Nathan was spiraling. The vampire in front of him had seen him before? And didn't do anything?
[He's telling the truth,] Axel said. [I saw him too.]
"Why do you think he didn't do anything?" Nathan asked.
[Not sure. You'll have to ask him.]
Nathan quietly sighed as he turned his attention back to the vampire that was still sitting on the ground.
"I have a few questions for you," Nathan said.
Draven looked up, meeting his gaze. "Of course. I'll answer as best I can."
"How old were you when the… incident took place?"
"Fifteen. My father thought it'd be a good experience for me. I was just an observer though, I didn't participate," Draven quickly added at the frown that grew on Nathan's face.
"Hmm. Why didn't you say anything to anyone back then?" Nathan continued his questioning.
"Because I thought the whole thing was wrong. My father used the Moon Goddess to justify the whole ordeal, claiming that your species' existence was against her wishes."
Draven's response only confused Nathan more. "Why would he do that?"
Draven deeply sighed, almost sounding like his soul was trying to leave his body. "He's the head priest of the Goddess's temple in Aderon. He claimed that he had a vision from the Goddess to get rid of all werewolves."
"Why'd he really do it?" Griffin finally chimed in.
Draven turned to look at him as he answered. "Honestly, I don't know. If I were to take a guess, it'd be revenge. From what I know, he had a werewolf girlfriend when he was younger. She left him when she found her mate. Another guess would be longevity. For vampires, the better the blood we consume, the longer our lifespan."
Nathan gulped, afraid to ask his question but needing the answer. "What makes blood better?" His voice was tight.
Draven wouldn't meet his eye as he answered. "Species and youth. Werewolves are a perfect match for vampires when it comes to blood and the younger they are, the more vigorous their blood."
A scene flashed through Nathan's mind. A bloody heart in a clenched fist.
Nathan rushed to the edge of the yard before hurling violently into the bushes.
"Nathan!" Griffin cried out as he caught the wolf just as he collapsed. "Stay!" Griffin ordered the kneeling vampire as he carried the unconscious werewolf into the house.
It took 20 minutes before Griffin reemerged from the house, now empty handed.
"Is he alright?" Draven asked, distraught.
Griffin dropped into the chair he'd been sitting in earlier. "Physically, yes. He's resting. Emotionally? No, not in the slightest."
Draven dropped his head in remorse. "I truly am sorry for the distress I'm causing. If there's anything I can do to make it better, please tell me."
Griffin leaned forward, rubbing his face hard as he rested his elbows on his knees. "I don't think there's anything we can do until Nathan wakes up."
They sat there in silence when Kael spoke up. [Just confirmed with Axel. Nathan had a panic attack when a bad memory resurfaced. Axel's keeping him down for a while to make sure he rests. Maybe you should have the little vampire wait at a different house.]
"Thank you. I'll do that." Griffin looked at the vampire that was still sitting in the same spot he'd left him in. "Nathan's down for the day. If you really want to stay and be of help, choose a nearby house to stay in. We'll call for you when we're ready."
Draven's head whipped up, looking at the dragon in front of him. "Of course," he said quickly. "I'll be there the second you call me."
Griffin left him there, stopping only to pick up the carving Nathan had dropped during his panic.