your mind already.” Dan sighs. “I knew you would put Laura above all else, but this is too much. Give me at least an emergency contact number to reach you just in case.”“As you said, I’ve made up my mind.”“Fine.” Dan stands and begins pacing through the kitchen. “What about the company? I’m not particularly fond of the idea of taking on business decisions while you’re away.”“Oh, no need. I put Max in charge of the company during my absence.”“The shifter? Why would you do that? Do you trust him so much?”“He’s not doing me any favor. The bastard is charging me for his time and
Bloody Full Moon 78. Lilac Scent
Paul - At home The house I grew up in was always a little too quiet for my liking. Now, the same house is shifting from a place of memories into a cradle for Laura and me. She has brought most of her things to the house. Unwrapping the last of the boxes, she stares at a small album. She opens it and pulls out a picture. I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder. Out of habit, I sniff her hair, inhaling her scent. “Why do you keep smelling my hair?” she asks, still looking at the photo. I lightly touch my lips to the spot where her neck meets her collarbone.“It is said that when two people are fated mates, their scent is like a fingerprint, a unique signature only the other can notice.” I pause to take another sniff. “For me, you smell like lilac flowers in the spring, and it’s driving me crazy.”I nuzzle her neck, breathing in her scent and letting it fill my lungs. Laura doesn’t answer. She sighs, and her fingers shake over a black and white photog
Bloody Full Moon 77. Before the Beep
Laura - At homeDays pass quicker when immortality doesn’t seem like a useless burden. My condition hasn't improved. I am still an immortal strigoi, so basically just another girl in the world, with a few oddities.I fill my time with the things I love most: reading and Paul. He keeps at bay all the pessimistic tendencies that make me want to run away from reality. I know he will one day die. The thought still nibs at the back of my head and sometimes feels unbearable, but I don’t want to give up his company. He gives me hope, and even though we only have a few decades together, I'll make every second count.His presence is a gift to my soul. Even now, when he works in the bedroom while I read a book on the veranda bench, I feel peaceful. Just knowing he is there makes me happy. When we’re closer, things tend to get wild. We share a passion for each other and want to explore every inch of the other. We never get tired of being together. The slightest brush of his skin against mine
