Chapter 24

“DARLING, she looks exactly like you. The only difference is her eyes. I think she got mine,” I heard Ingram whispered in a throaty voice. He was standing beside my bed while carrying our little angel.

I flashed my brightest smile even though I was beginning to get dizzy. The two of them looked picture-perfect. God was good. He heard my prayers because today, I was able to give birth to my child. She would be able to see the world now.

“C-can we name her Amaris?” I asked in a low voice. I could feel sweat building on my forehead. My knees were shaking, and my chest felt heavy. I found it hard to breathe, as if there was a big thorn that was blocking my airway. I had Ingram turn off the aircon a while ago. The windows were closed, so I didn’t understand why I felt so cold.

Still, I forced myself to talk. “Amaris is m-my grandmother’s n-name. She was the one who raised me along with my father.”

“Then we will name her Amaris, darling.”

“T-thank you.” I held my chest. I could almost hear the sound of death knocking on my door. Maybe the curse was taking effect now. And it makes me feel bad. I still want to witness Amaris’ first smile, first laughter, and her first step. I still want to hear her call me ‘Mama.’

I want to know what kind of habits she inherited from me and Ingram. Will she be a writer, too? There were so many things I still wanted to do. But I can’t have everything in life, can I? We don’t always get what we want. I should be contented with the things God had blessed me with.

But I’d die without regrets. Without Ingram, I wouldn’t have experienced bliss. We made sure not to waste a single second. We treasured and enjoyed every moment we spent together.

“Darling?” Ingram asked in an anxious voice.

“Our dream to see our child came true, darling,” I lovingly said.

Ingram sat on the bed. “Yes, it did.”

I lifted my hand to touch his. “When you came to my life, I was able to prove how much God loves me. Y-you and Amaris will always be God’s greatest gifts to me. I...I love you b-both more than my l-life,” I whispered before closing my eyes.

The coldness was sweeping my entire body and I could no longer stand it. When I released his hand, I finally allowed myself to surrender to the shadow of death.

This will never be a goodbye. I will always be around, Amaris, know that. Mama loves you very much.

(Ingram)

MY CHEST constricted as I held Ellen’s hands. She had a unique ability as a Vampire. I shared with her all the memories that Brianna and I made together. Through her ability, she could also share it with Amaris when the right time comes.

While she was still in Brianna’s womb, we’d talked to her every day. And I know that the messages my wife and I said to her will reach Amaris through Ellen’s help. Through those memories, Brianna and I would continue to live in our little princess’ heart.

I softly kissed Amaris’ forehead before I passed her to Erasmus. “You’ve taught and guided me well in the past, Erasmus. I know that you’d do the same for my daughter. Please be the father that I could not be.” I glanced at Ellen’s direction. “I trust that you’d help Erasmus in raising Amaris. I have faith in the both of you. I know you will be wonderful parents to her.” Ellen and Erasmus both nodded as their tears fell.

“When the time comes that Amaris can fully understand things, tell her that God is real. Because today, he had shown mercy towards me and her mother. A miracle happened. She was born,” my voice broke. “Tell her that fairytales are real. Tell her that love indeed, conquers all.”

I’ve requested a few more things before I walked towards my wife. It only seemed like she was sleeping. I gently carried her as Ellen began to weep loudly. I headed towards the balcony and jumped down the garden. It was Brianna’s favorite place in the entire mansion.

I love Amaris. There were no words that could describe how much I love and adore my little one. Her existence completed my life. But I’ve made a promise to her mother that I’d join her in death.

I know that a day will come when I’d give up my immortality and rest for eternity. But I don’t want to wait for that day anymore. Brianna died only a few minutes ago and I’m already longing for her so badly. Brianna was my compass. She gave my life direction. With her, I know what to do and where to go. And without her, I could feel myself getting lost again.

My tears fell. “Let’s discover the path towards the light together. Wait for me, darling,” I whispered as I glanced at my wristwatch. When the clock ticked at twelve in the afternoon, I threw the black pearl away. In a blink of an eye, my whole body burned. I saw death waving at me but at the same time, I saw my wife waving as well.

At exactly twelve in the afternoon, Brianna and I became together again. Our new life began.