All Chapters of Chasing fireflies: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Callum’s estateThey were all there, gathered in the fading light. Chloe held Damian close for a moment before handing him off to Arran. She took a breath, scanning the faces around her.“Thanks for being here,” she began, her voice steady. “We’ve decided to leave. This place… it’s beautiful, but it’s got its claws in us. Too many memories—most of them heavy, but a few that still shine. I’ll miss you all. You’ve been my family when I didn’t have one.” She moved to Callum, embracing him tightly, then Isabella. “Live well. I plan to.”The clan erupted into cheers as servers began circulating with drinks.James stepped forward, his jaw tight. “You’re leaving? Again?”Chloe met his gaze. “James, brother,” she said, emphasizing the word, “let it go. Ella’s here. She loves you. Don’t waste that.” She reached up, her hand brushing his cheek. “Be happy, alright?”Lucas and Ava entered, Ava’s belly round and unmistakable. Chloe hugged them both.“Mom, got a minute?” Lucas gestured toward the s

Chloe blinked into the void, the blindfold cutting off any sense of where she was, probably a car. “Damian,” she murmured.“Shut it,” a voice snapped back.A hand brushed hers, shaky and unsure. She grabbed it, holding tight.The ride dragged on forever until the vehicle finally halted. Hands hoisted her up, planting her on her feet. The blindfold ripped away. Light stabbed at her eyes, but as her vision cleared, she took in the scene.The castle loomed ahead, a jagged silhouette clawing its way out of the tree line. It sat atop the hill like some ancient beast, all jagged spires and weathered stone, watching over the sprawl of forest below. The sun hit the walls just right, turning them warm and golden, while the towers stood like silent sentinels. The woods stretched out in every direction, alive with the hum of secrets, and beyond them, the land melted into a blur of mist and distance. It wasn’t just a building—it was a relic, a thing out of time, the kind of place where you’d expe

Callum’s clanSalem looked around, a sea of people, and knew no one. Then everyone turned their attention to the throne. She did too, only to see Callum. Finally, someone she recognized."Hello," he said, his voice smooth and warm. "You’re here because of the virus. We’ve gathered what’s left of us in one of our six sanctuaries. This isn’t a prison, but there are rules.""I’m Callum, the leader here. This is Sophia, my sister and right hand. She’ll go over the rules with you. Welcome." With that, he walked out.He caught her eye, but why wasn’t he helping her? Salem’s panic started to rise when a strong arm yanked her from the crowd, dragging her away. She glared at the towering vampire."Where are you taking me?" she demanded. He stayed silent. "Don’t make me hurt you," she warned."You can try, little girl," he said, turning to face her. His messy dark hair looked like it had never met a comb, and his dark eyes drilled into her. He leaned in close. "Maybe you should hear the rules f

A knock interrupted them. Jackson opened the door to find Brian standing beside Tredorus."Brian, please," Chloe whispered. "Don't."Tredorus slipped away, closing the door behind him. Jackson towered over Brian, his frame nearly double, the smaller man's."Bold move challenging me," Jackson said, advancing slowly. "Must be love.""It is." Brian's eyes found Chloe's. "Always has been, since we met. I just never told you."Jackson's fingers closed around Brian's throat. "Tell her now. I'll fight for her, will you?"Chloe's hand flew to Jackson's arm. "Brian, I've fallen for him. I can't help who I..." She turned away, then back to find both men staring.Brian inhaled deeply, forcing a laugh. "Late as usual. I'll request a transfer." He left without another word."Nice performance," Jackson murmured, taking her hand as they exited. "You're getting better."But Chloe hadn't been acting. Confronted like that, she'd realized the truth—this wasn't just desire. It was love.The ceremony pass

Chloe was pacing impatiently, waiting for Jackson to show up. When he finally opened the door, she immediately threw her arms around him. “Jackson, just listen to me for once. Let me go talk to them. This needs to end, and Lucas gets it. He’ll help.”“You’re not going anywhere, but fine, talk to him,” Jackson said, his voice firm.“It’s just a week,” she argued.“Not even a second,” he snapped, his tone sharp enough to make her flinch. Her eyes widened, fear flickering in them. “I’m sorry, but I can’t lose you. I won’t. The virus is still out there, Chloe.” He pulled her back into his arms, holding her tightly. “Please, just understand.”“Protective much?” she quipped, trying to lighten the mood.“I love you, Chloe. I can’t let you go,” he said, his voice breaking. She pulled away, searching his face for something, answers, maybe.“You feel it too. I know you do. And I get it, you don’t trust me. I wouldn’t either, after what happened to you. Hell, I wouldn’t have been half as forgivi