73

Isabella

Two days later, even after I saw Paula, I said nothing to Damon. I was lying to myself and keeping something from him. Perhaps he could tell because every time he came close to me, I would flinch and turn my head away as though he had offended me.

The reality was that I was angry with myself for not saying what needed to be said. Perhaps I needed another shot, or perhaps I needed some time away for a while. I shook my head.

Going away was the same thing as being a coward, and I wasn't raised to be one. Perhaps my life after 15 had taught me to run as the only way to survive, but I always knew that I would one day face the thing that was chasing me: my birthright.

I leaned back against the pillow of my hospital bed and turned towards the window. It was night when I woke up from my nap to find that I was alone.

The last time Damon came, I started to avoid his gaze and gave him one-word answers. I wasn't surprised that he had left, even though he promised to be here, but w