I turned my head away and pulled myself out of his half-embrace. “Although it wasn’t meant to be mine, it happened. Look at me! Daray, there’s no going back!”
Donovan let out his wicked laugh, but stopped as soon as the werewolves roughed him up some more.
Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph moved over closer. I looked at them blankly, unsure of what to do or say. They took a stand on either side of me and held onto my hands.
“We love you no matter what time of day you walk,” Uncle Dane said.
“You’ll always be our Shanntal,” Auntie Steph assured.
I squeezed their hands tightly and they both squirmed. “I’m so sorry,” I said, embarrassed as I relaxed my grip. I’d forgotten about my new powers and the strength that came with them.
Too bad I wasn’t strong enough to defeat Donovan or keep myself from changing. If only I’d called out for help sooner. What made me think I could handle this on my own? I knew I was in over my head, yet still did it anyway. What was wrong with me? I’d gone in bravely to face the beast only to end up losing the battle. I hung my head with shame once again. I didn’t feel right in this body or with these fangs. I didn’t want to live this way.
I lifted my head and looked over at Jayce. Our eyes met for a brief time, but I felt nothing. I was no longer connected. I lost my love because I’d become the monster. It had been the same way between me and Daray. The only difference this time was that I was the vampire and I was the one who lost my true love. I looked away just as Jayce did.
I was going to die; as soon as the sun rose I’d put myself out of this misery. There was no way I’d ever kill just to be confined to an eternity of roaming endless nights. It wasn’t the life I was born to live. There was no way I wanted to be alive if I couldn’t be with Jayce. He meant everything to me. My emotions were so confusing. I felt love, yet couldn’t have it. I felt strong, yet I was weak. The only true emotion was bitterness. My life was stolen, as were the lives of my family and friends, and I resented every second of it.
Jayce walked up to me while the nightwalkers held onto Donovan, who appeared to be enjoying every second of my torment. He’d gotten what he wanted.
Jayce stood in front of me looking squarely in my eyes. “I’ll love you forever. Remember? You said that. Those are your words. This isn’t forever so get that stupid idea out of your head right now!”
“You knew what I was thinking?”
“I am always connected. You can’t feel me now because of your changes, but maybe you’ll be able to feel this.” He leaned in, pressing his warm lips against mine.
His fiery kiss stung my mouth. Sharp shocks zapped all over my lips. The warmth of him, his kiss, all hurt my skin and I pulled away. “I can’t do this.”
“I understand.” He gently tilted my head up under my chin so I looked him in the face again. “Please don’t give up on us. We can do this. There’s got to be a way. I promise, we’ll figure this out.”
Everything had changed and I wasn’t handling it well. I envied the vampires, loving how seductive they were. How they appealed to everyone, sucking in their prey and lovers until the moment that hunger took over and then it was too late. Their strength was impressive and the night wasn’t so bad. I’d often found the darkness comforting. The problem for me was, I couldn’t be with Jayce and I couldn’t live without him. Another thing bothering me was acknowledging that I’d have to kill innocents in order to survive. The thought of taking a life from another placed a pit in my stomach. I couldn’t even do it to Donovan after everything he’d done to me and to the people I cared about most. I’d never survive as a vampire. I wasn’t supposed to be like this. I felt defeated and ashamed because I never called for help when I had the chance. Now, I had lost everything that mattered and there was no going back.
I watched everyone come together in my defense. Aiden and Makan assisted the werewolves in holding Donovan captive, while Kael and Kaleb chatted with Daray and Lakylee trying to decide what they should do with him. Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph stayed quite close to me and Layla never strayed too far. She was a very loyal friend and even though I had changed, the bond we made stayed intact.
Overall, the nightwalkers were disappointed by the fact that Donovan had managed to change me, but they treated me the same as before. I hadn’t killed anyone so I wasn’t like them — not yet.
“We should tie him up and let the sun turn him to ash,” someone shouted.
“Cut off his head!” yelled a wolf.
“Cut out his black heart!” screamed Meriel.
“Guys, please,” I begged. Here I was pleading for the man who killed my family and turned me into one of his nightwalkers. I wasn’t sure why, but the thought of him being killed broke my heart. I didn’t want anyone to die... not even him.
I walked over towards Donovan, who was still being held. I moved up quite close so I could look him squarely in the eye. “Don’t you see that there’s a better way? This is the proof. Look around you.” I said, pointing at all the different beings gathered. Vampires, werewolves, daywalkers, elements, a unicorn, fairies, shape shifters, we were all on the same side. Species stood mixed amongst each other showing no animosity because we stood united.
I watched Donovan eye everyone closely. I remained hopeful as I waited to see if he understood and accepted what we’d done. Considering the predicament he was in, it was in his best interest to agree. Being united was much better than being at ends with one another.
“I do see what you mean,” he replied.
“Guys, please let him go. This isn’t right. No one deserves to have their life taken from them.” I looked Donovan straight in the eyes. “No one does!”
One by one, they let go of their grip on him. From their expressions I could easily see they thought I was crazy, but out of respect, they did as I asked. Donovan was free to roam around and do as he wished. He was free to live.
I tried to welcome his freedom because I wanted him to feel like he belonged. Belonging would be easier for him to adjust to our new way of life. Donovan stood free, although he seemed somewhat uneasy. He cautiously eyed me up and down.
“It’s really okay. I mean it, you’re free to go and live your life.” I was hoping he’d be able to blend in and we could put the past behind us.
He looked at Sauda, over at me, then back at Sauda. Within a split second he shot out of his spot aiming directly for me. It all happened so fast. He appeared blurred from the speed of his lunge and I didn’t have time to react.
Meriel stood shielding me. She looked back in what felt like slow motion and smiled sweetly. One thing came into my mind. This was just irresponsible of her to pull such a stunt. The world could live without me; no one could live without her.
“No!” I yelled out.
Uncle Dane, who was closest, heard my scream and saw what was about to happen. In the last second, he jumped in front of us. Donovan landed hard, smashing into him as he ripped and tore at Uncle Dane’s throat. Uncle Dane fell limply to the ground as Auntie Steph and I screamed out.
He saved Meriel and me. He sacrificed himself to save us from the monster I’d just shown pity to. He was so brave, so selfless, this wasn’t right. He wasn’t supposed to die. It wasn’t right… it just wasn’t right.
Shocked, I turned to look at Donovan. How could he do something like this after I just spared his life?
Now the nightwalkers were dealing with Donovan on their own accord. The mercy I’d shown him was a mistake and there was no way I’d make it again. I turned my head around, ignoring his pleas for help. The last sound I heard from Donovan was his voice calling out to Sauda, followed by painful screams. Then, silence. The nightwalkers had rid the world of the monster named Donovan and he’d never be able to hurt anyone ever again.
I focused back on Uncle Dane, who lay weak on the ground, blood spilling out from his wounds. I knelt down and held onto his hand. “Please don’t go. Please… I need you. I can’t do this alone.” I choked on my sobs, un
able to see through my blurred eyes. I was thankful my tears had returned in order to smudge the sight of him because I didn’t want to see how bad the wounds were. I already knew things weren’t looking good. More and more tears flowed. This wasn’t fair. I couldn’t lose him too.
Auntie Steph calmly walked over and placed a caring hand upon my shoulder. “Shanntal, it’s okay, honey. This is our time. You’re fine now and you always will be. Your friends love you and you’ll never be alone.”
Uncle Dane lay gasping, holding onto his last bits of life. She should’ve been a complete mess too. This was her husband, her soul mate. I didn’t understand. The only thing that seemed clear was this all felt so wrong.
Gabriella came towards the group surrounding Uncle Dane. As soon as I spotted her I got up and pushed my way through the crowd pleading for help. “You’ve got to help him. Please heal him. He can’t die. He just can’t!”
‘Shanntal, I’m sorry. You already know I cannot help him. I warned you of this the last time, I’m not able to step in again. Destiny has its own plans and I won’t interfere.’
“It’s the only way to save him!” I shouted.
‘I’m truly sorry, but there’s nothing I can do.’
Grief stricken, I turned around in time to watch as my beloved uncle took his last breath of life. I reeled from my pain. My friends came nearer to try to help comfort me. Condolences poured in and I appreciated their support, but it wasn’t enough. My uncle was gone. He was dead.
I looked over at Auntie Steph, who had just witnessed her beloved husband die, and strangely enough, she wore the biggest smile across her face. She absolutely beamed from head to toe. I stopped crying, looking at her, purely mystified. What was she doing? Had I missed something?
“We love you very much, Shanntal. We have since the first moment you came into our lives and we will for all time. Please don’t be sad. Keep your faith and hopes alive knowing that we’ll always be with you.” She winked at me before turning her head towards the sky.
Everything I’d ever known had changed and the one person who I’d begun to always count on was gone. Always with me, nonsense! She uttered the impossible. Uncle Dane was dead.
A brilliant pink light came down, embracing my uncle’s corpse and lifting him easily up into the night sky. Within the light, Uncle Dane was alive and well. He smiled and waved before blowing me a kiss, as the light brought him towards Auntie Steph. A moment later, the light consumed her and the two of them stood locked in a romantic embrace. Rays of light spread out all around them.
I quickly glanced around checking to see if the lights were too bright for the nightwalkers. I didn’t want anyone getting hurt. They all stood with smiles upon their faces. This light was different and it seemed harmless to them. In all the confusion, I momentarily forgot that I was also a nightwalker and that if the light did hurt, I would’ve felt it.
Relieved that no one was hurting, I spun back around to see my aunt and uncle kiss one another passionately. They were beautiful. I felt joy knowing they were so happy together.
My uncle spoke sweetly. “You’ll be okay, everything will work out. We love you very much and are extremely proud to have been able to call you family. Keep making us proud, kiddo!”
“I love you guys too. Thank you for always being there. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
“No sweetheart, we understand because we love you just as much.” Auntie Steph waved.
The light surrounding them increased as it gently took them up into the night sky. Their glow brightened more and more as they went up higher and higher. Finally I understood. They were going up to the stars, where they’d be together. Where they’d always remain happy. Instantly, my sadness disappeared and was replaced by sheer delight. My aunt and uncle were happy, in love, and they’d be together forever.
We all watched as the dazzling light took them up to unite them with the other stars. We had just witnessed the biggest honor one could receive in the immortal world. It was heartbreaking and indescribably beautiful.
Jayce grabbed onto my hand and held it tightly. “Now do you understand why I didn’t want to rush?“ He leaned over, kissing me gently on the cheek.
Once again, his kiss burned and I flinched away, trying to avoid the shock. He backed off, giving me space as my new reality sunk back in. I was a nightwalker now and this was going to be very hard for us to work through. I loved his warm kisses, but with my blood running cold, they hurt and I found them too painful to stand.
With a calm expression Jayce looked towards Gabriella and nodded his head once.
Suddenly, the nightwalkers formed a circle around me, just as I felt a harsh hunger come over me. I was starving, craving blood, like I never wanted anything else before. I eyed everyone, trying to locate my prey. Blood was near because I smelled it and felt it pulsating through the nearby heart. I growled in agony from the hunger pains and that’s when my eyes locked on Meriel. She’d seemed eager to put herself in danger before, so why not now?
I took a step forward, licking my lips, imagining what she’d taste like. The thought of her blood had my mouth watering uncontrollably. I took another small step before lunging towards her. I smashed up against vampires and werewolves who covered every inch of my sight as they circled in tighter. I tried to see around them, but Meriel was gone from my sights. I looked around for Jayce who was also not in my view. Gabriella, Kaleb and Kael were nowhere to be seen. The daywalkers had left me behind.
“Help me! Someone, please!” I yelled out, feeling the space around me getting smaller and smaller. I tried pushing my way through the fangs around me, but they were too strong. I cowered in a small ball until I lunged to make my escape, but two angry werewolves growled and I immediately shrunk back down. This was it; they were going to finish me off. I waited…
Minutes passed before there was a break in the circle. Gabriella moved towards me shinning brighter than the stars as she casted off the darkness from the nightwalkers. I looked up at her and stared deep into her eyes, begging for help. I never actually brought myself to say the words aloud; instead I buried them back down deep inside. I had to accept my fate. I was a vampire now and it meant I should walk alongside my fellow nightwalkers.
‘My child, come forward.’ Gabriella said, shaking her long, white mane. Little rays of light flew off her, covering me like specks of dust. She shook her head another time and the same thing happened, more specks clung onto me.
The circle the nightwalkers had formed around me started to recede from view as the specks of light clung on. I found myself wrapped up in their beauty. They resembled the star that had come down earlier for Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph. These little lights were beautiful, but I soon noticed that they weren’t the same because these ones hurt my eyes. I quickly closed them so the burning would stop.
“We’ve got it from here, guys,” I heard Jayce say.
I opened my eyes up, but squinted from the brightness. Jayce walked over and shook Daray’s hand. “Seriously, I can’t thank you enough. We couldn’t have done this without your help.”
“What’s going to happen to her?” Daray asked.
Lakylee held onto his hand, wearing a worried look as she bobbed up and down trying to see what was going on with me. I looked around and found that no one had left. Everyone stayed to make sure I was okay. These truly were my friends who loved and cared about me. The tiny flicks of light clinging to me became brighter. The more I thought about how much I was loved, the bigger and brighter the lights grew.
“She’ll be just fine,” Jayce said as he looked over and smiled.
“We’ll be back at nightfall to check in on her. Good luck!” The group of nightwalkers headed off to find shelter before another day dawned.
My dearest friends resumed the circle and surrounded me. Jayce, Kaleb, Kael, Layla, the elements, even shy Kynthia stuck around. Other daywalkers who had come to fight stood mixed in with my friends. As I took in each and every one of their faces, the lig
hts on me grew. My eyes locked with Jayce, my heart fluttered, and suddenly I was consumed in a white light so pure and bright, it mimicked the sun.
I felt strange, weak, even faint. I stumbled, briefly losing my balance from the dizziness, but managed to catch myself and plant my feet firmly back on the ground. I needed to hold it together and stay in one place. I stumbled again; my world spun making me even more disorientated. The bright lights blinded me until I couldn’t see anything anymore. I closed my eyes trying to escape the light, but it was even bright behind my eyelids. Was I going up to the stars with Jayce? Was it our turn?
I found comfort in the thought of heading towards the stars with my love. It made the pain of the light seem not as unbearable. The light continued to shine and it felt like hours passed with the brilliant glow around me. It hadn’t taken this long for Uncle Dane and Auntie Steph, so why was it taking so long for me? I reached out, but couldn’t feel Jayce. He was nowhere around me. I wasn’t going to shoot up to the stars alone, was I? I wanted to open my eyes, but the light was still too bright.
Escaped the Night Page 28