Epilogue
Willow.
Her shoulders are all hunched down. She was old before, but now it looks as if she really is. I wanted to talk to her, to explain, but she refused to even look at me. Not that I could have expected her to understand. Even I don't get it.
I feel a hand on my arm and I want to shake it of. I turn around and look at him.
LaCroix doesn't even need to say a word. How did he get loose, I didn't untie him. I wipe the blood of my lips with the back of my hand and look at the gentle stripe that appears. She was so young, and old at the same time.
I don't think she was even surprised when she felt me killing her.
She fought, but more as if it was expected of her. She didn't say a word, not a single sound.
Just … disappointed.
"You are aware that the choice was inevitable. You would have had to make it sooner or later."
And a choice I've made.
I'm a vampire. I can never go home again.
Worst of all, he was probably never in danger. And I can't even blame him for that.
I'm all alone in the darkness again. The only thing waiting for me is LaCroix. He's standing there in the door. I follow him and turn back one last time. There tied to the ground, it's not just her body that died. It's me, my old self and my best shot at redemption.
I could have gone back, but instead I'm here now. Her blood on my hands, on my tongue.
Vampire, nothing more, forever.
There's no hope for redemption left, no prayer for the damned.
Only LaCroix to lead the way, further into the darkness.
*** finis ***