Darkness Chapter 23: Mounting Tension

**Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location…**

**Rebel Leader**

We will attack the bloodsuckers tomorrow. We will finally put them back where they belong as ashes, or they will go back to being lab rats. Either way, I don't care. I just want my life back. I want my family back, but that's never gonna happen.

They were buried long ago when the bloodsuckers broke out of the labs. I sigh and shake my head. I walk to my tiny room to rest. Putting a bounty out on tour two best assassinswas not something I wanted to do, but it needed to be done. Tomorrow I will take my revenge and put humans back in control.

**Nelly**

I am currently in the gym, pushing myself to the limit. I must ensure that I am fully prepared for what lies ahead. I need to be at the top of my game, or else...no, I refuse to entertain that thought. We will emerge victorious in this battle, I can only hope.

Suddenly, Brandon approaches me and asks, "Want a sparring partner?" I nod in agreement, welcoming the opportunity to sharpen my skills.

"You seem troubled," Brandon observes as he joins me on the mat.

"I am. I wish there was a way to show everyone that they are not the monsters we have been led to believe. I want to convey the truth about my parents' actions," I confess.

Brandon acknowledges my concerns, admitting, "I hate to admit it, but you're right. They have treated us fairly, and even those imprisoned have spoken of fair treatment. I even spoke with Alec, who promised to release Tara and me if we survive this ordeal."

"Do you plan to leave?" I inquire.

"Only if you and Tara do. I have nowhere else to go. You both are my family," Brandon declares with unwavering loyalty.

"The last time I asked Vincent, he said I couldn't leave," I confessed.

Brandon looked at me thoughtfully. "I think he would if you asked him again. He might not fully trust us, but I believe he respects us."

"I don't know if I want to leave," I admitted.

Brandon set the equipment down and gazed at me intently. "You don't have feelings for him... do you?"

"How could I? It's not like we can have something," I replied.

Brandon let out a heavy sigh. "Nelly, this is me... I see how you are with him. How you look at him." Tears began to well up in my eyes as I turned away from Brandon.

"Nelly, when this is over, we will move away. The three of us. Maybe we can start over. You and me. I know what I feel for you. I do love you," Brandon declared passionately.

"Brandon, I can't do this. I need a clear head," I whispered, feeling his hands on my shoulders. Tears streamed down my face as I struggled with my emotions. I knew deep down that Brandon was right - I needed to get away from Vincent. Starting over with Brandon seemed like the best option, but my heart still belonged to Vincent. I was torn, unsure if I could ever truly leave him.

Just then, Tara interrupted our moment, asking why I was crying. I couldn't bear to face her or anyone else, so I made a quick excuse and ran out of the room, only to collide with a wall in my haste. Vincent caught me, concern etched on his face as he asked if I was okay and where I was headed. Ignoring his questions, I sprinted to my room and slammed the door shut, collapsing against it in a flood of tears.

A soft knock sounded at the door, and it slowly creaked open. I moved away, my body racked with sobs as I struggled to contain my emotions. The weight of my decisions and the turmoil in my heart felt unbearable, leaving me feeling lost and alone in my own personal storm. I had fallen so far and so hard that it felt like I was sinking. I had wanted to have a normal life; go to college, find love, start a family, and grow old together. Brandon hinted that he wanted a fresh start, but it felt as if he only wanted that because of how he saw me looking at Vincent. But Vincent can’t give me the life I had once envisioned. What the fuck do I do?

Vincent's voice was filled with concern as he gently lifted me off the floor and cradled me in his arms. I could feel the warmth of his touch as he carried me to my bed and sat down, still holding me close.

"Nelly, please tell me what's wrong," he urged, his eyes searching mine for answers.

I struggled to find the words, my emotions overwhelming me. Vincent ran his hands through my hair, soothing me. "Just breathe," he whispered, and I followed his guidance, taking deep breaths to calm myself.

As I turned to face him, straddling his lap, I couldn't hold back my questions any longer. "What are we, Vincent? What do I mean to you?"

He looked at me, his expression pained. "I'm sorry, Nelly. What do you mean?"

"Us. This connection between us. What is it?" I pressed, my heart racing with uncertainty.

Vincent hesitated, his hands running through his hair in frustration. "Nelly, we are..." The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken truths and unexplored emotions.

As the answer hangs in the air, I can sense it before he even speaks. With a deep breath, I rise from my seat and steady myself. "You know what? It's okay. When this is all said and done, if we survive tomorrow, can I go with Tara and Brandon? I need to break free from this. It's time for me to start anew, to live life on my own terms, not dictated by some organization or by you."

He approaches me, reaching out to pull me close, but I resist his touch. I can't continue like this with him. It's time for me to move forward. "Please, just let me go."

With a heavy heart, he lowers his head and walks past me towards the door. Pausing, he turns to face me, his expression unreadable. "If that's what you truly desire. Once we know you're safe, you're free to go. Live your life. Where will you head off to?"

I shrug, a sense of uncertainty clouding my thoughts. "I'm not sure. Anywhere away from the chaos and conflict, wherever that may lead me."

"Will you accompany him?" he inquires.

"You mean Brandon?"

"Yes..."

"Yes, him and Tara. They are the only family I have."

"Alright. I will see you in the morning," he states emotionlessly.

"Thank you, Vincent."

"You're welcome, Nelly." He closes the door, and I go to lock it, leaning against it.

In a hushed tone, I confess, "I love you, but we cannot be together. I deserve a shot at normalcy." I take a shower and crawl into bed, determined to rise early and have some time to myself. Tomorrow, everything will change, for better or for worse.