Thirst For You

The moment Eva's words fell from her lips, the energy within the room shifted. The glowing symbols around Elias began to dim, the ritual's energy faltering. Lucian's eyes narrowed in frustration, his hands clenching into fists. "You're making a grave mistake," he hissed, his voice laced with venom.

Eva stepped closer to the edge of the circle, her fragile form illuminated by the flickering candlelight. "No more sacrifices," she whispered, her voice trembling but resolute. "I won't let him give up his eternity for me."

Elias felt a lump rise in his throat, his love for Eva warring with the agony of knowing her suffering was because of him. "Eva, if I don't do this, you'll—"

"I'd rather have a short-lived life with you than an eternity apart," she interrupted, her tear-filled eyes locking onto his. "Please, Elias. There has to be another way."

Magnus, standing at the edge of the circle, saw his opportunity. "She might be right. We've been so focused on the bond that we've overlooked something crucial. Lucian, you're not telling us everything, are you?"

Lucian's expression darkened, but he didn't respond. Magnus pressed on. "You know another way to stabilize the bond without sacrificing Elias's immortality. You just wanted to make him pay."

Elias turned sharply to Lucian, his voice filled with anger. "Is that true? Is there another way?"

Lucian's eyes flickered with something unreadable—guilt, perhaps, or anger at being caught. Finally, he exhaled sharply. "There is… another way but it's risky, and it might not work."

Eva stepped fully into the circle, her determination firm. "Tell us."

Lucian's gaze lingered on Eva, a flicker of admiration in his crimson eyes. "We would need to unbind the loose ends of her immortality completely. Whatever is left tying her to the cycle of rebirth must be cut off. If successful, her life will stabilize, and the bond won't harm her anymore."

Elias frowned. "And if it fails?"

Lucian's lips curved into a grim smile. "Then she will truly fade. No rebirth, no second chances."

Silence fell over the room, the weight of the choice pressing down on them. Eva reached for Elias's hand, her fingers trembling as they intertwined with his. "I'm willing to take that risk," she said softly. "I'm tired of this endless cycle anyway.. I just want to live."

Elias's heart ached, torn between hope and fear. "Eva…"

She cupped his face, her touch grounding him. "It'll be fine Elias just know that whatever happens I'll always be with you….one way or another."

Lucian rolled his eyes but began adjusting the ritual's parameters, his movements precise and deliberate. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."

As Lucian resumed the chant, the symbols on the floor shifted, their glow becoming a deep violet. The air grew heavy with ancient power, and Elias held Eva close, their love a shield against the unknown.

Magnus stood watch, ready to intervene if anything went awry. For the first time in centuries, hope and fear coexisted in equal measure, and the fate of their love hung by a fragile thread.

The ritual was successful. The glowing symbols flared one last time before extinguishing, leaving the chamber bathed in a tense silence. Eva collapsed into Elias's arms, her breathing steady, her warmth unmistakably human. Relief surged through him as he cradled her, murmuring her name softly.

Magnus approached cautiously, his usually stoic face etched with cautious optimism. "She's stable," he confirmed, crouching beside them. "The bond no longer threatens her."

Elias exhaled deeply, a rare smile of gratitude gracing his face. "Thank you, Magnus. I—"

A sharp, menacing growl echoed through the chamber, cutting him off. Elias's body stiffened as he turned toward the source of the sound. Lucian stood just outside the ritual circle, his eyes blazing with fury. His elegant composure had shattered, replaced by raw, unrestrained jealousy and anger.

"She chose you," Lucian snarled, his voice trembling with rage. "Even after everything, it's always you."

Elias rose, carefully lowering Eva to the ground. He positioned himself protectively in front of her, his own eyes narrowing. "Lucian, don't do this. 

Lucian's laugh was cold and bitter. "You think you can just walk away with her after centuries of torment? After she made me feel something—only to tear it away?" His words dripped with venom as he stepped closer, his movements predatory.

Magnus moved to intervene, but Lucian was faster. In a blur of motion, he lunged at Elias, fangs bared and hands outstretched. Elias barely had time to react, twisting to shield Eva as the force of Lucian's attack sent them both crashing into the stone wall.

Magnus shouted, "Lucian, stop!" but his voice was drowned out by the sound of the brothers struggling. 

Elias met Lucian's feral gaze, his own bloodlust threatening to take over. "This isn't about her anymore, is it?" he growled, pushing Lucian back.

Lucian's grin was manic, his teeth glinting in the dim light. "You don't deserve her," he hissed. "You never did."

Elias ducked as Lucian struck again, countering with a swift kick that sent him sprawling. The fight was brutal and fast, a clash of centuries-old strength and hatred. Magnus watched, poised to intervene but knowing that this was a battle only the brothers could settle.

Eva stirred, her eyes fluttering open just as Elias pinned Lucian to the ground. "Lucian, stop this madness!" Elias barked, his voice shaking with equal parts rage and desperation. "You're my brother. We've already lost so much—don't make me lose you too."

For a moment, Lucian hesitated, his crimson eyes flickering with something almost human. Then, as if realizing the weight of his actions, he shoved Elias off and stood, his expression unreadable.

"You'll regret this, brother," Lucian said quietly, his voice cold but devoid of malice. He turned and disappeared into the shadows, his figure dissolving into the night.

Elias slumped against the wall, his breath ragged. Magnus rushed to his side, helping him to his feet. Eva, now fully conscious, reached out for Elias, her eyes wide with concern.

"Are you okay?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Elias nodded, though his heart ached. "It's over… for now."

But in the back of his mind, Elias knew this wasn't the last he'd see of Lucian. His brother's jealousy was a wound that time wouldn't easily heal.