Casualty

Adrian Raines didn’t know what was going on around him, but he knew he wasn’t in control anymore. Something else was in charge—something older and more powerful than he could have ever imagined. Still, he could hear a sound coming from very far away, a sound that was drawing him in.

“Adrian, please… it’s me, Liana.” Liana. The name tugged at something buried inside him. Liana. The ancient power that had taken control of him was losing it’s grip as the owner of that name became more clear in his mind. Liana’s long black hair and mischievous eyes. Liana‘s wry smile and deadpan humor. Liana’s bold look of defiance in the face of danger. Liana naked under the stars. Liana, the one he loved. He felt his consciousness returning to his body, forcing the intruding presence deeper down inside him.

“Yes, Liana. That… I… I know you.” He felt her soft, familiar touch on his face and reached up instinctively to meet it with his own. He blinked hard, focus returning to the world around him. “I… what… what was that?”

“I don’t know. But are you back? Is this the real Adrian?”

“Yes, it’s me.” He said, trying to convince himself. After taking a beat to assess his body and mind, he answered more confidently, “It’s really me.”

“Oh, thank God!” A combination of relief and pure joy shone as Liana broke into a radiant smile.”It’s you! You don’t know how happy I am to—.” Her words cut off and the smile died on her face. He followed her gaze down to the arrow piercing her chest.

“Adrian!” She gasped, looking back into his eyes right before her legs gave way. Adrian reached out, catching her before she hit the ground.

“No!” He shouted as her eyelids fluttered, “Liana!” He looked up in the direction of the arrow. Nicole was standing there with a crossbow in her hands and a cold grin on her face. One more betrayal from the woman he had trusted for years.

“Sorry boss, but you should’ve taught your little girlfriend here that not taking care of your enemies when you have the chance is a rookie m—” He had her by the throat before she could get out the next word. Her bulging eyes were brought parallel to his glowing red ones as he lifted her off the ground.

“You’re right, she made a mistake in granting you mercy.” He growled, “It’s a mistake I will not be repeating.” With a flick of the wrist he snapped her neck and dropped her body onto the ground.

Adrian rushed back over to Liana, cradling her in his arms. She let out a weak cough as a small drop of blood ran down the corner of her mouth. He needed fo act fast if he was going to Turn her before it was too late. He tore open the skin on his wrist and held it up to her mouth, but she shook her head.

“Liana, this is the only way to save you.”

“I know but… no. I don’t… I don’t want it.” It suddenly felt like ice water was coursing through his veins. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“What… what are you saying?”

“I don’t want to become a vampire. I care for you, all of you, but I don’t want that for me.” She spoke slowly and deliberately; each word clearly took effort, “You said it yourself—people change when they’re Turned. If I’m going to die, I want to die as me. Not some shadow of my former self. Not as a feral.”

“Liana, please,” He begged, feeling the sharp prick of tears in his eyes as he placed one hand on hers, “You can’t die now. Your life has only just begun. And you and I…” He trailed off. He knew he was being selfish, but he wasn’t ready to lose her. After the trial he had made peace with his life coming to an end, but when Liana rescued him he allowed himself to have hope; not only for his own future but for a future with her.

“I know, and I’m sorry. The time we spent together has meant everything to me, and I wish there could be more…” She leaned into his touch, “But now you need to let me go.”

“I…” As much as it destroyed him, knew her well enough to know that arguing wouldn’t make a difference once her mind was made up. She was so damn stubborn. “I respect your decision.”

“Promise me something?” She asked.

“Anything.” He gently brushed her bangs out of the way and kissed her forehead.

“Please don’t talk about me when you’re getting romantic with someone in the future. It’s a real mood killer.” She smiled weakly and, to his astonishment, he laughed through of the tears running down his face. She was still surprising him, even now.

“I promise you, Liana Perone, I will only speak of you during appropriate occasions. And I will speak of you glowingly.” His voice hitched as he gently stroked her cheek.

“Good.” She let out a small laugh that was overtaken by a cough. Her breathing was becoming more and more shallow. He held her tight, eyes memorizing every inch of her beautiful face. He had experienced so much death during his three hundred years on this planet, and he still felt it each and every time. But this, losing her and the light she brought to not only his life but to everyone she met, was unbearable.

“I… love… you…” Liana whispered as her brown eyes, always so bright and full of life, closed for the last time.

“I love you, too.” But it was too late—she was already gone. Adrian held her body close, the battle going on in the woods fading into nothing.