Ring of Madness

by Royden Labrosse

  Chapter 11

  Emissary of the council. Mm-hmm... - or Hum?

  Danielle pressed the bell button next to the door. It took him quite a long time to call, and in the end I got all loud and angry. So the first one to get hurt was the poor vampire who finally opened the door for us.

  - What do you want?! - lazily asked a man in his 30s. He looks like a normal man, dark-haired, blue-eyed, pretty cute. I like this type of man for a serious and smart face. He looked something like Karachentsov. But there was one difference, which I felt with all my skin. I don't know how to explain it to people, but he was cold. It was like I was lying next to an open freezer. Or is it just that I have such associations? And on this vampire exactly? Actually, it's different for me... Oh, screw it! I'm gonna be thinking again in the freezer.

  - Is he yours? - Just in case, I asked Vadim.

  The vampire nodded.

  - I went to see Andre," I left. - Let us through immediately!

  - A pass," the vampire lazily demanded as well.

  And that pissed me off. Ultimately and irrevocably. I felt like I was losing control of myself. I wanted to hold back, but it was too late.

  - You, six cheap, will you still be in my driveway?! I am the surname of Prince Mieczysław! And who are you after that, a toothpick?!

  - If only you were a Chinese empress! - a misunderstood vampire snapped at you. - I was told not to let anybody in, so I won't let anyone in! That's it!

  But I gave him a comma by kicking him in the balls without warning. From all the broad Russian soul, so I expected to hear the crunch of the shells. The vampire bent into three deaths. Fangs are not fangs, strength is not strength, and some blows are very painful for everyone. Vadim picked up the unhappy man and put him behind the counter, strangling him a little on the way, so that he did not get under his feet. I pulled two pistols with holy water out of my purse. You don't have to provoke me today! I'm kind and good, but don't test me for lousyness! I'm gonna kill the hell out of everyone!

  Our procession crashed into the common room. It looked very impressive. The visit of drunken hussars to the convent. There's a concrete and cool me up front. In a shabby red suit, with shredded hair and an angry face. Fingers with a fan, two pistols of holy water in their hands. My friends won't let werewolves near me, and I'll talk to vampires for a long time today. And I'm gonna tell them a lot of good words. I didn't bother to put the cross away either, and now it was shining like a lantern on my chest. Just under the cruciform burn. Vadim and Danielle were hanging in the back. Everybody's so cool, too. It's just people in black! Their faces are the most impenetrable, and they look around so that even Jack the Ripper will repent. And he'll do the right thing.

  The hall we came to so impolitely was crowded. Or should I say it wasn't crowded? Were there no people there? Vampires were. Werewolves were, even though I never knew what they looked like. And even if they were crocodiles, they were one dick. And all this mass stood along the walls like the obedient courtiers of Louis' time, waiting for His Majesty to finish the reception. The actual reception looked like this.

  The opposite end of the hall (very logical, in my opinion. First, everyone who comes must go through the whole room, and during this time any murderer will be exposed in all senses of the word - and learn about the intentions and without weapons and pants will leave. And secondly, it is convenient to fly away through the emergency exit.) There was a big throne. Or a chair that looks a lot like a throne. It was more accurate not to see, because it was occupied by a vampire. It was a very specific vampire. Mr. André, I haven't seen such a bastard in ages, and it doesn't pull anything around my neck! There was some other vampire sitting next to him, one step down. The Emissary of the Council or just some fucking mountain?! I stared at him in the eye, waiting for something. Advice, clues, insights...

  The clue came from Daniel.

  - This is Ramirez. He is one of the Council's strongest vampires.

  Ramirez? The name matched the fang. I couldn't appreciate his height, but the vampire was thin, shiny black hair curls fell on his shoulders, dark skin as if shining from inside in electric rays, and huge black eyes shining with inner light. The face was as if carved out of stone. I unwittingly compared him to Daniel and Mieczyslaw. Mieczyslaw could have been no less cruel. But he was also very handsome. Like a picture of a prince charming. You'll never believe that this prince hanged dozens of servants in his life. Danielle... A stranger had more in common with Danielle. The same eagle nose, the same high forehead and tight lips. But in the stranger's face there was also the determination that Danielle lacked. And not enough, even if he lived another five hundred years.

  He was wearing all black, too. Pretty vampire-style. They all like black, with a few exceptions. First of all, black is very symbolic, and secondly, you can't see any blood on it.

  I was looking right at Ramirez. He was looking at me. We weren't looking at each other. Rather, we were studying each other. It wouldn't occur to you to look at each other, like an ascarid to be dissected? Well, that didn't come to us. We were only separated on one question: "Whom are we dissecting? ». Now I didn't even doubt he was an emissary of the Council. He was so strong that he could see me through the glow of the cross. And all the other vampires were closing their eyes. Even Duke.

  I was the first one to end the consideration. I slowly, so that everyone could see, not letting go of the gun, tucked a cross under my clothes. The white light went out. It wasn't a gesture of fear. It was more of a goodwill gesture. Here I am, ready to talk. Ramirez appreciated it.

  - Who is this lovely child?

  A small voice filled the hall. But it didn't make much of an impression on me. Mieczysław had a better voice. He could seduce with his voice. It wasn't available to Ramirez.

  - Far from charming and far from a child," I answered. I didn't do as well as he did, but I tried. - Your vampires did their best.

  - Not mine," Ramirez corrected me. - I am only a representative of the Council, but not a protector, a creator or a Prince.

  - Me too, I shook my shoulders. - But you certainly have more power than I do.

  The vampire smiled.

  - Is that spontaneity or stupidity?

  - Consider it foolish not to be disappointed later," I advised. - So you are the very emissary of the Council that my master has been waiting for?

  The word "sir" just cut through the tongue. But now it wasn't my ambition that was needed, it was etiquette. And a VERY right choice of expressions. This is the case when a guilty tongue is chopped off with its head.

  - And who is your master, my dear child?

  - Mechislav, - I answered. And I couldn't help it: - You know, he called me curly. Maybe you can follow his example, too. It's about the same thing, and time is saved.

  Ramirez looked at me like a butterfly on a pin.

  - Do you know that your master is dead, curly?

  I turned my shoulders.

  - I know he's alive. I don't know what kind of noodles Andre has given you, but we're connected. And I'd feel everything that happened to Mieczyslaw. By the way, that explains my unpresentable appearance. I felt my master being tortured - and I shared with him the pain of torture.

  - That's a lie! - Andre was outraged. - There's no way you could...

  - I'm sorry, I was looking right at the emissary of the Council. I don't know your name.

  - Ramirez.

  - Mr. Ramirez...

  - It's possible without a master.

  - Power doesn't need titles? - I flatter the vampire. - Ramirez, you're strong enough to open up my brain and separate lies from the truth. I'm saying Medislav and I are connected. I'm saying that he was tortured a while ago. I'm saying he's alive! Find in my words at least a little lie - and kill me! But if I am right, don't you dare accuse me! I haven't yet earned the trust or caution. Be fair to me.

  Ramirez is staring at me. The moments flowed slowly. Finally, the vampire put his head down.

  - She's telling the t
ruth. Andre? How is it that your opponent is still alive? You assured me otherwise! You dared to lie to me?

  The last phrase slipped on my skin with boiling water. The burn under my collarbone slipped. I clenched my teeth so I wouldn't fight. There you are, reindeer! That's the anger of a really strong vampire! And that's even though I was hit by the very edge. All the power of his anger was directed at the poor prince. It was just a pity to look at Duke. I was quietly gloating.

  - He's in my custody and he's supposed to die...

  - As soon as your people call and tell you that they have me," I continued. - They won't. I always come by myself. Even if I wasn't called. And I can ask for your help, Ramirez! If Mieczyslaw correctly explained your laws to me, the challenger who won two fights has the right to demand the third! I demand a fight on his behalf! I demand, because Mieczyslaw is my master, because once I fought myself, and the second time I shared blood with my master's warrior!

  Ramirez's eyes didn't come off my face.

  - She's telling the truth.

  His Russian was very clean and correct. Without the slightest accent. But something was giving away a foreigner. Maybe this elusive correctness of speech that I'm not capable of?

  - She's really telling the truth," Duke decided not to resist.

  Somehow he gave up too easily. Too easy for a vampire of his rank and strength. And in fact, for such a particular bastard. I was tense waiting for some nasty things to happen.

  - Bring Mečislav, - Ramirez ordered. - No one must harm him!

  And he turned to me without paying any more attention to Andre.

  - What's that in your hand, Curly?

  - Pistols loaded with holy water," I explained calmly. - I don't trust Andre or his servants. I had to arm myself!

  - Are you accusing me of foul play? - specified by Duke. A provocateur.

  The day before, I would have told him everything from start to finish. And that he was a jerk and that he was a crook and a scumbag... Then nobody's life depended on me. Now...

  - I don't know who I should blame for the fact that we were attacked on the way home, the first night after Mieczysław's arrival. I don't know who to accuse me of visiting our shelter first by the IPF, and then by werewolves with guns. I don't know who to blame for the second visit of the same werewolves to the apartment where we were hiding. Something happened to my friend as a result of that visit. We had to leave her, and I don't know what happened to her. I also don't know who I should blame for the captivity and torture of three vampires close to me - my master and his servants, one of whom is standing beside me. I'm not accusing, but I don't think there are two forces in town who can do all this.

  Andre seemed disappointed. Ramirez put his palm to his palm twice. A big round of applause? I thought and bowed a little. My neck won't break. I always knew when to show character, and when it's better to pull your tongue up your ass so that both are not torn off. Now it was better to be silent.

  - All right, curly!

  I took a breath.

  - And what would the prosecution threaten me with? If I'd made it outright?

  - We're responsible for the charges, Curly. And they're often responsible in a circle fenced with aspen rods.

  I nodded. The answer was received and noted. Would I stand up to Andre now? No! He knew my power. And there would be no more games. Duke would have just killed me. And with me, Mecislav and Danielle would have died. Mieczyslaw would have been the first, and for sure. He is wounded and weakened. He couldn't have survived the Seal Break and my death now. And the fight? Andre will not give in without a fight! Higher Powers, what do I do?!

  I don't know what exactly reflected on my face, but Ramirez looked at me with interest.

  - Are you, human, worried about a vampire?

  - I'm worried about my master. Dedicate him to your feelings?! It's better to do harakiri right away!

  - That's not it, - Ramirez was lulled into words. - He is your master, you're telling me the truth. But you worry about him as much as you would worry about a loved one. You're a human being. But you care about vampires. Why is that?

  - Mecislav saved my life, I saved his life. We shared blood and blood," I shrugged my shoulders. - His friends are my friends. His enemies are my enemies.

  Ramirez frowned.

  - Are you deliberately trying not to tell me the truth?! There's something personal between you and your master. And it makes you take care of him.

  I shrugged my shoulders.

  - You know everything yourself. Why would you tell me?

  - I'd like to understand you more, Curly. You're very strong, and I don't think this is our last meeting.

  I couldn't help but wonder.

  - How strong am I? I've seen someone else's aura of power, but I couldn't see mine. I can't trust anyone, and you have no reason to lie to me.

  Ramirez was silent for a few seconds, thinking about the answer.

  - Very strong, baby. We don't see anybody else's aura, but I can feel it. Will you trust me to get closer? Will you release your Power so that I can feel it?

  A lousy check? It's quite possible. But you don't have to drop yourself. And at the same time, keep it safe.

  - To do that, I'm gonna have to put the guns away. I can't give them to my friends. And I won't trust these vampires and werewolves.

  - No one here will hurt you," Ramirez calmed me down.

  - You are not a creator, a protector or a Prince," I reminded him of his words. - I want the Prince's word that no one and nothing will dare to harm me while we are engaged in this experience. And a few minutes later, so that I can come to my senses.

  Ramirez looked at the blonde. He gutted his teeth as if he had eaten lemon and salt, but still pissed himself off:

  - You have my word. No one will hurt you while you're doing the experience and ten minutes after that.

  That was enough for me. I put my guns on the floor and nodded to my friends.

  - Look at this.

  Vadim put his hand on my shoulder.

  - Careful, Jane.

  I sent him a smile.

  - I don't know what I'm doing, but I'll try not to let you down.

  Ramirez got up from his chair and went to meet me.

  I took one step towards him. Then the second, third... Heart was raging in my chest. The vampire closed his eyes, stretched out his arms in front of him and moved like a blind man. He was taller than me. Taller than me, I could walk under his arms without putting my head down. But I never had to check it out. Three meters away, Ramirez stopped and began to touch something with his hands. Like an invisible wall to find a door in it.

  - What's that?

  His voice was deaf and insecure. I stretched out my hand forward, and I felt terrified that the Force was getting out of control. I was afraid to hurt a vampire. If he dies, there's only one way out for us - a quick suicide. Because Andre wouldn't kill us quickly. And the Council won't show humanity. But my fears have been in vain. I was touched by the cool wind of his magic, and what was sleeping inside awakened. My Power for not having a better name. Another vision came back. I suddenly saw myself standing in a huge bubble of warm air. The power of a vampire was felt on its border by a stream of cold wind. I slowly raised my hand to meet him. I already knew the power of Daniel, Mieczyslaw, Boris, Vadim, Andre - now Ramirez has also joined them. Two winds - cold and warm - intertwined, examined each other, played like two kittens, carefully tried to show teeth, but did not cross any frames. I didn't know what frames, so I let myself go and gave the Force freedom. The hot light ran forward, intertwined with my wind. Touched the magic of a vampire - and suddenly, suddenly, even for me, rushed forward to warm, stroke, fill with life ... Funny, but it made me fall back, into the ordinary world. I felt myself in my body again - and I looked forward. I didn't play anything else. Not by the wind or by the Force. But it was too late. The vampire was on his knees, still reaching out to me. His face was stunned, his black eyes glowing, and I suddenly realized that they we
re not black at all, they were dark brown. He became more... more human. And the beautiful face reflected horror, amazement and - pleasure?

  I took a step forward, but Duška put his hand out.

  - Stay where you are or you die! What did you do to him?!

  I shrugged my shoulders. If I'd known! I just...

  Ramirez took a deep breath. One, then another and another. It was like he was trying to cool himself off with fresh air from inside. But when he spoke, his voice trembled.

  - It's the magic of life. That's how... You share the power of life, Curly.

  I shrugged my shoulders. I've been told that before. But what would it mean? Ramirez understood my perplexity because he gave me a hand.

  - Help me up.

  I came up and reached out with my palm, too. His fingers rested on my wrist. And my Power rushed out again. Young, wild, almost uncontrollable. She was looking for a way out, she had already broken away from me and floated between me and a vampire. But the vampire couldn't accept her. That was her specialty. She needed blood. The Emissary of the Council felt it and wanted my power.

  And I wanted to give it back. Ramirez was shivering, and I could feel it with my whole body. And I looked up at him.

  - We need blood. Promise not to infect or subdue me.

  - I swear," he answered.

  - If I could, not in the neck, I gave him a wrist with bite marks. Who wasn't on this hand? Now there will be another bite mark. Ramirez hugged me at the waist with one hand, and the other brought my hand to his lips. I really wanted to close my eyes, but that would be a sign of cowardice. I was only strong enough to keep them open, not to look a vampire in the face. And still, with the very edge of my eye I saw squirrels and pupils disappearing and one cold blackness filling all my eyes. But I wasn't scared. The fangs entered the vein sharply. I twitched, but I didn't scream. I just grabbed his shoulder with the nails of the other hand. The vampire took one sip, the other one, and then the fire lump of the Force finally hit him as it passed through my blood. We screamed at the same time. I almost fell, but Ramirez held it tight. We fell to our knees together. His fangs were still in my hand and he was still drinking my blood, but we both knew it wasn't necessary. The power went slowly into his body and settled in him. A few more seconds, and the fangs came out of my wrist. The vampire brought my hand to my lips and slowly licked the blood. Then he pressed my wrist against my mouth as well. I started licking two wounds. The blood stopped quickly. If it kept going like that, I'd gain anemia! Okay, when this is over, I'm gonna go to the drugstore and buy myself ten... no! Twenty hematogens! And I'm gonna eat it all at once! The vampire's hand was still lying on my waist. I suddenly felt like pulling away. When I shared the Force, everything was fine. Now it was too intimate for me. And Ramirez realized it. He pulled away a little, closed for a moment and opened his eyes again. And there was something in the vampire's black eyes that looked like a fright.