A Shadow of Light (A Shade of Vampire #4)(76)

“Let’s say there isn’t a cure. What then is true sanctuary? What’s going to happen from here on out, Derek? Not just with us… I mean the island…everything.”

“Don’t ask me what true sanctuary is, Sofia. I fought for it for an entire century, practically gave up my soul for it. I thought I already had sanctuary after establishing The Shade only to find out that I didn’t… I just don’t understand the prophecy. What I do know is that war is brewing. That’s what’s going to happen.”

“So that’s just it? More bloodshed?”

“Did you really believe there was ever any other way?”

“I don’t think this is the way.”

“Well, it’s the only way unless you find this cure.” Desperation showed in his eyes as he gripped my shoulder blades. “I hope you know how much I want this to be true, Sofia. I want that cure more than anybody else, but until we find it, I need you to be with me no matter what comes our way. I need you by my side.”

I leaned forward and kissed him. Gentle. Calm. Assuring. I then whispered in his ear. “I’m with you, Derek. I’m right here with you.”

“Always?”

“For as long as I have breath.”

EPILOGUE: VIVIENNE

I was in the middle of a battlefield. There were bone-chilling screams and blood from both humans and vampires streamed through the site… There were no victors, just victims, most of which were innocent. Suddenly, the battlefield was swept away in a dark vortex and I found myself in the middle of a great hall. Decking the walls were large portraits that honored the fallen. Chills ran down my spine when I recognized some of the faces in the pictures. The Hudsons, the family that took Sofia in when Aiden had abandoned her. The Hendrys, Cameron and Liana’s descendants. Adults and children alike…lost.

My mind was still reeling from the sight before me when I was once again swept away into another scene—one of the most painful and agonizing things I’d ever witnessed.

Derek Novak was being forced into the cruel rays of the sun, screaming in pain as he burned to his death… Sofia stood in the background, staring helplessly, tears rushing down her cheeks. Her eyes found mine and the moment our gazes locked, everything faded away.

I snapped out of the vision, blinking several times before getting full control of my mental faculties. One thought was circling my mind as I began to shiver at the horrors I had just witnessed: If we are to survive, we must find the cure.