Chapter Twenty: Role of the Rebel
Dusk Malveya's POV
22nd of December

I was blankly staring into the distance, slowly remembering how I got here.

I remembered visiting Grandma Aisha, talking to her about Grandpa Vincent and his incurable cancer. I recalled conversing about Imogene Brooklyn and confirming my suspicions of her being a bad witch – a Dragon-blood, as they were called. My mind skimmed over my clear memories, I summarised the mentally draining 21st of December and questions surfaced to the sea of information.

"Witches," I finalised groggily, my voice as low as a whisper, weaving my shaky fingers through my matted hair. I felt my dark, coarse corkscrews again and duly remembered the dream I had been experiencing only moments ago. Though, the dream still seemed to linger within reality, since the drumming of African music echoed in the background.

A smile graced my face and I sighed, tiredness sinking into my drooby eyes. I tried to fight the exhaustion by quickly standing to my feet, shaking off the weary emotions. I swayed with dizziness, finding a throb in my temple after I abruptly stood. My eyelids became heavy and I fought the urge to sit down and snuggle under the thick, warm covers.

The scent of rich food aroused a sleeping hunger and I tried to emphasise that feeling, hoping it'd ward off my tiredness. I took a few steps forward, trying to find my balance in this dark living room. I followed the drumming rhythm from down the hall, inching towards its irrespirable beat. I outstretched, feeling my hands glide along the walls of the living room.

As I found an exit, I heard a sweet voice floating from the brightly lit kitchen. The voice was entwined with familiar lyrics. I instantly recognised the voice as Grandma Aisha's, for she'd always sing in the kitchen, when she thought no one was listening of course. Grandma Angraciana, from Cadiz in Spain, had a very expressive voice as well. Aria had inherited a strong, soulful voice and I was glad she used it to her advantage.

I walked down the hall, following the voice of my grandmother's.

When you lose your sense and nothing can get in,
I shall hold you close; ask you how you are feeling.
When these walls are more familiar than the clearings,
I shall guide you late at night; make the sky your new ceiling.

I'll never stop risking the shadows for you,
I'll never stop letting the light pull through.
Our freedom will strain, our souls will weep,
Just ignore the warns, act like you agree.

When you try to keep me back, I'll only fight faster.
When you guard us in the trees, my light will defend us.
When your doubts and all their knives are starting to creep in,
I shall gather all my dreams, keep you safe until night's end.

"I remember that song," I smiled softly, watching as Gran swayed to the slow, acoustic tempo on the radio. I remembered this song from when Gran would regularly sing it to my younger siblings. I would watch her cradling my baby brothers in her arms, singing her sweet melodies.

My grandmother didn't turn, for I sensed she knew of my presence already. I heard the reminiscence in her gentle voice, "I used to sing it to you when you were a baby, Dusk. And, on day, you will sing that song to your grandchildren."

I nodded, taking a few steps forward after I inhaled the beautiful scent of the food. A comforting warmth circled my heart and I smiled. Though, a tough thought invaded my mind and I grimaced, biting my lip. "Not if I become immortal," I muttered under my breath.

Grandma sighed heavily and turned around, not one fearful emotion in her eyes, as if determination had transformed into fact for her. "That's untrue. If you become immortal, you'll still be a woman, Dusk. Everything will still...work," She smirked, rolling her eyes at my uncomfortable expression. "Though, you won't become immortal. I told you, I'll make sure of that."

I walked forward a few steps, raising my hands in defence. "How can you be so sure?" I asked with wide-eyes. "What if I need to protect my family and Imogene gets involved? How will I know if I'm immortal or not?"

"You'll have a feeling, I think," Gran clarified with a shrug. "I don't know how it feels, of course. I'm not immortal, Dusk; I'm not even a witch."

I nodded, reminding myself as much as she was.

Grandma Aisha let out a sigh, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Look, you shouldn't worry about these things, sweetie. You were born to be a Doveblood; you have the characteristics and uniqueness of one. We'll get through everything with ease. Truly, we mightn't have to worry and you won't have to use your powers. We don't know what Imogene Brooklyn is after yet."

I shook my head, a clear image of my employer coming to my mind. "I know what she's after, I've always been sure. It's Mr Black, I'm positive."

My grandmother tried to hide the forming grimace but it was evident on her, usually gentle, face. "Then you'll have to keep an eye on him, Dusk. You'll have to learn how to defend mortals against the darkness."

I frowned, letting out a half-hearted laugh. "I'm sure he can protect himself, Gran. Have you seen what my boss looks like? He's a heavily muscled man, the height of a giant, with eyes as sharp as a knife!"

"Physical strength can't compare to that of spiritual power. You need to learn that, my dear. Imogene can break Jacob Black's neck with the snap of her magical fingers," Gran snapped her fingers, also, to emphasise her point. "And you can repair it with a weave of your gifted hands."

I grimaced, jerking back from the sound and image it formed in my swarming mind. To imagine Mr Black sprawled on the ground, with Sarah weeping by his dead body, left shivers clawing down my back. "I c-can't let that happen, he can't get h-hurt...yet, I-I can't imagine him being that vulnerable. Mr Black doesn't give off that air, he's tough and hard-hitting, and I've noticed that from the beginning."

"Then you'll have to begin seeing him in a different light, Dusk," Grandma stated matter-of-factly.

"You're saying that I need to protect him," The words slipped over my lips in trembles of uncertainty and insecurity.

My grandmother's smile was cheeky and knowing, as if her wise thoughts became smug. She placed her arm around my shoulders, beginning to sway us to the new reggae song on the radio. "In those fictional fairytales, the man is always the brave warrior and the pretty princess is the damsel in distress. Sometimes, the woman must take the role of the rebel, Dusk. We beauties aren't as defenceless as they portray, you know."

I could only laugh at my grandmother's words because she was so right. She began to spin me around to the drumming music. Gran grinned as our bare feet swept across the tiled kitchen floor, the music making us move in fast rhythm. The pounding drums became more rapid and our twirls became more frequent.

"Really?" I smirked, skipping around the kitchen as the music became louder and I circled Gran as she bobbed her head to the increasing beat. "Do you truly think I can be a strong witch...who protects people who are nearly a foot taller than me?" A sarcastic smile graced my face as I spoke dryly.

"You and him have different powers, different strengths. Obviously, Mr Black uses his strength and tactics, though that can't totally protect him from the supernatural world. You use your magical heritage and intelligence, though that can't protect you from most tests of physical strength and power."

"Tactics and intelligence are compatible," I couldn't help but wonder aloud.

"They are, extremely," Gran agreed and added with a shrug, "And so are physical and magical strengths."

I could protect what Imogene clearly wants the most – Jacob Black, I thought with a frown. I could protect all of them if I learn enough from Gran. But...what if there are people working for Imogene? What if she knows I can't cast harmful magic over people? She could order someone to kill me physically and I'd remain defenceless. I wouldn't be able to look after myself! These thoughts left me troubled because I felt weak and childish.

Grandma Aisha had just informed me that I was able to protect the man who would be portrayed as the saviour in some lights. How was that possible? I had always believed that things happened for a reason. What was the reason of me being so fearful of losing Sarah's father? What made me so keen to protect...to protect Jacob? What was I trying to admit to myself? What was leading me to thinking I couldn't possibly let him go?

"I guess they are," I nodded with an unreadable expression, trying to mask my bubbling anxiety.

"And we have a whole coven of witches to prove it," Gran stated.

"What?" My babbling thoughts halted and I stared at Gran in surprise.

The atmosphere plummeted and Gran sighed. "Dusk, can you give me one reason why being an immortal Doveblood would be a good thing?"

Her sad question threw me completely and I found myself agape for a few moments. My grandmother's expectant expression pulled me back into realty and I blinked vigilantly, answering with a stammer, "Uh...I don't know. Why would anyone want to live forever?"

My grandmother took my hands in hers, giving them a light squeeze. "Sweetheart, no Doveblood wants to live forever. Our kind are born quite pure, wholesome, untainted by reality. Though, if a Doveblood falls into the clutches of immortality, you don't have many options of how you want to spend eternity. Some Dovebloods live in the shadows; continuing with their timeless, merciless, tearless journeys – they become eternal smokes without fires."

"And the everlasting smokes with fires?" I asked curiously.

"They join a coven called The Gypsies," Gran declared gravely and I felt the room become very silent, even with the drumming rhythm from the radio blaring in the background. "Any immortal Doveblood who doesn't want to waste eternity goes to that coven. Some Dovebloods try to live passive lives, though the silence becomes unbearable for most. The Gypsies provide support for new immortal Dovebloods – they offer advice, a home, a tolerable family and safety from questioning by outsiders. They also teach many new ways to weave your magic, especially ways to defend mankind and destroy Dragon-bloods."

"Where do they all live?"

"In the almighty Kingdom of Treya, it is a realm invisible to the human eye. We Dovebloods like the earth, for it is a part of us, so the immortals live in the highest mountains of Nepal. Many immortal kingdoms have tried to replicate our security system, for it makes us extremely unnoticeable and no passing mortal can see us there. Experienced immortal Dovebloods have cast magic that dulls an immortal's senses when they come too close to our mountains. It wards off any unwanted visitors. Treya is a place of refuge for recently immortal Dovebloods. The leaders of the Doveblood Empire want peace for their people in Treya and safety for the outsiders in the villages surrounding the Treya Mountains."

Too many things were swarming through my mind, too many details to squeeze into my bursting brain and it was all very overwhelming. I thought I'd calm down after I had my little sleep. Alas, once I woke up, I was only thrown back into this new, horrific world. "Okay, this is all getting a bit too much for me now," I shook my head, putting my hands up in defence.

"Dusk, I just want you to know your options if you do become immortal. Though, the chance is extremely low, I assure you."

"My options?" I breathed and let out a half-hearted laugh. "I have no options at all! Even if I deny my magic, it will still be with me, bubbling under the surface. I've already accepted it, remember? How, I have absolutely no idea! This magic isn't containable; I can't put it into a plastic box and toss it in the corner. It's always going to be with me, Gran, and it'll haunt me until the day I die! Wait, if I die. Yes, there's always a chance I'll be chucked into immortality while I'm trying to save my loved ones."

"Is that what you think of your heritage?" My grandmother exclaimed heatedly. "Its poisoning your bloodlines, is it? Making yourself deadly to the world around you?"

"I can't afford to sacrifice anymore, Grandmother. I've given up too much already," I whispered tearfully. "I've had to leave my family for long amounts of time. Letting them die around me would cause too much agony."

"You shall not become immortal," Gran reminded sternly. "I've told you multiple times."

"Becoming immortal is not what I dread," I only whispered. "Living forever, alone, is what I fear! I know I've already chosen to become one of these Dovebloods...and I'm ready if you're going to teach me as much as you know. But nothing is going to make life better if I'm stuck like this for eternity...not even catching the bad guys, Gran."

Silence left a heavy atmosphere in the kitchen. Though, this hush was left for only a moment, for it was broken by loud shouting from the front my grandparents' home. Grandmother and I frowned as the shouting became louder and louder, the noise being thrown across one part of the house to another. "I wonder what's going on out there," Gran muttered.

My frown deepened as the angry words, "Leave my family alone!" slipped through my observant ears.

"That's Vincent," Grandma gasped and dropped her cooking utensil onto the bench, dashing out of the kitchen with a frantic expression. I followed her instantly, fear encroaching on my rapid heartbeats. Grandma Aisha led us down the hall, where the front door swung open in the winter breeze. As we slipped through the front door, I was baffled to find my feeble Grandpa Vincent crossly glaring at a middle-aged man, who was fiercely standing in the front of our garden.

The middle-aged man looked quite ordinary. He had an average height and a pale complexion with dark brown eyes and hair. He seemed very businesslike because he wore a black suit, with expensive accessories, and was holding a briefcase that matched his brown, leather shoes.

Grandma's expression grew all the more anxious as she glanced at the middle-aged man and shot Grandpa and a terrified stare. "Vincent," She hissed, snaking her fingers around his forearm. "What are you doing in this horrendous whether? Look at you; you haven't even a coat over your pyjamas! Do you realise how sick you are at the moment?"

Grandpa did look cold, yet his rage seemed hot enough to last him through a day in Antarctic! I had never seen my Grandpa Vincent look so agitated by somebody's presence. He was usually a very laidback man, who took everything in calm stride. Yet, today, his anger was overflowing in waves. Grandpa frequently looked very pale and feeble, drained and exhausted. This was the first time I had seen him in two months because he was normally in bed – sleeping, talking to Gran or reading.

"Aisha, go back inside," He snarled, glowering darkly.

"Mr McNamara, all I ask is that you consider my offer," The man pleaded, holding a small pamphlet in his hand. "I'm putting forward a very high price for your investments in BlackWolf Industry."

A frown immediately swept across my blank expression and I stared at the middle-aged man. That's Mr Black's company, I realised in confusion.

"I've considered it multiple times, Mr Carter, and my repeated answer is no! Now, leave before I call the police," Grandpa exclaimed, pointing to the garden's exit gate with a shaky hand.

"Is this man bothering you, Grandpa?" I whispered in his ear as Grandma Aisha tried to usher him inside again.

Mr Carter gave me a long, perplexed look before taking a few steps forward, ending up in front of me with his hand confidently outstretched. "Hello, Miss, my name's Henry Carter. I'm an avid investor and I'm keen to buy a few shares from this gentleman," Henry Carter gestured to my grandfather with a warm smile.

My eyes narrowed for a split second and I glanced at the man's pale hand. I bit my lip and I nodded reluctantly. "My grandfather, you mean," I corrected, my icy eyes meeting Mr Carter's. My manner had changed and I knew I no longer appeared polite, though averted and cold.

The stranger's eyes widened in delight and his smile grew. "Oh, this gentleman is your grandfather, Miss? So you must be a daughter of Saffron and Maurice Malveya."

"That's correct," I nodded with a raised eyebrow. I turned to my grandparents and gave them a small smile. "Grandpa, you should go inside. It's alright...you need to rest. Besides, Gran and I will talk with Mr Carter alone."

"Dusk, this has nothing to do with you," My grandpa's eyes met mine and I could tell he was agitated by my patronising smile.

"And this should have nothing to do with you anymore," I countered, crossing my arms over my chest. "Please, let Gran take you inside and rest. You know it's too cold to be out here without a coat or shoes."

I knew I wasn't putting much effort into my arguments, though I could tell that Grandpa was weakening from the cold and his lack of energy. He was still for a moment, staring into my stern eyes, before he complied with us and let Gran lead him inside.

Once my grandparents ventured into the warmth of their home, I sighed in relief. Turning back to Henry Carter with an unyielding expression, I spoke, "Sir, I think my family would appreciate if you came at a more appropriate time. If you must know, my grandfather is suffering severe cancer and shouldn't be disturbed at his resting hour."

Mr Carter seemed impressed with my firm disposition. Letting his outstretched hand fall back to his side, he cleared his throat and began in a colder tone, "I'd really prefer to speak with Mr McNamara now. Some important business is undergoing in BlackWolf and I'd like to claim my investments as soon as possible. "

"I doubt anything important is happening at this time of year. It's nearly Christmas, most companies stock up from September to November. It seems you've missed your chance," I snapped.

"Are you an investor as well? You seem too young to be so informed of such a complex business...like BlackWolf, Miss."

I raised my eyebrow at the rude reply and diverted my eyes from his black ones. "Look, I only ask that you leave my grandparents alone for now. I understand that you wish to buy some investments...but, my grandfather is a sick man and he needs rest. Please, sir, pick up your problems when Mr McNamara's affairs fall into my parents' hands."

"Do you know how long he has left, Miss Malveya?"

I felt uncomfortable with sharing that information with a petty businessman. "Why do you wish to get your hands on these investments so desperately?" I questioned suspiciously. "BlackWolf I&E Car Company have no specific points that would earn more money than most companies do."

Mr Carter merely smirked with a glint in his eyes. "Jacob Black and I have been meaning to join businesses for quite some time now."

I found a strong feeling attacking my chest and wrenching out strange, protective emotions. I let out a sharp breath with a nod of my head. "I understand...and maybe you should bring this up with Mr Black," I bit my lip and glanced at the door of my grandparents' home longingly.

Henry Carter's eyes were dark. "Thank-you for your advice, Dusk," Putting out his hand again, he gave me a tight smile.

How does he know my name? I wondered apprehensively.

I returned the rigid expression, gripping his outstretched hand with a gasp. Suddenly, as if the curtain had been drawn and was revealing the actor beneath the mask, Henry Carter's features became very bleak and lifeless. His skin was a deathly white, as icy and flawless as marble. He suddenly looked very striking, yet his eyes are what drew the most attention. Pure red, they were – bright red orbs gazed into my brown eyes with such lust and famishment.

His parted lips revealed his perfect, white teeth and I shivered as his tongue ran over his front teeth...as if he were ready to devour a meal. Life rushed through me and I felt a sensation of choking streaming through the veins in my neck. The lack of breath was what brought me into reality again and I found myself staring at our clasped hands. I glanced into the blood-red orbs again and trembled under Mr Carter's frozen touch.

Fear pulsed through my bloodstream and I immediately pulled my hand away from Henry Carter's. His enhanced features vanished as soon as our hands no longer touched. His skin was no longer flawlessly pale and his eyes had faded back into a dark brown. His hair lost its vibrant tones and his whole physique lost its shapely quality.

Once again, Henry Carter looked like an ordinary human being.

"Why are you so cold?" I murmured with wide-eyes.

A smirk skimmed across Mr Carter's face and he let out a low chuckle. "You know, you've put quite a setback on my original plan, Doveblood," He spoke in a velvety voice, mysterious and terrifying. A breath caught in my throat as he easily repeated what I was.

Oh, come on! On the second day of me knowing of my witchy heritage and someone's already after me? My thoughts whined in dismay. I took a long step backwards, putting my hands up in defence. I kept my expression as blank as possible, desperately trying to keep the fearful emotions from leaking free. My lips were dry, yet I only just managed to choke out, "What are you...?"

He raised his eyebrow with a humourless laugh. "When Imogene told me that you were a Doveblood, I was very delighted. You see, I've been running low on your kind's blood."

Imogene? I thought in fright. She has something to do with this red-eyed psycho? "What can my b-b-blood do for...for you?" I demanded, still taking unsteady steps away from this mystifying creature.

A charming smile danced onto his face and he flashed forward with inhuman speed. With his finger and his thumb, he tightly held my chin and pulled my face inches from his. Freezing gasps of air grazed my cheeks and I squirmed under this man's glare. Once his skin was in contact with mine, his red eyes and enhanced features were revealed to my vision again.

I let out a shudder, looking around in panic. Can't anybody see that I'm about to be harassed by this insane monster? My thoughts screamed dreadfully. I tried to pull away from Henry Carter, yet his hold on my face tightened with every move I made.

"Don't fight me, Doveblood!" He growled viciously. "It'll only make your death more painful, which will kill him all the more. How lovely, he won't even know what hit him! I can only imagine it, seeing him rive in pain as he feels the bond break between you."

Confusion and anger pulsed through me, my nostrils flared furiously and I glared into his venomous eyes. "Get your hands off of me!" I hissed tearfully. My hands found their way to his icy chest and I shoved him back, feeling strength flow into my arms and wrists.

He lost his grip on me and looked taken aback by my sudden outburst of force.

Yet, my fighting only made his delight grow and I felt myself cower from his lifeless laughter. Again, Henry Carter looked perfectly human with his hands no longer on me. His touch makes him look inhuman, I realised. I needed to get as far away from this man as possible. He wanted my blood, for reasons I couldn't comprehend, and I wasn't prepared to give it to him without a fight.

"You know," He began as I started to take multiple steps backwards. I spun around, as he slowly approached me, and I bolted towards my grandparents' front door. Though, as soon as my hand clutched the doorknob, I felt a freezing hand grip my forearm and violently twist me around. Henry Carter was pressing me against the door, leaving no space for me to escape. "I could save him."

"What are you talking about?" I breathed, thrusting him backwards with my trembling hands. "Let go of me now!"

"Your grandfather. I know what's killing him, Dusk," He hissed with narrowed eyes. "I can make her stop. I can tell her to reverse the spell and he'll remain alive."

Imogene Brooklyn was the name that sliced through my mind and tears welled up into my eyes, threatening to spill over my rapidly blinking eyelashes. "What?" I demanded breathlessly. "Imogene, r-right?"

"Yes, Imogene," He nodded with a growl. "Firstly, our goal was to wipe your stubborn grandfather out of the picture and then bribe your pathetically poor parents into selling their share of Black's business. Though, when you came along, it changed the plan completely."

Shock pierced every emotion and dizziness threw me into a pit of despair. "Imogene's killing my grandfather with a spell?" I questioned with painful heartbeats.

"It's the truth, Dusk," He shrugged carelessly. "And you have a choice."

A hundred things were zooming through my brain and I felt like throwing myself to the ground, begging this evil monster to set my grandfather free of his horrible cancer. "What's the compromise?" I questioned. "You obviously want something in particular...especially from me."

"Well, I was going to drink your blood at first," It seemed as if he was still debating that concept.

A blood-drinker? I thought with a gasp. Vampire... "And what would that achieve?" I barely choked out.

"Drinking Doveblood conceals our kind from the human eye. We look perfectly human to the people around us," He explained, seeming nonchalant about the matter. Then, he stared into my terrified eyes and tightly gripped my wrist, revealing his blood-red orbs with his touch. "Only touch can reveal what I truly am to your kind. Not many of us have found the perks of drinking your blood, which is good. If everyone knew of Dovebloods, you'd be the most hunted species by the most secretly feared predators in the world."

Vampire was the only thought that snapped through my dazed mind. "But...you haven't d-decided to dr-drink my b-b-blood...vampire."

"Is that what you think I am?" He laughed, eventually letting go of my aching wrist.

"Am I incorrect in my assumptions?" I raised my eyebrows.

"No," He only shook his head coolly.

"Then tell me what you want!" I growled tearfully. "And get out of here before you hurt somebody...other than my family and me."

"I'll tell you what I want, Doveblood," Again, Henry's voice became as low as a whisper. "I want you to quit."

A frown swept across my face and I shook my head. "Quit what?"

"Resign from your job as a nanny. Leave BlackSwan Estate, never return, and let us deal with Jacob Black."

The words sounded painful to my ears, though I had to keep a calm exterior. "You probably mean kill him," I snarled with clenched fists.

Henry Carter growled, pressing my harder against the door and I winced as my back cracked under the pressure. "That doesn't concern you...and I could still easily kill you and your family, you know. You're the perfect meal, Doveblood, and I know your grandmother and mother would have some magical worth as well."

"If you touch any of my family members-" I began threateningly.

"I don't need to touch them!" He hissed furiously. "Imogene can simply whisper a few magic words and they're dead within one night. You're lucky, she's killing your grandfather slowly and giving you time to debate your options."

I cringed at his taunting words. Debate my options? I thought in panic. "Fine, what are my choices?" I finally asked with a dreadful grimace.

Henry Carter took a step away from me, yet I didn't try to escape, even with my fingers tightly curled around the doorknob. I knew I had no choice and I'd be forced to listen. I waited for him to speak and, when he did, I knew I'd never be the same again. The villain looked into my eyes with a calm, human manner. Though, my vampire accusations were still zigzagging through my exhausted mind.

"Well, you could remain a nanny and try to protect the Blacks from my control. Though, I've been planning this attack for a very long time and you've found yourself right in the middle of my storm, Doveblood. I doubt you'd be able to find your way out of my webs."

"I'm not leaving BlackSwan," I stated stubbornly. "They'll be defenceless against Imogene's magic if I do."

"You don't know the first thing of magic!" He tsked incredulously. "And you could easily leave your job," He countered. "You'd come back home, finish your teaching degree and have your family close by. Forget about your silly job, Dusk, they don't need you. We're not even planning to hurt them, you know."

"Then...what do you want from Sarah and Jacob Black?" I questioned slowly.

"They're just a little peace-offering that I've been meaning to send," He shrugged innocently. "And your grandfather's life is yours. Imogene will simply reverse the spell and he'll be well by the end of the month if you do what we ask."

"And if I refuse your peace-offering?"

"Vincent will be dead by the end of the month," His stated with an emotionless, merciless expression.

I cringed and thought frightfully, where's Grandmother Aisha?

I knew Henry Carter was lying about Sarah and Jacob Black, he would hurt them and their deaths would remain on my shoulders. Though, if I refused to quit my job at BlackSwan, Grandpa's death will forever be on my conscience. Why couldn't I break the cancer spell myself? Did Imogene have to reverse the spell or could I break it with my Doveblood magic?

I couldn't believe this was happening!

We had been tricked all along – even before I met Imogene Brooklyn and her rotten associate, Henry Carter. She had been killing my grandfather with her dark magic so his business investments would go to my parents after he died and Carter & Brooklyn would induce them into selling them. I wanted this man out of my sight, yet his presence would haunt my mind forever.

Alas, something inside of me was urging me to deny Henry's offer of saving my grandfather.

Vincent McNamara had lived a long, prosperous life with his loving wife, daughter and grandchildren. To see my grandfather die would be a horrible, unforgettable experience. Though, I couldn't let Henry Carter take a twelve-year-old's life, along with her father's instead. My grandfather was in his late seventies, what would he have done if he knew of my situation? There was always a chance that I mightn't succeed in my quest to keep the Blacks safe.

I'd lose my grandfather for nothing...

I stared in Henry Carter's eyes. "If I quit – I save my grandfather and I never see BlackSwan again...which means they're lives will be on the line," I clarified. "And if I stay – Grandpa Vincent dies and I'm able to do everything in my power to keep the Blacks safe while I work."

"It's your choice, Doveblood," He smiled coldly. "Though, I think we both know your grandfather's life is the right future to save."

My expression became fierce and I took a step away from the supporting door, pointing an angry finger at Henry Carter. "You think wrong, Vampire," I snarled viciously. "I would rather die a thousand deaths than have my Sarah's blood on my hands. Stay away from them!"

"You've made your decision then?" He growled furiously, narrowing his eyes. "You'd rather have your grandfather's blood on your hands?"

I couldn't reply stably, for if I tried, I'd break down into frantic and breathless sobs. What kind of person was I? I wanted to think with my heart, yet my mind was too full for me to decide otherwise. Destiny had forced me to choose and now I had come to my conclusion. "You...you need to l-leave."

Henry Carter's expression was livid and I now realised I had to escape before he tried to hurt me anymore. I spun around, sucking in a sharp breath, and reached for the doorknob again. Feeling my heartbeats roar, I turned the knob carefully and opened the door an inch. Opening it a crack, I feared my tears were giving my apprehension away.

"Not so fast, Doveblood," A pale hand slammed the door closed and I gulped as something cold snaked around my neck. Icy fingers slid over my skin, feeling my blood thunderously flow underneath the monster's touch.

I closed my eyes, my lips parting as I tried to breathe as deeply as I could. "Let me go," I ordered feebly.

"You're stronger than I thought, Dusk," His voice left ominous shivers as it swept over my ear. "Alas, your heartbeat gives you away."

"I don't make deals with the devil," I hissed, trying to wrench out of his grip. His fingers tightened around my neck and I began to lose my heaving breaths. I whimpered, elbowing Henry in the ribs as many times as I could. Yet, I only felt as if my elbow was hitting bricks and my arms ached. "Let me go!" I screamed, struggling under his suffocating hold. "Gran!" I screeched loudly. "Grandma Aisha, help me!"

Henry Carter's hand tightened and my voice was suddenly snatched away from me. "Shut-up! Or I'll snap your neck as you speak."

My breaths became jagged as I lost the strength to fight as vigorously. Fear burned through every part of my being and my legs became weak and tremulous. My eyes were heavy, for the lack of oxygen was cutting off my ability to move.

How has this all happened? My thoughts cried frantically, this can't be how my story ends!

"Dusk!" was the horrified voice I heard from the other side of the front door. The icy fingers instantly released me and I was violently thrown to the side. A ferocious growl ripped through Henry Carter's pale lips and he glared at the wide-eyed figure that burst through the front door.

Grandma Aisha's anxious eyes met mine as I barely balanced myself on a table on the porch. Her hand immediately outstretched and she grabbed the first piece of me she could get hold of. With my shirt fisted in her hand, she pulled me forward and I leapt into the house.

Henry Carter let out an animalistic roar, forcefully gripped my shoulder and I let out a pained cry. Gran continued to yank me into her home, throwing me behind her and fearlessly standing before Henry Carter with a stern expression. A scream sliced through the air, an agonised and tormented screech that burned my senses.

Thankfully, my back was facing Henry Carter and Grandma Aisha and I could not see horrendous scene behind me. When I turned around, I collapsed into tears and felt two firm arms around me as I burst into terrified hysterics. There, in front of me–after I spun around to see whose voice let out the deafening scream–was Henry Carter with a large, wooden, knifelike stake protruding from his abdomen.

I heard the sudden thud as his knees smashed upon the wooden floor and he clutched his abdomen, which held the wooden stake, in excruciation. With that, Henry Carter's eyes closed and he let out a jagged breath before his head met the ground. My grandmother's arms curled around me as tears streamed down my face and she buried my head into her chest, slamming the door locked behind us.

"Dusk, you need to get out of here now!" She whispered worriedly. I looked into her teary eyes questioningly, feeling my whole body shake in horror. She clutched my hand, tears cascading down her miserable face. "That vampire isn't dead, Dusk. He's only unconscious from the blow of a witch's stake. I didn't knife him in the heart, which means he'll wake up in a matter of minutes."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded as we swiftly ran into the living room. "Vampires – they're real! That man just wanted to drink my blood! What's next? I'm on the verge of collapsing in pure shock."

My grandmother seemed lost in her own horrific world. "Lord, help us!" She prayed and scurried into the spare room. "Dusk...now that you know of vampires, you're a target to their empire. I couldn't tell you because I knew this would happen. Do you know what they do to humans who have knowledge of their kind?" She cried from the spare room while I sat, tensely shaking on the couch.

Vampire Empire? I thought in terror. "What...what do th-they do?" I stammered, yearning for a corner to hide in.

My grandmother entered the living room breathlessly, holding two strange objects in her hands. They were wooden like the object in Henry Carter's abdomen. They were small, yet they looked deadly and sharp, carved with strange symbols and emblems. They looked like typical stakes but their mystic carvings made them look like historical artefacts.

"They kill them with no mercy. Once the Ancients realise what Doveblood can do for vampires, we'll be the most hunted species by the most secretly feared predators in the world. You need to leave Washington now...for, when that immortal goes back to his leaders and reports the existence of objects that can destroy vampires, you'll be the most wanted Doveblood on Earth."

A/N: Things are getting intense because everyone's life is now on the line. Do you think she made the right choice? Do you think she should have chosen her grandfather over Sarah and Jacob...or vice-versa? Please review, I'd love to hear some feedback!