AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How do you even know?”
Carmen grips my hand tighter. Her eyes take on a faraway look. “Because once upon a time, I had a mother just like yours.”
Chapter Forty-One
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“My mother was not a witch like yours, but she treated me and my sister like dirt. It was better for us when she ignored us, and dragons help us if we tried to hide when she narrowed her gaze on us. We were lucky to live in a large house with servants who provided some comfort. Mother was never satisfied, though, with anything. The scars she caused stayed on my body and soul until I became a vampire.”
I raise my eyebrow at this new information. “When you became a vampire, they disappeared?”
“Yes,” Carmen says. “The transformation is taxing on body, mind, and soul. Not many survive, but those who do become something new, better. We don’t turn humans anymore, not for the past couple hundred years. After the chaos.”
It seems that the only downside of turning into a vampire so far would be giving up walking in daylight. A thought plants in my mind—a small, minuscule thought. I push it away before I can dwell on it more.
“Do you regret turning into a vampire?”
Carmen smiles, a wicked and toothy smile. “At first, yes. My only instinct was to kill. Everyone in sight looked like a fine meal. I almost destroyed my sister, the only one I loved in the world. It threw me into a quite a state. Eventually, I calmed down. Now? Now I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I love who I have become.”
The way Carmen talks about loving herself tugs at my heartstrings. I sigh, wishing I could be like her. Carmen studies me. “Have you read that book I picked for you? Love Yourself First?”
My face reddens, and I stare at my hands, shaking my head. “Not yet.”
She raises her chin and looks down her nose at me. “Trust me, child.”
“I’ll read it today.”
Carmen nods regally and stands up. She puts a hand on the side of my head. “Remember. You are not her. She is a true monster.”
She leaves, and silence takes over. I swing out of the bed and go to the bathroom, thinking while I turn on the tub water. The fragrant smell of soap fills the room and I step inside, washing the dirt and tears off my skin.
“Nava,” I say.
Yes?
“What do you know about turning into a vampire?”
I may know a bit about it.
“If it isn’t too much trouble, I would like to hear.”
Are you considering it?
I stay silent, not answering right away. “No. Not yet, at least. I would need to know more information. Would I still be able to talk to you if I were a vampire?”
Yes.
I exhale, relieved. Then I pause, wondering why I felt relief. Am I truly considering becoming a vampire? I shake my head, hoping the thoughts will dislodge. There is too much going on for me to be thinking of changing into a vampire. I still haven’t even figured out my magic.
My braids float around me, and I run soap through them. The bath temperature is starting to drop, and I wonder if I could warm it up with my magic. Closing my eyes, I float on my back, silencing my thoughts, searching inside for the storm. A gasp escapes my lips when I find it inside my core, replenished from finally sleeping. I did it. I actually made my own magic reserve by cutting my hair, I think to myself.
Excited, I grasp a small part and say a spell for warming the bath. Not too hot, not too cold. Just the right temperature. The water surrounding me heats up and I open my eyes, staring at the ceiling and grinning. When my finger wrinkles are deep, I slowly get out of the water. I grasp a tiny sliver of power and picture the water evaporating off my skin and hair. When I open my eyes, I am completely dry, and steam rises in the air.
A low, maniacal laugh slips from my lips. I step out of the tub and fling open the closet doors. The last time I was here, I chose dresses similar to the ones I was used to at home. Now? I’m picking what I want.
One by one, I hold the dresses up to my skin, discarding those that are scratchy, too long, or plain. Whoever stocked this closet had taste, so thankfully it does not take much time. I finally pick a dark purple dress, one bordering on black, lined with silver embroidery along the hem. The sleeves stop at my shoulders, and though my scarred arms are exposed, I pay no mind. The back dips lower than any dress I’ve ever worn, and I twirl, feeling absolutely beautiful. Nava climbs on, nestling into her usual spot under my ear, in the shadow of my hair. I barely feel her on my skin, but knowing she is there provides a certain level of comfort.
I run back to the bathroom to see my reflection. I stare into the mirror, admiring the way the dress contrasts against my skin and hair. Resolve settling in my heart, I say a promise to myself. “I will shed no more tears for that creature masquerading as a mother.”
