Midnight Surrender-Chapter 79 His Remedy (AVOT)

Three days had elapsed since the harrowing battle and Rhain’s subsequent collapse into illness. Daisy had been tirelessly nursing him back to health while the damage to their house was being repaired. When she first saw the extent of his bruises and the slow regeneration of his fingers, she had been so aghast that tears involuntarily filled her eyes.

Her mother Helena had also been deeply unsettled, leading Daisy to seize the opportunity to finally reveal the truth about the existence of vampires and the life-and-death struggle they’d undergone to protect her. Helena’s initial reaction had been one of betrayal, but seeing Rhain’s frail condition over the subsequent days softened her stance.

Still, Daisy sensed a newfound tension between her mother and Tiberius, though she wasn’t privy to all the details—her primary focus remained on Rhain.

This morning, as she checked on him, his bruises had vanished, yet a pallor still clung to his skin, and he remained unnervingly unresponsive. His restless sleep was punctuated by incoherent mutterings and the occasional tear that would roll down his cheek.

Lysander dropped by daily for quick check-ins. "What’s happening to him?" Daisy implored, her voice tinged with desperation. "When will he wake up?"

"He might need more time," Lysander suggested gently. "Don’t forget, he’s also grieving for his brother."

Daisy stroked Rhain’s hair tenderly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. She yearned to shoulder some of his burdens, and alleviate his suffering in any way she could.

The following day, Rhain finally showed signs of stirring and finally his eyes fluttered open. "Rhain," Daisy rushed to his bedside, her heart pounding with relief and joy.

He blinked laboriously, fighting to keep his eyes open, and shifted his position slightly, wincing as he did so. "Daisy," his voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with hoarseness.

Holding his hand between hers, she smiled warmly at him. "I’m right here."

He gazed at her for a prolonged moment, as if searching for something, before managing to eke out a weary smile. "Daisy."

"Yes. Would you like some blood? Here."

Slowly, he reached for her wrist, drawing it slowly towards his lips. Instead of biting, he planted a gentle, cold kiss upon her skin, before hugging her hand to his chest and closing his eyes, seemingly consumed by exhaustion.

Daisy left Rhain to rest and returned after lunch, only to find the bed empty. Just then, the door to the adjoining privateroom creaked open, and Rhain emerged, refreshed and visibly renewed.

"Rhain!" She couldn’t contain herself and rushed into his arms. He chuckled softly as he enfolded her in a warm embrace. "I was so worried about you."

"I’m sorry," he murmured.

As she felt the tears spill from her eyes, Rhain tightened his hold on her, planting a gentle kiss on her hair. They lingered in the moment, the weight of the past days still hovering over them, before Rhain gently cradled her face in his hands and wiped away her tears. "It’s all over now," he said, his eyes meeting hers in a comforting smile.

She nodded, emotionally overwhelmed yet comforted.

He tenderly kissed her forehead, then moved his lips to meet hers. Their kiss was a poignant fusion of longing and relief.

As they broke apart, Daisy felt as if her lingering sorrow had been lifted, healed by the sheer intimacy of the kiss. "Come, we must tell Mother," she said, her voice tinged with newfound joy. "You don’t have to pretend anymore; I’ve already told her."

"I know. I could hear you sometimes," he admitted.

Once they stepped outside, Helena, who had been a pillar of calm rationality throughout the ordeal, surprisingly sprang up from her seat and enveloped Rhain in a fervent hug. His eyes widened, taken aback for a moment.

"Oh, Lord, I’m so glad you’re alright. I’ve been praying for your recovery," Helena said, her voice choked with emotion.

Something in Rhain’s eyes shifted, softened—a change so subtle yet so profound that it tugged at Daisy’s heartstrings. Then, to her astonishment, he reciprocated the embrace.

Daisy felt her heart swell at the touching exchange, though she soon found herself temporarily forgotten. Helena took charge, fussing over Rhain, momentarily forgetting his unique dietary requirements, and then wringing her hands, wondering what to offer him. Rhain, ever gracious, eased her concerns with a reassuring smile and encouraged her to sit down.

"We should let your father know," Helena said, breaking the brief silence. "He’s visited several times."

Rhain’s gaze shifted to Daisy, his expression enigmatic, leaving her uncertain. Was he wondering if she had a bone to pick with his father, or was he himself harboring some form of resentment?

"Yes, he was quite concerned about you," Daisy said, hoping to mend the strained familial ties. Lysander had, after all, come through for them in the end.

Rhain offered a subdued smile. "I’m sure he’ll be back, then," he replied, his voice lacking enthusiasm.

And true to his words, Lysander returned that afternoon. He and Rhain sequestered themselves outside, engaging in what appeared to be a quiet conversation—or perhaps, at times, a lack of conversation. Daisy discreetly left them to it, sensing they needed space to sort things out.

Though still grappling with the emotional aftermath of recent events, Rhain found himself largely indifferent to whatever Lysander had to say. And, predictably, Lysander offered no apologies, believing that he had done no severe wrong.

"I’ve done some research on Slaine’s history," Lysander began. "His father, Zograth, was a Vampire. Disgusted by his own kind, Zograth used magic to rid himself of his bloodthirst, retaining only selected vampiric traits. He then dedicated his life to exterminating his own species."

The revelation provided Rhain with the missing pieces of the puzzle, explaining why a Vessel could awaken a hunter and why the stake had been effective against Slaine.

"What about the other hunters?" Rhain inquired.

"They appear to be just hunters. They may carry some vampiric blood, but they’re not like Slaine. Zograth deliberately eradicated most of his own kind. He didn’t want hunters tainted with vampiric blood. He considered it evil."

Rhain nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

"Anyway, I’m holding on to the stake for future use," Lysander added, changing the subject. "Your wolves are also staying with me for now. I considered sending them back north, but with winter approaching, I find their company rather enjoyable."

"You can keep them," Rhain said, rising to his feet.

Lysander also stood, his facial expression subtly shifting. He seemed on the verge of articulating something more, but ultimately chose not to, offering instead a muted smile. "Good night, then."

Rhain felt a loneliness that wasn’t his as he watched Lysander walk down the garden path, through the gate, and vanish into the enveloping night. He remained there, staring into the emptiness long after his departure, until a gentle voice snapped him back to reality.

"Rhain."

He turned to find Daisy—his sanctuary, his solace—standing near the doorstep, offering him a tender smile.

"Is everything alright?" she asked, concern dancing in her eyes.

"It’s relative," he replied, as he closed the distance between them. "A kiss, however, would make for a fine remedy."

She shook her head at him, smiling as if indulging in a whimsical request, but then took his hand and led him inside, offering a more wholesome remedy.