Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Blood Curse: Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

"The one whose name you refuse to speak," Niniane said coyly as she took a sip of her coffee. Layla was stunned into silence as she stared at Niniane with wide eyes. "So, how is Atreus doing after his long nap?" the vampiress asked, leaning in with her elbows on the table and her chin cradled in her palm. "How do you know about him?" Layla asked softly. Niniane giggled. "Every decent shadow stalker knows about Atreus, love. I'm sad to hear that he managed to f*ck up another relationship," Niniane said with a sigh. "He has never been very good with words. But I've heard he's good at other things…" Layla glared at Niniane. "He's good at lying, keeping secrets, and using people." "I can imagine," Niniane said with a chuckle. "Well, don't you worry, Layla. I'm on your side."Layla couldn't help but give her a look of incredulity. "I'm starting to doubt that." "Now, now, there's no need to get touchy," Niniane teased. "Woman to woman, you've come to the right place for protec

"Or am I just the lucky reincarnation?" Layla said bitterly. Atreus' jaw flexed and his eyes narrowed dangerously. "What are you talking about?" "I'm not a fool either, Atreus," she sneered. "Did you really think I would just continue living in the dark? That I would just be some complacent tool for you and Ravana to fight over?" They stared at one another in the moonlit night surrounded by the crypts as the wind kissed their skin. The soft whispers of the wind were like the dead muttering amongst themselves about the two lovers quarreling in their midst. "When I found out that I could be this Alita's reincarnation," Layla continued even when Areus flinched at her words, "my heart broke all over again. Because even though we carry the same soul, you still used me. Is this body and mind, is it not worth the same love you gave Alita?" Atreus stood then and stepped away from her. He ran his hands through his hair and watched the horizon for a moment. When he turned back to face

Ravana watched her quietly for a moment. "You've always been much more than that, Layla." Layla stared at him, thrown off by the whisper of affection in his voice. "Come," he said, wrapping her arm in his once more. "You must be famished." Obligingly, she allowed him to lead her down the corridor and to a set of double doors. He opened it and gestured for her to step inside. Layla walked through the threshold to find a grand dining hall. It had a long table that could seat at least twenty people with three large candelabras filled with red tapered candles, and fresh flowers filled various vases atop small tables that lined the room. At the head of the table were two seats already set with platters of food. Ravana walked past Layla, pulled out a seat, and looked at her expectantly. Trying to remain stoic, Layla brushed past Ravana and sat in the chair. He then sat down in the chair next to hers at the head of the table. Without saying anything Ravana went about pouring them

"It's ok, Layla," he said in a soft whisper. "You're safe now." In the next breath, Atreus transported them away from the cold desolate rocky plains. Layla looked around wearily, she didn't recognize where he had taken them. First, she noticed that this place was warm and smelled of fire, smoke, and pine. The second thing was the large hand-carved wooden bed frame with a plush mattress that sat against a stained wood wall. Atreus walked her to the bed and laid her down gently. Layla scooted away until her back hit the large cushioned headboard. She looked around the room looking for an escape route. The room was furnished with shelves of books and a variety of knickknacks. There was a sand timer on the fireplace mantle and a small globe next to that. Straight across from the fireplace was a large wooden door that was shut. Layla looked back at Atreus wearily. He was watching her quietly with an unreadable expression on his face. Without saying a word, he left the room. Layla wa

Layla stepped into the main room of the cabin and looked around. Atreus was nowhere to be seen. Puzzled, she walked cautiously into the room. Beyond the bathing area and the kitchen was another large fireplace that was burning softly and past that was a door. Maybe he had stepped outside to get more firewood. She made her way toward the door and opened it. Chilly, fresh, mountain air greeted her. The sun was just about to greet the sky, casting a bluish-gray overcast across the horizon. There was a thick forest of pine trees as far as the eye could see. It was a gorgeous and tranquil place. Layla was admiring the landscape so much, she didn't notice Atreus' approach. "What are you doing out here in the cold?" he scolded. "Your hair is wet and you barely have any clothes on." Layla gave him a withering look. "I'm not a child, Atreus. I can take care of myself.""That remains to be seen," he countered, crossing his arms. "Go back inside before you catch your death." "You can