Absent Heart

Chapter Twenty-Four

We were back on the road before I even had a chance to say good bye to Emilia, but I was happy to leave that god forsaken place.

We were back on the trail. Christian said that by the afternoon today we were going to meet up with someone who could give us some leads.

I couldn’t help but feel like there’s this gap between us. He hasn’t said much to me since yesterday and frankly it’s bothering me. I walked up close to him and was about to grab his hand when he said water break, and sped off.

What the hell is going on?

I walked over to Jace. I almost forgot to ask him about his little chat with Emilia. After he came home that day he had a huge smile on his face.

I nudged him. “So what happened with you and Emilia?”

A blush seemed to rise to his cheek.

“Oh nothing, we talked.” I rolled my eyes. They obviously did more than ‘talk’.

“Stop bullshitting me Jace.” I laughed. “I know you like her.”

 He nodded. “I do I’m just a little bummed I won’t be seeing her for a while.”

I felt like it was my fault he was hurting. If he didn’t have to come on my little journey, he could be with Emilia all the time. I sighed.

My fault.

“I’m sorry Jace. You don’t have to come...”

“No! I made a promise to you, and I’m going to fulfill it.” His eyes seemed to pierce through me.

I gave him a hug.

“What’s going on here?” Christian asked. I quickly let go of Jace.

“Nothing we were just hugging.” I said looking at bit confused at his anger. “You’ve been cranky lately.”

“I have not. Let’s go.” He said dismissing our conversation. What happened to him, he was acting like his old self.

I walked in the back of the group. One minute I’m as happy as a clam, the next I’m sadder than a dying bird. It’s frustrating.

Once we passed a bridge Christian informed us that the guy was meeting us halfway. Thank god! I didn’t want to walk any more. I took my backpack off and took out one of my full bottles of blood. I drank the whole thing.

“Ah.” I said in delight. I took a seat and waited for this guy to come. It was a good hour before I saw a figure walking towards us. I stood up, as well as Jace and Christian.

As soon as the guy came into view I couldn’t help but blush. He was beautiful. He had golden hair and eyes that sparkled in the light.

“Christian.” The guy said.

“Daniel it’s nice to see you.” Daniel turned to Jace, and shook his hand. Then he came over to me and just stood there.

I guess I need to introduce myself.

“I’m Rose.” I put my hand out for him to shake, but instead he took it and kissed it.

“I’m Daniel. It’s my pleasure to meet you.” He dropped my hand, but still maintained eye contact. I could already feel the jealousy coming from Christian.

“So Daniel, you said you had leads. Let’s hear it.” Christian said raising his voice a little.

“Oh yes. I almost forgot.” He finally broke eye contact and turned so that he was facing all of us. “So his name is General Claude. He’s very dangerous, as I’m sure you all know. Usually he’s very hard to find, but fortunately for you he’s not located far. Actually pretty damn close for my liking.” Just the name of the general, I started remembering something. What was it again?