chapter 28 Blood and prophecy

Her instincts screamed at her to move, to run, but she knew any sudden motion might hasten her demise. She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable.

Then-warmth. A tingling sensation, almost soothing yet laced with an eerie sharpness. Her eyes shot open in shock. Alexander had her hand firmly in his grip, his lips pressed against her skin, drinking her blood. A shiver ran down her spine as he inhaled deeply, his grip tightening.

A cry escaped her lips as his fangs sank deeper, rupturing her skin further. Pain shot through her like wildfire, but Alexander didn't stop.

The more he drank, the more insatiable he became. Calista's vision blurred, her heartbeat pounded erratically against her ribcage, and her body trembled as she fought against the growing darkness.

Her struggles grew weaker until, finally, everything faded to black.

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Under a vast sky, a field of white roses stretched endlessly, swaying gently with the wind. The air was crisp, carrying the soft scent of blooming petals.

In the middle of this serene landscape stood a girl in a flowing white dress, her vibrant red hair cascading over her shoulder.

Calista turned in slow circles, taking in the breathtaking scene. Where am I? Her voice echoed in her mind, but no answer came.

"Am I... dead?" she whispered, her heart tightening. The thought sent a wave of sadness through her.

A soft, melodic voice broke through the stillness.

"We meet again, my child."

Calista turned sharply, her green eyes widening at the sight before her. A woman stood a few feet away, her long white hair flowing like silk, her serene blue eyes as deep as the ocean.

She wore a crown of vines and leaves, her pointed ears marking her as something otherworldly. There was a regal grace in her posture, an aura of both power and warmth.

Calista's breath caught. She had heard of nymphs and dryads in ancient tales, but she had never seen one in real life.

Yet, for some reason, looking at this woman made her chest ache, like she had lost something she couldn't remember.

The woman's gaze softened, though a flicker of sorrow passed through her eyes.

"I know you have many questions, but I cannot answer them all right now." She stepped closer, her expression growing solemn. "However, I bring you a warning."

A strange tension settled in Calista's chest.

"Defying the laws of nature brings doom. The stars shall fall, rivers of blood will follow, and Hades will whisper your name," the woman said, her voice heavy with urgency "But you must not hearken to his call."

Calista's heart pounded violently. What does that mean?

"The fate of the realms now rests on your shoulders," the woman added, her words echoing like a prophecy carved in stone.

A drop of blood splattered onto a pristine white petal, staining it deep crimson. Calista gasped as the sky above darkened, turning an ominous shade of red. A storm of blood rained down, soaking the field in an eerie crimson hue.

Calista lifted her trembling hands, staring at the red liquid dripping from her fingers, staining her once-white dress. Panic surged through her veins.

She turned back to the woman, but her figure was already dissolving.

"Remember who you are, Calista. Remember," the ce whispered as the woman vanished into nothingness.

"No! Wait! Don't go!" Calista cried, reaching out. Desperation clawed at her throat. She had so many questions, and now-just like that-she was alone.

The roses withered before her eyes, their petals curling into ash. The world around her turned to darkness, and a deafening scream pierced the void.

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Calista gasped, bolting upright, her lungs desperate for air. Her body trembled, her skin damp with cold sweat. Her fingers instinctively clutched the sheets beneath her, her heart still racing from the vision.

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks. What was that? she thought frantically.

Her dream had never been this vivid before. This time, she could remember everything.

"The fate of the realms rests on my shoulders..." she whispered, gripping her chest. "Why?"

Hades. The name echoed ominously in her mind. Who is he? And why does he call out to me?

Her thoughts raced in a chaotic swirl, each question only leading to more confusion.

She became aware of her surroundings. The dim glow of candlelight flickered across the stone walls. She was in a familiar room-her room.

A sharp pain in her arm made her wince. She looked down, finally noticing the bandages wrapped tightly around her hand.

What happened? she wondered.

Then, memories crashed into her. The dinner. The fall. The fangs pierced her skin.

Alexander.

A shudder ran through her body. How am I still alive?

Before she could dwell on it further, the door burst open.

Rima rushed inside, her face painted with worry. "Are you okay? How are you feeling? Does your arm hurt?" she bombarded Calista with frantic questions.

Calista blinked at her, momentarily taken aback. Warmth filled her chest at the concern in Rima's eyes.

It reminded her of-

Prince Ezekiel.

Aurora.

Her throat tightened. She had to find a way back.

But before she could figure out how, one thought took precedence over all others.

She needed answers. And she needed 

Rima sat on the edge of the bed, still frowning in concern. "I found you passed out and barely breathing," she murmured. "I don't know what happened between you and King Alexander, but I know one thing-he saved your life."

Calista flinched. "He... did?"

"He brought you back here himself," Rima confirmed. "And he was... different. He didn't say a word, but his aura was-off. Almost conflicted."

Calista's fingers clenched the bedsheet.

She should be terrified, but a part of her was more confused than afraid.

What was Alexander?

And why, despite everything, did she feel drawn to him?

Rima exhaled and gently touched her hand. "Listen, Calista. I don't know what's going on between you two, but whatever it is, tread carefully."

Calista swallowed hard, nodding. "I will."

But deep inside, she knew this was only the beginning.