Adam drew in several sharp breaths, his eyes shut as he shook on the concrete, waiting for the pain and pressure to return, lungs burning as he gulped in air. Slowly, he turned his head, his vision blurred.
And there, swaying unsteadily, was Vincent, his face a bloody mask of rage, chest heaving with one hand clutching his throat. The gaping wound was still there, but the bleeding had slowed.
Adam scrambled to his feet, his legs shaking beneath him. Joy and hope surged through him, so intense he thought his heart might burst. Tears streamed down his face as he stumbled forward, throwing his arms around Vincent.
He’s alive. He’s alive. Thank God.
Adam buried his face in Vincent’s chest, his body shaking with sobs of relief as his knees gave out beneath him. Vincent caught him, his embrace firm and gentle at the same time. Vincent was here. He was alive. They were together.
The moment was shattered by a strained, gurgling laugh. Adam’s head snapped up, his gaze locking on Richard’s prone form. The vampire lay on his side, trying to drag himself away with his forearms. The knife protruded from his back, the blade buried to the hilt in his spine.
Richard was helpless, unable to move his legs. A twisted satisfaction curled in Adam’s gut at the sight.
“How touching,” Richard sneered, pain straining every word. He fixed Vincent with a venomous glare. “Finish it, Vincent. Finish what you started a century ago.”
Rage burst through Adam, white-hot and all-consuming. Before he could think, he was moving, crossing the distanceto Richard in a few swift strides.
His foot connected with Richard’s side, driving the air from the vampire’s lungs. Again and again, he kicked, stomping on the handle of the knife, driving it deeper into Richard’s spine.This is for Vincent. This is for what you did to us. This is for—
A hand on his shoulder pulled him back, gentle but firm. Adam spun, his chest heaving, to find Vincent watching him with a mixture of concern and understanding.
Shame washed over Adam, hot and prickling. He looked away, unable to meet Vincent’s gaze.
“Impressive,” Richard wheezed, a twisted grin on his bloodied face. “But your technique needs work, boy.”
“Shut up, Richard.” Vincent’s words came out rough and strained from the throat wound. He squeezed Adam’s shoulder, a silent reassurance.
Vincent grabbed Richard by one of his limp ankles and began dragging him toward the hallway that led to the building entrance. Adam, still shaken, followed Vincent.
“W-what are we doing with him?” Adam asked, his words barely holding together.
Richard didn’t attempt to fight, instead just groaned and wheezed with each jarring tug across the concrete floor.
“Just disposing of some trash,” Vincent muttered, his gaze fixed on the hallway ahead.
They reached the entrance to the building, the front door hanging precariously from its hinges. Vincent paused, his grip tightening on Richard’s ankle.
“You can’t kill me,” Richard rasped, each word a shallow croak. “Not until I tell you…there are others…already here…in this town…”
“Shut up, Richard.”
Adam’s gaze remained fixed on Richard as the vampire’s hand twitched, reaching futilely for the knife embedded in his back.
“Vincent, wait,” Richard pleaded. “I…I went too far. I admit it. But…but you can’t blame me for…for doin’ what our master taught us. It’s…it’s in our nature.” He coughed, a rattling sound that echoed through the ruined building. “But…but I’m willin’ to call a truce. To help you…to fight the others…”
Vincent didn’t respond. He stepped away from Richard, his gaze scanning the rubble and wreckage littering the floor near the entrance. His movements were deliberate, predatory.
Richard locked eyes with Adam, desperation creeping into his tone. “He’s makin’ a mistake not sidin’ with me,” Richard said, the words coming in short, pained bursts.
Is he really just trying to save himself, or is there something more?Adam wondered, though the memory of Richard’s hands on him made his stomach churn.
“Don’t you fucking talk to him!” Vincent snapped as he picked up a massive block of concrete, pieces of twisted rebar jutting out.
Adam didn’t look away from Richard. Something about the look on his face seemed convincing, even now. He wondered if this was more trickery, or if there was something else Richard was hiding. The echoes of Richard’s touch still lingered on his skin, making him feel too nauseous to say anything.
“Come on, kid,” Richard half-taunted, strain and mockery fighting in his tone. “You’re actually in love with a vampire.Not tortured into it like the rest of us.” His lips curled into a twisted grin. “You should want to help me. Protect me.”
Richard’s hand reached out towards Adam, even though he was a good fifteen feet away. Instinctively, Adam took a step back.
