Chapter 336: Promise For The Greater Good

"I don’t make such promises." Ivan quietly clipped, his voice measured, but also laced with an unexpected fervor that sent her heart skipping. He was already giving her that look that made her conscious of his present mood, but Samantha knew she had to speak with him regardless of if he fancied the topic or not.

"Ivan..."

His eyes bore into hers, letting her see the finality in his decision, and also the fact that he didn’t agree to take this walk with her only to hear her spew this nonsense to him, but Samantha, remaining undeterred, tried to change his mind.

"You don’t understand what I’m trying to say to you, and besides, I’m only asking you to make this promise so I can be reassured of everyone’s safety." An unspoken tension threaded the misty air, and Samantha felt the weight of her request hanging in the air. As if her heart was heavy with the memories of her actions, she released a deep breath and said to her husband, her voice barely rising above the murmur of the sea.

"I’ve seen these images of my past life, Ivan, the things I have done, the chaos I am capable of creating. I’ve killed so many people and I refuse to let such tragedy repeat itself." Her green eyes shun with perseverance, despite the fear in her heart. "There was a time I enjoyed having these powers I possess. They seemed harmless at that time, I could control them at my free will but now, all I want to do is get rid of them. This whispers... I still hear them, they’ve been deeply embedded in my thoughts and I fear that I might be a threat to everyone around me, so–"

"And where is this nonsense coming from?" Ivan’s normally composed demeanor flickered, replaced by a flash of irritation. "If you’re joking about that request of yours then it’s not a funny one. Forgive me but you are out of your mind to think that I will agree to something as foolish as that. Believe me when I say there’s nothing wrong with you, they’re all in your head, nothing of that sort will happen to you, ever!"

"Ivan, please!" Samantha pleaded, her eyes pleading for some reassurance. "You have to make this promise to me. I won’t be at rest until you do."

"Forget it! I won’t entertain the notion of taking your life, especially at your own request." His expression darkened at her persistence, the calm veneer shattered by an unexpected storm within. "Do you think so little of our bond? To assume I’d be the one to bring an end to your existence?"

"It’s not about our bond, don’t misunderstand me." Samantha could feel the morning air turn colder, as if mirroring the frost her request had brought between them. "I swear it’s not about that, but it’s about responsibility, doing the right thing. It’s for the safety of everyone, and I won’t be able to live with myself knowing that I am a threat to those I care about. Most especially when it comes to you. When I think back to how you never raised a sword against me, the more I wished you did, cause maybe then, I wouldn’t have hurt you the way I did. Alistair would still be alive! What I’m asking you to do for me is for the greater good."

Samantha gripped his arm, forcing him to look her in the eyes. She saw the conflict in those crimson eyes she adored more than anything. She was the only one who knew how she had longed to be in front of those eyes again, but her heart swelled upon noticing the painful resolve she had caused. "I’m sorry, I never wanted you to bear such a burden, but I need to know you’d do what’s necessary."

Ivan’s hands clenched at his side, unable to stand seeing her hate herself for what she was becoming, but how was he going to explain to her that none of that mattered to him??

"You’ll do that for me, right?" There was a hopeful plea in her voice, and Ivan failed in his attempt to hide his concerns. However, a flicker of reluctance touched his eyes. He felt a stab in the heart, and the fact that she hoped he would consider agreeing to her insane request revealed a storm of emotion beneath his impassive facade.

"You seriously think I could just end you? That I could bear the weight of extinguishing your existence? I’ve never known you to be so heartless towards me but you need to stop it right now." His usually unwavering voice trembled with what she sensed to be fear. "I won’t entertain the idea of a world without you, Samantha. I’d sooner destroy it all than willingly lose you. The only thing keeping me alive is your existence, but you want me to use my own hands to end the reason behind my existence?"

As his words hung in the air, Samantha saw the raw fear in his eyes, a fear of losing her that surpassed any commitment to duty. When his grip on her shoulder tightened after he grabbed her, tears glistened in his eyes, a sight she had never witnessed before, and for a moment, Samantha could not bring herself to speak.

"I love you too much to bring myself to do such a thing. I’d rather face the consequences of that love, even if it means destroying the world alongside you. I can make that promise but, I won’t end your life no matter the circumstances, do you get that?"

A bittersweet realization gripped her heart, and Samantha knew his love for her was boundless, but so was his defiance. His refusal wasn’t out of indifference but an overwhelming desire to protect her at any cost, even if it meant the world unraveling around them.

A wave of guilt washed over her, realizing the depth of his emotions. She understood a little too late that Ivan’s love was both a sanctuary and a tempest, a force that could move mountains but also defy the very fabric of reason.

"Ivan–" his name was the only thing that escaped her lips when he turned around to leave, ending the conversation. In that moment, Samantha knew her request had not only shaken the foundation of their relationship, but also ignited a dormant fire within the man she was willing to make this sacrifice for. Recalling the tears in his eyes made her lose her breath, and it wasn’t her intention to make him feel that way but... why was she so scared?!

She couldn’t shake off the disturbing feeling in her chest no matter how hard she tried, and she wanted to ensure that if there was a chance she had to stand face to face with Ivan in yet another battle, he wouldn’t hold back. She wanted him to make this promise so there won’t be any guilt when he is eventually forced to raise his blade against her.

"Why doesn’t he understand?"

"It’s not that he doesn’t understand," came the voice of Madeline, and Samantha couldn’t help but be startled by her presence. Turning around, she could see Madeline walking in her direction with her son, and beside her was a dark-haired girl who seemed to be enjoying the morning walk.

Alain had left his Mother’s hold and ran into the open arms of Samantha.

"Ali, my sweetheart." Samantha couldn’t describe the relief in her heart to see him smiling again, "I’m so glad you’re alright. Ali is so brave, you’re not mad at me for not coming to check up on you last night, are you?"

He shook his head, "mama said you weren’t feeling well. I got you this so you should rest more." He added thoughtfully, showing Samantha the vibrant daisy he plucked with the stem attached. "It’s a piece of me to help you feel better and safe."

Samantha’s widened eyes softened after hearing his reason behind the flower, and there was absolutely no way she could refuse such a sweet gesture. Touched by his attempts to cheer her up, Samantha enveloped him in a tender hug.

"This is a beautiful gift, thank you." Samantha could feel a lump in her throat, and when she released Alain, he ran off with the girl, the both of them heading towards the tent where the soldiers worked.

"I hope you’re not offended by my comment." Madeline placed a comforting hand on Samantha’s shoulder, "it was not my intention to be a third wheel in the conversation, I just don’t want you to think otherwise about his decision... and I understand his emotions cause I’ve been there myself."

"You... have?" Samantha didn’t seem to believe it, "you and your husband are always happy together. Aside from the trouble my Kingdom has placed you in, you both don’t look like the type who has encountered that much problem."

"Are you sure?" Madeline’s lips curved into a warm smile, "would it surprise you to know that my husband was never really a vampire. He was a human once, an ordinary human with a personality you don’t see in most people these days."

"Sir Cassian is human?" Samantha’s eyes snapped wide.

"He was. I shall tell you the story during the firecamping I and my husband are planning tonight."

"Firecamping?"

"Yes, everyone is stressed and the atmosphere isn’t really healthy, so it’ll be a moment of relaxation for everyone." Madeline nodded, "make sure you bring Ivan to join in, it’ll ease him greatly if we all sit and chat over some fire and snacks."

**********

A/N: please search and add my newest book to your libraries, and give it a read!

Title: Reuniting With my Ex’s Cousin during an Apocalypse.

Thank you!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read