Reincarnated Soul

Eleven: Skeptical

---Two weeks later---

The door to my shop opened with a soft chime, and a man stepped inside. His eyes scanned the arrangements before he approached the counter.

“How much are the red roses?” he asked, his voice soft yet purposeful.

I looked up from what I was doing, offering a polite smile. “It depends on what you prefer, sir. Would you like a single stem or a bouquet?” I gestured toward a cluster of deep red roses wrapped in textured black paper, tied with a large red ribbon—one of my personal favorites.

“Hm... I like that bouquet,” he said, his gaze fixed on the elegant arrangement. “How much for that?”

“The bouquet is priced at $50, sir,” I replied, my voice steady.

“I’ll take it,” he said without hesitation, as though he had known all along that this was the one. It’s always the red roses that get them. Every woman adores them.

I nodded, moving swiftly to prepare the bouquet. “Would you like a small greeting card to go with it?”

“Yes, please. Write this... ‘Happy 3rd Anniversary, my love. I love you.’” He smiled as he spoke the words, his eyes soft with affection.

Three years together. It hit me like a dagger, sharp and unexpected. Dylan and I had celebrated our third anniversary not long ago—before the world turned upside down, before everything was shattered.

I quickly wrote the message in delicate script, placing the small pink card atop the bouquet.

“You’re so sweet,” I said, handing him the bouquet. “I’m sure your girlfriend will love it.”

He took the flowers with a smile, his eyes gleaming with love. “She’s actually my wife already,” he corrected me, his voice filled with pride. “And she’ll surely love this. Thank you.”

As he handed me the fifty-dollar bill and left, the door chime rang once more, signaling his departure. It was closing time now, and I still had a mess to clean up.

They were married. So in love. They had something beautiful, something I had once had with Dylan. How lucky they were.

I sighed softly, glancing down at the bouquet as I put away the cash. If only things had turned out differently... If only Dylan were still here. He could have been like that man—sweet, handsome, full of love. But now, all that remained was the haunting emptiness of his absence.

The grief was heavy, and suffocating at times. I still couldn’t fully accept that Dylan was gone, that he would never walk through that door again. But no matter how much I wanted to turn back time, to undo the mistakes I had made, I knew I couldn’t.

All I had now was our baby. Dylan’s legacy.

I pressed a hand to my stomach, a warmth spreading through me as I thought about the life growing inside. It was a blessing, the one good thing left in the wake of the destruction.

I couldn’t lose this, not like I lost him. I would protect this child, our child, with everything I had. I couldn’t wait to find out if it was a boy or a girl. The thought of holding the fruit of our love, the only piece of Dylan I had left, filled me with a bittersweet joy.

It was all I had now. And I would cherish it forever.

“I love you, as much as I loved your father,” I whispered, my hand gently resting on my belly. “Because of you, I don’t feel so alone anymore. Even though your father is gone, I’m so grateful he sent you to me.” A deep sigh escaped my lips, the weight of my words sinking in. “I’ll take care of you, I’ll protect you. I promise.”

I stood up, my gaze sweeping over the flower shop I’d built from the ground up. It was my pride, my sanctuary. With Dylan’s money, I’d transformed this modest space into something known and loved in the city. The shop, small yet warm, had been rented for a surprisingly low price, a blessing that made it easier for me to build it into a successful business. It had quickly become the first of its kind here, and its popularity only continued to grow. People came from all over, drawn to its charm. I had everything I needed: a steady income, a secure home, and a future. For the first time in a long while, I felt safe.

I wanted our baby to have a life far removed from the darkness that once surrounded us. A normal life, filled with the simple joys of growing up—school, friends, graduating, finding love. I wouldn’t burden my child with the shadows of vampires, werewolves, or the magical forest that had once been my world. No, I would protect him or her from all of that. This child would grow up in a world of light, free from the chaos and danger I had known.

As I organized the last few things in the shop, I gathered my purse and made my way to the door. I switched off the lights, flipped the "closed" sign, and double-checked the lock. Night had already fallen, and the streets were quiet, with only a few figures passing by. I wasn’t about to take a vehicle; Dylan’s apartment wasn’t far, and the walk would give me time to think, time to breathe.

“We’re going home, baby,” I murmured, my hand instinctively moving back to my belly. It was a small comfort, a way to soothe myself. Being alone still felt strange, unsettling. I could feel the absence of Dylan, the void he left behind. I knew I was stronger now, more capable than ever. But I couldn’t help the ache, the longing for the safety I felt when he was by my side. There had been something about having him near—something that made the world feel more secure, less fragile.

But now it was just me. And the life growing inside me. And for that, I would face anything.

I continued walking, my hand instinctively resting on my belly. Something felt off tonight—unease coiled in my gut, a sensation I couldn’t shake. It was as though someone’s gaze was heavy on me, stalking me from the shadows. I glanced around, but everything appeared normal.

The streets were quiet, still. I told myself I was overthinking. Everything was fine.

But why did I feel this way?

My instincts were rarely wrong, yet tonight I couldn’t trust them. Something had been... different about me lately. My senses, once razor-sharp, now felt dull. My sense of smell, my taste—everything had changed in ways I didn’t understand. It started last month, around the time I found out I was pregnant. Was this just a side effect of carrying a child? Or was something more sinister at play?

I had no appetite for blood anymore. The cravings had faded, replaced by an insatiable hunger for food, especially pasta. My energy had plummeted. Most days, I felt tired, and drained, like a shadow of my former self. It was unsettling.

As I approached the narrow, unlit part of the road, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I had always been able to see in the dark, but tonight, everything seemed… blurry, less distinct. My steps quickened, my pulse speeding up as the unease deepened.

I could feel it now. Someone was following me. I glanced to my left and right, and there—just at the edge of my peripheral vision—was the unmistakable outline of a figure. My heart skipped a beat. Who was it? What did they want? I couldn’t make out their face, but the presence sent chills through my spine.

My heart began to race, the adrenaline kicking in. I was a vampire. Why was I feeling like this? I was stronger than anyone, capable of crushing my enemies with ease. But right now, I felt… weak. Vulnerable. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Suddenly, a thought flickered in my mind: I needed to run. Without a second thought, I veered left and sprinted into the night.

I ran as fast as I could, my feet pounding against the pavement. Behind me, I could hear it—the unmistakable sound of someone else running, chasing me. My breath quickened. Whoever he was, he wasn’t just following. He was hunting me.

I didn’t know what he wanted. I didn’t care. All I knew was I had to get away. I had to run.

After a few minutes of frantic running, exhaustion began to overtake me. My chest heaved with each breath, my legs were weak, and my heart was hammering in my chest. I slowed my pace, fighting to catch my breath, but my energy was slipping away fast. Every step felt like it took more effort than the last. I wanted to keep running, but my body just couldn't keep up. I had to think, to plan, to do something.

I desperately scanned the area, looking for anything—a weapon, a shield—anything that could help me fight back. But there was nothing. Panic surged through me. Could I even defend myself now? With just my fists and legs?

"Don’t worry, baby. Mommy’s got this," I whispered, trying to steady myself, my hand gently resting on my belly. I was preparing to turn around, to face whatever danger lurked behind me. I could feel it, the weight of the threat drawing nearer.

Then, out of nowhere, I was yanked off my feet. A strong hand grabbed me from behind and pulled me into the shadows of an abandoned space beside the road. I barely had time to react before a hand clamped over my mouth, stifling any scream that threatened to escape.

I froze, panic flooding through me. I was done for. It was over.

I struggled against my captor, but his grip was unyielding. My movements were nothing compared to his strength. My mind raced with dread, but then, to my shock, a familiar voice whispered into my ear, calm and reassuring.

"Shh… Cassandra, it’s me, Cyprus. Don’t move. Don’t make a sound."

Cyprus?

Relief washed over me like a wave as I recognized his voice, the tension easing from my body.

It was him. It was Cyprus, thank the gods.

I stopped struggling, breathing a sigh of relief as I melted into his hold. My eyes darted toward the road where I had just been, and there, in the dim light, I saw him—a massive vampire. His red eyes gleamed in the darkness, sharp fangs bared as he gripped a small knife in his hand. He was scanning the area, searching. For me.

My heart stopped.

Wait. Why the knife? Why would he need a knife unless he—

A chill crawled down my spine.

Does he want to kill me?

“Whatever you’re thinking right now, yes. Yes, he wants to kill you,” Cyprus’s voice cut through my racing thoughts, as if he had read the question forming in my mind. “I’ll explain everything later. But first, we need to get out of here. We need to fly far, far away.”

Without another word, Cyprus transformed into a bat, his wings beating the air in sharp, controlled flaps. I hesitated for only a moment, my body feeling sluggish, like something wasn’t right within me. My transformation didn’t come as easily as it once did, and I struggled before finally managing to shift into my bat form. It took a few tries, but the urgency pushed me forward. My mind was clouded, and my body felt foreign, like I wasn’t even in control anymore.

I followed Cyprus through the city, his swift flight cutting through the night. I tried to keep up, but I could barely keep my bearings. The wind whipped past, the city lights becoming a blur. The sense of panic clawed at me, but Cyprus was ahead, leading me toward safety—or so I hoped.

We arrived at Dylan’s apartment, and Cyprus halted abruptly in front of the window. Without hesitation, he flew straight through the open window, and I followed his lead, crashing into the room, my wings flapping wildly before I shifted back into my human form.

He was already standing there, his eyes filled with concern, and before I could speak, Cyprus pulled me into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around me so fiercely that I gasped for air.

“I’m so glad you’re okay,” he whispered into my hair, holding me close.

I felt frozen for a moment, still caught in the whirlwind of confusion and fear. “Cyprus... what’s really happening?” I finally managed to ask, pulling away slightly to look at him, trying to make sense of everything. “I thought I was starting to rebuild my life. I was finally moving on... then all of this, out of nowhere. How is this possible?”

Cyprus looked at me, his face serious, his jaw clenched. “Cassandra, your baby’s life is in danger.”

The words hit me like a blow to the chest. “What?” My voice trembled, panic surging in my veins. How could he know? I never told anyone about my baby. How?

He seemed to read my thoughts as if they were written on my face. “I overheard the Queen. She’s planning to kill the baby inside you.”

A chill ran down my spine. “What?! How does Lucinda know about my pregnancy?” My voice was barely a whisper, the shock too much to bear. The walls I had spent so long building around my new life were crumbling, and the realization that danger was now so close—so personal—was suffocating.

MY EVIL MOTHER! WHAT IS SHE PLANNING?! NOT EVEN MY CHILD IS SAFE FROM HER!

I thought she would leave me alone after getting what she wanted. I killed Dylan with my own hands, against my will. I thought that would make her stop. But I was wrong—terribly wrong.

It feels like she wanted me to have a miserable life as long as she lived.

I felt a surge of anger rising within me, my fists tightening until my nails dug into my palms. I slammed my hands onto the armrests of the chair, my mind racing. How could she do this to me? To us?

Cyprus’s voice cut through my thoughts, his words heavy with gravity. “Your mother is powerful in the Kingdom. Ever since you left the forest, she sent one of her vampire guards to track your every move here in the city. Every step you’ve taken, every place you’ve visited, you’ve been under constant surveillance.”

I froze. My mind screamed in disbelief. How could I not have noticed that? I’d felt the strange sensations, but never once suspected that someone had been watching me. It all made sense now—too much sense. The fear gnawed at me like a constant presence, but this? This was worse than I could have imagined.

“That guard discovered that you’re pregnant,” Cyprus continued, his voice low and grim. “He reported back to your mother.”

I wanted to scream. I wanted to deny it. But the reality of his words sunk in, deeper than any wound. She knew.

“I overheard it all, Cassandra,” Cyprus said, his voice tense. “She knows you’re not as strong as you were. She knows you’re vulnerable, and that the pregnancy is affecting you more than you realize. She knows you feel... off.”

I couldn’t speak. My breath hitched in my chest. “I... h-how?” My words were barely a whisper, disbelief choking the air from my lungs. I couldn’t fathom what I was hearing. My mind was reeling, but I had to stay focused. Lucinda knew everything. She had been watching me, waiting, calculating. And now?

Cyprus’s voice grew softer, almost sympathetic. “The baby inside you, Cassandra... it’s taking your energy. It’s trying to share your power. As it grows, you’ll feel weaker. Until you give birth... your strength will continue to drain.”

The weight of his words slammed into me. This explained everything. The fatigue. The strange cravings. The weakness I’d been feeling. It was all because of the baby. But how could I protect my child when I was so fragile? When I was so vulnerable?

I clenched my fists harder, the anger and fear threatening to overwhelm me. I can’t do this alone. I couldn’t protect my baby like this. I wasn’t strong enough anymore. The very thought of not being able to protect what was most precious to me, the one thing I had left of Dylan, filled me with dread. How could I fight her? How could I survive her?

“After I heard the Queen’s plan, I rushed here to find you. That’s why I’m here. I’m here as your friend. I want to protect you.” Cyprus’s voice was urgent, raw with sincerity. But was it enough? Could I really trust him?

“But why? Why does she want to kill my baby? It hasn’t even done anything to her! It’s still inside me!” I nearly screamed, the words coming out jagged, filled with disbelief and fury. The baby—my baby—was innocent. It hadn't even seen the light of day yet, and already, it was targeted. Why?

Cyprus’s face tightened, a flicker of sadness and anxiety in his eyes. He looked like he was struggling, torn between something unspeakable. “Honestly, I don’t know,” he admitted. The truth, raw and painful, hung between us. “But I do know one thing—she’s capable of anything. And... she doesn’t even know that I came here for you.”

A chill ran down my spine. I couldn’t ignore the weight of his words. If Cyprus didn’t know, what else was she hiding from me? What else had she planned?

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to rest gently on my shoulder. I flinched, instinctively pulling back. I couldn’t let him get too close, not yet. Not while I was so vulnerable, not while I was still trying to make sense of everything.

“How can I trust you?” I demanded, my voice thick with doubt. “How can I be sure you’re not just one of Lucinda’s pawns?”

His eyes widened, then narrowed with frustration. “I understand your suspicion, but have you forgotten what just happened? Did you see that vampire back there? If I were working for Lucinda, I would have let him kill both of you.”

I hesitated, my pulse racing. What if this was part of a deeper plan? What if everything I was seeing was a lie, a carefully constructed illusion to make me lower my guard once again? “But what if that’s also part of the Queen’s plan?” I shot back, my finger jabbing accusingly at him. “What if you’re part of it?”

The words left my mouth before I could stop them, the fear and uncertainty pressing me to protect myself—and my baby—at all costs. I couldn't let my guard down, not even for a second.

Cyprus's face twisted with a mix of frustration and hurt. “Is that really what you think of me now, Cassandra? After everything we’ve been through together? I’ve been with you since we were kids. I’m still here for you, fighting for you.” His voice broke, raw with emotion.

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to trust him. But how could I? How could I risk my child’s life on blind faith? How could I let anyone close when the darkness of my mother’s intentions loomed over us?

I looked away, my heart heavy.

I was sorry, Cyprus, but I couldn’t afford to be wrong. Not now. Not with so much at stake. I couldn’t let Lucinda’s cruelty poison my baby’s future any longer. I had to make sure I was safe, that my child was safe—even if it meant I had to push away the people closest to me.

“But I’ve been away for so long, I don’t even know if you’re still my friend... or my mother’s ally.”

“Cassandra, listen. I swear, I only want to protect you—and your bab—”

Clang! c***k!

Suddenly… we heard something.

“Someone’s here! Cassandra, move!”