Too Late

***

Ruby

If you really mean it, then take my hands. Once you have pledged yourself to this path, it cannot be undone, much like the vampire mating ritual."

I hold out my shaking hands. Sara takes them in hers, gripping tightly.

She starts chanting in a language I don't know. Latin, maybe, or some close derivative.

Her hands in mine heat up, until it feels like they've been in the fire. It's just on the edge of being painful. I resist the urge to yank my hands away.

A flash of purple light goes out from our joined hands, lighting the entire room for a moment. I...