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Chapter 31
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
J.M. SaleHey guys, thank you for reading "Darker Than Red", I will update more often starting today. Stay tuned! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any recommendations you might have. Your feedback means a lot to me as I work to make the plot even more engaging. Thanks again for your support!
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Darker Than Red Chapter 32
[LUNA] Maybe I should stop thinking about her. It’s the rational thing to do, after all. But the lump in my throat grows thick as I recall the way she averted her gaze, the silent rejection etched in her every movement. Every time she looks at me, she sees Xanthe. And that—it’s unbearable. The worst kind of torture. Foolish of me to fall into her web, only to find myself ensnared by a love that was never meant for me. Now, I’m trapped, struggling in vain to break free. My heightened senses, sharp as a blade, can perceive many things—but not her thoughts. Her heart, though, betrays her. It skips a beat every time I speak Xanthe’s name, a telltale sign of who truly owns her heart. It’s as though her very pulse is tethered to someone long gone. I press harder on the throttle, urging my bike to speed up, as if the rush of wind against my skin could numb the ache festering within. But it’s futile. This strange, suffocating feeling clings to me. I shouldn’t feel this way—I'm a vampire, a
Darker Than Red Chapter 33
[LUNA]Here I am again, at the bar, trying to drown myself in liquor. But this isn't just any liquor—this one is different. A darker brew, gifted by the elder vampires themselves. I don’t know what’s in it, but it grips me, sends a shiver down my spine, makes the room spin just the way I want it to. Life as Luna Salvatore isn’t something you wish for. People think they want to be me, but they don’t carry the weight I do. They wouldn’t last a day in my skin. I don’t even know who my mother is—never had the chance to ask. Normal? That’s something I’ve never been. While other kids were playing with dolls, I was given weapons. A gun in one hand, a blade in the other. My father made sure of that. I was trained, forged in fire, taught to be self-reliant, never to trust in others' strength. Wisdom, leadership—those were my toys. I used to watch the other children from a distance, laughing and chasing one another, wondering what it felt like to belong to something as innocent as that. But I
Darker Than Red Chapter 34
[RUBY]I arrived at the bar, my eyes immediately finding her. She was sitting on the pavement next to her motorbike, her back slumped against the wall. The sight of her like that—head buried in her knees, arms wrapped tightly around herself—made my heart twist painfully. She looked so small, so lost, like a child who didn’t know where to turn. I had never seen her this vulnerable before.I rushed toward her, my footsteps quick and quiet. Kneeling beside her, I gently reached out, running my fingers through her hair, brushing it away from her face. “Luna,” I whispered softly. Her head lifted slowly, and when she finally looked at me, her face was streaked with tears. The sight of her like this, broken and raw, hit me harder than anything ever had. Without thinking, I knelt down fully and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her arms wrapped around me instantly, her face pressing into the crook of my neck. I could feel her shaking, feel her breath cold against my skin as she tried to stif
Darker Than Red Chapter 35
[LUNA]I woke up with a heavy head, the weight of last night’s decisions crashing down on me. I need to remind myself to never drink like that again. But then the memories flooded back—was it all just a dream? I quickly checked for my medallion, my fingers grazing my neck. Nothing. Shit! It wasn’t a dream. Panic twisted in my gut as I found the medallion lying on my bed. Frustration bubbled up inside me; Ruby now knew my secret. I imagined her fear and shuddered—of course she would be scared. I bet she wouldn’t dare step foot in the mansion again, and maybe that was a good thing. Perhaps she would walk away from the Camorra and return to being Abbie Gomez, living a life untouched by the darkness I inhabited.I sighed, feeling oddly empty. What the hell was I so sad about? I shouldn’t be sulking over the fact that I scared Ruby just because she discovered I was a vampire. Kylie had reacted similarly, and look at her now—she was in love with me. So why was I worried at all?Resolutely,
Darker Than Red Chapter 1
[ABBIE]Wouldn’t it be nice if you woke up in the morning and snuggled up beside the one you love? It would be the best feeling on earth to see her opening her eyes and flashing her charming smile at you. That’s what I feel every time I wake up in the morning. But today is different from those other mornings.My hand reached for the cold sheets beside me. I should have woken up with a smile on my face, but instead, dread took over. The loud thumping of my heart and the sting in my chest made tears pool in my eyes. I slowly got up, and as I looked around my lonely room, fear started to haunt me again. The fear of being alone, depressed and surviving another day without her.I sighed slowly as I closed my eyes. The pain seemed to get worse. It never heals. My head was spinning around, and all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed and sleep. I hope this is just another nightmare, and tomorrow I’ll wake up with her beside me.I blinked once, twice, and then again until I finally fell int
Darker Than Red Chapter 2
[LUNA]I puffed my cigarette, inhaling, sucking the smoke gently into my system. I closed my eyes and let the smoke settle into my lungs for a few seconds before I exhaled. The life of a Mafia is not as easy as it seems; it is not as ideal as everyone imagined, as if you could kill whoever you wanted. We, Camorra provide security and protection to our clients at a reasonable price. But that doesn't mean we're the good guys. We're bad, really bad. We kill people who try to come in our way. We do everything both legally and illegally. We have businesses, too. We deal in smuggling, human trafficking, gambling, selling drugs, prostitution, and any other criminal activity you can think of. Simultaneously, we have legal enterprises such as petrol stations, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs that we utilize as a front to conceal our illicit activities.I'm Luna Salvatore, the daughter of Camorra's Boss, Marco Salvatore. I am a Caporegime. It would have been nice if I’m Camorra's lone Caporegi
Darker Than Red Chapter 3
[LUNA]"I heard you were chased by Sinaloa Cartel," J spoke as soon as I got inside the mansion. I just grunted and walked past him. It irritates me whenever he’s acting like a dictator, nagging me about what I should do and what I shouldn’t when in the first place, he doesn’t have any rights at all."They're too slow," I smirked as I slumped my body on the couch. It was too exhausting. Kylie followed me and sat on my lap, her arms around my shoulder."Yeah, Luna is the best. I was scared, but she was so cool. She outran those losers," she laughed and kissed my cheek. Well, if you're wondering, Kylie is my best friend and also my fuck buddy, but relationships are something I never do. J averted his gaze with wrinkled brows. I could sense the anger and jealousy inside him. I am well aware that my brother loves Kylie, but what can I do? He's too slow."Damn! You better be careful, Luna!" V said with mock astonishment. And here goes pastor number 2. V also nags me at times, but I must ad
Darker Than Red Chapter 4
[LUNA]Loud sounds blared from the speakers as I entered the bar. Lights flashed and people filled the dance floor. The bar, as usual, is always busy, full of people eager to dance and drink. The atmosphere is electric, and the energy is high.I slipped a wad of cash into the bouncer's pocket, and he grinned at me, recognizing me as a regular. "Thanks, Luna," he said, giving me a nod.I returned the gesture and made my way deeper into the club. As a Caporegime, it was essential to know how to navigate any situation.As I scanned the room, I could feel the eyes of the staff on me, all of them aware of who I was and what I represented. It was part of the job, and I relished the power it gave me.Being a Caporegime meant knowing how to get things done, no matter what. And having the right connections was the key. That's why I made it a point to be generous to those who could help me, whether it be the bouncer or the bartender.As I made my way to the VIP section, I couldn't help but feel
Latest chapter
Darker Than Red Chapter 35
[LUNA]I woke up with a heavy head, the weight of last night’s decisions crashing down on me. I need to remind myself to never drink like that again. But then the memories flooded back—was it all just a dream? I quickly checked for my medallion, my fingers grazing my neck. Nothing. Shit! It wasn’t a dream. Panic twisted in my gut as I found the medallion lying on my bed. Frustration bubbled up inside me; Ruby now knew my secret. I imagined her fear and shuddered—of course she would be scared. I bet she wouldn’t dare step foot in the mansion again, and maybe that was a good thing. Perhaps she would walk away from the Camorra and return to being Abbie Gomez, living a life untouched by the darkness I inhabited.I sighed, feeling oddly empty. What the hell was I so sad about? I shouldn’t be sulking over the fact that I scared Ruby just because she discovered I was a vampire. Kylie had reacted similarly, and look at her now—she was in love with me. So why was I worried at all?Resolutely,
Darker Than Red Chapter 34
[RUBY]I arrived at the bar, my eyes immediately finding her. She was sitting on the pavement next to her motorbike, her back slumped against the wall. The sight of her like that—head buried in her knees, arms wrapped tightly around herself—made my heart twist painfully. She looked so small, so lost, like a child who didn’t know where to turn. I had never seen her this vulnerable before.I rushed toward her, my footsteps quick and quiet. Kneeling beside her, I gently reached out, running my fingers through her hair, brushing it away from her face. “Luna,” I whispered softly. Her head lifted slowly, and when she finally looked at me, her face was streaked with tears. The sight of her like this, broken and raw, hit me harder than anything ever had. Without thinking, I knelt down fully and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her arms wrapped around me instantly, her face pressing into the crook of my neck. I could feel her shaking, feel her breath cold against my skin as she tried to stif
Darker Than Red Chapter 33
[LUNA]Here I am again, at the bar, trying to drown myself in liquor. But this isn't just any liquor—this one is different. A darker brew, gifted by the elder vampires themselves. I don’t know what’s in it, but it grips me, sends a shiver down my spine, makes the room spin just the way I want it to. Life as Luna Salvatore isn’t something you wish for. People think they want to be me, but they don’t carry the weight I do. They wouldn’t last a day in my skin. I don’t even know who my mother is—never had the chance to ask. Normal? That’s something I’ve never been. While other kids were playing with dolls, I was given weapons. A gun in one hand, a blade in the other. My father made sure of that. I was trained, forged in fire, taught to be self-reliant, never to trust in others' strength. Wisdom, leadership—those were my toys. I used to watch the other children from a distance, laughing and chasing one another, wondering what it felt like to belong to something as innocent as that. But I
Darker Than Red Chapter 32
[LUNA] Maybe I should stop thinking about her. It’s the rational thing to do, after all. But the lump in my throat grows thick as I recall the way she averted her gaze, the silent rejection etched in her every movement. Every time she looks at me, she sees Xanthe. And that—it’s unbearable. The worst kind of torture. Foolish of me to fall into her web, only to find myself ensnared by a love that was never meant for me. Now, I’m trapped, struggling in vain to break free. My heightened senses, sharp as a blade, can perceive many things—but not her thoughts. Her heart, though, betrays her. It skips a beat every time I speak Xanthe’s name, a telltale sign of who truly owns her heart. It’s as though her very pulse is tethered to someone long gone. I press harder on the throttle, urging my bike to speed up, as if the rush of wind against my skin could numb the ache festering within. But it’s futile. This strange, suffocating feeling clings to me. I shouldn’t feel this way—I'm a vampire, a
Darker Than Red Chapter 31
[RUBY] "Welcome to the Camorra, Mia Kaufmann," the Boss finally announced, lifting his glass of crimson wine. The room followed suit, the soft clink of glass punctuating the silence. Mia undergone the ritual, pricking her finger just as I had done before, her face unreadable as the dark liquid beaded on her skin. Of course, this was all for show—an elaborate dance to keep suspicion at bay, especially from Luna’s watchful eyes. Mia was not yet a part of the Camorra. Not until her mission was complete. As the meeting wound down, I leaned closer to her, dropping my voice. "I need to talk to Luna after this," I murmured. She shot me a knowing glance, the kind that said she was already one step ahead. I furrowed my brows. "Stop imagining things. I’m just giving her my painting," I added hastily, trying to keep my tone casual. "Alright. I wasn’t thinking of anything, Ab—" she caught herself, nearly slipping up. "Ruby," she corrected herself. "And for the record, you're the one overthin
Darker Than Red Chapter 30
[LUNA]Frustration builds inside me as human emotions creep into me, weakening my senses. I need control—craving the strength that makes me who I am. The engine of my bike roars as I head toward the forest, where I trained with my father and hunted for food that truly sustains me. Human food is dull, a weak substitute for the raw power of blood. It's been months since I’ve tasted it, and that’s why I feel this way—vulnerable, almost human.As I reach the forest, I strip off my medallion, leaving it in the bike’s compartment. Instantly, my senses sharpen, flooding back with intensity. I hear everything: the heartbeat of every creature, the pulse of life, the emotions carried on the wind—fear, anger, joy. I am alive again, in control. Swiftly, I leap through the trees, my movements as seamless as the wind. I search for my target: deer, my favorite prey. Its blood will revive me.I spot it, the scent of its fear already filling my lungs. It flees, but I am faster. In a single motion, I d
Darker Than Red Chapter 29
[ABBIE]As we drove home, my mind spun with confusion. Why would Mia, of all people, join the Camorra? A lawyer, fiercely dedicated to justice, diving into the very world of crime she’s sworn to fight against—it didn’t make sense. I glanced at James, hoping for answers, but he offered none. "It’s not my place to explain her reasons," he’d said. So I let it go, planning to ask Mia myself when I saw her. Lost in thought, I barely noticed when our car stopped at the gate. Another car had followed us in, trailing close behind. My gut churned with a mix of excitement and dread. Was it her? Mia? I hadn't seen my sister in so long, and the thought of her being part of the mafia made my heart pound. What could drive her to such a drastic choice? James, sensing my anxiety, gave me a knowing nod. I bolted out of the car, barely breathing as the door to the other car swung open. "Mia!" I cried, running toward her. She stepped out, and I was in her arms before I knew it, clinging to her like I
Darker Than Red Chapter 28
[LUNA]I watched Abbie descend the stairs, unable to tear my gaze away even as I cradled Kylie on the couch. I tried to focus on our conversation, pretending I hadn’t noticed her, but the moment Abbie paused halfway down and looked our way, I got nervous. This shouldn’t happen in anyway. I have never felt nervous in my entire life. It must be the medallion’s doing. Her face was a mask of unreadable calm. Was she jealous? No, that was impossible. She’d only used me, played me like a pawn for her own agenda. The temptation to remove my medallion surged through me—just to glimpse her emotions, to know what she was hiding. My fingers brushed the cold metal, but I hesitated. If I lost control, if I went berserk, Kylie—and everyone else in the house—would be in danger. I sighed and let the thought slip away.I refused to hope. Hope was a dangerous thing, especially with Abbie. She’d blindsided me, twisted my emotions, and I hadn’t seen it coming. Or had I? Had I just ignored the signs? I pu
Darker Than Red Chapter 27
[RUBY]“Have a seat,” Marco Salvatore gestured to the couch with a calm authority that sent a shiver down my spine. His office felt suffocatingly small, as though the walls themselves were pressing in on me. My hands had gone cold, clammy, and despite my best efforts, they trembled in my lap. His gaze, unreadable and unwavering, seemed to pierce right through me as he clasped his hands together in front of him.“Ruby… or should I say, Abbie.” His voice was like a blade, sharp and precise, slicing through the silence. My heart lurched, hammering violently against my ribs, and I felt the blood drain from my face. How did he know? What else did he know?“I’ve known about you long before James brought you to me,” Marco continued, his words deliberate, each one sinking in like a stone. “And I know about your father—once a member of the Camorra.”I swallowed hard and stole a glance at James. He offered me a reassuring smile, one that told me to keep calm and listen. But it was impossible to
