I tried his way of life…and much to my surprise I found pleasure in the way he lived. It was much easier than the life I had before…constantly keeping on the move and watching out for vampire hunters and the like. After living and learning with Kale over the years, I found myself disgusted with what I once was. I told myself that I would never be reduced to that state ever again, not as long as I lived.
Kale was…my life now. He had saved me in more ways than he can know. I owed him my entire existence.
"Look at you now, Elvira," he whispered as he held me. "You were meant for this life,"
"Yes," I murmured. "I believe it now,"
He kissed me then, and it felt as if it were my first. Matvei's affection had been nothing compared to the angel's chorus roaring in my head at this very moment…and I wished that it could last forever.
One night, as I awoke, I realized that he was nowhere to be found. It made me worry.
He never left my side. He must have an explanation. Unless…
"Hello, Elle," a suave male voice whispered in my ear. "It's been awhile,"
I knew that traitor's voice.
"Matvei?" I whispered.
He gave me a fanged grin.
"Didn't I…kill you?" I asked, fear creeping into my voice.
He grinned at me again. "You wish."
"I've been looking for you for a long time, Elvira," he continued.
"I'm sure you have." I smiled, bitterly. "Where is he?" I said urgently. "What have you done with him?"
"Who?" he asked knowingly.
"Kale!"
"Oh, him…" he said, slowly. "Yes. He's…safe."
"Don't lie," I growled. "If you hurt him…" I felt the tears come into my eyes. "I swear I will hunt you down and destroy you."
He laughed bitterly. "It's too late for that, Elle. You already did. Or don't you remember?"
"Take me to him," I demanded.
"As you wish,"
* * *
I could tell that he had been tortured, and I wanted to tear Matvei to pieces for what he had done to Kale. That was the old me, though. I couldn't do that, no matter how much I hated him. The wanting was still there, though. The urge…but I wasn't going to let it control me…not anymore.
"Oh, Kale," I whispered, touching his face tenderly. "What has he done to you?"
"Elvira…" he rasped. "You shouldn't have come."
"It's my fault." I whispered. "It should be me in your place."
"You're right," Matvei's voice said from behind me. "It should be."
"Leave him alone, Matvei. He has nothing to do with this." I hissed.
"Actually, yes he does,"
"What are you talking about? Go ahead, kill me. It's what you want isn't it?"
"I intend to," he replied. "Though, I'm going to make you watch him die first."
I barely felt the scream leave my throat. He grinned wickedly.
Time seemed to move slower than possible as Matvei hurled a silver spike right towards Kale. I didn't know I could move so fast. Perhaps the circumstances had made me desperate, because I had thrown myself in front of Kale. I felt a wave of agony as the silver spike was rammed through my chest.
"ELVIRA!"
His voice echoed with the same agony as I felt. My heart went out to him.
"I'm sorry, my love." I thought. "It had to be done."
"Elvira! No! No! NO!" he sobbed. "Elvira, please! Don't leave me!"
"Thank you," I whispered. "For redeeming me."
"I can't save you," he said with a sob. "You're dying."
"Oh, but you have. You've saved me in more ways than you can ever know. You've shown me how to forgive …and love."
I felt the tears gather in my eyes as I prepared myself to leave this world.
"Good-bye, Kale." I whispered. "I love you."
