Darkness Chapter 24: Better Or Worse

**Vincent**

I lay here, gazing up at the ceiling, my mind consumed with thoughts of her. I keep staring at my door, hoping she will walk through it. The sound of footsteps in the hall fills me with excitement, anticipating her return to me. But then, the footsteps pause outside my door and continue on their way. I sit up, frustration building within me. "Stop being so stubborn," I scold myself. "Just tell her how you feel. It may not change anything, but at least she'll know. Tell her you are in love with her."

I quickly get dressed and storm over to her room, determined to finally confess my feelings. I slam open her door, only to find it empty. Where could she be? Frantically, I search the house, but she is nowhere to be found. Returning to the foyer, I come face to face with Tara. "Where is she?" I demand.

Tara shrugs, a look of concern on her face. "I don't know. She was acting strange last night. When I woke up, she was gone."

In that moment, a wave of panic washes over me. Where could she have gone? And why did she leave without a word? The uncertainty gnaws at me, fueling my determination to find her and finally tell her how I feel.

"Guys, Nelly is out back. She said she just needed time to clear her head," Brandon announces.

"Thanks," I reply, ready to go check on her, but Brandon stops me by grabbing my wrist.

"Let her go," he says, moving his hand to my shoulder.

"Why? So you can swoop in and claim her?" I retort.

Brandon meets my gaze. "She belongs with someone like me. I can give her what she wants."

"And what exactly do you think she wants, boy?" I ask, feeling my irritation grow. From what Nelly has told me and shown me, she and Brandon were just friends with benefits. Does he suddenly want more now that I'm interested in her? If that's the case, he can go and fuck himself.

"She wants a husband, children, and a life. You can't give her all those things. She deserves to be happy," he asserts.

"You won't make her happy. I love her. Do you? Do you love her or the idea of her?" Brandon shakes his head.

"Yeah, and how will that work between you both? In 40 years, she'll be 67 and you'll be no older. You'd let the woman you think you love die. You'd let her live with the pain of leaving you. The same pain as when you lost your wife. Dude, you seriously are delusional," he exclaims as he grabs Tara, and they walk out of the room.

I gaze outside and see her sitting under a tree, looking up at the sky as the sun starts to rise. The light reflects off her golden skin and shimmers in her eyes. She is the most beautiful person, inside and out, I've ever met.

Alec says, “Boss. We're ready. The scouts say they've seen rebel groups on the south end, and the army is advancing to the north and will be on us within an hour.”

I nod, “Send the wolves to deal with the rebels to the south. Let's move out. Have Nelly, Tara, and Brandon stay back to protect the ones who can't fight and…”

“Excuse me. I'm going to kill the asshole who put a bounty on my head. Vincent, you won't stop me, so don't even try.  Let's end this shit!” Nelly exclaims.

“But..”

Nelly glares at me. “I can take care of myself.”

Brandon nods, “Ready, guys?”

Tara grins, “Let's kick some ass!” I watch the love of my life walk out to battle and most possibly her death.

**Nelly**

I woke up early this morning. I had every intention of saying goodbye to Vincent, but I couldn't. I found myself outside. I needed to think. I needed to figure out who would want me dead. Who is the damn leader. I rack my brain. Nothing comes up. As far as who would want me dead, well, that list is long. So that's not a rabbit hole I'm willing to jump into. So I go with who has such hate for the vampires and would have the ability to get an army of that size to follow them.

Then it hit me, about a year ago, we met up with a group who had major access to guns and ammo and the military training to boot. Damn what was his name? He had lost his parents and sister to a vampire attack. Come on, Nelly....think! Fuck it. I get up and walk inside. I look at Tara and Brandon, who've just walked in. Vincent tells me he wants us to stay back. Like hell. I'm taking this motherfucker out. I walk out with my friends, and we head to the outskirts of the tree line. We walk in silence until we come across the outlying army.

"It's huge," I sigh, my voice heavy with the weight of the situation.

Tara lets out a breath, her frustration palpable. "Damn."

Brandon nods, his eyes scanning the area. "Look to the back."

"Yeah, I see it," I reply, my gaze fixed on the rebel flag fluttering in the distance, signaling the head commander's tent.

Tara's voice is determined as she says, "Let's go." We move stealthily towards the tent, taking out any obstacles in our path with precision and skill. As we approach the tent, we hear voices, and we all freeze in our tracks. "No!"

Brandon mutters a curse under his breath, his disbelief evident. "What the hell!"

"That weasel!" I exclaim, finally recognizing the man whose name had eluded me earlier. Oh, this just got interesting. I exchange a glance with Tara, her eyes blazing with anger. If looks could kill, that guy would be dead. She's pissed, and so am I.

**Rebel Leader Of The Resistance**

I am currently in my tent, graciously bestowing my final words of wisdom upon my loyal soldiers. The moment of truth has arrived. Failure is not an option. After they depart, I leisurely take a seat and pour myself a drink, fully assured that our meticulously crafted plan will unfold flawlessly. The vampires and Nelly will meet their demise, along with anyone foolish enough to stand in my way. Oh, what a surprise that will be for them.