Chapter 35 Facing Foretold Death (***The ritual's success is met with a mix of emotions: relief, triumph, and a hint of unease. The group's combined efforts have saved Alexander from Shade's grasp, but the ease of the banishment raises suspicions. Bella's mother, a wise and experienced witch, senses that something is amiss.) As we stand in the eerie bayou, surrounded by the remnants of our powerful ritual, we can't shake off the feeling that we've only scratched the surface of a far more sinister plot. The goth girl from school, who had threatened Bella three years ago, lurks in the shadows, her presence a harbinger of the terror that's to come. Our victory is short-lived, as we soon realize that Shade has already found a new host. The demon's malevolent presence still lingers, waiting to strike when we least expect it. (The witches, vampires, and shamans must now confront the possibility that, as they stand there, bathed in the fading light of their ritual, they know that their jou
Chapter 36 Devastating News The next few months were quiet as we gathered intel on Shade. Sophia joins us for dinner. I had been dancing around my kitchen all day, listening to my playlist, while fixing my famous Shrimp Jambalaya and potato salad. and for dessert, a red velvet cake.As we sat at my table eating, I listened in with great interest to Sophia, a history teacher who loves learning about the supernatural realm, and she has intensive knowledge in this area. Her eyes light up as she listens to the conversation, her mind racing with ideas. "I think I can help you with that," she says, her voice filled with excitement. "As a history teacher, I've studied the supernatural realm extensively. I know of a few 'let's say otherworldly beings, who might be willing to help us take down Shade." Kie's eyes narrow, his expression skeptical. "Which species?" Sophia hesitates, collecting her thoughts before speaking. "Well, there's one in particular who might be willing to help us. His n
Chapter37 The funeral The day of the funeral arrives and the Delacroix family and friends gather to bid a final farewell to Karma's parents. The atmosphere is heavy with grief but also filled with love and support. Karma, accompanied by Me, Kie, Bella, Matt, Sam, Sophia, Lucas, Brent, Lyra, and Jameson walked into the somber ceremony, Karma's eyes brimming with tears. The mournful melodies of the funeral dirge envelop them, and the soft whispers of condolences from friends and family fill the air. As they take their seats, Karma's gaze falls upon the two coffins, adorned with white roses and surrounded by candles. Her heart aches, and she feels the weight of her loss like a crushing burden. Karma slowly walks up to her mom's casket, she removes a single white rose from the Casket spray, and returns to her seat, smelling the flower. and the eulogies flow like a river, each one a testament to the love and impact of Karma's parents. Tears stream down faces, and sobs echo through the si
Chapter 38 Silly Fight Bella and Matt sat on the steps by the swing hugging after, their silly fight about that girl from graduation day had escalated into a playful wrestling match, with Bella's hair hanging loosely out of her already messy bun and Matt's shirt slightly ripped, from when she pushed him off the steps, but then after he explained she felt silly. They both ran inside so the neighbor wouldn't see them when they came out to investigate the noise. Safely inside they paused, breathless and giggling, as they fell into each other's arms on the sofa. Matt's eyes locked onto Bella's, his gaze filled with a sudden intensity. "Tonight was supposed to be so different," he paused, out of breath, as he took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. "Bella," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "You know that I have loved you since the day we met when we were kids, right?" she shakes her head yeah " We've gone through so much together, and I don't want to go through one more
Chapter 39 Off To College Kie asked, "So, have you two lovebirds set a date yet?" Bella replied, "Not yet, Daddy. We decided to wait until after college." Matt added with a sly grin, "Yeah, I just didn't want her walking around campus without my ring on her finger, letting everyone know she's taken! I wanted to mark my territory, so to speak." Bella playfully slapped him, giggling. "As if I'd even consider anyone else!" Matt chuckled. "It was for those who might have thought they had a chance with you, my love!" Kie laughed at their banter, enjoying their playful dynamics, and then I entered the room, asking, "Hey, are you guys heading to college this fall or spring?" they all sat at the table, munching on pizza, "We all decided to go this fall. We just need to find a dorm together." Kie smiles. "Let me make a few calls. I think there are luxury suites for exchange students from wealthy families. I'll book one for you all. It'll be perfect – you'll have your own little palace o
Chapter 40 Vacation to Italy Kie and I sat across from each other, sipping wine and gazing into each other's eyes. Our romantic dinner was the perfect setting to rekindle the flame that had burned bright for so many years. As we savored the last bites of our meal, Kie reached for my hand. "You know, now that the kids are off at college, I think we deserve a break. A real break. Just the two of us." his eyes sparkled like he already had something in mind. I was excited. "I'd love that! Where did you have in mind?" as I took a bite of my dessert. Kie's smile grew sly. "Italy. Land of love, art, and delicious food. We can explore the countryside, hold hands in Rome, and make memories that'll last a lifetime." My heart skipped a beat. "That sounds incredible. the land of Love! When do we leave?" as I folded my napkin and laid it on the table, the waitress came to say what a pleasure it was to serve us, she waited as Kie laid her tip on the table, she bowed. Kie chuckled, his eyes cri
Chapter 41 Trouble "Who was that I demanded as the door slammed shut. "Nobody!" he said annoyed. "Then why are you upset? I asked following him, he didn't even notice the sexy lingerie I was wearing which only added fuel to the fire. He walked past me and out to the balcony for a smoke. His mind raced as he phoned the lobby for some drinks to be brought up with a platter of fresh fruit ASAP!. But before he could end the call there was another knock on the door, this time I rushed to the door and opened it. The girl smiles and says something in Italian that I don't understand, and then Kie calls her to join him out on the balcony, That's when I realized, she is there for his daily feeding.. and he only does this when he is upset, he normally feeds from his own personal feeders, but he didn't bring them, and I wondered why. I mind link with him *We need to talk* but he doesn't respond, I wait for hours and nothing... so I go out on the balcony to talk with him and no one is there!
Chapter 42 Home I was not ready for this nor did I want it. The taxi arrived to take her to the airport, I quickly booked my flight home from my laptop. I opened the door to leave when I saw her standing there. In a heavy Italian accent, she yells "Kieran Mine!" I had never known this much anger in my entire life My face was turning hot and all of a sudden there were sharp pains in my upper jaw, the room had turned red. And one word escaped her mouth "MINE! with a very loud Hiss!! I wanted to kill this woman! I saw fear in the woman's eyes as I slammed the door in her face to keep from murdering her right there in the hall! I just stood there for a moment trying to figure out what had just happened when her fingers went to her mouth that's when she knew.. She pricked her finger on her razor-sharp fangs. My eyes widened in shock as I stared, first at the blood on my finger, then at the door I had just slammed shut. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: I had grown fangs.