Chapter 4

Alec slugged into the room with a color drained face and slumped posture. Life had suddenly become a nightmare in the daytime and there was nothing wrong in saying immortality was a curse, else he would have stabbed himself in the heart just to be with Annie.

“Alec!” – Penelope rose to her feet with a flash of surprise in her eyes.

She swept her eyes up and down his body with fidgeting fingers that begged to embrace him. Fortunately, there was no trace or scent of blood on him.

“I told you there was practically nothing to worry about.” Stanton repeated.

“Get me some dry wood, brother.” Alec pleaded.

“What for?” —The words seemed to drag themselves from Cleo's mouth as she shot surprise glances at them one after the other.

Although Penelope understood what Alec was up to, but she couldn't bring herself to tell the others. Moreover, Cleo would go nuts if she got the slightest idea of It so, If there was anyone at all who should talk about it, then it should be Alec.

“There is no way she's going to remain like that all day.” Alec said, giving them a hint on what he plans to do next.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Stanton asked, arching a quizzical brow.

“He wants to burn her corpse.” Cleo replied, with arms folded defiantly on her chest.

“You won't do that, or will you?” —Penelope half-turned to face him. “Why not feed her your blood and bring her back to life. That's all there's to do.”

“You're wrong on this one, dear.” Alec said, his face holding a distant look. “She would forever resent me if I did that to her. I would rather not turn her into a bloodsucking creature like myself.”

He suddenly turned to face Stanton. “Please do as I've said.”

Then to Penelope, he clutched her arm and pleaded. “Help me clean her up, I'll be waiting outside.”

“We'll be right behind you.” Penelope replied with an emotion-choked voice.

“I don't get…” –Cleo crinkled her face, confused. “Aren't you supposed to stop him from doing this? You should make him see reasons with you that there's every need to feed her his blood.”

“Did I hear you clearly at all?” Penelope shot back with a quizzical brow. “Or is there a need to remind you that the last time I tried that..... I'd have my neck snapped. Now would you help me with this or not?”

Cleo bit her bottom lip and turned away to gather her thoughts. Although the time spent with Annie was short, yet they made the best out of it. She just couldn't understand the reason they'd to throw all of that away by burning her corpse when they'd at their disposal what could offer her life again.

She doesn't deserve this, not even from the one who claims to love her, she reasoned and turned to face Penelope.

“You know, I think…”

“I need to get her a new dress. Stay right here, I'll be back.” —Penelope hurried out, leaving Cleo to wrestle with her thoughts.

Is this a test? She tilted her head in both sides while mentally weighing her options. Or perhaps, could be this my only chance of saving her?

Without a second thought, Cleo bit her finger and eased beside Annie while she stole glances from the door and fed her her blood until she was certain it was enough.

“What are you doing?” —Penelope's voice came from a distance.

“Huh!” Cleo gasped, her voice almost rising to a scream. “There was something on her chin.” she stuttered.

“Really? Are you certain?” Penelope shot suspicious glances as she approached her.

“Yes…. Yes, I'm.” Cleo said, clasping her trembling hands behind her. “We should get going now.”

“Alright.” —Penelope bolted out of the room with the corpse.

Later that day, the sound of crackling fire could be heard at a distance as Penelope rubbed the goosebumps from her arms while she buried her face against Alec's warm throat. Behind them were Cleo and Stanton, who stood side by side as they also watched from a good distance.

Cleo, whose lips wouldn't stop moving, clasped her hands beneath her jaw as she gazed intently while awaiting the moment Annie would jerk back to life.

“Please… Please.” she said, praying silently.

Stanton gazed at her then to the flames then to her again, all this while she could feel his gaze boring into her skin.

“Something's not right.” —Alec narrowed his gaze and shuffled a step forward.

“What is?” Penelope asked.

“Take a good look…. She isn't burning.” he discovered, narrowing his eyes.

Cleo's heart gave a twist in her chest as she lifted her eyes and met Penelope's gaze.