Raven

by Suzy Turner

CHAPTER THIRTY

  “Lilly, Lilly,” said a soft voice as I felt a damp cloth being dabbed across my forehead. I looked up to see Tabitha smiling down at me. Zoltan stood at her side.

  I had been carefully laid on the bed in which I had slept the last few nights. “How did I get here?” I asked and then I turned my head to see the empty bed to my side.

  “Jo!” I shouted and jumped up. I suddenly had a vision of her death and I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. It almost winded me and I had to sit back down again.

  “I'm so sorry, Lilly. Carmelo had no choice. It was the only way she could live.”

  “I'm okay,” I said, “can I see her?” I asked.

  Zoltan shook his head, “They won't let anyone see her for a while. She needs some time to adjust to the change. They're not quite sure how it's going to work, her being a changeling and all.”

  I told them I needed to see Gabriel and so we walked to where he was waiting, sitting in a large armchair outside the door of the room where Jo was being cared for.

  “Oh Gabriel,” I said when I saw him. I rushed to his side and knelt down, putting my head on his knee.

  “There there. Don't worry, she'll be fine. I'm just sorry you had to see that,” he said reassuringly.

  “It's all my fault, Gabriel. I wanted to see Vivian for the last time. It wouldn't have happened if I hadn't gone down there to speak to her.” He gently stroked my back and assured me that it wasn't my fault at all.

  “It would have happened one way or another, Lilly. At least Jo is alive, in a manner of speaking. And this, this is something that she would have eventually wanted. She would have asked Carmelo to do it. Don't blame yourself, Lilly. Don't do that.”

  I heard noises from the other side of the door, and then it opened and Carmelo walked out, closing it behind him. He looked sad. My stomach twisted, fearing the worst.

  “Jo is going to be fine,” he said. “Lilly, I'm so sorry. I hope that one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me.”

  I stood up and stepped towards him. I put my arms around him and hugged him tightly, “Carmelo, there is nothing to forgive. You saved Jo. That is what matters. I just wish I hadn't wanted to speak to Vivian. This may never have happened otherwise,” I whispered.

  “Lilly!” shouted a voice from the other side of the door. Although it sounded like Jo, the voice was slightly different, smoother somehow but in pain. “Lilly!” she yelled again.

  Gabriel looked concerned, “Is it safe Carmelo? Surely not so soon?” he asked.

  Carmelo explained that when somebody becomes a vampire, they usually need weeks, sometimes months or more, to adjust to the transformation. They have a thirst for blood that cannot be quenched until they have mastered the art of control.

  “So at this stage, Gabriel, no, it is not safe,” he added.

  “But she wants to see me, and I want to see her,” I said, stepping forward and putting my hand on the key to unlock it.

  “No!” Gabriel yelled, “No, Lilly. I will not lose you,” and he tried to stand up. He was very weak though and he struggled.

  “Gabriel, please. If Carmelo comes in with me, and perhaps Ursula, I'll be safe. I need to see her. I'll be safe,” and he nodded his head and gave in. Tabitha knelt by his side and took his hand in hers tightly and they sat and waited patiently while I turned, took a deep breath and opened the door.

  Jo was lying on a bed, handcuffed. I was sure though that if she really became desperate she could easily break them off her wrists. I'd heard how strong vampires could be.

  I stepped further in and whispered her name.

  She turned to look at me, “Lilly,” she cried. She looked as if she was in a lot of pain and it hurt me to see her like that.

  Even in pain, she looked absolutely stunning. The combination of vampire, woman and raven had an extraordinary effect on her. She was beautiful before, but now everything about her beauty was increased a hundred fold. Her black hair had grown longer and even darker, if that was at all possible. Her blue eyes had turned so deep in colour that even though they continued to be blue, they were almost black. Her pale skin sparkled and her nails had become like talons.

  “Jo... I'm so sorry,” I whispered.

  Jo shook her head, “Lilly, eventually, this is what I would have wanted. I wanted to be with Carmelo and this would have been the only way. It was just sooner than I thought it would be, that's all,” and she squirmed and winced again. “Vivian is dead now. That's what really matters. When I can, I will come home, okay?” and I nodded as the tears rolled again. “Lilly... thank you. Tell my family I love them and that I will be home when I can. Please tell them the truth. Tell them they can't come here until I have control, okay? I love you Lilly and I will see you soon,” and she tried to wink at me. “Now go... please go,” she said as she pulled uncontrollably on the handcuffs, while Carmelo and Ursula held her down.

  “I love you too Jo. I will see you soon,” and I tried to smile as Ursula moved towards the door and opened it, ushering me out as I attempted to hold back the tears.