Chapter 89: Damien's promise to Mr Turner

Ariana and her sister Alanna were disheartened by the treatment meted out by their fellow witches, opted to depart, with Ariana seeking to get some air elsewhere.

As the hours unfolded, the Benneth witches were granted the opportunity to interact with Mr. Turner upon his awakening, bidding Lauren a temporary farewell with the pledge to return the following morning. However, Ariana chose to remain by her side throughout the night, a steadfast presence offering comfort and support in the wake of the day's tumultuous events.

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Damien experienced a deep sense of disappointment upon realizing that his tardiness had hindered his efforts to arrive at the hospital promptly with the change of clothes he had fervently procured. Despite harboring the assumption that she had likely already changed into fresh attire, his resolve remained unshaken; he was determined, at the very least, to deliver the cloths—perhaps if not now, then she can wear it by morning.

Navigating the hospital's depths, he found himself halted at the elevator's terminus—the exclusive floor reserved for private citizens and influential figures. Stepping forth, he was met with the steady cadence of a heartbeat, accompanied by the delicate, familiar fragrance of lavender, signaling her proximity.

Having been informed of the room housing Lauren's father by Derek, Damien naturally presumed that she would be situated there. Consequently, he found himself puzzled by the fact that the source of the observed heartbeat seemed to draw closer to his own trajectory than to the designated room.

Approaching the origin of the rhythmic pulsations, Damien perceived their resonance intensifying until, standing before one of the rooms, he saw a figure. Peering through the blinds of the window, his gaze alighted upon the sight of Lauren, still clad in her evening gown, her countenance directed downwards towards another individual.

A closer inspection revealed the identity of the person—Alex. Engaged in conversation, they exchanged smiles, a gesture further shown where he reached out and held her hand. Piqued by their interaction, Damien lingered, pondering the nature of their discourse as he made sure not to eavesdrop, he observed their exchange for a fleeting interval before eventually turning away, his curiosity now kindled, as he continued on his intended path.

Stepping into Mr. Turner's room, Damien delicately placed the bag upon a glass table, then directed his attention towards the ailing man. Observing the steady, regulated rhythm of Mr. Turner's heartbeat, he discerned that, apart from the puncture at his neck, the injuries were comparatively minimal. Intent on the prospect of awaiting Lauren's return, Damien was caught off guard as Mr. Turner slowly stirred and opened his eyes.

A momentary silence fell as their gazes met, each man quietly assessing the other. Damien could sense the unspoken thoughts reverberating within Mr. Turner's mind, a silent prelude to the conversation about to unfold.

"I finally have the privilege of meeting the Prince of all vampires," Mr. Turner remarked in a measured tone, acknowledging Damien's standing with a calm reserve. Curious, Damien arched an inquisitive eyebrow, prompting Mr. Turner to elucidate with a simple, "Lauren told me," which garnered a tacit acknowledgment from Damien.

As Mr. Turner gingerly adjusted his posture, a palpable solemnity infused his next words. "As a father, I beg you to safeguard my daughter from the perils that lurk within your world, shield her from every untold danger that shrouds the darkness. It pains me that my human capabilities fall short, so I beseech you to undertake this responsibility in my stead," Mr. Turner entreated, his request underscored by a profound earnestness.

"Your entreaty is unnecessary, Mr. Turner. I will always strive to protect her. After all, she is my destiny, although the full implications of that designation remain enigmatic," Damien said, his earnest reply punctuated by a respectful nod. Pausing to impart further insight, Mr.

"I know she often presents a facade of toughness and resilience, yet in truth, she possesses a tender heart and frequently places the welfare of others before her own. I am well aware that my time in this world is finite, unlike yours. I implore you to safeguard her, even from herself," Mr. Turner earnestly conveyed.

"As I have mentioned before, your plea is needless... and should you desire, allowing you to live longer than humans is within my capability," Damien proffered matter-of-factly. Mr. Turner met his gaze, allowing a soft chuckle to escape him.

"I understand your meaning, yet I prefer to relinquish my years and reunite with my beloved wife, whom I have ardently missed for so long," Mr. Turner expressed with a tinge of longing, his words suffused with a poignant melancholy as he reminisced about his departed beloved.

Damien, gripped by an overwhelming sense of sorrow, found himself wrestling with a profound sadness as he listened to the words of the man whose wife he had inadvertently caused the demise of.

Contemplating the potential revelation of his own inadvertent involvement in the tragic event, he grappled with the gravity of Mr. Turner's emotional sentiments.

"I fervently hope that my beloved daughter finds someone who holds her heart as dearly as I cherished her mother," Mr. Turner expressed, his voice reflective. "She confided in me about her affection for you, though realizing that your feelings may not align with hers," he added, his words tinged with a sense of poignant resignation as he addressed Damien.

Damien was on the verge of offering reassurance when he was halted gently by Mr Turner's solemn tone

"Mr. Voltorie," Mr. Turner began, his voice imbued with understanding, "I appreciate your frankness and the honesty you displayed with my daughter concerning your feelings. I hold no ill will towards you. Please continue to offer her your guidance, so that she may navigate the intricate path of love without stumbling into regrettable missteps."

"Mr. Turner, I believe you misunderstood," Damien attempted to interject, but his words were left hanging as the door creaked open, admitting the unexpected arrival of Lauren. A fleeting expression of surprise flitted across her countenance as she entered the room, her eyes widening in astonishment at the sight of Damien engrossed in conversation with her father.