Finding My Way

Chapter 19

After we returned to our room, Yori had fallen asleep shortly afterwards. Kaname's last words to me rung in my head, making it impossible for me to sleep. I lay in my bed though, just so Yori wouldn't worry.

I'm not sure why I didn't tell her about Kaname wanting to meet me. I just didn't feel like it was the right time.

What had Kaname said earlier? That Rido had made his first move? Yori had been so worried about me earlier. I didn't want to worry her even further tonight. Knowing that a crazy pureblood was already getting ready to come after me definitely counted as worrying her.

I certainly feel worried. I suddenly wish I could be with Kaname. Just touch him and know that he's there and okay. He told me to wait for him, but where?

As if on cue, my window opens, letting in a gust of air. Yori pulls her covers closer, but doesn't wake up.

Kaname stands in my room, just in front of the window. He had just appeared there.

Wordlessly, he extends his arm toward me and I hop out of bed and throw myself into his arms.

A second later, we appear on top of the bell tower. I didn't know he could teleport. The sensation is not pleasant. I immediately break free from him and drop to my hands and knees, retching.

Gentle hands pull my hair back and bunch it together. He begins to rub my back. I don't actually vomit, but I sure wanted to. Once the nausea passes, I turn toward him, sitting back on my heels.

He keeps his hand on my back, but releases my hair. Suddenly, that doesn't feel like enough contact so I wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls me against him and sits back against the tower wall with his legs crossed so that I am in his lap.

"What's going on?" I ask him. I rest my head against his chest. I don't think he actually needs to breathe, but he does it from habit now to make humans feel more at ease. The rise and fall of his chest is comforting.

"You described the little boy as having one gray eye and one maroon," Kaname says at last. "That's Rido's trademark. Those are the colors of his eyes. He can possess other vampires, but that's his tell that gives him away." He begins to stroke my hair. "It's impossible to possess someone else without forcing something of yourself on top of them. Some tells are more obvious than others."

"You think Rido was possessing that little boy?" I ask, aghast.

"Yes," Kaname says definitively. "But he wouldn't be able to for long periods of time. Possession lasts more effectively if the person being possessed is related to the possessor. Also, they need to be of age. That little boy is likely related in some way to Rido, but he wouldn't be able to possess him for long."

I shudder. That poor child. So young. He didn't deserve to be a pawn in someone else's game.

"Kaname. I want to do something. I want to fight," I say, not able to contain myself any longer. "I can't just sit here while innocent people are getting thrown into this."

Kaname looks at me, searching my face. Perhaps seeing something in my expression, he nods slowly and sadly. "Have you come to a decision then?"

"Yes," I say, without hesitation. "I'm ready to join you at your side. I am ready to fight."

"You've thought about this completely?" Kaname persists. "You've talked with those closest to you?"

"Yes," I say, trying to sound confident. "I talked with my father­––and he is my father because he's the only one I've ever known. I also have talked with Yori and Zero." I smile faintly. "They all support me."