27. Farewell Part 1

The next two days fall into a routine. I wake up, have breakfast in my room, hit the gym, avoid the fourth and last floor, avoid the hallways and spend all day if possible locked in the library.

None of the guys had come to look for me, not that I miss them, but it felt strange not to have them around me. But I knew that even though they were not with me, they were still sending their people to keep an eye on me.

I occasionally spotted one or two vampires standing near the gym glass doors, or randomly entering the library to pick something up. Even the ones who served me breakfast with the two humans I’ve seen around here working keep their eyes on me all the time if possible.

It was a bit annoying, but not that I blame them. That’s what they were ordered to do, and I had no other choice but to deal with it.

Lucky for me, I can have some free alone time, which, if I’m being honest, has been of great value.

I have been investigating the attacks outside the city, the other ones across the country and a few gossips about what’s happening around the world, and to tell you the truth, I’ve learned quite a few important things. Like the rebel group that’s been causing problems for the bloodlines lately.

And as far as I know, their most recent attack was on one of Callisto’s compounds, which led to many humans escaping and, at the same time, many others from the rebel side dead or they somehow flee.

According to the website on the dark web that I found, don’t ask me how I know. It’s all thanks to my time spent with my ex-fiancé and his obsessive hobby of finding odd things and information on the web for a load of money. I learned that Callisto’s compound was hijacked by a group of humans inside it, like the prior attack on Adonis compounds.

I might be pocking where I shouldn’t, but I really am curious to know about these humans trying to save the world and destroy the vampires. With the few photos that I’ve seen around, it seemed they somehow learned to copy Darcy’s technology and make it into their own.

Which, to be honest, was strange. There had to be someone who knew the insides and outsides of the compounds and Darcy’s technology, but who?

I moved the mouse across the pad to search for more information when a knock startled me.

Eyes wide and in a hurry, I closed every tab and opened the movie I was watching. An old Dracula movie from the 1900s.

The doors to my bedroom opened and Adonis walks in with his white and black checkered suit and red tie that makes him look implacable. And sort of hot?

I feign boredom until he is in front of the coffee table.

“You seriously are mad at us.” His comment doesn’t come out as a question yet it sounds like he wants to. “Well, blame Darcy for the idea, I was against it.”

Until now, I'd not spoken a single word because, honestly, I had nothing to say. All my attention was on his tall and muscular body that was hidden under all those clothes.

Adonis must have sensed my attention was everywhere but for his words, that he smoothly moved around the table and sat next to me.

“Won’t you at least say hi?” he asked while a smirk spread on his handsome pale face. “I have missed hearing your voice the last two and a half days. Strangely I shouldn’t.”

I frowned at that. “Don’t you hate me?”

I had no idea why I was asking this, but what else could I say?

“I wouldn’t…” he pauses. “Yes, I hate you, but I’m starting to think that’s only me trying to think that, because to tell you the truth,” he leans over. “I’ve missed you for a strange reason and desperately. The fact I haven’t seen you for two days, almost three, is like not drinking blood for a month. It’s a wild thirst I can’t seem to satisfy.”

“Yet here you are.”

“Yes, here I am because I couldn’t control myself without going one more day without you or those eyes that seem like they know my darkest secrets.”

I blushed at his words.

It’s not the first time I have heard a comment from them about my eyes. They all seemed fascinated by them and I had no idea why.

I cleared my throat and shifted away from him. “Why are you here? I mean you didn’t just come to hear my voice or see my eyes, did you?”

“Actually not,” he reclines, arms extended on the sofa. “I’m here to let you know we are moving.”

I blinked. “Moving where exactly?”

Adonis' phone rang as he was about to answer. Without giving me much attention, he stands and moves to the windows to answer.

I followed him with my eyes, until his tall figure was standing with its back to me. I marveled at the piece of art he was, but something in the distance that turned the sky red and orange had the hairs on my body standing.

In a rush of fear, I scrambled back as if there was some space behind me to escape. I barely had a moment to catch my breath when Adonis had me in his arms pinned behind the actual sofa.

A loud rumble with a horrible booming sound has me screaming.

The entire building swayed as it was hit by the sudden impact of whatever that was.

I clutched Adonis' waist as I hid my face on his chest in total fear.

An alarm started ringing around the building as a voice spoke through a speaker. Adonis must have felt it was safe because he gave me space to finally breathe.

In sheer panic, I lift my head, taking my surroundings in. The entire room was green, totally different from the red lights that often go on.

“Are you alright?” Adonis asked while pulling me into a hug.

“What was that?” I managed to ask after a couple of deep breaths.

“A bomb.”

Excuse me? What did he just say?

“A bomb?” I repeated because hey, that’s not something you hear every day. “Like a nuclear bomb?”

Adonis chuckles as he sees my explanation of the bomb I made with my mouth and hands.

“Yes, that kind of bomb. Now, before you ask more questions, let me get you to the bathroom.”

I frowned. “Why?”

“It’s safer, and there’s something I need to tell you.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to argue back before I am seated on top of the stool near the faucet.

That strange alarm with the voice that instructed what to do kept going. I couldn’t help feeling like something bad had just happened.

“Here,” Adonis hands me a wet towel. I frowned, totally confused. “Clean your face, then change into this.”

He handed me a pair of black cargo pants with boots, a turtleneck, and a vest. I eyed the entire set of clothes.

“What’s this for?” I asked, but he had left to do something back in the closet. I did as he asked after cleaning my face and when he returned, I saw what he had in hand. “Are we going somewhere?”

“I told you already we are moving. Pack your personal stuff inside here you might think is important and then meet me on the elevator.” He hands me another black bag and leaves the room with my luggage.

I seriously needed to know what was happening but it seemed I would need to ask later. Packing a few personal needs like pads, a toothbrush, my laptop, and some other toiletries, I headed out to the elevator.

Adonis was not alone; Hector was there with luggage as well. He had an enormous backpack strapped to his back with a strange gun on his hip.

“Princesa, you ready?” Hector asked.

“Can any of you explain what’s happening?”

Hector eyed Adonis before they both nodded. “We are heading for Europe for a couple of days, maybe a month before we return. I think you will know more once we are on the airplane. Callisto should brief you on this.”

The elevator door chose that moment to open as they both pushed me in with our bags.

“To Europe? All of us?” They were not planning to just take me with them and leave everyone else here, right?

“Darcy and Seth are staying behind,” Hector answered to Adonis, who seemed to be debating something. “Don’t worry, they will be safe.”

What makes him think I’m worried?

“I’m not.” That makes me frown.

They both chuckled before the doors opened again at the command center where everyone seemed busy like bees.

I looked around at the screen showing the catastrophe that had just happened somewhere in the old destroyed city.

“Casualties?” Darcy asked.

“At least a dozen bloodlines and humans were near the area. The houses were also destroyed.”

“The entire area is gone?” Hector asked, moving closer to where Darcy was. “What about our people staying in those areas?”

“All gone,” Darcy hissed. I moved my eyes to the same screen they were looking at and saw the devastation.

My heart ached at the sight. Everything was gone, not a single thing stood.

“Have the drones scan the entire area and outside the zone? Whoever detonated that bomb shouldn’t have been that far, maybe we catch sight of the craft.” Adonis gives out orders while I keep staring at each different video displayed on the screens.

“That wasn’t you?” the words were out of my mouth, making all the vampires near me look like I'd just said something stupid.

“We may be killers, Yophiel, but we would never do that,” Adonis scowled.

I can’t help scoffing. “But you did it when we were being seized by you all.”

“Princesa—”

“Or what are you going to tell me it’s not true? You used the same methods to attack us, destroy my world.” I had no idea why I was feeling so angry and hurt, but seeing all the destruction just made me feel worse.

“You’re wrong.” I turned to look at the person who answered. “We might have used cruel methods but we never used or even thought about using atomic bombs that we knew would well kill you all. So don’t start blaming us for things you have no idea how they really went down.”

Callisto stood at the top of the stairs, his hand on his back, which I knew well was keeping his anger at bay. The tension was visible on his shoulders, and his anger clear as day on his face with long sharp fangs.

“Before you start judging and pointing fingers, you should know the story well.”

“But I saw it all, everyone saw it…” I choked.

He doesn’t respond and doesn’t seem like he will.

“The airplane is here, take her away,” Callisto suddenly orders, to which Adonis and Hector frown.

Darcy turns away and walks over to a group of vampires who seem to be discussing something important.

“You’re not coming?” I turned my attention to Hector’s question.

Now that he mentioned it, earlier they told me Callisto would explain why we were heading to Europe. But now it didn’t seem like that was the plan.

I clutched at my pants as something like panic stirred inside me. I didn’t like the words at all.

Callisto’s sharp gaze moved to mine and I had the urge to say something I knew it wouldn’t be like me to even speak. But hey, we were talking about Callisto and he knew me better than most of them.

Sensing my uneasiness, he sighed and finally the tension in his body left. He walked over to me with slow steps until he pulled me into a hug.

I was embarrassed looking around. Almost everyone was watching us, including Hector, Adonis, and Darcy.

“Come,” he said, pulling me out of the room and back to the elevator.

The doors barely closed before I was pinned to the corner of the elevator.

“I’m sorry,” Callisto sighed as his long and sharp claws slid down my body, sending shivers all over it. “I just…”

I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him for a hug. I had no idea where that came from but it took him by surprise. I was even surprised by my sudden and bold move, but with what was happening, it seemed this is what he needed and he did, because he leaned into me until I was trying to balance our bodies.

We both remained in silence for a moment.

“Are you seriously staying?” I cleared my throat so as not to sound anxious, but I failed.

Callisto just kept hugging me. His face hidden on my neck as he takes a deep breath.

I gave him some time, but was he truly not going to answer?

“Callisto,” I choked, now feeling the burn in my eyes.

Oh no, I wasn’t going to cry, not now. I haven’t cried for the last three days; I was not about to start.

“I need to stay,” he finally said. “I need to take care of things, but I promise I will come to you when everything is settled.”

A lump formed in my throat as my hands clutched his shirt.

“Come with me,” I whispered, hiding my face on his shoulder. “I don’t want to go without you.”

I couldn’t understand why I felt like I was going to lose him. It should be good that he isn’t coming, right? I should be glad.

“Yophiel…” he sighed.

“Please.” Leaving without him seemed a mistake, but it would seem selfish if I tried to convince him because, I knew it was his duty. I knew what they were, what they did. And yet I find it hard to even part from him for at least a couple of days.

Was I really getting attached to a monster like him? Someone who I shouldn’t even feel a bit of love or care for?

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

“Adonis and Hector will take care of you.” He let go and caressed my face.

“But—”

“Please just do as I’m asking just this time. It’s not safe right now for you if you stay here.”

I bit my lip as I looked away.

“I will be there in a week once Darcy, Seth and I have settled things here. We will be there with you, so please don’t cry.” I looked at him when I felt his fingers wiping tears, I didn’t even know I was spilling. “I promise.”

I balled my hands on the sides.

“Yophiel,” he called, so I looked up and just as I do his lips closed on mine.

I still, eyes wide. He didn’t move his lips until I finally submitted and reciprocated the kiss.

All the uneasiness I felt disappeared as I let myself feel something I didn't know I missed.

My arms closed around his neck as he pulled me closer to his cold body.

With one last bite of my lip, he backed away, leaving me breathless. He smiled and pecked my cheek in a tender way that had me smiling.

The elevator started moving while he kept me in his arms.

I took a deep breath, and with it the intoxicating scent of lavender I loved.

Callisto never let go until the bell of arrival notified us, we had arrived. But before the doors could open, he pressed the bottom, halting everything.

“I have something for you.” He looked down at his pants and he pulled a small box the size of a cellphone and handed it to me. “Open this once you arrive in Europe and, before you ask, you are heading to Germany, so once the airplane is about to land open it and you will understand what it is, alright?”

I just nodded, curious to see what was inside.

With a last kiss to my temple, he let the elevator doors open. And to my surprise, everyone was already waiting for us in the lobby of the building.

Hector smiled as the rest just nodded. Callisto guided me to the group.

“Take care of her. And if something happens you know what to do, right?” Callisto addressed Hector and Adonis, who just smiled in reassurance.

I looked around the group until I spotted Seth behind Hector’s broad body.

I whispered his name unconsciously, making everyone look at me.

To be honest, I was surprised to see him here, out of whatever hole he was locked in before. There were no signs of wounds or anything on him.

Like Adonis, he wore a plain blue suit with no tie. His hair disheveled and that earring dangled from side to side on his left ear.

“It’s time.” Callisto’s hand on my back startled me a bit.

We all started heading out, Hector carrying my bags while Darcy and Callisto discussed something.

I walked between Adonis and Callisto quietly.

“You know you can talk to him, right?” Adonis' comment makes me frown.

“Who?” I questioned. He smiled and pointed behind us to where Seth was following. His eyes were cold as usual but he wasn’t looking my way.

“If you’re that curious, go. You haven’t seen him for a while.” I gave Adonis a long look before looking once again over my shoulder.

He was right, but was it a good idea? I mean he shouldn't feel bothered. I know he was avoiding me right now because of what he could sense, but my feelings right now were on anything but on him.

Even my attention.

We made it to where some vampires surrounded a jet. My eyes veered to the sky where flames and smoke still rose from the attack.

My chest ached as I stared at the fires, but not from fear, it was something else aching to sadness.

I pushed the feeling away and shook my head, then turned to look at the group where now Callisto was giving out some instructions.

I remained standing like an idiot on the sidelines while he continued ordering his men what they needed to do.

“Phi?” he called without me realizing he was done.

I walked up to the group. Callisto smiled down at me, as his hand came around my waist and he pulled me closer. “If the guys do something you don’t like, don’t wait and let me know, I will make sure they don’t walk for a while.”

I can’t help chuckling at Callisto's words. Although they sounded playful, I could see he wasn’t joking at all.

It was a threat, not a warning.

“Don’t pay attention, Princesa mia. I will protect you from the rat's face here,” Hector winked my way.

“Who is the rat here?” Adonis scoffed, offended. “You shouldn’t trust his words.”

“Oh, she shouldn’t trust any of you two,” Darcy joined the conversation.

“OK enough, now go or you will arrive late,” Callisto said. Hector and Adonis waved goodbye as I made my way behind them, but a tug from Callisto halted me. “I’ll see you soon, alright?”

I smiled and then looked at the other two. Darcy gave a smile but it didn’t reach his eyes.

I sighed, feeling the need that before I left, I should at least apologize. With quick steps, I moved to where he stood and pulled him down for a hug.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered in his ear.

Darcy froze at my unexpected affection but then just chuckled.

“Don’t worry, my love. I’m also at fault.”

I smiled and then let go, embarrassed now.

I turned around with my head down, and ran up to catch up, but as I made it halfway, I stopped a second time.

With a nervous and shaken breath, I turned around on my heels and ran up to Seth, kissing his cheek, then turned back just to hear Darcy and Callisto laugh.

I caught up with Adonis and Hector, who were on the airplane. Before I walked in, I waved at the three of them one last time. That’s when I saw Seth's beet-red face and a shy smile tugging the corner of his mouth.

I couldn’t help smiling brightly and waving like a kid before the doors were closed by some vampires.