♖ Thirteen

 The time passed by Raven. She had not even taken a single decision which could be proud or be at peace.
- You only have one more day.
- I know that.
- I imagine you must have already decided.
- Yes, but I fear the reaction of the person I most care.
- What would be who, exactly?
- You, of course.
   Axel stared at her, taking in every word with care and clarity.
- Do you really think I'm going to be angry by the decision you will take?
   Raven looked down, embarrassed.
- I'm so sorry.
- I can not forgive you for that. You know me better than anyone and still believed I could do it.
   She knew he was not angry, but deep down what she said had hurt him in the deepest corner of his heart.
- Axel ...
- You need to think. Do not worry about me now.
- Why do you insist on keeping away from me?
- I do not want to influence you to anything.
- I imagine you must have an answer.
- When will you stop doing that?
   Seth pretended not to hear the complaint of Axel and stared at Raven, who did not know what to say.
- This is ridiculous. - He looked at the wall clock - you have less than twenty hours.
- She still has time, Seth. Let us think in peace.
    The demon looked at him and narrowed her eyes, causing Axel felt the pain coming, but not peaked, fortunately. Seth looked back at her.
- In twenty hours I'll be here and I demand an answer.

   She felt a great emptiness within herself without Axel beside her. Because it has now less than fifteen hours, he thought it best to get it without him that night that everything finally became clear in her mind. Seth tried to no longer persuade her and Axel had moved away, causing any persuasion or influence disappeared. Raven turned from one side to the other, unable to sleep. However, it was a feeling she would always have when deciding to follow her life with Seth.
   Her body veins burned intensely and she could feel her throat burn. Axel needed it at that time.
- I can support up tomorrow.
   The turquoise color of his eyes betrayed him.
- No, you can not.
- You do not know me. Go back to sleep, tomorrow I'll be fine.
- Axel, please, I can not hold on it anymore.
- Honey ... Neither do I, but it is necessary.
   Raven did not move from there and was determined to stay until Axel gave up suffer thirst.
- You do not like it ...
   He pierced the window of her left hand and did not suck her blood for more than three seconds.
- You are not yet satiated.
- No. Now I wish you good night.
   She returned to the bedroom, where he saw a folded piece of paper on the pillow. It was from Seth.
"You now have thirteen hours to think. I will not be patient."
   He was not even patient, she thought.

   The morning rays of light began to enter through the bedroom window. She had only an hour to strengthen her decision.
   Axel was not anywhere in the house, but he had not left any type of ticket, which was not like him. Anyway, she felt he was doing it to let her think of peace, for even the last second mattered.
   She looked at the clock without stopping and saw the time leaving. Half an hour. Twenty minutes.
   Ten minutes.
   Raven could not even think more, but she finally decided to put what they all said in practice.
  Five minutes.

   Three minutes.
    Axel crossed the front door, but without saying anything at all. However, Raven seemed not even realize, as was absorbed in their own ideas and in the time it was extinguished.
   The latter were the only things that remained, but they were going too fast.
   Five.
   Four.
   Three.
   Two.
   One.
   For the first time, Seth used the front door once the time has elapsed.
- I want an answer. Now.
   Raven looked at them and swallowed. Her gaze on Seth was longer and time consuming, but there was a reason.
- I see ... But I hope you know that even so you will not run away from me, right?
- Yes, I know.
   Axel was the one who did not understand what was happening there.
- I choose you, Axel.
   His expression softened, a mixture of surprise and relief.
- But when she dies or become immortal like you, her soul will be mine.
- I have no objection. After all, it will have a right place for her soul.
   Seth took one of the feathers of his wings and made his mark on the left wrist of her. A trickle of blood ran down, staining the plume and sealing a possible pact that was between them from now on.
- Your blood can belong to him, but your soul belongs to me.
   Raven nodded, feeling confident for the first time. Even if she would grant her soul to Seth, she would continue with Axel for the rest of her life.
- I almost forgot one thing.
   He snapped his fingers and Axel felt his body tingle for a moment.
   He was finally free from the brands of the chains.
   The demon disappeared, as was to be expected and without another word. He was satisfied, so there was nothing to say.
- And you thought I would be angry with that?
- Yes.
- I never could.
   Raven felt the fangs of Axel pierce her neck again. However, she did not need an answer to know what that meant bite.
- Axel, are you sure?
   He narrowed his arms around her and the canines pierced her neck even more. Raven felt no pain because Axel was her master and it did not suffer in any way. Her blood began to stain the shirt, but he did not touch any drop.
   She felt the whole body slowly fall asleep and eyelids become heavy as a cold liquid ran her veins. The Axel's poison. He put her on the couch and stood beside her as she felt the head ache and body tingle.
- If I have to deliver your soul sooner or later, I'd rather give it away now and have you with me forever.
   Raven now had all the love that Axel had promised since she knew the truth. She was immortal, human, but immortal. A luxury that at first she did not think really be a luxury.
"You will receive protection, love and care and not get sick more for the rest of your life just to give your blood .. Yes, that is a luxury. Some Bloodlusters can reach the heart of their masters to end up becoming immortal."

♖ Twelve

- I think you're in the wrong house.
   That was the reaction that Raven had expected, however she did not imagine that Kira would answer the door.
- Yes, I'm in the right house.
- Axel does not want you anymore?
- I did not say that.
- So you have no reason to stay here.
   Kira slammed the door in her face, showing that it was not open to conversations and discussions. Raven remained standing there, not knowing what to do. She was not wrong in not wanting to be there, but there were certain things she should not know.
- Kira, please.
   No response. However, Raven knew she was there.
- Kira, listen, I did not want any of this was happening and I never wanted to end our friendship as well. There are certain things that even I still know about Axel and I think it should not have interfered in our lives.
   Kira was tougher than she remembered. Still, the door did not open and there was no kind of sound coming from the apartment. Raven considered the idea to force entry, but the door was locked.
- I need help.
- Axel is not enough to help you now?
- That's not it. It's that he can not help me with this.
- I have nothing to do with it.
- I know you have nothing to do with this, but please hear me. I promise I will not look for you.
   The door opened, but Kira did not show much friendliness as before. Raven approached, but the door closed a little bit.
- I'm not inviting you to join. Just tell me what you want and go away from here.
   Raven sighed, knowing he could not do better than that. Simply Kira already have opened the door was a great achievement.
- How do you know what is right for someone else?
- What?
- How are you able to decide for someone else? I mean, you can choose what's best for you, but does that also will be best for the other person?
   Kira was silent, but Raven knew she was thinking. For a moment, her expression softened.
- No matter how many decisions you have to make, all of them will ever become one. As much as you think the other person, you will always end up thinking about herself and, therefore, you will always end up choosing what is best for you.
   Raven understood perfectly. Seth was right when he said she should think of herself first and then think of others, because in the end she would make a selfish choice. All humans are selfish choices, even if they do not appear to be. It is the law of "I make you happy for you to make me happy."
   The door was closed again and Kira was no longer there anymore.
- Thank you, Kira.
   Raven came down the stairs without looking back, but she could feel the eyes of Kira weighing on her back all the time. Will they be friends again? Maybe not, but even so Raven always remember it.

- Do you get anything?
- Yes. Kira helped me a lot.
- I'm happy.
- You will still act this way?
- Until I make sure of the future, yes.
   Axel's eyes betrayed him, she could see it clearly.
- I will wait.
   She felt his lips on hers again, but not intensely as before. Even while remaining sweet, Raven knew something was different, he was being too cautious.
- I hope you're happy with it.
- Even though I'm not sure glad I will not have anything better.
- Exactly. - His smile softened and naughty as before.
   But that disappeared in a split second.
- Do not think of it as a persuasion, okay? Think of you, in the place where you would feel more free and happy.

♜ Eleven

  Axel was not rough, but he was no longer so present. After that conversation they had the time they spent together were scarce and were summarized in just a few seconds when he was thirsty. However, even in these small moments Raven no longer felt more loved as before.
- What's going on? I do not want you to be so far away.
- Is not going nowhere, just think you should get a little more free me.
- Axel, please, I'm sorry I listened to their conversation, also sorry for making you suffer, but I do not want to continue. I do not want to lose you as well as Kira lost.
- You will not lose me, unless you want to. I'll always be around.
- I do not just want you close.
- I understand. But I can not do anything until you decide what you want. I admit that Seth is right: you must decide for yourself first and then decide for others.
- How can I do that if any decision I make I will be hurting you?
- Neither decisions will hurt me if you have thought of herself first. You, as a future psychologist should know that better than us.
   Axel had touched the wound it. Anyway, he was not entirely wrong. She should take that as a test where after that she would actually graduated and would be ready for anything.
- Humans are creatures susceptible to anything.
- If you could just walk in the door or warn before appearing so I'd be more satisfied.
   Seth was there, sitting on the back of the sofa Axel flapping gently.
- So lose grace. I'm here because I will set a deadline for it. Not intend to stay in this world any longer than necessary.
- How many time you want to give her?
- Only one  week and nothing more than that.
- One week?
- You're right, it is a long time. I think two days is a good size.
- I need more time.
- For what? You should have given an answer. For me, I'd give you five minutes; however, I am in a good mood. Well, I just came to tell you this, you both can continue with what you were doing.
   Seth disappeared leaving a few feathers.
- Now what? What will you do?
- I do not know.
- You need to think soon. The sooner you give the answer, better.
- But I do not know what to do.
- I know. You need someone who knows you and knows how to help you.
   Raven looked at him, fearing what he would say next,
- Look for Kira.
- You must be joking. After everything that happened? She does not know what you are, remember?
- But she did not need to know.
- I do not know if that's a good idea.
- The decision is yours, I'm just showing you a path.

   Raven did not know what she was doing there. She did not even know for what reason she had considered the Axel's idea to look for her, but it was too late to go back. She was climbing the stairs and should follow to the end, after all, what could happen? The most that Kira could do is close the door in her face say nothing. The friendship between them was extinguished, so she would have nothing more to lose.

♖Ten

- I'm really sorry.
- Do not worry. At least you're better now.
- But I did not want to do this using you.
   The turquoise eyes were gone, but not the red and sweet blood in his mouth. Raven was pale and weak in the arms of Axel as he gently placed on the bed.
- I'm a monster.
- No. You're a vampire.
- What is the difference? Not even a demon do what I'm doing. I'm killing you slowly.
- I never sit more alive than when you need my blood. Also, I always recover, Axel, do not worry.
   The pain overflowed his gaze. Raven was the most precious thing he had in the world today and he was not referring only to the blood, but the fact he felt something for her. That human was important and made him feel part of something that unknown place. No, he was not with her because of Natassia, although it was also important for him to stay alive, but because Raven was the one who was not afraid of him, had not seen as a monster or a being who deserved contempt.
   And how he gave back all her attention? Yes, draining her blood to the last drop and leaving it limited in the human world. Perhaps this Seth her freedom greater than it was providing.
- What did Seth tell you?
- How do you know?
- I'm no fool, so when I got home I could smell it.
- He just told me that I should think of me first so that I could then decide in favor of the person I love.
- And you thought about it?
- Not yet.
   Axel covered her with affection.
- Then we talked about it. The only thing I want now is for you to rest.
   Raven fell asleep instantly by weakness.

- So you yourself are deciding for her?
- So it would seem, is not it?
- Yes, but I never expected this from you.
- I have no choice. I can not take it anymore. In addition, I want to make clear that I'm not undone it, but I'm so making this easy for you. I want her to see that you can give more to her than I ever be able to.
- I see ... - Seth carefully weighed - But unfortunately I have to reject your proposal.
   Axel's eyes widened.
- Does she know that I can give more freedom and I can give all that she wants only by her loyalty. So I do not need your withdrawal for that.
- I understand.
   Axel followed the look of Seth and saw a shadow running back door.
- I do not believe.
   Raven was leaning against the wall behind the door, with his forehead resting on his knees.
- What did you hear? Please do not want you to do bad judgment of what I said.
- Why do you want me to stay with Seth ?! I said I'm fine living with you and I do not want to leave here.
- I do not want you to have Seth, but I'm seeing that their freedom is over. You just go to college and back here and serve your blood to me, nothing more than that. Because of me, you can not see what is happening because you are dominated by my poison.
- That's not true.
- Yes, it's true. You are blind because of feelings that you do not even know you have.
   Raven's eyes sought him through the eyes urgently, but Axel was reluctant to look at her. The girl came over and put both hands on his face.
- I love you, Axel.
- No, do not say that. You do not know what you're saying.
- Why you can not trust me?
- For other girls did the same thing as you, but they did not know what I really was.
- But I'm telling the truth. We've been together long enough so I can say that.
   Her touch was burning his skin. Axel knew it was not what he felt thirsty, but the feelings and his desire wanting to take care of everything. He did not doubt that the Raven said, but part of what belonged to the charm that would always be with him.
- That's what you think, but it is not the truth. - He pulled her hands hesitantly. - You need time to recover and think alone.
   She looked at him, a mixture of confusion and disappointment.
- Axel ...
- You need to feed and rest so that you can recover. - His voice was a little far from the usual, although there is still affection the way he spoke.
- Please do not be angry.
- I'm not angry, I just want to keep you safe from me.

♜ Nine

  Axel was no longer beside her.

 She looked at the room watch: it was two in the afternoon. He had gone to college and left her to sleep so far. Not that it was something bad, but she felt bad for leaving Axel worried or sad by her reaction because of Seth. Raven wanted to talk to him, but at this hour would not help to go to college, because here two hours Axel would be back.

 - Well, well, well, what do we have here? It seems that Axel is becoming increasingly careless, is not it?

 She pulled the sheet that was covering it, thinking vain that the smell of Axel the object could protect her from Seth until he returned home. The devil gave a soft laugh.

 - You are truly innocent, right? The scent can not keep me away from you. Do not worry, I will not do anything to you yet.

 Raven was silent, however it did not seem to bother Seth at all. He sat on the coffee table that was in the room and carefully analyzed the features of the girl. Despite the fact that she was hostile to his presence, Seth seemed unfazed by any of it and it could stay that way forever if he wanted.

 - You are not extremely valuable, but it's better than having Axel as my vassal.

 She was about to open his mouth to protest, but Raven thought of Axel get stuck Seth for the remainder of his life and felt a deep shock in his thoughts. On the one hand, the reason said that the most correct would be to control and stand beside Axel, for now he would need it to feed the rest of his life, since he would still be a vampire even after receiving freedom. But her feelings said he would try to find another Bloodluster like her and that his freedom was the most important.

 - The decisions are difficult, are not they? I know and that's it.

 Suddenly the ironic tone he always wore disappeared. Seth was extremely serious, as if willing to listen and to understand the conflicts that passed in her mind at that moment. Raven hesitated about saying something.

 - You do not have to tell me anything at all if you do not want. After all, I'm trying to break its relations with Axel.

 - How do you do this? How can you have different personalities?

 - I do not have different personalities, I just choose when to use each mood. Anyway, I'll leave you alone, if that's what you want.

 - Seth, wait.

 - Change your mind? Who has distinct personalities here, anyway?

 - I just want to ask you something.

 Seth was silent.

 - What would you do if you were me?

 - Honestly I think of me first and then decide what is best for others. If you do not know what best for yourself, how will you decide in favor of someone else?

 She lowered her head, acknowledging the truth of his words.

 - Compassion is something extremely annoying and you humans can have this as a good thing? I do not know why I'm trying to get you out of it.

 Raven thought he saw a non-malignant smile on his face for the first time, but she could not tell because it was extremely subtle and discreet.

 - Demons are not what most of you humans think.

 It made her break the thread of her thoughts to pay attention to him.

 - What?

 - I imagine you must be thinking that I'm a monster for doing this, is not it?

 She was silent.

 - I know you do. However, contrary to what you think, demons are not angels that were once good. We are born with this philosophy and work by our own ideals, so do not try exergar this answer as a board. I'm just doing this for my own interest.

 He had not come to a gentle person, that's what Raven realized. So, what was left was just thinking about what he had answered. Seth disappeared as suddenly as it appeared at the time that Axel was opening the door.

 - Forgive me for long. I had extra work.

 - It's okay, but what about ...

 - Do not worry. He said you had a bad cold and could not go.

 - Thank you.

 - You look good. - He smiled tenderly to her - Something happened while I was gone?

 - Nothing happened. - She knew she was lying, but why should she give Seth to him this time? The devil did nothing bad this time and even though she felt a traitor, would not be worth say what happened.

 - It's all right then. I imagine you have not eaten anything, right?

 She shook her head no.

 - I'll prepare something for you.

 Axel was so gentle and careful while Seth was careless and selfish. However, even with such difference, the question was even greater.

 If you do not know what best for yourself, how will you decide in favor of someone else?

♖ Eight

    I'll always be around, don't worry.
   That's what Axel said to her, however, Raven felt insecure. He was always one side to the other by solving problems on campus and it would not allow him to remain close to her all the time. The same way that Damon appeared as an intern nothing would prevent Seth to do the same thing. Furthermore, the memory of Kira with Damon made her feel chills.
- I'm so sorry.
- It's okay.
   Raven quickly took three steps back to see the face of Seth.
- You are surprised to see me? I realize that yes.
- Do not touch me!
- Why not? Are you afraid of liking me?
- I would not like you.
   Seth opened a malignant middle sweetly smile as he touched her neck.
- You look a little pale. Axel is feeding too much in your blood, is not it?
- This does not concern you. It is at this stage because of you.
- As you wish ... - Approximation of Seth made the heartbeat accelerate Raven - I can hear the beating of your heart and they are changed. Was it because of me?
- Get away from me!
- Raven! Raven!
   Seth had completely disappeared and all that was there was Axel's arms around her and his solid chest against her back, conveying a warmth that not even she knew she needed. Students who passed by looked at the two curiously, but none dared to stick around to hear what was going on.
- Axel?
- Yes, I am.
   Raven touched the face of Axel carefully before ensnare her arms around his neck and shudder.
- I'm sorry for leaving you alone. I promised I'd be around.
- You are not to blame. I can not be strong when he's around.
- Let's discuss this at home, okay? For now I want you to forget it.
   Axel narrowed his arms around her and went the other way. Raven felt helpless again and scared the rest of the day because of it. At least Seth - or whatever it was - did not appear again, but only the memory of his eyes on her was enough to make her scared.

- Now we can talk.
- I'd rather not talk about it.
   Axel sighed. He knew that Seth was not messing around, but he did not expect that everything began to have an effect on Raven so instantaneously that way. However, what mattered was keeping her with him so that his life could be extended a little further with her company.
- I understand.
   He opened his arms to her, but unlike the other times, Raven was not to meet him.
- What happened? Come on, I know you need it.
- I do not deserve.
- Yes, you deserve it.
   His lips managed to undo her defenses in an instant.
- What good is that? When Seth appears I will not be able to remember it, I will not be able to control my own body and my will.
- That's why I'm here. I want to help you overcome the charm of Seth.
   Raven looked deep into his eyes. Beyond understanding and love, was also the seat he was struggling to ignore. She put her hair to the side and let the free neck for him. Axel did not need words, but still he hesitated. It was not fair to do that to her in a moment like that, but thirst was greater than reason or feeling it.
- I'm so sorry.
   That was what she heard before feeling the white, pointy canines piercing her neck. As much as she felt loved even now, this time it was different. "Axel is feeding too much in your blood, is not it?", That's what Seth had said to her. It really was not something that could easily be confronted, but also never cease to happen.
   Axel interrupted bite to console her. After all, nothing good would take more of her blood taste was bitter and cold, like the blood of a dead person.
- My beloved, please forget it. Seeing you like this is killing me, especially since I can do absolutely nothing to change that
- .Axel ... I really want you to forgive me, but I can not stop thinking about it. Until now I had the most absolute certainty that my feelings for you were unmovable, but now I see I was wrong.
- Do not say that; You're the only thing I have left. - Axel looked down - I do not want to selfish motives, but if you leave me I will surely die.
- I always knew I did not deserve to be your Bloodluster from the beginning. For my sake you are suffering.
- I do not want to continue discussing it this way.
- So do not argue ... Axel?
- It's nothing, I'm fine. I'm just tired and you also seem to be.
   He touched the dark circles of her eyes with his lips, making her feel tired.
- I guess I'm a little tired.
- Come with me.
  They were intertwined, but that was still not enough for everything to disappear from their minds.

♜ Seven

    His blood was shed for any purpose.
   That was the only thought that surrounded the minds of Axel after the appearance of Seth. However, it was not the appearance of the demon that bothered him, but the fact that he brought bad memories of the past. Look at that creature made him feel the pain of having a spiked chest and choking streams and crushing his body dagger again, as if it were a natural process of life. Yes, he was there, but would not be if not for Natassia Daewron, which made Axel feel incapable and somewhat weak. He could become a creature like Seth, he knew it, but was completely out of the question.
   For this reason, only that mattered was keeping Seth Raven free and make it have a human and common life, that was an illusion. Axel knew she could not be an ordinary human from now, but trying to make her feel one. Anyway, he knew that even a single appearance of the demon was enough to leave a different girl: she had fears of being alone, especially at night and began having a series of nightmares and night terrors that were definitely leaving her exhausted .

- You have to calm down, dear.
- Sorry. I can not control.
   It was the third time this week that she did it. Axel healed Raven made the cut on his face by accident.
- Raven, you must tell me what's going on.
- I ... I do not know ... When I look at you all of a sudden I see the face of Seth and ... I'm afraid.
- Seth will never return.
- How are you sure?
- I have not, but you are my Bloodluster.
   For it was so easy to talk; it was as if everything could be solved that way when there's a bigger problem than it seems. Raven looked at Axel, but while realizing he was like Seth somehow. Maybe it was because the devil had taken possession of his soul, but she was not sure. However, it was not just that that made her worried: memories of Axel almost dies because it was something that would chase it for long.
- I will not let Seth hurt you. Never.
- Do you promise?
- Yes. If I do not want to keep this promise to turn me into ashes instantly. I will protect you as long as it is needed.
   Axel opened his arms so that she harbored them. The silence remained for a time, so that Raven could finally settle down and rest peacefully.
- All humans are like that as they see me first. Then it's just a matter of time so I can have them for me.
- Shut up. I will not let it be deceived.
- And if she wants to be deceived?
- No human being wants that.
- They just can not control it. When they least expect are already in a sea of illusions that they themselves have created, as is the case for both of you: you deluded into thinking that she will have a common human life and deludes herself thinking she is a common human . Who is the real demon here?
   Axel did not respond. He did not want to admit it, but it was all a big lie and painful.
- Do you have much of a demon. For this reason you should act like us and expose the truth as it is and not change the truth to please others. This is one of our greatest virtues.
- She is so innocent ...
- But her fate is sealed. - Seth said firmly. - And you can not hide it from her forever.
- Why are you here? Your intention is draw Raven from me, right?
- Of course. - Seth opened a half smile. - But I want to do this when I realize that all feelings of the two of you are on edge. It will be more fun cause confusion in the mind of this girl.