The Blood Contract
Chapter 22: I had no choice

Chapter 22: I had no choice

Morning came, and Serena’s eyes cracked open slowly. Realizing she was lying on her stomach, she turned around, only to come face-to-face with the black rose resting majestically on the wall.

The sight reminded her of her current predicament, and she was about to look away but changed her mind, giving the image another good look. Only now did she notice the barely visible golden edges of the black petals and the unique appeal it embodied.

She found herself asking if that was exactly how Lucian was—totally uninteresting at first but appealing once you took a closer look.

As soon as the thought completed in her head, a frown manifested on her face, and she let out a loud scoff. "Why the hell am I even comparing him to a rose? He’s only comparable to a thorn—the very one in my flesh."

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she pushed herself to a sitting position, setting her eyes on the bracelet. She wondered why the stupid thing was still tight against her wrist, although it didn’t feel warm against her skin anymore. Ignoring it, she stepped out of bed and trudged to the bathroom.

She didn’t feel like doing anything that morning, as she was short on energy, but remembering that she had a flight to Viera to catch gave her the boost she needed to get ready and step out of her room.

Outside, she met Dr. Marlowe walking toward her with a warm smile on her face.

"I thought I would have to come wake you up. Glad that’s been taken care of. How are you feeling this morning?" the older woman asked.

Serena returned the smile. "I feel a whole lot better than last night. A little tired, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. Good morning, Doctor."

"Please call me Marlowe," the woman said, extending an envelope to her. "The flight is set for 9. Would you prefer to have breakfast first?"

"Nope, I’m not very hungry. I think we should head to the airport—unless you want to eat?"

"No, no, I’m good. Let’s go," Dr. Marlowe said, shaking her head. She turned around, and they walked away from the house into a waiting car, with Darrell as the driver.

***

As soon as they arrived in Viera, Serena drew in a long breath, inhaling the fresh coastal breeze of the town. It had been just a day and a few hours since she was last there, but it already felt like forever in her heart—partly because she couldn’t tell when she would be able to visit the town again.

By the time she arrived at her house, she was shocked to see someone she didn’t expect standing in front of the building.

"Vincent?" Serena called out his name, walking toward him while Dr. Marlowe trailed behind her, also surprised to see the man there.

"Serena," Vincent called out in a light voice, a smile settling on his features as he moved without hesitation to wrap his arms around her. When he broke the hug, he shifted his gaze to Dr. Marlowe. "Good to see you again, Marlowe. It’s been a while."

"Likewise, Mr. Morgan," Dr. Marlowe replied, giving him a nod and wearing a professional smile.

"What are you doing here?" Serena asked, gazing into the eyes of her childhood best friend. Before her father fell from the council’s favor, Vincent had been her closest friend, and their friendship continued well into their late teenage years, almost blossoming into something beautiful. However, her problems and her father’s constant warning for her to stay hidden, didn’t allow for any of it to happen.

"I heard what happened between you and Lucian," Vincent said, frowning after he mentioned the name. He regarded her with concern. "I knew I couldn’t go see you at his place, so I asked around and got this address. I’ve been coming here, hoping you’d come around someday and I’d get the chance to meet you."

His words brought a sweet, relieved smile to Serena’s face. "Good to see you again, Vincent. I’m glad my friend still thinks and cares about me."

"There’s no day I don’t think of you, even though you left me heartbroken. Do you know how long I searched for you?" Vincent probed.

"You know I had to leave, Vincent. I had no choice."

"You had a choice, but you picked the hard one. I told you to stay. I begged you. I could have taken care of you and kept you safe. You wouldn’t be in this situation now."

"I couldn’t burden you like that," Serena said, shaking her head. "Don’t worry, I’m alright, as you can see. And I’ll be out of this mess before you know it. But I appreciate your concern."

"How is Elias?" Vincent asked, and the smile faded from Serena’s face.

"He’s still being held by the council. I need to find a way to get him out. They won’t even let me see him," Serena revealed, her heart growing heavier as she thought about her brother. "We’re working on a way to get him out."

"I can help. Let’s work together," Vincent suggested.

"Thanks for your offer, Mr. Morgan, but we already have a plan in place," Dr. Marlowe interjected before Serena could answer. She had decided not to give any input, but she couldn’t help herself at that point, knowing Vincent’s and Lucian’s history.

"Didn’t you say we needed all the help we can get? Why are you rejecting his?" Serena asked Dr. Marlowe, surprised at the woman’s words.

"We do need all the help we can get, but for now, there’s already a plan in motion that needs no interference. If Mr. Morgan’s help is needed at any point, we’ll be glad to reach out," Dr. Marlowe explained.

At Dr. Marlowe’s answer, Serena turned back to Vincent, only to see him gazing with widened eyes at her hand. Before she could ask what was wrong, he picked up her hand and tugged slightly, signaling for her to follow him.

"What is it?" Serena asked, taking a few steps away from where Dr. Marlowe stood, just as Vincent wanted.

"Is this what I think it is?" Vincent asked, setting his gaze on and pointing at the bracelet on her wrist.