The Vampire Family

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Eternal Press www.eternalpress.com.au Copyright ©2008 by Eternal Press First published in 2008, 2008 NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

CONTENTS The Vampire Family Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9

Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34

Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Chapter 44 Chapter 45 Chapter 46 Chapter 47 Epilogue About the Author ****

The Vampire Family Sadistic? Check. Domination? Check. Happiness? Not for all. Antonio Welshire accepts the mysterious Mestiphles’ offer for vampiric power, but fails to consider that not all in his family desires evil. Daughter Victoria revels in the debauchery, but eldest daughter Samantha loathes the darkness. Enemies are in no short supply when the family turns to darkness. Charismatic rebel Gaston turns up to rival for Antonio's power; the vampire lover Jean can destroy them once and for all, and henchwoman Lilith seeks to supplant Antonio as Mestiphles’ favorite. Who will be declared the victor? And in the end, though they've survived coven wars and persecutions since the 12th century, can The Vampire Family survive each other?

The Vampire Family © 2008 by Kristin Battestella All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locals is entirely coincidental. An Eternal Press Production Eternal Press Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia, 3677 To order additional copies of this book, contact: www. eternalpress.com.au eBook ISBN: 978-0-9804739-9-5 Cover Art © 2008 by Julie D'Arcy Edited by Lisa Logan Layout and Book Production by Julie D'Arcy Eternal Press * February 2008 Production by Eternal Press Printed in Australia and the United States of America.

The Vampire Family Kristin Battestella ****

**** [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 1 The British Isles, 12th Century A.D. "Ye sharpen that old ax.” Antonio's father, Edward, dragged him out of bed. It wasn't a particularly comfortable bed nor was there any luxury in sleeping until dawn, but in sixteen summers, Antonio's penance was never paid. Edward pulled him outside and shoved him up the jagged hill overlooking their shabby homestead. Antonio didn't know why. He didn't always care, either. Sometimes he looked upon the stone home's smoking chimney, longing to be inside, but always he was left to grind away on the rocks. “Ye stay there till supper, and then I says if you can eat."

Sunset came, and Antonio knew his father would stumble back up from the valley. He watched the large bull block out the fading sun. He was old and vile compared to his own labored physique. The elder grabbed Antonio and shoved him down the hill as always. The wind picked up, and dark clouds blew over the rising moon. Rain poured down on Antonio, and the ground quickly became soggy and muddy. Antonio squinted through raindrops and saw two young girls running from the wet fields with the family's animals. His adopted sisters knew Edward's torment. Ann's light hair clumped together as she pushed the sheep into the barn. Elizabeth pulled the workhorse up the rocky hill while her dark locks flung in her face, but Ann came to assist her sister. Kept weak by hunger and force like Antonio, the former orphans were not strong enough to pull the horse and plow through the slush and rock. Antonio saw Ann and Elizabeth wrestling below with the horse. "Father.” He tried to tell Edward, but fell silent on a jab in the face from the ax handle. The workhorse stomped in the mud as the thunder and lightning crackled. The natural sounds deafened Antonio; then the horse reared, and he heard the leather bridle snap. The horse screamed as it tumbled with the plow and rolled down the hill. His thud echoed—dead as the broken plow was useless. The Welshire Patriarch raced down the terrain toward Ann and Elizabeth. He grabbed Elizabeth. Antonio knew what would happen to them tonight, and he wept at his helplessness—helpless to help Elizabeth or himself. In hindsight, taking in Ann and Elizabeth was not a good thing to do. "No!” She cried as Ann ran to the house. “Please!" Edward threw Elizabeth down the hill, and Antonio covered his mouth for fear the same would befall him. Her little body rolled, crackled, and bounced until it landed on the horse. Antonio barely heard her whimper over the wind as her legs bent in an unnatural shape. Ann continued running toward the house as quick as her small legs and the natural circumstances would allow. Another bolt of thunder rumbled in the sky, and she ducked the lightning prick on the thatched roof of the stone home. Ann turned to the barn, but Antonio's father was on her tracks. The elder Welshire grabbed the golden-haired child by her wet and sun-tipped strands. She was his ward now, and Edward drug her back to the hill's crest. Antonio watched the scene unfold from the top of the hill. He looked at his sharpening stone and heard Ann's screams. Antonio leaped to his feet, his legs carrying him down the hill and past the smoking home. His hands touched his father's evil body as sixteen years of anger, frustration, and pain helped him push his father down the hill. The muddy hillside sank as Edward rolled down the rocky terrain. The old man's ax ripped from its leather tie and dropped in the mud. Antonio spotted the shiny ax tip in the ground and raced toward it. The father fell into the mud, but Antonio was over him with the ax. Now he had the upper hand, and the elder Welshire tried to move from the danger. Antonio reveled in Edward's turnabout—a turtle overturned onto its shell. Antonio raised the ax over his head with both hands. He let the ax come down to meet his father's flesh. **** Antonio sat on the edge of the bed, tired but pleased with himself. He laid his palm against Elizabeth's

sweaty forehead and reached into the bucket of cool water by the bed. He pulled out a wet rag and twisted out the water over the bucket and applied the damp rag to Elizabeth's face. "You may come in, Ann,” Antonio called. She peeked around the sheepskin curtain that divided the house into two rooms. Ann stepped into the space reserved by the curtain. There was much for Antonio to do, including the disposition of their spineless mother. He continued to apply the wet rag. “Today we will repair the roof, and I will take care of mother." Ann said nothing and retreated outside to untie Mother Welshire's horse from the post. She opened the basket on the horse and pulled out various coins and currency. "I will take those.” Antonio stood in the doorway. He stepped over, took the coins, and dropped them one at a time into the pouch on his belt. Ann's eyes widened at the ax hanging next to the pouch, but she led the horse to the barn. Kind as he was to her and Elizabeth, his path toward retribution could not be deterred. Antonio set off to find his mother. He reached the slope where she mourned the now tiny body. She fell for that robber's story! Pathetic! Antonio's plotting had come swiftly once his hands touched the ax. No veil or cowardice shielded him now. He took his time getting to the woman. After all, she had plenty of time to look the other way while Edward did the things he did. I can take my time. She only has so much. When Elizabeth no longer needs her... Mother Eira hovered over the bloody face and kissed her husband's lips. Ugh! "Mother.” Antonio shook his thoughts away. Eira wiped the tears from her eyes, stood, and straightened her long dress. The Welshire Matriarch opened her arms and embraced her son. Antonio tried to resist; then he broke the hug. “Come, Mother." **** Antonio sat up in his bed. He heard screaming, right before Ann burst into the house. He tried to make sense of what she was saying. "The frost came! The frost came early and killed all my crops!” Ann clutched some dead vegetation in her hands. She had labored so long against the unforgiving land, somehow finding joy in making life when hers was so dismal. She thrust the crops in his face. "They're frozen!" This early weather could serve Antonio well. He waited until the snow came in. Perhaps it snowed early and often for his plans? Antonio stood outside the back window of the stone home. Snow piled up to his knees, but Mother Welshire sat inside by the fire and sewed. Perhaps she was not oblivious or uncaring, but simply incapable of doing anything about their humble existence. Goodness was easier said then done. Antonio eyed his mother with contempt. He was no longer concerned with inaction. He loaded a stone into his slingshot, pulled back, then released the weapon. The jagged stone hit Eira in the back of the head, and she tumbled to the floor.

Antonio climbed in the window and walked to the main door. He was going to do things his way from now on. Ann and Elizabeth now belonged to him. Oh no. I've tracked snow in the house. Who is there to tell me? Who rules me now? No one! He opened the door and shoved the body out into the snow. Ann and Elizabeth stood in silence while Antonio kicked at the body to knock it completely outside. He didn't need to say his plans before them. Had they learned their submissive lesson from Father Welshire, or was it Antonio's ways that chilled their bones? He slammed the door shut, locked the cold metal latch, and gave no explanation to Ann or Elizabeth. Why should he? **** Ann heard moaning from beyond the wooden door. Mother Welshire was awake, no doubt. Groggy shuffles came against the house, then pounding like a still beating heart. “Elizabeth, let me in." Elizabeth raised her head as Ann leaned closer to the front window. "Do not move.” Antonio said. “It is for the best." "Ann.” Eira banged on the door. The urgency in her voice grew. “Please let me in!” Snowflakes stuck to the window, but Mother Welshire pounded on the door again. Ann closed her eyes. Did she suspect Antonio's trickery now? "Ann. Elizabeth!” She banged against the wood. Surely her hands bled. “Do not play this madness!" What game was Antonio playing with them? Ann was too scared of him to move. She was almost as frozen as Eira, with only her breath fogging the window to show her life. Ann felt dizzy. Antonio's sick games! He is evil. Eira collapsed against the door and sobbed. “Why won't you let me in?” She smacked the door in vain. “What did I do? I didn't do anything wrong! Why are you doing this to me?" Ann found her will and jumped up from the window. She reached for the door's creaky latch, but Antonio approached the window. "No. Unless you want to join her." Eira rapped on the door again and again. The young girls heard their adopted mother's cries for a few more hours. Loud, then soft. Weeping, yelling. Slowly the wind carried away the faint moaning and whimpers. Now, there was silence. The snow stopped, and Ann insisted they open the door. "She is dead, Antonio.” She found her tongue too late. “Let's not leave her out there." "I'm leaving her to be sure.” Antonio warmed his hands by the fire—his plot had been the first step in his letting go. Ann ducked behind the sheepskin wall. ****

The sun rose and Elizabeth woke in the pile of sheepskins by the fire. Antonio slept soundly in his own huddle. She caught a dreaming smile on his face; then it was gone. Ann was piled nearby, but she turned in a restless sleep. Elizabeth stretched and rubbed her eyes. She remembered the horrifying events belonging to last night and winced at a twinge in her leg. She slid from the makeshift bed and took a few sheepskins with her to the door. Her stride was awkward. Her limp would be there forever because of her injuries. She reached for the latch. Could I? Should I? She slid the bolt carefully, but it squeaked a little. Her gaze fell to the floor of sheepskins. Antonio stirred, but did not wake. She grasped the handle and slowly opened the door. Mother Eira stood frozen in the snow, a contorted and morbid statue. Her arms were in the air, fists clenched in their banging position. Frozen blood lined her arms and the collar of her sheepskin. The eyes were open, blue irises glazed over with a white frost. Forever was her mouth to be open, too. Her tongue captured midway between the chapped lips, and saliva dangled like icicles from what yellow teeth she had. Elizabeth opened her mouth to scream, but a strong hand cupped her mouth shut. Antonio whispered in her ear, “Ann is still sleeping." He removed his hand, and Elizabeth looked into his cold blue eyes. She had not thought of him much before Father Welshire's fall, but now she did fear him. His own will was his motivation, even when he cared for her. Antonio forced a disquieting smile, but Elizabeth was captivated by the opal-colored eyes. They are so mysterious. Deceptive. Frightening! Antonio shut the door on his mother and returned to the fire. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 2 Antonio sat on a pile of hay. He violently plucked and pulled the straw apart as he spoke. "If he wants us to leave, he will have to build a wagon to carry us.” He groaned to Elizabeth and kept his back to her. “He can build it himself." Antonio threw the piece of hay aside and picked up another. “I will not help him." "We must go live with Uncle Henry. I don't think even you can stop that.” Elizabeth hobbled from the barn as Antonio glared after her. The three of them had done fine during the winter chill. Why must he go now? Antonio glared at Uncle Henry's wide back the whole way through the rough country. The sun shined on the town gate, and a partly finished castle lay beyond. The tiny wagon teetered to the new home, and Antonio looked at his stout Uncle Henry. “When did this happen?"

"It's been growin’ steady. Sheepin’ is good business. I offered your dad a piece awhile back, but he refused." Portly though he was, Henry's face showed the wear and tear of his business. Still, he was jovial nonetheless. "It's amazing.” Elizabeth's voice held a note of awe. They crossed the stone bridge over the thick moat and rode under the stone archway. Guards kept watch from the towers above. Antonio stared at the turrets on the castle. "What exactly is your position in all this?” Antonio said. "It's all mine.” Henry smiled. “I'm not really a King, but I am the ruler here. More like a First Citizen, actually." Ann and Elizabeth looked at Antonio. He wondered if they saw his evil plans churning in his eyes and chuckled. "When I move on, all this goes to my son, Gaston.” Uncle Henry twisted to face the young man. “You remember Gaston, don't you, Antonio?" "Yes." The rickety wagon pulled up to the castle door. A young girl opened the door and ran out. Antonio stared intently, smitten by this auburn haired, emerald-eyed beauty. "My little Romina!” Uncle Henry stepped down and pulled his angelic child into his arms. “Romina, this is Antonio. Antonio, Romina." Antonio bowed. “It is an honor to know the same blood runs through our veins.” He took Romina's hand and tried to kiss it, but she pulled away before his lips met the fair and soft flesh. He knew he had her cornered with his very presence. Somehow, Romina would learn to live with him—and like it. What wasn't to like? Antonio lingered by the castle wall with Ann and thought about Romina. “Do you think she is promised to someone?" "Romina?” Ann maneuvered the topsoil around her plants and planted her seeds on the side of the castle. Antonio didn't help, just stood above her and blocked the daylight. "Of course Romina. She is some sort of Princess or lady or something. Do you think she is promised to someone?" "I suppose." "Do you think she likes me?” Antonio looked up. "Well, Antonio.” She met his eyes. “She didn't seem to." "She didn't?"

"Not really." Ann stopped her gardening. "We have a chance for a new life here. There's no need to chase what cannot be had." Antonio clenched his fist. Ann stood and flinched away, yet she studied his profile. Antonio smirked at his control over her, then walked away with no care for the ward's opinion. "Then I'll make her like me." **** Gaston rode through the main street lined with his worshipers. His bay horse was tall. Antonio's cousin was sandy haired, grey-eyed, and proud. He sat high above the peasants, brushing his legs and waving. Antonio watched this spectacle from high in the castle. A new casualty. The door to his room swung open. "Have you seen my pin?” Ann hurried in and opened one of the table's wooden drawers. "Did you ask Elizabeth?” Antonio removed his booted foot from the windowsill and turned his concentration from the street charade to Ann. She looked under a pile of clothes, in a trunk, and on the table again. Antonio straightened his plaid dressing and smoothed his white blouse with his hands. Ann stomped in frustration, but caught his humor. "Are you making fun of me?" "Of course I am.” He approached her, but Ann's hair was hanging in her face. Antonio reached up softly and swept the delicate hair back behind her ear. "I like your yellow dress. It's like your hair. You look lovely. Now, let's hurry before we miss him.” Antonio pressed Ann out the door. He glimpsed his ax among his bed sheets, then left. They hurried downstairs, but even after seeing Gaston up close, Antonio was still not impressed. Gaston dismounted at the front of the castle as Antonio watched from inside the door. "Glad you're back in one piece, lad.” Uncle Henry shook hands with his son. "Thank you, Father.” Gaston noticed Ann and Elizabeth with his sister. “I'm glad to be back." Romina took Gaston's hand. “These are our cousins, Ann and Elizabeth." He took a fair hand from each sister and kissed them both. Antonio shifted as he cringed in the door frame. "Seems that Romina forgot about our other new arrival.” Henry put his arm around Gaston and led him to the door. “Gaston, this is Antonio."

Gaston bowed his head as Antonio removed himself from the door frame. He sulked toward his cousin, his body language reflecting his opinion of the arrival perfectly. You shouldn't be here. Gaston put out his hand for a handshake, but Antonio ignored the outstretched hand. He stood still while Antonio's eyes examined him, but Uncle Henry slapped both of them on the back, unaware. "Come inside, boys. The butcher will have something special ready." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 3 Romina stepped onto her balcony under the moon's quarter light. She stood on her toes, leaned over the railing, and peered into the dark pool. Her hair was down, and a light breeze blew it away from her young face. She wore only a plain ankle-length white night gown. She gazed down at her crude image. She gazed at the moon's reflection, then up at the sky. She looked around the newly completed courtyard, skimming past Antonio's window without seeing. She shuddered and rubbed her arms. Romina returned to her room. She sat at her vanity and picked up her brush. After a few strokes, she set the brush aside. She cupped her hand around the candle flame and blew out the light. The moonlight dimly lit the room as she took one last glance in the mirror. Antonio stood behind her. With a gasp, she bit her white knuckles. She stood and turned around, but Antonio was upon her. He put his hand over her mouth, and she fought vainly to push him away. Swift and strong, Antonio twisted her arm behind her back and pushed Romina to the floor. **** Antonio sat on his window ledge and looked at the courtyard below. He frowned at the statue of Gaston in the fountain. The final piece of the castle's construction, but he could have done without the rearing horse, proud rider, sprinkling water and pretty lily pads. He dabbed the scratches on his forearm with a cloth. Gaston burst through his door. "What do you want?” Antonio stood up and tossed the cloth aside. "For you to pay." Gaston lunged at him, but Antonio moved toward his bed and the ax. "Who whimpers here? Romina!” Gaston jumped on his back, and both fell to the floor. Antonio elbowed him in the stomach, and the avenger released his hold. Quickly, Antonio reached between his sheets in search of the ax. Blast! I can't find it. I cannot fight man to man. My advantage is gone.

"That smell of blood! Tears, torn. Invader!" Antonio spotted his boots on the floor. He shoved Gaston and reached for one. He threw it, but Gaston saw it coming and ducked. The boot continued out the window and splashed into the water below. Gaston came toward him again and squeezed his hands around Antonio's neck. He tried to pull away, but after a few moments, his eyes slowly closed. He slumped to the floor, feigning victory for his cousin. "My revenge is complete." Antonio dared to open one eye as Gaston wiped the sweat from his brow and walked to the window. He looked to Romina's room and panted. Silent as a snake, Antonio crept behind. He inched closer and pulled him into a tight headlock. Antonio whispered in Gaston's ear. "Now it is I who claims revenge." "Never." Antonio pushed Gaston out the window. He flew down, but the fountain and statue came up too fast upon him. He turned himself around and slammed into the great statue. The stone slid off its pedestal and shattered on the courtyard brick. The statue's face crumbled on the patio, and Gaston could see no more. Dim lights brightened all over the castle, and Uncle Henry entered Antonio's room. "My boy, what has happened?" Antonio tried to be emotional. "I was lying in bed.” He forced a knot to his throat. “Then I heard a noise." "It is all right, my boy. Take yer time.” Henry put his arm around his performing nephew. "The robber—I'm sure it was a robber now—there was a struggle. He scratched me, and I threw my boot at him.” Antonio looked to the window for clarification. “Gaston came in. The robber pushed him out—" Uncle Henry's face turned rigid, and Antonio looked to the window again. Henry ran from the room, but Ann and Elizabeth stood in the doorway. "You didn't,” Elizabeth whispered as Ann walked to the window. Gaston lay on his stomach among the broken pieces of his statue. "Why?” Ann looked back as Elizabeth stared down at him. “He was no threat to us. Not like Father." "He was in my way." His adopted sisters stood silent before him. Uncle Henry ran out to see Gaston. He stopped midway in his tracks and clung to his dressing robe.

Henry half ran, half walked to the slain body. “Oh, my son! My heir! My good Gaston!" He slid his hand over Gaston's face and shut the eyes forever. “My poor boy. Your kind heart punishes you in the end. Oh, what has happened to our family?” He looked up to Antonio's window. Ann gazed downward with a solemn look on her face. “Yer cousins will miss you; our whole village will mourn yer passing. You were to be their first King. Gaston, we will find the poor soul who did this to you. We will find the bloody bastard, and he will suffer for all eternity!" Henry's vow echoed above the sprinkling fountain. Antonio turned from the window, wiped sweat from his brow, and collapsed onto his bed. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 4 Five Moons Later Elizabeth moved into Gaston's abandoned room and kept a closer watch on the reclusive Romina. Faint sounds came again through the stone walls. Sobbing again, no doubt. Elizabeth crept out of bed and picked up the candle on her bedside table. She limped down the hall to Romina's door and turned the knob slowly. She pushed the door open and shined the candle into the room. Romina sat crying in her bed pillows. "My dear Romina.” Elizabeth rushed to her bedside. “What is troubling you?" Romina wiped the tears from her face. "Oh, Elizabeth.” She sat up and away from her propped pillows, and Elizabeth noticed a full roundness in her stomach. She pushed Romina's hair away from her face. "I must leave here." "This is your home, Romina. Why would you want to leave?" Romina flung the covers away and stood. “Look at me. This place, this room. They're evil! Evil. He's evil!" Elizabeth sank to the edge of the bed, stunned. Romina stepped close and whispered to Elizabeth, “I have become possessed by evil! Evil has taken over my body. I am infested with its demon seed!" "Look!” She stepped back and ripped open her nightshirt. “Look at the devil within my womb. I don't want this thing. I want it out of me! Every time I feel it stir and kick inside me, I want to rip open my stomach. Tear myself to pieces until it or I am destroyed. "You must take me away. Perhaps a cleaner place will help my soul until I rot its cleanliness with my presence. Gods of mine, I would rather die than allow this demon the Earth as his playground."

An old wagon crept out of the barn. Elizabeth sat on the seat and held the horse's reins. Her head was covered with a hooded cloak, and Romina lie sleeping in the back. The heiress left behind all of her earthly possessions, except for a skin bundled with her winter dress and cloak and the leather bag of gold pieces beside her. **** The maid knocked on Antonio's door, then opened it. "Come in, Catherine. Shut the door." The loyal maid of Romina no longer, Catherine did as Antonio said. He had his back to her and sat in a chair by his window, sharpening a sword. Let her watch his bare back and arms flex with each slice. “Speak." "All the soldiers have returned,” she said. “They did not find any sign of Miss Romina." "Thank you, Catherine.” Antonio sliced the sword again, but turned as Catherine moved to leave. “Wait. Bring me something to write with." "Yes, sir. Paper as well?" "Of course. You may go." Catherine left the door open on her way out, and Ann stopped in the open door. "What is Catherine doing?" "She is earning her wages.” Antonio sliced again. "Excuse me, Miss Ann.” Catherine returned and put the paper, quill, and ink on the windowsill. "Thank you, Catherine.” Antonio stood and put on a charming smile for the girl. "Can I do something for you, Miss?" "That will be all for now,” Antonio answered for Ann, and the dark-haired girl left with her head down. "What sway you have.” Ann stepped into the room. "Can I not write a letter?” Antonio picked up the writing tools, feigning innocence. "You did it, didn't you?" "I did what?” He dipped the quill in the ink. "You got rid of Romina." "I had nothing to do with it.” Antonio looked directly at her. “And if you were anyone else, I would slice you in two for that. Please leave."

Ann slammed the door. Antonio didn't have time to worry about Ann. Let her think what she wanted, so long as she and Elizabeth stayed out of his way. Henry had a squabble with their neighbors, and Antonio could take his aggression out on them. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 5 "Men.” He sat atop his horse and ordered the farmers plucked right from their fields. “If you have any fear, any concern for your life, swallow it!" Though they had loved Gaston, the recruits huddled in fear before Antonio, and rightfully so. Uncle Henry pulled his horse up next to his new heir. “Men, it is all right to fear. It shows your humanity. Clan wars are what keep us strong." "Fear is a weakness,” Antonio said. “If not suppressed, the enemy will exploit it." He turned to Henry and whispered to him, “Quarreling among heads is not wise. The men will betray us, and the enemy will scoff at us." Antonio looked out across his sea of men. “None of them want to be here. It is my job to make them stay here." "We'll try it your way and see how it goes.” Uncle Henry patted him on the back. He will never touch me again. By midday, Henry and Antonio were in sight of the neighboring castle. Antonio sighed on his horse. Why are we here again? So, they stole a few sheep! I want our sheep back and more. The drawbridge was up, but Antonio knew the enemy army hid in wait behind it. Archers on the castle walls held their bows and arrows ready. "Ready, men?” He yelled. "Their entire army must be ready in there. We must place a sneak attack after dark.” Henry finally applied his wits to Antonio. “Are you mad, my boy? This is to preserve our clan, not destroy it. You must be mad." Antonio glared at him. “Yes, I am mad." He dug into his horse's sides and pushed her toward the castle. The enemy charged out of the village gates and over the lowering drawbridge. He cared not as Uncle Henry's horse spun and reared in the commotion. His clansmen charged beside Antonio, but Henry tumbled to the ground. The horses trampled over him, and swords clashed above him. Antonio rode on.

He swung his sword to and fro, clearing himself a path through the now mingled soldiers and stabbed toward his left. A rival leaped from his horse and knocked Antonio to the ground. He jabbed the soldier's side, then stood and pulled his sword from the limp enemy. Antonio looked for the next person who might be in his way and surveyed the battle. "Farmers, fight well. Think of your wives and children if we lose!" Who would stop me? "Come!” He ran toward the drawbridge, but the retreating enemy raised the overpass. Antonio took a deep breath and jumped for the bridge. He clung to the edge, but the bridge rose higher into the air. The ax had made him strong—Antonio knew it—and he used all his upper body strength to pull himself over the drawbridge. He slid down the almost vertical wood and ran toward the pulleys controlling the bridge. With one swift swipe of his sword, the ropes were cut, and the bridge slammed back down. "To the castle, men!" The women in the village screamed and scattered. Antonio threw one aside and perched on top of her wagon. “You.” He pointed to some of his men. “Search the village for valuables.” Antonio smiled as his fearful peasants raised their swords while hollering and clamoring in the heat of battle. "The rest of you.” He jumped on a loose horse. “To the castle!" Antonio led the recruits from the depths of the mighty castle to its highest turret. He saw to it that fear was replaced with lust and the need to take. Men stuffed gold and jewelry into bags and drank wine as they rampaged through the castle. Antonio, however, kept his eye on power. He burst into the highest tower, and there was the defeated king and his wives. They lay dead by poison or by the sword. "Find wagons for the goods.” Antonio's successful men left him alone, and he stared at the gleaming crown toppled from the King's head. Antonio stepped over the fallen bodies and embraced the crown in both hands. His path of strife and pain was complete and gilded before him. "I am now the ruler of all the land I know. None rule me. My plans have been fulfilled, my competition eliminated. I have put fear into those who serve me. I am the insurmountable, undeniable among men!" **** The shabby rider panted and stood waiting for Antonio to speak. Antonio sat at his desk in his library, reading. Henry had quite a library, and it was going to further Antonio's vile purposes now. He put the book down. “Speak." "A small homestead on the edge of the—your lands—on the edge of your lands. There is a young woman there who resembles Romina." "Burn the place to the ground.” His scorn was perhaps equal to his power. How dare she leave him? Power made this weak old man stumble over his words. "Sir ... the woman is with child." "With child?” Antonio changed his harsh tone. “She is expecting a child?"

"Yes, sir. That is what the talk and look says." Antonio stood. “Have my horse saddled." He rode fast and hard. The horse grunted beneath him, but Antonio did not stop to explore his territory. He dismounted outside the small home surrounded by soldiers. It was stone and thatched, almost as his childhood home was. A woman screamed inside, and Antonio stepped toward the door. How dare a guard stop him? "Forgive me, sir, but have some respect. This is no place for a man." "Move out of my way and live." Antonio shoved him and burst through the door. There, on an old and warped wooden table, lay the once young and beautiful Romina. Her exquisiteness had been unwittingly traded for a pool of blood below the table and screams hovering in the wind. She cried again, and her old woman caretaker spoke. “Come on, lass. Only be a few more now." Romina's once refined nails and delicate hands clenched at the old man by her side. She bit down on her bleeding lip and pushed. She screamed and pushed and dug her nails into the old man's calloused hand until he bled. Antonio flinched not, unlike the soldiers wincing beside him. The screams came again and again. A baby's cry rang out. "It's a boy, lass!” The old woman cleaned the child and wrapped him warmly in the dull burlap in her hand. Antonio glared at the baby. He approached the table and looked down at Romina. The old man and woman cowered before him and clung to the baby. How dare she leave? How dare they take her in? Romina's eyes wavered and drifted to Antonio. She tried to speak, but no words came. He leaned closer, but Romina still panted from her efforts of labor. She worked her throat again and opened her mouth. Romina spit in Antonio's face and laughed. He wiped the spit from his face, but at last, Romina fell silent before he could reprimand her any further. Death. She deserves it. Antonio looked across the table to the old couple. He circled the wood and approached them. The old woman clutched the baby and ran for a side door, and her husband stepped in front of Antonio. He shoved the man aside and went back out the front. "Follow that woman!” Antonio grabbed a soldier and shoved him toward the woods. The men leaped on their grazing horses. “Go that way. Hurry!" The mounted men raced toward the woods where the woman disappeared, but she and the baby boy were gone. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 6 Antonio disappeared into his library and summoned Catherine. "You will help me,” he said. He didn't care if she came willingly or not—his wishes would be met either way. "Yes, sir.” Catherine obeyed. “You really must eat something." She set the tray down on the desk and took the thick book from Antonio's hands. Her simple maid hands seemed more comfortable with the literature than her master's, and he took the time to show his superior position. "My body is in godly condition.” Antonio reached for his book back. “Eating that fattened boar will only hinder my health." He stood, stretched to his kingly height, and put the book on the shelf. Still, the top to bottom books and knowledge seemed to tower over Antonio. The leather volumes almost grew in stature before him, and he did not like it. "Well put, sir.” Catherine poured some milk from the pitcher on the tray. “At least drink some milk?" Antonio pulled a small book off the shelf and sat back down behind his desk. He took the glass from Catherine, arched his neck, and drank the cool milk. He brought the glass down, but Romina stood before him. What magic has corrupted this milk? Antonio blinked and looked at the empty glass, then back at the figure in front of the desk. So fair in her youth. Innocent—before death. Before birth. Before Antonio entered her life. She wore Catherine's clothes; Catherine's hair flowed out of the cap. But Romina's face! "Sir?” A voice echoed around Antonio's head. “Sir?" "Antonio?" He blinked again, and Catherine stood beside him “Forgive me, sir. Are you all right?" She took the empty glass and filled it up again. "No. I've had enough.” Antonio wiped his hand across his brow. He let precious few into his nature, but he focused before his servant. “Open the window, please." She opened the window and then sat down by the desk. "I'll read aloud as usual, sir?” Catherine opened the small book.

"Not just yet.” He stepped to the window. Somehow, he felt things weren't quite as usual. The creaks of the wood were not in his step. His breath did not fog the weathered window. “I need some fresh air." Antonio looked at the fountain in the courtyard. He stared at the bare pedestal surrounded with the black half frozen water and thought of the statue once there. It was an ugly statue, anyway. Imagining my own statue is better. He looked at the balcony where the fair Romina once stood. How old she looked in her death. The balcony door, however, opened and out stepped the young and beautiful Romina. This new Romina looked down on the water just as she had so many months ago. "How?” Antonio looked back at the fountain. The water was again blue and lily pads again glistened on top the rippling water. The statue of Gaston on his rearing horse rose from the pedestal fresh as its first day. Antonio shut his eyes and opened them again. The rearing marble horse still reared, and the gallant Gaston was still perched on his stone steed's back. "No. This cannot be. Romina is dead! Gaston is dead. I pushed him out my bedroom window!" Catherine opened her mouth to gasp but only made just enough noise to hear. "Get out.” Antonio grabbed Catherine and pushed her toward the door. “Get out now!" He ran back to the window, but Romina was still there and so was the statue. Antonio turned away. They aren't there. When I look back no one—nothing will be there! He slowly turned, the very wind seemed to stand still in his ears. His breath was quiet, but then small chipping sounds came from the center of the fountain. Antonio watched pieces of marble break off and fall into the pool. The marble around the horse's legs crumbled, and the steed put its front legs down on the pedestal. Antonio trembled. "I am imagining this. What I see can't be true!" The stone sheath on the raised broadsword chipped and cracked away until the sparkle of a silvery blade shone through. The hardened stone broke away from the marble steed's fine tail and left the shining hair exposed. More and more brown rippling muscles were exposed before Antonio. "No. No.” He cried. “I slaughtered that horse to the bone. Fed it to the bulls. No, that horse is dead!" The stone bridle was now leather. The eye encasements broke off, and the dark ambers beneath blinked. The legs in the stirrups broke free of their stone confinements and jabbed into the horse's sides. The horse leaped off the pedestal in one swift motion. The leap released the stone mask from the rider, and Antonio glimpsed the face. "No. He is dead. Dead. I killed him!” Antonio fell to his knees and put his face in his hands. “What is this trickery?" Antonio heard the horse's hooves coming closer and closer.

The familiar hoof beats engulfed him. It came from outside, yet it rumbled deep inside his ear. Never before had such a harmless sound seemed so rife with the seed of evil beckoning beneath. Nor had Antonio ever felt so alone. Who could return his mind to childhood upon the sharpening stone? "Stop.” Antonio's eyes grew bloodshot and glassy. “Stop this. Who are you?” Romina and Gaston, seeking retribution from beyond the grave? "What do you want from me?" [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 7 Antonio sank lower to the floor and listened to the hooves growing ever so near. Another sound mingled with the hooves as the horse continued to approach. Antonio raised his head. Footsteps? They sound like the footsteps of a man. The footsteps grew louder and louder. He heard them come up the stone steps and march down the hall. Each step pounded as if the weight of eternity was behind it. The steps pounded down the hall and stopped on the other side of the door. A loud booming knock with the same eternal force came down three times, and each echoed with the previous. One. Two. Three. Antonio opened his mouth to refuse entry, but no sound emerged. The door burst open with a supernatural force and broke one of the rusty and simple hinges. Blast Henry and his crummy castle. "You dare call me, and now refuse my entry?" "Called you? I have not called you.” Antonio looked at the darkness surrounding the figure, yet it was afternoon. “I have no need for dark trickery." "Recognize me?” The figure stepped into the light. Antonio pointed his shaking finger at Gaston. “You're dead. I killed you eight months ago!" "Time is of no relevance to me." Antonio covered his ears. “You want to avenge yourself? Go ahead!" "Forgive me,” Gaston said. “Perhaps you like this voice better?" Antonio looked up at the once again lovely Romina. How could this trickster appear as who it willed? "No.” He stood. “You're dead, too. I left your body to rot on that splintered table!" "Body is of no relevance to me. Small females, males of all sizes.” The dark marvel widened into the stature of Antonio's father. “It's all the same to me."

"Now, you are playing tricks on me.” Antonio crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on the solid bookcase. “I know you're dead. Do you know how long it took me to chop your body to pieces?" "You are wise in your conquests, but foolish in nearly everything else.” The mysterious shifter molded himself back to Gaston's appearance. “You act overconfident in your abilities because you are a coward inside." Antonio grew angry and stood square. “Even if—and I said if—I am a coward, I was still strong enough to fling you out the window." The Gaston incarnate stepped within inches of him. No longer able to jest, Antonio could only shift nervously and blink. "You think you amuse me?” The new Gaston laughed, then stopped. “You don't." Antonio looked into Gaston's eyes, but he was compelled to look away. The eyes were not the dull grey of the old Gaston, but... ...Different. They are just different. The impersonator ran his fingers across the desk's detailed woodwork, sat down, and put up his feet. Antonio crossed his arms again. "Do you do that when you're nervous?” He teased, and Antonio let his arms hang uncomfortably at his sides. “Just like everything else—a flattering cover up." "I am still the King of these people. They know fear is real.” Antonio crossed his arms. "Not all of them.” Gaston chuckled. “You can't even read all these books. And who taught you your letters? Oh yes. The maid!" "I can read them.” He slumped into the chair in front of the desk. Whatever had befallen here, Antonio knew one thing—he had been put in his place at last. "There is no avoiding the subject, Antonio.” Gaston added an extra sting. “Ann and Elizabeth know it. Your quests for power impress them not. But, you do have your uses." Antonio perked up. Who or what this creature was, he did not know. It was power, and power wanted him. "I have a proposition for you." **** Antonio didn't know how much time had passed. Had day turned to night? Did anyone wonder what had become of him? His visitor spoke long, and Antonio paced back and forth in front of the window. "Let me see if I understand you correctly.” He counted the reasons on his fingers. “You think I'm weak. You think I'm a coward. You don't evenlike me, but you want me to do your dirty work for you?" "Whether I like you or not is beside the point,” the Gaston model said from behind the desk. “You have promise and are perfect for the job. No more petty battles won or lost on mortal standards. Real power,

Antonio." "Why?" "A mutual benefit. You will do the job without guilt or conscious." "What exactly is this job?" "I told you,” He repeated. “You help me, and I'll help you. But first,” he pulled a small, black booklet out of his shirt, “you must sign your name here." Antonio looked at the tiny book as Gaston flipped through to a blank page. "Do you always look like that?” He dared to question beyond his visitor's offer. "Oh, I forgot,” Gaston said sarcastically. “You dislike this appearance." "Change your face again,” Antonio said, “and I might consider signing." The smile on Gaston's face whipped away, and a shifting occurred. The body slendered, and the face became smaller. The dark hair lightened to a blonde mass, and the grey eyes turned blue. "This is what the females like best." "Thank you.” Antonio sat down before the desk and silently looked at the book. With the ghostly specters gone, this face seemed charming, even haloed. He was somehow irresistible. The new blonde boy turned the book to Antonio. "What happens if I sign, but do not like your offer?" The blonde marvel smiled. “That is a chance you have to take, but I think you will like it." I like this boy, now that the image of Gaston has been swept away. He is a deceptive and charming little devil, is he not? This charisma is quite similar to my own. "Narcissus." Antonio broke from his thoughts. “What did you say?" "Narcis—never mind.” He nudged the book closer to Antonio. "Hmph. Am I to receive no more persuasions from you?" "You have your persuasions." Antonio reached for the quill and ink and shrugged his shoulders. “I am damned anyway." The marvel watched him write a crudeA. Welshire at the top of the page. "There.” Antonio set the quill and ink aside. He looked up at the blonde boy and his large smile. “I have not had the honor."

"I am known by many things and by many peoples,” the fair-skinned man said. “My favorite is Mestiphles. Just rolls of your tongue, doesn't it?" Antonio bowed. At last, someone worthy of his best! “I am at your service." "Very good, then.” Mestiphles rose from the chair and took his black book. “First, you will have a few tasks to test your worthiness." "Tasks?" "Relax. You will complete them, and I think you will enjoy them, too.” He flipped through Antonio's book, then shut it and continued. “You are angry with Ann, yes?" He stared at the wall. “She accused me falsely, and it will be difficult to forgive her." "You care not if she knows of your murdering, but accuse you of kidnapping and one is exiled from your sight.” Mestiphles snickered. “So, if you had to choose, it would be Elizabeth?" "Depends on what I'm choosing her for. I've no reason to harm her." "Marriage." He looked up at Mestiphles. “Why?" "You need not merely take what you need of women.” Mestiphles shrugged his shoulders. “This sort of thing can get boring after a few millennia. You do find her appealing, admit it." "Hmph.” Antonio was tight lipped. "I need disciples, Antonio.” Mestiphles admitted part of his plans. “Your children will have the power to make more disciples. More and more will join us until the world is overrun with people more to my liking. You will have these powers, too, of course." "How long will we do all this?" "Forever.” Mestiphles sat back down and put his feet on the desk again. “You and your disciples will never die, only multiply in number." "You taunt me, Mestiphles. How would we sustain ourselves?" Mestiphles smiled. “When you hunger, you will know what to do. Each person will take the power differently, add their own style to it, but all will feed the same. You know ... I could give you a sample right now." **** "Catherine?” Antonio's shadowy figure stood at her door. The tiny flame shortened in a clump of wax as the maid looked up. "Yes, sir?” She set down her quill. “You sound different, sir. Are you ill?"

"Yes.” He stepped toward her. “I need your help." The dim light shined in his face, but he couldn't see. His eyes felt bloodshot, and his hands seemed pale as the candle flickered. He put his hands on Catherine's arms. She felt warm to his cold touch. Sharp teeth cut the inside of his lips. Antonio's voice trembled. His hands shook. “I need your help." "Of course, sir.” She put her arms on his, but Antonio shook and felt the muscles of his forearm clench. “What can I do? Here, sit down." His arms came around her waist. Antonio heard her blood rush and saw her face flush. He put his head down on her chest. She trembled, but held Antonio's head. "So overwhelming!” He spoke more to himself than Catherine. His words and hot breath were muffled against her. “Now I know what Mestiphles meant. I know what to do. I need to do it. I have to have it!" "I'll get some water.” Catherine was about to get up, but Antonio clenched his hands tighter around her. "No,” he said hoarsely. His nails dug into her sides, and she winced. Antonio relaxed his grip, and she allowed his hands to roam. He unlaced her dressing gown. His hands stopped shaking, and appearing bewitched, Catherine gave him total control. He pulled the loosened gown off her shoulders and swept her to her feet in one swift motion. Yes, he knew she was captivated, paralyzed. He could be so frightening, yet masculine and desirable. Antonio put his head to her neck and bit the pumping jugular. She flinched, but her blood flowed into Antonio's mouth. The short life drain was ecstatic, but soon grew empty. Her life was now in him. Antonio let Catherine's limp body fall to the bed. He had her, and now he wanted more. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 8 20 years later Despite the magnificence of the castle, its small and shabby barn was just that—yet troops patrolled its shack diameters. A soldier turned a rounded corner and marched past the barn. He neared the open doors, but a black, towering horse leaped and reared in front of him. The soldier tumbled to the ground, and the black beast hurled through the air and off through the field. Laughter bellowed above the horse's massive footfalls. Beneath the long flowing black mass of hair sat a fair young girl on top the bare horse. She was her father's daughter. "Victoria. Come back here. Victoria!” Elizabeth Welshire cried for her daughter from the castle window. Stubborn and strong willed, the horse and rider paid no attention to the hail and headed for the woods. **** The handmade magnifying scope enlarged the view of the Welshire castle. Impish, yet serious, Gaston pulled the lens away from his eye and looked ahead. A few soldiers moved about the castle and patrolled

the perimeter. He leaned back into the crevice of his tree watch point. No family name. Just Gaston. He pulled his blonde hair back and returned the scope to his blue-hued eye. He heard the leaves bristle behind him and sank farther into the tree branches. "Gaston?” A screechy boy's voice called, “'Tis William." Gaston smiled and jumped down from the tree. He held his grimace when the soleless cloth around his feet released the ground upon him. He got his balance and stood tall. The leather wrap around his waist gave no marks of clan except that of the woods. The loose white blouse once had sleeves, but they were ripped off at the elbow long ago. "Everyone has moved to the new site,” William reported. Gaston smiled at the mix of squeaks and accent and handed the loyal boy the scope. They turned away from the castle and marched into the woods. They walked through the forest quietly. As people of nature, they knew the land well. They came to a trickling stream and followed it to the rushing river. "What will happen when we overthrow the King?” William looked up at Gaston. He had no father, like Gaston, and idolized him in every way. They weren't sure of their own ages. William was no longer a boy, yet Gaston was not quite a man. Nonetheless, he had become the leader of Antonio's disgruntled subjects. "Who knows?” Gaston theorized. “But it will be better than living under his tyranny.” William nodded in agreement. Large boulders lined the riverbanks, and a series of waterfalls lay around the bend. William hopped on the stones and crossed the river, but Gaston followed with less enthusiasm. A horse's neigh came from behind the trees, and the two rebels sprinted for cover behind the nearest boulder. A black horse appeared from beyond another rock. It wore no saddle, only a frayed rope around its neck. Gaston motioned for William to follow him. They stepped back over the stones and huddled behind a boulder. Gaston climbed on the rock and reached out for the rope bridle. The horse chomped on the sparse grass at the riverbank, and he felt the itchy rope on his fingertips. Quickly he removed his hand, and William protested. "That is a good horse. We could use him." Gaston hushed his follower. “Listen." Beyond the grass munching and through the rushing waves and falls, a faint voice sang. Gaston peered through the brush and saw the young Victoria seated below the waterfall. She ran her fingers through a soft mass of wet black hair, caring not for the world around her beyond its idyllic qualities. She hummed an unfamiliar tune, and Gaston tried to listen. "Let me see, Gaston!” William pushed him aside, and he shoved him back. Victoria heard rustling among the bushes and jumped back into the river, concealing what was underneath her wet, white under gown.

Gaston peered through the trees and saw no one there. "Go back to camp, William." "But...” he pouted, and Gaston glared at him. "Go,” he ordered. William dragged himself away. He watched as Victoria peeked above the warm water near a light mist surrounding the falls. She squinted and scanned the area for movement. Although he was still hidden, Gaston lay immobilized by her search. Another rustling sound came from behind the wet rocks, and a four-legged, black culprit put his head down to the river for a drink. Victoria laughed and hummed her lullaby again. Her existence was a happy one, Gaston suspected—unlike his. The rebel slid from the boulder, and away he went. **** William sat on a tree stump along their wooded path and dug into the ground with a stick. Gaston approached him, equally disenchanted. "Was she pretty?” William kept his head down and acted unhurt and uninterested. "I would not know, and don't act as if you don't." Gaston walked past the boy, and William leaped up to catch him. Their good humor had returned. “I've seen you watching your sister at that very same spot while the younger children and women bathe." "Sarah?” He blushed. “She seems mighty fond of you herself." The young soldiers entered a vine covered and darkened cave. They knew the way and traveled to a large cavern filled with bustling people. Young, old, poor, and worn, the rebels halted their chores at Gaston's entry. "Hello, Sarah.” He spoke to the plain, brown haired girl waiting in his path. "I saved you some rolls.” She smiled at him and offered the moldy basket. Meager as it was, it was no small thing to put aside. "I will eat later.” Gaston brushed her aside. “I have work to do." Sarah looked down at the stale rolls in her hands, and Gaston stepped down into the cavern. “Give them to William." Sarah thrust the bread at her brother and ran into the crowd. Gaston made his way to the peaking formation of rocks and stepped up to the cavern's natural podium. The rebels before him were shabby and their clothes rags. Sparse fires flickered in the cave, but the crowd hushed at their leader's presence. "My friends,” he began. “It has been difficult for us to organize and assemble people, supplies, and food for our numbers, but it is no less than the oppression you face in your own villages. Now we are many, yet we are united as one. Now we are able to begin enforcing our cause." "I am but a poor man.” Gaston held his shirt out for all to see and made his voice bittersweet. “Raised by

poor old people who were pushed into poverty by Antonio's tyranny—as were all of you. Now, we can make Antonio feel the effects of his own tyranny. We will make him break and fall to his knees!" The crowd cheered and roared. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 9 Victoria rode into the barn just after sundown. Who was there to rush her from her wayward ways? She put her horse up for the night and snuck into the castle's kitchen door. Holding her long hem, she walked by the slung beef and bushels of potatoes to enter the kitchen proper. An untouched plate awaited her on a smoothed wooden table, and Victoria took a few bites of bread before sneaking up the servant's hidden stairs. She walked down the upstairs hall and passed the large wooden door of her father's study. She stopped, leaned close, and listened for Antonio's voice. Most of my education has been shaped by the things I've heard in this room. Victoria heard her father and a woman's voice inside the room. "What is this special gift we shall receive on our birthdays?" "Oh, it's only..." "Samantha.” Antonio laughed. “It is a surprise." "I just have the feeling that I don't want this surprise, Father.” Samantha was always so depressing. "You love surprises!" Victoria strained to hear, but the door yanked open. The caught girl stumbled and tried to keep her balance. Oh no! **** Crow's feet were just beginning to show upon his face, but his charisma was as evident as ever. Antonio looked back and forth between his daughters. Samantha, the eldest, was light haired, yet so melancholy. His spoiled youngest, Victoria, held the same ambition as he though his light features contrasted her dark ones. Antonio smiled. “Eavesdropping again, my dear? I’ m sure you will enjoy my surprise, Victoria." A shabby soldier stood by the open door, and the bow slung over his shoulder indicated his position. "King, sir.” The man entered and looked at the two daughters. "Girls.” Antonio maneuvered them out the door. The details of his kingship were no concern of theirs. Samantha left willingly, but Victoria smirked as she went. Antonio happily shut the door on her and turned to the soldier. “Continue."

"We reached the rebels’ hideout, but they were gone. We took what they left behind." "Damn!” Antonio kicked the door, and the wood cracked. The soldier winced, staring at the rows of books. “I want those troublemakers, not handmade weapons. Get out. Get out, now!" The soldier ran out the door, and Antonio slammed the weakened frame. When I was a child, I did not surround myself with incompetence, and were I surrounded, I removed it. My father was his own undoing. I was inexperienced, but I grew strong enough to make things the way I wanted! "Thinking of me?" Antonio looked up, and Elizabeth carefully shut the damaged door. "As always.” He smiled slightly and again noticed her limp. The rustle of her royal robes could not hide it. She was still youthful in size and beauty, but her demeanor held a touch of weary. "Any news of the rebels?” She walked to the window and pushed her dark hair from her eyes. Antonio joined her and spotted Samantha by the fountain in the courtyard. The statue. Cousin Gaston. Romina! "Their hideout was abandoned.” Antonio sighed. “He is playing a game I do not like." "Maybe you despise him because he is so much like you." "No one is like me." "The nature of the game is cat and mouse.” Ann entered the study with a scrap of parchment in her hand. “You may not like what you read." "Oh give me that!” Antonio unfolded the note and revealed the words: Hello, my tyrant! By now you must know, We have marched on, To a new place, Of which you don't know! Your Friend, Gaston "What words did you like best?” Ann smirked. "He is a damned poet.” Elizabeth took the note.

"Let's crush this worm, and put him back under the rock where he belongs!” Ann told Antonio. She'd grown in spite, always being second to Elizabeth. "Let's play his game for a while,” Elizabeth said. “He has the advantage." "The advantage?” Ann contested. As his wife and the mother of two of his children, Elizabeth knew how to soften her words for Antonio. “We don't know where he is, who he is, or how many are backing him. All we know is the shortcomings of our army." "On that we agree.” Ann leaned on the desk. “Army? If you can call it that." To concede one sister over the other was costly, but Antonio decided. “Elizabeth is right. To do anything now would be foolish." Ann looked stern. “This Gaston is not like other rebels we've trampled before. He's—" "A thorn in my side that will be eliminated soon enough, just like all the others.” Antonio dismissed them. He heard their grumbles as Ann and Elizabeth left, but did not care. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 10 Gaston sat on a rock deep within his dark cave, but caught the flicker of a candle and knew Sarah approached. He sharpened his sword, but stopped at the sound of soft footsteps. "Why are you sitting here in the dark?” She sought to make his solitude akin for her loneliness, but that was not his concern. "Not being able to see will develop my other senses.” Gaston grinded the sword again, knowing Sarah watched him in the dim light. "Everyone is ready,” she reported. Gaston's growing band had readied quickly. They marched through the night-silent behind him, never questioning Gaston's destination. The drawbridge gate of the former Tumard castle was closed, and Antonio's troops marched up and down the fort's walls and towers. "His first conquest.” Gaston perched in the distant tree. “Yet it is poorly defended and cared for by the King. Does he know nothing beyond his own decadent walls?" "The perfect target.” William offered Gaston his eyeglass and smiled. "How many do you think?” He took the scope. "We could take them,” the boy piped.

Gaston smiled. “Yes, I think we shall. Antonio's walls are about to fall." **** Elizabeth stood above and looked down at Samantha as she dabbed the fountain's lily pads with a stick. Romina's room had become her own. Sometimes it was shared with Antonio, but not always. "Why don't you spend a little more time worrying about your own daughter?” Ann stepped onto that fateful balcony with Elizabeth. When he wasn't with her, Elizabeth knew Antonio was with Ann. Her sister had become devious like Antonio—in addition to being his mistress. "My daughter is not the one questioning what will happen to her on her twenty-first birthday." "So strange, that my daughter is so like you.” Ann looked at Samantha also. The girl, it seemed, carried her mother's physical traits alone. "Victoria is ornery like you.” Elizabeth turned a cautious air to her sister. “Do you think that makes me proud? Pride is a weakness. Antonio's faults have placed us in this position." "What position?” Ann said. “Our children will defy nature, mature as they will, master the elements and the power of the animal." "Stop reciting that bloated double talk.” Elizabeth looked away again. “You know not what it means, nor do I." "I know what immortality is, as I'm sure you do." "Fear of fire and dismemberment is not immortality." "It has to be done.” Ann switched tactics. "It will kill her." "It will kill us all." A scream rang out below, then a splash. A man bellowed with laughter "Stephen!” Ann yelled at the dry blonde haired boy in the courtyard. “You leave your sister alone!" "Maybe you should concentrate more on your son.” Elizabeth sneered and went back into the castle. **** Samantha stood in the fountain and held her dress in her hands. "Stephen!” She wrung out the underskirt of her dress. “Some twin you are!" "I'm just having fun.” Stephen fiddled with her dabbing stick. Samantha was but a few moments older, but younger and free willed Stephen had no ambition beyond fun, toys, and games. A dark-haired boy walked into the courtyard. Composed and well dressed, he matched Samantha more in demeanor than his own younger twin, Victoria.

"Samantha? Miss wants to know if you are baking with her.” He relayed the cook's message, but Samantha saw his eyes drift up and down and take in her state. She took his hand for leverage and climbed from the fountain. "Thank you, James. I'll get to the kitchen as soon as I clean up." James turned to the kitchen with a whip in his long ponytail. Where Stephen played, James educated himself and brought the desperately needed humility to the servants. "James.” Samantha wrung her shirtsleeve. “I've been meaning to talk to you." Stephen jabbed the air in a mock sword fight but paused. “Samantha, will you be asking every King in the Isles his opinions of our twenty-first birthdays?" "Victoria told me you questioned Father.” James eyed Samantha's twin. The four siblings got along, as far as people their age did. She was glad they weren't as antagonistic as their rivaled mothers. Stephen smirked and went back to his sword fight. “I've never heard of anyone getting a bad gift from their parents." "What if you don't like the gift?” Samantha said to James. He thought for a moment. “I guess the gift is what you make of it. If you don't like it, just make the best of it." Samantha looked over James’ shoulder and locked eyes with Victoria. She rarely joined with them, and as soon as Samantha saw her, Victoria was through the dining room and gone from the courtyard. **** Gaston charged out of the burning fort and waved his sword frantically. “To the woods, men. To the woods!" Was it his sword, or had he taken it from a soldier he killed? Thrilled and feared, horses, rebels, and soldiers scattered everywhere. The heat of fire reached them all. Gaston saw William and caught him. “Did we get everything?" William nodded the affirmative, and they ran into the woods with the rest of the rebels. The soldiers ran down some of their horses, and several mounted and took up the chase. "Split up, men!” Gaston sprinted in another direction. He ran toward the wooded path. He looked behind him for the soldiers, then jumped out into the road. A horse charged before Gaston and reared up on his hind legs. Gaston froze under the rearing black beast and his trampling hooves. The hard ground was not favorable to him, no matter how powerful the horse. He looked past the beast and saw Victoria. Gaston quickly collected himself. He jumped up and grabbed the rope on the horse. He steadied the animal and leaped on top of it. "What do you think you're doing?” Victoria exclaimed. Gaston shoved her up on the horse's withers and

yanked on the rope. Kicking the horse's sides, they charged off toward the river. Gaston sped their party to the water's edge. Nero dug his hooves into the mud, and Victoria slid away from him. The horse cooled from his rough ride and munched by the riverbank. Victoria sat on top a huge boulder, now the picture of prim and proper. "How dare you!” She pouted as Gaston paced. "Would you mind telling me what is going on?” Gaston did not answer. He went to the horse and patted him gently. "You seem quite friendly with my horse." "I have a way with animals." Victoria slid off the boulder, but Gaston looked to the sky. “It will be dark soon. My friends are probably looking for me." Gaston felt the sharp, shiny, bloody sword tied to his back and briefly felt shamed by his boyish rags. No, he was a true rebel at heart. He had vigor. "Nero is tired. It will take longer for me to get home.” She lessened her snotty tone. "Nero, is that his name? It suits him." Victoria jumped on the horse and took the rope. “I should be going." "Wait. Tell me your name." "Victoria." "I am Gaston.” He bowed. Victoria smiled and nudged the horse toward the woods. “I shall remember that. I hope you find your friends well." **** The late afternoon sun shined in her window, and Ann stirred in her bed. The room had changed little since she first came to what was then her uncle's castle, but much had passed in her bed—including the birth of Samantha and Stephen. "You're catching the last rays.” Antonio looked beyond the window curtain. “Dinner will be ready soon." He smiled and approached her. Ann was glad he had put his vile ways aside and focused now on his charisma and charm. Antonio climbed on the bed and kissed her. "Why can't it always be this way?” she asked softly. His anger had eventually been forgotten. His desire was perhaps always more powerful, but her fate was sealed. Antonio was married to Elizabeth. It was not a question of loyalty or guilt; Ann just hated being second. At least her children had come first. "This is the way it is, but soon all will be fun and games.” He handed her a dress from the floor. “You

best be getting downstairs." Antonio left the room, and Ann slid the gown over her head. He chose her, yet he chooses us both. It is not fair! **** Ann came to the dinner table fashionably late and sat opposite Elizabeth. Antonio sighed, no doubt catching the subtle bicker and protest between them. Ann, however, noticed Stephen's quick entrance as he sat down across from Victoria. "So kind of you to join us, my dear.” Antonio relaxed at the head of the table. The broad cook, Miss, came out of the kitchen and set the main courses on the table. "My favorite, Miss!” James smiled at the servant, caring not for her bursting bodice and dirty apron. Stephen reached up to snatch a biscuit, but Samantha lightly smacked him. The door opened, and a soldier entered. Antonio showed his irritation. “What is it?" The soldier leaned down and whispered into his cupped hand. Victoria stretched closer to hear, but Elizabeth glared at her. The soldier left. "More news?” Elizabeth asked. Antonio tried to be calm before his children, but slammed his fist on the table. "They took the old Tumard Fort. Well, they didn't even take it. They burned it to the ground." Ann snickered at Elizabeth, but Antonio wasted no time. “Guard!" The messenger returned with a gulp. "Assemble the troops,” he ordered. “Prepare the first unit." **** Gaston perched in his lookout tree with the eyeglass poised on the castle. "The guard just came out.” He looked down at William as the follower waited. “The troops are scattering about. Prepare the weapon." The rebels worked quickly as Gaston sat on top his shabby steed on the green slope. With his scope, he saw Antonio's men marching through the grassy meadow below. A tattered army weakened more by the unkindness of their master than war. Gaston waved his arm, and a team of six horses came over the horizon towing a large wooden contraption. The horses stopped, and Gaston turned to William and Sarah. "Ready?"

Sarah smiled at their leader, and her smeared face paintings moved. Daggers and hatchets were strapped around her waist. William took her basket of rocks and poured them into a wooden bowl on the machine. More painted women and even children approached carrying baskets full of rocks. Men lined up beside the war machine with bows, swords, and pitchforks. "William,” Gaston commanded. “Let's send our King's catapult back to him." William nodded and took up an ax from his sister. In one swift stroke, the ax severed the tense rope. The catapult heaved the rocks into the air over the soldiers. The shieldless men ran for nonexistent cover, but the sharp rocks came down upon them. Their bare arms, legs, and heads were defenseless—bashed, gashed, crushed. Gaston smiled. “Maybe now Antonio will give us his undivided attention." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 11 Victoria slid her hand across a row of books in Antonio's library. James sat in his father's chair and sketched a portrait of his twin. Their face was the same, like their mother's, but they couldn't be more different in personality. The door opened and Elizabeth entered. “I already spoke to Samantha and Stephen. Your father wishes that you stay close to the castle until this rebellion business is done." James sketched away while Victoria pulled out a book and flipped through it. Victoria was hardly a child, and James was not a feminine boy. Ann stepped in the door. "At least my children acknowledge me.” She smirked and continued on her way. Elizabeth shut the door and left her twins alone. "While our mothers torment each other...” Victoria put the book back on the shelf and walked toward the door. "Where are you going?” James finally looked up from his sketch, but she ignored him and left. She had better things to do than be idle. Once again, she disappeared from the castle. Victoria couldn't get away from the castle's stone walls soon enough. Thinking of her invigorating rides, she made her escape to the horses’ house. She walked into the barn without a breath or a rustle of fabric, and her silent approach startled the stable hand away from her horse. "I's just cleaned Nero up a bit." Victoria snatched the rope and led her horse away. She charged her horse down the worn path. She loved wind and speed and power. She shook her hair out of her eyes, and the aptly named Nero forged ahead. Victoria sped her black beast forward. Her destination: the river. Victoria dangled her legs in the water while Nero chomped on the grass. She had come there often for the solitude away from her bickering household and inferior siblings. Now, however, she had new reason to venture to her favorite location. There was a rustling, then a thud, then an ouch. Gaston came out of the trees, stumbled over, and sat down next to her.

"I tripped over a root,” he said. “It's dark tonight." "The moon isn't full.” Victoria chuckled. Although she got along with her brothers and sisters, she and Gaston were much more alike. She had no friends before him. “You come here every night. Don't you know the layout by now?" Gaston smiled. “Have you heard about the uprisings against the King?" They had traded wit and adventure for weeks, but now this rebel talk could ruin it. No, Victoria wouldn't let it. She laughed. “Father gets very angry over them." Gaston's jaw dropped. “You are Antonio's daughter?" She nodded the affirmative, but Gaston hesitated. “Do you know who the leader of the uprising is?" "Father doesn't give us children any news,” she said. “We only know there is news when we hear him growl and break something." "Victoria?” Gaston thought long as he looked on her vague, dark shape. “Never mind." Victoria took the conversation. “Did I tell you about my family?" Gaston lay back on the grass and sighed. “You already told me about your mother and James." "But there is more,” she said. “Samantha and Stephen are twins, too." "Two sets of twins in the same family. What dark magic is that?" He laughed, but Victoria continued. “Then there is Father..." Gaston barely heard her words. “...he overthrew his Uncle to become King and captured all the surrounding kingdoms." "He has never done anything for anybody but himself,” Gaston spoke instinctively. “I'm amazed it took you this long to gloat over him." How dare he. Again! "Look at you,” he said. “A princess dressed in commoners’ clothes. Antonio cares nothing for you, a child of his body. He is a selfish fool." Victoria drew her feet from the water, but Gaston sat up. "So he killed a few people to instill fear in everybody. Now everyone is so afraid, they are too scared to ask for the crumbs from your plate! Well, at least they were." "I shan't hear such things.” Victoria turned from the water and reached for Nero, but Gaston stepped between her and the horse. He brought his voice down to a whisper.

"I am not afraid. Growing up among his tyranny, I have fought for scraps from your dress to wrap around my feet. I have fought for those crumbs from your plate, and I am tired of it. Soon, someone else will fight for my fine clothes and dining. My purpose will be served. I shall recruit at any length. One person at a time, if I must." A long, dark silence lingered between them before Victoria finally spoke. “I don't know whether to smack you, or join you." Gaston clasped her hands in his. “You may join me or smack me across the lips if you like. You would not be so confused if you did not see some truth in what I say. Do I trust you? Or shall you betray me?" Victoria pulled her hands away and climbed on Nero. “I need some time to think." Nero knew the way home, but the ride did not give Victoria any answers. She crept into her room and shut the door. She stood a moment in the dark. Her dress was not plain, and she didn't eat crumbs. They lived better than anyone anywhere, though she knew no one beyond her own castle. Is Gaston right? She lit the candle beside the entrance and saw Stephen on her bed. "Did you have fun?” He inched toward her and pulled some moss from her hair. “Our dear mothers have told us not to venture off. Yet every night you get on your dark horse and ride off into the sunset. You are hiding something, and I want to know what it is." "Mind your own business.” Victoria crossed her arms. Where James over sought books and art, Stephen divulged in people too much. “We are too alike for you to blackmail me." The door opened, and Samantha peeked in. “Mother is coming.” She shut the door. Goody Goody Girl. "Tell me." "No." The door opened again, and Ann entered. “Stephen,” she said sternly. “Get to your room and go to sleep." The boy reluctantly followed his mother's orders. "You best be getting to bed, too, Victoria." Ann was strong willed, unlike Elizabeth, but Victoria enjoyed chiding her father's mistress. "I already have a mother. I don't listen to you." Ann blew out the door side candle and left Victoria in the dark. **** Twilight swept in, and Gaston reached the riverbank. He heard a horse snicker and knew Victoria was

there. She sat on top a massive boulder and plucked away on a piece of grass. "I expected it to take longer than one night.” Gaston sat next to her. "I was up most of the night." "And?" "I can't remain neutral,” she started, Gaston opening his mouth to contest her. “I do not need the extra persuasion, thank you." He jumped up and twirled around on top the boulder.An insider! “Then you'll join me?" Victoria yelled over his exclamations. “Sit down before you fall." He calmed his celebrations. “When will you join the camp?" Victoria bit her lip. “Not until after my birthday. My parents are planning something special." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 12 Antonio paced as Elizabeth sat at his desk. She looked at the sketch of Victoria, but Antonio stepped towards his wife and took the drawing to better inspect it. Whether unfinished or by design, James had only done part of Victoria's face, and her profile drifted off into shadows on the page. "It seems that this is all we see of our dear Victoria." He sat down in front of the desk and put his feet up. "What will happen tomorrow?” Elizabeth showed her concern. She won the difficult prize of Antonio's wife, but it did not mean she was oblivious to his ways. "You know nothing bad is going to happen." "But will this power change them?" Antonio smiled cheerfully. “It will only make them better." "Oh." Ann invited herself in. “Elizabeth, I have been looking for you. Miss wants your opinion in the kitchen." Elizabeth was puzzled. “I was just there." "She needs you back there." Too worried to bother, Elizabeth sighed and let Ann win. “I'll go see what Miss wants."

Antonio stood up with Elizabeth and followed her to the door. Ann backed to the hallway and sneered at her. With his wife gone, Ann smiled at Antonio, but he smiled back and slammed the door on her. Antonio walked to his chair and slumped down behind the desk. Peace at last! "Not so fast, my sweet." Blast Mestiphles! The oh-so familiar voice was like Ann and Elizabeth. Sweet when needed, ruthless when it must be—Mestiphles often made his presence known at exactly the wrong time. Antonio sighed. “Not now, please." Mestiphles leaned his pretty, chiseled face close to his. “I have some information for you." "I don't want to hear it.” Antonio rubbed his temples. "You'll like this.” Mestiphles picked up the crumbled note from Gaston. How many weeks had it been, yet Antonio kept the fading note in view. "My tyrant ... your friend.” Mestiphles leaned on the edge of the desk. “This Gaston seems very personal." "The bastard disrespects me, and I will eliminate him soon enough." "Bastard.” Mestiphles smiled. Always he smiled as if he knew some special secret. “That is a very good word. In fact, I am amused that you of all people should use that particular word to describe him." "What is your point?” Antonio asked plainly and directly. Mestiphles smiled and glanced at the drawing of Victoria. He picked it up and paced. "Do you know why Gaston is the way he is?” He raised his eyebrows and tossed the picture to the desk. "I don't care." "I want to tell you a story.” Mestiphles went to the window. “A little babe, plucked from his dying mother. Barely out of her womb. This babe grew in the wild. Wrapped in leaves and fed from any and all mammals with milk. But, before his dear mother died, she left a name for her bastard son. The name of her dearly departed brother. Gaston." Antonio contemplated the meaning of his words. He suspected something in the name, thought it was some humor on what was perhaps an unnecessary death. He suspected the child would not survive and gave up his search long ago. "Does he know?"

"Look at what you did to your father, and he did not even have what you have. Do you think it would make a difference? He wants you dead because you are a greedy tyrant. Imagine what he would do if he knew you were the reason he was orphaned and starved. Never mind the nature of his conception." Antonio saddened for a moment, but then he smiled. Fitting that his firstborn son would seek to supplant him with the same ruthlessness that flowed within him. "Then I'll make him wish he was never born." **** Samantha stirred from her bad dreams and woke early. She walked toward the barn and breathed in the hay and animal smell. It was not fully light yet, and the crushing of the ground under her feet was softer with a cushion of dewdrops. She noticed a pile of black on the haystack. "Victoria, wake up." Victoria rustled and rolled over, then stretched and yawned. “Why are you up so early?" "Happy birthday to you, too.” Samantha congratulated with little enthusiasm. “Two mothers both giving birth to twins on the same day. Such a rare yet common tie that cannot bring you or I together." "You worry too much.” Victoria rolled over and put her face in the hay. Quickly she recoiled. “This isn't my bed!" "The surprise isn't coming until after dark,” Samantha informed. How it fell to her to monitor her wild sister she did not know. She didn't want to be there. How could she hold Victoria to the surprise? She sighed. “Whatever it is you do, just be here by then." "Will you be?” Even half-asleep, Victoria couldn't resist wielding the wily power to twist Samantha's feelings. "If only to spite you.” Samantha smiled to herself and left the barn. All day Samantha observed the servants and soldiers. They packed their meager belongings and reported to Antonio. Maids lit candles as evening drew near. Soldiers collected wood and started the celebration bonfire. Night fell, and with their duties done, the soldiers disappeared to a distant perimeter. Even Miss and the other house servants were sent to the nearby village. "Good.” Antonio smiled. “Everyone, please get comfortable. Our guest will be arriving shortly." The family of seven sat around the fire and waited. The fire burned bright, long, and high. Victoria looked at her nails, but Samantha gnawed on hers. Ann continuously glanced at Antonio, for he sat next to Elizabeth and James. Stephen, however, slept. "Any minute now,” Antonio repeated. “Soon." Samantha looked into the intense blaze, and despite the stifling heat burning upon them, she felt chilly and uncomfortable, shivering and rubbing her arms. The flames flickered and grew taller. The fire's phalanges reached upward as if trying to climb out of a great and hideous emptiness below. Her eyes widened, but

Antonio just smiled. The flames came dangerously close to its observers; then a billow rose from within and exploded at the top of the fire. Stephen started and covered his eyes, and Samantha jumped next to him. Antonio sat erect and watched the fire. Victoria mirrored her father's unyielding position. She adjusted her eyes to the light and stared into the fire as older brother James watched. She cocked her head and leaned closer to the boiling gases and burning wood. "Something is moving inside there." "Nonsense.” Ann chimed from behind her. The Welshires fixed their eyes on the bonfire. The bright fire dimmed, and a tall young man eclipsed the flame. Antonio stood and fumbled past Elizabeth and James. He and his long expected guest shook hands as Samantha listened. "Hello again, my good friend,” he whispered to Mestiphles with a smile. “It is finally time." "Are you ready?” He put his hand on Antonio's shoulder. "Yes." Mestiphles looked to the waiting mothers, sons, and daughters. “Are they?" "Of course.” Antonio turned to his family. “This is Mestiphles. He is going to show us some of his dark tricks." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 13 Antonio sat before the fire, and Mestiphles smiled. “I have a little something for each of you. Everyone will take the gift differently, but you can pass your new gift on to others. They, too, will add their uniqueness." He looked at each Welshire in turn. "Passion and desire.” He eyed the rivaled Ann and Elizabeth, then the sons. “Strength and courage. Power and will." Mestiphles smiled long on Victoria and Samantha. “I will give your gifts to Antonio. Then I will be on my way." Mestiphles motioned for Antonio, and the latter stood. He spoke only so Antonio could hear, “This time it is forever, my friend." Mestiphles pushed Antonio's head to the side and exposed his long, muscular neck. In one swift swoop, Mestiphles bit down, and Antonio felt sharp teeth lengthening into his neck. They cut through his flesh and pierced the vein underneath his taut skin.

He could hear his heart pumping in his ears. The fangs sliced deeper, and Antonio felt the luscious blood rushing from him. Elizabeth started toward him, but Ann pulled her back. The children sat in shock beside them. The fangs withdrew from Antonio's shell, and he gasped for air that seemed nonexistent. He heard the twist and crack of bone, but barely saw Mestiphles’ open wrist above his lips. His senses were blurred, yet somehow heightened. He recalled the sensations of his sampling from so many years ago. Antonio opened his mouth and let Mestiphles’ blood flow into him. Life rushed into the limp shell, and he drank more of this moderated red liquid. Mestiphles pulled away as he writhed on the ground. The new blood took over inside, and Antonio convulsed below the bonfire. He suddenly stilled. The change took shape both inside and out. He watched his skin grow lighter, felt the dark twinkle hidden behind his cold blue eyes shine through. His nails were longer and glazed like glass. The wound on Antonio's neck closed, and he focused his new eyes to where Victoria sat before him. I knew it would be Victoria. His youngest daughter crawled to him, but Antonio did not speak. He took hold of Victoria's head and pushed her neck down to his quivering lips. New fangs, like those of Mestiphles, extended and dug into her neck. The bite pierced her flesh as Victoria cried out in pain, yet she did not attempt to move away. Her blood escaped into Antonio, and Victoria reached for her father's wrist. She had observed Mestiphles well. Where the magician had gone Antonio did not know or care. His will was not his own. Instinct and power defeated them both. Victoria dug her nails into him and made tiny gashes dripping with blood. Antonio bit farther into the gashes and generated a rich flow of red. Victoria convulsed and sucked harder. The exchange grew painful for Antonio, and he pushed Victoria away. Her convulsions slowed as she gently lifted off the ground and into the air. Elizabeth and Stephen watched Victoria go above the bonfire's light and into the darkness. Power, born on the wind, Victoria swooped down beside James and landed softly on her feet. Her black hair held a new otherworldly shine, and Victoria’ s hazel eyes spun with all color hues instead of just greens and browns. Her skin was whiter, and no scar showed upon the bitten neck. **** Samantha looked on at these creatures masquerading as her sister and Father. This cannot be good. They are feasting willingly with demons! This is against nature. Surely, Mother would agree? Ann came to Antonio and cradled him toward her neck. The fangs dug into her, and Samantha winced more than Ann. Guilt and sadness pierce my heart like those fangs cut the flesh! Great new piercing eyes, but they are all blind. "Mother!" Samantha looked to Stephen. He looked on excitedly, wild and brutish, but James gave no facial expression. Antonio ripped open his shirt and clawed at his chest. Ann had become like a feline—she licked the wound, and the mysterious change immediately took place. Her hair glistened in an absent sun,

and her skin whitened to match Antonio's. Samantha heard a dress rustle, and Elizabeth brushed by her. Not to be out done, his wife kneeled down and pushed Ann aside. Elizabeth put her head to Antonio's open chest wound and drank like a nursing pup. He in turn took her wrist and dug into the gliding joint. The transfusions completed, and a whiter Elizabeth stood. She took a few steps and smiled. The limp in her leg was gone. Elizabeth laughed joyfully and pranced around the fire. Stephen jumped up and joined her. Antonio turned his glassy eyes to James and Samantha. James approached Antonio hypnotically. Samantha looked away, and the evil overcame James. Antonio danced behind Stephen and traded him for the dark powers as well. His sons were now part of his sinister pride. He dropped Stephen to the ground, but Elizabeth pulled him to his feet. They twirled again and rose lightly off the ground with each turn. Elizabeth and Stephen laughed, and Antonio smiled with them. Samantha looked at the scene before her with disgust and confusion. Only she remained pure. Antonio wiped the mixed bloods from his chin and walked to Samantha. He did not have far to reach her, but she had nowhere to get away from him. Antonio extended his hand to her, but Samantha remained still. He withdrew his hand and grabbed Samantha by her arms. Her head jerked back as Antonio bit into Samantha's nape and sucked out her life force. "Why?” Samantha gasped for breath and reason. Antonio laid her on the ground, and Samantha felt hot liquid hit her lips. She squeezed her mouth closed, but Antonio spoke to her. "You must drink, or you will die.” His voice was loud and shattered her eardrums. Blood dripped onto her white dress drop after echoing drop, as if each trickle marked her seconds past the point of no return. "Then let me die. I don't want this demon coursing through my veins." Antonio held her chin and forced his wrist to her mouth. The dark magic rushed in and took over her. She resisted and tried not to swallow, but Samantha choked and instinctively opened her mouth for air. "No!" Antonio moved away, and Samantha's eyes welled. The new tears streamed down the soft porcelain face—leaving a dark red stain she dabbed at with pale fingers. Blood. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 14 The moon was high, and Gaston looked at his reflection in the dark water. The dark outline of a human figure mingled with the moon's wiggling reflection, and Gaston turned. The shadowy figure waited in the chill atop the waterfall. A strong breeze blew the mass of hair and dress to the side.

Victoria! He hurried through trees and steep rock, huffing and puffing though he knew the rocky path. “Why are you up here?” Gaston controlled his breath, but Victoria remained silent. She kept her back turned to him, and Gaston grabbed her arm. "Victoria?" Light came forth, from Victoria it seemed. He saw the twirling eyes, white skin, and pink stained teeth, but did not remove his hand. “What is this?" Victoria only shrugged. Gaston grew angry. “What do you mean?" "We are all like this now.” Victoria shrugged again. “A visitor. A fire. An exchange." "You are all like this? Your mother? James? Even Antonio, with this devilry?" Of course, it was in Antonio that he was really interested. "It happened to him,” she said. “Then he changed all of us. Magnificent." Gaston couldn't let Antonio use dark tricks to strengthen his position. I must know. "What is this change?" Victoria put out her hands, and Gaston cautiously took hold. Part of him felt compromised. Was this trickery? Victoria was there. Her touch, however, was detached, distant. So cold. She smiled and pulled them up into the air. They jerked to a stop, Gaston panting with exasperation. They were so high. He felt empowered beyond any of his petty rebel rousing. He thought he touch the moon. Victoria's smile grew, showing new sharp teeth. With no effort, she let them lightly drift back to the mossy ground. "Can Antonio do this?” Gaston needed information. “How is it done? Tell me. I must know." Victoria pushed Gaston's head to the side and bit into his neck. **** William guarded the entrance to the rebel hideout. Of his loyalty there was no doubt, but his hunting and fighting skills had greatly improved under Gaston's tutorship. There were footsteps, and William stood ready to defend his trust. Gaston approached him, and the boy sighed. "This is Victoria.” Gaston pulled the young pale girl behind him forth. They walked by William, and Victoria smiled. He blinked and looked closer.

Were those teeth? Gaston walked into the large cavern, and everyone assembled around him with whispers. "Look at his hair." "Look into his eyes." "His skin is whiter." "He looks more powerful." The crowd hushed, and Victoria sat near Gaston's natural podium. Sarah stood to the side and eyed Victoria with an angry glare. William gulped. "My good friends,” Gaston began. “I have been changed." The crowd murmured. "It was a good change. I am more powerful than before, and I can pass this power on to you.” Gaston looked briefly at Victoria, then continued. “Strength, speed. We will use this power to take our enemy and burn him to the ground. I promise you we will tromp upon Antonio's ashes!" The crowd roared and clanged their swords. Victoria jumped up, but Sarah held her back. "Gaston, you promised!" His eyes glowed red. “Did you think that I would stand idly by with this power at my fingertips?" Victoria's silent demure broke. “You said you would take your friends away. You have the power to go somewhere else and start your own rule. I've traded secrets with you. Now leave my family alone." "Why make the trek to a fictitious land when I can take it right here and now? You will either sit down and shut up, wench, or get out!" Victoria backed out of the cave but tried to keep her composure under Sarah's watchful eye. William stepped up, ready to defend his sister. Gaston smirked. "Let her bring back Antonio to us! We will be ready with this power! We will continue our victories and hand Antonio the final blow. Soon, we shall prevail!" **** Antonio carried the lantern high over his head as he walked down the dark, cold stone steps to the old dungeon under his castle. Ann followed him and tried to duck a cobweb. "Do we really have to stay down here?” She pulled the fine silk web out of her hair. "At least until we find a better place.” Antonio waited for his family at the bottom of the twisting

staircase. In darkness they must all now remain. Elizabeth stepped onto the soft dirt and looked around as far as the dim light would allow. "This could be fixed up,” she said, voice laced with dull optimism. Stephen wiped the dust from his shoulders. James coughed at the tiny particles irritating his throat, and Samantha patted his back. Antonio lit the torches on the walls, and Victoria circled down the steps. "Father, I need to discuss something with you." "We will clean it up. It's not so bad." "No, not that..." There was a clang and bang of a door, and Mestiphles came from the darkness with a torch in his hand. "Excuse me, my dear.” Antonio handed Victoria the torch and walked to Mestiphles. “Yes?" "Not here." They entered through a rotten wooden door, and it creaked loudly. Mestiphles shut the door and put his torch on its wall mount. "Someone just went into the sun and is now a pile of ashes. You can reclaim the sunlight in one hundred years—not before." "We are all here and safe.” Antonio worried, then frowned. “What have you been up to?" "Not any of you,” Mestiphles said restlessly. “Some rebel followers made by your dear Gaston." "Gaston?” Antonio's frown deepened. “How did he receive the dark powers?" "Victoria gave it to him." "Victoria?” He put a hand to his chin. “How do you know this? Why didn't you go make Gaston yourself? Lots of rebels with mean streaks. Just your taste." Mestiphles wiped a clump of dust from the warped wood mantle above the barren fireplace. “Victoria is no fool. She doesn't like to lose, and you are losing to Gaston. Victoria intended to join him." "What is she doing here now? Is this part of her betrayal?" Conspiracy! "Gaston betrayed her. Victoria intends to tell you the location of their hideout. Oh, he is so like you!” Mestiphles piped sarcastically. "Be silent,” Antonio ordered plainly. He revealed a touch of regret. Killing his family? No, he saddened over the loss of the one who could have been his ultimate apprentice.

"I looked for him. I sent out party after party, but even as a child, he was swift enough to elude me. He is my firstborn son, Mestiphles. Why do we have to be enemies?" For once, Mestiphles was sincere. “For questions like that, He above could help you more than I." "I don't think He is listening. I never thought He was listening.” Antonio wiped his face quickly then sighed. “What can we do now?" Mestiphles’ charming self returned. “I will show you how to prepare." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 15 Gaston stood just inside the cave, but the other rebels sat huddled below in the cavern. Any lingering ray of sunlight that shined through the trees and into the tunnel sent the pale people shuffling closer together. "Gaston.” Sarah approached him, her warrior paint clearly defined against her changed skin. “The light burns us. Come back inside." "The sun has fallen." He cautiously stepped from the cave's cover, and Sarah sighed with relief. William hurried from his rock stool and joined them. Gaston turned to his followers as they exited slowly behind him. "Why should we wait for Victoria's betrayal?” He asked them. “Let us go on the offensive and crush Antonio. Let's burn his domain to the ground!" The crowd roared and charged off into the woods. Sarah dared to hold Gaston's elbow. “Gaston, why don't we go away?" "Never." **** The sun set over the castle, and the front door opened. Antonio stepped out first and wiped his dingy shirt. Ann and Elizabeth tried to squeeze out the door at the same time, but the victor, Elizabeth, gave Ann a sideways look. Mestiphles followed the women and approached Antonio while Victoria stood by the door and yawned. The men stared at the darkening horizon. "They did do some things right up there.” Mestiphles nudged his foot around in the dirt, then smacked Antonio on the back. “Let me know how it turns out." "Won't you be here with us?” Antonio hadn't tested his new powers beyond hunger. Would they give him the advantage or send his family to ruin? Mestiphles couldn't leave them just yet. "I'll be around.” Mestiphles remained serious. “This is your screw up. You couldn't keep your skirt on. You fix it."

They shook hands, then Mestiphles turned to the woods and slowly dematerialized into the darkness. Stephen rekindled the bonfire as they took their first meal together. Sheep would do for the time being. James tossed another sheep carcass on the burning pile. The sun was set, and their bonfire smoldered in the shadow of the castle. "Should we be saving the wool?” Ann stood at a safe distance from the men with Samantha. "Vampires,” Samantha mumbled. "The cold is no longer a threat to us.” Antonio carried another carcass and dropped it on the pile. "How long will we keep drinking up all the sheep?” Stephen prodded into the fire with a stick. "Father said this is survival food,” James reiterated. "You should become used to it,” Antonio instructed, but enjoyed this time with his sons. “There will be some days when it will be all you have. You'll learn to balance the hunt soon enough." "Why couldn't we just send for the soldiers?” Victoria nudged a hoof with her boot. Elizabeth sat to the side of the fire, silent, but she raised her head and turned to the woods. Her maternal instinct still dominated her senses. Antonio dropped a dead sheep and approached her. “What is it?" "Do you hear that?" He tilted his head, and his eyes widened. They were keen now, and Antonio spotted the small balls of light dancing through the woods. "Elizabeth, get inside,” he said. “Ann, you do the same." "Victoria, James.” Elizabeth took them by the shoulders and led her children to the castle. Ann clapped her hands. “Let's go, children." "We can handle it, whatever it is,” Stephen declared against his mother's smothering. Antonio turned to the castle, but Samantha did not follow his lead. The young girl stood still in the firelight. "Chance it, Samantha.” He gently grabbed her arm and nudged her toward the castle. She fumbled along with her father. They entered quickly and shut the castle door behind them. "James, get the swords from the vault. Stephen, bring the shields. Ann, Elizabeth, light every torch you can find.” Antonio looked at Victoria and Samantha. “You two are staying with me." **** Antonio stood behind the castle door. He watched the folly through the door's tiny view window. The rebels banged on the walls and clanged their swords against the hard stone. Elizabeth stood by the stairs with a small sword in her hand, and James leaned on the railing with a broadsword and a shield. Stephen jabbed at the air with his sword.

"Let them in, Father." "No.” Antonio turned to his family, ready with his sword. “Remember, fire or beheading. ‘Tis death to them and us." Samantha sat on the bottom step with a dagger on her lap and her face in her hands. Victoria, however, snickered and held her dagger tightly. Ann eyed the sharp edges on Stephen's sword and looked at her own small sword. "Antonio." The rebels banged on the door, and the wood above the bolt splintered. Samantha ran up the stairs, and Elizabeth backed onto the steps. Ann looked at her sword again and approached the steps. "We may all die this night.” She climbed onto the stairs, but Elizabeth took another step back. “But if I die, at least I will have killed you first!" Elizabeth turned and ran ahead of her once so-called sister; Ann followed maliciously. "Antonio!” Elizabeth cried for her husband. Antonio grabbed Victoria and raced up the stairs. Stephen and James were quite capable, unlike his daughters. Tonight was about protecting his family, not pride. If that meant an end to Gaston, so be it. "Samantha!” He called after his eldest daughter. “She cannot be left alone. That girl is a danger to herself." "Herself? So!” Victoria hurried with him. **** Gaston zoomed out of the woods behind his rebels, but the faithful vampire William was on his heels. Gaston stopped, and William tripped behind him. "Dammit boy. Put your head up your own ass!" The marauders circled around the bonfire and William raised his sword in the air. Where they may have been weak and poor rebels, now they were hungry—blood hungry. Gaston stepped into the light of the burning carcasses. “Are you in there, Antonio?" He turned to his rebels. “Look at him! Hiding from us in his grand castle! Burn it down to its rotten dungeon!" The rebels charged with swords and wooden clubs and torches of fire. "Remember,” Gaston said, “Antonio and the traitor Victoria are mine!" The rebels hacked until the door broke down. They rushed into the castle. A burning torch rushed toward James, but he put his shield up and jabbed with his sword. Stephen stood beside the door and stuck out his foot. A rebel tripped over his leg and fell to the floor. Stephen pounced upon him and drove in his sword.

William entered the castle and overzealous, charged up the stairs. Unfortunately, Antonio stood on the steps. He took the dagger from Victoria and threw it at the boy rebel. The tiny blade embedded into William's chest, and he tumbled down the stairs. "Let's go!” Antonio pushed Victoria to the upstairs hall. William lay on his side at the bottom of the stairs. Pieces of burning wood and bodies were all around him. The boy pulled the bloody dagger out of his chest and let it clang on the floor. Gaston stepped inside the broken and charred door with his sword in hand. "Gaston.” William stretched out his bloody hand to his hero, but he looked past William to the stairs. He raced past him and skipped up the steps. "Gaston!" [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 16 Errant torches sent the curtains up in flames, and Sarah ran out of the dining hall. She skidded to a stop before William's still body. The vampire warrior knelt below the stairs and touched her brother, but the fire bellowed and spread rapidly into the kitchen. Angered anew, Sarah raced up the stairs and away from the crackling fire. A woman's screams came from down the hall, and Sarah sprinted toward the shrieks with her sword raised. "Mother, stop it!” Samantha stepped back and forth between Ann and Elizabeth. Sarah charged in with more rebels joining behind her. Ann pushed Samantha down, casting her daughter's dagger aside. Ann thrust her sword into Elizabeth. She gasped and tumbled with Ann's sword. A rebel pounced on Samantha, stabbing her repeatedly before moving on. She struggled, helpless. “Mother!" Sarah headed for Ann, but picked up Samantha's fallen dagger. Ann let it fly, but sword work was not her strong suit, and the pass grazed Sarah in the shoulder. Sarah's sword came down and sliced Ann across the chest. Samantha watched her mother fall and pulled the sword out of her stomach. "Please, let this be the end." **** More rebels raced up the stairs, and Antonio thrust Victoria into his study and shut the door. The invaders followed and banged on the entrance. "Move out of my way!” Gaston echoed above them. The wooden door splintered and cracked as Gaston jabbed his sword into the door. Victoria backed up against the books as Antonio waited beside the falling door, his sword raised. Gaston thrust his body into the door. It swung open, and Victoria jumped. He stepped farther into the

study, and she froze before him. "Tell me where the old bastard is. When I am done with you, he is next." Antonio swung his sword at his head, but Gaston heard the sharp blade cutting through the air and raised his sword in defense. He pushed on the locked swords, and Antonio stumbled backward. He was face to face with his own young and ruthless image. Gaston swooped his sword inches from Antonio's stomach. Mestiphles’ dark powers had given him aggression and desire, more than Antonio imagined. "How you cower before me!" Antonio backed away, but he was trapped against the wall of books. He glanced to the window next to him, but Gaston swung his sword again. Antonio ducked this time, and the sword ripped through the books. "Hardly, little boy." The overextended thrust knocked Gaston off balance, and Antonio kicked him. The youth hunched over, and Antonio grabbed his shabby shirt. He pushed Gaston toward the window and shoved him through the glass. Both men plummeted out the window, and Victoria screamed. **** The rebels invading the house had scattered elsewhere, leaving Victoria free to fumble through the broken door. She raced down the steps and ducked a burst of flame. Victoria ran through the dining hall. "James?” she called. “Stephen!" Hacked and smoking bodies of rebels were everywhere, but there was no sign of her brothers. Victoria covered her eyes at the burning blaze and ran to the courtyard. Antonio was still on the cobblestone, but Gaston was nowhere in sight. Victoria stepped out into the darkened courtyard, hearing only the trickling fountain. The more she peered into the darkness, the deeper it became. The fire crackled behind her. "Traitor!” Gaston leaped from the shadows and charged with his sword poised. Victoria ran back into the burning dining room. She stumbled over the body of a dead rebel and pulled the dagger out of his chest for defense. Silently, she slid under the table. Gaston stepped casually into the dining room. "Victoria?” Gaston spoke loudly over the crackling and spreading fire. “Where are you, wench?" She watched Gaston's boots as he walked around the table slab slowly. “I know you're here." His boots moved away, and the room was silent except for the fire. Victoria crawled out from under the table. A sword sliced, and she turned. Gaston brought his sword down from on top the table. Victoria brought up the small sword in her hand and dropped to one knee. The tiny sword clanged against his, and they struggled against the pressure. Victoria pushed on the swords. Her eyes turned red, and with new supernatural strength, she threw Gaston off the table. He crashed through the dining room doors and rolled into the courtyard. Victoria stood.

"I am no wench!" **** Silently, Antonio observed behind Gaston as his son struggled to his feet and winced. Antonio stepped into the firelight with a charred piece of glass in his hand, but Gaston held a gash on his hand. The bleeding cut slowly closed until no scar remained. Marveling at himself, Gaston turned his hand over and back again to reexamine it. Antonio crept behind him, squeezing the rough glass eagerly. Blood dripped from his hand, but Antonio brought the sharp piece up and grabbed Gaston tightly around the neck. He gasped for air, but Antonio clenched and squeezed more. He took the jagged glass and sliced deep into Gaston's throat. Gaston slid through Antonio's lock, fell to the ground, and clung to his throat. Victoria climbed through the broken doors and ran to Antonio. "Are you all right, Father?" "I think so.” Antonio panted. They looked down at Gaston. His body was still and grew a ghastly gray. A light mist circled around the body and grew into an aura of color. "What is happening to him?” Victoria cringed. "My son...” Antonio sighed and Victoria's eyes widened. She looked back and forth between them. "Son?” She silently mouthed. The azure aura centered itself into a small ball of light and hovered above Gaston's chest. The ball rose and lingered in front of Antonio and Victoria. It came close to Victoria and seemed to inspect her, but then the ball of light and mist darted away and disappeared inside Antonio. "What was that?” Victoria exasperated. "It's Gaston,” Antonio said. "What do you mean?" "His soul, his essence.” Antonio looked into the distance. “Gaston's spirit is trapped inside me. Mestiphles, damn you." "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Antonio put his arm around her. “I don't know yet. But we cannot worry about it right now." A female scream came from upstairs, and Antonio was quick to leave Victoria. "That's Ann!" He skipped up the weakened stairs two steps at a time. The upstairs was totally inflamed, but Antonio ran into the thick flames and black smoke. "Ann?” He cried out. “Elizabeth?"

"Father?" "Stephen!” Antonio followed his son's faint cry. He was on the floor, charred and burned. "Stephen.” He pulled the boy to his feet. “Hang on, lad." "Antonio!” Ann coughed and came through the fire. "Here, take Stephen out.” Antonio leaned the young man on his mother. “Fire! ‘Tis one of our few banes. Where is Elizabeth?" Ann walked toward the stairs, but Antonio grabbed her arm. He read her guilty countenance and rushed into the flames. Antonio rushed through one burning room after another. He dodged a falling timber. He stepped into the next burning room and waved the smoke from his face. Elizabeth lay slumped on the weakening floor. He tried to pick her up, but Elizabeth stood on her own. "It's healing." Antonio stood with his wife. “And how did this wound come to you?" "Get Samantha.” Instead of implicating Ann, she pointed to the girl and her bloody stomach wounds. Antonio rushed to Samantha and whisked up his daughter. "Please, leave me,” Samantha gasped. Antonio clung to his daughter. So like him in looks. If she would only embrace her power! "I am not going to let you die, Samantha." "You already have." Antonio heard coughing and saw Sarah huddled by the door. He had never seen her before, yet Antonio knew Sarah—as if Gaston's memory held sway with him. "Hurry up,” he told her. “Let's hope the stairs are still there." **** Victoria fumbled through the fire. Hopefully she followed toward the stairs after her father. She saw the steps, and Ann came down the stairs. "James?” she called, but Stephen raised his head. “Where is James? James!" Victoria felt a new connection to her twin, and instinctively knew his location, almost as if he were calling her toward his direction. Victoria climbed past the burning furniture and opened the kitchen door. A large beam crashed to the ground, and James sat slumped among the spilled barrels of flour. "James!” Victoria hiked up her skirt and climbed over the fallen beam. “I knew it."

She pulled her brother to his feet, but Victoria heard the wood crackling—it buckled and splintered above them. "Sister.” James coughed and pushed her away. “Go." "Come on, James!” she kicked open the outside door. It dropped off its metal hinges, and the frame buckled. Victoria pulled James out the door, and the timbers collapsed. **** Safe beyond the crackling castle, Victoria rocked James gently in her lap beside the dead bonfire. Elizabeth ripped the hem of her skirt and used the rag to wipe the ashes and flour from James’ face. Ann and Stephen stood above them. Already, his burned appearance was healing. "I think I see something,” Ann said hopefully. Sarah came out the burning door frame first and collapsed on the ground. Antonio exited behind her, Samantha in his arms. "Move,” he ordered Sarah away from the sweltering building. The small group stood and watched Henry's old castle burn. Antonio put his arm around Sarah, and Ann sneered at them. Elizabeth cleared Victoria's hair from her face, but Victoria jerked away. Stephen picked up a hoof from the ground and ran the hard bone along his fangs. James eyed his brother queerly, but Samantha slumped from her mother's arms and cried. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 17 900 years later The dark, high rising, termite ridden, London flat rose almost crooked into the sky. A room lit on the sixth floor, and a young blonde haired woman packed a suitcase inside. She wore a sleek and tight red dress—short and fashionable for 1971. Quietly, a dark mist rolled down the nighttime sidewalk and crept down the alley. Slinky, sneaky it was—much like its true nature. Making its way to the fire escape, the mist circled and spun around each cold rung. The supernatural fog reached the young woman's window. The woman switched on the television dial. The old antenna received the patterns, and the blurry screen lined into a picture. Two iridescent green eyes flashed in the misty fog. The vaguely shaped head of the mist turned toward the television. "...Local police say the badly mutilated body was a local twenty-two year old male,” the stuffy nasal anchor said. “We warn you that these photos are indeed highly graphic." The pictures were fuzzy. Live footage showed a torn body, lying in a heap of flesh and blood, roughly filmed through the peacekeepers, muckrakers, and onlookers with handkerchiefs over their mouths.

"Police have no suspects or leads in this gruesome murder.” The on location reporter kept his hanky with his microphone. “It looks like the work of an animal. No human could do this." The misty being turned to the woman as she came out of the bathroom with an armful of accessories and cosmetics. The blonde dumped them on the bed, and slowly the mist darkened and thickened into the hearty gray outline of a wolf. Its white teeth and green eyes glistened with fury while its muscles flexed and solidified. The wolf leaped through the window, spreading the shattered glass and ripped shade onto the floor. The woman screamed, but the wolf pounced and muffled her cries. Human and animal wrestled on the floor. A chair slid. The table shook, knocking a lamp to the floor. The wolf bit and clawed, shredding the imitation designer dress. The light bulb popped on the floor, and the room was dark. The woman screamed and resisted, then fell silent. The screen on the television was static now. The wolf nudged the dial and switched it off. The wild dog stood on its hind legs and grew to over five feet in height. The gray hair receded into the fresh white skin. The hair on its head lengthened and lightened into soft blonde locks. The supernatural replacement took hold of her twin victim by an unshod foot and shoved what was left of the body under the bed. **** A yellow taxicab pulled up by the entrance of a high, worn brick wall. The wrought iron gates were old and weathered, a mysterious dirt road behind disappearing over a hill. The sun's first rays cast a light yellow shine and reflected off the faded cab. The animal in disguise vacated the taxi and opened the unlocked gate with little care. She started up the long, orange colored dirt road. The ambiguous creature heard the cab rumble past the stone wall and slid down a few inches in height. Her hair lengthened and darkened to a rich black; green eyes turned hazel, then light brown. Victoria Welshire continued up the dirt road and over the hill. Her powers had become the most gifted over time. She lurked in the mists as the sneak she was, and her shape shifting abilities exceeded her deceptive expectations. After all these years, she was still the apple of her father's eye. A large, run down mansion slowly came into view. Its peaks and towers were in need of repair, but the charming old place looked like someone—or something—lived there. Victoria eyed her home and smiled. A gust of wind cascaded with a swirl of dust from the road, and the power carried her to the doorstep. Victoria banged the knocker. One. Two. Three. The large stone door creaked open like a coffin to a young man inside. He was taller than his guest, but the huge slab dwarfed him. He smiled, baring a pair of quite long canine teeth. "Victoria? Hey everybody, Victoria's here!" Another door groaned inside, and Elizabeth came down the large staircase with open arms. Thin and pale, she resembled her daughter in dark hair alone. Her mellow demeanor had not changed, but Antonio's wife had endured much as the head of his household. "Victoria! Why are you still standing out there? Come in. You're just in time for the Masquerade!” Elizabeth seemed happy to see her daughter, but her enthusiasm about the Masquerade sounded less than authentic. "Mother.” Victoria hugged her briefly, also not wholehearted in her actions. She stepped back and

looked at her initial greeter. “Angelo, you can't be over one hundred. Already?" "One hundred and three next month.” The eternally young Angelo shut the door and sent the sunshine away. "Is everyone else sleeping?” Victoria asked. There were so many fledglings to see. She had been a wayward human in her first twenty years, but a very productive vampire over the last nine centuries. Give or take a few years and mishaps. Elizabeth kept to her hostess duties. "I believe so.” She led Victoria into the dark belly of the house. “A few are still in the crisping stage." They walked down one of the many stone halls of the once grand house. Despite the way it looked on the outside, the mansion was very beautifully furnished and well kept on the inside. Many paintings, portraits, and a few photographs of the immediate and extended family hung on the walls. Whether by birth or by vampire, they were all connected with Welshire blood. "Father still has that painting up?” Victoria strode by a portrait of Antonio. He wore an elaborate kilt and leaned on a broadsword, but his castle filled the background. “When was the last time the damn thing was cleaned?" "You've lived in the human world too long.” Elizabeth's oriental gown rustled. She kept a classy, flowing, satin style even though the fashions had changed—like her daughter. “You forget our flying servants." Victoria eyed the next portrait. This dark knight wore the crusader armor, but the red cross on his chest had been chipped away. He held his sword and shield close at hand, ready for whatever cause befell him. "Where is James?” she asked of her twin. Opposite as they were, he was still perhaps her closest relation. “I do not feel his presence. I was really looking forward to seeing him." "Fighting another war.” Elizabeth looked at the side-by-side photographs of her son, first in World War I, then World War II. “He has fought in so many wars, I wonder if James cares what he's fighting for. Do you think he ever did?" "War is free blood.” Victoria smirked. James’ philosophy on drinking to put a dying soldier out of his misery was hogwash. "You've spent more time with James than your Father these past years." "If you call spending time with James seeing him gunned down during that silly Russian Revolution. Father? It seems like a millennium since I last saw him." "One hundred and seven years yesterday.” Elizabeth kept track. What else was there for her to do? The towering marble doors opened slowly, and Victoria poked her head past the ancient etchings. "Father?” she echoed. Somewhere in the room, The Doors’ hauntingLight My Fire played softly. “Father? Are you in here?" She shut the door, and its slam jumbled with the other fading echoes. She felt her father's presence and

spotted the light of the fireplace. Her eyes were keen, and her telepathic feelings had grown into a powerful spying tool. Victoria approached the vague shapes of a chair and table. "Antonio Welshire, you don't look a day over five hundred!" Her father's arm rested on the high-backed chair, but the frame concealed the rest of him. "Father?” She looked around the chair. “Father!" Antonio's favorite dress robe wrapped around the posed, bony white skeleton in the chair. Victoria jumped, then laughed with a joyous echo. "Victoria!” Antonio appeared from the darkness behind her. His tall blonde head showed clear, but his black suit blended with the darkness. “My youngest child, my oldest fledgling." He pulled his robe from the skeleton and flung the bones to the floor. He wiped away the chalky telltale signs of the bones, put on his robe, and sat down. His shrewdness and ability to not be seen if he so chose served him well for war or games. "I knew you were here somewhere.” Victoria rubbed a chill away from her arms and teetered on the arm of the chair. I am, after all, Father's favorite! "How long has it been?” Antonio asked her. "By mother's account, one hundred and seven years yesterday." "How old are you now?" "A lady never, never tells.” She turned uppity. Antonio took a full glass from the small table and handed it to Victoria. He poured another drink from the red bottle for himself, and with a clink of glasses, Antonio toasted his daughter. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 18 Elizabeth sewed by the fireplace in her bedroom. Her nocturnal eyes didn't need any more than the fire's light to sew the old gown. The door opened, and a slender, white hand with red nails flicked up the light switch. "I received a letter from the Army.” Ann Welshire stood quietly in her low cut red gown. Her contempt had seeped into her fashion, and her blonde hair was cut into a jagged bob. Ann's defensive stance and edgy feeling mimicked her feline manner. "Has James been wounded?” Elizabeth put away the sewing materials and didn't bother to look at her sister.

"They think Stephen was killed." "What do you intend to do?” Elizabeth showed little concern. “You've told me time and again Stephen is your son, not mine." Ann put her hands on her hips. “I am going to the hospital where his body was shipped and then properly dispose of those who know. We must not let them see." Elizabeth walked toward the door. “I'll have dinner prepared for you when you return." Ann crossed her arms. “I am really sick of you. You are not better than me." "I am Antonio's wife, and our daughter was his first fledgling." "I am his mistress now. Don't forget that." Elizabeth smacked Ann across the face. Her vampire strength came forth, and Elizabeth's tall blonde rival tumbled over the chair and into the fire. Screeches came from the flames, and the blackened and charred Ann leaped from the fire and jumped onto Elizabeth. The siblings rivaled to the floor. "You bitch!” Ann's shiny white teeth showed vividly against her fleshy and burned body. A quick dose of flames only scorched for a little while, but it hurt like hell. She pounded Elizabeth's head on the floor. “You know what trouble we have with fire!" Elizabeth escaped into a female wolf with ruby red eyes. All her lineage took on the dog-like bend, where Ann's descendants had developed the contrary ability to become purely feline. She countered Elizabeth and slinked into a black cat. They rolled on the floor as they gnawed at each other. The jaguar took a vicious swat at the wolf's neck, and the wolf chewed on the cat's ear. "Stop!" Antonio stood in the doorway and straightened his dark double-breasted coat. Elizabeth quickly returned to her normal appearance. The cuts on her neck engraved from Ann's cat paw slowly closed until no scars remained. Ann transformed herself just as quickly, and her chewed ear healed within seconds. The women stood next to each other and looked sheepishly at Antonio. "What is this about? Look at this! How are we ever going to govern a world of vampires if you two can't stop fighting each other? No wonder we are so far behind. Maybe I should send you two to Mestiphles? That would put a chill up your fur coats!" Always sly, Ann straightened her gown. “I am not behind in my duties. However, I cannot say the same for others." "Speaking of behind.” Elizabeth hissed back. They stepped face to face, and their eyes changed color with rage. "Ladies, sisters, lovers.” Antonio separated them. “Beasts." Both women looked at him, but he put his arms around them. “This petty bickering must stop. How long has this feud been going on? Five hundred years?” Antonio knew he was the cause of their troubles. The

women's rivalry had been on since the beginning. Perhaps before he had killed his parents and received Mestiphles’ dark offers. He liked that they fought over him—when they stayed in line. Antonio pulled Ann aside. “Get Stephen and bring him here to me." He kissed Ann on the forehead, and Elizabeth stomped out of the room. “Go.” Antonio smiled at Ann, but followed his wife. **** Ann turned to the balcony. The doors burst open with her telepathic force, and a rush of cold air blew the drapes. She walked onto the balcony and looked down at the setting sun darkening the countryside. With ease, Ann lifted herself up and let the wind carry her into the night. She learned long ago how to lie on the wind, the currents carrying her above mortal sights and to any destination. She drifted towards the jungles in no time. The Army Hospital in Da Nang was packed with dead, wounded, and dying bloody bodies. Ann licked her lips—fresh blood, fresh meat! Some other time. She found her way through the dark halls and piles of bodies using both physical capabilities and her keen cat senses and night vision. Flying was too risky. Somewhere down the hall, a radio playedLittle Red Riding Hood . Ann sneered at these petty humans. Ann slinked to the morgue. She felt her son's presence and burst through the swinging doors. Stephen ... Stephen!She called telepathically, and a faint thumping from the cold stacks answered her. She had become cold hearted and desensitized over the years, but the pull of a mother's will had never left her. I'm coming, Stephen! Ann unlocked the latch with her mind, and the door swung open. Stephen tumbled free with a thump and a squish, for his green uniform was drenched in blood. Ann grabbed him and held him, rocking slowly back and forth with Stephen in her arms. Too weak to resist, the wild and wayward son rested along his mother's bosom. She wiped the blood from his face, revealing his light features and blue eyes. His hair was crusted with blood, and Ann patted his head gently. "They shot James,” Stephen whispered and barely got the words out. “I tried to get to him, but they got me, too." "It's all right. Everything is going to be fine." "James ... James ... did he get out? Is James okay?” Stephen's words were faint, but no less important. Their mothers’ feud did not fall to the brothers in arms. Stephen and James’ loyalty ran triple deep—brothers, vampires, war. "Yes, he got away. James is home safe. Now drink.” Ann only thought of her son. She put her wrist to his mouth. He bit as hard as he could and punctured the vein. Her blood rushed into him with its healing fire. It ran down his throat and into his system, where it would make his body tingle. His skin glowed a

healthier white, and he took his mouth away from his mother's wrist. "I've had enough for now,” he spoke louder than before. “How are we leaving?" "Can you transform?" Stephen nodded and turned into the cat. Ann unlocked and pushed opened the window with her powers then morphed her appearance. The wild beasts leaped out the window and into the wet jungle night. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 19 Antonio entered the dining room quickly. After halting the women's quarrel, he had rushed to change to another suit from his all black collection. The shiny dinner table was lined with eight places on each side. Elizabeth sat at one end—making her place as female host evident—and the chair at the head was for Antonio. No silverware, knifes, forks, spoons, nor a plate or a glass, nothing was on the table. Victoria sat on her mother's left. Places for Ann and Stephen were to the left of Antonio's chair, but they were empty, just like James’ seat next to Victoria. Fledglings floated into the room and took their respective seats. Sarah entered and sat near Angelo. Occasionally the dark haired Celtic warrior of old held Antonio's favor, but not in many years. Angelo was a pup compared to her, the eldest vampire not humanly related to the Welshires. The boy was like her long lost brother William—youthful and jubilant for the cause. Antonio looked at Victoria's style and sensed her demeanor. She had, ironically enough, become just as Gaston had been. Ambitious, selfish, and cold hearted. Antonio was intimately familiar with his elusive eldest son. At least his eldest and youngest were both like him. Victoria smiled in her chair and struck up conversation with Theodore. His intellect and philosophical debates were amusing to her. That's what most of her fledglings were, amusing until the next one came along. "At ease, fledglings.” Antonio looked at his watch. The needle jabbed the label of The Stones’Time is on My Side , but he continued to restlessly eye his watch. He could not wait for Ann and yelled into the kitchen. “Bring out the food!" A frail human with grayish skin and bags under his eyes came through the kitchen's swinging doors. A cloth stretcher leaned on his shoulder. Brief blood exchanges kept them submissive and docile, and another zombified servant followed and supported the end of the cot. They laid the wrap on the table, lifted the cover sheet, and revealed a living, screaming woman. Antonio reached for the girl as she screamed louder and louder. He grabbed her leg and ripped it off at the knee. Crunch. Blood flung onto his face, and Antonio licked his lips to taste her blood. Victoria snapped off the screaming girl's hand and bit off a finger hungrily. The other vampires aligning the table stood up and fought for a scrap of flesh. All but Samantha Welshire. Antonio observed his eldest daughter. She sat next to Stephen's empty chair. Unfortunate for her that she was not invisible—she had never developed that particular gift. Her short blonde hair and blue eyes gave resemblance to him, but Samantha's eyes did not hold her twin Stephen's flair for blood lust. They never had, and they never would.

"Samantha, why aren't you eating?” Antonio tore the foot from the calf he possessed. "I ate before dinner.” She bit her queasy lip. “A nice, large man." Antonio gave Samantha a second glance. He knew her deceit, no doubt, but continued his meal. **** The clang of the heavy front door echoed as Stephen entered the dining area, leaning on Ann's shoulder. Samantha ran to them, and he collapsed on her. He could never understand her lack of vampiric interests, but the brother and sister had been there for each other a time or two. The fair side of the family took their seats, and the vampire sitting across from Stephen gave him a large hunk of flesh. "Thank you, Eric.” The brutish Viking was their mother's lover, but he became more like a father to Samantha and Stephen than Antonio. Their real father was, of course, always divided between them. Stephen smiled as he looked up and down the table. Sarah picked up a small chunk of flesh that dropped from Eric's piece. Angelo tore the twirled intestines from the girl's abdominal area. His woman, Jessica, had just returned to the mansion when Stephen was sent to Vietnam, or so her letter said when it finally reached him. He would partake of her kinky ways after dinner. Stephen hadn't seen Slava since he “disappeared” after the fall of Imperial Russia, but the Kiowa, Rain, was one of Victoria's ever growing circle of friends. Eddie still wore grease in his hair and rolled cigarettes in his sleeve, and Theodore was back from his latest grant study. Stephen eyed James’ seat. Empty. Stephen turned to his mother. She read his thoughts and shrugged lightly. "Victoria, you haven't met my newest work of art.” Elizabeth looked to the man sitting beside her. Stephen observed him as well. “This is Jean, my newest fledgling from Quebec." He was young, strong. He could be the perfect vampire, if he wanted to be. Unfortunately, Stephen could tell by his demeanor that was not to be the case. Jean hated the moon, black skies, dark oceans, and probably hated Elizabeth most of all. Jean leaned back and eyed Samantha. She looked at him and smiled back. "Your only fledgling.” Victoria mumbled. She ripped her dinner with her teeth. “When were you made?" "Last year,” Jean spoke softly, but that didn't diminish his hard physique. "Have you made any fledglings yet?” Victoria yapped to Jean, and he shook his head no. "Well, what are you waiting for? The Masquerade is coming. It's the perfect time to pick a few humans." "He has no time for that, dear.” Elizabeth smiled at him. “He cannot go out in the daytime, and his nights are spent with me." Antonio showed some care for his wife and took over again. “Let us welcome back Victoria!"

The vampires around the table cheered and hollered. The equally beautiful and gothic Catrina reluctantly clapped, and Victoria sneered at her. James’ fledgling was the only thing that could come between him and his sister. "How long has it been since we last saw each other?” Theodore asked Victoria. Their relationship was never uneventful. He was interested in knowledge, and Stephen could tell she was stubborn as ever. "Oh, was it eighty?” Victoria licked some blood off her fingers. She tried to get the blood out from under her nails while Theodore spoke. Typical. "Seems like only yesterday." "It's been so long and so many others have come and gone.” Victoria figured. “Let's see 1880 and 1971? You're only ninety-one?" "I've made it into the countdown.” Theodore smiled. “Nine more years." "Try ninety-eight years,” Jean mumbled, and Elizabeth gave him a sideways glance. "Yes, but let me tell you, it's been worth it." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 20 St. Louis, 1876 Victoria arrived fresh from an eight-year sleep—recuperation from a little incident back in North Carolina. She stepped off the train wearing a fashionable red silk dress customary to the time, right down to the lace trimmed hat and gloves. Victoria always made a fashion statement—anytime, anywhere. Theodore sat on a bench by the telegraph office—young, alone, crying. He wore only rags, and there was a little carpetbag on the ground next to him. This boy could be something special! "Are you all right?” Victoria walked to him. "My father told me never to talk to strangers." "Well.” Victoria unbuttoned and removed her gloves. She offered her hand to Theodore and sat down on the bench next to him. “My name is Victoria. And your name is?" "Theodore.” He blew his nose. “Theodore Plunkett.” He blew his nose again. He shook Victoria's hand, and she tried not to show her disgust at his snot's newfound place on her hand. She cleared her throat. “Well, now, Theodore, we're not strangers any more, are we?" "No, I guess not."

Fifteen? "Now.” She handed him her handkerchief. “What is the matter?" "My father died recently, and I've come to live with my great aunt." "You sound like you don't want to live with your aunt.” Victoria smiled. “Would you like to come live with me instead?" "My great aunt is expecting me in an hour.” He checked his gold pocket watch. "Theodore, would you rather live with me?" You want to live with me. You do. "Well.” He paused for a moment. “Yes'um. You're much nicer than that old hag. Prettier, too." He's much too young. I already made that mistake with Angelo. "Then, it's settled. You're coming to live with me.” Victoria put her arm around Theodore and smiled. "What about the old hag?" "Don't worry. I'll take care of her." That evening, Victoria crept out of the mansion she “inherited.” She wore all black, a simply cut nightgown and cape. Nothing like what the time period indicated. The old hag's house was a few miles away, and Victoria reached the home in good time. The house was big, very big. Why didn't I pick her as my benefactor? She breathed out deeply, and Victoria watched the cloud of gas disappear into the night. She looked up at the smoke coming from the chimney and smiled. She relaxed and turned herself into the mist. She wasn't even sure how she did it, but she did know that for some reason, only she and James shared this strange power. Where she had altered her dark powers for deception, James seemed to gain the ability through his shyness and desire to be invisible. The mist made its way up into the sky. It circled around and climbed up the chimney, then spiraled down its opening. Down it went brick by brick until the mist came out into a quaint little living room. The old hag Auntie sat in the rocking chair by the window, knitting an ugly sweater. The mist swiveled around the chair, and good old Auntie paid it no mind. The mist went through the old hag, wrapping itself around her windpipe. It squeezed. It pulled. It twisted. The hag coughed and cackled violently. The mist pushed, twisted, squeezed harder and harder. The gagging and gurgles continued. The mist further strengthened its grip, and then there was silence. Old Auntie was dead. **** Victoria never told Theodore what happened, and he never asked. For three years, the two of them lived together in the mansion, and Victoria even legally bought a shop that made coffins. Theodore thought it fit and amused her. For those three years, Theodore never questioned, but then he began to wonder. Victoria spent much time with the dead patrons when they first arrived and was very ... well ... hands on

with the bodies. "How come you never eat with me?” He asked one evening. The two of them sat at the ornate dinner table. “All I ever see you digest is the wine." Theodore continued his display of evidence. “My father used to say grace before we ate, but you never do. You give me everything I ask for, and I have the finest teachers, but..." Victoria was angry. “But what? I give you everything you want and more. You have the finest education money can buy, and I do not have to explain myself to you." "Yes, the money. Where does it all come from? You never work beyond your toying with the dead. The coffin shop doesn—" "I have a large inheritance." "I didn't ask you to explain yourself." "I'm not going to, either.” She crossed her arms. Theodore was just too inquisitive. "Are you paranoid?" Victoria stood up and flung the table over. The chairs tipped, and the dishes shattered. Theodore was stunned—such anger. Such power. "What are you hiding from me?” he whispered. Shortly after, on his nineteenth birthday, Theodore received his answer. The sun just set on the cold winter day in 1880. "Victoria!” He called her and hung his snow covered outer garments on the coat rack. Hat, gloves, scarf, cloak. She came around the corner, dressed in a short-sleeved gown. Theodore spoke to her in Latin. "I see you have been keeping up on your studies.” She took his books and set them on a nearby table. “I have to tell you something." "Can it wait?” Theodore reached for the books. “I have a quiz on Medieval English tomorrow. I must study." "You do not need to study. You won't be tutored any more. Come, this way, please." Victoria led the shocked and confused Theodore to the lone tree in the backyard. Theodore felt the chilling winds and high snow, yet he noticed Victoria seemed unaffected. Sans gloves, Victoria dug through the snow beneath the tree and felt the cold door handle below. Theodore watched in amazement. Victoria yanked open the snow covered door, pulled out an oil lamp, and lit it smoothly. The light shined on a set of stairs, and the stone steps seemed to lead even farther into darkness. She led the way down the steps, and Theodore followed. Once he was clear of the door, it slammed shut and locked. Theodore saw the small bolt on the inside of the door. How could she have opened the door from the outside if it was locked on the inside?

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Chapter 21 Victoria and Theodore continued down the dark stone stairs. Theodore grew colder and shivered. He felt the smooth, stone, cold steps beneath his leather boots. Despite their swift descent, he felt the arid air in his very core. A chill tingled up his spine and remained there until they came to a square stone room. "Where are we going?” His whispers echoed in the stone room. "You will see.” Her booming voice sounded unnatural, and it hurt Theodore's ears. He said a small prayer for his ears, and Victoria gave him a dirty look. She handed him the lantern, and Victoria pushed the wall to the left of the stairs. Her pale and bare arms flexed against the stone. At first, nothing happened. Then Theodore heard the faint rubbing of rock against rock. She gave one final push and the wall slid back. Victoria squeezed through the opening, and Theodore followed. He looked back at the stone slab, but through some unknown power, it slid back into place. His fear grew. Thoughts ran through his head like water. He was terrified, but a calming sensation ran through his mind. A voice in his head calmed his fears. Don't let fear stop you. Keep going. He knew these thoughts were not his own, yet they were in his head. He followed the thoughts, entranced. Theodore continued to follow Victoria as well. He held up the lantern. “Do you want this?" "I do not need it." They walked for infinity it seemed. He was cold and tired, but Victoria was unfazed. They reached another door. Theodore saw the elaborate writings on it, and Victoria put her hand up to the center symbol. The door fluctuated and ripples appeared. The marble appearance dissolved away, and the door became clear. Is Victoria a witch? A wizard? She made no comment and simply walked through the door. She turned and looked at Theodore. He could see her on the other side, yet he was afraid to cross to the mystical room beyond. There is nothing to be afraid of, Theodore. Victoria reached through the mysterious plane and offered her hand to him. She uses her mind to do these tricks. Fascinating! "You can do these tricks, too,” she said. “If you come with me."

He slowly put up his left hand, for he still held the lantern in his right. He lightly touched her fingertips. They were cold. Not like the snow above, but like a corpse, and Theodore knew the feel of the dead. He withdrew his hand. "No,” he said aloud. “If God wanted to give me these gifts, he would have already done so. No." Victoria reached out farther and grabbed his arm. She yanked him through the watery door, and Theodore dropped the lantern. It burst on impact, setting the hall ablaze. He looked back at the hot blaze, then turned to the room that now unwillingly housed him. The room had a soft red carpet, and it was quite warm compared to its stone entryways. A fireplace crackled on the other side of the room. No windows. It was stupid of Theodore to look for a window, for he knew how far below the ground they were. However, he had hoped for some means of escape. Although there was no way he could push the stone rocks or the snow blocking his way to freedom. No, not as Victoria had done. He heard a whoosh behind him, and the transparent door was gone. He stepped forward but landed on the soft plush rug. "Only I know the way out.” Victoria stood by a table next to the fireplace and poured a glass of wine from the ancient and handcrafted bottle. She drank the liquid in one gulp. He got up and approached the plush and pampered bed in the corner. How did Victoria create this lair for her dark practices? When? "Tell me, Theodore.” She poured more of the wine. “Do you want to live forever?" "It is unnatural. If God wanted man to live forever, he would have made our fragile bodies unbreakable." "Your fragile body. Not mine.” Victoria poured more of the wine to replenish the already gone last shot. “And didn't your own Moses and Noah, Abraham and Adam, didn't they live to be nine hundred and some? Wouldn't you like to prolong your life as they did?" "How long?” He asked. All fools want to live a moment longer, especially when they feel they are near the time of death, as Theodore felt he was. "However long you want." "No. Dying is a part of life. Why prolong the inevitable?" Victoria drank every last drop from her glass and then smashed it in the fire. “You are absolutely right." She leaped to Theodore's side and plunged a piece of broken glass into his chest. She held his neck and twisted and turned the glass until it was embedded terribly deep. Theodore gasped at the pain. "I've pierced your lung. Within the hour, you will die.” She released him, and he fell to the floor on his

chest, further embedding the glass. "How does it feel?” she taunted. “To know you are a fragile being? A being whose life can be taken at any moment! Your precious God will take you whenever he wants, and no one can change his mind. My God is not like that. He makes me powerful and strong. I can prevent your God from taking you away." She picked up another hot shard of glass and slit the palm of her hand. Before she was done making the burning incision, it had healed. He was awed. "I can take the pain away, Theodore. I can make it so pain can never come to you again. If you let me." She put out her hand as Theodore reached out and collapsed in her arms. Victoria grabbed the bottle from the table and ripped off his jacket and shirt. She poured the wine onto his wound. He felt the liquid rush into his body. It was warm, yet cold. Foreign, yet his body could not fight it. The liquid shattered the glass, and Theodore could see all this happening when he closed his eyes, yet he did not know how. The foreign molecules attached themselves to his lung. The pinhole forged by the glass was closed. "Now, Theodore, do you want this?” Victoria asked so sweetly. He spoke softly, “Yes." She tilted his head back. Her long teeth extended farther, and her eyes turned into black slits surrounded by swarms of colors from brown to red to orange to yellow to green and back again. She sunk her teeth into his neck. Theodore winced, but made no effort to stop her. She took in his blood as images passed through his mind. He was flying. He flew through the clouds and up to the stars and beyond. He could feel his heart racing and knew it could not go much longer. Victoria dug her teeth in farther, sucking in more sweet juices. I feel my life draining from me. She sucked harder and harder, and Theodore's heart pounded and pounded and then... [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 22 Theodore felt a deathly silence in his body. It was as if he had no body. He saw only darkness. Felt only darkness. Slowly, he heard blood flowing. He heard it rush into his body. His heart pumped again. Theodore's arms tingled at the filling of this new blood. Victoria held her wrist to his mouth, and her blood ran down his throat. Theodore screamed in pain and fear. Blood poured from his eyes, but as quickly and suddenly as it had come, the blood stopped. Victoria took Theodore's hand and led him to a mirror. There, he saw himself as a vampire for the first time. His skin had paled and seemed tighter to his bones. Theodore's eyes changed colors. Green became red, and a single tear of blood trickled from his right eye. His body

seemed to be better built than before. Theodore was too awed with himself to notice that Victoria cast no reflection. **** "Becoming a vampire was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Theodore smiled. Angelo cheered, and Slava clapped along with the other vampires at the table. Antonio checked his watch. “October, 1971. The sun will be up in an hour or so. I think we all need a good day's rest." The sun peaked over the mountainside, and its first morning rays shined on the desperately-in-need-of-repairs Welshire Mansion. All the young ones were asleep. Their rooms, far below the castle, could not catch an inkling of sunlight, and those in coffins need not worry. Victoria slept in a bed, as she had done for the past fifty years. Her tastes changed from time to time. Coffin or bed? Bed or coffin? She slept soundly, but a soft misty fog crept under the closed door. It slid over the bed and swirled around Victoria effortlessly. She shifted in her sleep, and the mist solidified beside her. "I knew it was you, James.” Victoria smiled with her eyes closed. "You were worried about me?” He smiled, although he was never certain of his sister's whims and she knew it. "Of course. You are my twin brother." "There is one small problem.” James rolled onto his back, and his blood-soaked uniform squished. There was a bleeding hole in his chest. "A bullet?” Victoria sat up and examined the wound. "No, stake.” He winced when Victoria touched the healing flesh. “My Commanding Officer had to be a student of the occult." "Did you get him?" James shook his head grimly then winced again. "You call for Mother.” Victoria got out bed. “And I'll find Father." They assembled quickly to solve the wounded James’ troubles. Antonio sat in his seat at the table with Victoria on his left and Elizabeth on his right. James sat beside Catrina and held her hand. She was his first fledgling and the closest thing to a lifelong companion a vampire could have. "My vampire friends,” Antonio began. “James has been attacked by a vampire hunter. The hunter must become the hunted. Let the Death Game begin!" **** Outside the encampment of the Ninth Infantry Division, Second Lieutenant Marshall Whitfield looked out on the Southern Vietnamese countryside. He looked across the land to the woods. Four men were

supposed to be on patrol, but none of them were in sight. Whitfield heardRun Through the Jungle by Creedence Clearwater Revival in the distance. Maybe one of the men had a portable radio. He raised his bandaged arm carefully and lit a cigarette. He puffed a few times and let the smoke out. Through the smoke, Whitfield saw two green lights in the woods and stepped closer. The lights were small. The size of golf balls, perhaps. Whitfield chucked his cigarette into the dirt and moved forward. Out of the woods came a lone black wolf, his eyes green with yellow slits. Whitfield froze. He knew wolves never traveled alone, and they were not common in Vietnam, either. He received visions in his mind. He relived flashes of his attack on James. Bullets rang out in the thick of battle. James found himself twisted in the wire boundary of the camp. Stephen was there next to him. More shots rang out, and Stephen disappeared. Then Whitfield was there, the stake in his hands... Mist. Whitfield put his hands on his head and looked at the wolf. Its mouth foamed and snarled. The vampire is avenged! He dropped to his knees. “No! Make it stop! Please!" The wolf charged toward Whitfield. Four more wolves came out of the woods and followed the first. They surrounded him, and he mumbled uncontrollably as the pack circled around him. The visions subsided, and Whitfield came to his senses too late. He was trapped. The wolf pack attacked him. They bit his legs and arms, ripped his flesh and muscle. “No! No!” Whitfield screamed. “Somebody help me!" A wolf bit his throat. The meddler screamed no more. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 23 Jean sat alone in his room. It was the first time he had a few moments of silence in a long while. Elizabeth always had him doing something. It's gotten old quick, and this friggin sixth sense! The door opened and shut behind him in the dark space. "What is it now, Elizabeth?” He stood to face his unwanted visitor, but it was Samantha. "Elizabeth is not home,” she spoke softly. “Father declared the Death Game." "The Death Game? No thanks. I don't want to know. That dungeon downstairs is bad enough!” Jean sat back down, and Samantha sat Indian style next to the inactive fireplace. She put her hand over the wood,

and sparks flew out of her hand. Anti-vampire as she was, even Samantha added a twist to her magic from Mestiphles. She removed her hand and watched the fire grow. Jean chuckled. “Wish I could do that. You guys need to write a manual or something." Samantha smiled. “Being a vampire has its good points." He smirked and crossed his arms. “Name one." "Well.” She thought for a moment. “Flying can be quite a thrill." "Your mother made sure I couldn't fly. I couldn't fly! It sounds so strange." "She's not my mother." "Elizabeth? Not your mother?" "They are married, and I am Antonio's daughter, but my mother is Ann." "But I thought...” Jean sighed and gave up. "I am the oldest of us children, but Victoria was the first to be made a vampire." "You must have a helluva Christmas card list." Samantha put more sparks from her fingertips into the fire. “You know we don't do that." "Yes.” Jean scratched his head. “But you don't believe that. Any fool with two eyes can see it. Forget this phony sixth sense. You don't believe in all this dark magic mumbo jumbo." She kept her head down. “We were granted eternal life by Mestiphles." "Oh, please.” Jean flung his hands in the air and paced. “This is some life! We are condemned to haunt this world, to see all we love die. Destroyed, abolished by time and nature." "Stop it. You have no right to say such things!” Samantha stood. “You're angry over a year? Such insignificant time. What do you know? Nothing. You don't know anything about it!" She turned toward the door, but Jean followed and grabbed her arm. Their eyes locked. "I can't do this,” Samantha whispered. Her brief anger was gone. Emotions sprang forth from them both. Samantha had yet to let herself fully touch—Jean knew from her hesitant hands. She could spark fire, but after all these years, they had at last awoken each other. "Yes, you can.” They kissed deeply. Jean inched her dress off her shoulders, and they slid down to the warm floor before the fireplace. **** The rusted iron gates in front of the mansion were closed, but somebody was playingBad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival inside the walls. The Death Game members flew over the gate and swooped down on the doorstep.

Antonio entered his home smoothly, and Catrina piled in the door behind James. Victoria followed but stopped. She looked around and squinted her dagger eyes. A vision popped in Victoria's head. "Victoria?” Elizabeth put her arm around her daughter and broke the vision. Victoria only smiled at her mother with an impish glint. They entered the mansion, and the door shut behind them. Samantha and Jean. Ha! **** Samantha woke, and Jean ran his fingers through her hair. They lay on the pile of their clothes, but Samantha felt the warmth of the fire. "I learned your spark trick.” He demonstrated. “I was thinking, are there records somewhere? Chronicles of the family?" "Only Father knows where they are.” Samantha pulled her dress over her head. A strange chill went up her spine. "Can't somebody read his mind?" She spoke quietly, “Others have tried and failed." "How?” Jean's eyes widened. “What did they do? Did they find a way to become human again?" "We mustn't talk of this.” Samantha looked around. How quickly her enchantment could turn to suspicion. "Tell me what happened." Samantha felt he was akin to her own heart when he first arrived with Elizabeth, but not until now did their zest for a true companion lead to action. Samantha obliged. "It happened centuries ago, before we were all first made. Father was young and inexperienced. Everyone tried to rebel." She hesitated. “Dare I bring up those memories? There was one, Gaston. If he would have overthrown Father, maybe none of this would have happened." "What went wrong?" "Father turned us all into vampires, but Gaston became a vampire, too. Mestiphles told us how to kill him and his rebels. We won and Father absorbed Gaston." "Absorbed?" "Only Victoria was there when it happened. Gaston is not dead. His soul is inside Father." "So that man we see,” Jean stuttered. “It's Antonio's body, but Gaston's mind and soul?" "No.” Samantha smiled a bit. “I guess you could say he keeps Gaston chained up in the basement."

Jean laughed. “Widely used concept around here!" Samantha smiled sheepishly, and then they laughed wholeheartedly. It felt so good to laugh—a simple pleasure lost in her eight hundred odd years. As they laughed, a small slink of mist crept down the chimney. It mingled with the smoke from the fire, and the misty smoke swirled and dispersed into the room. Jean stopped laughing and braved, “What if we wound Antonio and release Gaston? If he were comatose, perhaps, Gaston could help us? Together, the three of us can destroy Antonio and the rest of them." "We will still be vampires.” Samantha shook her head, but Jean held her. "At least then we won't have to abide by this world domination plan." The mist's fiery green eyes flashed. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 24 Antonio sat at the head of the table. This time, Elizabeth sat on his right, and only her children and their fledglings were at the table. Victoria sat at the opposite end. She had interrupted Antonio and Pamela for this. She might have been Stephen's fledgling, but the voluptuous Pamela would have to wait. Antonio remained seated. “You called this meeting, Victoria. What is the problem?" The room was silent for a few seconds. Catrina sneered at her as always. The latter pushed her chair away from the table, and the screech on the floor broke the silence. Victoria cleared her throat. "My fellow coven members,” she began. “Our goal is to conquer the world, but sadly, our conquest has been slowed over the centuries by religious persecutions, witch hunts, and yes, even ourselves. We have fought wars with other covens, covens like ours, and we have won. Repeatedly and repeatedly. Victory after victory." Victoria clenched her fist and banged it on the table. “Now, after all these years, a battle has begun, which will be our most difficult. My friends, one of our own has conspired against us." A general outcry arose around the table. James was shocked, and Theodore looked around the table. Antonio couldn't hide his look of disbelief. "Yes, yes. It is true.” Victoria put her head down. Rain looked up at his maker. The Indian was not oblivious to her coy nature, but her speech held sway over them all. "Who?" "Tell us!"

"You must!" "Samantha." Again, an outcry arose. James turned to Catrina, stunned. "Samantha?” Antonio stood and flung his chair back. “Samantha? My human daughter as well as my fledgling? How could she?" "It is that Jean!” Victoria pressed. Young Eddie nodded his head in agreement. The youthful fledgling of Catrina often followed without question, but Elizabeth looked up carefully. "He has corrupted Samantha. Taken advantage of her! Jean has corrupted her kind heart and used Samantha as the medium of his wicked ways. He has turned her kind, sweet naiveté against us for his own desires, which is to kill us all!" Sarah sneered in agreement. Her warrior heart was always ready for battle, even one led by Victoria. "My friends, you know what must be done." "No!” Elizabeth stood and pleaded with Antonio. “Not Jean. Let me handle him. Please!" James looked away from his mother. Her voice became softer, and she grabbed Antonio's sleeve. “He's my only living fledgling. Antonio, don't do it. The Masquerade!" Antonio turned away from her. He had set rules for his house, and too often they were broken. An example must be set. Should he cower here? Now, in front of these fledglings? Hardly. Antonio licked his lips. "I declare the Death Game on Jean and Samantha." Elizabeth cried and tumbled to the floor. James rushed to his mother's aid and Catrina stood. Victoria allowed a faint smirk to cross her face. Antonio walked quickly toward the doors. “It's happening again." He stormed from the dining room and into the corridor. He listened to the thoughts of his family, but Antonio masked his own whereabouts with his mind. Brick wall. No one can read my thoughts. He stopped before an aging painting of Samantha as a child. He tried to ignore her small, sweet face and felt along the golden colored frame. The noise of a latch and bolt sliding broke the silence of the corridor. Antonio looked to his left and then his right, but he was alone. The lower left corner of the painting creaked opened like a door. A large Alaskan malamute burst through the door. He hopped and danced around the hall, and his bushy tail swished happily and playfully. Antonio stepped in the door and commanded the dog mentally, and then he spoke.

"Gaston, not now." The dog was determined to disobey. "Gaston!” Antonio raised his voice, and the dog winced at the high pitch. He looked up at Antonio with big brown eyes, and the man gave in. "Come ‘ere, boy. Come on.” The dog galloped into Antonio's arms, knocking him over, and drenching his face with dog kisses He smiled briefly. “Okay, boy, okay." Gaston finally calmed. Antonio got up and dusted himself of the paw prints and stray animal hair. He followed his furry friend into the dark stone passageway behind the portrait. The hidden door slid shut, and Antonio delved deeper into the maze of old passages. He needed no light to guide him, but the poor dog tripped over himself and Antonio's heels several times. The dark hall opened to a small stone room. In its center were a chair and a standing candelabra dripping with flames and candle wax. Antonio sat down in the chair and lost himself in his grief. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 25 Samantha shut the bedroom door, but her room hadn't changed in the last day she spent with Jean. The faded flowered wallpaper was still there, as was the perhaps juvenile four-poster bed. The sun shined in through the window, and Samantha went to the closet. She pulled on her jeans and buttoned her flannel. She heard a noise and paused. She cocked her head and listened for the noise again. There it was—underneath the bed. Rat. Damn creatures. Samantha reached down next to her shoes and pulled out a wooden stool. She stepped up on the stool, reached for the top shelf, and brought down a green and black kilt. Samantha set the kilted bundle on the floor and unraveled the broadsword wrapped within it. She stepped toward the bed with her sword in hand. "Ouch!” Samantha's chin hit the hardwood floor, and she turned to see the culprit. The bundled kilt lay twisted around her ankles. It felt like someone grabbed my ankles! Samantha kicked the kilt off, stood, and checked her chin for blood. If there had been any, it was gone now. Samantha proceeded to the bed unscathed. She crouched down and lifted up the bed skirt. Outside of dust bunnies, nothing was there. She put the floral printed skirt back in place and rose. A chill went up her spine.

Who's there? A figure materialized behind Samantha. For better or for worse, another trick of those who wished not to be seen. James! She turned and raised her sword. She had plenty of years to practice, and the equally versed James lunged at her. The powerful clash of their swords echoed and would have pulverized mere human eardrums. "Guess what, Sister?” James pushed on his sword, trying to break her. “The Death Game's on." Samantha let down her guard briefly, and James took full advantage of his self-imposed opportunity. He knocked her sword from her hands and flung her over the bed. "Get up, Samantha.” He gulped. “Better I do it, than Victoria. Be valiant! Die in battle. If this is my end, so be it." **** Antonio sat still in his hidden room as Gaston lay at his side. The dog whimpered and rolled onto his back. "Oh, all right, boy.” Antonio kneeled on the floor and scratched the dog's furry tummy. He stopped for a moment, and Gaston's ears perked. Antonio felt the vibration of footsteps, and he heard faint steps in the distance. The steps grew louder, and then a tall young man stepped into the dim circle of candlelight. "Mestiphles.” Antonio cleared his throat and prepared for his sarcastic words. “To what do I deserve this honor?" "You do not deserve the honor of my presence, that's for sure. Well, look at you!” Mestiphles put his hands on his hips as his hair bounced and his blue eyes glistened. "Forgive me,” Antonio said with a twinge. He offered his chair to Mestiphles. "I am here to put your ass back in line!” He took the chair, and his mop locks fell in front of his face. He flicked the blonde mass back with the toss of his head. “This is pathetic. Not only have your own turned against you—yet again—but what are you doing about it? Nothing! You're sitting here playing with your dog." Antonio spoke up, “I was reading the chronicles, trying to find their method of destruction." Mestiphles stroked his hair with his hands. “Reading in the dark? Your eyes are not that good, my friend. You are behind in your work, and now you've got these domestic situations. Ann wasn't even at your latest Death Game meeting. She has the right to defend her kin." "I thought it best not to have further disputes,” Antonio fumbled. "You thought it best to forget our rules. Or maybe you let your little diva Victoria take over one too many times? Her prowess is no good without discipline."

He almost turned sincere. “What has happened to you? You never had this much trouble before. Maybe you've been out of competition for too long. It's catching up to you." Antonio sat on the floor and looked up at Mestiphles. “We don't need any help. Look what happened last time." Mestiphles waved his finger at him. “Do not turn this on me. I am trying to help you." Antonio smirked at Mestiphles. “Jean. Elizabeth finally keeps a fledgling around, and he takes up with Samantha!" "Jean has the desire to be human again and the hate against the vampire to fuel his attacks, plus Samantha's knowledge. Do not underestimate her. Do not fear him. That will be your undoing. You should know that. Do I need to remind you?" Antonio ignored his last comment. “The Death Game is on. He will be hunted down soon enough." "He better be. This is your last chance, Antonio. These underground parties are not my favorite. There's more than enough feed below. However, tonight's Masquerade will be the perfect time to handle your problem.” He stood. "It's time you lived up to our bargain. I am getting impatient.” Mestiphles turned back to the darkness from whence he came. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 26 Jean woke an hour before sunset. His dark room was lit only by the fading rays of the sun, and the radio clicked on with the sunset. "—and for all you CCR spellbound fans,” the DJ ad-libbed, “here'sI Put a Spell on You ." Jean tried to calm his mind, but the mumbles in his head never went away. He did his slow yoga movements. He used to enjoy martial arts and such, but the Asian calming techniques no longer helped him. I hate this song! He felt a presence and opened his door before the person had time to knock. Elizabeth stood before him. "We haven't much time.” She hurried in and checked every dark corner and cranny in the room. "Is something wrong?” Jean stood in the open door. Elizabeth looked at him. “I know what you—” Quickly she shut the open door. “I know about your plan."

Jean gave her a blank stare. "Don't play dumb. You and Samantha plan to destroy us. The Death Game has been declared." Has she come to destroy me? "Please, mask your thoughts the best you can,” she advised. “We must leave now." "What are you talking about? I don't know much about your Games and Masquerades, but I can't leave unsupervised until I'm five. I know that." "Damn the rules!” Elizabeth flung his clothes out of the closet and onto the bed. “Don't you see? You are in danger here.” She pulled his suitcase out of the closet. “Every vampire in this coven is out to get you!" **** James stood in battle stance and waited for Samantha to get up from her latest hurdle to the floor. She stood and readied herself. Her stance was a more relaxed, fence-like style. "Fencing class can't help you here.” James struck, and Samantha defended. “I go, you go. The Death Game ends painlessly." "What about Jean?" "Mother will get him out, I'm sure. Now, put me out of my misery." He lunged again, but stumbled. Samantha stepped aside and instinctively drove her sword into his back. James howled in pain and fell to the floor. Samantha withdrew her sword and flung it away. Both swords clattered on the wood as blood poured out of James. "I cannot do it, James.” She trembled. “I can't kill you. Even if I could, I won't. After all these years, why here? Why now?" "The opportunity presents itself.” James looked up at her. “Let me apologize. Please, Samantha. Give me an honorable death." "I can't, James.” Blood tears streamed down her face. "Your kindness is a fault.” James leaned on his sword and staggered to his feet. He turned the handle to Samantha. She slowly brought her hand up to clasp the sword. Samantha's fingertips touched the engraved metal, but it lurched away. James plunged the sword into his own abdomen. "James!" "I've always wanted to do that.” He coughed and fell on his sister. “Decapitation and fire. Samantha, make sure I don't come back." "Oh, James.” Samantha nodded her head yes. He looked down at his wound. "Suicide. Oh well.” He laughed. “I wasn't going to Heaven anyway."

He fell to the floor, and James closed his eyes for the final time. "If only things had been different." Samantha wept as she set about following his last wish. **** Victoria put the needle down on her bedside record player, and The Eagles’ label spun. Drums started off the song, and Victoria strutted across the room to her closet. She slipped a dress over her head and past her black bra, hips and matching black panties. Victoria sang over to the mirror. She lined her lips in deep red lipstick and ran her fingers through her hair. She put on her thigh-high hose one at a time, then slid into her tall shoes. She danced, the drums rocked, and the song came to a close. The music died out, and Victoria screeched. Horrible pain rang in her chest, and she fell to her knees. "James! What is happening?" Why does my stomach hurt? Pain in my back! What is happening to me? "James, what's going on?” She spoke out loud to her internal connection. James! Victoria brought herself to her feet, but she clung to her stomach. Sword! "James, keep fighting,” Victoria ordered her empty room. She saw Samantha's hand reach for the hilt, and she watched the sword go into James. Victoria reeled over in pain. "James! What are you doing?" I know you can hear me. James, don't do this! "What?” Victoria listened to the words come out of James’ mouth. Suicide? Why? Who cares about Heaven! "Make sure I don't come back." "No!" No! This is a trick. James is still alive. He is! "James would not kill himself.” She frowned. “Would he?" "No.” Victoria lay down on the bed. “James will be back." She passed out on the bed, but the DJ's music blared below. The Masquerade had begun.

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 27 The rusty gate stood open, and the sun dipped below the horizon. McLean's classicAmerican Pie bellowed out from the house, and more cars lined up outside the gate. Trucks emptied flatbeds full of punks, druggies, and other alley junkies. The always cheerful Angelo stood at the gate and welcomed the lost souls dressed in neon and other funky costumes. The mansion's ballroom was fitted for the occasion. A buffet was against the wall, and another table was set up for the DJ. People buzzed around the buffet, and more filed through the large double doors entering to the foyer. More guests waited outside, and couples christened the dance floor. Ever watchful, Slava stood by the ballroom doors with Catrina and Eddie. Other vampires mingled with the humans entering the ballroom. Jessica and Pamela—quite the buxom pair—were at the DJ table. Catrina took up with a man covered in gold jewelry, but old-time Sarah swayed alone. Antonio came down the stairs wearing his usual simple, classic, black suit. A few guests looked at him and parted as he passed through them. He nodded and spoke briefly to some. Antonio dismissed Slava, and the Russian henchman circulated into the crowd. "Where is Victoria?” Antonio questioned Eddie. The younger fledglings feared him, Antonio knew, and he used it to his advantage. He looked above the greaser to his ceremonial ax mounted on the wall. His collection of weapons had grown over the years, and his favorites decorated the ballroom. Youth hadn't always been so easy. "Couldn't tell you.” Eddie chewed on a toothpick. “Samantha and James aren't here, either. Stephen is here somewhere, but Ann and Elizabeth are over there." Antonio looked toward the DJ's table. Ann and Elizabeth had a record in their hands. The hairy DJ screamed, and Jessica and Pamela tried to calm him. "I want him to play it!” Elizabeth tugged the record in her direction. "You only want it played because I wanted to hear it first.” Ann pulled the record toward herself. “You don't even like the song!" "Ladies, please.” the DJ cried. “I will play it no matter who requests it. If you destroy the record, no one will hear it!" Antonio interrupted the confrontation quickly. He took the record and gave it to the DJ. "My loves.” He put his arms around Ann and Elizabeth. “I have already been personally warned not to mess this up, and neither shall you." "Now,” Antonio turned around, “where is Vict—?" Victoria stood on the staircase beyond the open doors. Charismatic as ever, she walked down the steps smoothly and entered the ballroom. She found her old Kiowa fledgling Rain at the buffet, eating a chicken

leg. "We haven't time for this foolishness.” Victoria ripped the food from his hands. “I need you to do something." Rain picked up another piece of meat and bit into it. “Since when do you need me to be your gopher? I haven't been your pet in, oh, two hundred years? Get James to do it." "James is dead." Rain slowly put down the piece of food. "We have no time to discuss it.” Victoria automatically read his thoughts. Rain read hers, too. “You mean you don't want to discuss it." "I need you to do something,” she repeated. “Find Samantha and keep her quiet. Tie her up, do whatever you need to do. Just don't hurt her. She's mine!" **** Samantha sat on the floor by her fireplace, blood tears still streaming down her face. James was gone now. She cut up his body and burned the pieces. He could never return, just like he asked. Samantha heard the music downstairs. She wiped her eyes and left the bloody fireplace. Oh, Jean! James is dead! **** The dungeon door creaked shut, and Jean winced. He bent to pick up his backpack. The handle turned, the door cracked open again, and Jean heard the slight tune from the hinge. "Elizabeth!” He whispered and checked behind her. “I told you, I am not leaving until I do this, and when I do leave, it will be with Samantha." "I was not followed. I want to help you.” She stepped inside as Jean shut the door again. “I don't want to see you hurt. Either of you." "Yeah, sure. And how does James feel about this?" Elizabeth helped him with his bag and spotted a small crossbow, a spool of wire, and several small containers with fuses attached. Jean pushed her hand away. "Tell me about James,” he repeated. "James? His thoughts are not here. He is...” Elizabeth's lip trembled slightly. “James is dead? My son!" "Yes. Now you can go tell Antonio." "James never cared for this life.” Elizabeth faced the truth. “Not all of us are so enamored with the vampire life." "I know what you mean.” Jean sobered.

"Come, I'll show you to the prisoners." **** Victoria walked through the dancing guests to Antonio and Ann. "I think this is my cue to leave.” Ann saw the anger in Victoria's eyes and walked into the crowd. They got along for the most part, but the two women both vied for Antonio's attention, an objective that always led to blows. Ann headed toward the buffet, but a police officer grabbed her arm and spun her around. "May I have this dance?” Eric smiled, his spirit totally in the Masquerade. "Where is Mother?” Victoria asked Antonio. "She's circling around somewhere.” He drank from a long stemmed glass and looked around the crowd. Elizabeth walked through the fancy double doors. “There she is.” Antonio motioned with his glass, and Victoria quickly turned and looked. "Try to relax.” He put his arm around her. “Our guests must not know our current situation." "And you, Father?” Victoria's eyes swirled again. “Doyou know our current situation?" Antonio stepped closer to his daughter. He put his head down and bit his lip, then looked at Victoria square. “Nothing can be done for James now. Things must move on as planned." The DJ changed records expertly with the girls on his arms. Antonio put his glass aside and bowed before Victoria. “Shall we dance?" Caring not for her bloody flannel, Samantha ran into the ballroom and darted into the crowd. On her trail, Rain came down the staircase and eyed the party. His hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, and his nose rose up and down as he sniffed about slowly. Samantha slinked by the humans and danced through the crowd, but Rain also weaved into the dancers. Samantha turned deeper into the guests, but Rain grabbed her hand. “Dance." They danced awkwardly, but Eric dipped Ann and pulled her back up into his arms. Elizabeth stood cautious, but a zestful Stephen came up to her. "Dance with me, Aunt Liz.” He drug her into the crowd. Stephen shook and danced around her in his grim reaper costume. Jessica and Pamela spun the obese DJ around while Victoria and Antonio matched ballet rhythms. Samantha pulled away from Rain, but he pulled her close to his chest. He twisted Samantha to the wall and pinned her there. "No!” Samantha knew what was about to unfold. Eddie crept by his door posting and watched the oblivious, high, and heady human guests. He slinked to a seemingly decorative curtain, but Eddie slid the cloth aside, exposing the lever beneath. Antonio led Victoria to the edge of the crowd and nodded to Slava. Catrina and the Cossack closed the large doors, but Antonio motioned again. Eddie nodded and pulled down the lever. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 28 Who ever looks at the floor? Certainly not the lucid junkie guests. A faint seam along the ballroom's polished floor ripped open and inched into a wider canyon. The mechanism's groans were drowned by the rocking tunes, and the unaware guests fell below into the dark dungeon. People cried out and screamed as more fell to the straw covered concrete below. Prison cells lined the dungeon walls, and dirty hands reached out from behind rusted bars toward the light from the ballroom above. Antonio smiled at their success. Previously patient among their prey, Theodore and Sarah pulled off their hooded costumes and revealed their true vampire nature to the guests. They pushed more humans into the pit. A few men clung on the doors, and Stephen poked at one man with his reaper until he fell to the darkness. Eddie joined in and stomped on the second hanging man's hands until he fell. Jessica and Pamela watched the DJ teeter on the edge and tumble away. "A little crude.” Stephen congratulated Eddie and patted him on the back. They smiled, but the needle hit the record label, sending a thumping echo to Antonio's ear. A wooden stake shot through the air and squished into Eddie's stomach. He screeched and grabbed Stephen as blood spurted from his mouth. Stephen dropped his reaper and teetered on the edge of the floor. One final imbalance tossed them into the pit, and Ann screamed. Eric—equally shocked but in control—tried to hold her back, but Ann squeezed out of his arms and ran to the edge. Stephen cried out, and the new human prisoners grabbed him and tossed him to the floor. Jean tossed his crossbow to the dungeon floor, climbed up the jail cells, and hung on the side of the sliding door. "Jean!” Samantha called her lover, but Rain held her tightly against the wall and away from the action. "Close the doors.” Antonio ordered. “Slava, the floors!” Slava took over the fallen Eddie's duties. He pulled the lever up, and the floor slowly slid back into place. Ann picked up Stephen's reaper and hit Jean with it. He pulled himself up from the shutting doors, rolled across the floor, and bought himself some space. Ann dropped the reaper and ran to the ballroom doors. She struggled to open one. "Dammit, help me!” she cried. Catrina opened the doors, and Ann ran out. Rushing into the bowels of the mansion, she pulled open the heavy dungeon door. Ann walked down the dark tunnel to the inner entrance, but she heard the screeches coming from the cells. Oh, Stephen! She raised her hand to the rusted latch and swung the door open. A line of humans escaped past her. Ann felt the warmth of a fire on her face but went through the door. The cages were empty, and the straw floor was clean of debris and bodies. She felt the heat on the back of her neck.

Ann slowly turned her heel and looked over her shoulder. The zombies were on either side of the door. They weren't so docile, it would seem, if given the chance. Several had lighted torches, and a few had stakes, but one held Stephen's limp body. Ann slowly backed away. The zombies are out! Antonio, help me! **** Jean pulled an explosive from his pocket. He searched his pocket, but turned up nothing. The matches were on the floor a few feet in front of him, and Jean half slid, half crawled to them. He put his hand over the book, but a booted foot crushed his wrist. Jean looked up and grimaced at the uniformed Eric. A nightstick came down on him. Eric smiled as Jean lay sprawled out on the floor. He kicked him in the side, and Jean groaned at the pain. He saw Eric's foot coming at his face, but Jean grabbed it and yanked Eric off balance. He fell backward and hit his head with a thumping echo. Jean landed on the floor again and again. His vision blurred, but he caught sight of the explosive and matches on the floor. A pair of small feet approached his tools of fire. Elizabeth bent down and picked up the explosive. Jean kicked Eric with a new vigor, and he stepped back to regain his balance. Jean got up and kicked him in the groin. The police officer keeled over in pain. Jean kicked again. He struck Eric in the head, and he fell to the floor. Eric stumbled to his knees only to face a kick in the chin. Jean let him stand up then punched the already bloody mouth and nose. He punched repeatedly. Each impact moved Eric closer to the edge of the ballroom floor and closer to the dungeon beneath. Jean gave one final punch, and Eric fell into the pit. Elizabeth lit the fire stick and threw it onto the same path. **** The zombies are out! Help me! Antonio heard her call. “Slava, stop the doors. Keep the floor open!" Slava yanked the lever down, and the doors slowly switched direction. The almost closed opening grew larger again. Antonio gave orders to his coven members. "Theodore, take Catrina and round up those humans!" They pulled the once decorative swords from the collection on the wall and exited the ballroom. Theodore and Catrina rose into the air. They flew down the hallway—safely avoiding a wire and an explosive lining the floor. Antonio hollered more directions, “Sarah, help me detain these zombies!" Sarah pulled out her ancient dagger and jumped into the dungeon. Antonio followed her. Swiftly, he took her sword and chopped off an escapee's head while Sarah snapped one's neck. Ann wrestled a torch away from a stiff zombie and happily burned him with it. **** Jean's explosive waited on the soft straw. Ann threw a zombie off her shoulder and picked up the homemade dynamite. Quickly, she threw the bomb back to the ballroom. Eric saw Ann and stumbled toward her, but a zombie shifted in the darkness. The angry creature pulled a torch from the wall. The zombie plunged the flame into Eric's chest. He screeched and raised his arms. He exploded into fleshy

pieces, a chunk of meat hitting the side of Ann's face. A huge ball of fire launched from the body and burned the zombie as payback. The fire spread away, pieces settling on the floor and walls. A blood tear ran down Ann's cheek, mingled with the blood on her face, and trickled down to her lips. She licked her lips, and her eyes turned color with mourning and rage. Elizabeth and Jean both reached for the explosive, but she was the victor. Jessica and Pamela looked at each other. "Let me do this,” she whispered. The lighted fuse neared the canister. "I'm not going to argue with you,” Jean agreed. "I know.” Elizabeth laced her hands tightly around the dynamite and took a small step backward. The floor ended, and she dived into the pit. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 29 A colossal ball of fire bellowed from the dungeon. Jean cowered from the flame along with the other vampires. He fell back from the blast, and Slava put his hands over his face. Samantha buried her face into Rain's chest, and Jessica and Pamela huddled together in the corner. The fire fed on the oxygen in the ballroom and spread across the floor. Jean saw it coming and felt the heat. He rolled out of the fire's destructive path, and it spread toward the windows. He hit his head on the floor, and it bled viciously. The windows shattered when the heat pricked them. The fire jumped on the curtains, and they went up in flames. The fire leaped from one curtain to the next and neared Rain and Samantha. She twisted around and pushed Rain into the burning curtains. "Jean!” She ran quickly to him. Where she had hidden herself in the commotion, Jean knew not, but now Victoria stood before Rain and watched him burn. He lifted a singed arm to her. "Victoria, please help me!” He squeezed out his plea, but Victoria turned away. Rain twisted in the burning curtain and fell through the hot, sharp window. The weak and burning wall crumbled down on him. Pamela and Jessica remained paralyzed and huddled in the corner, but Slava pulled them to their feet. "Now might be a good time to vacate, ladies.” He zoomed out the doors, and Jessica and Pamela followed, pulling the doors shut behind them. The three vampires ran down the hallway. Slava reached the front door first, but his leg hit the wire explosive. A second explosion shook the house. He flew outside, but Jessica and Pamela shot against the staircase. The rails cracked from their posts, and debris buried the women.

Explosions boomed inside the mansion. His watch outside no longer silent and still, Angelo dropped his deck of cards by the gate and ran toward the house. Angelo fell to the ground. He stumbled over the hill and saw Theodore and Catrina battling the renegade human feedings. Theodore turned his attention to the explosion, and a human staked him in the back. Catrina tried to get away, but a human picked up Theodore's sword and swished it into her chest. The humans spotted Angelo. He turned quickly and ran back toward the gate. Angelo leaped onto the gate, but the humans pulled him down and stabbed repeatedly. Free and safe, the humans unlocked the gate and ran into the night. **** Samantha examined Jean's head wounds. He bled and shifted in and out of consciousness. "Jean, get up. Come on! It's almost over.” She sat him up and cradled him in her arms. Jean mumbled. "There is no time to talk. You would never survive fire." He whispered to Samantha, then went comatose. “Victoria." Samantha looked up at the smiling anti-hero. "I'm sure this game was fun for you, but really, did you have to burn down the mansion? If you wanted to leave that bad, it could have been arranged. We would have enjoyed chasing you around the globe." "We?” Samantha said. “Where are your disciples now?" "Some are more loyal than others,” Victoria sneered. "You don't know loyalty to anyone but yourself. You left Rain in the flames!" Victoria raised her voice, “You were always the good one, even though you hated us all. Now look who's the bad one!" "It's my time now.” She stood and circled her. “I simply wanted to be free!" "You are not free.” The woman laughed and nudged Jean with her shoe. “You did not kill the maker. Did he come up with that one?" "At least we won't live by your rules." "Father is dead for nothing. You want to break the rules?You take it up with Mestiphles.” Victoria's eyes swirled red with evil. She shortened a touch and her hair lightened as she shape shifted into her fair sister. The two stepped face to face, and the true declared, “Then, I'll see you in hell!" [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 30

Victoria lunged for Samantha, but was pushed to the floor. Samantha could get rough, too. "I do so much for this look,” the disguised Victoria snickered. Samantha gripped her now short blonde hair and banged her head on the floor. The other shoved Samantha away and gave her a telepathic push. Samantha skimmed over the growing flames and slammed against the wall. She leaped up and pulled the ceremonial ax off its wall mount. With a roar she charged toward Victoria, who looked around for defense. Finding Eric's nightstick, she waited as Samantha leaped through the ring of fire and into the battleground with her. Victoria ducked the swinging ax and shoved the nightstick at Samantha's gut. The two Samanthas came apart again and circled around each other. The real Samantha raised her ax, and Victoria brought up the nightstick. They charged for each other again. The ax came down on the nightstick, and the ballroom doors flung open. The women lowered their weapons, but not their guard. Victoria squinted through the hot flames at the dark figure in the door as it walked through the fire and into the hot battleground. Jean lifted his head briefly, but his eyes closed again. Samantha struggled to see the face as Victoria returned to her normal self. "Gaston?" "Victoria.” He bowed his blonde head. His pants and white blouse were spotted with ash, but he presented himself to Samantha. “We've never actually met." Victoria grimaced. Gaston must have caught her thoughts. “I have not changed since we last met, Victoria." Samantha stepped away and kneeled by Jean. "I don't think he's going to help us,” Jean whispered. His eyes widened at the weapons still hanging on the wall. "I bet you still are the same rebel bastard,” Victoria sneered at Gaston. "Are you still a traitor?" "I learned it from you.” Her eyes swirled. “Brother." Gaston shifted the space around him and instantly stood at Victoria's side. He grabbed her by the hair and arched Victoria's head back. "It must run in the family!” He screamed in her ear. “Antonio is gone, Sister. I've learned many things in my captivity, but now my spirit is free to take vengeance!" Gaston's fangs extended, and he bit deep into Victoria's neck. She pounded at him with her fists, but he drained the life from her. Slowly her renegade punches ended, and Victoria's body went limp. "Vengeance is mine—ahh!"

A stake embedded in Gaston's back and pinned Victoria's cold body to him. Samantha stood behind the crossbow, and Gaston roared in pain. Jean held a small sword and from his knees hurled the weapon through Victoria and Gaston. He screeched again, but the double impalement was complete. The pinned bodies slumped to the floor, and Gaston's lime eyes slowly dimmed and closed. "Are they dead?” Jean asked. Samantha dropped the crossbow and ran over to him. “Samantha, are they dead?" "If they are not, they soon will be.” She helped Jean up. “We will be too if we don't get out of here!" Jean put his arm around Samantha, and they teetered around the flames. Samantha slid past the burning doors, and they squeezed through to the broken staircase. Jean stumbled past a female hand under the fallen beams. The couple climbed over the rubble and made it outside. Samantha saw Catrina's body lying still, and Theodore lay fallen nearby. "I don't think they'll be bothering us anymore.” Jean stumbled over the bloody Slava. "Shhh.” Samantha heard something. “Listen." "It's the wood burning,” he said. "No. Come this way.” Samantha ran around to the side of the house, and Jean stumbled along after her. She tore at a pile of wood and stone, but Jean watched the side of the house burn. "Samantha, this place is going down any minute now,” he pleaded. “There's nothing here." "Can't you hear it? A heartbeat. Help me." Jean got down and helped remove the stone. “This better not be Antonio." Samantha removed a block. A huge animal leaped out and knocked her backward. Jean leaped back, but Samantha laughed. The dog licked her face, and Jean let out a sigh of relief. He heard the house creak again. He pulled Samantha up, and they ran behind the house toward the woods. Gaston the dog ran ahead of them, and the side of the mansion crumbled into the blazing fire. Jean and Samantha stopped at the edge of the woods and looked back. Sirens rang in the distance, and the flashing red and blue lights of fire trucks and police cars neared the gates. "What do we do now?” She asked Jean. "I don't know, but the sun should be up soon.” They disappeared into the woods as lights from a news chopper blazed in the sky. "We are above the scene now of this unexplained fire outside the city. Rescue crews are on the way to what is apparently an abandoned home..."

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 31 35 years later The radio alarm clock by the bed clicked on when the big red digital numbers turned to five p.m. The classic rock station came on with Meatloaf'sHot Summer Night , and Samantha Welshire sat up in her bed. She crawled out of bed and wrestled with the sheets around her ankles. She threw on the faded jeans and boy tee, completing the convenient outfit with a baseball cap and sunglasses. Samantha walked slowly down the small stairway of her apartment house, fumbling with her bike every step of the way. She made it out the door and onto the bustling Philadelphia street block, then rode her bike down the busy sidewalk. Buses and cabs flew by, horns blasting. At a newsstand the vendor pulled a chilled mineral water out of his dripping cooler, and she slid the correct change into his hand. She rode down the street to the Children's Museum. The side door opened, and Samantha leaned her bike inside against the wall. Just in time, she clocked in her card. Monotony. The same routine day in, day out. That was how Samantha liked it. The locker room was lit with a bulb overhead, and she zipped up her janitor's jumpsuit for the next potentially messy task. Two of her coworkers came to the door and leaned into the dim light. Unlike her casual dress, the man and woman were dressed for their profession—ties, blazers, briefcases. Anthropologist Michael Appolito smiled. “Don't you ever go home, Samantha?” He put his arm around Dr. Stephanie Bridges. "Don't you ever eat or sleep?” She said. “You've been here all night." "Have I?” Samantha checked her watch and played coy. “Twelve hour day for yourselves, then." "Yeah.” Michael continued the joke. “Are you some vicious blood sucker who cannibalizes coworkers?" Stephanie slapped her brown haired significant other lightly on his arm. “Why don't you come out with us, Samantha?” she said. “Clean up can wait till morning." "I'm okay, guys, really.” Samantha shut the locker and walked with them to the side door. "You sure?” Michael was tall and husky in contrast to his diminutive companion. Their fine clothes suited them, but both carried a fun and adventurous spirit that aided them in their dirty dig work away from the museum office. "You two go.” Samantha pushed them. Her work was no less important. "Goodnight, then.” Stephanie went to the driver's side of her beige sedan. Michael waved goodbye to Samantha and slid in the passenger's side. Stephanie got in the car, but was not safe from Samantha's vampire ears.

"Poor thing." Michael fiddled with the radio station. “Must be tough having your boyfriend commit suicide." Samantha bolted the door and returned to the locker room. Michael and Stephanie were kind to her, gave her this night shift when all other jobs pressed for daytime work. Yet she knew there was a large amount of pity, and that made her nervous and hungry. She popped open the lid of her plastic container. Inside was a small steak surrounded by its red juices. Samantha grabbed the raw meat and ripped it with her previously delicate hands. She rammed the steak down her throat and tipped the plastic dish toward her lips. The raw juices of the steak dripped into her mouth and down her chin. Samantha splashed water on her face and looked at her dim reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her hair was short and shabby chic—or so she hoped—but there was nothing she could do about her height, which seemed to be shrinking. She dabbed her face dry with a paper towel and looked at herself again. Back to work. The elevator door parted at the center, and Samantha wheeled her mop and bucket into the cafeteria. Wait a minute...? She looked over her shoulder as the elevator beeped and shut. Who's there? The dim cafeteria was empty except for the rows of tables. Why did Samantha feel on her guard? Guilty, as if someone knew her dark secrets. But no one was there, and the floor was dirty. Samantha moved on to her next task. She sat on the floor in the gift shop with a clipboard on her lap and merchandise scattered around her. She looked over her shoulder again. Who is that? Who is in here? A small multicolored ball bounced from behind a display and rolled to her. She picked up the ball and exited the gift shop. Who would taunt her so? They must know. Study me for the animal I am. The main attraction, kids! It's a vampire named Samantha! She peeked her head through a door, but the offices of the museum were dark. **** Samantha slid her clean food container back into her backpack and shut the locker room door. She ran her fingers through her short blonde hair and sighed. A buzzer went off, and a red light flashed above the side door. She jumped, but calmed and unlocked for the shift proper as Michael and Stephanie squeezed into the museum. "Everything is clean now,” she said. A few spooks during the night hadn't bothered her before. The day had come as always. All should be forgotten.

"Thanks, Samantha.” Stephanie smiled, but surely her jitters did not go unnoticed. "I'm going to get my stuff and be on my way." "We'll see you tomorrow,” Michael agreed. Samantha exited the locker room with her hat, backpack, and sunglasses poised. She opened the side door and dragged out her bike. The ride home was without incident, beyond the traffic and city noise and morning rush hour excitement. The key turned in the lock, and she nudged her apartment door open with her trusty bike. She reached in, flicked up the light switch, and swung the door all the way. Samantha cringed. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 32 A slender, pale, dark haired young woman sat in Samantha's swivel chair. “You want some help with that?" Her hands were clasped, and she spun the chair around slowly, truly oblivious to Samantha's bike struggles despite her offer. "What would you know about helping anybody but yourself, Victoria?" "Why don't you just fly?” The chair circled around, just the top of her head was visible above the chair back. “That silly bicycle can't be the only transportation in this smoggy city." "Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love.” Samantha smirked. “What would you know about that?" Victoria jerked the spinning chair to a stop. "My brother is dead. You killed him.” She stood, her black dress contrasting Samantha's relaxed jeans. "James wasmy brother, too.” She sighed. “I didn't kill him." Intruding farther into the abode, Victoria wandered into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a wine bottle half full of red. She took a swallow, but grimaced as it went down. "Where is Jean?" Samantha did not answer, but she continued anyway. “We would expect you'd keep the Canuck around a few centuries. After all, you killed all of us for him." "I was sure you were dead." As dull as her life had become, Samantha would trade for the monotony rather than carry on with Victoria a moment longer. She did trade. Shehad killed her. What dark way had Victoria found to

return? Victoria opened and closed cabinets in the kitchen. “The dark magic has its ways. We're hungry." "Why are you speaking in the plural?” Samantha asked suddenly. "Gaston and I are trapped in here.” Victoria pointed to herself and cut off Samantha's next thought. “Don't ask us a trillion questions of the how and or why sort. This is not an exact science, and you won't be the first to get a doctorate in vampire genealogy if they ever make one." "Why are you here, Victoria?” She was blunt. “Those tricks at the museum didn't scare me, either." "We weren't at your kiddie museum.” Victoria seemed offended. “It was the Lilithan." "Really.” Samantha went into the bedroom and changed. “If you want to play games..." "This is no game.” She stood in the bedroom door. Clothes were all over the floor, and the posh woman hesitated before entering. "We destroyed the Lilithan five centuries ago.” Samantha slid a new shirt over her head. “A footnote in Father's journals, I'm sure." "You destroyed us thirty-five years ago, and here we are." "True.” She straightened her clothes and picked a hair scrunchie from the floor. “But I thought Mestiphles got rid of the Lilithan permanently?" "He can do whatever he wants, and he wants them back. After all, in our current means, we cannot fulfill our obligations.” Victoria sat on the very corner of the bed and crossed her legs. “It was the Lilithan who came to you at the museum." "I did feel a presence...” Samantha plopped down on a pile of clothes, and a bean bag chair squished underneath. "We cannot sense the Lilithan, but they are easy to spot among humans." "How do you know all this?" "We have been in quite high company recently." "So there was a presence,” she reaffirmed. “A presence I knew." "Well, it can't be one of us. Gaston and I were especially saved to give ourselves our own penance.” She paused. “Who?" Samantha climbed out of the clothed chair. “Victoria, please listen." "Who?” Her eyes changed color. “You destroy our family, and now you won't tell us who might still live? Memories of names and faces and places pass through this mind every time I blink. Tell us who lives."

"They don't want you to know." Get out of my mind, Victoria.Samantha grinned. “Maybe you should have been nicer when you had the chance." "The Lilithan have come back to destroy us. You killed your brother, your mother, and your father. They want you to pay. No one kills their kin, not even us. Mestiphles has sent them to cut down you and any Welshire vampires left. With us out of the way, Lilith can start a whole new world order. We're getting toasted because your playmate couldn't wait a century to see the sun!" Samantha smacked her across the cheek. Briefly, there was a distinct red welt against the porcelain white skin. Victoria's eyes swirled with red colors of rage—even after the welt faded away. "You are going to find the family, and we will search the streets for new recruits. We will have safety in numbers." She spoke for Samantha again, “Don't tell us there are no criminals in this city for we know there are, and don't warn us to not take anyone against their will. We will certainly ask them if it means never hearing you whine about it!" **** Samantha pulled up to the corner bookstore in a black car. The old-fashioned bell on the top of the door chimed, and Samantha entered the musty antiquarian store. A young man came down from the upstairs level. "I'm sorry, we're closed.” He spoke above a radio playingMontagues andCapulets . He still appeared as young as when Samantha first met him, but his knowledge outgrew his youthful appearance long ago. He smiled and forgot his last words. "Well, well.” He stepped down and hugged her. "Theodore! You don't look a day over one hundred." He laughed. Scholarly as he was, Theodore hadn't lost his wit in his books. “Yes, my grandfather left me this place. Theodore was his name, of course." The laughter and friendly words died down, and the sandy haired man spoke again. “That's a nice car out there. You've done better than you let on." "Victoria insisted I get better transportation,” she said. "Victoria?” Theodore did not sound excited. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 33 Victoria came down the steps and slammed the outside door. That was that. Here she was in this dreadful city back in vampire action. The sidewalk flowed with people, and she glimpsed at all the

yummy shapes and sizes in the dim light of the sunset. She saw a man walk out of the alleyway across the street. He hurried yet tried to look casual—leather jacket, dark edge. Victoria used her unusual magic and looked at his memory of the alleyway. A dead woman, violated and choked, in the trash where she belongs. Victoria crossed the street and followed the man. The natural assassin shook his dark shaved head, and his muscular arms relaxed. He felt he was a safe distance from the crime scene. She saw the memory of the alley leave him, and he approached another woman standing by a new alleyway. Victoria smiled. We want to see this. Victoria stood behind the dumpster and watched her newfound prodigy in action. He choked his victim and completed the unwanted violation all humans dreaded. Crude methods, but nothing we can't fix. The victim was tough. It took him a while to make sure she was good and dead; then the lifeless victim fell among the bags of trash. Victoria stepped quietly into view. Her protégé looked at her. "Who the hell are you?” He wiped the sweat from his brow. “What? You want some of this, too?” The man stepped closer and took in her dark clothes and pale skin. He saw the snake band around her bicep and the pendants hanging on her neck. “What are you? Some sorta witch or goth freak or some shit like that?" Victoria tried not to smile. She leaped out of the shadows, and the man jumped back. He fell to the ground, and she was there without hesitation. She grabbed the man's head and exposed the pulsing neck. Her eyes swirled red and hungry. Her fangs extended, and she punctured the vein. Samantha, hurry! She jerked her car to a stop in front of the alley, and Victoria dragged her prodigy by his leather jacket. Samantha opened the back door. “He's not dead, is he?" Victoria took a second and looked at the car, then dumped the man inside. “If he were dead, why would we still be lugging him around?” She climbed into the backseat. Samantha ran around the car and got in the driver's seat. “Why did you take so much?” She quickly started the car and sped away. "We got carried away. Where are we going?" "The museum." The vampire sisters took care not to be seen as they took Victoria's victim from the car to the museum basement. Victoria sat on the edge of the fainting couch with her prodigy. “This is a very nice place you have here." The French styled basement had some cobwebs about.

"Jean decorated it several years ago.” Samantha dusted off the end table. “We lived here for a while." Victoria looked at the open style. Paintings were hung, rugs were layered on the floor, and a coffin surrounded by candles was in the corner. “We like it." "Will you please stop talking like that?” Samantha threw her dust rag and slumped in a chair. "We can't help it,” Victoria said. “Gaston's here, too. Neither of us dominates. We just coexist. Sort of." The protégé stirred and woke with a slow look around. “Where am I?" Samantha leaned over him as Victoria addressed the prodigy. “We have a proposition for you." "Are you interested, Caine Peters?” She smiled, but there was a banging noise upstairs. Victoria looked to the ceiling. "Oh, no,” Samantha said. “Michael and Stephanie are here." "Who's Michael and Stephanie?” Victoria mumbled. Samantha ran up the spiral stairs, but Victoria followed her and grabbed Samantha's arm. “Will they know we're here if you don't tell them?" "No, but...” She tried to continue up the stairs. "The car is in the garage next door?" "Yes." "We must remain hidden,” Victoria said sternly. “They must not see." "They are my friends. I will not deceive them." "Deception is our survival.” she let go of her. “Do they know you are a vampire?" "No." "Then you have already deceived them." Victoria laid her prodigy down in the coffin. Backgrounds could be discussed later. The sun was rising. "It takes some getting used to.” She brought the lid down. “But you must sleep now. Sweet dreams." She looked at the engraved J on the side of the coffin. “Is this Jean's coffin?" "It was.” Samantha plopped in yet another Louis XVI chair. Victoria turned to her. “Where is he? We need any help we can get, and this is somewhat his fault." "Victoria—Gaston—whoever you are,” Samantha spoke firmly. “I will only say this once, so both of you listen good. Jean is dead." Victoria leaned over the coffin and put her chin in her hand. “You know, what if we found a good

looking body, killed him, and put Gaston in it?" "Ugh.” Samantha looked disgusted. “You will never change, Victoria. I'm going home." **** The doorbell rang two or three times, and Samantha tried to find the end of the sheets twisted around her head. The door clicked, unlocked, and slowly opened. Samantha pulled the covers off her head and jumped. "I let myself in.” Theodore put his index finger to his temple. “I located The Few." Samantha nodded. “Victoria has a new recruit." "Do we have any information on the enemy?" She chuckled at Theodore's choice of words. All the vampire men had served in the military at some point. “No." "I have a Professor friend,” he began. “He found some resourceful information among the ashes." "Father's library?” Samantha asked excitedly. "Apparently, some of Antonio's documents were saved." **** Victoria woke in the chair by Jean's coffin. Her internal clock was just right; she stretched and slinked up the spiral stairs. She let the side door slam behind her and stepped down onto the pavement. It was late afternoon, as she suspected, and she leaned casually against a column by the museum's main entrance. She looked at the people passing by and observed intently. They only vaguely glanced at her. Too busy, too rushed to wonder, question the world around them. She chuckled at the women in dress suits and sneakers. Fools. What is that? Scrutinization. Whose eyes are on me? Feverishly, Victoria looked around her, trying to pinpoint the location of her predator. The words toI'm Your Venus blurred and slowed as a man with a boom box passed by. There was the enemy. She glided down the street, and her long blonde hair bounced with every delicate step. Her off-white clothes fit and moved according to the contours of her body. Victoria cringed as the enemy gazed upon its prey... Lilith. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 34 Somewhere in Britain, 1555 The wooden door of Antonio's dungeon study opened, and Antonio stepped inside. Mestiphles was not far behind.

"What is this all about?” Antonio slid into his chair behind the desk. “You always come around at the most inopportune times.”Must he come and gloat at their below ground lifestyle? "New word for you?” Mestiphles said. “I am here on business. Unfortunately, bad business, Antonio." "What did I do now?” He put his feet up on the desk. His hair was shorter, and his kilts had been replaced by plain britches, but his stubborn manner was unchanged. "It's what you haven't done that's gotten you in trouble,” Mestiphles continued even as Antonio stared elsewhere. “Gaston is done. The son you never knew is with you now always, harmless. I understand you've needed to rebuild a fitting residence, but it has been two hundred years! Certainly you could have made one or two vampires in your spare time?" "We have Sarah,” Antonio said weakly. “And that Eric, who Ann made. I don't like him." "I care not for your petty squabbles.” Mestiphles sighed. “The point being, you are behind schedule. Why do you cower in the face of upheaval? Something needs to be done.” He went to the door. “I present your new coworker—Lilith." A young woman with flowing blonde hair and a long creamy gown brightened the dark room. Antonio was shocked and confused. Attractive, there was no doubt, but beneath the curled tresses and effortless gown Antonio felt jealousy and something perhaps more sinister than he. "Am I being replaced?" "You're not listening.” Mestiphles offered her a chair. “I said coworker. Lilith and I have worked together several times over the centuries." Lilith softened. “Mestiphles said I am supposed to help in the disciple process.” Her voice was as innocent as a snowflake, or so it seemed. Antonio put his feet down and sat upright in his chair. Mestiphles was bad enough. His charisma and charm in a woman? Never. "Lilly, is it? I don't want your help, nor did I ask for it." "Lilith is here by my invitation.” Mestiphles stressed her name. “All this hostility ends right here and now. Your covens will coexist for my benefit, and if you are smart, yours." Mestiphles opened the door. “Remember, whatever happens, it all comes back to me. Problems between you two I will not take lightly!" **** Stephen knocked a soft rap on the bedroom door. "Come in." He opened the door slowly, peered inside and smiled. Lilith leaned back and fluffed her hair. "Usually I'm the one summoning friends to my room.” His eyes changed color with his wild thoughts, but

he blinked, and his blue irises returned. "Really?” She played sweet. Stephen suspected her feminine ways served her well—be it recruits, victims, or personal pleasure. “Come over here and tell me about it." He approached the bed, but the door swung open. Antonio's wayward son had been caught in his escapade by his mother. "Let's go, Stephen.” Ann stormed into the room, and he slowly shuffled out the door. Ann lingered a moment more, then left. Stephen hurried to the swording assembly to avoid his mother's wrath. He stood by nervously and watched the sparring practice. James bowed slowly, and Charles did the same. James’ sword was sleek and streamlined. Quiet but no less forceful, much like its owner. Ever contrary, Charles hoisted a hefty broadsword. They raised their swords, and the fighting instructor stepped away. "Advance." Perhaps he was skilled less than his younger brother, but James lacked Stephen's wild moves and killer instincts. Young Adam glanced at Stephen but turned back to the fight. He was Jessica's fledgling, but the impressionable youth looked to her sire for friendship and vampire know-how. Ann's vampire lover Eric looked on, and Slava observed as well. James lunged and recoiled properly, but Charles created moves of his own. He swiped the sword across his legs, but James jumped up, missing the cut. Wasting no time, Charles rammed the handle of his sword into James’ stomach. He fell to the floor and gasped for air. Adam hurried to his side. Stephen stepped over James and raised his sword toward Charles. “Is that how the fight will be played?" "No,” James interceded. "Gentlemen!” The instructor dismissed. “No more for today." **** "I want that woman out of my house!” Ann slammed her hands on Antonio's desk. Two blonde temptresses in this house simply would not do. Her blonde hair was loose and wild; her svelte dress the deepest shade of crimson. She didn't hide her vampiric nature or her anger for Antonio, Lilith, or anyone else. “Her angelic impressions and façade are enough!" "This isn't your house. It is Elizabeth's.” Antonio stayed calm behind the desk and smiled at his wife. Ann's dark haired sister curbed whatever she thought and stood silent. "Elizabeth agrees with me. She is up to something! She just doesn't want to coexist. Lilith wants it all. She has gathered henchman quickly. Mestiphles must be pleased." Antonio scoffed. “You should be thankful she wasn't trying to kill Stephen." "It's only a matter of time. One by one she is going to kill us.” She looked at Elizabeth. For once, they agreed on something.

"Isn't there something you can do, Antonio?” Elizabeth asked. “Talk to her. Warn her?" "I cannot reprimand her.” Antonio put his head in his hands and leaned on the desk. “I have no authority over her. She is here to make sure we stay in line, not the other way around." Ann headed for the door, but she could not resist the final word. "Is it Lilith or Mestiphles you're more afraid of?" Ann exited, but Adam waited by the door. "I know James would never bring his case to you.” He held onto the handle of his sheathed sword. Already he had been a soldier and a blacksmith and a handful of other professions before finding his vampire destiny. “He would not want to start trouble, I know that, sir." Antonio sat back in his chair, and Elizabeth stood statuesque but silent beside him as always. "Why not let Stephen finish Charles?” Antonio tested the noble blonde. He was a lot like him. Gaston, as he should have been. "This feuding in the lower ranks is not good, sir.” Adam was silent, then continued. “It does not make sense, my lady." He brushed the fading scar on his cheek. “In addition to my own mark, Eric was also gashed upon the face by Jeremiah. Slava was stabbed by Bradley, and today's incident with Charles." "Thank you, Adam,” Elizabeth said kindly. He nodded and left the room. "He is very good, Antonio. Adam acts like a soldier in a dark army, the way it should be." "Jessica chose well." "Why is Mestiphles upset if we are making good vampires slowly? I'm sure he's met Pamela." "He will take any kind of vampire, any way right now. What would he care of Stephen's fun? The fledglings have noticed something. My power has been undermined. The ranks will fall out from beneath us." "Antonio, really.” She calmed him. Fidelity aside, Elizabeth's gentile nature made her the perfect wife. “If anything, we shall rally together and defeat this internal plague." Antonio was angry. “We've got to do something about this Lilith..." **** Antonio sat at the head of the long wooden table as cooks filed out of the kitchen with several plates of meat. The dining room had been restored to its former glory, but grumbles of dissent stirred it again. Antonio raised his hand and sent the cooks back to their domain. “If I may have a moment?" Catrina nudged James several times, but he kept his head down and looked not on his fledgling. Eric tapped his fingers nervously beside Ann. Antonio shifted.

"We've—” The back door in the kitchen squeaked shut, and Victoria slid into her seat. He began again. "I understand we have some problems with our house guests. There is no point in trying to deny there aren't any squabbles between ourselves and the Lilithan.” Antonio leaned back and put his feet up on the table. “However, I think it is in our best interests to tolerate Lilith and her fledglings’ behavior—for the time being." "Tolerate?” Slava was no doubt irritated. His Cossack nature was not one of stillness. “They are not just competing to make fledglings. They are slicing us down left and right." We've been through this before. Sarah looked at Adam's scar, then to Antonio. "We can't just sit here, Father,” Stephen voiced his opinion beside his silent sister Samantha. “Things will escalate." "If things escalate, we will not be the cause. Is that understood?" "I guess so,” Pamela begrudged, and Jessica nodded. "Yes,” Slava agreed. "I suppose,” Eric finalized. “Can we eat now?" The cooks came out again as Ann whispered to Antonio. “You think inaction is best?" He took his plate. “Lilith must be doing this on her own. Mestiphles could eliminate us himself if he wanted. Let her stray from the course, not us." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 35 Philadelphia, 21st Century The door to Samantha's apartment slammed shut and Victoria rushed in, out of breath and wide-eyed. "I saw her,” she panted to Samantha and Theodore. “I saw Lilith." "How do you know it was her?” Theodore sat in a swivel chair. He had not yet had the misfortune of meeting Lilith. "We remember her. She stared us down. Scrutinized us! It was Lilith." "Did a dose of your own medicine do you in?” Samantha taunted, then composed herself. Victoria hadn't noticed her second guest. “Victoria, this is Professor Anton James.” A balding, yet full man stood from the couch. “He has a few of Father's texts and is willing to share their contents." Victoria went to the swivel chair and pulled Theodore out of it. He slid into the nearby recliner while she

regained her selfish self. "So,” she spun slowly in the chair, “what are you a Professor of?" The well-dressed Professor cleared his throat. “The occult." "I studied a thing or two with the Professor,” Theodore piped. "How could this aging human know more than us?” Victoria sneered. She never listens!“He has Father's books,” Samantha repeated. "Yes,” the Professor interrupted. “An underground area of the building survived the fire. Many of the books were turned over to the authorities. When the police declared them rubbish, I requested the material. Eventually, the manuscripts were released to me." "Is there anything in the texts about removing the vampirism?” Samantha questioned intently. "We need information about the Lilithan,” Victoria said. “After this is over, you can walk on the moon for all I care, and Gaston agrees." The Professor pulled down his glasses a bit and examined her. “Well, reading about you isn't quite the same as having your peculiar being right here before me." "Where are these books?” Theodore asked the Professor. "They are located at my personal library. In London." **** Victoria exited the flight tunnel, and the young attendant at the terminal shuddered. "We're going to customs, and then we'll get the luggage.” Samantha pointed to herself and the Professor. "The others will all be here by tomorrow,” Theodore said, he and Victoria sitting in a furnished section of the airport. “They're coming for themselves, not to see you, Victoria." Victoria looked past him and grimaced. The swarm of people rushed around them, but the noise of the airport disappeared when Lilith passed through in the crowd. Theodore turned and glimpsed her. The Lilithan leader's white wardrobe hid her dark nature. A little boy dropped his toy and stopped before Victoria to pick it up. Her eyes shifted to the boy, but when she looked up, Lilith was gone. Samantha, she's here! **** Samantha waited for her luggage to come around, and Professor James rented a car. “I have made the necessary arrangements.” He dangled the keys in the air. "Good.” Samantha reached for the small kennel coming around the luggage belt. She carried the box to a bench and lifted the dark curtain over the door. "Are you all right?"

"I will be, when you get me back to being human again!” A little black puppy spouted from inside the cage. "You're not human anymore, Caine, and you agreed this was the only way you could travel in the daylight." "You could have shipped the coffin." The unnatural dog abruptly flattened his ears. He looked out of his cage and growled. "I see him.” Samantha followed the dog's line of sight. "See who?” The Professor adjusted his glasses. "Him.” She nodded toward a tall man standing by a row of phone booths. "I see.” The Professor looked intently. “Pale skin similar to yours. The enemy, I take it?" "One of them.” Samantha slipped the dark cover back over the cage. “Let's go. Victoria is calling." **** The mysterious Lilithan fledgling waited by the phone booths until Samantha and the Professor walked away. He stepped toward a door marked ‘Storage,’ looked both ways, and entered the dark room. "Jonathan, where have you been?” Lilith sat on an upside down crate and looked up at her lanky minion. "Samantha and their human friend picked up the fledgling. He is inexperienced." Lilith smiled. “Then, he will be easy to take care of. None of them has what it takes, not without Antonio. The Welshires are their own undoing." A grimace slid over her fair face, and Jonathan cringed. The door opened, and the two Lilithan sighed. Lilith remained cool before Rain. "I have no time for people who waste mine, even those who aide us against the enemy." "You've got all the time in this universe and the next,” Rain retorted. “I'm selling out my maker, and you want me to be on time?" "You help us take out Victoria and you live. That's the bargain. Or do you want to change it?” Jonathan smirked at the old Kiowa. Rain quieted. “No." "Good.” Lilith smiled again. “Let's go." Jonathan made sure the coast was clear, then the trio entered the airport promenade. "This is ludicrous.” Rain stood near the airport terminal. “We've already waited by two terminals and haven't seen a Welshire yet. Why not stake out the Professor?"

Lilith peered through all the tourists and looked for her enemies. “We must limit their number." Rain snorted at her logic, but the tourists parted, and he recognized Catrina. James’ fledgling was as goth and sexy as ever. "Who is that?” she asked with an edge in her voice. Self-serving as she may be, Lilith wasn't stupid. "Catrina.” Rain's throat was dry. “Victoria never liked her. Why not leave them to distract each other? Why not let Victoria feel she has strength in numbers? Catrina can do us no harm." "Go get her,” Lilith ordered. “And stick to my plan." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 36 The Few Welshire vampires still looked the same to Samantha. She bent over slightly and offered a glass on her tray to Jessica. The sultry vampire took one, and the Professor looked curiously at the vampires sitting around his truly English study. Angelo took a glass and swallowed its contents in one gulp, but prissy Pamela scoffed at his behavior. Theodore counted slowly to himself. "Two of us are missing.” He counted again. “Where is Caine?" "Oh!” Victoria left quickly and returned with a cranky puppy squirming in her arms. She sat on the couch, the puppy next to her. The beast slowly grew bigger, and all the dark fur receded. The ears shortened and legs lengthened until Caine laid an evil gaze on the gaping Professor. "What could have happened to Catrina?” Angelo said. "She was coming with Rain,” Samantha answered. “They should be here." "Rain?” Victoria said sharply. "I saw him a few years back in Moscow.” Slava sipped his glass slowly, not caring for her issues. “Do we unnerve you, Professor?" He straightened his glasses. “I think I am just a little overwhelmed." "Shall we reconvene tomorrow?” Samantha sat next to Slava. "We don't have much time.” Victoria finally put up something useful. Pamela looked at the ladder against the bookcase. “Are these Antonio's books?" "No.” The Professor stood. “This way please, ladies and gentlemen." The Professor proudly parted the solid doors to the next room, and Samantha followed.

"Many pages were badly burned, especially the older ones. The ink was faded as well. We treated the pages one by one and laid them out in order,” the Professor explained the collection, and the creatures of the night expanded around the room. Glass cases lined the walls like a museum. Jessica looked through the glass at one page. "My name's on here." "My name's there, too.” Pamela peered over her companion's shoulder. “And yours is below mine, Slava." "Where's our names?” Victoria butted in. "That appears to be some sort of registry Antonio kept.” The Professor seemed at ease in his knowledge. “See here, where the page is charred, you can see a one and a three. That must be the year you came into his coven." "1312,” Jessica confirmed. The Professor took Victoria to a different case. “You my dear, Victoria, are all the way back here. Victoria Welshire, 1137." Samantha passed by and briefly glanced at the page. There I am. "Is this all the same book?” she asked. Theodore spoke from the other side of the room. “This is some sort of daily planner or a personal diary." "Antonio didn't write very well.” Angelo read with surprise, although he himself was more for a good time than words. “Ann and Elizabeth argued today. They argued yesterday and will probably argue tomorrow." He snickered, but turned serious. “Here's something about Lilith.” He continued to read. “Ann is upset over Lilith. The new fledgling Charles wounded James yesterday." "This is the same woman you dealt with before?” The Professor pushed up his glasses. "Mestiphles sent Lilith to increase our productivity.” Victoria slid her hand along the edge of the glass case. “When she did not cooperate, he got rid of her. Just as he is doing to us now." "Who is this?” Caine tapped Samantha on the shoulder and pointed to a picture in one of the cases. Samantha saw the bubbled photograph of Jean, but didn't answer. "This is going to take some time,” Theodore said. “I suggest a few of us stay here, and the rest pan out." "We can't all be in the same place,” Caine agreed. Samantha suspected his criminal knowledge and cloak and dagger techniques for avoiding cops—similar, but different from Theodore's calculated mind. "Theodore, Pamela,” Victoria ordered, “stay here and read Father's books. The rest of you, be on the

lookout for Catrina and Rain." The Welshires looked up from their readings, but no one moved. "Do as she says,” Samantha affirmed. The Few filtered from the room. Caine turned up his short black collar and followed them past Victoria. "You're staying here.” She grabbed his arm. “You'll be the first one they want.” Caine groaned but turned back to the cases of books. "What was that?” Victoria turned to Samantha. "You represent the old tyranny, Victoria,” Theodore intervened. “I told you, they fight for themselves, not for you." **** Jonathan entered the abandoned warehouse from the alley. It was dark but easy to spot Lilith. Her light pants and shirt gave away her position in the shadows. Rain offered a cup of blood to Catrina, but she turned away. "Why are you so nice to her?” Lilith took the cup and emptied it in her mouth, then pulled Rain close and kissed him. Blood seeped into his mouth, but Rain pushed Lilith away and wiped his lips. "Well?” Lilith demanded. "I got the apartment address.” He held a crumbled piece of paper. "Let's see if the doctors are in,” Lilith commanded him, and Jonathan left. Heavy wings echoed above the drafty warehouse, and Jonathan's transformed figure flew into the night sky. The black bird looped above the city, crowed, and dipped between the high-rises. The feathers peeled away, and Jonathan swooped down on the metal fire escape. He peered into the window of Michael and Stephanie's apartment. The Philadelphia street bustled with the same noises as the television at the foot of the bed, and Stephanie took the remote control from Michael. Jonathan observed the doctor couple letting loose. "Hey!” Michael tickled Stephanie, and they tumbled onto the bed. He seized his remote control and kissed her. She laughed. "Did you hear that?” She cut the fun short and turned serious. "Hear what? It's the TV.” He kissed her neck. Jonathan burst through the window, pushed Michael to the floor, and pounced on Stephanie. She screamed, and the Lilithan roared. His eyes flamed red, and his mouth foamed. Michael jumped onto Jonathan from behind, but he turned and grabbed the doctor. Tall and strong as Michael was, he was but a morsel compared to the ruthlessness of the Lilithan. Jonathan thrust the good doctor against the wall. He clenched Michael's neck in his hand, raised him off the floor, and laughed. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 37 The potato sack lifted, and Michael shook the dirt from his hair. Stephanie was revealed next to him in the damp warehouse. "Are you okay?” he whispered. She nodded slightly, and Jonathan snorted at them. He was tall and wiry with evil and glared at them because he hadn't done what he really wanted to do. Lilith approached them. “So these are the human friends Samantha is so fond of?" "What do you want from us?” Michael braved. Lilith curled her hair around her fingers as she circled Michael and Stephanie. "A little of this. A little of that. Very good physical specimen. The perfect psychology." "What are you going to do to us?” Stephanie asked. "Only a little bit.” Lilith smiled. “You are going to help me get rid of a friend of yours." **** Samantha walked casually down the busy London street. They mustn't see. "At this light I'm going to cross the street,” Angelo said. He walked with his usual nonchalance beside her, except for his lingering glances at the female Londoners. "Find out where Jessica wandered off to,” Samantha ordered. Angelo made it across safely, but Slava jerked to a stop in the middle of the street. A car shrieked to a halt, and a horn blew. He hurried to Samantha. "I saw one. Not Lilith, but I'm sure it was a Lilithan. A female." "Lilith must be stocking up, just like we are." "Did you see the male over there?” Slava looked over his shoulder, but Angelo stopped on the opposite sidewalk. "What is he doing?” Slava asked. Samantha peered past the whizzing cars and saw the Lilithan female. The red-haired enemy hurried into a building. "Angelo is following her,” Samantha said. “Let's go." Slava followed. “A butcher's shop. How fitting."

They met Angelo before the store, and the trio entered, but it was dark and empty. "There must be a back entrance,” he concluded. Samantha went around the counter and led the way through the plastic curtain where patrons weren't normally allowed. "We should check the freezer.” Slava looked at the large steel door. He took hold of the handle and pulled the heavy door open. Angelo leaned inside the freezer and flicked on the light switch. The light buzzed, and he gasped. Slava covered his mouth and gagged. A gutted body dangled on a hook inside the freezer. Slabs of beef hung around it, and Jessica's head was perched on the floor. "Dammit!” Samantha grimaced and quickly looked away. This was not a phone call she was looking forward to making. **** Pamela's hand shook, and the phone dropped from her ear. "What did Angelo say?” Victoria asked, impatient. "They got Jessica.” Pamela's lip trembled, and she turned away. The Professor put a cautious hand on her shoulder. “Now, now, dear." Victoria sneered. “Well, that's another one we can blame Samantha for." "Give it up, please,” Caine told her off. Theodore groaned. "We made you a vampire, remember that.” Victoria thrust her thumb at herself then looked at Pamela. “If you're going to go soft, tell us now." Pamela's green eyes turned black, and her hand grew into a cat's paw. She reached out from the Professor's comfort and slashed Victoria's cheek. Theodore interceded, and she slid back into the comfort of the Professor. Caine led Victoria away and chuckled. **** Angelo hung up the pay phone and shook his head. “What do we do now?" Samantha was ready. “We take the offensive." "They're on the rooftop!” Slava pointed above the butcher's shop. Lilith stepped onto the ledge and looked down at the Welshires. Jonathan handed Jessica's body to her, several sticks of dynamite strapped to the chest. He lit the fuses, and Lilith let the body go. It plummeted off the rooftop, and Samantha started toward the building. Slava held her back. "There is nothing you can do now."

"Let's go.” Lilith smiled, then disappeared from view. The body crashed onto a parked car, and the windshield shattered. The dynamite went off, and the car exploded. The blast echoed all around. People took cover as cars swerved away from the hot metal. The flames spread to the butcher shop, and the windows shattered and popped. The fire moved inside the building, and fire alarms rang out. "We have to get out of here.” Angelo maneuvered through the crowd. Slava turned away, but Samantha saw someone on top the building and gasped. Rain. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 38 "What?” Victoria exclaimed. "Rain is working with the Lilithan,” Samantha told the Welshires again. “It was his presence I felt at the museum." "He is one of you, but is helping them?” The Professor took off his glasses and wiped his brow. "Unbelievable,” Theodore said. "Maybe she has him prisoner?” Pamela guessed. "If she has him, it is a good bet she has Catrina,” Angelo said. "He has to be working for her,” Victoria said flatly. "Pessimist,” Pamela said. "Youdid try and kill him, Victoria,” Slava recalled. "Apparently, he's not dead." Caine slouched on the Professor's couch. “He's a traitor. Maybe heshould be dead." "No,” Theodore said. “He must share his knowledge of the Lilithan with us." "How do you suppose we find this Rain?” the Professor asked. Victoria grew tight lipped, and Theodore walked to her. "You see, Professor.” He knelt beside her. “Every maker has a special spot right here.” Theodore jabbed her forehead with his forefinger. “That allows her to find any one of her fledglings." He stood. “Angelo, Victoria, and I will go out now. As her fledglings, maybe we can help her locate

Rain and the Lilithan." "I can't go out in the daylight,” Caine interceded. "It is better you remain here anyway.” Angelo stood also. “You are the newest fledgling and the most vulnerable." Samantha turned to the Professor, “Have you found anything in the books? A weakness of the Lilithan?" "We haven't found anything, yet." "If we could find the answers in the books, we wouldn't need stupid Rain,” Victoria grumbled. "Even if we don't need his information,” Slava looked at her, “Rain knows too much about us. We can't let him help the Lilithan. If he won't side with us, he will have to be destroyed." **** The Professor's sitting room was dark. Small rays of light peered from behind the drawn curtains, but Caine slept safely behind the couch. Samantha turned on the sofa next to Slava, but Pamela slept soundly in the recliner. The door opened, and a wave of light panned across the room. Slava woke with fiery red eyes and his fangs extended, but the Professor slid into the room and cleared his throat. Samantha woke and stretched out her arms. The Professor remained calm. "I've found something." **** "This is ridiculous!” Victoria clutched the car's interior, and Theodore weaved in and out of traffic. Angelo chuckled at Victoria and reached up to adjust the radio, but she slapped his hand away back to the back seat. How dare he try to changeBlack Magic Woman! Theodore's cell phone rang. "What is that infernal noise?” Victoria asked, irritated. Angelo's smile grew bigger, and Theodore let the phone ring a few more times before clicking on the talk button. "What is it?" "We've found some information in the books,” Samantha said over the speaker. "Victoria is having no luck,” Theodore told her. "Perhaps in her altered state the fledgling connection is lost?” Angelo leaned closer to the phone. "Altered state?” Victoria mumbled. **** Theodore sped along, paying little attention to the store alarms as he sped by the supermarket parking lot. Angelo pointed out Victoria's window.

"It's a Lilithan!" Jonathan slid through the closing automatic doors and ran into the car park. Packs of meat squeezed from the paper bag in his arms as he darted through the vehicles. "Somebody stop that guy!” The security guard stopped, out of breath. Jonathan jumped into the street. Theodore jammed both feet on the brake. Angelo looked up and saw Jonathan leaning on the hood. The bag of meat was scattered on the ground, but Jonathan left it and broke off across the traffic. Victoria opened the car door and raced across the street after him. "Victoria!” Theodore yelled after her. "What the hell does she think she's doing?” Angelo asked. "Shit.” Theodore started the car again. “Get up here." Angelo tumbled into the front seat and shut the door as the car rolled away. "What about all that meat?" Jonathan turned down an alley and jumped over a trash can, but Victoria raced after him. He jumped onto the fire escape, but Victoria transformed into a wolf and leaped up after him. Jonathan cried out; his leg was clamped inside the wolf's jaw. He lost his grip and fell to the hard concrete below. The wolf was on him. "That's her!” Theodore turned the car into the alley. Victoria stood up and wiped the blood from her mouth. Angelo stepped out of the car. “What the hell was that about?" "Let's see how Lilith does without her right hand man.” She smiled and slid into the backseat. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 39 Ann's Bedroom, 16th Century "What the hell is this?” Antonio voiced his anger. Ann reached around him and shut her door. “Keep your voice down." Charles sat on Ann's bed, his hands tied before him. Stephen held the point of his sword against the Lilithan's throat. “He broke into Mother's room." "He had this with him.” Ann handed Antonio a small dagger. He examined the weapon. “One swipe with this, and your head would have been clean off."

"Comforting,” Ann retorted. "Is this proof enough, Father?” Stephen asked. “This madman sneaks into my mother's room. Attacks her in her bed!” The point of Stephen's sword broke the skin, and a trickle of blood dripped down Charles’ neck. "This proves nothing.” Antonio turned the weapon and gave it back to Ann. “Let him go." "What?” Stephen and Ann voiced their disagreement. "I don't like it.” Eric stood from his dark corner chair and walked to Ann. He put his arms around her, and she looked away from Antonio. Eric remained bold in his speech, “I know what we can do with the Lilithan." Much to his chagrin, Antonio followed Eric's plan. He had to save his reputation before Ann's cohort now. He followed behind Stephen as they neared the bowels of the castle. "Lilith will not stand for this!” Charles protested. Eric and Stephen shoved him down the dungeon hall. James joined them. “It is because of Lilith's meddling that we do this." Stephen pushed him against the wall and bound his right arm over his head while Eric clamped the left wrist into an iron cuff. James stood before the strung up Charles. “What were you doing in Ann's bedroom? Was it part of a plan designed by Lilith?" "You'll get nothing from me,” Charles defied. Stephen took the torch out of its holder and jabbed his side with the flame. "Thank you, Stephen,” James hinted. “I am trying to make this the least painful for all of us." "That is why he's doing the talking and not me,” Stephen whispered in Charles’ ear. “There would be no talking if it were up to me." "Where are Adam and Slava?” James questioned. "I'll see to them.” Eric left. "Did Mestiphles send Lilith to destroy us?” James continued. Charles remained silent. "You answer to me.” James stepped closer. “Or I can turn this interrogation over to someone with a more painful approach in mind." "James.” Adam entered with his shirt rolled up in a bundle. “I got all the cooks had.” Cloves of garlic tumbled from his shirt, and he warned James, “It kind of itches a little." Eric followed and spread the pile of garlic about with his foot. He picked up a hearty clove and put it in Charles’ mouth. “Let's see if that gets you to talk."

Slava entered the dank dungeon. "Catrina thought this might help.” He handed a rosebud to James. "Those thorns make good cuts.” Stephen slinked around Charles. “They take a long time to heal." He burned his side with the torch again. The captive spit away the garlic and groaned. "How is he?” Antonio appeared from the darkness and patted James on the back. They had done well, but it was time for his special touch. "He is not talking." "Perhaps this will make him.” Antonio slung a necklace around Charles’ neck, and the cross pendant burned into his skin. **** Samantha read from Antonio's journal though the ink had faded in the subsequent five centuries. “Lilith also kept hoards of seeds in her cabinets, and wore a small glass packed with seeds about her neck." "Garlic gives me the itches something awful.” Angelo shuddered and scratched at the thought. "If we're careful, we could use the garlic and the roses against them,” Slava remembered. "The crosses didn't seem to be a problem?” Theodore looked to Samantha for confirmation. "'I recommend roses and holy materials as best protection against the Lilithan,'” she read. "What about the seeds?” Pamela asked. "It seems as if she needs them almost as much as blood,” the Professor said. "They are her security blanket,” Victoria piped. "So let's get some garlic, some roses, and nail this bitch!” Caine tried to raise the morale. Victoria smiled. “We have an idea." **** Caine banged on the cigarette machine two more times before a pack finally came. Victoria rolled her eyes. He lit the toxin with his Zippo, adding a brief candle to the evening parking lot. "Will these things still kill you?” Caine took a puff and offered it to Victoria. She took a puff, exhaled, and leaned against the brick wall of the supermarket. "No,” she answered. “This was not what we had in mind." "For the last time,” he raised his voice, “no one is trying to get rid of you. I am the rookie. Okay? I am the bait."

Victoria remained silent as Caine took the cigarette back and puffed. He flicked the butt away and pinned her against the wall. "Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you. Maybe later I'll really make it up to you." Victoria looked away, feeling her eyes change with emotion. Caine looked in the direction of her glare. Across the street, in front of a bookstore, Rain looked at them. **** "I knew you'd get her attention.” Lilith stepped beside Rain as he focused on Victoria. Her chatter annoyed him much as Victoria's fickle nature. Rain wanted her punished, but he disliked Lilith's methods from the start. He reported to her nonetheless. "They're moving inside." "Mary, get the prisoners,” Lilith ordered her second fledgling. “These Welshires have been more difficult than I expected." Rain ignored them and concentrated on the supermarket.Are you sure this is enough garlic? The Sunflower seeds are in aisle seven. Get the bouquets of roses from the front. "It is a trap,” he said. "Nonsense.” Lilith smiled. “That twit Victoria and her pet could never plan anything." "The rest are inside." Lilith held so little value for him or any Welshire, but her crew was weak. Mary came up with Catrina and held tightly to her arm. "Hurry up,” Lilith ordered the lagging Michael and Stephanie. Catrina stared across to the supermarket with Rain. "Supposing you are right,” Lilith wasn't stupid, after all, “you two Welshires are walking in first." **** Grocery customers moved in and out of the market and traversed aisles, unaware of the vampires among them. Victoria turned down the next aisle, but the supermarket intercom cut intoEvil Woman , and she crashed her cart full of sunflower seeds into a display. Pamela passed her with a basket on her arm. A bag of garlic was alone in the basket, and she held a single rose in her hand. She sniffed it and whispered to Victoria, “Being a bit conspicuous, aren't we?" Caine continued past them and Victoria fumbled her cart to the next aisle after him. There was Samantha, in the store's kitchenware aisle. "They are outside,” Caine said. Samantha put the single knife back on its hook and took a packaged knife set. “Across the street." She reached for Caine's wristwatch. "The store will close soon. Lilith will not risk anything until after the humans are gone. We mustn't let

them see." "Round up the others?" "We'll hide in the back until everyone leaves." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 40 The last store employee flicked the switch before he left the supermarket, leaving it presumably empty. The lights inside the supermarket and the lighted sign outside shut down, and Theodore appeared from the darkness as the employee slammed the heavy back door. He turned back to their hiding place and looked at his watch. Caine leaned back on some boxes and let a ring of smoke billow into the dim storage room. "They're not coming." The Professor spoke with caution. “From what I have observed of these ... beings, it is not likely they are foolish enough to waste such a prime opportunity." Angelo looked up at Victoria, sitting high on several boxes. “Even if they only thought it was you and Caine, I still think Lilith would come." She glared from her perch. “No one asked you, did they?" "What time is it?” Samantha asked Caine. "Two minutes after the last time I told you." Theodore couldn't understand it. “If she were using them properly, surely Rain and Catrina would each confirm we are here?" "They did, and Lilith is just a chicken-shit, pussy bitch, too afraid to take us all on,” Caine huffed. “This Rain. I say we rain on his parade." "Are you finished?” Pamela sat on a crate beside Theodore. She drew her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around her legs. Caine was the rare vampire she did not wish to know closer—Pamela had made that clear on several occasions—but he leaned closer to her. "Honey, I'm just getting started." "Rain!” Victoria announced from her perch. “He is inside the supermarket." Theodore carefully hoisted his bag of garlic by its netting. "Slava, get your box of seeds and come with me. Victoria, Angelo, figure out where Rain and Catrina are. Let's go."

Victoria hopped down from her boxes. “Since when do you know so much about reconnaissance?" "How do you think I got into college? Caine, Professor, stay behind these doors where it's safe. I'm going to the end of the meat counter to check on our supplies. Samantha, you stay here with Pamela by these doors. Victoria, we need your nose up front." "Nose!” she pouted. Slava leaned lightly against the swinging door and peered into the dark supermarket. "No bonfires or smoke signals,” he declared. Theodore held open the other swinging door, and Angelo stepped out into the open darkness for a moment. "Get down behind the counter,” Theodore told him as Pamela followed close behind. Victoria knelt down but stuck her head up over the counter. Angelo pulled her back down by the hair and put his chin on the counter. He looked down at the bins full of pig hooves and licked his lips. "At least if we have to blockade ourselves in here, we'll never go hungry." Theodore kneeled at the far end of the counter, and Victoria hunched next to him. "Shit!” He raised his voice slightly. “Some bastard employee moved our cart of garlic!" The cart was now down the aisle and far away from the meat counter fort. Theodore looked at Slava. "Consider it done.” He put his knuckle to his forehead and slinked away. Theodore peeked above the counter and observed. Slava looked back at the meat counter, then continued with his mission. The long aisle was empty except for the stash of garlic, and Slava crept closer to the cart. He flattened himself along the shelves of cans. He slithered one hand onto the cart and looked back at Theodore. He spun the handle into his grasp and headed for the meat counter. Theodore had expressly picked a cart that didn't squeak. Victoria leaned over Theodore and let out a quiet sigh of relief, but midway through the breath her face fell. Theodore squinted and peered around Slava as he turned his chin over his shoulder. Lilith was at the end of the aisle. Slava crashed his cart into the shelves, and Lilith raised her right hand. Her fingers glowed blue and sparkled with supernatural firepower. Slava abandoned the cart and stumbled over the falling cans. Lilith let her supernatural pitch fly. The fiery bolt struck the wheels of the cart, and it shot up into the air. Cans and garlic rained everywhere. Theodore ducked, and a flaming piece of garlic landed in Victoria's lap. She screamed and pushed it away. The hail storm ended, and Pamela stood up behind the counter. “Oh, no." Slava lay on the supermarket floor, and Theodore followed Pamela into the smoky field of cans and garlic. She rolled Slava over and rubbed her hand across his singed hair. His face and hands were red, blistered, and pus fizzled from garlic burns. Pamela reached for a sweltered hand and held it in hers. "Pamela.” Theodore put his hand on her shoulder, but she squeezed Slava's hand.

"Wait!” She felt the tingle of vampire blood rushing into the still hand. The fingers twitched and squeezed. Slava opened his eyes and winced. “That shit more than itches a little." **** The fire burned and spread across the shelves. The smoke rose, and Lilith stood in her white pants suit, unscathed. It made Rain sick. Always had she worn white, feigning an innocent exterior. He lingered by the check outs as Mary carefully sniffed the bucket of roses behind Lilith. Rain grimaced at them. "That's one down.” Lilith turned to him and smiled. Pleased with herself, no doubt. "He's not dead,” Rain contested. "His wounds will keep him out of the action.” Lilith handed the bucket to Mary, but Rain grabbed her by the arm and squeezed tightly. "You could have had this done by now. You enjoy picking them off one by one." "Do not lecture me about morals and ethics. It's a coven of vampires, and an ineffective one at that. Take your hand off me and go join your people then, coward.” Lilith pulled her arm from Rain's grip, but he remained still. Damn her! "I thought so.” She turned to Mary. “Get those other two over here. We need them for intimidation." Mary snickered at Michael and Stephanie, hesitant in their pale skin. "Damn me,” Rain mumbled as he turned away. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 41 Theodore approached Samantha as she waited by the swinging door. Thankfully, she lowered her poised kitchen knife as Pamela and Victoria followed with Slava. "Slava!” She exclaimed. “Victoria, get Caine." "Get this, do that.” Victoria slid through the swinging doors. "Come on.” Samantha helped Theodore steady Slava, but she paused. “I thought I saw someone." "You get him in the back.” Angelo took the knife from her hand and squinted down the dark aisle as Pamela kneeled down and tugged on his pants. "Do you see anything?” She asked from her hidden location below the counter. "Get down and stay down, both of you.” Theodore ducked himself. Angelo squatted with the knife and waited, but Pamela fidgeted nervously. Theodore heard a slight noise and nodded to Angelo as he

peered above the counter. Yes, there was a figure coming out of the aisle. Angelo inched to his full height, but Pamela huddled on the floor and shook her head. Theodore saw her reaction and cocked his head. "Angelo,” he whispered, but Angelo stood fully erect and poised his knife. “No, wait!” Pamela stood, but he had already put his power behind the knife. Squish. Crunch. Gag. Pamela leaned over the counter and into the white light cast by its bulbs. The vague figure came toward Theodore. Unfortunately, Catrina stumbled into the light. Angelo stood shocked. His knife was wedged high in her sternum and blood was on her hands. "Nice to see you, too.” Blood oozed from her mouth, and she fell on the counter. "Oh shit!” Angelo grabbed Catrina by the collar and tried to pull her into their territory without yanking the knife around too much. It squished more, and vampire blood covered the packaged meats. "What did you stab her for?” Pamela asked. Angelo laid Catrina down on the floor. “I didn't mean to do it. I thought she was one of them!" "Dammit,” Theodore broke in. “It's all right. Get Caine." Angelo disappeared behind the door and returned with Caine. He knelt next to Catrina while Angelo waited by the door. "Geez, I never thought I'd be a stretcher bearer.” He took hold of the knife and yanked it out quickly, but Catrina yelped. He waved the knife around, and Theodore took it from him. Caine picked her up. “Nice to meet you, too." "Caine.” Theodore glared as they came through the doors. A whisk sound cut through the air, and a sharp thud pounced against the swinging door. A thorny stem wedged through the particleboard and wood veneer. Samantha grimaced. “They've got the roses now." "You think?” Victoria said. Samantha looked at the strange object stuck in the door and pressed it gently. Another rose tip pierced the door dangerously close to her eye. Theodore exited the back room, but Samantha followed. Another rose zipped by them as they ducked down with Angelo and Pamela. "Who is this girl, William Tell?” he asked. "I think we should pull out,” Samantha told Theodore. "We could surprise them from behind, but we'd have to split our forces,” he said.

"Too risky,” Angelo voiced. “But we can't leave Rain." "What do you suggest we do?” Pamela asked. "What is going on up there?” Angelo stood up for the first time since the harmful rose shower began. Theodore looked up with him and saw Victoria. She peered around the swinging door and quickly jumped over the counter. "Get her!” Theodore yelled as he ducked the harmful shower. Angelo leaned over the counter and reached for her ankle, but a paw slipped through his fingers. The transformed Victoria disappeared down the dark aisle. "Dammit. I hate when she does this.” Theodore hiked his leg over the counter, and Angelo slid with him. “Pamela, you get back in that storage room and find that big switch. Samantha, you be prepared to relay my yell." Theodore kept his bag of garlic close. Carefully, he stepped up the dark aisle, and Angelo kept his knife poised. A noise from the dark shadows hushed them. A wolf lurched into view dragging Rain. It morphed away, and Victoria appeared on the floor out of breath. "Out of shape?” Theodore asked. "How's Catrina?” Victoria changed the subject. "Samantha.” Theodore turned to the waiting blonde. “Put on the lights." "Put up the lights!” Samantha yelled through the swinging doors, The lights switched on aisle by aisle. Theodore looked overhead, and the bulbs flickered. Samantha hurried down the aisle towards him. Lilith's fort near the store front and soda display was revealed. Lilith blinked as the bright lights shined down on her. Mary dropped her roses, pushed the sliding doors open, and ran. Lilith, too, turned toward the check out lines, but Samantha sprinted to the display of soda cases and gasped. She picked up a Cola case and hoisted it at Lilith. "What is that?” Lilith turned at the swooshing sound growing louder and closer. The case of soda hit her square in the head, knocking her over. The soda cans burst, and brown syrup poured over Lilith and her white suit. Theodore watched the wet Lilith leave. Two others delicately helped her up, but Lilith waved her arms and spread soda onto her cohorts. Beside him, Victoria tried to drag Rain, but the strength of the wolf was gone. "I got him.” Angelo turned away from the storefront and slung Rain over his shoulder. "I think we should follow Lilith's cue,” Theodore observed with a snicker. “Samantha, let's go." Samantha slowly returned to the meat counter with them. Caine opened the swinging door as Angelo passed by him with Rain. "Geez,” Caine complained. “I am not playing nursemaid to all these guys—just the girl."

"Samantha?” Theodore. “Do you know who the other two Lilithan are?" "Michael and Stephanie. I did know them. Before they were vampires." "Lilithan Vampires!” Victoria laughed. She quickly ducked behind the door. Theodore frowned, and Samantha shook her head. "Lilith turned Michael and Stephanie into vampires." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 42 One night in Britain, Five Centuries ago The high full moon shed little light on the depths of the valley beneath it. James perched on top one of the many cliffs lining the extreme ravine and sighed. The wind blew, and a rustling came from behind him. "I thought I'd find you here.” Catrina sat down next to him. Her legs dangled over the side, but James drew his legs up and crossed them. “What is it this time?" "Worry, that's all,” he sighed. “Worry about Lilith. Worry about what Mestiphles might do to us." "This can't help,” Catrina advised her maker. “Come back to the house and I'll swipe a soldier for you." "You go ahead,” James said. “I'll meet you there." "Are you sure?” she stood but kept hold of his hand. James let go of her. “I'll be there in a minute." Catrina stepped carefully through the trees on her solo path to the castle. "There she is,” Jeremiah whispered to the still scarred Charles. The Lilithan hid successfully among the bushes. "Let her go,” Charles ordered. “I want to start with James." **** Jessica watched the rock skip and disappear in the dark creek. "How many more of those are you going to throw?” she asked Adam. He slung another rock across the valley's creek. A faint cry rang in the distance. "Did you hear that?” he asked. "Hear what?"

"I heard a shout or laughing in the distance. Maybe above us." A loud thump nearby startled the couple. "What was that?" "This way.” Adam took her hand, and they stepped carefully over the smooth stones in the stream. "Look,” she exclaimed. “Someone is lying there!" "I see him.” Adam left her and stepped toward the fallen body on the shoals. He turned over the body and pushed back the dark, bloody hair. "James!" "Is he alive?” Jessica called. "If he were human, no. But...” Adam shook his head. “Bring Antonio." The parlor door hit the guard, and he fumbled after Jessica. "You can't go in there. It is prohibited!" She continued toward the inner door and flung it open. Sarah rushed from view and left Antonio in the bed alone. "There's been an accident." **** Antonio stared out his window and asked Jessica again, “You heard nothing more?" "Yes." "And James was the only one you saw?" "Yes." "Bring Adam here.” Antonio finally turned his angry stare to Jessica. She nodded and left. Elizabeth waited by him. Worried and angry, she finally spoke up. "The Lilithan had something to do with this." "Who else, Elizabeth?” Antonio leaned against the bookcase. He liked his daytime dungeon study more, but his restored upstairs study held memories and ideas all its own. “Charles cried to her. We had the upper hand with all those defenses!" Mestiphles entered the study. He pulled a cloth from his pocket and wiped the blood from his hands. “He'll be fine, but he will need a lot of blood." "Thank you, Mestiphles.” Antonio shook hands.

The door opened again, and Stephen tumbled toward them. "No one can find Adam." Mestiphles kissed Elizabeth's hand and turned to the door. “I think I'll be on my way." "This has gone too far, Father,” Stephen proclaimed. “You may let this go, Father, but I won't. Mother agrees with me. I know Charles is responsible, and I intend to make him pay. With or without your help." **** Adam clung to the ivy vines climbing the castle wall. He reached for the balcony, grabbed hold of the rusted iron bars, and swung his legs over. Adam quickly turned away from the view below and gulped. A hand reached out and pulled the foolish young vampire into the dark bedroom. A candle was lit, and Adam could see Bradley, Jeremiah, and Charles. The Lilithan trio was brutish and used their smarts for ill, and they hung on every word from their leader. "This is the one who ratted to Antonio,” Jeremiah told Charles. “I see your face healed quite nicely." Charles smiled. “Lilith has plans for this one." She came from the shadows with a bucket in her hand. Bradley pulled out a chair, and Charles pushed Adam into the seat. "Allow me.” Lilith raised the bucket and overturned it above Adam's head. Garlic tinged water soaked into his skin, and he screamed. Lilith tossed the empty bucket to Bradley, and Jeremiah handed her a rose. Blisters and welts formed on Adam's face, but Lilith rubbed the delicate rose along his garlic burns. He winced as the thorns ripped his skin. "Lilith!” Stephen stood in the door, not swayed this time by her deceptive charms. Adam leaped from the chair and pushed Jeremiah into Lilith. They tumbled to the floor as Bradley leaped back and clung to the drapes. Charles pulled out his small blade, and Stephen raised his broadsword. "Get up!” Lilith demanded. “Move, all of you!" She stood, but the rose gashed her palm. Lilith looked down at Jeremiah as he gasped feebly—the rose was wedged in his throat. "Bloody fool!” Lilith ignored the slicing thorns against her skin and pulled. The surreal weapon ripped from his neck. Unfortunately, Lilith had sliced too far and only strings and tendons held Jeremiah's head to his body. Charles and Stephen exchanged blows. Adam waited for a moment to intercede, but Charles switched moves and caught Stephen off guard. He backed down and reached for the trickling gash on his arm. Stephen lunged for him again, but Lilith lingered behind Adam. She plunged the freed rose into his back and ran him through. Stephen swung his sword wildly until Charles was off balance and fell to the floor.

Lilith backed away successful and joined Bradley beside the drapes. Adam groaned and dropped to the floor. Knowing his vampire descendant's wound, Stephen left his fight. His violet eyes turned crimson, and he knelt beside Adam. Adam briefly looked into Stephen's eyes then looked above him. Stephen clung to his sword and swung it behind him. Charles dropped his sword and fell to the floor in two. Stephen turned to Lilith, but she snapped her fingers and laughed. Lilith and Bradley shrunk and hovered briefly in the room. Then the two black birds disappeared into the night. **** Taking to the comforts of the main hall, Ann sat waiting beside Eric. “Do you see anything out there?" She cared not if Sarah was again Antonio's favorite. She had Eric. Still, she enjoyed her own authority. Painted and ready for a fight, Sarah peered out the small window in the door, then closed the wooden cover. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Eric rested his hand on Ann's shoulder, and Samantha stood close to Slava and his foreign shield. Loud pounding sounds echoed through the house. "What was that?” Sarah raised her small dagger. "The back door.” Ann looked up at Eric. “The kitchen entrance. The one Victoria uses." Eric darted through the dining room with Slava and the women behind him. He slowly opened the kitchen door, but the preparation room was dark. "Nothing amiss.” He entered. Slava opened the outside door, and the room brightened with firelight. "Look out!" Eric howled and waved his inflamed arm as Slava ducked beneath his shield. "Eric!” Ann cried and reached out, but Samantha held her frightened mother in the kitchen doorway. "Where is the barrel?” Sarah used the fire blazing down Eric's side to search the kitchen. She grabbed the bucket in the corner and tossed the water onto him. Eric sat with Ann at the kitchen table, but Samantha stood as they examined the fleshy burns. "They will heal, eventually.” Ann bit her lip and directed the ready, willing, and equally angry Sarah and Slava. “Look outside. And mind the fire." [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 43

Stephen sat on the floor beside Adam, but he was gone. He was too young for such a wound to heal. Antonio entered Lilith's room, and Pamela and Jessica rushed past him. "Throw those pieces outside with the animal carcasses.” He told Stephen how to get rid of Charles once and for all. The father and son looked away from the mourning Jessica and Pamela. "Give the girls a moment.” Antonio cleared his throat. “I do not want those two getting in here. My hospitality only goes so far." Jessica and Pamela sniffled beside Adam. Jessica gently touched his face as, blood tears covered her cheeks. "I smell fire.” Antonio left quickly, and Stephen convinced Jessica and Pamela to follow with a tug each. The Welshires halted at the top of the stairs. Lilith stood sternly at the bottom, and Antonio sneered down at her. Her eyes glowed red with anger, hunger, and fury. She raised her arms, and Stephen pushed Jessica and Pamela aside. "Father, get down!” he pushed Antonio with all his might. Lilith shot out sparks and lightning bolts of fire. They etched into the large staircase and crackled into a roaring blaze. Antonio looked through the flames for his adversary. "Do you see her?" Stephen looked as well, but Lilith was gone. The stairs flamed and smoldered, but Antonio stood above the black smoke. Stephen coughed on the floor, but Antonio helped him stand. "You cannot suffocate,” he said. “Whence for Pamela and Jessica?" Stephen looked around them, but his women were gone. He turned into the thick wall of smoke. Suffocation or not, Stephen coughed and covered his mouth. He felt along the wall for guidance but tripped. The smoke parted and Antonio appeared, angry. He straightened Stephen again. "I shan't lose another vampire this night. Find them!" **** Lilith's room smoked around her, and Pamela fell to the floor exhausted. Stephen picked her for her looks, not her strength. The burning room around her didn't make things easy, either. Pieces of burning wood fell over her and Jessica. "Get up!” Jessica screamed at her and pushed her to her feet again. "We can't do it!” Pamela groaned. “We cannot get him out of here." "Yes, we will.” Jessica grabbed one arm, and Pamela held the other. They attempted to drag Adam's body from Lilith's crumbling room, but Pamela fell again. A voice echoed on the flames. "Did you hear? It's Stephen!"

"Stephen?” Jessica called. “We are here. Stephen!" "What are you two doing? You cannot take Adam's body. Leave it.” Stephen grabbed Jessica as more smoke filled the room. "I will not!" "If he were alive or wounded ... but he is dead, Jessica. Dead!” Stephen moved out the door with her. “Pamela. We must get downstairs." Stephen gasped. “James!" He met Antonio at the top of the stairs. "Father, James is still...” A roar of fire came from behind them. Jessica and Pamela ducked, and the hallway collapsed and crumbled. "What?” Antonio leaned closer to Stephen. "James is downstairs." "What?” Another billow struck. "James!" "James!” Antonio disappeared down the flaming steps. **** Slava and Sarah inched further past the flaming door and onto the castle grounds. "I smell Lilithan,” Slava stepped toward the woods. "There he is!” Sarah pointed at Bradley, who quickly ran from his exposed location among the trees. Sarah knew those woods all too well and followed. “This way!" Bradley ran and looked over his shoulder, but there seemed to be no pursuit. He hopped over a fallen tree and into a small clearing, but Sarah jumped out of the shadows in front of him. Her fangs were extended and her eyes raged. Bradley jerked and turned the other way, but Slava was there. He smiled. Bradley cringed, and the enemy vampires moved in on him. Light grew brighter in the distance, and Slava dropped Bradley's shriveled body. "It's not yet dawn?" Sarah wiped the blood from her chin, then frowned. “The castle!" **** "Do you hear that?” Samantha asked. They waited in the kitchen still, and she feared every creak and cranny of the castle.

"It's nothing, dear,” Ann said. Eric held Ann's hands. “No, listen." Ann looked up to the ceiling and heard the crinkling and crackling sound. "What is it?” Samantha questioned. Eric knew too well. “Fire." Ann stood. “To Antonio, hurry!" Samantha ran into the foyer, Ann and Eric lingering behind her. She had almost gotten used to all these troubles and battles. Almost. They halted below the flaming staircase, and the front door swung open. "The whole upstairs is on fire,” Slava reported, out of breath. Sarah breathed deeply. “Bradley is finished." "We've got to get up there,” Samantha insisted. "Look at that blaze,” Eric protested. “I've had enough fire for one night. Do you not see these boils still?" "There is a second staircase,” Sarah revealed. Ann gazed coldly at her. “Where?" "Through the kitchen to Antonio's study." They turned back to the kitchen, but a crash came from the staircase. A ball of flame rolled down the stairs, and Antonio tumbled onto the floor. Ann helped him to his feet. "Where is James?" "They are still in the library,” Eric answered. "What about Stephen?” Ann asked. "He is still upstairs with Pamela and Jessica." "We can try the back stairs,” Sarah told Antonio. "Good. Ann, you go with her. Eric, Samantha, get to Elizabeth and make sure they get out of here." A raven flew through the open door and circled above the fire. A puff of yellow smoke filled the hall, and Lilith appeared in the doorway. Slava and Sarah inched toward the kitchen and tugged Ann along. Eric turned to the rumbling library as he and Samantha backed toward the flames. Lilith focused on Antonio, and his glare was mutual. She grinned. “Do you like what I've done to your castle?"

[Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 44 Chips of wood fell to the floor, and charred bits fell through the ceiling. Books dropped down from the shelves. "We have to get out of here, now!” Victoria said to her mother. They leaned over James to protect him from the debris. "I can get up.” He sat up on the hard table. "No.” Catrina held his shoulder. "Victoria, we cannot move James in his condition,” Elizabeth said. "What condition?” Victoria looked at James. “He's fine." "Listen to Elizabeth,” Catrina said. "You stay out of this,” Victoria snapped. "James is too weak to move,” Elizabeth began. "We can carry him." "We gave him too much blood,” Catrina said. "He will be dead if we don't get him out of here!” Victoria pushed Catrina away and put her arm around James. He sat up again, but the room shook. A massive hunk crumbled from the ceiling. The walls caved in, and the books tumbled from the shelves. **** "I think I see the door to the library. It's open.” Eric stood to his full height to see above the black thickness. He held Samantha's hand as they stumbled through the heat. "Elizabeth!” Samantha called for her kindred aunt. Catrina sat outside the door with James huddled next to her. He recognized his half-sister's hail. "Samantha.” He yelled. “Samantha!" Samantha appeared from the thick black smoke, and James smiled. Eric kept watch above them. "Elizabeth and Victoria are still in there,” Catrina said. "I can get these two out,” Eric volunteered. "Go out through the courtyard. We will be right behind you.” Samantha stepped over a pile of charred

books and entered the library. She looked up at the burning hole in the ceiling. "Victoria? Elizabeth?" Elizabeth opened her eyes and let go of Victoria's hand. "Mother!” Victoria kicked her legs and wiggled under the fallen beam. "Samantha? Over here!" Samantha followed Elizabeth's voice. “Where is Victoria?" "Get me out of here!" Samantha stepped over the lumber and gave it a slight push. Elizabeth wrapped her hands around her wrists and pulled, but Victoria moved slightly. Samantha sighed and braced herself. She held the hot wood up for a few seconds, and Elizabeth yanked with all her might. Victoria slid away from the beam and drew her legs close. Samantha dropped the lumber. “Through the courtyard. Come!" **** Jessica teetered on the edge of the crumbling floor. Stephen grabbed her and backed into Antonio's study with Pamela. "There is no way out!" "What do we do now?” Jessica asked. "We could fall down with the floor,” Pamela contemplated. "That might be our only choice,” Stephen agreed. **** Sarah came to the top of the stone steps and pushed on the closed entrance. "Why isn't it opening?” Ann's irritation grew. "It should open outward. Something on the other side must be blocking it." "What is that?” Pamela looked up. "The roof must be buckling. Move!” Stephen held his women and shielded them from the fire. Jessica pointed. “The bookcase!" "I do not want to be crushed by falling rubble!” Stephen yelled. "I don't think they can hear us.” Sarah stopped pounding on the entrance. "Maybe they are dead?” Slava dared.

"From what?” Sarah resumed her pounding. "There it is again.” Jessica stepped away from Stephen and closer to the bookcase. “Someone is on the other side." Stephen and Pamela stepped over the overturned furniture and leaned their heads against the bookcase. Pamela listened. “Slava? How did you get back there?" "That's Pamela!” Slava exclaimed to Ann and Sarah. "There is a hidden stair behind the bookcase.” Sarah raised her voice. “Is there something in front of it?" Stephen looked down. “Yes, some wood is in the way." "If you can move it, we can get you out." Stephen hoisted one end of the board then slid it away. He turned to the second piece with his vampire strength. Ann heard the beams move and squeak, and cracks of light finally traced the entrance. "We haven't got much time.” Sarah skipped down the winding stone steps and out of the kitchen. Stephen and his fledglings quickly followed. **** "Alone at last.” Lilith sneered at Antonio again. "I suspected you were hell spawn,” he said. “No brimstones?" "If you wish.” Lilith raised her arm, but no bolts of fire spurred from her gifted hands. Lilith was stunned and yanked her arm out again, but no brimstones came. It seemed whatever magical powers she had were gone. A laugh echoed through the hall. The smoke cleared, and Mestiphles entered with his personal breeze. The invisible wind continued through the castle and dampened all the surrounding flames. Victoria paused in the courtyard door and squinted at the wondrous dampener, but Elizabeth shoved her onward. "What is going on in there?” Sarah covered her eyes and looked up at the fading smoke and flame free turrets. "It's Mestiphles,” Ann suspected correctly. Mestiphles clapped, Antonio straightened, and Lilith put her arms at her sides. "You two gave me a gold's worth of show tonight!" Lilith smiled and straightened her shoulders, but Antonio grimaced at her. "You.” Mestiphles turned on his heel and faced Antonio. “For once, you did what you where supposed to do."

"I did?" "Lilith.” Mestiphles looked at her. “I gave you the opportunity to redeem yourself, but your ambitious nature has failed you once again." He waved his hand, and his supernatural breeze blew again. "Mestiphles! I knew you could not be trusted. You tricked me. You said—Nooooo!" A swirl of wind and white light wrapped around Lilith, and Antonio shielded his eyes. The light fell, and she was gone. Mestiphles sighed. “Must I test you so, Antonio?" He looked crossly at Mestiphles. “You did trick us." "These are turbulent times. You were not doing all you are capable of,” Mestiphles said. An ethereal bell rang in the distance, and he looked over his shoulder. "I must attend Lilith's sentencing.” He shook hands with Antonio. "This is it?” Antonio asked, disbelieving. "I had my doubts, Antonio, but your coven rallied around you. Even the wayward ones.” Mestiphles backed away as the eternal bell rang again. “That is why I picked you." He backed farther away and faded into the darkness. He waved and disappeared. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 45 The Professor's forty-year-old office building, 2000. The crackled glass window of the Professor's office revealed Theodore's shadowy figure behind the backward letters on the door. The entrance opened, and he reached in and flicked on the lights. "It's not much, but I think they will be safe here.” The Professor looked around the room. His desk was cluttered with papers and computer equipment, and the shelves were crammed with books and antiques. "I don't like splitting our forces.” Theodore laid Slava down on the leather couch. He hadn't worked with the Professor here in quite some time. “But now they don't have any informers." Victoria and Catrina squeezed through the doorway together. Not fully healed from her neck wound, Catrina spoke hoarsely. “I'll stay and look after him." Caine entered behind them and slouched on the leather settee. The Professor cringed at the squishing fabric, but Theodore smiled at the old man's stuffy English ways. He looked out the window at Angelo, waiting far below in the Professor's car. He pulled the curtains and checked his watch. “We should be

leaving soon." The Professor stood ready to lock the door. Theodore shuffled into the hallway as Caine followed. "Wait.” Victoria turned back and sat down on the soft leather chair. She closed her eyes, but Catrina smirked and turned away. Victoria shook and writhed. A brief mist inched out of her chest, ascended to the ceiling, and disappeared. She slowly opened her eyes, and Caine stepped closer. Victoria stood, looked at the ceiling, and walked bewitched past him. He put his arm around her, and the Professor shut the door. The trip downstairs was uneventful, and Caine put Victoria in the back seat next to the Professor. Theodore popped open the trunk. "Caine." "No.” He reached for the car door. Angelo looked in the driver side mirror. “Let's go." "It will be daylight by the time we get to the flat,” Theodore reminded him. Caine put one leg into the trunk, ducked, and folded himself into the second backseat. "Why couldn't I just be that dog again and sit on Victoria's lap?" Theodore slammed the lid on Caine's whining. He sat in the passenger's seat and glared at the silent Victoria. The Professor adjusted his glasses, and Angelo shifted the car down the road. Theodore eyed Victoria's reflection in his window. She looked at the cars speeding past them, unmoved by the weaving and whizzing, nor Angelo's driving. **** The wine glasses clanged together as Pamela and Angelo toasted carefully. Samantha was not looking forward to this taste. "Where did you get this?” Pamela sipped from her glass. “I feel queasy." "How long did we wait behind that meat counter before Lilith showed up?” Angelo perched on the arm of the couch beside Samantha. “A little ingenuity goes a long way." Theodore set his glass on the end table. “Let's not turn in a victory just yet.” Samantha swallowed some of Angelo's concoction, then set it down on the coffee table. "Relax, Samantha.” Victoria said. “It's only animal blood." "It speaks.” Angelo teased, but she heeded him not. Instead, she rocked slowly in the rocking chair. The Professor remained by the door, content not to get his cup of tea involved. The door swung open, and Caine stomped into the room. "Where have you been?” Samantha asked. He plopped down on the couch next to her.

"Someone left me in the trunk of his car since this morning." Theodore blushed, but Caine turned to the Professor. “Sorry about the car." The Professor nodded for the dismissal of the subject and brought his cup to his lips, but he paused briefly and looked back at Caine. Samantha smiled as Angelo handed him a glass of his specialty. "My apologies." Caine glanced at Victoria. “She's still acting funky?" "Only a few words here and there,” Pamela told him. “I like her better this way." "I heard that,” Victoria interrupted. “I'm not deaf, you know." "You saidI. ” Samantha sat up as the Professor set down his cup and saucer. She continued, “Until now, you've only spoken in the plural." "Gaston is not here. I left him at the office to keep an eye on things." "That misty thing that came out of your body didn't look like it had an eye,” Caine observed. Victoria stood up and dropped her glass. Mist circled around her, then disappeared into her pores. Angelo jumped and moved away from the splashing drink. "I take it back. I take it back,” Caine mumbled. "Something is happening,” Victoria trembled. The Professor dared to inch closer. "What is wrong?” Theodore followed her as she paced. Pamela got up and backed away, and Samantha shifted on the couch. "Catrina tried to stop her, but she grabbed her, and then, Slava was just laying there. Catrina tried to do something, but..." "What happened to Slava?” Pamela demanded. She grabbed Victoria by the arms and held her still. "They are dead. Everyone at the office." Pamela let her go. “We should never have left them there. They weren't safer away from us!" Victoria fell back into the chair. “I got back as fast as I could. She knew I was there." "Gaston?” Samantha kneeled by the rocker, and Victoria responded to the name. “How did Lilith know you were there?" "I don't know. Lilith waited ‘till nightfall. I could do nothing to stop her." "It's all right,” Samantha calmed. “Gaston, is there any way Lilith could track you here?" Victoria panted. “Rain."

"He's in the Professor's vault. That's the only place that could hold him,” Theodore answered. "I assure you, he cannot have escaped to reveal our location to the Lilithan,” the Professor interceded. "Rain.” She jumped up and pushed Theodore aside. “Get out of my way." "That's Victoria.” Angelo smiled as Caine cleared out of her way. Victoria went to the Professor. “Lilith can track Rain. We think you better lead us down to that vault." The Professor stepped out the door, and the Welshire procession followed him downstairs. The lower level was like a museum, with busts on pedestals and lighted paintings. The Professor pulled on one of his fancy tassels; the decorative drapes parted, and behind the curtains lay the wheel to the vault. "I keep my more valuable artifacts here instead of on display.” The Professor turned the wheel. “I only hope your friend has a love of fine art." The lock came undone, and a fizz of air ran out. The door opened, and the light in the vault brightened. Rain stood waiting inside. His eyes glazed and his teeth extended. Victoria eyed him. "Angelo, go get Rain some of your mix." Angelo backed slowly away, and Rain zipped for Victoria. He grabbed her, pulled Victoria tightly against him, and dug his nails into her neck. The Professor again shifted his glasses. "So, this is Rain.” Caine sized him up. His new eyes changed and his young fangs grew longer. “Nice to see you with your eyes open." Rain grunted. Undeterred, Caine grabbed Victoria and punched Rain in the stomach. Theodore jumped onto him and wrestled with the angry vampire. It took all he had to keep Rain's arms clenched and under control. "Here.” Angelo hurried with a full glass of his animal Pina Colada. He waved the glass in front of Rain. “You have to be good if you want something to drink." Rain calmed, and Angelo inched closer. He opened his mouth and let Angelo empty the drink. Theodore let go, and Rain stayed still. His fangs retreated, and his swirling eyes returned to brown. Samantha stepped forward from her vantage point among the statues and art. "Rain, you must tell us how Lilith is tracking you." Rain remained silent, and Samantha looked to Theodore for the next course of action. "You drank her blood,” Victoria peered into Rain's mind “It's just like being one of them." "You're a half-breed!” Caine chuckled. "I'm a full-blooded Kiowa." "Then, you're a half-breed vampire, Injun."

"That is why we couldn't sense him until he was on the tip of our nose.” Victoria crossed her arms over her chest “There was nothing wrong with us. Rain's under her control now." "Is that true?” Samantha asked. The Professor looked back and forth and observed. "Jessica, Slava, and Catrina.” Theodore listed the names for Rain. "She bit me. What do you want to know? I'll tell you everything." "I told you this guy was a traitor,” Caine said. "Who are you?” Rain asked. "I'm a guy who can't rest when there's a double agent under my roof." "We don't have time for this.” Samantha tried to cool them. “I'm sure Lilith must be on her way here." "Lilith is on her way, indeed,” Rain confirmed. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 46 Michael pressed his foot down on the gas pedal. The light turned green, and the car rolled onward. Stephanie sat quietly in the passenger's seat. Night allowed their promotion to the front seat as Lilith's chauffeurs. "Wait.” Lilith leaned closer to the front seat. She kept the unwilling couple docile and under control. “Stop here." Michael pulled over on a gravel road and shut off the ignition. Mary exited on her side and came around to Lilith. They stood at the open car door and looked back at the Professor's building. It rose easily into view from down the street. Lilith took in where Michael had stopped—an entranceway of a cemetery. "Perfect." "We are outnumbered,” Mary told her. "Nonsense.” Lilith smirked. “That Caine is too weak to do anything. They lug that human brain around with them, and it would be in their best interests to keep an eye on Rain at all times." **** Rain sat at the head of the Professor's fancy table. The Welshires sat along either side and stared intently at him, unlike the Professor, who kept his distance and sat at the other end of the table. Rain squinted and tried to pinpoint Lilith with his weak connections. "Can you see anything at all?” Samantha asked.

"A car." "Great,” Victoria mumbled. “That's just great. Acar ." "They've stopped.” He hesitated. “They're getting out." "Who?” Theodore asked. "Lilith and Mary." "What is around them?” Samantha asked. “A street sign? A landmark?" "Saint Thomas." "Great,” Victoria mumbled again. "That could be any number of places,” Theodore said. Samantha reiterated, “Can you be more specific?" "A church." "What would Lilith be doing in a church?” Angelo questioned. "There could be fifty Saint Thomas Churches in this city,” Theodore said restlessly. "By George!” The Professor stood. “Saint Thomas Cemetery down the street!" Samantha opened the door and stepped onto the sidewalk. Theodore and Angelo quickly flanked her. Rain followed them, and Victoria and Caine sauntered in time behind him. Pamela road shotgun, and the Professor trudged behind the line. The Welshire procession marched down the post-midnight street. Samantha stopped outside the open cemetery gates and eyed Lilith's parked car. "Where is she?” Theodore questioned. Angelo looked in the car. "They're in the cemetery,” Rain reported. "How did you figure out that one?” Victoria boldly walked through the gate. "Look out!” Rain screamed. Mary jumped out of the darkness and swatted at Victoria. Angelo grabbed Caine. They took cover behind Lilith's car, and Pamela ducked below the trunk with them. Victoria fell to the ground and covered her gashed neck. Samantha and Theodore ran to one side of the gate, and Rain to the other. Mary roared loudly and looked around for someone to grab next. Caine jumped through the car's open window. He shifted gears, and the wheels spun. Smoke from the exhaust blew in Pamela's face, and Caine was off. He ran the car right into Mary, and she screeched. Her face smashed on the windshield with a squish. Caine tried not to look but floored the gas pedal. Mary rammed her fist through the windshield and latched her bloody hand around Caine's throat. He lost

control of the car, and it spun off the gravel road and onto the cropped cemetery grass. The car ran over a small headstone and jerked Caine from Mary's grasp. He kept his foot on the gas. He looked out the window to see ahead. Caine smiled and put the pedal all the way to the floor. Mary turned and saw the hard wall of a mausoleum racing toward her. Caine reached for the seatbelt and buckled himself in. Mary screamed and braced her hands. The speeding car rammed into the mausoleum. The metal hood folded and severed Mary between the car parts. **** Samantha saw the taillights and steam rising from the car crash. Theodore and Victoria rushed through the graveyard, but Lilith stood back behind a tree and watched the Welshires come out into the open one by one. "Let's even up the score." She let her supernatural powers control her arm. A beam of light shot out and swept across the cemetery. It struck Angelo, and he disappeared. The beam passed to Pamela, leaving nothing where she had stood. "What was that?” Angelo's question echoed in the void. "Where are we?” Pamela stayed close to him. "Stay back.” Angelo backed away. “Stay away from me!" Pamela backed against a wall. Black slimy hands reached around and grabbed her. “No!” she screamed. “No!" The ethereal hands covered her mouth and pulled her down into the dark abyss. Samantha blinked and readjusted her eyes to the night. “What just happened?" "Your friends appear to be missing,” the Professor confirmed out of breath behind her. “We must tell the others." Theodore grabbed the car door and ripped it from the factory frame. "Is he dead?” Rain questioned eagerly. Victoria pushed him away and leaned inside the car. "An injury like this should not kill him, even at his age.” Theodore turned Caine's head and saw the gash on his temple. He carefully undid the seatbelt and inched him out of the car. “Nursemaid to the nursemaid." "Lilith took them.” Samantha approached the car. “Pamela and Angelo!" "Your friends have disappeared,” the Professor better informed them. “I suspect she wanted to better her chances against us." "Why didn't she make us all poof, disappear?” Victoria asked. "That would be too easy for her.” Theodore laid Caine down on the ground. “She likes to make it

difficult for us." "She likes to play,” Rain shared. “It's a chance to impress Mestiphles." "Lilith turned Michael and Stephanie just to play games with me.” Samantha looked to the left and to the right, but she didn't see them. "What'd I miss?” Caine stirred. “Oh, shit." Lilith stood before them. [Back to Table of Contents]

Chapter 47 Michael and Stephanie walked on either side of Lilith as she piped, “Lovely evening, don't you agree?" Victoria started for them, but Theodore held her back. Lilith laughed, but Victoria controlled herself. She focused sternly on her, and the misty spirit of Gaston darted across the graveyard and struck Lilith. Momentarily free from her control, Michael and Stephanie sprinted in opposite directions. Caine leaped up and ran after Stephanie. Healing and always ready to chase a woman, he caught her and knocked the reluctant Lilithan to the ground. Rain lashed out and cornered Michael. Lilith fell to the ground, and the apparition darted back into Victoria. She relaxed in Theodore's arms, and he let her go. Lilith shook off the effects and prepared a ball of fire in her hand. A bolt of lightning shot down and struck the headstone near her. The smoke and fog of broken stone cleared, and Mestiphles leaned on the crooked headstone with his usual smirk. Lilith let the sparks in her palm die to smoke, and the Professor adjusted his glasses. "Oh, please, continue.” Mestiphles crossed his arms. “Go ahead, destroy yourselves. Gives me one less thing on my agenda." "My star,” Lilith said softly. “I thought that was why I was sent? To destroy these decadent heretics once and for all." "Oh yes, you were, my dear.” Mestiphles turned to Samantha and Victoria. “But I knew you two would not go so easy. You are both like your father, each in different ways. However, this pathetic game of cat and mouse has to end!" He waved his arm at Samantha and Victoria, and Victoria flinched. “First, you waste a few hundred years of my time doing nothing.” He waved his other hand at Lilith. “Then, I give you opportunity after opportunity to increase my power. I had to send you away, Lilith, and Antonio learned his lesson. We had the Masquerade after that. Another failure." Mestiphles turned back to Samantha. “Samantha, Samantha. I always knew you would be the most trouble. So unhappy with your membership. You could have been The One."

Caine looked at the sisters, and Stephanie ran to Michael. Mestiphles rubbed his face in his hands and paced. "Lilith.” He groaned. “One always has to improvise! Lilith always needs a little entertainment first." The Professor dared to shift his glasses again. Lilith opened her mouth to contest Mestiphles, but he snapped his fingers, and no sound came from her. He stood still. “I've done many bad things in my millennia, but never so bad a deed as vampires." The ground rumbled and shook, and Mestiphles looked at Lilith. She burst into flames, and Victoria covered her ears at the demon's screams. The land opened beneath her flaming body, and Lilith fell into a guzzling river of hot, smoldering lava. The earth closed, and a red light flashed. Angelo and Pamela lay on the restored earth where Lilith had been. Caine gulped and looked at Mestiphles, who sighed. “I must conquer the world another way." A light circled and enveloped Mestiphles. Theodore covered his eyes, and the light brightened. Stephanie dug her face into Michael's shoulder. The light grew to an un-viewable luminance, and the supernova exploded. A bolt hit Victoria, and she fell to the ground. Samantha and Rain felt similar bolts of light and power pierce them. Michael and Stephanie dropped to the ground in a heap of light. The Professor hid behind a headstone, but Caine was struck down before him. The dark evening returned again. Michael sat up and shook his head. Stephanie groaned beside him, and Rain stood with Samantha. Victoria wiped the dirt off her black clothes. "What the...?” Caine asked. "Oh, my.” Victoria blinked. “Gaston is gone." "Good observation, my love.” Mestiphles was beside her. “I've decided to end your particular penance." A tornado of color swiveled next to Mestiphles, and a young blonde haired man appeared. Mestiphles smiled, “Hello again, Gaston." "Why are we still here?” Samantha demanded. The Professor looked back and forth, fully captivated. Mestiphles put his hands on her shoulders. “I grant your one wish, Samantha. Your former life has been restored. Vampires you are no longer." "Aw, man!” Caine walked toward the cemetery gates. “I'm back to doing business the hard way." "I'm going to make a lot of money with this one.” The Professor smiled. "Before I change my mind.” Mestiphles snapped his fingers. Michael and Stephanie watched another swirl light the cemetery. "Jean!"

Samantha ran to him, and they hugged and kissed. Theodore smiled, then turned to the Professor as they walked through the headstones. “What was that you said about making some money?" Rain smiled, a divided vampire no more. Michael and Stephanie kissed, and Gaston put his arm around Victoria. "Come along, Sister. We've got a lot to talk about, and not so much time to do it!" **** Victoria and Gaston sat in the hard wooden pew and waited with the rest of the guests. "I never thought I would be sitting in a church,” she complained. "Shhh,” he quieted. “We were invited, weren't we?" "A Catholic church at that! Do you know all the trouble they caused us?" "That's over now.” Gaston looked over his shoulder. "Why did it have to be in a church? When did Samantha get so religious?" Gaston looked back at Victoria as he stood up. “Maybe it's something you should think about." The guests stood and turned to the back of the church. Stephanie and Pamela were dressed alike, and Jean smiled at Michael and Theodore beside him. "Here she comes.” Gaston nudged Victoria. She stood up and looked down the aisle. The procession music began, and Samantha and the Professor came down the aisle. Angelo winked at Samantha when she passed him. The church's side entrance squeaked open, and Caine sneaked just inside the door frame. Samantha's smile grew bigger, and Victoria smiled slightly at her sister. The Professor gave Samantha's hand to Jean, and the wedding proceeded. [Back to Table of Contents]

Epilogue Arrivederci! A Letter From Gaston Dear Theodore, my friend. This tale I must tell you. Fumbling in the darkness, knocked over furniture—I should've known it was Victoria. She crept into my apartment after yet another night out. I should say our apartment-like the old days, when

Victoria and I shared thoughts along with everything else. Maybe I missed her a bit, or had grown used to her and me. Either way, when Victoria was down and out, she came to me for a place to stay. Gaston and Victoria together again. Scary. There's Victoria. Just as I suspected, on the couch again. She smells of liquor—Bourbon, I think. This time, I can't say I blame her. Sure, Victoria lived way beyond her means, but now she has no family fortune to rescue her. Nor dark gifts to whisk her away. Victoria was here when the uniforms showed up. Angelo listed her as his next of kin when he enlisted (I suppose in the vampire way she was). I came home from work and found Victoria entrenched in alcohol. Angelo was dead. "I didn't know the address here.” Victoria wiped a tear away before she thought I noticed. “I didn't know where to send his remains." **** Victoria hasn't mentioned it since, but I dare say she's come back trashed every night thereafter. Was it two weeks ago? "Victoria.” I nudged her leg. “Come on, you need some coffee." "I don't like coffee.” She turned over. “And you're still in pajamas." "It's the middle of the night.” I sighed. “You're not a vampire." "Says who?" I wasn't going to have this conversation with Victoria again. "It's been four years, Victoria.” I sighed again and sat on the tip of the couch. “Mestiphles isn't coming back this time." "He's left us before.” Victoria sat up. “Four years, four hundred years. He'll unpunish us soon enough." "I don't think so." "I don't care what you think!" Victoria fumbled from the couch to her room-or rather my computer and a futon. I tried to help her, but she pushed me away. Fine, paw the wall. "Even if he did come back, Angelo is still dead. Mestiphles would not change that." "Bah!" She left the room. Victoria never could touché. **** Not only does she criticize my cooking, but Victoria runs up my phone bill. She doesn't think I

know, but I hear her phone calls early in the morning. Caine visited us before Victoria moved in, and now she's calling him to come back again. I don't know how a man with his record and reputation can get on a plane, but here he is four days later. I won't say I dislike Caine, but I am not so sure he's healthy for Victoria. Not that I care, but I'm tired of finding needles, pills, dirty spoons, and any other druggie materials. Victoria, the druggie—who knew? At least, I think she is only sleeping with one person. Hell, I can hear her and Caine all the time it seems, and it's pretty kinky by the sound of it. I had to say something to Caine. Oddly enough, I needed him to be Victoria's voice of reason. I stopped him one morning on his way out. "Do you have a minute, Caine?” I offered him a plate of eggs. "Yes.” Caine looked at the door and sniffed. “No food, though, thanks man." I pulled out a bottle of vodka instead, and he took up a bar stool. "I never realized how alike you and your big sister were." I poured his glass. “She is my younger sister, and we are hardly alike. Not anymore, anyway." Caine shrugged and took a shot. I took the plunge. I'm tall and svelte, mind you, but Caine is dark by nature, rugged, streetwise, and most likely high. Vampire or not he could split me in two. "Things are not great here, now,” I fumbled. “Maybe Victoria needs help from someone else. A professional." "Ask her.” He shrugged again. "I don't think she's in the right condition to make serious decisions." "She's in great condition.” Caine's eyes glinted. “And she can be in total control when she wants to be." "Caine.” I swallowed that kinky reference. “Lay off the mind trips, at least, will you?" "Whatever, man.” Caine finished his glass and slicked out without another word. **** Even before Angelo's irreversible death in Iraq, some of us Welshires were living better than others. I've been at a London law firm for two years. Mailroom and everything else, but it's a respectable job. I had money, a nice place, too. Until Victoria, that is. Rather than have a life of her own, she's continued to leach off the rest of us. All but Samantha. Her and Jean wished her well, but they made it clear Victoria wasn't welcome with them in America, especially if she was visiting with her new kind vampirism. I've warned Victoria to never call me at work, but I swear the ringer screamed it was her. I couldn't tell if she was crying or trashed, and I didn't care. “I told you not to call me." "Caine is going back to America,” she pouted. “He's leaving me here alone." So Caine did perhaps hear something of what I said.

"Men like him can't stay in one place too long." "I don't care!" I could hear the pitch change in her voice, and I knew the cubicles around me were listening. "Victoria, please.” Could anyone entreat on her? "I can't do this, Gaston,” Victoria whispered again. “No matter what I do, I feel nothing. I don't know who I am anymore. I need to findme." "Caine wasn't helping you there, that's for damn sure." I should've known then. Victoria didn't even try a comeback, she just hung up. She never just hangs up. I dialed home, but I was suddenly aware of a more threatening person behind me. My boss. "Mr. Welshire.” He cleared his throat and straightened his expensive tie. “I need to see you in my office ... when you're through." I hung up the phone.Shit. **** "Mr. Welshire, your attention to detail has been slipping of late." I definitely remember that and my utterly lame response. “Things aren't well at home. My sister ... we've lost a relative in Iraq." "I don't want to make things more difficult, but we need results this quarter..." I really didn't need to hear the rest. I couldn't hear the rest because the phone in my pocket vibrated. Vibrated loudly. Loud enough for my boss to hear. "I think you should get that.” My boss gave me the tone. If I answered it, my job was most likely lost. I knew I had to answer. Without fancy powers, vampires or not, I knew something was wrong. The number displayed, however, was not Victoria. I turned from my boss. "Is this Gaston?” a woman asked. "Yes." "My name is Erin. I am an EMT. We are responding to a female, pale skin, dark hair. She's asking for Gaston." "Victoria.” Was my boss still there? “She is my sister. What's wrong?" "Sir, we are taking your sister to the hospital. Please meet us there."

I don't recall anything about the drive. I arrived at the hospital, and the doctors ushered me to Victoria's bedside. The crazy bitch slit her wrists. **** Actually, I was angry, genuinely angry. If she made a mess in my bathroom! She always did like attention. Drama Queen and Daddy's Princess. She didn't want to die. She called for help, didn't she? Victoria loves life. Well, her old life. She wanted to be undead again, methinks. I sat by her bed while Victoria slept. No longer zealous and proud, sleeping and beeping with machines; gauze wristbands padding her arms. Mestiphles surely would not notice this woe is me plea, as I'm sure was her intention. My thoughts were all over the board. I was angry at Victoria's stupidity. Angry she had survived. My job was lost because of her. My own violent urges came to the forefront, but amid the beeping machines I heard Victoria, talking in her sleep. "Mother?" All thoughts left me, and I listened closer. "I want to stay here, with you.” She paused, then frowned. “Because it's Heaven?" Somehow, she knew I was there, and Victoria opened her eyes. "Gaston,” she whispered. “I've seen Elizabeth." Well, that was a doozy. I knew I what I had to do. I made a phone call. **** The next day, Professor James came and stayed with Victoria at the hospital while I tried to salvage my job-if possible. Fortunately, my boss wasn't being rash with the ax considering my situation. I returned to the hospital to relieve the Professor. "Even groggy and out of her wits Victoria still scares me,” The Professor confessed. "You and me both." "I'm surprised she would take such action. I don't doubt Victoria's power. Even now. She simply needs to find her strength again." The Professor patted my shoulder and pointed to suitcase by the door. “Pamela wasn't interested in visiting, but she sent a few things." "Thank you both.” I smiled at Pamela's well-meaning gift. “For everything." "We'll be in touch.” The Professor left, but I was not alone. I got comfortable in the vigil chair and leaned over the bed. "I know you're not asleep.” I just knew Victoria had been listening. "What did Pamela bring?” She opened her eyes and turned to me. "Get up and look yourself.” I didn't think I was being too insensitive.

Victoria wriggled her nose, but gently inched up in the bed and winced. At first I thought she was being melodramatic, but then I noticed the weight on the wrists. Victoria wasn't stupid and was milking it for all it was worth, but she did do a good number to herself. Blood soaked through the gauze, and honestly, if we weren't humans, I'd suspect she bit her own wrists with nice long canine fangs. We aren't vampires, however, and wounds for us no longer heal. Victoria looked over my shoulder and her countenance changed. Bewildered, angry, happy, sad altogether I couldn't tell. I looked behind me and smiled. Samantha was there. I had called her, and she had come. "Victoria is in a bad way,” I confessed over the international landline. "I don't know that there's anything I can do.” Samantha sounded concerned, but tired and far away in body and distance. "Make arrangements if you can.” I don't know why I called her; why even felt the need to inform her, much less request her presence. Samantha rose as the leader of The Few, and I had no human adviser. Well, the Professor, sure, but I needed another relative. Family. Blood. Samantha had come, swiftly and with child. I was as dumbfounded as Victoria, but stood to greet our sister. Her hair wasn't short and chick anymore. Long and blonde crinkles. She reminded me of Ann—who I somehow still carry memories of as if they were my own. I then thought of Antonio, something I hadn't done a long time. "You're huge!” I could think of nothing else to say. Samantha put her arms out for a hug, but I couldn't get around her belly. "Twins.” Her voice is unchanged through all our changes. “A boy and girl, they think." I heard Victoria rustle in the bed—once again demanding attention in her subtle way. Samantha looked around me, and I helped her with the chair. "Can I get you girls something?” I braved asking a pregnant woman about food. "I like the Jell-O,” Victoria demanded. “Not the orange, though. It makes me sick. The red, preferably, thanks." Samantha looked up at me. “Hot chocolate." "Will do.” I exited—but only to listen, anyway. I knew this conversation would be interesting, so I peered back in the open door. "When are you due?” Victoria asked. "Three weeks." "Should you be flying? Pamela did not come to see me, not that I expected her or wanted her to. She sent a suitcase with the Professor. The nerve. I haven't heard from Theodore." Ha!

"He's in Montréal, doing a thesis on global warming." "Oh,” Victoria pouted. “He could've called. Caine finds a way to travel. Remember how he hated transforming into a puppy?" "Yes.” She smiled a bit. “We tried getting him into rehab." I think Victoria snorted. I saw her toxicology report. If she hadn't butchered her wrists, she could've croaked all the same. "Michael and Stephanie divorced,” Samantha shared, but Victoria snorted again. "And Jean is the father of your babies?" "Yes." "Do you have names yet? If you don't, you can name the girl Elizabeth." "What?” I said. Shit, that was out loud! I hope they didn't hear me. If Samantha did, she didn't let on. "Jean and I were considering it." "I saw her." My jaw dropped again. Samantha finally frazzled. “What?" "It was very bright, and I wanted to stay with her. Mother said no, it wasn't time yet." I eurekaed. That was some dream Victoria had,Because it's Heaven! "Victoria, I'm sure that the doctors are doing everything they can to help you. I think the medication might have had an effect." Wow, Samantha put it nicely. "You of all people, I thought, would believe me.” Victoria looked out the window. “My mother sent me back." "I don't doubt you, Victoria. Things have been difficult of late." "Difficult for me most of all.” she thrust her weeping bandages out at Samantha. "Victoria, please.” Samantha shifted. "My blood that can't be replaced. I can't not be a vampire anymore. I have to have thrill and meaning!"

"Thrills from preying on others?” Samantha's breath grew short. “Victoria, I don't have the time for this." "Sure.” She slunk under her covers. “No one has time for Victoria." "I didn't have to come here. I came here to help you—and you do need help. You only want favorable attention—you've only ever wanted the spotlight. You've been given a second chance again and you're throwing it away because it's not on your terms. If you don't want my help, than you can really just go to hell!" Samantha stood up and fell on her stomach. Shit! I rushed in to the room, but Samantha was out cold on the floor. "I knew you were listening!” Victoria sat up again. "Shut up, Victoria.” So selfish. “Use your emergency button. Now!" "There's no need to yell.” Victoria fiddled with the call. "I beg to differ. Samantha could die. Her unborn children could die. Because of you." Doctors rushed in, and a stretcher pulled up. Samantha groaned, and I thought she said my name. I leaned closer. "Jean.” She whispered. “Jean?" "Are you Jean?” A med asked me. "No, I'm Gaston, her brother. Jean's her husband." "Where is he? We might have to induce." "In America, I believe." "We don't have that kind of time." The stretcher whisked away. I tried to follow Samantha, but the entourage of doctors rushed behind hefty swinging doors. I bolted to the elevator instead and rushed out to the maternity ward. "Are they bringing a woman here from the psychiatric unit?” I must've looked stupid before the receptionist. “A visitor, not a patient. Her name is Samantha." "Just a minute, sir.” The nurse was on the phone. A genuine call, I heard the medical jargon once I stopped to listen. The elevators beeped, and the doctors wheeled Samantha into the ward. "That's her.” I left the receptionist. “Samantha!"

The doctors wouldn't let me near her, but I saw Samantha, groggy and sedated. "We need to deliver this baby now." "Two!” I told them. “Two babies!" An attendant grabbed me and thrust me into a prep room. "Put these on.” She handed me blue scrubs. "I can't go in there.” I grew queasy at the thought of blood, placentas, screams, sweat. Ugh. “I'm not her husband." "Aren't you her brother?" I remembered Samantha shooting me with a crossbow. It was so long ago! I felt that pain again in the pit of my stomach. I bit the bullet. "Yes. I am her brother." It was busy and noisy as I imagined, but the door swung back and hit me in the butt. I had to help Samantha, even if it was just saying I had been there when she came to. What if she didn't come to? And because of Victoria! I don't know how to care for a baby. Surely I alone would have to take the baby—two—to Jean in America. Maybe Pamela would help me. What if it wasn't twins? What if one died? How could I tell Jean? Where was the damn Canuck when I needed him? The surgeons wrapped Samantha in a canopy of blue sheets and hooked her up to machines. "Scalpel,” The masked doctor ordered. The shiny silver glinted in his hand, then it dove in. Blood soaked the sheets and dyed them purple. Through some of our lost magic still remaining, I spaced out of the operating room. Memories not my own, thoughts and recollections of my Father I still held. From his dying breath to his most treasured moment, I saw my Mother. I saw my mother giving birth to me. Antonio had been there, and there I was small and bloody and screaming. The vision was black and white, but red blood was everywhere. My mother's eyes were fading, yet she was lovely, angry, happy, and sad all at the same time. She gasped her last breath, and I heard my own baby cry. Suddenly, I was back. The operating room was gone, but I was in a bed myself. A nurse appeared. "Mr. Welshire, you're awake." "How long was I gone?" "Gone? You've been asleep for a few hours. You hit your head when you fell." "Fell?" "In the operating room. You passed out."

I had no memory of that. "Samantha?” She returned to the forefront of my mind. “Where is my sister?" "We've set her up in her own room.” The nurse helped me out of bed. I was woozy. “Professor James was here. I believe he contacted your brother-in-law." "Was it twins? Both of them? Did they make it?" "A boy and a girl, in the nursery under our supervision." Supervision. Something about that word reminded me. One who needs to be supervised. Victoria! "My sister, Victoria,” I asked the nurse, “where is she?" "In her room, as far as I know." I left the nurse and went to the elevators. I thought on my bearings, then took the lift down. I hustled passed the psych watch woman. My head hurt and I felt weak, but I was sure I found Victoria's room. The bed was empty. "Where is Victoria?” I returned to the waiting nurse. “She was on a suicide watch. Where is she?" "She spoke with the Doctor. They went to the Chapel." I zipped down the hall, well I wanted to zip, but I think I was going slower than that. I tore open the Chapel door, but my urgency wasn't quelled by the dim light, easy music, and big three religious symbols. Where was Victoria? Why would she be here? An old woman sat still in a pew. Maybe she was dead? But she wasn't Victoria. I turned to the prayer book and flipped through the pages. The sneak didn't sign her name: For my niece and nephew, V.W. **** My head cleared, and I was herking and jerking in an elevator again. I stopped a woman in teddy bear scrubs. “Where is the nursery?" She pointed and I followed, halting before internal windows. Samantha sat in a rocker with a pink baby bundle. A nurse rocked beside her with a baby bundle in blue. Samantha looked tired, but content as my own mother had been so briefly. I stepped closer to the glass, and there was Victoria. She wore black pants and a dark shirt—the clothes from Pamela, I assumed. Her hair was down and wild as always, her arms crossed. I approached her, but she continued to stare into the nursery at Samantha, the twins, the other newborns wiggling in the incubators. I observed them all as well. Victoria remained, unwavering. I watched her rigid stature and smooth face. All signs of her recent issues, pouts, and cries for attention were gone.

"I want a child of my own,” she declared at last. God help us! Gaston [Back to Table of Contents]

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**** About the Author Kristin Battestellawrites for her hometown newspaper in New Jersey and has been writing science fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, and horror for fifteen years. She enjoys being at home with her family, collecting records, and creating web pages in her spare time, along with various sports articles, online reviews, and fiction work.The Vampire Family is her first full-length work.

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