MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

Chapter 364: Gone is the mark

The night of the eclipse finally arrived, bringing with it a tension that hung over the cabin like a thick fog. Inside, Blake and his companions worked with grim determination to prepare for the ritual that would determine Rose's fate.

In the center of the living room, now cleared of furniture, Dumphries carefully arranged a circle of smooth, dark stones. Each stone was placed with precision, forming a perfect ring large enough to contain Rose's body.

"Remember," Dumphries said, his voice tight with concentration, "once we begin, we cannot stop or alter the ritual in any way. The consequences could be... unpredictable."

Blake nodded grimly, his eyes fixed on Rose's still form. They had moved her from the bedroom, laying her gently in the center of the stone circle. The mark of the Nemisis had spread further, now covering most of her left arm and creeping up her neck like dark vines.

Reggie and Randal worked nearby, setting up an intricate array of mirrors around the circle. Each mirror was positioned to reflect the moonlight that would soon stream through the windows, focusing it on Rose's body.

Nana and Gunther stood at a makeshift altar, carefully measuring out the precious ingredients they had gathered on their quest. The moonflower petals, crushed under the light of a full moon, gave off a faint, otherworldly glow. The ash of the lightning-struck yew tree was fine and dark, almost seeming to absorb the light around it.

The water from the spring that had never seen sunlight rippled in its container, despite the lack of movement.

Dr. Martina hovered nearby, her medical bag at the ready. She was determined to do whatever she could to help Rose.

As the final preparations were made, Blake knelt beside Rose, taking her cold hand in his. "We're ready, love," he whispered. "Just hold on a little longer."

Celena, who had been watching the proceedings with wide-eyed fascination, tugged at Blake's sleeve. "Daddy, can I help too?"

Blake hesitated, torn between protecting his daughter and acknowledging her right to be part of this. Finally, he nodded. "You can help by holding Mommy's other hand, okay? Your love will make her stronger."

Celena nodded solemnly, taking her place on Rose's other side.

As the moon began to darken outside, signaling the start of the eclipse, Dumphries raised his hands. "It's time," he announced. "Everyone, take your positions."

The group moved with practiced efficiency, each taking a place around the circle. Blake remained at Rose's side, one hand clasped in hers, the other holding a small, ornate knife.

Dumphries began to recite an ancient vampire text, his voice low and resonant. The words, though unfamiliar to most, seemed to hang in the air with a weight of their own.

Reggie stepped forward, carefully sprinkling the crushed moonflower petals in a pattern around Rose's body. The petals seemed to glow faintly where they settled on the floor.

Randal approached next, using a brush to paint intricate symbols on Rose's exposed skin using the yew ash. Where the ash touched the mark of the Nemisis, it seemed to sizzle faintly.

As the ritual progressed, the air in the room grew heavy and still. The only sound was Dumphries' steady recitation and the increasingly labored breathing of those gathered.

"Now, Blake," Dumphries said, his voice barely above a whisper.

With a deep breath, Blake raised the knife and made a swift cut across his palm. He allowed his blood to drip onto Rose's chest, directly over her heart. Then, with hands that shook only slightly, he uncorked the vial containing Marlowe's blood and poured it over the wound.

The moment the two bloods mixed, Rose's body went rigid. Her back arched off the floor, her muscles taut as bowstrings. A low, keening sound escaped her lips, growing in volume until it became a heart-wrenching scream.

"Hold steady!" Dumphries shouted. "We're at the critical point!"

Blake gripped Rose's hand tighter, feeling Celena do the same on the other side. "Fight it, Rose," he urged. "Come back to us!"

The mark on Rose's skin began to writhe, the dark tendrils seeming to move of their own accord. They stretched and contracted, as if trying to maintain their hold on her.

Dumphries' recitation reached a fever pitch, the ancient words tumbling from his lips in a torrent of sound. The air in the room felt thick, making it difficult to breathe.

Suddenly, Rose's eyes snapped open. But instead of their usual warm, they were completely black, like pools of ink. When she spoke, her voice was a harsh, guttural sound that sent chills down Blake's spine.

"You dare to challenge me?" the voice that was not Rose's growled. "She is mine!"

Blake felt a moment of pure terror, but he pushed it aside. "No," he said firmly. "She's ours. And we're taking her back."

He nodded to Nana, who stepped forward with the final ingredient - the water from the sunless spring. With gentle hands, she tipped Rose's head back and poured the water into her mouth.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then Rose's body went rigid, her back arching even further. A scream tore from her throat, a sound of pure agony that made Blake's heart clench.

"Mommy!" Celena cried, tears streaming down her face. But she didn't let go of Rose's hand, showing a bravery beyond her years.

Rose's body thrashed violently, nearly breaking free from Blake and Celena's grip. The stone circle seemed to vibrate, the mirrors shaking in their stands. Several cracked with sharp reports that sounded like gunshots in the tense silence.

Just when it seemed the ritual might spiral out of control, Rose's body slumped back to the floor. For several heartbeats, no one moved. Then, slowly, Rose's eyes fluttered open. This time, they were her own warm eyes.

"Blake?" she whispered, her voice weak but unmistakably hers. "Celena?"

A sob of relief escaped Blake's throat. "We're here, love. We're here."

As the group crowded around, exclaiming in joy and relief, Dr. Martina pushed through to examine Rose. Her eyes widened as she checked Rose's vitals and examined her skin.

"The mark," she said in amazement. "It's... receding."

Sure enough, the dark tendrils were shrinking before their eyes, retreating from Rose's neck and arm. Within minutes, all that remained was a small, star-shaped scar on her index finger where the mark had first appeared.

"You did it," Rose said weakly, managing a small smile. "You actually did it."

Blake gathered her into his arms, holding her close as Celena burrowed in between them. "We did it," he corrected. "All of us, together."