Chapter 301: What have I done ?

The taste of Elena's blood lingered on my tongue, sweet and intoxicating, but as soon as I realized what I had done, I was horrified. The fog of hunger lifted abruptly, and the sharpness of guilt crashed into me like a tidal wave.

I pulled away from her neck, gasping, my fangs retracting, but it was too late. Blood trickled from the wound I'd made, staining her pale skin with a crimson streak.

Elena's body went limp in my arms, her eyes fluttering closed as she fell unconscious.

"No," I whispered, panic seizing my chest as I caught her before she hit the ground. I cradled her against me, the softness of her body a stark contrast to the violent act I'd just committed. "Elena, I'm so sorry..."

Her face was pale, even paler than usual, and I could feel her heartbeat slowing beneath my hands. How could I have done this to her? She trusted me, loved me, and I let my hunger my monstrous nature take over.