Chapter 57 : The dead, the gone, and the mad

I don't know when we started dancing. We just suddenly were. It was a slow dance. More a waltz than any other style of dancing. I had my arms around him, hugging him to me. Just basking in the warmth of the being I was stuck with and could almost call a friend.

We were swaying to a sad song, him humming the lyrics when I started crying.

"What is it, Antonio?" Benedictis asked, concerned.

I was silent, just letting the tears fall.

Grieving.

"Nothing," I said, barely above a whisper. "Nothing is wrong, it's just..." I trailed off.

"Just what, Antonio?" Benedictis asked softly.

"...he loved this song, is all. Drake," I clarified at his confused expression.

He looked surprised but simply held me tighter.

"You really loved him."

"...he was just that...vibrant. He drew you in, like a moth to a flame. He was like sunlight itself, and I was a starved plant. He completed me in ways...I can't even explain, honestly."

"I just...loved him. So, so much. I was going to marry him, when I came of age. I know our parents had been talking about it and when I found out I was so giddy. To know that my golden boy..that Drake felt the same about me! I...I miss him. Very much."

"How can I complete with that?" He muttered, but I was too drunk to understand his babble.

"Have you ever loved anyone?" I asked him, looking up at him through my lashes.

He was silent, and I took the chance to get a spin out of him before he answered me.

"Once...there was this fille, from my village when I was human. She was beautiful. She had locks the color of ice and eyes the shade of blood. She was breathtaking."

"What happened to her?"

"She...died. Murdered in her bed. They never found the killer."

"I feel that you are simplifying things."

He was amused. "I am. But you are an innocent and pure garçon, Antonio. You don't need all the gory details."

I hummed.

"I guess..." I hedged.

"You don't. Now, I think there is a lake three doors done with the perfect weather. Shall we?"

"...only because skinny dipping is on my bucket list."

"Bucket list?"

He asked. So I explained it to him.

"I should make one of those."

"You should," I agreed and followed him out the door into the infinite hallway.

-

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-

It has been almost a month since Antonio's disappearance.

Irene's lost it. Like, completely.

Always muttering about her little boy.

I think she needs help.

Bad.

I need help.

We all need help.

Thankfully, Irene's mother arrived just in time and is looking after the children.

I'm so happy I have a mother-in-law.

I love my dads but they seriously don't have a mothering bone in their bodies.

That's what happens when an Alpha vampire and a beta demon get together (bond) and have a baby (aka me).

At least you know that I'm sheltered.

They took care of Antonio whilst I was gone, at least.

Knowing that my son unlocked his abilities because of the overwhelming grief he had over me breaks my heart.

It shouldn't have happened like that. He should have awoken naturally. Once he reached a certain age, a certain maturity. He's mature, sure, but he's not prepared for this.

It happened too early, and I fear for him, so soon after Drake..merging with the Teron will be hard for him. Wherever he is. He's alive. I know he is.

He has to be.

Otherwise this family is doomed.

I never realized he was the thing holding it together until he was gone.

I miss you, Antonio.

And I love you.