Damon stood still in the hallway, consumed by thoughts of guilt. He blamed himself for all that had happened. If only he had been able to track her down sooner if only he hadn't let her out of his sight if only he had been stronger and more diligent in finding the right antidote to counteract that black magic.
"Young master," the physician's voice broke through Damon's thoughts. He swiftly turned around, eager to hear what the physician had to say. "Her vital organs are functioning normally again, but the blow to her abdomen caused severe damage to her ribs... I cannot say for certain if she will survive. It is now up to her to fight and wake up."
Desperation filled me as I asked, "Is there anything else you can do? If anyone could hear me, they would know that I am on the edge of losing my mind. If anything were to happen to my beloved, I swear, I will hunt down Alex and his armies. Every last one of them will pay, not even their children will be spared."
The physician bowed his head. "As I mentioned, young master, we have exhausted all available options. The rest now lies in her hands, her will to fight for her life."
"Leave my presence," I ordered, turning away. I listened to the fading sound of the physician's footsteps. This was the third day that Ava had been unconscious, and I had never felt this way before. The weight of worry hung heavily on my heart.
I feel like I'm withering, fading away along with her. "She can't leave," I whisper, my breath catching in my throat like a delicate flower unfurling. "She can't leave me now that I have found her again. I can only truly be myself with her. I can only find joy and laughter in her presence." I lift my gaze upwards, my expression turning into a frown. "If anything happens to her, I will curse you, Zeus. I will denounce you and even attempt to bring you down myself," I mutter, though I can't help but chuckle afterward because deep down, I know Zeus is far more powerful than me.
"Mr. D!" I hear a voice call out, and I divert my attention to the left, noting Zulu inching closer to me. "I heard what happened. Are you alright?"
Furrowing my brows, I frown. "I am fine, Zulu. It's Ava you should be concerned about."
"I only care about you, Mr. D," she says, folding her hands together. "You know very well that her fate does not matter to me."
"If she dies," I point my finger sharply at her, "I will make sure you pay for it." The words hang heavy in the air, and as she processes my threat, her face momentarily contorts into a frown before she nods.
"You care about her more than you care for me," Zulu states, her voice tinged with a hint of hurt and sadness.
"Isn't that obvious, Zulu?" I reply, my tone weighted with sincerity.
"I better find a new master then," she smiled. "You don't need to take me along with you. I will find a way on my own to break my curse."
Running my hands through my hair, I sigh. "I promise to help you, Zulu, and I will. But Ava has to wake up first. I love her, Zulu, and I will be devastated if she doesn't wake up."
"I understand," Zulu looks down, her voice filled with empathy. "I hope I find someone to love one day too."
Before I can respond, Anna rushes towards me, her breath ragged and tears streaming down her face. The urgency in her eyes indicates that something grave has happened. "What is it, Anna?"
"Brother Damon," she struggles to catch her breath. "Father and mother... they are dead." The words echo in my mind, filling me with shock and disbelief. "I found them in their room. It seems like they were still asleep before it happened."
"Take me there," I say, quickening my steps towards the king's room. As I push the door open, a pungent and dangerous odor fills the air, a venomous scent that could prove deadly upon inhalation. "Stand outside, Anna. I don't need you risking your life."
"Alright," she replies, her voice filled with worry.
Approaching their bed, I reach out and touch their lifeless hands, hoping against hope for any sign of life. But it becomes evident that their hearts have already ceased to beat, even before Anna entered the room to deliver the news of their passing.
Turning around, I furrow my brow as I examine Ava's healthy appearance. "Isn't this too dangerous for you too?" Anna asks, concern evident in her voice. I let out a chuckle.
"I'm not the weak boy you once knew, Anna," I reply, taking a step back and gazing at Ava's serene face. "I am something nobody knows of yet. Fedor is trying to deceive me, but little does he know what I have up my sleeves."
I had anticipated this all along. "Announce to the council that they are dead," I instruct, walking out of the room. Anna tries to catch up with me.
"What about the war at hand? The vampires are winning, and now we have no king," she voices her worries.
"Shut up and do as I say, Anna. Announce it and ensure their presence in the palace tomorrow," I respond with a smile. "Things are going to change, and trust me, you won't like it."
"Why should I do something I don't like and won't benefit from?" Anna questions, her confusion evident.
"Because I said so," I shoot her a deathly glare, causing her to flinch. "I want my orders delivered. I expect to win this. Those foolish vampires have crossed their limits."
"Wait...you mean you will be fighting?" she asks, startled.
"I never said such a thing," I dismiss Anna's question, not giving her a chance to argue. Ignoring her, I make my way towards the ward where Ava is placed. Stepping inside, I shut the door behind me and my gaze lands on Ava. Her face is pale, eyes closed, and my heart sinks. Sitting down beside her on the bed, I take her hand in mine. It feels unnaturally cold. "I'm sorry," I whisper, rubbing her hand with mine, my expression filled with remorse. "I let this happen to you. I let them hurt you. I let those bastards touch what's mine." Gently, I move her hand to my face and press a tender kiss against them, closing my eyes. "I'm sorry," I mutter, a single tear slipping from my eye.
My body refuses to stop producing these watery substances, and it starts to unsettle me. Why am I crying? I have never shed a tear for anyone in my life before, not even for Lara.
I was able to watch Lara die without shedding a single tear. Was it because she betrayed me? She left me for that bastard... These days, I can't help but ask myself if I ever truly loved Lara. Maybe it was just an obsession.
She reappeared suddenly, claiming she had no recollection of ever meeting me in her life, all because of Alex. She forgot about me... so easily?
Dropping Ava's hand, I shake my head, trying to push away the painful memories resurfacing in my mind. "With you, Ava," I manage to smile softly, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "With you, I find joy in experiencing new things." I exhale, hoping for her to wake up soon.