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Chapter 7
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Darker Than Red Chapter 8
[ABBIE]I woke up with the smell of something cooking downstairs. It must be my mom. I feel like slowly, day by day, I'm starting to be comfortable with reconnecting again with my family. Despite the warmth I felt, a hollow feeling lingered within me. It was as if something was missing, and I couldn't pinpoint what it was. Nevertheless, I was grateful for my family's efforts to understand me.Night after night, my dreams were haunted by Xanthe's presence, but never in a positive way. Every time I saw her, a feeling of dread consumed me. But then, out of nowhere, Luna appeared, wearing a smug smile on her face. She'd wrap me in a warm embrace, and it felt odd because I barely knew her, except for the fact that she shared Xanthe's face.Ever since that night in the museum, I couldn't shake off the recurring dream. However, in this nightmare, Luna always tried to rescue me. It was strange, because she ran away from me in the Museum. I shouldn’t be dreaming about her rescuing me."Good mo
Darker Than Red Chapter 9
[LUNA]I revisited the museum, eager to buy the painting that the crazy woman made. I know it's a sudden change in my decision, but I couldn't be at ease. I kept on having a nightmare that the painting was gone. So I finally decided to buy the painting. However, as if my nightmare turned into reality, the painting was nowhere to be found. I approached a member of the museum staff and inquired about it."Excuse me, Miss. Do you happen to know where the painting of the night sky is located?" I asked.The staff member smiled and glanced behind me before responding, "Ah, you must be referring to the painting by Abbie Gomez."Abbie Gomez? So that's the crazy girl's name."Yes, that's the one. Do you know where it is? I was hoping to buy it," I explained."I'm sorry, ma'am, but that painting is not for sale. Ms. Gomez has already taken it back," the staff member informed me.I was taken aback and almost raised my voice in frustration, drawing the attention of those nearby. "What do you mean
Darker Than Red Chapter 10
[RUBY]"The art of seduction, have you heard of it?" James asked, still trying to explain what he meant.I was still confused and hesitant about what he was trying to teach me, as I was afraid he might ask me to become a prostitute."You mean the book by Robert Greene?" I asked.James smirked and nodded in response."Yes, I know the book, but what does it have to do with the Camorra?" I asked, feeling my patience wearing thin. I knew I needed to learn something, but I needed to know what it was.James stood up from his seat and slowly walked towards me. He stopped behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders before whispering, "You're going to need to learn that."I gulped nervously as my body stiffened in my seat. "If you want to join the Camorra, you need to be useful to them," he added, emphasizing the importance of what he was teaching me."You really want me to become a prostitute?" I asked, still feeling confused and uneasy about what he was proposing."No, Ruby, you'll be a w
Darker Than Red Chapter 11
[LUNA]"Hey Luna, the boss is waiting. You better hurry up," B barked into the phone."Hey! You're over reacting," I heard Kylie's voice."Let her be! She's searching for someone,” I heard V's voice too."What? Who?" B intertupted."A girl named Abbie Gomez," I can hear V's teasing voice."Obviously, you know my whereabouts," I answered coldly."Who's that girl?" Kylie asked. I can hear some random noise as if they're fighting over the phone."It's the girl I met in the museum," I explained curtly. Honestly, I didn't feel like elaborating any further."I know everything Luna!" V yelled."Is that Luna?" it was J."Luna, Dad has been waiting for you. Don't keep him waiting any longer," J's voice had a stern edge to it, but I was unfazed."Yeah. Yeah. Whatever. I'm on my way there,” I replied in a disinterested tone."Yeah! Get your ass here. The Consigliere's niece has arrived. Dude, she's so hot and sexy and pretty!" B chimed in. I can imagine B drooling with the way he described James
Darker Than Red Chapter 12
[RUBY]James finally broke the silence as we got into the car, his eyes glinting mischievously."What was that all about?" he asked, a grin spreading across his face."What?" I asked confusingly."You were using your charm on Luna."I rolled my eyes, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks. "I wasn't using my charm,I did that to shut her up," I turned my attention to the view outside the window."I think you made her like you more and I think you like her too," he tried to tease but I glared at him. He chuckled and shook his head."Just because she resembles Xanthe doesn't mean I'm interested," I retorted, averting my gaze."She can come across as arrogant at times," I added."Ah, but that's the very thing that women find irresistible about her," he grinned."Didn't you tell me not to fall in love. So why are you pushing Luna on me?" I asked, crossing my arms defensively and arching an eyebrow.
Darker Than Red Chapter 13
[LUNA] I rode hard to the mansion, my heart racing in sync with the roar of my bike. I’d hoped to find Abbie at the museum, but as usual, she was as elusive as smoke. After parking, I stormed inside, my thoughts a tangled mess. V had just texted me: Ruby’s in the mansion, and B’s busy flirting with her. Normally, I wouldn’t give a damn about B's antics, but there was something about Ruby—something unnervingly familiar. She looked exactly like Abbie. The thought gnawed at me as I stepped into the room. There they were, Ruby and B, sitting way too close on the couch. My jaw tightened involuntarily at the sight. V spotted me first, waving me over. As Ruby and B turned their heads toward me, my eyes locked onto hers. Ruby’s smile was sweet, but I didn’t smile back. Instead, I strode over to where V and Kylie lounged. Kylie jumped up, pulling me into a hug that quickly turned into a kiss—a kiss I didn’t hesitate to return, especially when I saw J’s eyes burning with jealousy. A smirk tu
Darker Than Red Chapter 14
[RUBY]The mansion hummed with the buzz of celebration, the air thick with anticipation and a hint of danger. I half-expected some grueling initiation ritual, something out of a college fraternity nightmare—paddles, pain, the works. But then again, being the niece of the Consigliere has its perks."Ruby, you grew up in the U.S., right?" Marco Salvatore, the Boss, asked, his voice as smooth as aged whiskey."Yes," I replied, my tone steady, rehearsed. "I studied literature there. After my parents passed, Uncle James took care of me."We had gone over this countless times. Every detail, every word, drilled into my brain. My new self had to be flawless."Literature, huh? I love literature," B chimed in from beside me. I gave him a polite smile, but it didn’t last long. V and Luna's laughter cut through the air like a knife."Since when did you ever pick up a book, B?" V sneered, his eyes dancing with mischief. Luna just shook her head, her gaze locking with mine for a moment that felt li
Darker Than Red Chapter 15
[LUNA]As soon as Joy's email hit my inbox, I checked the address. Thirty minutes away, not bad. I grabbed my helmet, fired up my Harley, and hit the road. It was a quiet Sunday, the kind where most people laze around. But not me—I had a mission. I know Mia wouldn’t be working today, so there was a chance I’d catch her.I pulled up to the house—not a mansion, just a sleek, modern minimalist design with a lawn dotted by vibrant flowers. I parked, killing the engine, and strode up to the gate. One ring. Nothing. A minute passed, and I pressed the bell again, twice this time. Finally, the door opened, and out stepped Mia Gomez, looking like she’d seen a ghost."Uh, hi," I said, trying to smooth over the awkwardness with a smile.Mia didn’t say a word. Just stared. Eyes wide, mouth hanging open. Was she even breathing? I waved my hand in front of her face. “Are you Mia Gomez?" I asked, trying to shake her from whatever trance she was in. She blinked a few times before her voice caught up
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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
