Sera's P.O.V.
"How does it happen? How do you change back?"
"We don't know. We could change on the spot, disappear or just, turn to dust." Gregory whispered the last one.
"Turn to dust? You mean you could –"
"Die? Yes, it's a possibility. That after three hundred years time will simply. . . catch up with us and nature will restore it's balance."
"But why take such a risk?"
"My family believes it's worth it, if there's any chance for us to regain mortality we should at least try."
Sera turned away and started fiddling with the handle of her knife. She'd strapped it to her thigh instead of her boot for easier access since she didn't have her bow. If Gregory was calling a clan of vampires she didn't want to look hostile. But now he was telling her that he might die? That this ceremony might kill him and his family. It was the story of her life wasn't it? She wasn't allowed to keep anything good, first she lost her mother, now she might lose him.
"Sera? Seraphina." Gregory tilted her chin so she was looking at him.
"No matter what happens, I'm grateful for the time I've had with you. I will always find a way back to you, I . . .I love you."
It seemed ridiculous that after only a few days two people could feel so strongly about each other. But maybe Renee had been right, it didn't matter how long you knew someone, if it was right then it was just right. She knew Gregory was always cautious about showing his emotions, which made the words even sweeter to hear. She knew this whole thing was risky but she decided it was a risk she was willing to take, what she had with Gregory she didn't want to lose.
She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him, it was meant to be a simple peck but of course turned into something more. Their blissful moment was shattered when Gregory dropped to the ground in pain clutching his leg. There was a wooden arrow sticking out of his upper thigh. Sera turned to see Theo marching out of the woods armed with her combat bow and several stakes.
She could put up with his abuse, but hurting Gregory was crossing the line. She took her knife from its sheath and made her way to him.
"Don't be stupid Sera." He warned but she swung her knife at him anyway, finally letting all her anger out. She swung again and again but he dodged each attack with ease. She knew she couldn't physically overpower him, but if she used her mind she had a chance. The problem was her anger was doing a good job of blocking out all logic, two months worth of rage was guiding her actions which was never the best strategy.
Unfortunately for her Theo's vain personality meant he'd spent a good amount of time working out so he'd always look good. He'd been building muscle for years and now paired with his training made him a skilled opponent. Gregory was still on the ground in pain trying to pull the arrow stake from his leg. After spending a whole day awake and without feeding left him weak and vulnerable.
Sera was able to land a few hits and kicks on Theo before he managed to get a grip on her wrist and twisted her arm behind her back. He took her by the throat and slammed her against one of the stone pillars. He continued ramming her head into the stone until she felt something warm and wet trickling down her neck – blood. She began to get dizzy as all the colors around her began to mix and she couldn't tell what anything was. She felt Theo drop her to the ground, she wasn't his target, he wanted Gregory.
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Gregory P.O.V.
He'd been able to pull the arrow out of his leg while Sera fought Theo. He tried to stand up, tried to help her but he couldn't put any weight on his leg. After Theo had dropped Sera to the ground like a ragdoll he made his way to Gregory.
He pulled a stake out of his belt and aimed to kill.
Gregory grabbed his wrist before the stake could make contact with his body. Theo brought his knee up into Gregory's gut and used his free hand to punch him in the face causing him to fall back. Theo lunged and was on top of Gregory in an instant using his body weight to drive the stake closer to his unbeating heart. Gregory used all his strength to push Theo away but he was still weak and that gave Theo the advantage. Gregory eventually had pushed Theo off him causing the McAshton boy to roll in the dirt a bit before he got up and attacked again. Gregory kicked him back but Theo was able to grab him by the arm so he twisted and elbowed McAshton in the stomach, then landed a punch to his face. Theo deflected Gregory's next kick by grabbing his leg and spinning him to the ground. Theo came at him with the stake again but Gregory swung his leg and knocked Theo's feet out from under him, he grunted in pain as he landed on his back.
Theo rolled onto his stomach and propped himself up on his forearms coughing, trying to catch his breath. When Gregory lunged for his neck Theo spun with a stake in hand and sliced the side of his face. Gregory hissed in pain as Theo kicked him in the gut again and Gregory landed on his back exhausted, in pain and utterly defeated.
Theo put his foot on Gregory's collarbone keeping him pinned down. He had a smug smile on his face and his eyes shone with victory. Gregory did his best to try and pry Theo's foot off him but he had no strength left.
"You lose, vampire. She's mine." He nodded in Sera's direction never taking his eyes off Gregory who bared his fangs and hissed. Theo raised the stake and prepared to make the final fatal blow.