Chapter 67 Chapter 66

Helen slept on a small bed by the window with her back to the room.As I approached, she seemed to be aware of my presence and rolled slightly in my direction. I thought she was exhausted from the travel and yesterday's walk, but she was sleeping in such a strange position that I unnerved to take a closer look.Then, for a frightening moment, I saw her green face and the blood on her throat.In the almost healed wound, in the deepest part of the neck, two blood streams slowly ooze and burst.There was more blood on the sleeves of her cheap-looking white coat.She was sleeping with one arm thrown over her head, the front of her coat was pulled open obliquely, a little torn, one breast was exposed, and a dark nipple could almost be seen.

Seeing this scene, I was stunned, and my heart seemed to stop beating.At that moment, I didn't know what else to do, a heavy choke blocked my throat, I didn't know it was rage at the time. "Helen!" I shook her shoulder lightly, but her expression didn't change.Now I see how haggard she is, it seems she suffers in her sleep. Where did the cross go?I suddenly remembered it, and looked around, only to find it at my feet, and the thin chain was broken.Did someone tear it off, or did she break it while she slept? I shook her again, "Helen, wake up!" This time she moved a little restlessly, and I wondered if it would hurt her to wake her up too quickly.After a while, though, she frowned and opened her eyes.

She is weak, how badly did she lose blood last night?Why did I leave her alone, last night or any other night? "Paul," she said, seemingly puzzled, "what are you doing here?" She seemed to be struggling to sit up, but suddenly realized that her clothes were disheveled. She put her hand on her throat, and I looked at her with silent pain, and slowly took her hand away.Her fingers were thick with blood and drying. She stared at the blood, then at me, "Oh, God," she said, sitting up straight.For the first time, despite her frightening look, I felt a sense of relief: if she had lost a lot of blood, she wouldn't have the strength to make so many movements.

"Are you fully awake now?" I said. She nodded. "Do you know where you are?" "Yes," she said, but she buried her head in the bloody hand and sobbed softly. "Here I am," I kissed her clean hand. She squeezed my fingers, sobbing, trying to get back to normal, "We have to think about — is that my cross?" "Yes," I held up the cross and looked at her.She didn't flinch, and I was so relieved, "Did you take it off?" "No, of course not." She shook her head, a tear rolling down her cheek. I pointed to the floor where the cross had fallen. "Did you feel anything when it was close to you—uncomfortable?"

"No," she said bewilderedly, "at least, not yet." The simple words took my breath away. "It could have been worse," she said. I held her in my arms, feeling her always firm shoulders trembling, and I trembling myself. "Yes," I said in a low voice, "but we want to protect you from any other harm." She shook her head suddenly, as if surprised. "This is a monastery! I don't understand. Vampires should hate this kind of place." "I don't understand either," I said slowly, turning her hand over, "that librarian from China—he found us in Istanbul and then in Budapest. Did he follow us here as well? "

She trembled, "Then how did he get into the monastery?" "That's easy," I pointed to the nearest window, "Oh God, why did I leave you here alone?" "I'm not alone," she reminded me. "There were five other people sleeping with me in the house. But you're right—he's shapeshifting, my mother said—bats, fog—" "Helen!" I shook her, "I will never leave you alone, not even for an hour." "Paul, if I feel any of that, I'll let you know." Her voice was now passionate, as if her commitment to me had fueled her desire to act. "I'm going to wash my neck and wrap it up."

I help her scrub her throat clean, trying not to touch the cut.I watch the door for her while she changes.Seeing the terrible wound up close, I could not help it for a moment, thinking of crying out to my heart's content. We came out of the church and Ranov was lounging in the courtyard.He squinted at Helen. "You've been up late enough," he reprimanded. As he spoke, I looked closely at his upper canines, but they were as sharp as usual.If it got sharper, it was covered by his unpleasant smile.