Arthur had been unconscious for what felt like an eternity. His breaths were shallow, and his skin never regained an ounce of color. I was starting to wonder if he would ever wake up. Maybe Noah had messed up the change somehow.His body lay still, a fragile vessel suspended between life and death. The room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the beeping of the machines. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him, my heart heavy with despair.The nurse had come and gone, but I had barely acknowledged her presence. How could I when the love of my life was slumped over and chained to the wall? How could I focus on anything when everything had been ripped
ArthurThe dim light flickered, casting long, eerie shadows on the cold, stone walls. The air was heavy with the scent of dampness and decay. Arthur writhed against the unforgiving chains that bound him.His skin felt like molten lava, every nerve ending tingling with an insatiable hunger. He was consumed by an unrelenting need, a primal desire coursing through his veins.He couldn't remember his name, couldn't recall the faces of loved ones, if there were any. All that existed in his consciousness was an overwhelming need for sustenance. His stomach gnawed at him, aching with a hun
Almara POV Our brief moment of bliss comes to an end as we hear Noah and the nurse descend down the stairs. I can only hope that Arthur clings to this moment of clarity and remains strong. I instinctively nuzzle Grace closer to my chest as Arthur retreats further against the wall. I breathe in her scent and hold on to her smell like a lifeline. Grace begins to cry harder as Noah’s footsteps come closer. I try ease her stress, realizing that I no longer have any fear of my own wellbeing. “What did I tell you?” It was a rhetorical question from the nurse with a twinge of panic. She quickly turns to Arthur who is in close step behind her. “I told her to wait, that you would want to be present.” “I couldn’twait.” I remark trying to keep the bite out of my voice. “Grace Elizabeth was ready to come out.” Just saying her name softens my tone, and fills me with even more protective rage. Arthur moves pass the nurse, ignoring her as his crimson eyes settle on my baby like a prized possess
Almara’s POVA blood curling scream rings in all our ears. It takes me a moment to realize it’s not me and recognize the voice belonging to the nurse. Startled by the loud noise, Arthur pulls his opened mouth away from Grace. For a moment no one else moves, that is until Grace begins to cry again.Annoyed by the symphony of cries, Noah lets out an aggravated grunt. “What the hell is that?” He shoots me an accusatory glance and I shrug with wide-eyed confusion. Noah carelessly puts Grace in Arthurs lap and his lack of care has me seething.As he begins to stomp away his heavy footsteps echo off the high walls.“Sire, wait. Please” Arthur beckons. Noah quickly turns around.“What?” He demands with impatience gnawing in his tone.“Would my sire be willing to remove my chains so I may feast on this decadent meal?” Arthur asks while licking his lips and I can’t help but wonder if this is really is all an act.A sly smile crosses Noah’s face. “I suppose it would shut the little darling up.”
Almara’s POV I sit motionless for a moment, waiting for Arthur to tell me he’s joking or that he has some other idea that doesn’t involve him leaving. I absent-mindedly stroke Grace’s hair. “Go.” Arthur commands. I expect to feel a sharp pain in my heart at his cold tone, but instead all that spreads throughout my body is this dead weight numbness. I somehow manage getting to my feet. Though my heart still feels numb, a dull throbbing
Arthur’s POV I climb my way out of Noah’s dungeon. I take in a deep breath of fresh air and only for a moment are my senses cleared. The fresh scent of pine from the trees replaces the smell of metallic blood clogging my nostrils.I shake my head in hopes to clear my vision, but the sun is throwing off my focus. I can’t seem to see straight and my skin is prickling beneath the warm rays, as if overly aware of each sun beam.The more I stand still the more I bec
Robert’s POV The awkward silence is becoming intense. Almara hasn’t said a word since she’s gotten in the car, even the baby seems to taking a dislike to me.“Sorry I don’t have a car seat for her, I wasn’t really . . .expecting there to be a baby.” I say trying to listen the mood, which my comment does anything but that. Almara pulls her daughter protectively close to her chest.“She’s fine right here.” Almara remarks.
Almara’s POVRobert and I step inside the luxurious space of what I used to consider a mansion has now never felt more like home. I exhale a sigh of relief and want nothing more than to take a hot shower and curl on my bed with Grace beside me.The only thing that would complete that cozy image is if Arthur could be here to spoon behind me. Alas, him not being here while Robert is, is the very reason I can’t go off and recuperate in the safety of my own home.I turn to