Above us was a wide opening. I could see the sky, it was already getting dark.
The stars were beautifully spread across it. There was no moon, but it was shining bright. For a moment, I felt safe, I felt grateful that I was alive.
“It's so beautiful!“ I said in admiration. A huge smile is evident on my face.
Nathan held my hands and helped me out of the frustrating hole.

Finally! I can stretch all I want.
I looked at my surrounding closely. It was beautiful. it has beautiful trees lined up in an organized manner and it was as though the trees were arranged by someone. I could see little tents all over the place. though it was all over it made the place look even more beautiful.
“Where is this place?“ I asked Nathan.
“Don't worry princess I know someone here who can help us. we'll stay here for the night and then we’ll go look for Max tomorrow.“ He replied. A smile crept on my face I was happy sincerely. finally I'm going to get a good night's sleep. I could not wait. Nathan led the way and I followed suit. We got closer to the tents. From the looks of it, it was a very busy community. I could see people walking around. Some were having conversations while some, were going about their chores.
He finally stopped when we got to one of the tents. It looked less attractive compared to the other tents. A bit old.
I'm no expert, but I could tell that something was off about these people. Well, for starters, I haven't seen even one adult in the surrounding. They all looked like teenagers. This made me come to the conclusion that they were Vampires. And it kinda freaks me out.
“Chill princess, they are not Vampires,” Nathan said.
I let out a sigh of relief. but then, the thought of what they are if they aren't Vampires hit me. Cause I doubt they are humans.
“ Yeah, you are right about that, they are not humans. But trust me, they won't hurt you.“ Nathan whispered, making me a bit comforted.
“But what are they?“ I asked him. This time using my mouth!
“Witches” was his one-word reply.
“Witches?“ I said, a bit too loud.
“What is wrong with that?“ I heard a feminine voice say from inside the tent. The entrance slowly opened and a young lady peeped. I'm guessing she's the owner of the Voice. she looked as beautiful as her voice, I stared at her. She was so pretty she had long blonde hair and her eyes sapphire blue. She looked like she was in her mid twenties. at least she looked older than the teenagers I saw outside. ” what's wrong with witches.“ the beautiful lady said staring at me. I felt scared of the way her eyes looked at me. “Nathan you didn't tell me you were coming.“ she said her eyes finally leaving me. Nathan gave her a huge smile. It was obvious that they were familiar with each other.
“The journey was unexpected Layla. And I didn't want to use my powers.“ Nathan replied with a smug smile.
“ it's okay, you know you are always welcome.“ she said, using her hand, she gestured for us to enter.
She led the way. Nathan and I followed suit. The tent didn't look that bad from the inside. It was kinda nice. Although, the furniture was pretty old.
We sat down comfortably on the rug in the living room. Nathan and Layla were having a conversation. They seemed really close. They spoke about different things. Vampires, witches, and the current war. She even explained to Nathan how and when the war started. I was surprised by the level of her experience. She must have lived for thousands of years. It's kind of gross, seeing young people, talking about ancient stuff. I, on the other hand, sat there mute, I didn't have anything to say. Hey, I like listening to old people talk about old stuff, but right now I'm feeling a bit left out and ignored. I'm already missing Nathan's company. Plus, I want to hear the rest of the story. I want to know how I got tangled up in a war I wasn't even aware of.
.
“Who's your friend Nathan?“ Layla asked as if she just noticed me.
“ Oops! I forgot to introduce you guys! Layla, this is Kara, aunt Amber's daughter.“ He said briefly.
“Oh my, you are Amber's daughter? Why didn't you say so before? Nice to finally meet you.“ She said. Then, she moved toward me and gave me a huge hug! It was weird but a bit comforting.
“You Know my mom?“ I asked timidly when she finally let go.
“Of course, I know her! We used to be good friends. She helped my people escape from the Vampires centuries ago. She has a good heart. Always been against the war happening. Sadly, she had to leave so early.“ She said sadly yet, gratefully.
I just gazed at her. I had nothing to say. People talking about my mom makes me feel uncomfortable and depressed.
.
Layla kept talking about mom! She told me she met mom when mom ran away from home cause her parents pissed her off. She stayed at the witches' den for a while. During her stay she sensed Vampires coming toward the den. She guessed they were coming to destroy the witches so she warned them. They left their den and found a new place. With her help, they were able to make a spell that would keep Vampires away.
. “Kara, you are a half Vampire right?“ Layla asked amidst the conversation. I didn't have an answer to that question, so, I looked at her and then Nathan, hoping he would say something.
Thankfully, he did.
“Yes, Kara is half human half Vampire.“ he affirmed.
“Well, how did it feel when your powers started manifesting?“ She asked eagerly.
“What?“ I asked.
“Actually, Kara hasn't experienced any of that.“ Nathan cut in.
“Ohhhhhhhh she has not come of age?"Layla asked a bit disappointed.
“ She has, but her case is a bit complicated.“ Nathan said.
“What do you mean?“ I asked, feeling a bit frightened.
“Yeah, what do you mean Nathan, if she's already eighteen, then why hasn't she started turning?“. Layla added.
“Aunt Amber used the günes potion on her” Nathan said barely audible.
“What? Why would Amber do that to her?“ Layla yelled angrily.
“She did it to protect her! She thought if she used günes potion on Kara, the Vampires would not be able to track her!“ Nathan yelled back. I was confused. I didn't understand a word.
“Can someone explain to me what's going on?“ I said, also raising my voice.
Nathan looked at me, pity in his eyes.
“Half Vampires exist when a vampire mates with some other creature. A human or witch, wolf, sirens… literally any creature. It's forbidden but Vampires still go on with it.“ He said and then paused.
“Go on….“ I said, feeling uneasy.
He took a deep breath and then continued. “You are a half Vampire!“
Of course, I was expecting that answer, but still, I felt surprised and hurt. I'm an eighteen-year-old who knows nothing about herself!.
“Half Vampires aren't as strong as normal Vampires. At first, they are regular humans, but they start turning into vampires from early teenagehood with little signs. They, however, turn into half Vampires completely when they turn eighteen. They get their powers and start feeding on blood.“ “Ewww blood?!“ I cut in
“Yes, and trust me, it's not as bad as you think.“ Nathan said.
“But Nathan, I'm already eighteen. But never felt any of the powers and stuff.“ I said.
“Yes! And that's because your mom used a dangerous potion on you. the günes potion” Layla who has been silent the whole time said in a dark tone.
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