Page 120 of Seared Fates

Noises from outside fade in and out of the storming void—Kai’s screaming, wood splintering. The scent of lavender so thick that it covers the stink of rot, along with blood.

Roaring like a wild animal, I try to fight back. But there's nothing to hold onto or push myself off.

Without warning, the darkness sucks itself into a dot then blinks out of existence. My offspring and I fall towards the ground, but I have enough sense to land on my feet. Dizzy, I whizz around to find both Summer, Emma and both spellbooks gone.

I don’t care about any of that. I care about the pool of fresh blood on the bed.

Twisting towards the hallway, I suck in an inhale sharp enough to pierce my heart. Kai is sprawled on the dusty carpet, clothes shredded and chest sliced open. The knots of scars peel from his body like clumps of torn paper, revealing normal skin beneath.

In one smooth motion, I pick him up and sprint out into the street, refusing to turn my love into a vampire in this house of nightmares. At the very least, Kai will have fresh air.

“M-my soul is ba-back,” he whispers, hiccuping with each shallow breath as I gently lay him on the ground. Ripping off my shirt, I drape it over his trembling body to keep out as much cold as possible and within seconds, it’s drenched in his blood.

“Shh, I know, I know.” I see his soul in his eyes, clear as the rising sun. “You’re going to be okay, Kai. I’ve got you now.”

He swallows wetly, tears rolling down the sides of his face. “T-tell me what will ha…happen.”

Shadows of my offspring fall around us, but I pay them no mind. I stroke Kai’s braids away, pull him close. Wishing I could’ve made him into a vampire somewhere beautiful and soft, with art hanging from the walls.

“I’m going to bite your neck and drain you of blood, it’ll stop all this pain, love,” I tell him softly, like it’s nothing but a bedtime story. “Once there’s only a drop left, I’ll give you my blood, andyou’ll fall asleep, my little prince. Only for a few seconds. Then you’ll come back to me.”

His breathing evens out. “Wha…what about when I wake up?”

“Birth is always painful. I’m sorry I can’t change that, Kai. But it won’t be like Golden’s days of endless pain. A few short hours like my other offspring. Ramy only took three hours to become a vampire.”

“Then…?” he asks, eyes full of trust.

“Then no more pain. Ever.”

Kai’s eyelids shut, sighing. “I’m ready to fall asleep, Vidar…”

I cradle the back of his crown to expose Kai’s neck, then slide my fangs into his pale throat—into his slowing pulse. I am gentle, but quick, not savouring Kai’s blood like the gift it is. Summer will die for many crimes, but tainting Kai’s turning will be one of them.

In only a few short gulps, he’s on the brink of death, and I pull back, ripping my wrist open with little grace and holding it to his mouth. He doesn’t swallow most of my blood, but once his throat bobs, I can relax.

“Sleep, love,” I tell him, pulling my hand away and laying his head in my lap.

“Soon…?” Kai’s eyes droop.

“Soon,” I promise as his heart finally stops, and under a sky full of stars, Kai dies.

Chapter forty-three

Vidar

Sunlight warms Kai, and I tuck a braid behind his ear. I’m careful, my hands too big for my soulmate’s delicate features.

With my shirt, I was able to clean up some of the mess. But once we’re home, he’ll need a bath, and after everything Kai’s been through, he deserves the best; flowers, bubbles, fancy oils. Marshmallows.

A firm hand squeezes my shoulder. “Maker.” Rurik, saying my name like he’s trying to wake me up.

Cupping Kai’s cheek, I run my thumb over his scars. Smiling to myself, he’s all back to normal and perfect. Even the birds agree as they sing in the distance.

“It’s been six hours, Maker.”

Shrugging Rurik’s hand off, I capture a yellow leaf that’s floated down to kiss Kai's closed eyelid. I pluck it by the stem with two fingers and set it free in the breeze.

The ground beside me crunches as Sen kneels, palms on his thighs and for a time, he’s silent.