10: Under the Blood Moon
10: Under the Blood Moon
Ellie’s POV
But all I saw was the quiet suburb, deceptively peaceful in the early morning light.
Yet deep down, I knew the calm wouldn’t last.
\---
A violent cough shattered the silence, coming from my mom’s room. My heart plummeted.
I scrambled out of bed, rushing to her side. Riley was already there, holding a glass of water and whispering soothing words, but Mom’s face was pale, her breathing shallow and labored.
“What happened?” My voice came out in a panicked whisper.
“She had another episode,” Riley said, her expression tight with worry. “I think we need to take her back to the hospital.”
“No,” Mom rasped weakly, shaking her head. “Please… no hospitals.”
I clenched my fists, frustration and guilt warring inside me. How could I protect her when every decision felt like a gamble? Between Adrien’s cryptic warnings, Victor’s looming presence, and Liam pulling away, I didn’t know who—or what—to trust anymore.
“Let me handle this,” I said finally, forcing calm into my voice. “Riley, stay with Mom. I’ll call Dr. Marcus Hale—maybe he can help without involving the hospital.”
Riley hesitated before nodding reluctantly. “Fine. But if she gets worse, we’re taking her in, Ellie. No arguments.”
I stepped outside to make the call, but Sophie was already on the porch steps, scrolling through her phone. She looked up, instantly reading the tension on my face.
“Hey,” she said softly. “Everything okay?”
“Not really.” I sank onto the step beside her. “Mom’s sick again, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep juggling everything. Work, Adrien, Victor… it’s too much.”
She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You’re stronger than you think, El. And you’re not alone. Whatever happens, I’ve got your back.”
I gave her a small, grateful smile, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that time was running out—for all of us.
\---
That evening, Dr. Marcus Hale arrived, his demeanor calm yet clinical. After examining my mom, he pulled me aside.
“Her condition is deteriorating faster than expected,” he said quietly. “There may be treatments available, but they’re expensive—and experimental.”
Dread pooled in my stomach. “How expensive?”
Dr. Hale sighed. “More than most families can afford. But perhaps your employer would be willing to assist. Mr. Laurent has resources far beyond what most people realize.”
I stiffened.
Adrien.
Was this a test? Or did Dr. Hale genuinely believe Adrien could help? Either way, the thought of asking him for anything made my skin crawl.
“I’ll think about it,” I muttered, showing him to the door.
\---
That night, I met Liam in our usual spot—a secluded clearing in the woods, hidden from prying eyes. The full moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie silver glow over the landscape.
“You look exhausted,” he murmured, pulling me into his arms.
“I am exhausted,” I admitted, melting against him. “Between my mom, Adrien, and Victor, I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.”
Liam kissed the top of my head, his touch grounding me. “You don’t have to do this alone. Let me help you.”
I pulled back, searching his gaze. “How? Every move we make just brings Victor closer. And now Adrien’s practically stalking me. I don’t know who to trust anymore.”
“You can trust me,” Liam said firmly, cupping my face. “No matter what happens, I’ll protect you.”
Something inside me cracked. My resolve. My restraint. Maybe even my common sense.
Our kiss was desperate, filled with raw emotion and unspoken fears. It escalated fast, our hands greedy, our bodies tangled. Clothes vanished into the grass as we gave in to the need clawing between us.
Liam’s touch was reverent yet possessive, his body moving against mine in a rhythm that stole my breath. Every thrust sent pleasure surging through me, anchoring me in the moment even as my mind whirled with uncertainty.
When we finally collapsed onto the forest floor, spent and sated, I clung to him, tears slipping down my cheeks.
“Don’t leave me,” I whispered brokenly.
“Never,” he vowed, pressing a kiss to my temple.
\---
Sophie's pov
Meanwhile, i laid awake in Lucien’s bed, staring at the ceiling as his words replayed in my mind. "I won’t hurt you, Sophie. Not unless you ask me to."
i turned to look at him, his face softened in sleep. Even now, something about him seemed… otherworldly.
Despite everything—or maybe because of it—i felt drawn to him in ways i couldn’t explain. There was danger in loving someone like him.
But also freedom.
Lucien stirred, as if sensing my gaze. “Can’t sleep?” he murmured, pulling me closer.
“I’m scared,” i admitted softly. “Of what this means. Of what I’m becoming.”
He brushed a strand of hair from my face. “You’re not becoming anything yet. But if you choose this path, I’ll guide you. Always.”
\---
Ellie’s POV
The next morning, I returned home to find Adrien waiting for me on the front porch.
He stood there, casual yet predatory, dressed impeccably as always.
“We need to talk,” he said smoothly, stepping forward.
“About what?” I asked warily, crossing my arms.
“Your mother.” His tone was deceptively gentle. “I hear she’s unwell. Perhaps I can help.”
My stomach twisted. Had Dr. Hale told him? Or was this another game?
“Why would you do that?” I demanded, my voice sharp with suspicion.
Adrien smiled faintly, though it never reached his eyes. “Because I care about you, Ellie. More than you realize.”
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed in my pocket.
A text from an unknown number.
He knows everything.
My breath caught as I slowly lifted my gaze to Adrien.
For the first time, I saw past the charm. Past the perfect smile and polished words.
I saw the calculation.
The hunger.
And then, in the distance, I spotted a figure lurking in the shadows.
Watching.
Waiting.
Victor, I guess.
A slow smirk curled his lips, sending ice down my spine.