CHAPTER 7.3 Crimson Vows

“Elizabeth… what’s with that look?” Veronica leaned back a little, squinting. “Hmm… I just—”

She didn’t get to finish.

Elizabeth’s eyes had this weird shine to them, and she moved in way too close.

“Veronica…” Her voice sounded almost sweet, but there was something under it, something… off.

“What are you—”

Then there were hands on her shoulders, warm for a second… and then teeth. Sharp, sudden, biting right into her neck.

“Ahhh—Elizabeth! Why?! Ahhh!” Veronica’s voice cracked between pain and… total shock.

Elizabeth didn’t even pull away. She just sort of smiled against her skin. “My sweetheart… I love you.”

Veronica’s breathing was all over the place. “But sometimes… ahh… I don’t… like you,” she said, voice shaking, but the words still hitting hard.

Elizabeth’s smile didn’t go anywhere. “Don’t cry,” she murmured, wiping at her tears with slow fingers.

“You’re a creep,” Veronica mumbled.

“No, I’m not.” A little smirk. “Come on… let’s kill your parents.”

“What?! No! You promised—”

Elizabeth laughed quietly, almost to herself. “Alright, alright… I won’t. But I do love you.”

“Veronicaaa! Come down, Daddy’s waiting!” her mom yelled from downstairs.

“Yes, Momii!”

Elizabeth stepped in close again, kissed her cheek. “You’re safe now. With me.”

Veronica gave a tiny smile, set her doll down. “Mama, mama, let’s gooo!”

They went out together. By the time they came back that night, Veronica’s eyes were heavy. “Mama, I’m so tired…”

“Let’s get you to bed,” her mother said softly.

“Mm… okay, Momii.”

“Good night, sweet girl.”

“Good night.”

The house went quiet.

Then—

“MAMAAAAA! MAMAAAAA!” Veronica’s scream ripped through the silence. She cried so hard her throat hurt. “I need to tell you! MAMAAAAA