"Dominique! Dominique!" my voice gripped with panic as I clumsily made my way to him. Was he running a fever? Does he have any health issues? Or—did my sudden transformation have anything to do with it?!
I felt fidgety and unable to think clearly. I placed my head on his chest to listen for his heartbeat, but, as dreadful as it was, I heard nothing! I quickly checked his pulse and was shocked by how cold his body felt. Unable to find a pulse, panic set in. Was he dead?!
"Don't die on me," I muttered pathetically, holding onto his cold hand in an attempt to share some of my warmth. Just then, I felt his grip tighten around my hand. I looked at our hands intertwined, dark veins bulging out, as the room temperature dropped.
"Domini—" my voice barely escaped as a whisper when his eyes flung open. Their darkness was unsettling… No! These weren't normal eyes. Before I could comprehend what was happening, I felt his grip tightening around my throat.
"Who are you?!" he growled, his aura radiating with an overwhelming sense of killing intent.
"Please, I—" I tried to speak, but the pressure made it impossible to finish my plea. Darkness slowly began to creep in as my desperate attempts to struggle faded. "Dominique," I managed to choke out the name I found so distinct.
"Vana?" I heard him say with uncertainty as he released his grip on my neck. He called my name, but why did it feel like it wasn't meant for me?
I quickly put some distance between us, gasping for air and coughing violently. I noticed that his eyes, now regaining a more human-like color, were no longer the cold, empty void they usually were. Instead, I saw hints of pain and confusion in them.
"Dom! What happened?" an exasperated voice that sounded familiar. To my surprise, it was Michael. "I thought this wasn't meant to happen in a few days?" he said as he tried holding him up, anxiety apparent.
"How long has it been? " Michael continued and I could tell that something fishy was going on! But what?! I needed to find out.
"W--what's wrong with him?" I asked softly still shaken from the whole drama.
"Miss Olivana! You're here too?! Did-- I hope you're okay?" Michael who just noticed my presence asked with concern with slight panic obvious in his tone. Was he scared I found out something? Well maybe.
"I'm okay...Dominique, he's not human right?" I asked and the atmosphere dropped, Michael's stare becoming stern.
"Miss Olivana, I sincerely hope you're as smart as you look...whatever you saw here never happened!" His voice was low sending chills down my back.
"What is he?" I asked still not relenting my gaze turning sharp. I knew if I didn't push my luck, I might never get the answers I needed. If he really wasn't human then maybe he can help me figure out what was happening to me. Why now? And more importantly, what did that flower signify?
"Have you ever heard of that saying?; curiosity killed the cat" Dom finally spoke, his hoarse voice betraying his cold look.
"Yeah, and I've also heard that the only thing worse than ignorance is the illusion of knowledge!" I said without thinking which I know might sound stupid, but at this point, who cares?
" Get out!" He commanded visibly annoyed. I was still adamant on getting to the bottom of this so I didn't back down. I couldn't back down!
" why were your eyes that way? What are you? I'm pretty sure you aren't human so don't even think of lying!"
"Get out!!" He repeated, not even showing any signs of giving in. I knew I could only take drastic measures at this point
"No, I will not! What are you gonna do about that? Strangle me to death?" I stated, my voice full of sarcasm and arrogance. I wondered where I got my courage from, what if he gets angry and really kills me after all I'm a nobody, and my body can be disposed of easily. But either way, I wasn't ready to back down.
"Miss Olivana, you should probably go for now, plus don't you need your beauty rest?" Michael's light tone eased the already tense atmosphere.
" I don't need any beauty sleep, I need answers!! And if I have to take a gamble..." My voice trailed off at the end as I walked to the table at the Center. Already sighting a small knife, I tiptoed my fingers towards it before stealthily picking it up.
I ran my long, delicate fingers at the edge of the knife " I don't mind doing that" I said as I gave the two men in the room a perplexing look. Holding the knife in my left hand, I slit my arm slowly from my elbow down to my wrist.
"What the heck are you doing?!" Freaking out, Michael dashed towards a cupboard at the end of the room probably looking to give me first aid. While Dominique on the other hand just observed me with squinted eyes. So typical of him!
I watched as Michael frantically brought a first-aid box towards me, his hand bringing out gauze and cotton wool. He hastily dropped the box on the table and took the knife away from me looking exasperated.
"Huh didn't you just cut yourself or am I hallucinating?!" he exclaimed surprise visible on his face.
"Dom, are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Michael asked, still in disbelief, a reaction that I could understand. Gwen and I once had the same reaction.
"What are you?" Dominique finally asked, surprisingly calm.
"As far as I remember, I asked that first," I said with a smirk, arrogance seeping through my words.
"Ah, I get your plan now… You want us to trade information with you, right?" Michael suggested.
"Not exactly wrong... but not right either," I replied, my tone playful, tinged with my growing ego.
"Do you really want to know?" Dominique suddenly appeared before me at lightning speed, almost like he teleported, I couldn't be too sure. He stared straight into my eyes a dangerous smile playing on his lips.
Something felt wrong! I was suddenly caught up in those eyes of his, those dark orbs twinkling like stars in the sky. I felt myself slowly letting my guard down. What was he doing to me? Entrapping in a gaze I couldn't bear to look away from. Was he manipulating my mind?
Something stirred inside me and I quickly regained control "Too bad…let me show you how it's done!" I said not knowing where that came from
His smile quickly retracted turning into a slight frown, I smiled knowing I was getting into his head just like he did earlier. It felt good to be in control, I squealed inwardly.
But my excitement didn't last long, I felt empty and this emptiness wasn't mine. There was only darkness inside those eyes seemingly concealed with unprecedented sorrow. Before I could go further, I felt a strong force repelling me and I finally lost control.
"What did you do to me?!" he snarled, obviously displeased.
"I just played your own game better" I replied nonchalantly which heightened his irritation. Not sparing me another glance he casually walked away, like the series of events that unfolded had nothing to do with him.
"I'm a Demon, and I'll advise you to stay away." I heard his lax voice laced with warning. Facing his back I couldn't gauge his facial expression but I knew beneath that composure were complex emotions even if given the chance, he wouldn't be able to explain.
Just what exactly was he hiding?! I must say this is the first time I'll be this intrigued by a person.
What made him this way? I could only wait till morning to finally get the answers to my question, I hope.
I looked at Michael still standing there in thought, "Goodnight…I'm off to bed" I said trying to sound as composed as possible not daring to let my inner thoughts spill.