Chapter 63: You Are Alive!

TERESA.

My best friend was dying before my eyes, and her only escape was Erik Von Hagen, a powerful vampire so ancient that his name resonated all over the world.

Caroline, the one who still didn’t understand this dark world of beasts I was part of now, was going to join. I was wondering if this transformation wasn’t dangerous for her?

She didn’t even know if she hated vampires or not; in fact, she didn’t even strongly believe that they existed. And now she was going to be one of them. And now she will step into a completely unknown, dark world that she will have to accept as her own.

The venom spread rapidly throughout her body, and it was only a matter of time before her fragile heart stopped beating. Thea and Bash’s worried eyes stared at me, leaving me with this decision to make. In fact, it was my decision.

“Teresa, my dear, you have to make a choice. Your friend’s life depends on you. But know that this venom that spreads in her body can be fatal at any time. So, if you could decide now, it would be the best, “Thea addressed me in a very soft voice, making me aware of the danger that awaited Caroline.

“Yeah ... I ... I barely got to tell her ... I don’t even know what she thinks about what we have talked about. It’s like changing her entire life. Do I have that right?”

I tried to stay in control of the situation, but it was beyond me. I had the life of a person in my hands. As I wasn't God, it was not my place to decide whether she lived or died. I couldn't bear to sentence her to a life of darkness, immortality, and sorrow.

Bash’s presence, even if I didn’t want to admit it, gave me some peace of mind regardless of where we were standing now. He approached me slightly and grabbed my hands, leading them to his chest.

I felt his heart pounding. His blue eyes, like the swirling sea, stared at me as if trying to penetrate my thoughts.

“Teresa, listen to me! Caroline doesn’t have much time left. I can tell you from my own experience how painful and venomous these wounds caused by these beasts are. And I am a werewolf, but she is human. She won’t last long. The serum my mother says we don’t own anymore; it was just experimental. Erik is Caroline’s only chance. So, I need you to pull yourself together and in the next two seconds decide and come up with an answer. Do you understand me?” Sebastian’s plea was well-intentioned.

He had no reason to hurt my friend. In addition, there was Thea here, too. Come on Teresa, come on, the clock is ticking!

“Okay ... okay ... I get it. I agree ... please... just save her! Get in touch with Erik…” his name on my lips sounded so weird. It was as if I had told Bash to call my father. The day will come when we will solve this problem as well.

Bash retreated to the corner of the room. But I heard him clearly as when he spoke to Liam. I started to like these powers of mine.

“Erik ... Erik, if you hear me, answer me. I have an emergency and I need you!”

“Bash, my friend, what happened?” Is it Teresa?”

Was this man really worried about me? Unwittingly, a pleasant warmth surrounded me, a small feeling of belonging, of security. But that feeling quickly left me. I couldn’t allow my heart to soften until I really understood my past and what role Erik Von Hagen played in it. The discussion between them continued in a calm tone.

“No, Erik, Teresa is fine, thank God. It’s about her friend Caroline. She was attacked and bitten by one of the beasts that have been following us lately”

“Oh, my God, that’s serious. I think I understand why you want me there. I’ll be there as soon as possible. Don’t move her from where she is. We don’t want the venom to spread more!” added Erik, after which the link ended. I quickly turned to face Caroline, avoiding Bash’s penetrating gaze.

I didn’t even have time to analyze very well the options that Erik entered through the bedroom door, leaving it wide open. He approached the bed and looked at me and then at Caroline.

She was still in a state of delirium, with fever and moaning in pain. A little hope sprouted in my heart when Erik entered the room. Beyond our problems, I knew he could help her, and I knew at what price. But I had little choice. It was either that or death, and death was not an option now.

“It’s pretty serious, Bash. I will not lie to you,” Erik said, and an icy shiver ran through my body.

It was like a nightmare. I couldn’t believe that some time ago we were sitting quietly in the pub talking and now Caroline was fighting for her life.

Bitter tears formed in my eyes, rolling hot and falling on the floor. I was looking at a woman whose fate I had just decided in two words. It was the second time I hated myself.

“Then you know what you have to do, Erik. Only I would ask you to explain the procedure to Teresa as well. She is worried about her friend,” Bash added, taking a step back so I could see Erik.

“Of course. Teresa, what I’m about to do may seem barbaric to you, from another world than the one you are used to, but I want you to know that it’s the only solution and I don’t intend to hurt your friend. I’ll explain exactly how it works. First, I will bite her, thus triggering a chain reaction that, although it will seem dangerous to you, is necessary. I will insert my venom, bringing her close to the verge of death, and that is when she will wake up. The body reacts when it feels like it is dying. Then I will have to make her drink my blood for the transformation process to begin. After drinking a few drops, her body will go into shock and practically die for a few seconds, after which she will wake up alive. “

I was listening to Erik, and I found it so hard to believe what poor Caroline was about to go through. And I, who left her with not a way out of this, no power of decision. Will she hate me for that? “Do you understand, Teresa, how the entire process works? Do I have your consent to do this?” Erik had asked a second time, trying to get past my guilt and my thoughts.

I nodded mechanically and watched the man who was supposed to be my father go and lean over Caroline.

With slow movements, he raised her head so that her neck reached just below his fangs that came out threatening. White and sharp, they were preparing to penetrate the velvety skin of her throat.

Poor Caroline was still moaning, unaware of the ordeal she was about to go through. She stood almost motionless in Erik’s arms, trembling from time to time.

Her chocolate-soft hair had fallen over his arm while Erik held her neck. He didn’t rush her at all, he even guided her with amazing gentleness, lingering his gaze on her face as if wondering whether to condemn her to immortal life.

Stroking her hair with softness, pushing it aside, exposing the vein in her neck, the jugular pulsing under his eyes. This vampire had amazing restraining power.

Then, in one motion, he pierced her skin, making her tremble in his arms. The moan that came out of her made her get even closer to Erik, and as he inserted his venom, she moved her hands on his back, arching in pain.

Her fingers tightened, putting pressure on the places where they touched Erik, and her brief moans filled the room with horror. My friend was dying. An immense pain gripped my being as I watched her struggle between life and death.

Erik did not leave her side, but slightly withdrew his fangs, leaving the venom to do its infamous duty. God, when did I agree with that? From time to time, she opened her eyes, looking at her executioner, but there was no fear in them, but sadness.

Erik was still supporting her body, which was bending more and more. Their bodies molded perfectly in this way, Erik trying to relieve her pain, being there next to her.

I took a few steps back when, terrified; I saw Erik tear his wrist with his fangs, preparing to give her a drink of his blood, completely transforming her.

He pressed his hand a little on her lips, but without sudden movements. Still, the kindness of this vampire with my friend amazed me. The moment Caro tasted Erik’s blood; the frenzy began.

She grabbed greedily with both hands and sucked until life returned to her frail body. With one hand on her cheek and the other trying to pull out of Caroline’s hungry mouth, Erik gazed at her.

“That’s enough, beautiful girl. You are alive now!”