Chapter 4
Cian
I have lived for far too long. This life thrust upon me unwillingly. Almost everything was unwilling. I was never left with much of a choice. I didn’t get to choose if I would live or if I would die. I didn’t get to truly decide if I would be bonded with my son, Darius, but it was a choice of sorts. A choice to live or die. I chose to live, don’t we all, when given the choice. But I doubt I would have chosen to live when my creator drained me. I believe that if he had given me a choice I would have chosen death. He never gave me a choice in much of anything. I closed my eyes as I remembered all that had happened. My transformation...
I awakened to find myself being carried through the desert night. The figure that held me was dressed in a long black robe, the hood pulled up over his face. I couldn’t see who was holding me, carrying my exhausted body. My eyes were heavy, I wanted to sleep but I was afraid and confused. Unsure of what was going on. I felt weak, powerless. I looked up at him causing him to smile. He chuckled quietly, I caught a glimpse of a blood stained mouth, elongated canines barely touching his bottom lip. I struggled slightly, so weak. He chuckled again as he ran his fingers through my hair.
“Beautiful Cian.” He whispered, his voice deep, calming. I could listen to it forever, “Rest. You deserve it. When we arrive I shall give you a small taste.”
I shook my head, I didn’t know what he meant but I didn’t like the sound of it, “No.” I whispered, “Just let me sleep, let me die.”
He shook his head as he continued to walk across the sand. I didn’t know where we were going, wasn’t sure of our destination. I was afraid, confused, I wanted to go home, back to my family. I struggled against him once again, trying to get him to let me go. He laughed as he carried me deeper and deeper into the desert, farther away from home. I looked up at the night sky, focusing on the pinpricks of light, trying to keep myself awake. I was so tired, exhausted.
“Sleep my child.” He whispered.
I could feel myself falling asleep. I struggled to keep myself awake but I couldn’t. Sleep took me down into its deep embrace. My eyes closed and my head lolled to the side. Deep sleep. Rest. It felt like an eternity before the man awakened me. I smelled something sweet under my nose. Slowly opening my eyes I noticed that he was holding a cup to my lips.
“Drink, Cian.” He ordered as he tipped the cup.
Sweet tea slipped into my mouth. I swallowed greedily the warm liquid that slid into me. He chuckled as I finished the cup. Removing it from my lips he sat it on a small table. He picked up a wooden bowl filled with a warm broth. Holding it to my lips he tipped it for me to drink. I swallowed it down. The warmth filling my body, my hunger abating. I felt weak, I couldn’t move. He was no longer wearing the cloak he had been the previous night. Now he was dressed in the finest silks, the finest clothes. Expensive, but the finery of the room suggested that he could afford it. Wringing out a rag he began to wash my face. Gently brushing away the dirt and sand that had been with me for as long as I could remember. Standing up he went to a large metal tub filled with steaming water. Dipping his fingers into it he tested the temperature. Satisfied, he returned to my side. Ripping my white desert robes from my body he picked me up. Placing me in the water he began to wash my body, cleaning the grime from my darkly tanned skin.
“Who are you?” I asked, finally able to find my voice, “Please, tell me who you are and what you want.”
He chuckled as he continued to wash me, “I am Lucius.” He said, his voice, so comforting, “What I want from you will soon be revealed but I do not want you to be covered in filth, it just isn’t fitting for one such as you.”
I scowled, was confused. I didn’t understand. What was so special about me? What did this man, Lucius, see in me? “What do you mean?” I asked softly, “Why me?”
He chuckled, pouring water over my head, “Your skill. The way you’ve lived your life. That is why I chose you. You have power hidden within you, great power.” He said, as if that should explain everything.
I shook my head, “I still don’t understand.” I said softly. I felt so very weak.
He didn’t answer but continued to clean the dust and grime from my body. I bowed my head; closing my eyes I felt his hands moving across my body. Cold but soft, caring. Gently he finished my bath then lifted me from the cooling water. Using a soft cloth he dried my body then wrapped me in a black blanket, all before laying me back upon the straw mat where I had awakened. When I was safely lying down he went about preparing another broth for me to drink. It wasn’t long before it was ready. I looked at it as he held it to my lips. There was a slight red tinge in the soft amber of the broth.
“No.” I whispered, something about the color bothered me.
He ignored my protest as he tipped the bowl, “You need your strength. I took a little too much when I abducted you from your home. Drink.” He ordered.
Closing my eyes I swallowed the broth as it flowed into my mouth. It didn’t taste any different than the first one had. It was the color that bothered me. As I took the last drop he removed the bowl from my lips. Setting it aside he went about braiding my now clean hair. Slowly, meticulously he braided, no strand was out of place. Once perfectly smooth he tied it off with a piece of soft black rope. Gently he laid it over my shoulder before standing up. Without a word he set about gathering clothing for me. The finest silks, so much like his own. Smiling he brought them over to me. Removing the blanket from around me he began to dress me. Slowly, making sure that everything was as it should be. I was too weak to resist, too powerless to tell him to stop. When he was satisfied with my appearance I lay down and closed my eyes. I felt so tired, so helpless. I didn’t like what I felt, I had never felt this way before and I hated it.
“Rest, my dark prince.” Lucius whispered in my ear as he gently adjusted a strand of my hair; “You deserve it after all you’ve been through. There is so much more left to do. So much more left for you to experience. There are no choices left for you to make, everything has already been decided.”
I shook my head, “No, there are always choices, decisions.” I whispered.
He laughed, “Not in this matter. In this matter I have already decided your fate.”
I yawned, “What is my fate?” My eyes were growing heavy.
“That is for me to know and you to find out, tomorrow night. Now go to sleep, you are still weak.” He ordered.
I closed my eyes and fell asleep, wrapped in the soft silk that Lucius had dressed me in. I slept. It felt like forever before I was awakened by the same smell that had brought me out of sleep the previous night. Opening my eyes, I looked to see Lucius holding a cup to my lips. He tipped it and I drank. The warmth of the tea then the bowl of broth being held to my lips. I drank it down quickly. He smiled at me and absently fixed my braid.
“Do you feel better?” He asked, obviously concerned for my welfare.
I nodded, “Yes, thank you.” I whispered.
“Good.” He sneered.
I scowled but didn’t have a chance to respond. He latched himself onto my throat. I let out a cry of pain and surprise. I tried to push him off but I was too weak, or he was too strong. I clawed at his face, trying to throw him off. I couldn’t feel the pleasure; I was focusing too much on getting him off me. Lucius was drinking away my life, taking it from me. Weaker and weaker I grew. Each passing moment I felt like I was falling deeper and deeper into the abyss. I was dieing. I knew that I was. As I stood on the precipice he pulled back. I saw him lick his lips, run his tongue over his fangs.
“My dark prince.” He whispered, bringing his wrist to his lips, “Drink now from my eternal font.”
Biting his wrist he brought the wound to my mouth. I shook my head, smearing blood across my face. He sighed and held my head still, forcing his wrist tight to my mouth. I drank. Rich red blood flowed into me, which I drank down greedily. Feasting off his life. He chuckled as I sank into it. Pulling his wrist from my mouth he took the damp rag and began to clean my face. When finished he cleaned off his wrist.
“Good.” He whispered, “Very good. Soon you shall feel the first pangs of your death.” He said softly as he brushed a hand over my face.
His touch seemed to linger upon my cheek. I could hear the sounds of the cicada outside, the sound of a waterfall. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees. I could hear a leaf flutter to the ground. Shaking my head I put my hands to my ears. The cacophony wouldn’t be silenced, I could still hear everything. Slowly he placed his first two fingers upon my temple. As his skin touched mine the sounds dissipated. Removing my hands from my ears I opened my eyes. The colors, my god, everything was so brilliant in the dim light. Lucius’ black eyes sparkled with wisdom and age. His beauty was like a drug, I couldn’t get enough. As I lay there staring at him there was a sharp pain in the pit of my stomach. Gasping I sat bolt upright in the straw bed. Lucius took me into his arms, rocking me as pain ripped through my body. I screamed into his shoulder, gasping for breath. Panting breaths in through my nose, then ceasing to breathe all together. The pain was so great, so absolute. I could focus on nothing except what was racing through my body. I screamed again. Lucius stroked my head, running his fingers over my braid, fixing stray strands that had managed to escape from his perfect work. The pain was gone. I lay gasping for breath, wrapped in the safety of Lucius’ arms.
“Hush my dark prince. My angel of death.” He whispered, “You are my child. The pains of death have passed but in a few days time you shall once again fall into its grasp. The second death is not as painful as the first but the third that comes upon your three hundredth year is the worst of them all. Now, you must rest. Death has come and gone, now you must adjust, prepare for the next death.” He said softly.
“I’m hungry.” I whispered, looking down at my paling skin.
He chuckled, “Yes, I know. It will pass. You cannot feed tonight, your body must adjust. Give it time. Everything requires time and we have plenty of it to spare.” He said softly.
I swallowed hard, “I don’t want things to happen in time, I want it to end now.” My voice was soft, I barely recognized it as my own, it was smooth, sweet, changed.
He shook his head, “Time is our master, is everyone’s master, you must be patient.” He was so gentle with me, his voice, his mannerisms, I couldn’t stand it.
I pushed him off and scrambled to my feet. Dressed in the finery that he had bestowed upon me I went towards the only door that I saw. Lucius shook his head as he got up. As I reached for the handle he was before me, hands upon my shoulders, gently pushing me away from the door. I shrugged his hands off before attempting to push past him. He wouldn’t be moved.
“Get out of my way Lucius.” I hissed, “I’m leaving here! I’m going home!”
He laughed, long and hard. So hard in fact it brought blood stained tears to his eyes. Brushing his tears away he spoke, “What do you think they’ll do? Do you think they’ll welcome you back with open arms? You are my dark prince, my angel of death. You cannot fight it; death is in your blood. The only thing that can harm you now is the light of the sun, which will soon be upon us. Seek shelter during the day or perish in its fiery light. There is no place left for you to go. They will see you and flee in terror. You have been missing for three days already. I’m sure they believe you to be dead, taken by the desert. They will think you a ghost or worse yet, a demon. They would surly attempt to destroy you. I will not have that.” He said, eyes flashing with a determined fire. He thought he knew what was best for me but I disagreed. Only I could decide what was best and this wasn’t it.
“Don’t push me Lucius.” I growled, “I will not be kept here. I will go home!”
He laughed again, “No.” He said simply, “After the second death you will be more amiable, easier to deal with. I like your spirit, strong, pure, powerful. My beautiful prince.” He whispered, running the back of his hand across my cheek, “Come, we must sleep the day away. Tomorrow night we shall talk.” He was attempting to bargain with me.
I narrowed my eyes, “Only until tomorrow night.” I said sternly.
He smiled as he held out one long fingered hand for me to take. Slowly I took it. Throwing the straw bed out of the way to reveal a set of stairs, we went down into the ground.
“Here we shall be safe from the sun, we would be in the main part of my home as well but here we are even safer from prying eyes. I have yet to lose one of my children to the sun and I will not start now.” He said, replacing the bed over the hole we had entered through, “No one can remove the bed. It would take six mortal men to do so, we don’t have to worry about it.”
I felt myself grow tired, I knew the sun was rising and with it, sleep came. I slumped to the ground as I fell asleep. The last thing I saw was Lucius lifting me up. I awakened the next night, hungry but strangely warm. I was wrapped in Lucius’ arms; he was awake and apparently had been for quite some time. I opened my eyes and looked at him. He smiled at me as he brushed a stray hair out of my face.
“Good evening, my prince.” He whispered, “It is night now, we can feed or talk, which ever you would prefer to do first. What is your choice?”
“Talk. Food can wait.” I said, narrowing my eyes.
Lucius didn’t let go of me, he held me close to his body, against his solid flesh, “What do you wish to talk about child?” His voice was so soft, so gentle; it sent shivers up my spine.
“What have you done to me?” I asked softly, “Why did you do it?”
“You are now like me, eternal, forever, a drinker of blood.” He said calmly as he began to undo my braid, “Such beautiful hair.” He said absently, “I chose you. You are my chosen. I had been watching you for weeks, waiting for the perfect time in which to take you. That time came a few days ago. After the desert took your father in that most honorable trek of his. He was old; he had survived so very much. He allowed the desert to take him, to destroy him. I felt it was fitting for you to join me exactly a week after that. You are my beautiful creation, my dark prince. You shall remain as such and I shall teach you all you need to know. Will you remain or will you go? I could make you stay; it is within my power to do so. So, what is your choice, my child?”
I swallowed hard, I wasn’t sure if I truly wanted to stay or if I wanted to attempt to go home. To them, I was probably already dead. To myself I was dead, I had felt myself die. Closing my eyes I thought. Lucius had given me a choice, I could stay or go but he could force me to stay if he truly wanted me to. He waited patiently for my answer, playing with my hair to pass the time. The feel of his body pressed against mine, his fingertips caressing my face and hair, was distracting. Gently he ran his fingers over my eyelids, brushing them across my long black lashes. His fingers so cold but they felt normal to me, the same temperature as my own skin. I was confused, afraid. All of these new sensations, these new abilities, sights and sounds, all rushing through me at once. It wasn’t painful, by any stretch of the imagination, but slightly pleasurable. Thoughts, words, from so far away bombarded my senses. It was almost tangible, these sounds, I felt as though I could reach out and touch them. I wanted to understand, wanted to know what was happening to me. Lucius was the only one who could explain these things to me, I had to stay, it was almost as if I had no choice.
I bit my lip, “I shall stay. I want to understand everything. To know what I am and what I can do.”
He smiled, “The first thing that you need to learn is how to feed.”
Shaking my head I drove the past from my mind so that I could better focus on the present. Darius, my Darius, stood before me. It was a pleasure to see him after so many years of separation. Not just to see him, I had done that many times before, but to be with him. His presence was a wonderful feeling, rejoining with my son. It pleased me to see how much he had grown since he had left me over six hundred years ago. His powers had expanded; he had become a formidable opponent. I wouldn’t want to be his enemy. He had done well on his own, I felt very proud of him.
“I’m sorry, Darius.” I whispered, “I’m sorry for all that I have put you through.” I said, turning to look back out the window, “I really didn’t want to involve you, any of you, but I was left with no choice. It was either that or watch you die, I didn’t want that to happen, I don’t want to see anything happen to you.” I was repeating myself but no matter how many times I said it I still didn’t feel as though it was enough.
He nodded, “It’s alright. I’m happy you did rather then just let things happen.” He said, running hand through his hair.
I bowed my head, “I’m sorry.” I said again, “I honest and truly am. When I brought you into this I wanted what was best for you, I didn’t want you to suffer, I didn’t want you to die. I wanted your beauty to remain forever.” I laughed softly, remembering my reason for turning him, “You have always been my special child.” I said, turning to face him, “My beloved.” I ran my hand gently over his face, “The only child that I have ever truly loved.” His skin under my fingertips was filled with life; he had fed well, “My beautiful son. I wish that you had never left me.” I began to lay soft kisses upon his face and neck. He didn’t resist as I embraced him tightly, “Please don’t leave me again.” I whispered as I began to cry.
Darius began to stroke my hair, comforting me as I cried into his shoulder. I felt as though I were showing weakness by allowing him to see me like this. I didn’t care though; I wanted him to understand how I felt. Sobbing, crying, my blood stained tears soaking into his shirt. His hands were comforting as he caressed my neck, my hair, my skin. I was his elder and yet it was he who was comforting me.
“My lovely.” I whispered, catching my breath and ceasing my tears, “My dear one.”
“Cian.” He whispered, pulling me to arms length, “I can make you no promises as to whether or not I will remain with you but, for now, I shall stay.”
I nodded, “That’s all I can ask of you.”
“Come with me. I shall take you to meet my children. Although I’m sure that Acacia has left me once again you can meet Zarek and his child, Katryn.” He said sweetly.
I smiled, “It would be a pleasure to meet them both. Shall we depart?” I asked, motioning towards the door.
He nodded and together we walked into the desolate street. The night was aging; it was drawing nearer to a close. We walked, him leading me towards his home. I knew where it was, from his thoughts, but I would follow. I would allow him to show me the way. The grand house loomed before us, all of its beauty hidden by vines and ivy. A rose trellis stood along a wall, overgrown with weeds and blood red flowers. So this was where my Darius was now residing. The house, although in appearance not taken care of, was stable, in good repair. I could hear soft laughter from inside, a woman’s voice. Sweet, young. The laughter held within it great abandon but fear, uncertainty. This girl had barely been made, she hadn’t experienced her second death, her first had come earlier this night. I knew that she had been made soon before the sun rose last night. I smiled. I wanted to taste her, her youth, her immortal body still filled with her mortal life. Mmm, what a feast that would be. It would have to wait, I could take it from her but perhaps I should wait until after her second death. I didn’t wait that long with Darius, I had taken the rest of his mortality the night after I had created him. I sighed. I would gain permission first, but permission from the child, not her maker. I was not concerned with him.
Darius opened the door, breaking me from my thoughts. Ushering me inside, he took me to the living room. As we approached the laughter grew louder, sweet, so like the tinkling of a bell. This girl could take mortals with the sound of her laugh, draw them in for the kill then savor every last drop as they sank into her eternal embrace. I was sure that she would be an amazing killer with a little instruction and a lot of patience. The beginning is always the most difficult. Everything is hard to grasp, to understand. I shook my head as I opened the door before me with a thought. It was easy for one of my age to do such menial tricks. The sight of two beautiful young ones greeted my eyes. The boy couldn’t have been more than fifty, the girl; I already knew that she was newly made. Her skin still held the luster of life, that soft color that cries of living blood. The sight of this beautiful fair-haired girl made me want to drain her even more. She stopped laughing when I entered, her deep blue eyes looked out at me, curiously, cautiously. She wasn’t sure what to make of me. Her eyes narrowed as if coming to a sudden realization. My name surfaced on her mind. She knew who I was. Darius had told them about me. I chuckled quietly as Zarek looked back at me. He was pleasant to look at. Not beautiful but handsome, pleasing to the eye. I smiled at the two of them, showing just a hint of fang.
“You must be Zarek.” I said softly as I approached them, “And this vision of loveliness must be your child, Katryn.” I took her hand and kissed the back of it gently. She was so warm, filled with life. I knew she had fed but even if she hadn’t she would have still retained some of her human warmth, “It is a pleasure to meet you both. I already know that you know who I am so I shall skip my introduction.” I said softly, “Darius never told me that the two of you were so beautiful.” I said with a smile.
Katryn blushed and bowed her head. I knew I had won over this young beauty; perhaps I would get her blood. The prospect made me chuckle quietly. Zarek looked at me in disgust. Perhaps Darius had told him something about my exploits, I hoped not. That would not be a good thing. I had a reputation to live up to, not something that came easy to me. I was a monster, a beautiful monster I’ll warrant, but a monster still the same. If they thought me to be a heartless killer I would have to show them that I was. I always try to live up to people’s expectations. Delving into his mind I attempted to discover what he thought of me. His thoughts rolled through me, over me. Interesting, a writer, the girl as well. He wasn’t sure what to think of me; apparently Darius had left quite a bit out about me. This boy didn’t know about the bond or what happened after I created Darius. It was just as well; the importance of such things would reveal themselves, in time. I ignored Darius as I examined the young ones. So virile, so full of youthful ambition, unaware that all their hopes and dreams could be dashed upon the rocks in a single instant. I felt love for these two; they were capable of so much. I envied them; they had so much ahead of them, so much in store. I had already been through more than they could imagine.
“Darius.” I said softly, “You chose wisely.” I still didn’t look at him but kept my eyes locked upon the young ones.
Zarek returned my steady gaze with his piercing green eyes, “What is it you want?” He asked, his voice smooth like honey but cold as ice.
He thought I was going to steal Katryn away from him. I laughed at his ignorance, “I shall not take your precious child.” I said icily, “If she will permit me I would like to taste of her but only if she gives me permission. No, I have come for other purposes, purposes that shall not reveal themselves until later. You have nothing to fear from me, child.” I spat, disappointed at his ignorance, “Has Darius taught you nothing about showing respect for your elders? I would have thought that he, of all people, would know everything about that. He learned a hard lesson soon after I created him. He had a mouth that shot off just about as much as yours, even more so. You share his will. I fear that it needs to be broken. That honor does not fall to me though, it falls to your master, your creator.” I looked at Darius, “I hope that he does something about your impertinent tongue.”
Zarek looked taken aback, “I’m sorry.” He whispered, “I fear for her, every second of the night.” He admitted quietly.
I nodded, “Perhaps he has taught you something. He shouldn’t be too disappointed in you.” I sneered.
“I’m sorry Viktor.” Zarek said softly as he removed Katryn from his lap and stood up.
Bowing his head he looked for forgiveness. I knew that there was shame on his face even though it was covered by his rich auburn hair. I longed to run my fingers through that hair but now was not the time. He was waiting for Darius to forgive him for his insolence. I crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for Darius to say something. Darius sighed and walked over to stand beside me.
“Zarek, come here.” He ordered softly.
Katryn stood off by herself, watching the proceedings with the interest of a small child. Slowly Zarek walked towards his master, head still bowed, eyes downcast, ashamed. Darius placed a finger under Zarek’s chin and tilted his head up to look into his eyes.
“You are not truly sorry for your infraction.” Darius said softly, “I can see it in your eyes. You are pleased with yourself.” He shook his head, “I am not pleased with you but,” He paused, “you shall not be punished at this time. Perhaps I shall lock you in your coffin for a few nights but that will just have to wait.” He looked over at Katryn, “I believe that Cian asked you a question. Would you answer him?”
I smiled. Ah, yes, my question, if I could taste her. I smiled at her, “Yes, Katryn. Would you answer me, please?”
She bit her lip, “What exactly was the question?”
I chuckled, “Might I taste of you?” I asked softly.
She frowned, “Why?”
I smiled, “You are still filled with life. Still, for all intents and purposes, alive. I can see it in your eyes, the way you carry yourself. I wish to taste of that font before it passes away with your second death.” I didn’t like being asked questions by one so young but I indulged her, “You do not have to give into my whims.” I said with a wave of my hand, “It is merely a request.”
She began to chew on her lip as she thought of an answer, “Very well.” She whispered.
“Katryn, no.” Zarek whispered, “Don’t let him.”
I held up a hand as I slowly began to approach her, “She has made her choice. There is no going back now.” I whispered as I stood before her. Gently I ran my fingers over her face, down the side of her neck, “Are you ready?” I asked softly, running my fingers through her hair.
She nodded. I brought my hand to rest on the side of her neck. Gently I brought my lips to her throat, caressing her skin with my lips. She shivered under my hand as I flicked my tongue out to taste her. With the salty sweetness of her skin on my tongue I opened my mouth to sink my teeth in. Glancing over at Zarek without taking my lips from her throat I noticed that he was struggling against Darius who held him fast, tight to his chest, Zarek’s arms locked behind his back. Smiling I sank my teeth into her soft throat. She immediately fell into a state of bliss as I began to drain her. She collapsed against me, draping her arms over my shoulders as I drank her sweet, living blood. I drank slowly, savoring the flavor, letting her heart pump her blood into me. I was enjoying her flavor, the last of her humanity flowing into me. Sinking, enjoying every drop of her newly refined blood. I closed my eyes as I pulled back. Not a single drop spilt, none of our kind ever did, it was a waste, a crime. Picking her up easily, I laid her on the couch to rest and regain her strength before striding over to the struggling Zarek. Grasping his chin between my thumb and forefinger I bent forward.
“Do you wish to taste my power, young one?” I asked seductively, as if Darius were not holding his arms behind him.
He glared at me, “Why did you do it?”
I chuckled, cheeks flushed with blood, “I wanted to.” I replied simply, “Why did you make her?”
He thought for a moment, “Because I wanted to.” He said softly.
“Exactly. Now, answer my question. Do you want to taste my power?”
He bit his lip and nodded. I smiled before sinking my teeth into my tongue. Sharp, sweet, pain as I made the final cut. Taking his face in my hands I kissed him. Droplets of blood fell into his mouth, which he lapped up greedily. When I pulled back he whimpered causing me to laugh.
“No child.” I said sternly, “No more.”
He licked his lips, “Please.”
I laughed, tasting him on my lips, “No. A few drops for one as young as you is more than enough.” I said quietly as Darius released him.
He stumbled forward; drunk off the few drops I had given him, “Please.” He said again, reaching for the couch for support.
“Sit down and regain your composure.” I ordered, “Don’t be foolish, you will get no more from me.” I turned to Darius, “He is an insolent boy. Handsome but insolent.” I shook my head, “Such spirit, so much like myself after I was created.” I looked over at Zarek, “Curb your tongue and treat your elders with respect. You will live a lot longer. There is so much for you to experience, to live for, don’t throw it all away because of pride. Don’t be a coward though. I have heard it said that a coward dies many times but the valiant only taste of death but once.” I paused, “I shall not harm you or your child but there are others in this world who would.” My voice was quick and calm, “You must be careful. Darius and I learned that the hard way. Don’t make the same mistake we did, don’t underestimate your enemies. If anything, overestimate them. Also know when to run and when to stay to fight.” I was attempting to impart my knowledge to him, what he did with it was his own choice.
“I’m growing tired.” Zarek said softly, “The sun must be on its way.”
I nodded, “Yes. Why don’t you take Katryn and go to your coffins? I need to speak with Darius.”
“Good night Viktor, Cian.” He said my name with contempt as he picked Katryn up.
When they were gone I turned to Darius, “If you don’t do something about him, I will.” I growled, “He is insolent for a boy of fifty.”
“I shall deal with him.” Darius said, closing the door, “Tell me something, where is your maker?”
I half smiled, “Still alive, if that’s what you mean. I see him when he wants me to. A hundred years ago he went to sleep. I don’t know if he’s decided to awaken yet but I do know that if one of his,” I paused, “favored children, are harmed he will know it and will not be pleased.”
“Are you one of his favored?”
I nodded, “Yes. I don’t know if I’m his most favored though. He never told me. It would be good to see him again.” I laughed, shaking my head, “Look at me. I’ve become a simpering idiot. Crying on your shoulder, rambling on about the past. Perhaps I’m becoming senile in my old age.”
He chuckled, “We can’t grow senile. Maybe you need to rest for a week or two.”
I nodded, “Maybe so but not right now. There are more pressing matters to take care of.”
He sighed, “I suppose your right. Come, let us retire.”
Nodding we left the living room to go downstairs to the basement. The door at the bottom of the stairs had been locked from the inside. Snapping my fingers I undid the lock. Opening the door we walked inside. Darius pointed to one of the four coffins before walking over to another one and locking it. Zarek must have been inside. Pushing the lid of the oak coffin to the side I got in. Shutting the lid I lay in the scarlet satin. With a sigh I closed my eyes to await sleep, hoping that everything would turn out all right. I awoke before sunset, as I so often do. I wanted to watch it, to see it once again but I knew that I couldn’t, I knew that I would be destroyed. Slowly I pushed back the lid. It clattered to the floor causing me to grimace. I hadn’t meant to move it quite so far but there was no going back now. Folding myself out of my daylight bed I walked for the door. Perhaps if I covered myself completely I could watch the beauty of the sunset. I remembered Lucius wearing a long cloak when I got up every night. Perhaps he had been watching the sunset. Searching through the house, while avoiding the windows, I looked for something to cover myself with.
“Do you wish to see the sunset, my prince?” A voice from behind me said softly.
I froze, that voice, I hadn’t heard it in centuries, “Lucius.” I said softly.
Sweet laughter, so familiar, “Yes my prince. My beautiful one.” He ran his fingers over the surface of my hair.
I didn’t turn to face him, I couldn’t. I didn’t understand why he was here, what he wanted. I would not allow him to see the confusion upon my face. I felt his hands fall upon my shoulders, heavy but gentle. Slowly they brought me back, sliding down my chest as he pulled me against him. The feeling of his body pressed against my own was something that I hadn’t even realized I had missed. Blood-tears began to well up in my eyes until they spilled down my cheeks. Lucius brushed them away absently as he began to braid my hair, something that he did when he was comforting me or when he was bored. Perhaps this time it was both. He didn’t say anything to me, he didn’t have to, having him there was enough.
“I want to see the sunset.” I whispered, finally answering his question.
There was a rustle of cloth and I found myself completely covered by a black cloak, “For you.” He whispered in my ear, “Now you can watch the sunset.”
I smiled as I pulled the hood back. Turning I looked at him. He was the same as I remembered him. He hadn’t changed, I hadn’t expected him to, but the proof stood before me. He smiled as I undid the partial braid. Lucius, in all his old fashioned glory, his beauty, I hated him for it, loathed his very existence but deep inside me was a great love for the man who had granted me this life. I didn’t want him to leave me, just as much as I didn’t want Darius to leave. What could I do, what could I say to get him to stay? I didn’t have to ask, he spoke before I could.
“Cian.” He said softly, “Will you come with me?”
I scowled, “Why?” I asked, bringing the hood up over my head before stepping out into the light of the setting sun, “If I said yes, what would I do about Darius? Where would we go?” The sky was beautiful. The brilliant colors streaked across it. I had never thought I would ever see the sun again but I knew I could never run in it, play in it, and that saddened me.
He sighed, “I want you with me.” Sadness spread across his face, “You are my only remaining child. I do not wish to lose you as I lost the others.”
I turned to face him. Tears had begun to streak down his face leaving trails of blood. I stepped out of the sun to brush them away but he grabbed my hand, “Come with me Cian. Your child will be safe. I shall see to that. They shall be taken to an ancient place, a safe place.” His eyes burned with need, he needed me.
I bowed my head, “If I attempt to deny you, you shall take me without my consent.” I paused, “In all my years away from you I never thought that I would want to go back to you but now that you are here I want to and I hate you for it. Not only that but I hate myself for feeling this way.” I was silent for a moment, “I shall go with you. You don’t leave me much of a choice, you never have.”
He frowned, “I’m sorry, my prince. I have always wanted what I thought was best for you, wanted you to survive, to live. I have never wanted anything to harm you.” Lucius, proud Lucius, was apologizing to me when he didn’t have to.
“Lucius.” I said as he rubbed his cheek against the palm of my hand, “You don’t have to apologize to me. They will have to be taken without their knowing. They will not wish to leave.”
He smiled, “That is simple. Getting them there without Vahn and the other knowing is the difficult part. I can force them to remain asleep by mere force of will. They are still weak, Cian. They do not know the full scope of their powers, not even you know what you are capable of. With age comes power, if you can survive that long. You are my survivor, my prince, my beautiful angel.” He released my hand, removed my hood, and began to run his fingers through my hair, “Let me braid it.” He said softly, “Braid it before we leave, before we take them.”
“Alright Lucius, but make sure they remain asleep first.” I said as I felt the sun sink behind the hills.
He nodded and closed his eyes as the inky curtain finished its decent, “It is done.” He said, bringing me close to him as he sat down upon the floor.
Gently he began to braid, slowly, meticulously. He wanted everything to be perfect for our departure. I closed my eyes. I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t understand how he had managed to bring me back under his spell. Closing my eyes I waited for what seemed like hours for him to finish my braid. When he was satisfied he gently kissed my cheek as he laid the braid over my shoulder. I bowed my head as I got to my feet. He stood and together we walked down to the basement where the coffins awaited us. Carefully we began to haul them up the stairs, the work easy because of our strength. Once each of them was settled in the entry room we took them outside to begin the difficult task of transporting them to Lucius’ safe house. I was curious to know where we were taking them but I wasn’t prepared for what he said to me.
“Cian, my prince, you must sleep as well.” His voice was soft, commanding.
I scowled, “Why?”
“Do not question me on this. Please, indulge me.” Lucius said, running a hand over my cheek, “I shall take you there first so that you may sleep then I shall return for the others.”
“Very well.” I said.
He smiled as he took me in his arms, “Sleep, my prince.” He whispered.
I felt my eyes grow heavy, I didn’t resist the pull of sleep, I answered it instead. Falling into it willingly, sinking into darkness. Dreams came to me then. I dreamed, something that I never do. Lucius was instructing me on my first kill. I didn’t want to harm anyone. I refused to kill the drifter in the streets. He didn’t press the matter, he let me starve. After six nights of not feeding I couldn’t make my body work, I was overcome by the need to feed. Lucius brought me my first kill, a young woman. She was asleep, easy prey for me in my weakened state. I couldn’t stand being without food so I fed. I drained her dry but I still hungered. My strength had returned but the hunger remained. Lucius then took me to my old home. The desert people, always moving. Here my hunger was sated upon the blood of my brothers, sisters, cousins, my family. I couldn’t stop myself, I craved the rich liquor of life and my mortal family was filled with it. A viable source for my hunger to be sated upon. I tossed and turned, not wanting to remember what had happened. I had destroyed them all, taken my first steps towards what I would become. Jerking myself awake I found myself within a bedroll. Scowling I looked at my hands. My skin, something was very wrong. I was darkly tanned, warm, filled with life. Looking around the small tent that protected me from the wind I found that I could barely see, I could only make out faint shapes.
“What sorcery is this?” I said softly, then it dawned on me.
I must still be asleep and this was the moment that Lucius had taken me. I could see the bulk of a man standing in the entrance to my tent with a torch. I knew that it was Lucius but that knowledge was slowly fading away, being replaced by my mortal memories. Before they faded completely I spoke.
“Leave me.” I spat, “Do not take me away from here.”
He brought the light up so that I could see his face. He didn’t look surprised at my words; on the contrary he seemed to have been expecting them. In an instant he had dropped the light and was upon me. I fought against him, struggling against his solid form as he began to drink. Weaker and weaker until the darkness took me. I didn’t know what was happening to me, why I was experiencing the past but it almost frightened me. I sat upright, surrounded by silk sheets with a beautiful woman curled up next to me. I had gone forward, my skin was pale, my nails were glossy and a little long. It was late night, the moon was high and this beautiful whore was by my side. I knew that I had enjoyed myself but now I would end her life, she would no longer have to work for money, she would be destroyed. Gently I kissed her throat. Her eyelashes fluttered against her cheek but she didn’t awaken. Slowly I sank my teeth into her soft flesh. She whimpered as she sank into a state of bliss. I looked up as I drank to see Lucius leaning against the wall. Startled by his presence but unwilling to give up my meal I continued to feed. I was becoming an expert at gleaning the most pleasure out of death, using my victims first then feeding from them. Lucius watched me as I finished feeding. When I pulled away he strolled over to me with a smile on his face. I bowed my head as he brushed his icy fingers over my now warm, naked skin, causing me to shiver with delight.
“You have become quite the angel of death.” He whispered as he ran his fingers over my chest.
I tipped my head back and closed my eyes as he continued to caress my skin. Pleasure flowed from his expert fingertips, coupled with the blood I had just drank I was completely enveloped in pleasure. Slowly he began to lay soft kisses upon my throat. I shuddered and my lips parted as wave after wave of pleasure went through my body. I didn’t want it to end but I knew that he would end it soon, that he would cease the pleasure that his fingertips caused. I collapsed against him, exhausted. He chuckled as he held me close, gently taking a small amount of hair and braiding it.
“Why were you watching me?” I asked softly as I leaned against his shoulder.
“I wanted to.” He said simply, “It was within my power to do so.”
I closed my eyes and fell asleep once again. This time when I opened them I was lying on a straw bed. Had I gone backwards to when I was first made? No, my skin was pale, the way that it was supposed to be. Slowly I sat up to look around. I had gone back to the beginning; this place was just as I had remembered it. As I stood up I fell to the bed, too weak to remain on my feet.
“Go back to sleep.” Lucius ordered from the far wall. I looked over at him, his arms crossed over his chest, eyes closed. Beautiful, “The sun is high in the sky. Your body chose an odd time to awaken. You need to go back to sleep.”
I closed my eyes, “No.” I said softly, “I have been dreaming, dreaming about the past. I do not wish to experience these things.”
Lucius nodded, “That is to be expected. That is the problem with keeping you asleep. That is one of the side effects of the long sleep. You dream.”
I scowled, “What other side effects are there?” I asked softly, unsure if I wanted to know.
“A want to sleep. A want to remain asleep for longer. Sleeping like fledglings, sleeping from right when the sun begins to rise to when it has fully set.” He replied, “Also, strange hours. Waking up at unusual times, sleeping at odd times as well. You need to sleep, need to return to the hours that you normally keep. I shall help you as best I can but you need to go back to sleep.”
I sighed as I lay back upon the bed of straw. Closing my eyes I fell back into darkness. No dreams, no memories, disturbed my sleep. I awakened when I felt someone shaking me. I wanted to remain asleep but slowly opened my eyes. Lucius stood above me.
I glared at him, “I want to go back to sleep.” I whispered with a yawn.
He shook his head, “No. It is night, time to wake up. I told you what would happen.”
“Yes.” I said, yawning once again.
He chuckled as he pulled me into his arms. I looked at myself to see that I had been freshly bathed and was naked. The feeling of skin against skin was electrifying, powerful. I shuddered as he pressed his body against mine. The feeling of his silk clothing soft against my icy skin. A chill ran up my spine as his hands went from my shoulders down across my chest. I shivered in anticipation as his fingertips danced across my skin. I closed my eyes as I relaxed against him. He smiled as he brushed his lips across my throat.
I took in a deep breath as my body was racked with pleasure, “Why are you doing this?”
“Because you have been without pleasure for so very long. Without the physical pleasures that can be offered to you. You have been without a companion.” He said as he continued to send wave after wave of sensual pleasure through my body.
Closing my eyes I tipped my head back, “You’re right, I have been without a physical companion.”
Lucius began to nibble on my throat, making tiny pinpricks with his fangs to bring about the pleasure they possessed. Lapping up the beads of blood he continued with his tender ministrations to my body. I let out a soft moan as he brushed his lips down my jaw line before beginning once again to brush his teeth across my throat. Tipping my head to the side he sank his teeth in. Ecstasy came with those teeth. He took one tiny sip before running his tongue over the wounds. I collapsed in his arms, falling into sweet oblivion but remaining awake.
“Did you enjoy that, my prince?” He asked softly.
I nodded, “Very much so. I haven’t felt anything like that since the night in Germany with the whore.” I said softly.
He laughed, “I wouldn’t go quite that far. Are you saying that I’m a whore?”
I shook my head, “No, just what I felt, what you made me feel.”
“Mmm.” He said with a single nod, “I am pleased to know that I at least have the skills of a whore. That is always a good thing to know, to be able to do.”
I shook my head, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I know.” He said, “Now then. I believe that we must take care of someone, the two that have been killing our kind.”
“Who are they?” I asked as I came down from my state of ecstasy.
“Not the ones that everyone thinks they are.” He said softly, “I shall not tell you now. You must be patient, my prince.”
“You know that I have never been good at that.”
“Yes. I know. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to tell you.” He said mater-of-factly. I narrowed my eyes but didn’t respond, “Don’t look at me like that.” He spat, “It upsets me.”