Cosmina's POV

I hurried off the train, and did my best to avoid the sunlight. Not all that successful. My arm burned and was smoking. I held my arm and looked to see if anyone noticed. No one seemed to.

I stayed in the shade and made my way to the next platform to find the train that would take me to Stokely. As I waited I continued to ignore the sound of heartbeats surrounding me.

A voice in my head reminded me of the deal I had made. If I didn't follow through, would my reflection really be able to take over? Would I just no longer exist? The thought scared me.

The train pulled into the station.

I would just worry about that once I found Vlad. For now I would just have to ignore the temptation.

Vlad's POV

I managed to fall asleep for at least a couple of hours. After the past couple days, I was exhausted. When I woke up it was midday. I decided to stay in the tent with Alina. It amazed me that she was able to sleep so easily.

Chloe walked in carrying a bag of candy.

"Here," she whispered trying not to disturb Alina. "Chocolate was your favorite right?"

I was surprised by the offer, but accepted the gift.

I walked outside with her. It was cloudy so the sunlight didn't bother my adjusting eyes too much.

"So what's up?" I asked still curious about her gift.

"I just felt like being nice. Breathers have that urge you know. Not everything comes with strings attached."

"True," I agreed. "But was there something you wanted to talk about?"

"I just thought we could be honest with one another for a moment," she said. "With your transformation coming up do you really believe you will still be on side?"

"If we're being honest then I guess I should say I'm not on anyone side. I just want to keep those I care about safe."

"Does your sister fall into that category?"

I frowned, "Well sure. She's my sister."

"But she's abusive and has taken your father hostage. You still care for her even then?"

"Well I guess I just know where she's coming from. Even if we don't get along we still grew up in the same house. We both care."

"There is a difference in not getting along and trying to murder you," Chloe crossed her arms.

"She's not going to murder me," I said.

"Then why do you run from her?"

I shrugged, "Because she's beyond sense right now. I need to get her to listen to me and right now she won't."

"And if you have your powers she will? Are you planning to threaten her?"

"Well subtly, but yes. I wouldn't ever hurt her though," I said.

Chloe rolled her eyes, "Look. I get you care about your family, but you can't save everyone Vlad. Especially from themselves. You have to pick a side, or you will make enemies out of the wrong people."

I frowned, "Are you threatening me?"

"No. It's a warning from someone who really does care about you. Not someone who would send their slaves out to try to take you prisoner."

I chose to stay silent.

"Don't put my family and friends in danger because you can't accept your sister is a lost cause. You know what has to happen."

I wanted to get angry and tell her off, but I managed to keep my temper.

"I will talk to my sister and prove to you that she can be reasoned with," I said.

"And if any of us get hurt in the process?" Chloe said.

"I won't let that happen," I promised.

"You know you really shouldn't make promises you can't keep. I know you mean well, but it's time to face reality."

Again, I had nothing to say.

"I will still join you and the others on your journey to the castle, but if she or anyone else so much as hisses at us then I wont hesitate to use my training. I know that you care about me too so you won't hurt me despite your threats."

I looked surprised and Chloe noticed my reaction.

"See the flaw in your methods?" She said.