Chapter 51
My senior year at UCLA was turning out to be my most challenging yet. I had pushed myself to take some of the most advanced courses the undergraduate program had to offer, and I was thriving in my element, enjoying every minute despite the enormous workload. While my days of attending frat parties with Rebecca were behind us, we still managed to find time to unwind, usually during dinner at the local eateries around campus. Rebecca, who had majored in finance, was already on the job hunt, exploring opportunities at the big financial companies scattered across LA.
In my first semester, Genetic Engineering emerged as my favorite course. The wealth of knowledge I gained in the subject was sure to enhance my understanding of vampire biology and the nuances of the transformation process. Another class, Quantum Mechanics, captivated my fascination. It felt tailor-made for someone with a shield, given its multitude of applications. The class opened my eyes to the full potential my shield could have, leaving me with the sense that its capabilities were still untapped. The intricacies of these subjects fueled my excitement for my upcoming change at the end of the school year.
I knew that having knowledge in all these diverse subjects would position me well for decades to come in any of the scientific fields I chose to focus on, and being a vampire, I would probably want to tackle several at once.
I had already made the decision that once I got through my newborn period, I would delve into the study of vampire abilities. Vampire 'gifts,' as the Cullens liked to call them, had interested me ever since that first day when I met Demetri and he first told me about them. So many of them seemed to defy common sense and the scientific laws established by humans.
I knew my own abilities would be front and center in my initial research, but also Alec's, which was the only ability I had seen so far that had a discernible physical aspect to it. I could not wait to try and analyze that mist he somehow produced.
Fortunately, being good friends with Alec, we had extensively discussed these matters, and he had expressed interest in collaborating on research with me once I was ready. To my knowledge, no investigation had ever been conducted into vampire abilities, and I was determined to be the first to start unraveling the mysteries of these phenomena that occurred seemingly at random in certain vampires.
During one of Demetri's visits, I was putting the finishing touches on a paper about electromagnetic field theory. Demetri, in a kind gesture, started giving me a back massage as I read it over, making sure everything looked right. Unbeknownst to me, he was also reading it over my shoulder. Afterward, we snuggled on my bed and began discussing the paper. Demetri admitted that while he grasped the broad concepts, most of it had gone over his head. Nevertheless, he expressed his happiness that I understood everything and was enjoying the class.
With Rebecca out on a date with Carl, I seized the opportunity to share some of my plans with him. I pulled up the list I had been compiling of equipment I wanted to acquire after my newborn period had ended. Happily, I started going through the list, explaining the purpose of each machine and device and what I hoped to use them for. Demetri was very supportive of everything I showed him. He even told me about an unused large room in the castle that he thought would be the perfect place for me to set up and use as a lab. Just hearing this filled me with excitement, and I felt my heart beating faster at the thought of all the amazing things I would one day be able to do.
Later in the year, during another one of Demetri's visits, I had him draw a great many blood samples from me over a period of a few days. I had already ordered all the supplies and equipment needed to refrigerate my blood long-term, which Demetri had brought with him. I wanted to be able to conduct my own testing on my blood after I became a vampire and study it in comparison to normal human blood. I wished I could run a full brain scan on myself while I was still human, but the lack of control over who would see the results made it impossible. I had asked Carlisle if he could perform the scan, but he couldn't think of a discreet way to do it at the hospital without damaging the equipment, which would negatively impact the hospital and its patients, and neither of us was willing to do that.
When I asked for Demetri's help in collecting the blood samples, I didn't tell him beforehand, but I had one test I wanted to conduct with him right then and there. We were in his hotel room, and he had just finished drawing the last of the many samples from me. As he was storing the new vials in the refrigeration unit, I stopped him.
"Please hold on to that last vial. I want to conduct one test with you right now." I smiled. I was certain Demetri would enjoy this particular experiment. In preparation for it, I had requested him to abstain from any blood intake for a week leading up to his visit. I wanted to ensure his palate was entirely clean for what I was about to ask of him.
Demetri finished putting everything away, except for that one vial, and looked up at me with interest. "What did you have in mind?" He had a leering expression, and I had a strong suspicion that he thought we were going to be playing some sort of sex game involving the blood. I'd have to let him down gently, but maybe after the test, we could have a bit of fun... I shook my head, trying to clear any amorous thoughts. I wanted to be clear-headed right now.
"Well, I know you'll be able to conduct this particular test later in the year. However, during that time, I'll be indisposed and unable to learn the results with you. So, I thought we could have a little preview right now and make you happy at the same time." I paused for a moment to let his mind run wild. "For this experiment, I'd like you to slowly drink that vial now and tell me if it tastes like normal human blood or if you can detect any differences with your advanced sense of taste and smell."
Demetri grinned; I knew he would like this one. "I'd be honored to help you, Bella. Well, let's toast to your continued good health." Demetri raised the vial like he was going to clink glasses with me. I giggled at the sight. He smiled at me as he unscrewed the top from the vial and held it under his nose, moving it around to let the aroma fill his nostrils.
"Well, it certainly smells good. I do detect a scent from the blood that is not normal. I'd have to say the aroma is a little more enhanced than your own smell. Over the years, your scent has changed slowly. When I first met you, your scent was completely human, but when I came back for our second meeting, I detected just the slightest change to something I had never smelled before. I remember quite well us lying naked on your bed discussing this," he grinned, and the look he gave me made me want to recreate that scene right here and now. I determined we would do just that but after the test.
"As the years have gone by, I've noticed your scent continue to slowly change. I think we can both guess it is due to your continued exposure to vampire venom without it going into your bloodstream and starting the change."
I found his explanation quite interesting. "Let's see how you react to a little taste of pure Bella. But don't get hooked on the good stuff; you won't be getting a second sip until after graduation," Demetri winked at me and lifted the vial, downing it in one swift motion. He raised a finger, signaling for me to stay silent, as I observed him swishing the blood around in his mouth, almost like a wine tasting. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a good year for 'Bella Blood.'
Finally, he swallowed, and after a good minute, he looked up with a smile. "Well, you certainly taste good. You're lucky I love you and have the restraint needed, as I definitely wouldn't mind some more of that. I could detect a difference when compared to normal human blood. It's hard to explain without a frame of reference, but I'd say it was tastier. Perhaps, it's like someone added some extra spices to the brew, giving it an extra kick as it went down."
"Okay, good to know that you'd recommend 'Bella Blood' to all your friends. Unfortunately, I heard that later this year, the source is closing down business for good. Isn't that always the case." I chuckled as I watched Demetri pretend to wipe away a tear in mock sadness. "Thank you for helping me conduct the test, though. I know it was a real hardship for you." Rising from the bed where I had been sitting, I went over to Demetri and gave him a big hug. It was interesting to glean some casual observations about my blood. Eventually, I'd conduct more scientific tests on it, and once I was completely in control, I planned to even down one of the vials myself, as I knew Vampire Bella would be interested in knowing what I tasted like for herself.
The next day, Demetri and his supply of 'Bella Blood' returned to Volterra, and we began setting up my exit strategy for after graduation. With assistance from the other members of the Volturi, we orchestrated a scenario that made it appear as though I had secured a job at one of the research companies owned by the Volturi in Italy. It aligned perfectly with my skill set, and even if it had been a genuine job, I would have been thrilled to land it. I thought that perhaps, once my vampire life had settled down in a decade or two, I might actually work there. Excitedly, I shared all the information with my parents and friends, who were genuinely happy for me, glad that I had found my future calling.
The remaining days of my human life continued to tick away, and one night, I found myself working on a paper for my Nuclear and Fusion Energy class when my phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, a smile crept across my face upon seeing it was my mom. "Hey, Mom," I greeted after answering the call.
"Hi honey. How's senior year treating you?" I could sense her smile through the phone.
"It's a lot of hard work, but I'm having a great time. What's up?" I settled onto my bed, ready to relax and chat.
"I actually have some big news that I wanted to share with you. With the baseball season ending, Phil has decided to retire. Even though he's still young at 35, in baseball years, that's really getting up there. He dealt with quite a few injuries this past year, just from normal wear and tear. The good news is he's already landed a new job. Phil has agreed to become a high school baseball coach."
"Wow, that's great to hear. I'm glad he found something he wants to do so quickly. I'm sure he'll make a fantastic coach." Phil must be the most patient man in the world to handle some of my mom's antics so easily. I couldn't help but smile, reminiscing about some of her finer moments from when I was young.
"I'm sure he'll enjoy it too, especially since the last couple years he's been helping out at some local Little League events for charity and enjoyed guiding the young players."
"That's great. Please tell him I'm happy for him."
"I'll definitely let him know, but there's more to the news. Phil's new job is in Atlanta, and we're going to be moving there permanently. We've decided to sell the house."
I was taken aback. I guess I had assumed our house would always be there in Phoenix with my mom, but life goes on, and things change. My life would certainly be undergoing significant changes in the next year. "Wow, that is big news. When do you plan on moving?"
"In the next two months, we've already listed the house on the market. I wanted to let you know now because I was hoping you could visit one last time. It would be an opportunity for us to give the house a proper sendoff, and I'm sure you'll want to take some of your belongings."
I could hear the hope in my mom's voice that I would be able to visit her. I quickly thought over my schedule, and I did have a long weekend coming up soon. "Of course, I'll come and visit. I have a long weekend in two weeks. I'll get it all set up. Now, tell me more about Atlanta."
Two weeks later, I touched down in my hometown. Phoenix surpassed even Los Angeles in temperature, the heat carrying a uniquely arid touch—a dryness that unmistakably marked its desert surroundings. After renting a car, I drove off to my mom's house. Approaching my old neighborhood, a smile spread across my face, the familiarity comforted me as I recognized all my old haunts. Driving past the pizza place where my friends and I used to eat and hang out at, I saw that it was still going strong. In the window, I saw four young girls sitting at our table, having a good time, and it struck me how times change, but still stay the same.
As I pulled up to our house, I couldn't help but notice how little it had changed. The lawn was certainly in better shape than when it was my and my mom's responsibility for maintaining it. Obviously Phil's doing. Stepping out of the car, I headed towards the door just as it swung open, revealing my mom. Her face lit up with the biggest smile as she saw me, and I came up to her, giving her a big hug.
"Bella, you're looking more beautiful than ever. It's hard to believe you only have a few more months left of college. Come on, let's sit down in the living room, and you can fill me in on this job of yours. I checked out the website you sent me a link to, and everything looked so impressive, plus it's in Italy! I'm sure Demetri must have been thrilled when you shared the good news."
As we walked in, I could spot many familiar things, but it seemed Phil had finally brought in more of his stuff. Now, it genuinely looked like a couple lived here, rather than just reflecting my mom's eclectic taste in... well, everything.
We had a great first day, just hanging out and talking. Mom shared that she got a job at the grammar school in the town they're moving to, which was only five minutes away from where Phil would be working. Mom seemed to be a little sentimental, knowing this was our last time together in the house. She insisted on making dinner, treating me to her home cooking just like when I was young. It was just as I remembered. By the time we finished eating, night had fallen, and I was feeling a bit restless from traveling and sitting still all day. So, I put on my trusty jogging outfit and let Mom know I was going out for a little run.
As I set out, the moon was just beginning to grace the night sky with its sliver of light. A smile played on my lips as I felt the concrete under my sneakers, as I ran slowly through the suburban streets with their endless array of houses. I couldn't push myself too hard, being out in a public area, but the comfort of the familiar streets was a welcome feeling.
I was caught off guard when I came upon the convenience store where I had first met Demetri. What surprised me even more was to find that it had reopened. I slowed down, looking it over, and then walked purposefully around to the back, stopping to stand in the spot where my life had changed so drastically. Memories flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but replay our initial meeting. While I doubted either of us would ever return to this spot, I felt like our meeting deserved some form of remembrance.
Walking to the side of the parking lot, my eyes landed on a substantial boulder taller than myself that had been left untouched when they built the convenience store. Over the years, I had practiced carving words into rocks using my shield as a makeshift chisel and had become quite proficient at it. I went to work, and soon, the rock face bore the inscription:
Where it all began: B + D Forever
Satisfied with my handiwork, I looked at it for a moment before turning around and continuing on with my run.
The next day, I got down to the dirty business of packing up anything I wanted. I had gone out early and bought a lot of boxes and packing supplies from the local Staples and started in my room. I decided to take anything that held sentimental value.
As I packed up my childhood, I came across my old diary. I smiled as I caressed the worn front cover. It was well-used, as I had written entries in it daily right up to the day I met Demetri. My life changed so much that day, but I could never tell a soul or write down anything about how my life changed afterward.
Grinning, I sat down on my bed and started to read an entry from my sophomore year. As I skimmed over my words, I determined that, while I was certainly verbose, I really had difficulty interacting with others. It was nothing I didn't know of myself at the time, but being such a different person today, my younger self's words really put a spotlight on it.
I closed the book and put it in the save box. I'm sure Demetri would be enthralled to learn about young Bella's life before he met me. I used a lot of self-deprecation back then, and I remember laughing quite a lot when I was writing some of those entries. By the end of the day, I had packed up eight boxes and put labels on them as I was shipping them all off to Demetri in Volterra, as that's where I would be living in just a few months.
The rest of my weekend went smoothly, and my mom and I had a great time together. Saying goodbye to our house, which had been my only home since I was a small child, was bittersweet, but it felt good to give it a proper sendoff. As I hugged my mom goodbye, she expressed her excitement about seeing me next at my graduation.
My final classes were both challenging and enriching, and as the days dwindled down, a sense of nostalgia for college life crept in, and I knew I would miss it once it was over. The anticipation for my impending transformation and life with Demetri grew stronger each day. However, alongside that excitement, a growing anxiety about the inevitable separation from my friends and family started to take hold. It became a mix of emotions that I knew I couldn't, nor shouldn't, avoid.
All too soon, the day had finally arrived. After four long years, graduation day was here. My parents, along with Phil and Heather, had arrived two days ago to witness me receiving my diploma and celebrate my achievement. Charlie, in particular, was proud of me, stating that I was the first Swan to become a college graduate. Demetri was also here, but since the ceremony was in broad daylight, we thought it best not to highlight his arrival, as it would only raise questions about why he wasn't at the ceremony. He promised he would watch me from a distance when I walked across the stage.
I was overjoyed as I tossed my cap into the sky. I had done it. Turning around, I looked into the stands and saw my parents cheering enthusiastically. I was so glad they could witness this day become a reality. After the ceremony, we all celebrated at a nice restaurant. It was the first and likely the last time my parents, their significant others, and I would ever be together in the same room. I took lots of pictures with everyone. I was getting very emotional and kept hugging my parents, telling them how much I loved them. I didn't know if I would ever see them again. They didn't know that this might be it, and they both had such big smiles on their faces. After night had fallen, everyone said goodbye after dropping me off outside my dorm, and I watched as they all drove happily away. Tears were streaming down my face as I felt two cold arms wrap around me.
"How are you, Bella?" Demetri inquired gently, pulling me back into him, offering the comfort of his presence.
I relaxed, leaning into his body. "I'm okay. It's just hard saying goodbye."
"I understand. You were great today. I watched you get your diploma from the building across the street from your ceremony. I'm so proud of you." Demetri turned me around so we could hug properly.
"I'm glad you were able to see it and be here with me." I nestled into his chest, seeking solace and working to rein in my emotions. This wasn't truly the end of my relationship with my parents. I had to remind myself of that.
Demetri gently raised my head, and our lips met in a slow, tender kiss. As we parted, a warm smile played on his face. "Are you ready now to join me in eternity?"
I mirrored his smile. "Yes, I'm ready now. Take me home to Volterra. Let's begin our eternity together."
We spent the next day packing up all the belongings I wanted to take with us. Saying goodbye to Rebecca was another emotional moment, but I knew she would be just fine. She and Carl were taking the next step in their relationship and moving in together. They had already rented an apartment in Santa Monica. After saying goodbye to all my friends and ensuring everything was packed, we headed off to the airport and the waiting Volturi jet to take us home.
As we climbed the stairs to the jet, I stopped and turned around, gazing at the airport before looking up into the sky. "This is the last time I'll be in the states as a human. I wonder if everything will look different when I return someday?"
Demetri joined me in gazing at the sky; he saw the world now as I would see it in just a few short days. "In a way, some of it will. It's hard to describe, but I guess a good analogy is right now you're looking at everything in grainy black and white. When you return as a vampire, everything will be in vibrant high definition color. I have no doubt that you will love the difference."
"Oh, I'm sure I will." As we made our way to the cockpit, I couldn't help but ask, "I've been watching you closely for the past few years. Any chance I could guide the plane to the runway, and then you can handle the takeoff?" I looked at Demetri hopefully.
"Of course. Let's see what you've observed," he said, smiling as he watched me start flipping the switches and soon taking the jet out of the hangar. I maneuvered the jet smoothly to the runway before sitting back and grinning at him.
"That was fun. I'll leave the takeoff and landing to you until I properly learn." After we were in the air, we made our way to the main compartment. Demetri sat down, and I relaxed next to him with my legs draped over his lap. I was smiling broadly. I could not wait for it to be over so I could start my new life.
Demetri began massaging my calves, and I closed my eyes, savoring the moment. As he spoke, I lifted my head to focus on him. "We've never discussed how you'd like me to bite you. I could inject my venom anywhere you want. While many vampire's prefer biting the neck, I could choose other places, like your heart or even your inner thigh," he said, winking at me with a playful leer. "How would you like it to happen?"
"Oh, you should be able to guess that," I said with a smile. "Of course, we should be making love, and you bite me in the neck as we both climax at the same time. Wouldn't that be how any love story between a human and a vampire should go?"
"You're right. That sounds perfect." Demetri slid his hands down, slipping off my shoes, and started massaging my feet. "Are there any final things you want to do or a last meal you want to eat? You can have anything. You only have to ask."
I thought for a moment, a smile gradually spreading across my face. "No, I've seen and done everything human Bella has needed to see and do. Let's give vampire Bella her chance to shine. I'm sure she is going to be very eager to see you when she first wakes up. I'll apologize in advance for any damage I might cause you or any holes in your neck I might make as I bite you. I have a hunch that vampire Bella is going to be quite... sexual, so brace yourself."
Demetri chuckled, "I can't wait. I know exactly what you'll be feeling. Every time we've made love, I've had the urge to bite you as we climax, but I've had to hold back. Soon, we'll both be able to let all our desires run wild. Just a little tip, it's best to lick the bite wound afterward; it helps with the healing process."
"Good to know," I smiled, but another thought crossed my mind that needed addressing. I turned serious for a moment, looking at him earnestly. "When it comes to my diet, I would like to go after criminals, like you do. I understand newborns can be hard to control, but please, try your best to steer me away from innocent people. I know it might not always be possible to stop me, but please do what you can. If I do slip up and am sad, please tell me that human Bella forgives her, and it will be okay."
Demetri pulled me into his lap, hugging me tighter as he whispered in my ear, "I'll do everything in my power to keep you on your desired path." Even though he didn't have any bite wounds yet, I thought I should get some practice in and started licking his neck where I planned to bite him.
As Demetri and I started kissing more earnestly, and with our serious conversations now out of the way, we retreated back to the time-tested enjoyment of fucking and sucking all the way to Italy. We both climaxed so many times that I almost wanted him to bite me now, but I knew it would be best and more romantic for us to do it properly in our bedroom.
We arrived in Volterra the next day, and as we exited the elevator, I looked towards the reception desk and spotted the new Volturi secretary, Olivia. The Volturi certainly had a type in the receptionists they hired. Olivia was beyond beautiful with striking blonde hair and a composed, professional demeanor. She nodded to both Demetri and me as we walked by. I had been very happy to hear last year that Gianna had finally gotten her wish and had become a vampire. Demetri had just informed me on the jet that she had since met a Brazilian vampire and had gone off to travel with him.
As we walked through the castle towards the throne room, I spotted several friends and took a moment to greet them. When they learned that today was the big day, they all wished me luck. Finally, we reached the large golden doors leading to the throne room. Demetri and I exchanged smiles before we each opened a door and walked in together, heading towards the dais where the kings were holding court.
"Ah, Bella," Aro greeted, standing up. "I'm delighted this day has finally arrived. Are you ready to begin your immortal life?"
"Yes, Aro. I just wanted to thank you again for giving me the time I needed to be properly prepared." As conversations flowed around me, the words blending together into a soft murmur, my gaze wandered around the room. Aro, Caius, and Marcus sat there stoically, as they had for thousands of years. The grandeur of the throne room faded away, and I looked around at the faces of my friends. I knew I had found where I belonged, and as I looked up at Demetri by my side, I also knew that I had found true love. I was ready to join my new family and embark on the most amazing adventure I could never have imagined. I smiled broadly, seizing the moment during a lull in the conversation. "Well, wish me luck. I'll see you guys on the other side." I heard a smattering of laughter as a smiling Demetri took my hand, and we headed off to our room.
When we reached our suite, I noticed Demetri had arranged some of the items I sent from Phoenix, displaying them around the living room. Most were pictures from my childhood, and I smiled, recalling those happy moments of a young me with my mom. As I walked around the room, appreciating the little additions Demetri had made since I was last here, I stopped and laughed when I saw the stuffed vampire bat I had won for him sitting on one of our side chairs. Finally, we entered our bedroom, and I excused myself to use the bathroom for the last time. I think that is going to be one of the weirdest things I'll miss, that along with sleeping. I was sure I'd get used to not doing either eventually, but... yeah.
After finishing up, I took a good look at myself in the mirror. I looked amazing. I knew how I looked now would be how I would stay for all time, so I had gone to a salon a couple of days ago and gotten my body looking exactly how I wanted. My hair looked perfect and was long and wavy, reaching just above the middle of my back. As I was about to leave the bathroom, I paused and winked at my reflection and gave a little wave, saying goodbye to my human face and body. I wondered what I would look like after the change.
I entered our bedroom to find Demetri sitting on the bed, his gaze fixed intently on me. I smiled, thinking about all that was about to happen. "Why don't you rip all my clothes off. Let's make this a night to remember."
Approaching him, my breasts aligned with his face as he sat on the bed, a mischievous smile playing on my lips. He wrapped his arms around me, nuzzling his face between my breasts. Playfully, I wriggled a bit, letting him enjoy the moment. Suddenly, he used his hands to literally tear my shirt into two pieces, flinging the scraps to opposite sides of the room. It startled me slightly, causing my breasts to jiggle within my bra. He began to kiss them, his lips trailing over the fabric until he reached the connector between the cups, which he proceeded to deftly break with his teeth. Tossing aside the remnants of my bra, he lightly caressed around the edges of my breasts with his hands. Soon, he started to suck on them, and I tilted my head back, closing my eyes to savor the attention he was paying to each of them.
Eventually, he lifted me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist as he settled back down. His arousal pressed into my stomach as our lips met in a heated kiss. "Get rid of the rest; you're driving me wild," I whispered into his ear, using my teeth and lips to playfully nibble on his earlobe. The sound of fabric tearing filled the air, signaling that I was now completely naked. He turned us around, gently placing me in the center of the bed. Looking up at him, I observed as he swiftly discarded his clothes, excitement coursing through me. The day I had longed for had finally arrived. I spread my legs wide apart, inviting him in.
Slowly, he crawled over my body, our faces now just inches apart. I could feel his cock teasingly moving up and down my slit, and I flexed my hips, craving more. As he leaned in for a kiss, I sensed him starting to slide inside me, and the sensation of him completely filling me sent shivers down my spine. I wrapped my legs tightly around his body, squeezing to take in as much of him as I could.
Our lovemaking began at a deliberate pace, and I was relishing the sensation of our connection. As we continued, a rhythm naturally developed, and I lost myself in the synchrony of his thrusts to my own gyrations. The more time passed, the more my excitement heightened, along with the intense pleasure coursing through my body. Soon, the familiar stirrings of my climax emerged, beginning as a warm flutter in my stomach and spreading rapidly. Panting, I gasped, "Oh god, I love you. Go faster. Let's come together. Bite me when I scream out."
Demetri's pace quickened, his movements blurring as he thrust in and out of me at supernatural speed. The sensation was utterly overwhelming, and when his hips flexed, and he started coming inside me, it pushed me over the edge, and I couldn't help but scream out in euphoria. Amidst my cries of pleasure filling the air, a sudden, sharp, exquisite pain shot through my neck.
While I was lost in the throes of ecstasy, Demetri had sunk his teeth into my neck, injecting his venom as his cock continued to spurt inside me. The combination of pleasure and the intense bite was indescribable, and I found myself spiraling into yet another orgasm, the sensations rippling through me a second time. This mind-bending experience persisted, and I remained lost in ecstasy. At some point, he released his teeth from my neck and began to lick the area where he had punctured my skin.
I could already sense the venom slowly moving through my bloodstream, and the burning sensation in my neck had already become quite intense. I knew it wouldn't be long before it consumed the rest of my body, plunging me into days of agonizing pain.
I spoke quickly, wanting to convey my final wishes before the pain became unbearable. "Stay with me. Keep me updated on how much time has elapsed, so if I'm coherent, I'll know. I love you. See you soon."
With that, I closed my eyes and hugged him tight as the fire continued to course through my body. It was relentless, and within minutes, the blaze had swallowed me whole.
Let me know your thoughts. I know a lot of you have been asking, so next chapter the majority of it will be in Demetri's point of view.