"You have forced Lilith to be your blood bag," Cole's voice was measured, his gaze holding a depth of knowledge that sent a shiver down my spine.
"What do you mean?" I asked, crossing my arms. The thoughts of our conversation were still settling. Was it me not understanding, or was I deciding to be ignorant because the truth was too much?
"Without her blood you will die..."
I met his gaze, my own eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and a gnawing sense of truth. "Without Lilith, I wouldn't be here!"
My words carried a weight that echoed in the space between us. The truth was undeniable—I owed my existence, my transformation, was all thanks to Lilith's. But the realization came with a surge of conflicting emotions.
Cole's expression remained steady, his eyes holding mine in a silent exchange that seemed to span an eternity. His words had struck a nerve, exposing the uncomfortable reality of the choices I had unwittingly made.
"You're right," he finally conceded, his voice softening slightly. "But it doesn't change the fact that you've been thrust into a life you never want for a purpose."
Aggravation bubbled within me, a mix of anger at the situation and a frustration that I couldn't fully comprehend. I had never asked for this existence, never desired to owe someone for my very survival.
"I never wanted this 'purpose'," my voice carried a hint of bitterness, a reflection of the turmoil that churned within me. "I never wanted to owe someone, to hurt someone just to live."
Cole's gaze held a mixture of empathy and understanding, as if he had witnessed this internal struggle countless times before. "None of us asked for this, Evelyn. We are all bound by a legacy that stretches beyond our control. But what you do with this existence, the choices you make—that is what defines you."
His words held a truth that resonated deep within me. I couldn't change the circumstances that had led me to this point, but I had agency in how I navigated this new world of shadows and power.
"I won't let this define me. I am not who you want me to be." I snapped back
Cole's lips curved into a faint, approving smile. "Not yet... You can embrace the power within you and not lose sight of your humanity. It's a delicate balance, but it is possible."
As I stood there amidst the stone corridors of Juniper's Den, I felt a renewed sense of worry. I had snapped out about my situation, but I still felt a growing concern for Lilith. How could I do that to her? I was a monster.
I slowly lifted my hands to my mouth. The taste of her still lingered.
Cole's gaze softened, and he seemed to sense the turmoil raging within me. "You're not a monster, Evelyn. You're a hybrid, like the rest of us. What defines you is how you use the power within you."
His words offered a glimmer of solace, a reminder that I could still navigate this treacherous path without losing myself entirely. But the weight of my actions, of what I had done to Lilith, hung heavily on my conscience.
"I need to talk to her," I whispered, my voice trembling with a mix of guilt and worry.
Cole nodded in understanding. "You will have a chance to do so, but first, you must understand the gravity of your actions. Feeding on a fellow hybrid, especially without their consent, is a breach of trust and a violation of our code."
His words weighed on me, a stark reminder of the consequences of my choices. I had acted out of instinct and need, but I had also betrayed the trust of someone who had shown me kindness and guidance.
"What will happen to me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Cole's expression grew serious. "That will depend on Lilith's decision. She has the power to forgive you, to sever the bond you unwillingly formed. But she also has the right to decide your fate."
My heart clenched at the thought of Lilith having the power to cast me aside, to condemn me for my actions. I couldn't bear the idea of losing the one person who had offered me guidance in this bewildering new world.
Cole placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his touch grounding me amidst the storm of emotions. "Whatever happens, Evelyn, you must remember that you have the capacity for both darkness and light within you. It's up to you to choose which path to follow."
With a heavy heart, I nodded, my thoughts consumed by the weight of my actions and the uncertain future that lay ahead. I had been thrust into a world of shadows and power, and now, I had to find a way to navigate it without losing myself in the process.
Slowly, I turned from Cole's gaze and put my back to him. Was I to return to my new bed chambers or wait here? The smooth, glossy stone mirrored the flickering light of nearby torches. The shadows cast images on the areas around me.
I thought back to the voice in the shadows. The one who called for me. Was that the person she warned me about? Did I so easily fall into the trap that was set for me?
A part of me felt even more foolish than before. I was in trouble already, but now... Now, I was to be a burden.
Cole's voice pulled me out of my wallowing, and I turned to face him once more.
"She should come here when she makes her decision. She will sever the bond or agree to forgive you and accept that you will require her to feed. In the meantime, I will return again and help pass the time by training you." He said before turning to leave.
It didn't help that I was already having difficulty focusing on anything else but myself. Then he mentioned Lillith returning, and something made my stomach churn.
"H-How does the bond get severed?" I asked. My throat slowly grew tight with my words.
Cole had stopped just as he turned around the corner; his eyes slowly met mine. "She will have to kill you." He said plainly before disappearing behind the wall.