Noreen spoke again, her voice more serious:
"Miria, today is your birthday… You are now 18 years old. You know what that means, don't you?"
Miria nodded, her gaze serious and determined.
"Yes. My mission begins. I must neutralize Vareck once and for all, restore peace between the four clans, and protect the humans."
A visible pang of heartache crossed Noreen's face.
"But if you don't want to… you can always do it in your next life and enjoy this one."
"Noreen!" Nell scolded, stunned.
Miria gently approached Noreen with an understanding smile.
"It's okay, Grandmother. I understand. You always told me that, as part of the royal bloodline, we have obligations to the people. Sometimes our own feelings must be set aside."
Noreen lowered her head, saddened. Miria tenderly placed her hand on her cheek.
"Grandmother… it'll be alright."
Teona intervened with confidence:
"Besides, she has just been turned into a vampire. She is immortal now. Might as well end this once and for all."
Miria's eyes widened in surprise. Then a huge smile lit up her face.
"So… it's true? I'm a vampire now? That means I can stay with Asher forever!"
She turned to Noreen, her eyes shining.
"You see? I really want to finish things with Vareck so I can finally live peacefully with the man of my life."
Noreen hesitated for a moment longer, then gave in with a sigh.
"Alright… I trust you."
Suddenly, the luminous setting around them began to dissolve, the outlines becoming blurry.
Nell murmured:
"It looks like it's time to say goodbye."
Miria gave a slightly sad smile.
"Yes…"
Siobhan stepped forward, looking pleading:
"Miria, please, don't forget to…"
Noreen gently but firmly interrupted her.
Miria, curious:
"You wanted to tell me something, Grandmother Siobhan?"
Noreen answered in her place with a forced smile:
"Nothing… nothing important, my angel. You can go in peace."
Miria didn't press the matter. Everything around them continued to disappear into a brilliant light that grew increasingly blinding.
Miria closed her eyes against the intensity.