Ring of Madness

by Royden Labrosse

  - And what did our dear Danielle scare you with?

  Warm breath moved the hairs in the back of my head. I unwittingly ate. Whether I want it or not, once Mieczysław is talking, I'm ready to fall on the bed. On this bed. I wonder why there are always beds in our dreams together. They're far from obligatory, aren't they? And the decorations are chosen by the vampire himself.

  - It doesn't matter yet.

  I turned around and almost stuck a vampire in my chest. Now Mecislav looked a lot better. The aspen stake wasn't sticking in his shoulder, and my bandage was virgin clean. The bloody leaks were gone, and the golden skin seemed to glow from the inside. The boot was gone this time, and the vampire's bare feet were drowned in red fur. Very beautiful feet. Long, narrow, beautifully shaped, with high lift and graceful flat toes. Very sexy... I suddenly wanted to get down on my knees and rub my cheek against a vampire's feet. I've never been turned on by the look of men's feet before. Hell, what is wrong with me?!

  I was in a hurry to get my eyes up. And for nothing. My eyes literally stumbled upon Mieczysław's bare belly. A narrow strip of black hair ran down my stomach, going down my pants. I was immediately pulled along by my fingers to find out what those hairs felt like. Is it as silky as it looks, or is it much harder? I had to squeeze my hands into my fists behind my back. The fingernails were in the palm of my hand. That's better.

  - You took a bath in one of your dreams?

  - No. It's just easier for me to take that look. Now that I'm not losing blood anymore, I feel much better. How did you get into my dream?

  - Pretty easy," I shrugged my shoulders. - I have a lot to talk to you about.

  - I'm listening carefully, Curly. Let's sit down, shall we?

  Why wouldn't I? I sat on the bed and tried to get away from the vampire. If he noticed that, he didn't look. I just stretched out on a blanket with a bar view. Yeah, I could be dressed under this room, but it was made exclusively for him. Mieczysław's skin seemed to be copper against a scarlet background. Black hair was scattered on silk, eyes burned with green fire. I knew very well that if we took the first step, this bed would become our lie of passion. Mecislav offered himself to me frankly. And I refused. Out of stubbornness? Out of fear? I don't know. But it seemed to me that the time had not yet come for us, ours. Though my determination to keep my chastity melted by the minute.

  I've recounted in detail our entire conversation with Duke. Mechislav listened attentively, sometimes asking to repeat one or another phrase verbatim. I tried as hard as I could. At the end of the conversation, the vampire nodded.

  - It's a lot more than I thought it would be. You're just smart, curly. I didn't even think you could make a deal with Andre about me! I was just hoping that you and Daniel could do something for yourself. But for me... I really appreciate it, curly. It's very...

  The green eyes gave me the creeps. It seems that Mechislav is used to expressing his gratitude to women in one quite definite way. I quickly translated the arrows on a business topic.

  - I don't like Andre's quick consent.

  The look on the vampire's face immediately changed, and it reminded me again not to go to bed with him. If a person switches so quickly from love to deed, then love (if it's appropriate to use that word) is just a means to an end. And I am, accordingly, a tool. And my place is next to a wrench and a drill. And I want to be loved not for my alleged Power. I want to be seen in me, me. Soul and mind, not just profit! It's a woman's eternal problem. Careful from the moment the dowry was invented. And who cares what it is? The chest of rags - or the power of the mind. Either way, it's not me they want, it's this.

  - Anyway, it gives us till tonight.

  - Will I be able to find you in that time? And get you out? I'm not Nikita.

  - Nikita?

  - Well, supergirl.

  - Of course not. And you don't have to pull me out. You don't need to get caught by yourself. Not to you or Daniel. Can you do that?

  - What do you mean?

  - You need to meet with the emissary of the Council, Curly.

  - And how do you do that? Run around the airfield and ask the pilots, "Gentlemen, did you not bring the vampire? We need to talk! "»?!

  - Don't be silly, curly!

  I could feel his irritation all over my skin. It's a cold dissatisfaction.

  - What else can I do?

  Did Andre agree with your presence at the fight? So think with your head! It's easy to give you the wrong address, trap and tie you up. And when you're both in his hands, kill me and Daniel. That won't take long.

  - And what's my job?

  - Your task is to find out where the ground will be prepared for the fight. Where the emissary of the council will be brought. And to appear there with Daniel. You can't trust Andre. Remember that once and for all!

  - I'll remember that. Can I trust you?

  - We're in the same boat, Curly.

  - Submarine and holey. Anything else you can recommend?

  - I don't think so. I don't have any more friends in your town. I'm wounded and a prisoner. You and Daniel can act at your own discretion. I trust you with our lives, Curly.

  For some reason, it didn't inspire me.

  - Couldn't you have been insured?! Shouldn't you have prepared more carefully?!

  - Yes, you can. But it took weeks, if not months. You and Daniel could have waited a couple more months?

  - I don't think so. Okay, the question is dismissed as politically immature. But there are others.

  - What's that, curly?

  I got air in my chest.

  - Promise me you'll answer honestly!

  - I promise, Curly.

  His face was calm and serious. They're usually liars with faces like that. But do I have a choice? I don't see a queue ready to answer my questions.

  - Danielle was telling me about the perfect family name. And he made the assumption that it was you and me.

  Green eyes didn't change the expression. The face remained a smooth golden mask.

  - It's possible, curly.

  - What do you mean, maybe?! - I'm sorry. My nerves couldn't take it. We should stock up on valerian. - This is the third time we've met here tonight, we're doing something that many, if not all, can't do! What about the energy release that was between us last time?! Is that okay?!

  To a vampire, my hysteria was to a known place. I wonder how much hysterics he saw in his... death?

  - This isn't normal. Danielle's right about one thing, curly. What you and I are doing is almost unbelievable. It happens to one vampire in a thousand, if not less often.

  - And what could that mean?

  - Would you like to be my perfect last name, curly?

  Now there were strange sparks in the green eyes. But I answered without a moment's hesitation and completely honestly. Now was not the time or place for verbal equilibrism.

  - It scares me. Danielle described it in a way that I almost lose my identity and become your extension. I don't want to. My head is good for me, too.

  - You're not going to lose anything. You just share your essence in two, just like my personality.

  - Given that you're a little older than me, my personality isn't quoted as al-parie.

  - Would you like to get in touch with someone your own age? But you won't live as long as I do, Curly. Humans are very fragile creatures.

  - Vampires are vulnerable, too.

  - Only when other vampires are hunting us. We know how to defend ourselves against those who threaten us.

  I found out that our conversation had turned somewhere in the wrong steppe. Now I'm going to start talking about that vampire I killed myself, Mecislav will say something, he won't rust after it. And in the end, I won't get an answer to my questions. No, it won't work that way. I shaken my head.

  - You didn't answer me. How can you explain what's going on between us?! - In two ways. One, you become my perfect family name. Slowly, correctly and sadly. Although it's more of an explanation for Daniel. He's a romant
ic. He dreams of finding his other half. I don't think that's possible.

  - And the other one?

  - The second one's easier. You're just very strong and talented. You don't know how rare your gift is, Curly. There are only a few like you. And among vampires, they're just legends.

  - It flatter me.

  - This is bad flattery. Because myths are not a substitute for real information. You don't know how your talent manifests itself, but neither do I. My knowledge and skills are negligible compared to what we need. And if we want to survive, we have to act together. And it's going to take a long time to know something for sure.

  - Let's hope we don't have to work together," I got out of my heart.

  - Are you so anxious for me to die? You're gonna miss me, Curly.

  A vampire caught me at my word. And I couldn't lie to him now. I had a confession to make. But in his own way.

  - I don't want you to die, but I don't want to communicate with you. It's enough for me to know that you're alive and well... somewhere near the North Pole. Or the South Pole. Anyway, away from me.

  - And why is that, Curly?

  The green eyes seemed surprised. I didn't even think to hide my thoughts and feelings.

  - I'm afraid to go crazy with an unsatisfied desire.

  - And you succumb to it, Curly, I guess the serpent's voice tempted Eve. And I understood her very well. That's the voice women catch better than a karasi on a fishing rod. - No one rapes or coerces you. But why not give in to yourself?

  - Because I don't love you," I cut it off. - That's what it says.

  There was surprise in the green eyes.

  - Is that so important to you, girl? I don't believe you. I'm sorry. I've had thousands and thousands of women in my life. Somebody loved me, somebody was just looking for a lover. They had their motives, but all our nights were nice for both of us. I don't swear to love you to the grave, Fluffy, but what I'm offering you can be as enjoyable as the most passionate vows. Why don't you just take it? Or will you assure me that you love our Daniel? Do you love him so that you will remain faithful to him until death?

  I was thinking for a while. Love? Or do I think I do? What can I say? Love is a damn strange feeling. But you can't confuse it with pneumonia. Although the symptoms are very similar.

  - I can't say anything about fidelity to death right now, but one thing is certain - I finally formulated it. - I believe that Danielle is my soul mate. What you and I have been going through rituals has just formed with him - at will. He and I are so damn close, there's no other way to say it. He sees me unpainted, and I love him with all his weaknesses and flaws. I'm drawn to you. I feel so tender to him, my heart's racing. If it's not love, it's something very similar.

  - But you can't tell for sure?

  - And who could tell for sure? Romeo and Juliet? They'd grown up before then. I can't say anything for sure, but maybe that's the main proof? If you're so insecure that you're afraid of jinxing yourself... and at the same time you're willing to do anything to keep the person you love alive...

  - Danielle's a vampire.

  - He's more human than you. In fact, he's an artist. And that's what's important to him.

  - And you want him to stay alive?

  The question has alarmed me. Very. And I answered with the utmost cynicism.

  - That's what I want anyway. If you want, it's a prerequisite for our continued cooperation.

  Mecislav raised one eyebrow.

  - I don't understand you, Curly.

  - And what don't you understand?

  - Danielle basically got you into trouble, offered you to me as a ransom for his life and freedom. And you're not mad at him? You wouldn't forgive me that. You're even a vindictive creature, I think.

  - Not only does it seem so, but I have to agree. - A very vindictive creature. And even vindictive. And then what?

  - Would you like to explain to me the reasons for your kindness? I thought meanness was killing love.

  It took my breath away for a moment. You bastard! What is he doing?! Danielle didn't know me then... He didn't know anything. You can't judge him for that, you can't! Which one of us doesn't use our acquaintances for our own purposes? I'm internally assembled. Wait a minute, I've got you!

  - Only if you promise to answer me one question honestly.

  - I promise, Curly.

  - Honest vampire?

  - Honest vampire.

  It was hard to believe, but I nodded. Okay, I'll tell you the truth. But only half and mixed up with riddles. And there's no other way. Vampire!

  - The thing is, Danielle's an artist for God. Although I don't believe in God. He is a kind of genius. And geniuses don't belong on battlefields. Even if it's a field like this. He must create. And I forgive him for all his antics, not his vampire, but his talent. Because I don't think real talent sees the little things around it. And he won't pay any attention to my feelings. It may not be very clear, but I can't explain it better.

  - That you, Curly, I understand perfectly well. It's just your weakness. And if Danielle wrote poetry or danced instead of paintings, it would be the same. Respect for a man who does something that you and I, with all our talents and determination, can't do.

  - Exactly!

  - How cute! - his tone has not changed, but something appeared in the squint of green eyes. - And the second reason, curly?

  I naively slammed my eyelashes.

  - The second one?

  The vampire's face was just as calm and beautiful, but this time the lightning in the green eyes shone.

  - Curly, don't think I'm stupid! I feel great when you don't say anything! You admire Daniel's talents. Yes, it's true. But not the whole truth. So what else?

  I put my eyes down. One-zero for the bats. And what makes me think I can lie to him? It's funny, even...

  - Okay. I love him. I'm angry, I'm mad, I'm standing on my head, but I love him! I've accepted him for what he is, I've seen the worst of him, I've forgiven him for killing innocent people, but I still love him. Why? I don't know. But I would love him, even if he lost his talent. Anyway.

  Now the vampire's surprised.

  - You're really telling the truth, Curly. You love him, you love him no matter what. You love him sincerely. But why?

  I had a short laugh.

  - And why did Juliet fall in love with Romeo? What brought a mermaid and a prince together from a fairy tale? For who or what did the poor fish lose their voice and walk barefoot on sharp knives? There's no explanation for that. It's just that there was a man, and then he became the most precious thing in the whole world to you.

  - Danielle is not human. He's a vampire.

  - And I don't care about that at all," I confessed. - I resent him, but after winning, I'll do anything to keep us together. I love him. I love him, and that's it!

  For a few seconds the vampire was just studying me, then he realized that nothing could be clearer from me, so he tilted his head slightly.

  - What's your question, Fluffy?

  I was staring at a vampire.

  - When you asked me to be your last name, did you think that might be the case? That I would be your perfect last name if it were true?

  - I was hoping for it, the vampire wouldn't hesitate for a minute. - I don't believe ancient legends like Danielle, but every vampire, when they have a family name, hopes for something more than just getting the Force. Although in your case, it was the Powers that played the determining role.

  - Oh, I see.

  I wasn't happy with that answer, but there was nowhere to go. Probably, all my thoughts were reflected on my face, because Mechislav asked me in a sympathetic tone:

  - And you want to jump out, baby, don't you?

  - Nowhere," I sadly agreed. - And what's going on with your body now?

  - Now I'm lying on the table in one of the torture chambers," the vampire "pleased" me.

  - WHAT?! - I woke up.

  - It's not like I said I was being tortured! Calm down, sw
eetheart.

  It was easier said than done.

  - And you're so calm about this?

  - After the news, I feel a little better. And then, having lived as long as I have, you can't help but get used to the thought of death. You can't even imagine remotely, curly, how you feel when a string of centuries passes by, generations change, your acquaintances die, and it seems like recently you slept with this woman, and now you're sleeping with her great-granddaughter, and your former lover is most reminiscent of an Egyptian mummy. Recently you had a feast with a friend, and today you look at the tombstone in the crypt - and remember what he was like in life! It hurts a lot, curly. And gradually you get used to death around you. You get used to it, and then you start thinking about your own. All the more so because every day, every hour, every minute you risk your freedom and life. If your master or mistress suspects you of disloyalty, if you are hunted down by humans, if there is just a fire in your busy house... All vampires are a bit fatalistic. Although I'm probably the biggest one. Think about it, Curly, Andre can only kill me, and he'll do it fast enough. Now he won't dare torture me. And the rest is nothing. I'm not afraid of death, but I don't want a slow or humiliating death.

  - I agree," I nodded.

  A vampire suddenly has a smile on his face. Mecislav was simply irresistible and probably knew about it, because he turned over on his side and winked at me.

  - And then, Curly, I was dying once. The other one wasn't so bad.

  I had to smile back.

  - Mecislav, how did you get turned into a vampire? How did that happen?

  - I don't want to talk about it, honey.

  - And what were you before you turned into, too?

  - Yes.

  I was curious about that.

  - Was there something humiliating about your past?

  - Don't, curly. You're not gonna find out anyway.

  - And that's when you can be executed! Shame on you! To make a girl suffer from curiosity!

  The green eyes looked mockingly.

  - Not a girl anymore, charming. And then - if there's anything after death, I'll tell you all about it - there.

  I made a face, but I didn't insist. And I'm so sick of trouble.

  - Danielle's jealous. Or not jealous, but there's something wrong with him.