The throbbing pain in my shoulder woke me up. I sleepily glance around to see that I was in a hospital bed in a room about the size of my bedroom. The smell of disinfectant filled the room, and in the dark, I could make out the whiteboard and a table to my right, and to my left, a shadow figure holding my hand. Did I summon a shadow figure while I was out? How sad it is to summon a ghost figure to keep me company. I started to tear up, wishing it were my mom. I took my hand away to wipe the tears.

  “Are you ok?” the figure asked, making me freeze. That was said aloud, not in my head, and on top of that, I knew that voice.

  “Arthur?” I croaked, trying to sit up.

  “Don't,” he replied, taking my hand back, making me blush. He grabbed a tissue to wipe the remnants of the tears. Thank heavens the room is dark. He then got up, grabbed a cup off the table, and handed it to me. The first sip sent me downing the entire thing. I didn't realize how thirsty I was.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked while he took my cup back, setting it on the table, then sat back down.

  “To see you,” he stated simply. I could hear something else in his calm voice. Was it anger? Saddness?

  “Why would someone like you want to see someone like me?” I pressed as he took my hand back.

  “Dear, please don’t play stupid,” he sighed, rubbing the back of my hand.

  “Know what?” I asked, being serious.

  “This between us,” he stated, gesturing between him and me while looking at me, then realized he wasn't playing, ”You had to feel it, that first day we saw each other, and you stepped forward.”

  I don't know why I moved toward him that first day. When I think about it, I did it without thinking. I closed my eyes, thinking about that moment, and searched my memories to see if there was something I thought, but I couldn't concentrate with the throbbing in my shoulder.

  “Im sorry you're hurting,” he quietly apologized.

  “Im not.” I quickly lied, not wanting to show any weakness.

  “You probably can't see it yet, but you have a blue aura around you. Every time your pain spikes, it does too.”

  “Just tell me what you are doing here,” I snapped, trying to get back on subject. He sighed, looking into my eyes, searching for the truth while rubbing the back of my hand.

  “Were souldmates,” he whispered like it was a secret with a little smile while his red eyes were glowing dimly. Have they always done that? It was somewhat comforting.

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  “Thats only in fairy tales,” I replied, not meeting his eyes. Maybe the old me believed in that, but now. He let out a chuckle that made me meet his eyes.

  “My dear, you summon and control the dead. You're talking to a vampire in a school built for the supernatural.”

  “Aren't vampires supposed to be cold?” I countered.

  “We are.” He answered a bit confused.

  “Really, but your hand feels warm,” I replied, squeezing his hand, which made him grin.

  “They say our soulmates will find us warm.” He smiled, putting his hand on my cheek. I couldnt help but lean into his warmth.

  A few days ago, I was thrown away by everyone I ever knew and loved. I was with someone whom I thought I would marry and have kids with. I thought I would go to college and grow old with my friends. I honestly don’t know if it was my mom who decided to get rid of me. But what if I give in and he leaves me, too?

  “Look..” I started but my voice failed me, but I how do I tell him that I'm not ready for this right now?

  “I have lived thousands of years waiting for you. I don't mind waiting for as long as you need, but I will be here for you no matter what. Nothing will change that,” he smiled. I didn’t know what to say, so I just nodded. We feel quiet for a moment, enjoying each other’s warmth and company.

  “What happened to Paige?” I blurted out, thinking back to those purple chains wrapping around her. Arthur’s jaw tightened, but his hand stayed gentle on mine.

  “She's being punished, but she'd better thank her lucky stars they got to her before me,” Arthur growled, his eyes glowing a bit brighter. I wonder if I should keep going, but I need an answer.

  “Why did she attack me?” I grilled, hoping he had an answer. My heart raced as I waited for what he had to say.

  “I asked her, and she claims you disrespected her, but after talking to the others, all you did was ignore her,” he explained. I nodded, wondering if that was it, and if it was, that was a stupid reason.

  “Ms. Blackwell, how are you feeling?” the nurse asked, walking in, checking the bandages on my shoulder, then taking my hand from Arthur to check my pulse and blood pressure. Arthur frowned at her, but she couldn't care less.

  “Are you cold?” the nurse asked, glancing at Arthur, who moved a little bit away.

  “Im a bit, but thankful Arthur is keeping my hand warm.” I smiled, nodding at him, and he looked away, hiding the faint red glow in his eyes.

  “Alright,” the nurse replied, writing something down on her clipboard with a look that she thought I was lying.

  “Are you staying much longer?” the nurse asking looking at Arthur.

  “Yes, ma'am,” Arthur replied, but the nurse frowned.

  “Guess were using our status, huh?” the nurse muttered, walking out of the room, then coming back in with a thick blanket. She handed it over to Arthur, asking him to do it, but I swear I heard her mutter Make yourself useful.

  He threw it over me, then tucked me in as gently as he could without hurting my arm, leaving out my left hand. He took his spot again, along with my hand.

  “You need rest,” he stated. He must have seen the look on my face, “I'll stay here until you fall asleep.”

  “Sorry,” I replied, feeling guilty.

  “Don't..”

  “Here, sweetie, take this.” The nurse ordered walking back in with two cups, one full of pills and the other full of water. I did as she asked, and she left, saying If I need anything, press the call button.

  I looked at Arthur, who was smiling slightly. I went to grab his face with my good hand, but I was starting to feel dizzy and poked him in the eyes. I apogized but it sounded more like a dying bird. He smiled big, taking my hand, putting it against his cheek like I wanted. Once I was happy, or the drugs took over, everything went dark.