deserved the pain, he deserved a punishment. He wanted to believe the vampire, desperately, but he
couldn’t shake how wrong what they had shared together was.
No matter how much he wanted it.
“You deserve to live your own life,” the vampire insisted, prying the cord loose from Snod’s grip.
“The way that you want to, to be happy.”
Snod caught his fingers, longing for his cool touch. It was comfort he sought now more than anything,
holding the vampire’s hand as he struggled to find the right words. He sighed, saying quietly, “I
wouldn’t know how.”
“How about this. If you’re gone when I get back, great! Enjoy going back to hunting vampires and
your potential execution!” the vampire exclaimed. “But if you’re still here... maybe I can help you.”
“Help me?”
“Well, if the Order kicks you out, you could start over. I’d let you stay here with me until you got on
your feet again.”
Snod was stunned. “Why would you do that for me? I tried to kill you.”
“Everyone deserves a chance to be happy,” was his simple reply.
“Just like that?”
“Just like that,” the vampire promised. “I know a thing or two about wanting a fresh start. Plus
creating fake identities. I could give you a completely clean slate. You could go to school, get a job.”
It sounded too good to be true.
“What would I even do?” Snod demanded sharply. Despite his harsh tone, he wasn’t angry. He was
afraid. He had never imagined living without the Order telling him what to do and guiding his every
move.
“Whatever you want,” the vampire replied. “Just think about it. I mean, for all the Order knows, you
were in that car when it blew up. You don’t even have to call them.”
Snod frowned, the temptation making his soul ache. It was terrifying, feeling lost already, though a
tiny flicker of hope began to burn deep inside of him.
He would be free.
The vampire gave his hand a brief squeeze before letting go, saying quietly, “I really do hope I’ll see
you when I come home, Obadiah. If not, I understand.”
“Obe,” he corrected with a hesitant smile. “You can call me Obe.”
