Ring of Madness

by Royden Labrosse

  - Don't worry, curly, vampires will regenerate quickly. Very fast. He won't even have a fracture mark by morning.

  - You're just a monster," I whispered.

  My charges were a vampire to a known place. Beautiful mask didn't move an inch, Mečislav looked just as detached.

  - I'm not a monster. But I'm not human. And Danielle's not human either, Curly. Neither is Andre. And your friend Anna-Katerina is now, too. You shouldn't judge us by human standards.

  Daniel stood on his knees in the middle of the room, and Mecislav turned to him.

  - Do not forget that I am a creator and a Prince of the City, and you are just a servant who has not yet won his freedom, and you will live. I promised you help and protection, but I will not tolerate intrigue behind my back! What you tried to do to my name is worth more punishment. I love you for her, but this is the first and last time. Don't play with me, Danielle!

  The voice of the vampire became low and very calm, almost human. But he couldn't fool me. His power flowed into the room. It seemed to flow from his skin with an icy invisible vortex, curled in a spiral, pressed, broke ... Most of it went to Daniel, but I was also caught by the very edge. For a moment there, I thought I was going to be turned inside out. There was a familiar vortex of ice inside. It came up, and then it faded away as if someone had touched it with their invisible ice lips. And this disappearance of the Force pierced my whole body with cruel pain. I would have curled up and moaned, but my throat was so small that it was hard to breathe. Nadia leaned towards me, but she might as well have been a thousand miles away. Then the Force went away with the pain, and I relaxed. And I slipped quietly on the floor. I couldn't hold my legs. Daniel had to do worse than that. The Force caused by Mieczysław was shaking and beating him. The vampire bent into the embryo position. I hadn't seen his face, but it was for the best. Swordsman was more than enough for me. The vampire's eyes became completely green, like two emeralds, and only instead of the pupil a scarlet light burned. My face was strangely changed. It was as if the bones had changed their position. Its features were sharpened and stretched. His fangs appeared clearly from under his thin lips. Now Mecislav didn't look like a man at all. And no one would call him a perfect handsome man. But - a strange thing - in this face I was attracted to him much more. I felt warmth at the bottom of my stomach - and pressed my forehead harder against a cold tree. I was hysterical, but that fear was arousing. And suddenly the thought that both Danielle and Nadia are not at all appropriate here. The two of us would be much better off. I'd walk up to a vampire, hold on to my whole body, put my hands under a thick sweater... Supreme Powers! I have a man tortured before my eyes and I'm almost tied in a knot by desire?! I'm such a crap!

  - What's going on here?! - Nadia screamed.

  Mechislav turned to her.

  - It's all right now, Hope.

  His Power rushed to us through the room, and froze halfway, tamed and calmed down. I sobbed. I wanted to move, but the body refused to listen.

  - What are you doing? - Nadia asked.

  - Punishing my servant.

  Mecislav smiled again as if nothing had happened.

  - This isn't about Daniel! What's wrong with Daniela?!

  The vampire took two steps towards us and picked me up like a doll. Looked in my face.

  - That's weird. Don't move, curly. Look me in the eye.

  His eyes were like two emeralds on golden skin. No pupil, no squirrel, a solid green glow. And I drowned in their light. There was no strength to resist. There was no strength for anything.

  It was some kind of hallucination. Or was it a dream? I was standing in the summer garden. It was all permeated with bright green light. Not the sun, but the twilight. For some reason, I was wearing a long white robe with lace. That's a creepy rag! I would never wear anything like that. It was too long and transparent and fluttering. It looked like it would fit three or four more Julies in peace. But that wasn't enough either! I was wearing something on my head too. I reached out and found a cap in my hair that had gone out of fashion two or three hundred years ago. The cap immediately flew into the bushes. I looked around again. The place and time stamps were nowhere to be found. Well, what was I supposed to do? I put my head up in the sky.

  - What's going on? Where am I?

  - You're asleep, curly.

  Mecislav! And who else could I expect here?! As charming as ever. In a black shirt made of some translucent fabric and black trousers tucked into tall, knee-high boots made of soft black leather. Clothes fit his body like a glove. Especially below his waist. And he looked stunning in this outfit. Like a golden statue. Vampire tricks? We'll figure it out!

  - Is this my dream? I usually have better taste.

  - Not really. This is OUR dream, curly.

  I twisted my head, but I couldn't think of anything better.

  - Why do we need to see this dream?

  - Don't you remember what happened to you, Fluffy?

  I'd try to forget it myself! And I remember perfectly well how I was spinning and turning, just like laundry in the washing machine.

  - I remember, but I don't understand. What was that?

  - When I decided to punish Daniel, he decided to protect himself from my anger. By your power. Our Seals and your will almost ripped your body apart. However... - Mechislav took his eyes away for a few minutes and then looked me firmly in the eyes. - I don't think he did it on purpose. Danielle just didn't know what he was doing. That's why he's still alive. And he also defended himself instinctively. I'm sorry, but it was my words that provoked him.

  - Too bad for him, too!

  - Yeah. Jane, I'm not as scum as you think I am. And I don't want to hurt anyone without an emergency. It's just that I'm too angry.

  It took me a few seconds to think about it.

  - I think I understand. I wanted one thing, you wanted another, Danielle wanted a third. And I got it. No, it's beautiful. To squeeze and not live! What are we doing here?

  - You were in shock from magic. But you're not a vampire and you can't regenerate as fast as we can, Curly. So I decided to put you in a trance and bring you into the real world quickly.

  I looked at him with disbelief.

  - I'm just gonna sleep on my own? But it's very real! I feel - I pinched my hand so that I even gently woke up - the pain.

  - It's a mirage, curly. And in reality, you're just lying on your friend's couch. And I'm right next to you. You won't even get a bruise.

  - I'll take your word for it.

  - That's all you've got, Curly.

  - Was it the same dream as the one with the river and the clearing?

  - Yes.

  - That's interesting. So you can influence my dreams on your own?

  - Yes, I can. But I won't do it.

  - And why would you be so gracious?

  - You're not gonna forgive me later. How would you feel if we made love now, here?

  The answer was easy.

  - I feel like a whore.

  - And ruin the most beautiful moment of our lives, our first date. No, when we make love - Mechislav suddenly slipped to me elusive vampire movement. I almost had my nose stuck in his chest. The smell of honey and flowers rolled up in the wave. The vampire gently held my hands and pulled me even closer, almost closely to himself. He immediately unbuckled his fingers before I could get angry. We didn't touch, but we couldn't even stick a pencil in between. - When you first decide to trust me like that, you won't regret it or think you betrayed someone. I promise you, Fluffy. But I can't promise not to seduce you. On the contrary, I can't help it. And now we have to go. Are you coming with me?

  He pulled away a little and gave me a hand. I looked at it with fear. Thin, graceful brush with long nerve fingers. And this amazing, honey-colored skin. I wanted to get down on my knees and lick his palm. Taste it and make sure his fingers smell like honey.

  - Does it have to be?

  - Absolutely, curly.

  Do I believe it? I don't believe it? Why,
do you have a choice? I obediently put my hand in the palm of a vampire. And I screamed. What I wasn't ready for was a flash of desire that permeated my whole body. The vampire turned to me, and his eyes became completely inhuman. It was an emerald green mirage with a scarlet pupil point.

  - You can feel it too, curly.

  - What's wrong with me?

  - That's your wish. It's our passion.

  - Is that your job? Seals?

  - No. It's just our common desire. I reflect it like a mirror, but everything you feel comes from you. There's not much of mine here. Admit it, Curly, did you rush into Daniel's arms because you were scared of me - or yourself?

  - I'm not afraid of anything - I could hardly move my lips. His body, under a translucent shirt, so close, tempted me.

  - Then kiss me, Curly, even his voice was already a temptation, no matter what the vampire said. Silent, silky, seductive as if sliding on my body and inside my body...

  - No! - I resisted. - You said you could get me out of shock! Then do it, damn it! But there won't be anything else! You said you wouldn't make love to me now.

  - I don't do that. I'm just trying to seduce you. What's so scary about that?

  - Nothing," I burst out. - It was just wrong. Even when you look like a man.

  For seconds, the vampire was just looking at me. The green eyes were interested. Did I do something he didn't expect? Let's hope so.

  - I could say it's necessary for our return. But it's not.

  - Do I have to appreciate that? Or should I remind you of your promise? Strength, but not soul or body!

  I squeezed my other hand into my fist. My fingernails were soaked in my palm. The pain helped to keep control of myself.

  - You don't have to. I hope we meet again in our dreams, Curly.

  - I hope there will be no more such dreams," I replied as a courtesy.

  - Come on, Fluffy. We should get back.

  Mieczyslaw took a step forward. I obediently stepped after him - and fell into fiery blackness. The dream dissipated. I opened my eyes.

  I had the usual pink tile ceiling over me. There was dusk in the room.

  - Where am I?

  - Where I was before, Nadia looked at me with anxious eyes. - How do you feel?

  - I don't know. I tried to move. Raise and lower your hand. Bend your leg. I did it.

  - Seems okay. Help me sit down.

  Nadia grabbed my hand and pulled me up. I sat down on the couch and looked around. Danielle was sitting in a chair in the corner. Mechislav lay down next to me as if he had been lying on this sofa all his conscious life or conscious death. He watched me from under the dropped eyelashes like a big lazy cat.

  - Am I all right?

  - Yeah, curly.

  That's it. It's just two words, and I'm getting goosebumps.

  - Danielle?

  The vampire raised his head. The grey eyes looked at me longingly. What was he waiting for? Insults? An insult? Misunderstandings? Rupture? It can't wait! I love him too much to let go. But I have to explain myself.

  - How did you do that? Can you explain?

  - I can't. I really wanted you to be with me, to be just my...

  ***

  Danielle looked into calm nut eyes and knew he wouldn't believe it. Or would she? Now he couldn't understand at all what was going on in his beloved woman's head. Irritation? Anger? That's what he didn't feel at all. Distrust?

  I guess not either. Rage? Misunderstanding? Insult?

  He couldn't understand anything. And feeling that something very important was ripping between him and the girl, he asked himself:

  - Do you... do you hate me for this?

  And immediately, he calmed down. Because the answer to the question was astonishedly goggle eyes. That's all right, and imitate the amazement and all the other feelings of his girl could not. I mean, not at all. She could try to hide something under the stone face, but only from humans, not vampires. After all these years, Danielle has learned to hear both what a person says and what he tries to hide. Let the words not be spoken, but the eyes, hands, the smallest movements of facial muscles - and who will notice them, as not an artist. Especially a vampire artist, whose vision is hundreds and thousands of times sharper than that of a human, and the power he can manipulate does not allow for personal security. Alas.

  During his vampire life, Daniel became a major specialist in non-verbal communication, although he would be offended by this definition.

  Now he's seen - Jane is upset, scared, tired and has difficulty holding back tears. So the vampire did the only thing he could. He went up to the sofa on which the girl was lying and knelt down next to her.

  - I'm sorry, trotter. I really didn't mean it and I don't know how it happened. I can only guess. I really loved you, didn't I? I didn't get carried away by another beautiful woman, a beautiful model for a painting, I did.

  And now the vampire was speaking with absolute sincerity. Without even trying to hide anything. And he saw that he was trusted by everyone in the room. But what was the significance of Miecislav and Nadia? It was important to him now that Jane still trusted him. And he was willing to give a lot for that. And to reveal his soul...

  - I'm a rather weak vampire," Danielle wasn't even bitter, admitting his lack. Big deal... It's not a flaw that matters to a loved one - and that's all that matters. - I can't create and control a new vampire. Not ever. As a vampire, I have reached the limit of my power. And I'm not going to stand around with Medislav.

  - And that's your big plus. - In the amber eyes of the girl rushed familiar sparks - and the vampire realized - his trot comes to life. Soon she will start scratching, biting and hissing again. Well, that's great.

  - I agree," Mieczyslaw snorting dissatisfactorily, but was left without attention.

  - However, only vampires who have already created offspring can get a surname. Like Dyushka, Mechislav, the same Boris could... And I couldn't. So I made love to you in peace. And I quietly let go of all my strength and emotions. I just didn't think I could hurt you. That's how it happened. I wanted to be with you all the time...

  - And I wanted the same thing for you.

  - Apparently, your desire, plus your bad raw power, has formed a bond. So far only between the bodies, - summed up Mechislav.

  Jane didn't even point her eyes in his direction. She only looked at Daniel. And the vampire was happy. Because there was love in a woman's eyes. And it was reflected in his soul.

  - You're not mad at me?

  - Never. And you're on me?

  - There's no way.

  Who asked? Who answered?

  It didn't matter to Daniel at all. It didn't matter. Neither the Fury of Mieczysław, nor the pain in the growing bone, nor the fatigue. Just him and her.

  ***

  - It's dark. Shouldn't you be going? Going out there or hunting... Have you eaten at all today?

  Nadia has defused the situation, as always. That's a shame. I would've looked into Daniel's eyes like that. Gods, I love him so much. It even gets scary sometimes. But I love him. And I love him. With all the advantages and disadvantages. Not the icy handsome Andre, not the walking temptation of all women - Mecislava, namely his grayish eyes vampire. A native and the only one. But her friend's voice has broken our exchange of views. Daniel slightly covered his eyes and stepped aside, and Mieczyslaw finally got off the sofa. And good. Because his spirits make you want to sneeze.

  - No. It's too early for us.

  - Are you sure? Maybe we should go for a walk. This seat won't do you any good anyway.

  - That's right," I supported.

  - And you, Curly, better lie down. Are you dizzy?

  I, in spite of the vampire, tried to get up and walk around the room. I did it!

  - I'm not spinning anything! Boom!

  Mieczysław looked pleased, like the Chihuahua, who had bitten a bulldog with impunity.

  - What are you so excited about?

  What the vampire wanted to say remains unknown to
the story. There was a ringing at the door.

  Chapter 6

  We don't even dream about peace.

  The call made me jump on the spot.

  - Nadia! Who's that?!

  - Fuck knows them! I'm gonna go and scandal!

  - Halt!

  The voice of a vampire made the girlfriend freeze to death.

  - Danielle, can't you feel anything?

  The artist focused, and then shook his head.

  - Nothing...

  - Curly?

  I tried to focus. Everything was fine.

  But...

  - Is it like a cloud on the horizon? A threat?

  - Yes. Get dressed, everyone! Come on, now!

  I tore the sheepskin off the hanger, put the bag across the body and checked if the sneakers were tied well. The vampires were already dressed. You bet, at their speed! I wish someone was a sergeant in the army, so they could teach everyone how to dress in fifteen seconds. Or in five seconds.

  Nadia came to the door.

  - Who's there?

  - This is Igor Semenovich, your neighbor. Can I borrow some salt?

  The voice was the most ordinary, quite human and even calm. It's funny if it's really a neighbour! It's like we're going to war here!

  - Sorry, I don't have any salt. Buy some forget... la!

  Nadia's voice was interrupted by an indecipherable gurgle. Mechislav grabbed her by the shoulders and rushed away from the door. The girlfriend twitched in his arms like a rag doll. And I saw. In the door, at the level of her abdomen, there was a big hole. And a paw, most like a fox, slipped into it. The same red fur, only much thicker and longer. And her claws. These claws broke through the upholstery, and Nadia entered her stomach, just under the diaphragm, and her friend's clothes were quickly soaked in blood.

  - Foxes!

  A single word sounded in Mieczysław's mouth so that I even ate. I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of those redheads and longtails. There was so much genuine hatred in the vampire's voice that the death penalty would seem too humane.

  Nadia grabbed air with her mouth, and the vampire gently lowered her to the floor. I rushed to my friend's, but Mieczysław hanged by my elbow.

  - Later, curly! You can't help her anymore! Get in the room, now!