Savor

by Duncan, Megan

  “But why would they kill each other?” I never knew that’s what caused the war to end and was surprised to hear the truth. That fact was left out during history lessons in school. I guessed the vampires chose to not have such information portray them in any darker of a light.

  “There were two… um, factions of vampires I suppose you could say. There were those who favored their new found power and there were those who still followed the way of the goddess. The latter claimed that Nyx called them into action to protect the humans from the vampires who had forsaken the way of the goddess. In doing so, they were looked upon as traitors of their kind and attacked openly.” As Robin told the story she opened the doors to reveal a beautiful temple with a glass ceiling that let in the glow of the bright moon as it bathed the statues and pews within.

  “Wow,” I breathed as I took in the beauty of the room. I immediately felt a connection with Nyx as I did the night I was turned and could tell this temple held great power. We walked along the center aisle and then to our left into a smaller chamber, which was a dressing room. A large mirror stood to the right along with room dividers for changing. As with everywhere in the palace there were huge porcelain vases that held freshly cut flowers of countless varieties. The aroma was warm and filled the room heavily. Evilyn wasn’t waiting for us so we took our seats and Robin continued her story, clearly enjoying speaking of history like a teacher.

  “Among the believers rose a powerful vampire. He followed Nyx and was willing to fight viciously for her. It was with his guidance and training, that they overcame the evil and took us out of the dark ages.”

  “Nicolae,” I breathed in realization. I had never heard the true version of what had happed and a new found respect for my vampire Dad blossomed inside me.

  “He is an inspiration to us all,” Evilyn smiled from the doorway. She was wrapped head to toe in a velvety black cape. Her lips were full and painted in a luscious red. A band of black stretched across her eyes like a mask, yet a tiny hint of love escaped her.

  Robin and I immediately rose and curtseyed toward her. “Mom,” I tried my best to show respect and did not hide my happiness at seeing her.

  “Oh, Claire. Please rise, you need not bow before me.” She reached for my hand and pulled me up an amused expression lifted the corner of her lips into a slight smile. “You tell the story beautifully Robin.”

  Robin beamed and stepped aside as Evilyn took a seat on the loveseat and patted the empty place next to her. She looked to me expectantly to take a seat. As I obeyed Robin smiled and excused herself to get ready for the ceremony.

  We sat in silence for a moment and I hesitated several times when I found myself wanting to ask a thousand questions. Evilyn caught on to my feelings as she always did and rested her hand on mine. “It will be alright child. I know of what you go through and I promise you all will be well.”

  I gave her a weak smile as my heart caused my eyes to burn when tears began to fall. I wiped at them, angry for allowing myself to break in front of her. I wanted to look strong and crying like a baby was quite the opposite. Evilyn directed my chin so that I looked into her dark eyes and I saw a sparkle of who she used to be deep within them. I had never noticed it before and found comfort that somewhere hidden secretly was a piece of who she once was. “If he truly loves you, this will not affect your devotion to each other. In truth it can make things stronger.” I looked at her in surprise and she wiped the tears from my face with the hem of her cloak. “Do not look so surprised. A woman knows well the tears of a lost love.”

  I sniffled as the tears ceased their onslaught and regained some composure. “How did you make it work?”

  “It took time my child, but with it Nicolae began to respect Fox deeply. It is difficult for a man, especially a vampire to allow another to do what they cannot. Eventually that began to change. In the beginning, when times were still unsettled after the dark ages Fox was able to protect me when Nicolae could not. Saving the life of a loved one is an action that Nicolae could not ignore. In doing so Fox gained his respect and Nicolae realized they each had the same goal, my safety and nothing else mattered.”

  Evilyn’s tale sounded like a romantic love story and although I wanted to ask her for more details I knew there wasn’t time. I made a mental note to ask her again someday. I wanted to know more about my new mom and it comforted me to find that there was a loving romantic hidden under her stern vampire exterior.

  “Who will be my Blood Mate?” I feared asking this question and wondered if it would have been best to be ignorant of the truth, but I didn’t want to be unpleasantly surprised at the altar.

  “His name is Arrick. I have spoken with him myself Claire, and I believe him to be an excellent match for you. Not only by blood.” She rose and began to sort through a pile of black capes that draped heavily over a chair. I wanted to ask her what he looked like and what made her think he would be an excellent match for me, but another question seemed more important.

  “What is going to happen in this ceremony and what exactly does it mean to have a Blood Mate? I know that I agreed to join this family, but it isn’t right to make me do things without informing me about any of it.” I knew I sounded a little defiant but I was hoping that she would respect my standing up for myself.

  “As I am sure you have already learned, it is a very old custom that has not been practiced in our region in many many years. There are many duties a Blood Mate is created for, but first and foremost their duty is to protect their mate.”

  “How can they do that?” I interrupted too quickly and saw the slight annoyance that wrinkled Evilyn’s lips but her tone remained neutral.

  “As with vampires, a Blood Mate is created. However, the method is dramatically different causing an altered path of transformation. With this change they take on unusual abilities unlike vampires.” Evilyn held up a cloak in the air visualizing if it would fit me. When she determined that it would she directed me toward her and then to sit on a small stool in front of a dressing table. She draped the cloak around me and started styling my hair, continuing her description.

  “As I said before a Blood Mate can protect their mate where a vampire cannot. Tell me Claire, where could such a place be?”

  I thought about it for a moment while she pinned the last of my hair back. She had braided it back on each side but allowed small strands to fall around my face framing it delicately. A black velvet gown that matched the cape was laid on my lap and Evilyn asked that I quickly change before she did my makeup.

  As I dressed I couldn’t help but be a little excited. Not about the ceremony but about spending time with Evilyn. It was the mother daughter moment that I never got to have with my human mom and although it made me miss her I was savoring every bit of it.

  “Daylight!” I answered triumphantly as I twirled out from behind the screens in the black floor length gown. As with many vampire dresses it was low cut and revealed an ample amount of skin for such a long frock, but I was slowly becoming accustomed to this fashion. Vampires didn’t have the same reservations about nudity as humans did. They viewed it as beauty and not something to be ashamed of.

  “That is correct. Well done. Blood Mates are capable of direct sunlight, they can also stay awake during the day as we cannot.”

  “How else do they differ?” I asked eager to learn as much as I could.

  “They do not need to feed on human blood as we do. Blood Mates can survive on human food as they had before, although many do enjoy feeding.”

  “Feeding?” That sounded very much like they liked to drink blood to me.

  “This is where much of the jealousy can be born should you already have a lover when you are matched with a Blood Mate.” My cheeks flushed at the word lover. I definitely wouldn’t say that Dmitry was my lover, but my feelings for him did run deep and I wanted to see where they would lead. “Many vampires and Blood Mates became lovers and would feed on each other.”

  “I thought vampires weren’t allowed
to feed and that’s why we have blood banks.”

  “They aren’t allowed to feed on humans. A Blood Mate is not a human, although they can still walk under the sun’s light. As Robin’s Dad would say they are a sort of hybrid. They are equally as strong if not more so and also do not age. That fact makes them the perfect bodyguard. They can stay bonded with their vampire for eternity.”

  I pondered this and started to prefer the idea of being a Blood Mate myself rather than a vampire. There seemed to be more advantages. “Why haven’t Blood Mates been made in a long time?”

  “Well…” Evilyn thought on it as she prepared my make-up creating the same black band across my eyes, “There became great speculation and I would say fear that Blood Mates might be more powerful than vampires. If there is one thing a vampire will not share, it is power. That is something very important you must learn as you begin your journey in this family.”

  “Are you and Nicolae… I mean Dad doing the same thing? Eventually, when I take the throne?”

  “No Claire, there is a great difference between choosing a successor and having your power taken from you by force. Which is why we have such urgency in you joining our family.”

  It sounded like Evilyn had wanted to say more, but she stopped mid-sentence staring off into space like she was lost in a memory. I remained silent hoping that she would continue and confirm what I had suspected. That a vampire in the palace was suspected of plotting to steal the throne from Nicolae, for themselves. Just who that vampire was I wasn’t quite certain yet.

  A small knock on the door broke Evilyn out of her trance and she quickly rose from her seat in one smooth motion. Robin popped her head in, adorned the same matching black outfit that the Queen and I wore. “Come in Robin.” Evilyn waved her in as she headed for the door.

  “The King requests your presence,” Robin said with a small bow.

  “Thank you,” Evilyn exited the room in her usual manner as if she floated above the ground, but not before she stopped for one last look at me. “I am very proud of you Claire. I see in you a spirit much like your Dad. A phoenix that rises amongst the ashes of chaos. Should our world be threatened I am grateful we have you on our side.”

  My Dad. It was a weird thought to process, to have a trait of a man that I was not born from. Nonetheless I took the compliment gratefully and bowed my head at her before she left. I still feared that I wouldn’t be able to do the great many things everyone wanted me to do, but I did know that I wanted to with all my being.

  When the door was solidly shut Robin pulled her hood down and plopped down on an arm chair. Even with her gothic-like attire her happy disposition shown thrown the dark garment and black streak across her face. “Interesting attire we have to wear for this thing.” I said as I blew a strand of hair out of my face and sat on the loveseat.

  “It’s tradition for vampires to wear black in this ceremony. It’s to set us apart from the Blood Mate who must wear red. Many say red was chosen to both honor and shame them, but most Blood Mates feel no shame in wearing it.” Robin beamed at being able to give me another history lesson. “So it looks like you and the Queen had a good talk. You seem happier.”

  “I am… I think,” I returned Robin’s smile. “So have you found out anything else that is going on?” I was secretly hoping the ceremony had been called off and I could run to find Dmitry as quickly as possible.

  “Nicolae denied them Blood Mates and they aren’t happy about it to say the least.”

  “So what happens now?”

  “The ceremony is going to be conducted as scheduled. I was told to make sure you were ready and to request the Queen meet with him.” I knew that’s what she was going to say.

  “What am I supposed to do during this ceremony? Is it going to be like my transformation?” I didn’t want to sound like a wuss but I wasn’t particularly looking forward to going through any horrific pain at the moment.

  “No. At least I don’t think so. From what I’ve read and what my Dad has told me it is a fairly short ceremony. Much like a wedding ceremony in some respects,” I gulped loudly and Robin giggled, “don’t worry you won’t actually be married to the guy.”

  “Good.” It sounded easy enough and my nerves settled. “How much longer till it starts?”

  “My mom is going to come in and get us when it’s time.”

  Robin and I chatted for a while about anything not having to do with the ceremony. I teased her about her dancing partner from the coronation ball and she didn’t seem to mind talking about him at all. I liked seeing her happy and wondered if there was anything I could do to make this vampire dream boy of hers have reason to visit us more often.

  When Mara entered the room my nerves had successfully settled and I was ready to proceed in this mysterious Blood Mate ceremony that would forever bond me with another man. It sounded a lot like marriage to me, so to keep my fears at bay, I prayed that when I walked down the aisle it would be Dmitry who was waiting for me dressed in a red cape and displaying his devilish grin. The thought brought a smile to my face.

  Robin left from where Mara entered and I was then led through another hallway that brought us back to the main doorway of the temple. Seeing the doors again brought back the story Robin had told me about Nicolae rising from the fearful and oppressed vampires of old, leading them to freedom and a new life. “A phoenix from the ashes,” I whispered to myself.

  “What did you say dear?” Mara asked.

  “Oh nothing.”

  “When you hear the bell toll, these doors will open for you.” I nodded as she lifted my hood over my hair. “Walk slowly down the aisle and keep your focus on the statue of Nyx.” I figured that would be easy to do. At the very end of the aisle stood a tall stone statue of the goddess. Her head was cast down to look at the alter below her.

  “Then what?” I asked.

  “Just follow the priest’s instructions Claire and you will do fine. Now remember, do not enter until the…”

  “Until the bell tolls. I remember.” I smiled at her and she sped off the way we had come.

  I closed my eyes and tried to focus on my breathing as I waited. The world seemed deathly quiet and any miniscule sound seemed to be amplified as it was carried down the hall to me. For a brief moment I thought I had heard the clatter of pans in the kitchen… or was it Ana’s evil cackle bouncing off the palace walls? Either way it made goose bumps prickle across my skin.

  When the bell rang it was incredibly loud and I felt like I had been standing at the top of a clock tower. My very bones rattled at the sound and if I hadn’t already been biting my lip I might have screamed aloud.

  The wooden doors parted of their own accord, silently yet heavily moving across the marble floor. When they came to a stop I waited not sure of when I should begin walking. I expected everyone to turn toward me as they would during a wedding to watch a bride walk down an aisle but each hooded figure kept themselves pointed forward and cast upward toward the face of the goddess.

  At the end of the aisle stood a vampire priest, his face shadowed by a hood. Unlike the rest of us he wore a cape of shimmering white and I suspected it was to represent the moon. He beckoned me to walk toward him and I obeyed. I slowed my pace, much slower than I’m sure Mara had instructed me too but I was desperately searching for Dmitry. I couldn’t use my eyes to look about the room as everyone was hooded. I didn’t know who was who so I stretched out my emotions trying to connect with his familiar feel, but by the time I reached the altar I was unsuccessful. Had he not come? I knew it would be hard for him to see me go through with this, but I needed him to be here for me.

  I fought the urge to turn around as I looked to the priest. He turned his back to me and raised his hands to the goddess who looked down on us. I sensed the crowd behind me mimic his motion so I did the same. Looking up at her I noticed that her hands that were cast down at her sides when Robin and I had walked through earlier were now raised to the heavens. One was holding a giant red ruby while the ot
her carried a luminescent glowing orb that looked much like the moon.

  The room broke into prayer. In unison they chanted, “She walks in beauty through the night, upon darkened hills and starlit skies. We call upon the moon and elemental light. A child of the night births a child of the light, all shall follow your worthy might. All-seeing, all-hearing goddess, you witness this night a most solemn oath. Unfurl your wings, oh goddess of the night and bless us your children in this ceremony of new life.”

  When the prayer was spoken we all lowered our hands and the priest turned toward me. His left hand extended and I followed it, focusing on every vein and hair. I needed something to focus on to keep me grounded. The room felt electric after the prayer and my head grew dizzy like I had stood up too quickly from sitting.

  A red figure approached from my right and my entire body stiffened. It was both incredibly painful and amazingly pleasant. As the figure drew nearer, he stood so close our capes touched lightly. My nerves were so on end and so aware that even that sensation rippled through my body as if he had taken his hand and touched me himself.

  “Join hands!” The priest spoke in a deep throaty voice. It commanded attention but was somehow soothing. I guessed he had been a priest of Nyx for a great many years.

  The red cloaked figure at my side raised his hand. It was steady and I looked at it for only a moment, hoping I would recognize something that would give away who he was. I placed my hand atop his, careful not to take too long in doing so. I felt the heat of his skin against mine. He was the first human I had touched since turning into a vampire and the warmth made something inside of me stir. It wasn’t a hunger for his blood like I had expected but something else. I wondered if my hand felt as cold to him, as a vampire’s did to me when I first arrived. If it did, he didn’t show it. His hand remained steady under mine.

  The priest held his hand over ours as he lowered his head in another prayer. Everyone followed his actions again, however this time I couldn’t hear his words. I lowered my head but kept my eyes open. I wanted to be completely aware of everything that was going on.