Vampire Season **with CHOICES**

EVE

The icy evening breeze bit at Eve's skin as she hurried up the steps of Sarah's porch, her heart hammering in her chest. She barely had time to knock before the door swung open, revealing Sarah's concerned face, her eyes filled with unspoken worry.

Eve didn't hesitate. She threw herself into Sarah's arms, sobs wracking her body as she clung to her friend, desperate for an anchor in the storm that had become her life. Sarah stiffened at first, startled by the force of the embrace, but soon softened, wrapping her arms tightly around Eve.

Sarah: I knew something was wrong from your call.

Sarah murmured, stroking Eve's hair.

Sarah: What happened?

Eve shook her head against Sarah's shoulder, still unable to form the words. When she finally pulled away, Sarah searched her face, her expression darkening.

Sarah: Did they hurt you?

Eve: No. They would never do that.

Eve whispered, her voice hoarse.

Sarah sighed in relief and ushered her inside, locking the door behind them. The warmth of the house enveloped Eve, but it did nothing to thaw the icy dread in her chest. They moved to the living room, where the soft glow of the fireplace flickered against the walls.

Sarah sat beside her on the couch, waiting. Eve exhaled shakily.

Eve: They think Viktor has returned, so they sent me away.

She finally said, leaving out the portion of her attack.

Sarah stiffened.

Sarah: Viktor?

The name alone seemed to leave a bitter taste in her mouth.

Sarah: I've heard about him. He's ruthless, Eve. Sending you away is the best thing they could have done for you.

Eve swallowed, her fingers curling into the fabric of her dress.

Eve: Nicolae gave me an envelope full of money and helped me pack, but I didn't want to—

She shook her head as another cry left her throat.

Sarah studied her carefully.

Sarah: But you're okay?

Eve nodded, though the weight in her chest told a different story.

Eve: I just... I didn't want to be alone tonight.

Sarah's expression softened, and she reached for Eve's hand, squeezing it.

Sarah: You don't have to be alone. You can stay here as long as you need.

Eve hesitated, thinking of Sarah's grandmother, the matriarch of the cover who had sent an unfriendly glace her way a time or two.

Eve: Is Cassandra okay with me staying here tonight?

Sarah waved a dismissive hand.

Sarah: Of course she is.

Eve wasn't entirely convinced, but she was too drained to argue. Instead, she let Sarah lead her upstairs to her bedroom. The bed was warm and soft, yet as she curled beneath the blankets, the ache in her chest only deepened.

Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at the ceiling. She should have told Nicolae she loved him, too. The words had been on the tip of her tongue, and now—now she didn't know when she'd get the chance again. If she'd ever get the chance again.