Starlit Bonds

XXVI

Chapter 26: The Storm
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A gentle vibration resonated through the earth, prompting Minji to instinctively tense up, while Haerin swiftly scanned the surroundings and hurried to her side.

Minji's breath caught in her throat. "What was that?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease.

"Must be the storm," she added, stepping back as Haerin began to methodically close all the windows, shrouding the room in darkness. The soft scrape of the curtains against the metal rods echoed through the room, prompting Minji to question, "But I thought that wasn't until another week?"

Haerin shut the last window, plunging the room into complete darkness before flicking on a lantern. "Not after you kill a black mamba. The storm can come whenever you least expect it," she explained cryptically. Minji's eyes widened in realization. "So this is because... we killed a vampire?" she murmured, sinking into despair.

"Not just any vampire. Giselle had many potions and crystals, keeping her power bound. After destroying her and those gems, the earth has to react," Haerin clarified solemnly."How bad will it be?" Minji asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Haerin gently grasped Minji's shoulders, guiding her to sit down. "Whatever you're imagining," Haerin began, delving into Minji's thoughts, "but ten times worse," she concluded with a somber tone.

The wind intensified suddenly, causing Minji to shiver involuntarily. Haerin, less affected by the chill, nevertheless felt the urge to pull Minji close for warmth and comfort. Minji welcomed Haerin's embrace, allowing herself to be enveloped by her."What about your plants?" Minji inquired through chattering teeth, concern evident in her voice.

"Don't worry about them, they'll be fine," Haerin reassured, though her attention remained focused on Minji's trembling form. The rain fell cold, the wind bit mercilessly, and the once cozy house felt hollow and exposed.

Haerin gently pulled Minji into her lap, holding her protectively as they waited for the shaking to subside, offering solace and security amidst the storm's fury. "Haerin, I'm scared," Minji admitted, her voice trembling along with her body."I know," Haerin whispered softly, pressing a tender kiss to Minji's forehead. "But I'm here. We'll get through this together."Minji nestled closer to Haerin, seeking refuge in her embrace. "I don't know what I would do without you right now," she confessed, her voice barely audible over the howling wind outside."You'll never have to find out," Haerin promised, her arms tightening around Minji protectively. "I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Karina's perspective: ⚕

In an instant, a sharp yelp escaped me, and I instinctively reached out to steady myself against the dresser. "It's the earthquake," I blurted out, disbelief coloring my voice, "they said it wasn't due for another couple of days." The sudden onset of winter seemed imminent, intensifying the urgency of the situation. "It must be Giselle," I heard her murmured to herself, trying to make sense of the unexpected tremors.

As the reality of the earthquake sank in, my thoughts raced, but I was snapped back to the present by the mention of Giselle's name. "I know a place," I interjected urgently, desperation creeping into my voice, "Tito can keep us safe and warm there." Winter, visibly shaken by the unforeseen turn of events, nodded in agreement, her anxiety palpable. "Take us there," she implored, her voice quivering with fear.But my concern for Giselle overshadowed the urgency of our current situation. I shook my head firmly. "Not until you tell me about Giselle," I insisted, my tone unwavering yet laced with empathy. Winter's resolve seemed to falter as she deflated slightly under my gaze, understanding the need for transparency amidst the chaos of the earthquake.