Prey
Clare followed the vampire as she led the way back to her castle.
It was too much. There was fear. There was numbness. Her body felt like it was in the wrong place. Her legs trembled dangerously, threatening to give with every step. What had she just done?
She'd thrown herself out of the clutches of one monster, and straight into that of another.
The air was cold, the wind biting at her skin. There's a crunch of frost under their feet. Her breathing sounds too loud. It's a miracle she wasn't torn apart after her escape attempt, but in begging for help she has doomed herself.
"Olivia."
Clare can't help starting. "I-what?"
"Olivia Jameson. My name. I feel like my new best friend should at least know that, yes?"
Panic and embarrassment mingle, and she doesn't know how to respond. She did promise that, didn't she?
"It's a wonderful name," she says, pulling a smile and a practiced little head tilt at the vampires back.
"When was the last time you ate?"
She has no idea. "Uh. Two days ago."
"I'm afraid all I have is dried meat. I wasn't anticipating having a human guest. If I shared, would you eat?"
Would she? The thought of food brings a bitter taste of acid to the back of her tongue, a dizzy wave of nausea making itself known. Clare stops walking. "I...don't think so."
The vampire, likewise, stops to look back. "You need it."
"I don't think I can." There's an embarrassing whine in her voice that she doesn't catch before the words are out. The edges of her vision fade, and god, the fear in her chest is unbearable to the point she wants to claw it out.
Olivia steps closer while Clare tries not to sway, humming thoughtfully. "You're suffering blood loss, probable malnourishment, and I'm willing to bet you haven't slept in a while. I think that right now the only thing keeping you upright is the adrenaline. The moment you reach any semblance of calm, you're going to pass out."
Another sickening wave of nausea curdles her stomach, and Clare can feel her grip on her emotions failing. She takes a step back unthinkingly, her breath catching in her throat, then coming much, much too fast.
What has she done?
Going to pass out, it's not safe to pass out, it's not safe, she's not safe-
She doesn't register Olivia's approach until cold fingertips brush gently over her jaw. The vampire lifts her head, pulling her to meet her gaze only for the pooling of tears to blur her vision.
"It's okay," Olivia says, her voice lowered. Sweetened, coated in honey, she wraps her arms around Clare's shaking body. It's all too easy to press into her shoulder. An offered place to hide. "You're going to be okay. Breathe. Deep breaths for me."
The sob that forces it's way from her throat does not let her follow that advice.