CHAPTER 14

**AMY**

I return to the mansion with Elara as the rain resumes, turning the world outside into a blurry gray smear of water and shadows. We shut the door behind us, seeking refuge from the growing storm, while the gentle sound of raindrops echoed through the hallways. Elara wanders off, drawn by curiosity, examining the books on the shelves next to the fireplace.
I watch her with a smile as she explores the titles, lost in her own little literary adventure. Outside, the rain seems to intensify, as if the sky is pouring all its sadness upon us. Yet here inside, in the warm safety of the mansion, we are shielded from the chaos outside.
Elara turns to me, her eyes shining with anticipation. 
"Could you tell me a story?", she asks, her voice sweet and hopeful.
I readily agree, recognizing the chance to share a special moment with her. We sit together on the couch, and I open the book she chose, immersing ourselves in a world of princesses, castles, and enchanted adventures.
Time seems to slow down as we delve into the narrative, my words flowing smoothly as I describe the challenges and triumphs of the tale's heroines. Outside, the rain continues to fall, creating a soft melody that complements our reading.
As time passes and shadows stretch across the room, a sense of unease begins to creep into my chest. Aaron hasn't returned yet, and a feeling of restlessness starts to mix with the tranquility of the moment. Elara rests her head on my shoulder as I continue reading from the book.
I'm halfway through the book when I hear a distant voice calling my name. I furrow my brow, still reading, and notice the voice persisting.
I stop reading, my heart beating faster as I try to identify the source of the voice. I look around, realizing we are alone in the room, but the voice continues to echo in my mind, insistent and relentless.
"Amy...", the voice grows louder and clearer.
I've never heard this voice before; it sounds ominous and dangerous, and I feel my body tense completely at this moment.
"Amy..."
"Who are you?", I whisper, eyes closed, and at that moment, I hear footsteps and open my eyes.
"Amy, are you okay?", Elara asks as I quickly get up and walk towards the mansion's closed door.
I can see a shadow on the other side, and I look around for something that might help me.
My hand grabs a candelabrum when I open the door, raising the object ready to attack. When I widen my eyes, I see Aaron wet in front of me.
He holds my arm before I have time to hit him, and I close my eyes, sighing in relief.
"My God, you scared me; I thought it might be those vampires coming back again."
Aaron enters the mansion, and I close the door, opening my eyes and seeing that the voice that was calling me has completely disappeared.
Aaron's eyes are still fixed on my face when I see him holding containers that I predict are animal blood.
"Elara, can you go upstairs to your room? I need to talk to Amy now."
The girl nods, climbing the stairs quickly as I sit on the couch, watching Aaron heading to the kitchen.
I turn my head, seeing him return seconds later with a worried expression on his face, as if he knew perfectly well that something was wrong with me right now.
I silently observe while Aaron settles beside me on the couch, his rain-soaked shirt discarded on the floor. His eyes search mine, carrying a concerned expression that makes me hesitate for a moment.
Should I share this strange experience with him?
Gathering courage, I decided to reveal what happened.
"I heard a voice. Inside my mind. It was dark, sinister... I could feel it.", I begin, my voice wavering slightly as I try to find the right words.
Aaron frowns, his expression becoming serious as he processes my words.
"A voice? It was your father.", he echoes, as if trying to understand the gravity of what I'm describing.
My eyes widen in surprise at this revelation.
"My father? The vampire leader?", I repeat in a whisper, a flood of emotions flooding my thoughts.
"But... how?"
Aaron sighs, his expression reflecting sorrow, as he tries to explain it to me.
"He's trying to communicate with you, using the power of his mind. It's a skill he has as the strongest vampire in the world; he can control and manipulate minds no matter the distance."
A wave of shock runs through my body as I try to assimilate this information.
My father, whose absence has always hung over my life like an unsolvable mystery, was trying to connect with me in some way. The idea is both terrifying and intriguing.
"What does this mean?", I ask, seeking to understand the implications of this supernatural communication.
Aaron's eyes meet mine, serious and determined.
"It means you need to be alert. If this happens again, you need to let me know. Your father may be searching for you right now."
I swallow hard, the weight of this revelation weighing on my shoulders. I can hardly believe my father is trying to reach out, and now I feel an even greater urgency to unravel the secrets surrounding my own family history.
I close my eyes again, sighing as I realize that if he finds me, the world may become a more powerful place than it is now.
"We can't let him get close to you, Amy.", Aaron says, and I open my eyes when I feel his hand on my leg.
"I felt his presence in my mind, it was something very powerful and strong. Maybe he can find me."
"And if we find a way to stop him from getting into your mind?"
"And how can we do that?", I ask curiously, seeing hope shining in his eyes.
"With the help of a witch."
I furrow my brow, still thinking about what he told me at that moment. I have never been in front of a witch before, and I wonder mentally about whether they are like we know in legends and stories.
"And how can she help us?", I ask, seeing Aaron getting up and pointing to the mansion's stairs.
"Come, there's something I want to show you first.", he says, and I nod before following him quickly up the staircase. For a moment, I think he's taking me to Diana's room, but he opens another door, letting me in first.