Apotheosis of the Immortal Read Online Free PDF Page B

darkness would help conceal their presence. They were no longer covered in blood, but Elijah’s guilt over the events of the previous night wasn’t as easy to wash off. It was as if the world would be able to see right through his façade of youth and beauty to the monster he had become.
    Darkness, he had decided, would be his ally. This is where he would live, away from the piercing light that would expose him for what he really was. Besides, if his father and Solomon were there, it would be much better if Elijah spotted them first.
    “Elijah, I am starving. I’m beginning to feel weak.” He looked over to see her eyes were closed. Her voice was cracking as if she were scared.
    He didn’t understand her problem. “Don’t worry Sara. I lifted quite a bit of silver from the rogues I killed last night. We will be able to buy enough supplies to last us quite a while.” Lying beside her on the ground, he rolled over and brushed her cheek gently.
    “You don’t understand, Elijah. I can hear the blood pumping through your veins like a drum. I can smell it. It’s not regular supplies I am hungry for.” She rolled away from Elijah as she spoke, and he saw her wipe away a tear.
    “Everything will be okay.” For Sara’s sake, Elijah hid his discouragement. He’d been almost convinced the incident from the night before had been a one-time occurrence, triggered by her closeness to death.
    “It’s going to be all right, Sara; we will figure this out. Let’s try you on some real food and see if that helps. Just please be strong and don’t hurt anyone.” He pulled at her shoulder as he spoke. She lifted her face and he was horrified to see blood beginning to pool in the veins around her eyes; even the whites of her eyes were beginning to turn red.
    “Sara, what’s happening? What can I do?” He wanted to help, but didn’t know how.
    Seeing his horrified grimace, she hid her face once again in embarrassment. “I’ll be fine; let’s just hurry.” Her voice was muffled as she spoke from behind her hands.
    “Don’t be embarrassed, Sara. I know this isn’t your fault. Just stay close to me and keep your distance from everyone else.” He took her hand and helped her to her feet. In minutes, they emerged from the forest at the town gates. Elijah wished it was closer to full dark, but he knew the shops would close if they waited much longer.
    As they walked into town, Elijah stared everywhere, completely amazed by the sights. He had only been about five years old when he’d last been here, and now it was like seeing it for the first time. It was just a small town, but it didn’t seem small to him.
    He had never seen so many buildings in one place, or so many people. Even this late in the evening, the place was buzzing with life. Sara was pressed firmly against him and was squeezing his arm ferociously as they walked through the town. He could tell she was fighting to keep her wits about her and hoped to god she didn’t lose control.
    “The first thing we need to do is get some new clothes so we don’t look so out of place in these filthy rags, and then we will get some food for you.” He whispered over his right shoulder to Sara who was now attached to him like a leech as she hung her head awkwardly. He searched down the row of buildings and signs until he saw one that read Gondal’s Tailoring and Linens .
    “There it is; stay with me, and remember to keep your head down.” He pulled her close and kissed her on the side of the head, ineffectually trying to ease her obvious misery. As they walked through the door of the tailor’s shop they saw a number of fancy dresses and all sorts of men’s clothes.
    “Can I help you?” A small voice piped up from across the room.
    “Yes, my wife and I need to purchase some new clothes.” As he spoke, he could see the man behind the counter eyeing Sara and pushed her further behind him. “We were raided on the way here. We barely made it out with our lives.”