Chapter 4
Lucius was slipping.
His breath came in ragged gasps, each one shorter than the last. The silver dart still pulsed in his chest, glowing faintly under his skin like it was mocking him.
"No, no, no…" Esperanza whispered, kneeling beside him. "Stay with me.
He opened his mouth, but only a faint sound escaped. His hands shook. His eyes were losing focus.
"I'm going to help you," she said, voice trembling.
"You… can't he rasped.
"Don't tell me what I can't do."
She gripped the dart and yanked it free. Blood spilled, thick and dark. But the wound didn't close. Silver poisoned every drop.
Lucius coughed, pain shooting through his entire body.
"Silver won't heal on its own," he said hoarsely. "Not in here. Not surrounded by your kind."
"Then I'll give you something stronger.
His eyes snapped to hers. "Esperanza—no.
My blood can counter it.
You'll be marked,I know. If your father finds out
"He'll kill me."
They stared at each other, the weight of that truth thick between them.
"Don't," he whispered. "Don't ruin your life for me."
"It's already ruined," she said. "I kissed a wolf. I let him into my bed. I lied to my father."
"I'm not worth this.
She cupped his face. "You're the only thing that feels real."
Before he could stop her, she bit into her wrist. Fangs flashing.
Blood rose instantly—deep crimson, glowing faintly with power.
She brought it to his lips.
"Drink.
Esperanza
"Drink.
He hesitated for half a second…
Then his lips parted.
The moment her blood touched his tongue, his body arched off the bed.
Fire,Ice,Lightning,All at once
His veins lit up, silver burning out like poison expelled by fire. The wound on his chest began to close, the skin knitting back together as if rewinding time.
He gasped and swallowed more.
Esperanza held him steady, her hand trembling slightly.
She'd done it.
She'd saved him.
But she didn't know the cost yet. Outside the window, a shadow stood on the rooftop across the courtyard,Watching,Silent.
A figure in black armor.
A vampire knight.
Eyes glowing crimson with fury.
He turned without a word and disappeared into the night.
Inside, Lucius lay on the bed, breathing hard but alive.
Esperanza wiped the sweat from his forehead. "You're okay.
"You shouldn't have done that."
"Too late."
"You're marked now.
She nodded. "I know.
"That's not all," he whispered. "My kind… they'll feel it. Smell it. Know it.
She pulled her wrist back, the bite already healing.
"Then let them come."
"This blood… it bonds us, Esperanza. You know that, right?
Her throat tightened. "It was the only way."
"No. You chose me."
"I did."
His hand reached for hers. Their fingers tangled.
And then
A loud bang echoed downstairs.
Both of them jumped.
"What was that?" Lucius asked.
Esperanza moved to the window and peeked through the curtains.
Three black vans had pulled up at the gates.
"We're not alone."
She turned to him. "Can you stand?"
Lucius tried. His legs shook, but he managed to get up.
You need to leave now," she said,They'll smell your blood on me,Then I'll distract them"What about you?"I'll handle it."
"Esperanza"
She pulled him into a kiss desperate, fierce, like it might be the last.
Then she turned and opened her closet.
"There's a secret exit. Crawlspace leads to the back woods."
How do you "I've had it since I was twelve. Go."
He hesitated.
Then he moved toward the closet, staggering with each step.
Before slipping inside, he looked back at her.
"I owe you my life."
She smiled faintly. "Then don't waste it."
Downstairs, the front doors slammed open.
Footsteps thundered through the house.
Esperanza stood tall, her face composed.
A vampire knight entered the hallway, flanked by two guards.
"Where is he?"
"Who?"
"Don't play dumb," the knight growled. "We saw what you did. You gave him your blood
Her heart pounded, but she didn't flinch. "You have no proof."
"We don't need proof. The bond sings, Esperanza. You're tainted.
I saved a life.
You broke a law.
Then punish me."
The knight stepped closer. "You will be taken before the Council. They'll decide your fate.
She tilted her chin. "Let's go, then.
Outside, Lucius broke through the woods, breathing hard.
The scent of her blood still lingered on his lips.
He didn't look back.
He couldn't.
But he felt it deep in his bones.
She was in danger.
And he was the reason.