Blood of Shadows Chapter 5
Chapter 4: Secrets of the Past
The sun had long since set, and the faint glow of the moon illuminated the edges of Elena’s small apartment. She sat across from Kain, her arms wrapped protectively around herself. Despite her fear, she couldn’t look away from him. His presence was magnetic, both intimidating and comforting in ways she couldn’t explain.
“So, you’re telling me,” Elena began cautiously, “that those… creatures that attacked me weren’t human. And neither are you.”
Kain leaned back in the chair, his crimson eyes dimmer now, reflecting a sadness that seemed centuries old. “You’re not wrong,” he said, his voice low. “But I didn’t ask for this. I wasn’t always…” He trailed off, searching for the right word.
“Always what?” she pressed, her heartbeat quickening.
“A monster.”
The word hung heavy in the air, and Elena shivered. “If you’re a monster, why did you save me?”
Kain’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, he didn’t respond. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “Because I couldn’t let them hurt you. Not again.”
Her brows furrowed. “Again? What do you mean?”
He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “It’s complicated, Elena. There’s a history between us that you can’t begin to understand. Not yet.”
Her frustration flared. “Then explain it to me! I deserve to know what’s going on. Ever since I met you, my life has felt… different. Like I don’t even belong in it anymore.”
Kain met her gaze, his expression softening. “You feel it too, don’t you? That pull, that connection between us.”
She hesitated, her cheeks flushing. “I don’t know what I feel. All I know is that my best friend thinks I’m losing my mind, and I’m starting to think he’s right.”
“Caleb?” Kain asked, his tone sharpening.
“Yes,” she said defensively. “He’s worried about me. And honestly, so am I.”
Kain leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. “Elena, listen to me. You’re not losing your mind. What you’re feeling—what’s happening to you—is real. But the more you dig, the more dangerous this will become. Caleb wouldn’t understand, and I can’t protect him if he gets too close.”
She frowned. “Protect him from what? You? Or whatever attacked us last night?”
“Both,” he admitted. “But there are worse things out there than me, Elena. Things you can’t even imagine. If they find out who you are—”
“Who I am?” she interrupted. “What are you talking about?”
Kain’s eyes flickered with regret, and he stood abruptly. “I’ve said too much. For now, you need to trust me.”
She shot to her feet, her frustration boiling over. “How can I trust you when you won’t tell me the truth?”
He turned to face her, his expression pained. “Because if I told you everything, you’d hate me.”
The silence that followed was deafening. Elena stared at him, her emotions warring between fear, anger, and something deeper she couldn’t name.
Before she could respond, a knock at the door shattered the tension.
“Elena? It’s me, Caleb!”
Her heart sank as Kain’s posture stiffened. “Stay quiet,” he whispered, his tone urgent.
But Caleb’s voice came again, louder this time. “Elena, are you okay? I thought I heard voices.”
She glanced at Kain, then back at the door. “It’s just my friend,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Kain’s eyes darkened. “Be careful what you say.”
“Elena?” Caleb called again, his concern evident.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door just enough to see him. Caleb’s kind eyes scanned her face, and his frown deepened. “Are you alright? You look pale.”
“I’m fine,” she lied, forcing a smile. “Just tired.”
Caleb leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Are you sure? You’ve been acting… different lately. If something’s wrong, you can tell me.”
Elena’s throat tightened, and she glanced back at Kain, who stood in the shadows, watching silently.
“Everything’s fine, Caleb,” she said, her voice firmer this time. “Really.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “Alright. Just… call me if you need anything, okay?”
“I will. Thanks,” she said, closing the door gently.
When she turned back to Kain, he was gone. The open window and the faint rustle of the night breeze were the only signs he’d ever been there.
Elena sank onto the couch, her mind racing. She was no closer to answers, but one thing was certain—her life was no longer her own. And the man with crimson eyes was the key to it all.
