Vincent leaned back against the van's new upholstery, his focus fixed on the road a head.
Meanwhile, Erika slumbered soundly within the confines of a white coffin tucked away in the van's dimly lit interior. Though she possessed a high tolerance for the sun's harsh rays, she still choose to hide in the safety of her coffins.
As they traveled along the road, he gazed out at the breathtaking view of Colorado Springs. Towering mountains adorned with a majestic cloak of evergreen forests framed the landscape, their peaks kissed by fluffy white clouds.
The vibrant hues of nature painted the scene, with wildflowers sprinkling the fields in a kaleidoscope of colors, from fiery reds to delicate blues and sunny yellows. Crystal-clear streams cascaded down the rocky slopes, their gentle babbling adding a soothing melody to the scenery.
The air held a crisp freshness, carrying with it the fragrance of pine needles and earth, creating an invigorating atmosphere. The beauty of Colorado Springs captured his attention, momentarily transporting him into a serene moment of appreciation for nature's grandeur.
Nonetheless, he was clearly aware that their purpose in this place extended far beyond sightseeing.
"Is everything in order?" he asked, his gaze fixed on the driver assigned to him for this rescue mission. The clock had struck five o'clock in the afternoon, and the fading light cast a shadow over their surroundings.
"We were able to bribe someone to get an access key to the enemy HQ, but the security is very tight, so you still need to be careful, Master Vincent" the driver explained cautiously.
"Is that person someone we can count on?" he asked, his tone tinged with skepticism. He knew that relying on an unfamiliar person could potentially lead them into a trap, and he wanted to ensure their safety and success.
"Don't worry, Master Vincent. Mother Evangeline has already made preparations. We kidnapped a family member of that person to ensure he won't betray us," the guide replied with a proud expression.
However, Vincent couldn't help but feel conflicted. "Kidnap?" he thought to himself. It gave him an unsettling sensation, as if they were starting to cross the line into villainous territory.
'No, that's not right,' he muttered to himself, his voice filled with self-reflection.
'From the very beginning, I never thought of myself as a good guy. I've already taken so many lives; I can't pretend to be innocent now.' he acknowledge that he was never like the protagonist depicted in movies, where they could achieve results through the power of friendship and righteousness.
He understood that he had become stronger by stepping on others, and he had already come to terms with that truth.
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Within the depths of the forest, under the starry night sky, a mesmerizing scene unfolded. Majestic pine trees reached towards the heavens. The cool night air carried a symphony of scents, blending the invigorating aroma of evergreen with the earthy perfume of fallen leaves and the gentle hint of moist moss.
"It's already nighttime, It's time to wake up" Vincent whispered, his words carried away by a soft breeze that rustled through the surrounding trees.
As if responding to his statement, the white coffin before him emitted a creak. Slowly, the lid of the coffin swung open, revealing the sleeping figure of of a very beautiful woman.
There she lay, her ethereal beauty undiminished by the passage of time. Her porcelain skin glowed with an almost supernatural hue, contrasting starkly against the darkness of the night.
She slowly opened her eyes and it immediately glowed black-red ,making her beauty much more enigmatic.
Stepping out of the coffin, she took in the sight before her—a sprawling forest, its vastness embracing her in a serene and peaceful setting.
The moon cast a gentle glow upon the landscape, illuminating the path ahead and casting long shadows among the towering trees. The quietness of the night enveloped the surroundings, broken only by the occasional hoot of an owl or the rustle of wildlife in the underbrush.
A smile formed on her face as she took in the serene surroundings. For a brief moment, she felt a connection to the natural world around her. The corners of her lips curved upward, reflecting her genuine appreciation and contentment with the tranquil setting.
"Did you like the view?" Vincent asked, intrigued by Erika's reaction. As a werewolf, he, too, held a deep appreciation for the untamed wilderness. There was a part of him that felt a unique connection to nature in this place, and he found himself feeling stronger and more attuned to his instincts. He was curious if she had the same feelings.
"I just remembered something from the past. We used to live in a forest like this," Erika replied, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
'So beautiful' Vincent found himself unable to resist admiring her ethereal beauty in that moment. He had grown accustomed to witnessing her fierce and headstrong demeanor, but now, a different side of her unfolded before his eyes. It was a glimpse into the depths of her being, reminding him that beneath her formidable power, she remained a delicate and vulnerable woman.
"Erika... if you don't mind, can you tell me why you've been feeling under the weather lately?" he finally asked. He had noticed a change in her demeanor ever since they left California, sensing that she wasn't quite her usual self. He wanted to understand what might be troubling her and offer any support he could.
Erika paused for a moment, contemplating whether it was okay to open up to him about her inner struggles. However, as she recalled her past and the comforting presence of Fenrir, she realized the importance of sharing her burdens with someone she trusted, and right now, Vincent was that person. He was the only person she truly trusted in this world.
Taking a deep breath, she decided to confide with him.
"It's about my little brother. I've been trying to reconcile with him, but it seems that he's still harboring anger and resentment for what happened before." she began, her voice tinged with a touch of sadness.
"I just wish I could find a way to mend our relationship, to heal the wounds that have driven us apart. But it's been a struggle, and it weighs heavily on me." her gaze shifted, meeting Vincent's eyes.
Vincent remained silent for a moment, his mind processing her words and empathizing with her struggle. While he didn't have biological siblings to speak of, he understood the impact that conflicts within family relationships could have on one's heart.
His thoughts drifted to his own bond with Nathan. They had weathered countless challenges together, their shared experiences forging a deep connection that transcended blood ties. The mere thoughts of their relationship possibly crumbling into mere strangers also scared him .
Finally, he spoke softly, his voice filled with comfort.
"I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you. Family conflicts can truly be heart-wrenching. It takes time and patience to heal the wounds and rebuild trust. Sometimes, it may require consistent effort and understanding from both sides."
"If there's anything I can do to support you, please don't hesitate to let me know. Sometimes having someone by your side can make all the difference." He paused, choosing his words carefully. He hoped that his offer of support would provide her with a sense of comfort and reassurance during this challenging time.
"Geesh, you really know how to make me smile," Erika was touched by his words, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. Feeling a surge of affection,
"I need to reward you for being such a sweat talker " She gently reached out and touched Vincent's face, leaning in for a tender kiss. As their lips met, a rush of warmth spread through her body, her heart beating faster with each passing second.
"Please embrace me ," she whispered. With each touch, every stolen glance, the tension between them grew.
Vincent's grip tightened as he buried his face in her hair, inhaling her alluring scent. Every touch, every movement, brought them closer, their bodies entwined in an embrace that was filled with emotions.
In that moment, Vincent's realization hit him with undeniable clarity.
He finally admitted that he loved Erika. It was a different kind of love, yet just as deep as the love he felt for Sophia, Evangeline, and Isabella. Each of these women held a unique place in his heart, and he cherished them all deeply.
Though he might treat them differently based on their individual dynamics and connections, he recognized their equal importance in his life. It was a realization that brought both joy and a deeper understanding of his own emotions.
Then as his emotions settled within him, something unexpected occurred deep within his being. An entity began to emerge from his soul, a presence that seemed both familiar and otherworldly. The entity took on the form of a very beautiful woman, her ethereal presence filled with longing and passion.
She gazed at the image of Vincent and Erika, understanding the depth of their bond. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of emotions—joy, longing, and a touch of melancholy. She knew, however, that it was not yet the time for her to reveal herself fully to the world. There were still matters to be resolved, paths to be walked, and destinies yet to unfold.
With a soft smile on her lips, she retreated back into Vincent's soul, leaving a lingering presence that would continue to influence his journey. She would patiently wait for the right moment, knowing that her time would come when the threads of fate intervene once again.
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m