After a moment, she nodded, her expression a mix of concern and determination.
"Of course, Blake. I understand the gravity of the situation," she said, her voice calm and professional. "Rose's condition is still delicate, and I agree that consistent medical supervision is crucial at this stage. I'd be more than willing to stay and monitor her progress."
She paused, then added, "However, I must ask - how long do you anticipate being gone? And are you certain about venturing into the vampire city? It's not exactly known for its hospitality towards outsiders."
"I'm going with Reggie and Randal. They know the in and out of the place. I'm sure they'll keep us out of trouble," Blake reassured.
Martina's eyes reflected genuine concern for Blake's safety, even as she agreed to his request. "I
"Okay then, l'll take care of Rose, but please, be careful out there. We need you to come back in one piece, for both Rose and Celena's sake."
"I will and thank you so much! If you'll excuse me," Blake said leaving her.
There was one more person he needed to see.
Blake searched throughout the cabin, his eyes darting from room to room, until he finally spotted Gunther standing outside. The priest was leaning against the railing, a drink clutched in his hand, his gaze fixed on the darkening horizon.
As Blake approached, he noticed that Gunther barely registered his presence. The worry etched deep in Gunther's eyes was unmistakable, a reflection of the fear they all shared for Rose's well-being.
Blake stood beside him, letting the silence stretch for a moment before speaking. The weight of their shared history hung heavy in the air between them. It had been barely two years since they had rescued Rose from Damien's clutches, a harrowing experience that still haunted them all. The thought of potentially losing her again, this time to an unknown ailment, was terrifying.
"Blake?" she murmured, her voice weak but clear. "What's going on? What happened?"
Blake took her hand, his thumb gently caressing the spot where the mysterious mark had appeared. "Rose, my love, there's something I need to tell you. We're... we're going on a little trip."
Rose's brow furrowed in confusion. "A trip? Where? Why?"
Before Blake could give a response, Rose's eyes fluttered back to unconsciousness...again.
Taking a deep breath, with a mixture of fear and hope, Blake squeezed her hand tightly.
"You'll be fine Rose, I promise you".
He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. I promise you, Rose, I'll find answers. I'll find a way to make you better." Now more than ever, he knew they needed to hurry up.
As the sun rose, casting a warm glow across the room, Blake held Rose close to himself, acutely aware that their lives were about to change dramatically. The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with potential dangers and unknown challenges. But in that moment, wrapped in her arms, he found a small measure of peace.
Outside the bedroom, the house began to stir as the others woke and prepared for the day ahead. The air was thick with anticipation and a touch of fear. In just a few hours, Blake, Reggie, and Randal would set out for the vampire city, leaving behind the safety and familiarity of their home.
As Blake finally rose from the bed, he cast one last look at Rose, committing every detail of her face to memory. Then, squaring his shoulders, he stepped out to face whatever lay ahead. The vampire city awaited, with all its secrets and dangers. And somewhere within its ancient walls lay the answers they so desperately needed.
The journey to save Rose had begun.