The Crimson Bond by Jonathan Litwinka

Author:Jonathan Litwinka [Litwinka, Jonathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B0DJHD3TQS
Goodreads: 220108957
Published: 2024-10-02T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9: Silken Threads of the Past

The moonlight streamed through the tall, arched windows of Duskveil Keep , casting soft beams across the stone floor of the quiet chamber. The fire in the hearth crackled softly, filling the room with a warm, flickering glow. This scene had become familiar to Eva , a nightly ritual she had come to cherish.

Isolde sat on a low stool, her back turned toward Eva, who gently brushed through the vampire’s silvery hair. The strands flowed like liquid moonlight between Eva’s fingers, and the rhythmic motion of the brush calmed them both. It was a simple but intimate act, one that soothed the tension of the day, allowing them to talk or simply sit in comfortable silence.

Tonight, however, Eva’s mind was restless, troubled by a question she had long been hesitant to ask.

Their conversations had always been candid—Isolde shared tales of distant lands, centuries-long experiences, and insights into the world’s shifting history. But there was one part of Isolde’s past Eva hadn’t yet inquired about. Tonight, though, the quiet intimacy between them gave her the courage to speak.

"Isolde?" Eva asked softly.

Isolde’s eyes fluttered open, though she didn’t turn around. "Yes?"

Eva hesitated, her fingers still caught in the silk of Isolde’s hair. "I’ve never asked… how you became a vampire. How it all happened."

The question hung in the air, and Eva felt Isolde’s posture stiffen, though only slightly. For a moment, she regretted bringing it up, fearing it would awaken painful memories. But after a brief silence, Isolde’s voice finally filled the space between them.

"You want to know the story of how I became what I am," Isolde said, her voice steady, yet distant, as though she were looking back through time. "It’s not an easy tale to tell."

Eva resumed brushing, her movements slower now as she focused fully on Isolde’s words.

"It was a long time ago," Isolde began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries. "As you know, I was born into the Duvalier family, a noble house respected in the valley below. My father was a kind but strong man, my mother wise and beloved by all. Our family had always looked after the people, offering protection and guidance. But one night… all of that changed."

She paused, her eyes unfocused, lost in the memory.

"A coven of vampires came to our home under the cover of darkness. They were led by a vampire older than any I’ve known since. He came not to offer an alliance, but to claim us as his own—our family’s strength, our influence—he wanted it all. When we resisted, they attacked, brutally and without mercy." Her voice softened as she added, "My mother died that night, trying to protect us."

Eva’s heart clenched, imagining the horror of it. "And the rest of your family?"

Isolde closed her eyes, her face momentarily tight with emotion. "My father, my siblings, and I were turned—forced into a new life we did not want. The hunger… it consumed us in those early days, and we struggled to control it.

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