Chapter 334: It all begins
After a moment, she nodded, her expression a mix of concern and determination.
"Of course, Blake. I understand the gravity of the situation," she said, her voice calm and professional. "Rose's condition is still delicate, and I agree that consistent medical supervision is crucial at this stage. I'd be more than willing to stay and monitor her progress."
She paused, then added, "However, I must ask - how long do you anticipate being gone? And are you certain about venturing into the vampire city? It's not exactly known for its hospitality towards outsiders."
"I'm going with Reggie and Randal. They know the in and out of the place. I'm sure they'll keep us out of trouble," Blake reassured.
Martina's eyes reflected genuine concern for Blake's safety, even as she agreed to his request. "I
"Okay then, l'll take care of Rose, but please, be careful out there. We need you to come back in one piece, for both Rose and Celena's sake."
"I will and thank you so much! If you'll excuse me," Blake said leaving her.
There was one more person he needed to see.
Blake searched throughout the cabin, his eyes darting from room to room, until he finally spotted Gunther standing outside. The priest was leaning against the railing, a drink clutched in his hand, his gaze fixed on the darkening horizon.
As Blake approached, he noticed that Gunther barely registered his presence. The worry etched deep in Gunther's eyes was unmistakable, a reflection of the fear they all shared for Rose's well-being.
Blake stood beside him, letting the silence stretch for a moment before speaking. The weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air between them. It had been barely two years since they had rescued Rose from Damien's clutches, a harrowing experience that still haunted them all. The thought of potentially losing her again, this time to an unknown ailment, was terrifying.
"Gunther," Blake said softly, breaking the silence. "I know what you're thinking. We've come too far, been through too much, to lose her now."
Gunther turned slightly, acknowledging Blake's presence with a small nod. The worry in his eyes mixed with a determination that Blake recognized all too well.
"We're not going to let that happen," Blake continued, his voice gaining strength. "We're going to find answers in the vampire city. We're going to bring Rose back, just like we did before. That's why I need you to be the man in charge here. Protect them while we're away. Can I count on you?"
Gunther stood tall, his expression serious. "With my life, Blake. No harm will come to them on my watch."
With the arrangements set, it was decided that Blake, Reggie, and Randal would venture to the vampire city themselves to find answers. As everyone retired to bed late that night, exhausted from the day's events and anxious about the journey ahead, Blake found himself unable to sleep.
He lay in bed beside Rose, listening to her soft breathing, his mind racing. The thought of leaving Rose and Celena, even for a short time, filled him with dread. What if something happened while he was gone? What if Rose's condition worsened? He tried to push these fears aside, reminding himself that this journey was necessary to help her.
Blake's thoughts drifted to the vampire city. He'd heard whispers of it but had never been there himself. It was a place shrouded in mystery and, if he was honest, a little fear. What would it be like? How would they be received?
Then, a realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. He sat up in bed, his heart pounding. "I'm finally going to meet my mother-in-law," he whispered to himself, a mix of excitement and trepidation washing over him.
Rose's mother hadn't attended their wedding - not that they had invited many people beyond their close-knit group. But now, Blake would be entering her world, meeting Rose's family for the first time. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.
As the night wore on, Blake's mind continued to churn with questions and worries. What were Rose's parents like? Would they approve of him? Would they be able to help Rose? And most importantly, what secrets would the vampire city hold?
Just as the first hints of dawn began to creep through the window, Blake felt Rose stir beside him. He turned to her, his heart leaping as her eyes fluttered open.
"Blake?" she murmured, her voice weak but clear. "What's going on? What happened?"
Blake took her hand, his thumb gently caressing the spot where the mysterious mark had appeared. "Rose, my love, there's something I need to tell you. We're... we're going on a little trip."
Rose's brow furrowed in confusion. "A trip? Where? Why?"
Before Blake could give a response, Rose's eyes fluttered back to unconsciousness...again.
Taking a deep breath, with a mixture of fear and hope, Blake squeezed her hand tightly.
"You'll be fine Rose, I promise you".
He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. I promise you, Rose, I'll find answers. I'll find a way to make you better." Now more than ever, he knew they needed to hurry up.
As the sun rose, casting a warm glow across the room, Blake held Rose close to himself, acutely aware that their lives were about to change dramatically. The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with potential dangers and unknown challenges. But in that moment, wrapped in her arms, he found a small measure of peace.
Outside the bedroom, the house began to stir as the others woke and prepared for the day ahead. The air was thick with anticipation and a touch of fear. In just a few hours, Blake, Reggie, and Randal would set out for the vampire city, leaving behind the safety and familiarity of their home.
As Blake finally rose from the bed, he cast one last look at Rose, committing every detail of her face to memory. Then, squaring his shoulders, he stepped out to face whatever lay ahead. The vampire city awaited, with all its secrets and dangers. And somewhere within its ancient walls lay the answers they so desperately needed.
The journey to save Rose had begun.