Chapter Eight - Noi
Catalina POV
The transition of harsh day into cool night had always been especially moving to me. Entombed in my frozen bed, the ice withdrew to rest delicately on my pallid skin, before exploding in fractals across the room. Waking brought a strange melancholy, with knowledge that several things had changed, most for the worst.
The faint thrum of life, sickened and weakening, beat relentlessly at my spirit as the Prince's condition accelerated without my constant presence. Anger and confusion tickled my sphere of perception, Lena's scent and aura permeating the emotions. "I'm sorry," I whispered, almost unconsciously. My hands tightened their grip, and a small whine responded. A sound that was not mine, and a tiny form lying entangled with mine.
My breath stopped, and my chest constricted painfully, dual parts hope and fear struggling in my still heart. My fingers loosened minutely, and the form wriggled closer, seeking comfort in my embrace. Allowing my eyelids to slip closed, I expanded my awareness to encapsulate the life in my arms.
Small, so very small, and weak, but growing stronger. It sought warmth and comfort from me, and found it. What it could not find was blood. Fresh blood, for in my arms was one of my brother's - one of my - children. Finally, I permitted my eyes to rest upon the child, brought from death by what could only be the grace of Lilith. The grace that I had not found in millenia.
Fair of skin and dark of hair, the child was so like Vladislaus that forgotten tears stung my eyes. No longer bound by his birth transformation, the boy curled against my chest, a reflection of what my brother used to be, a forgotten and damned shard of innocence that could not be. My breath left me in a rush, and the child stirred. Finally, after what seemed like an age, his eyes opened, and my heart gave a phantom beat.
Red like blood, with shadows of the deepest violet, the eyes of my brother and his brides glimmered back at me, and the child blinked slowly. A smile sparked on his soft features, and the boy spoke only for my ears. "Mama." He laid his head on my chest and purred in delight. I allowed myself to fall, and bequeathed him his name.
"Lucian. My light." I had a purpose now. I had a family, a son, and many more to awaken. I would not let myself die; not when my children needed me.
A/N - Happy holidays! I extend my apologies for my long absence. Here, have some vampire hurt/comfort followed by fluff. Thank you for staying with me, and I hope you enjoyed this short chapter. More will be coming soon. See you next chapter!