Chapter 5 When Dawn breaks

Lucius's POV

I raced North as fast as my legs could carry me, the morning light chasing my shadow.

The moment I crossed the border, the thick fog shielded me from the burning sun.

Slipping through the city gates undetected, I levitated silently up to my balcony and stepped into my bedchambers.

I blurred straight into the bathroom, thrusting my blood-stained hands into the washbasin to scrub them clean.

"Did you go out to hunt?" Ava’s voice echoed from behind me.

Ignoring her, I dried my hands, stripped out of my soiled clothes, and stepped into the cold bathtub. I lay back and closed my eyes, letting the freezing water soothe my aching skin.

A moment later, I felt Ava’s cold fingertips on my temple, gently massaging the tension away. I let out a soft sigh. It felt undeniably relaxing. She picked up a soft cloth, wiping the damp skin of my biceps before trailing down to my chest. But when the fabric began to slide down toward my waist, I caught her wrist in a tight grip.

"I meant it when I said I wasn't interested. Don't push it," I muttered, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

She slowly pulled her hand back, her eyes downcast. "I am sorry, my Lord."

To ensure she wouldn’t say another word, I sank beneath the surface of the water, drowning out the world until I heard the faint thud of her footsteps leaving the room.

Under the water, my mind raced. Why were those witches out there? What were they searching for? That wizard was lucky the sun came up; I would have gladly ripped his head right off his neck. But then, the thought of the baby being safe inside the monastery, calmed me. It’s exhausting to babysit.

"My Lord," Finn's muffled voice called from the bedroom.

I broke the surface of the water, pulling myself up. "Speak."

"It's time for breakfast with the family, my Lord. Lord Rhys is waiting downstairs for you and Lady Ava."

I gave a nod and slid back into the water for one final moment of peace. When I finally stood up, Finn stepped forward, draping a heavy robe over my shoulders to cover my naked body. And prepared to join my family for breakfast.

Silas POV

I coughed up blood, clutching my aching belly as I forced myself to sit up.

"Ugh!" I groaned, the pain searing through my ribs.

I looked over at Aurora, who was still slumped against the tree, unconscious. Panicking, I reached for my neck, fumbling for the magnet rune. My fingers brushed against the shattered stone. It was broken.

"Damn it!" I hissed.

Why the hell did that monster attack us? He had fled the moment the sun broke the horizon. A vampire. A powerful one too. I hadn't even been able to get a clear view of his face in the dark.

"Now how are we supposed to track the baby?" I muttered through gritted teeth.

I heard movements. Aurora was finally pushing herself up, holding her head in pain.

"Aurora. Aurora, over here," I called out.

"What happened?" She blinked, looking around at the ruined woods. "Wait... the magnet!"

"It's broken," I said bitterly. "The vampire shattered it."

Her brow furrowed as she rubbed her eyes, forcing herself to her feet. "A vampire?"

"Yes, a vampire. He raced off when the sun came up. Damn it, I wish I could have seen his face clearly," I groaned, holding out a hand. "Hey, help me up."

She stumbled over and grabbed my arm, pulling me to my feet as I winced. Limping out of the woods, we made it back to the car and drove towards the sanctuary.

Aurora helped me into the healing bay, where Liv, Aeterna’s assistant, immediately rushed over to attend to me.

"What happened to you two?" Liv asked, her eyes wide.

"We were ambushed."

"By whom?" Aeterna’s commanding voice cut through the room as she entered the bay.

"It was a monster. A real vampire," I spat through my teeth.

Liv carefully tore open my bloody shirt, gasping as she revealed the deep, purple bruises shaped like a fist bruised into my skin.

"A fledgling?" Liv asked, looking toward Aeterna.

"No, an actual vampire," I insisted. "I couldn't get a clear look, but he was very strong."

Aeterna frowned, her face hardening. "It has been years since we have spotted a true vampire in those parts, Silas. Are you certain of what you saw?"

"Goddamn it, Aeterna, I know what I saw!" I snapped, the frustration boiling inside me. "If I hadn't been caught off guard, I would have ended him. I just don't understand why the hell he attacked us."

"Stop it, Silas," Aurora murmured softly, placing a warning hand on my shoulder.

Aeterna didn't reply. She stared at me in silence for a long moment, her eyes dropping to the shattered pieces of the magnet rune in Aurora's hand. Without a word, she took the broken pieces and walked out of the room.

Sister Joan's POV

I woke up and glanced over at Nova's cot. She was staring out the window and smiling. My eyes followed her gaze, and I gasped. A dark figure was floating right outside in the night air, staring back at her as she cooed at it.

I tried to get up, but my body froze out of terror. Suddenly, the figure glanced back toward the dark tree line and sped off into the woods like a shadow. The moment it disappeared, the paralysis lifted. I rushed over to the window and scanned outside the dark forest, but it was already gone.

Down in her cot, Nova was still smiling, staring out into the empty night.

The next morning, I went straight to the Abbess’s office.

"Good morning, Mother Lucy."

"Come in, Joan," Mother Lucy said warmly. "How is baby Nova doing? I learnt that she has grown so fond of you."

"She is fine, Mother," I hesitated, gripping my robes tightly before speaking. "I... I wish to be transferred to the church in Ketchikan. And I would like to take Nova with me."

Mother Lucy looked up, her brow furrowing with suspicion. "Why? Is something wrong here?"

"No, not at all," I lied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I just wish to work with the church in Ketchikan. And since Nova only allows me to take care of her, I believe it would be best if she came along."

Mother Lucy stared at me for a long moment, studying my face. "Hmmm. Very well, Sister. If that is what you wish, I will sign your transfer documents."

"How long will it take to process, Mother?"

She gave me another long look. "A day at most, since the recommendation is coming from me. Are you sure you are okay, Sister Joan? Has anyone here made you uncomfortable?"

I forced a reassuring smile, trying to hide the fear of what I had seen hours ago. "Nothing is wrong, Mother. I am just eager to serve the church in Ketchikan."

"Alright, then. I wish you and Nova the best."

"Thank you, Mother," I said, bowing slightly as I left the office.

As I walked down the stone corridor toward my room, my hand gripped the silver cross around my neck. Whatever I had seen last night was not an illusion. I was certain of it.

And whatever that creature was, I knew it would return.