"No. If I do, when they are older, they will hunt me for the death of their parents," Zed said coldly.
"Shut the door," he ordered. Pharian sighed but obeyed, still confused as to why his brother had let Skye see his raw form in the first place, letting her know he consumed blood.
Moments passed before bitter screams and cries echo from inside the chamber. Pharian didn't flinch, he was used to this. After the screams came silence and soon, the door creaked open, revealing Zed wiping the blood from his lips, his skin now flushed with more colour and no longer looked pale. His red eyes glowed faintly, having more life in them. calmer but not gentle and Pharian was glad seeing his brother more healthy.
"I'd hug you," Zed smirked, "but I can't."
Pharian gave a small, awkward laugh. He had never known the joy of being hugged by someone, no one had ever cared enough to.
Zed paused, noticing the way his brother's faint smile didn't reach his eyes. He was barely sympathetic and had long buried his emotions. Without saying a word, he stepped forward and pulled Pharian into an awkward hug, clapping his back roughly.
Pharian froze, startled by the gesture. He had hardly been shown any kind of affection. He blinked, hesitating before he hugged his brother back tears brimming in his eyes, after a few seconds to let him relish the hug, Zed pulled back and smiled at him.
"Don't get emotional. That's my way of saying thank you," he said, ruffling his brother's hair.
Pharian smiled, really smiled this time and nodded.
"I better go back to Skye," Zed said, already turning.
"Be careful with her," Pharian warned quietly.
Him being with Skye was making him more human. Pharian thought in his mind.
Zed paused, then gave a faint smile before disappearing into thin air.
Zed appeared back in the world of the living, specifically, in Skye's room. But instead of finding her, he found Helen, who nearly dropped the tray she was carrying.
"Where is my wife?" Zed asked, his amber eyes scanning the room.
"S–She is in your chambers, sire," Helen stammered, shocked by his sudden appearance. But he didn't care to explain and before she could blink, he vanished again, causing her to scream.
***
He materialized in his chambers, where Skye sat curled up on his bed, lost in thought.
"Skye," he called softly.
She looked up, eyes wide with dried tears. Her face held an expression of shock and evident fear. She was scared, he made her afraid. He hated himself for it. Regardless, she rushed towards him, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Please… don't ever die again," she whispered against his chest, her voice trembling.
Zed frowned, "I won't," he promised.
"I'm sorry for hurting you," he added quietly. He only ever apologized to her.
"That wasn't you," she said, shaking her head quickly. "Pharian told me you were possessed."
If only she knew that had been the real him, the monster within.
"Please stay with me tonight," Zed asked, his tone softer than she had ever heard.
She studied his face for a moment and nodded. He looked exhausted.
Without warning, his hand reached down, and scooped her into his arms. She let out a startled squeal, and he smiled faintly. Gently, he laid her on the bed before climbing in beside her. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer and buried his face in her hair. She felt strange, shy…. but oddly safe.
It didn't take long for her to drift off, her breathing steady and calm. Zed watched her for a while, nuzzling closer while Skye slept peacefully in his arms. He smiled and shut his eyes, sleeping off almost immediately he had never been more tired.
The next morning, Skye woke up feeling free without the weight that was on her last night there. She stretched and blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling before realizing she wasn't in her own room.
Her gaze shifted to Zed, who lay on the far end of the bed still asleep.
Why had he moved away from her?
As she leaned closer, she noticed his breathing was rough and forced. His body trembled slightly, and sweat clung to his skin. His lips moved,muttering something in his sleep.
"Zed," she whispered, shaking him gently causing his eyes to snap open. They were dark red, they looked malicious. She gasped and stumbled back, seeing his nails had elongated into claws. Zed turned to her and studied her for a while then his pupils dilated.
"Apologies good morning" he smiled, seeming normal.
"Morning?" she repeated, still shaken.
"I had a bad dream," he answered her unsaid question, forcing a small smile. His tone was calm now and his eyes were fully amber.
"Oh…" she murmured, unsure whether to press further. Every time she asked about him, he dodged the question.
"You look pretty," he said suddenly.
She blinked in disbelief. she was probably a mess with disheveled hair and puffy eyes after all the crying yesterday.
"You speak nonsense," she muttered.
He chuckled at her saying he spoke nonsense.
He saw why she was precious to her father. She was a pure soul. He raised his hand to her cheeks and Skye subconsciously leaned into his touch.
"Zed…" she whispered. There was so much she wanted to ask him, so much she didn't understand. "Can you tell me why….." she stopped herself from speaking any further.
"Why what? "Zed asked, his hands still tracing her cheeks.
"It is not important" She replied, shaking her head, oddly becoming interested in a loose thread of her robe.
"Still say it" he urged she hesitated and looked up at his expectant face before she spoke.
"Why do you drink blood?" she asked, making him frown.
His expression changed instantly, where his eyes slightly narrowed. "That question goes a long way," he said slowly, dropping his hand.
She nodded quietly, regretting asking, as it seemed he didn't want to talk about it.
"I'll tell you," he suddenly said, "But only if you give me something in return." he smiled, concocting mischief in his blue covered head
Her brows knitted together. "And what would that be?"
"You'll find out when the time comes," he said with that infuriatingly mysterious grin. "But for now, I'll still tell you."
"Alright," she agreed, though she had no idea what she had just promised.
He smiled at her answer, that dark, dangerous smile that always made her heart race.