Departure

Bel turned slowly in the direction of her mother, who looked at her with an earnest expression. Their eyes met, and the older woman shook her head.

"We don't know when next we will see you, and I know you may have found out about something in the worst way, but know your father would never do anything to jeopardize you."

"I don't think you can say that after marrying me off to vampires and doing so many things behind my back," Bel spat out darkly.

"It's all my fault," her father injected. "I take full responsibility."

"No," her mother responded, her voice slightly elevated. "This wasn't his fault alone." She turned to her husband, slowly moving to where he stood. "I supported the decision, so don't take it out on just your father. And most importantly, we don't want you to leave like this."