Ring of Madness

by Royden Labrosse

  This time I was the first one to talk.

  - Before we start talking, I want to know the answer to my question. You know that,

  whom

  you brought into my house?

  Silence. My brother is trying to figure something out. Either he knows or he doesn't. Afraid to admit it? Or afraid that I'll call the asylum? They can't prove anything without transformation, but what transformation in the daytime? It's not even a full moon, and the girl's pretty weak. Nadia was "electrocuted" a lot harder. Vadim once told me that vampires can just watch people and find out what they're thinking. So the Gestapo with their cute interrogation techniques is resting. By shaking fingers, eyes, skin color, smell... asking leading questions - and getting the right answers even without words. I can't do that. Well, that's a shame...

  - Julia?

  Would you like more detailed explanations? Either doesn't know who this girl is or doesn't want me involved. One of two things. But if you get dragged into what? A werewolf fight or something more serious? Okay, I still don't have a choice.

  - I want you to answer me: Do you know what your girlfriend does on a full moon at night or not?

  - Julia?

  - It's been so long since Julia! Either answer my questions directly or get out!

  My brother's face is empty somehow. It's like glass down the bones.

  - I missed you, Leva.

  Leva is me, too. Leoverenskaya - Leo - Leo - Leo. That's what my brother used to call me when I was a kid. But if he was hoping to touch me, it didn't work out.

  - I asked him a question. Answer it or get out!

  - Tell her.

  A girl's voice came out so suddenly, I jumped in the chair. Weak, dull, incredibly tired. It wasn't easy for her.

  - Tell me about it. She has a right to know.

  Well, thank you. Joy full of pants! What makes you think I didn't know that? You can't hide your hair, girl. Anyway, it's from me. The brother, meanwhile, hesitated.

  - Clara, are you sure...

  - Yes! Tell her!

  I leaned on the back of the chair and stared at my brother.

  - Tell me what I guess, Stanislav.

  He took a breath, exhaled and rushed into the water.

  - Julia, Clara is a werewolf.

  - Werewolf fox, - I specified. - So what?

  My brother looked at me as if my second head had grown. I was crooked.

  - Look, pick up your jaw with your finger before you drool over the floor. Yeah, I can see who she is. So what's next?

  I had a mocking look at my brother and I didn't pay any attention to the girl. But she moved and sat down on the couch. A damn skinny hand grabbed her back covered in black fur. Skin and bones. What made her so exhausted? The girl wasn't just skinny. She was skeleton-like. And the black hair only emphasized the fallen cheeks and the black eyes.

  - Are you a black fox? - I specified.

  - Yes. How did you know that?

  Tell or what? It's better not. It'll faint again, then we'll smell the whole apartment. That's disgusting!

  - Do you want to feel it again? You don't have to. I'm not good with mine.

  strength.

  If Slava cherishes you, I will not harm you.

  - And you can?

  I curved my lips like a smile. I couldn't have done it better. Then I thought - and pulled off my bracelets and necklaces, ruthlessly exposing the scars.

  - Does that not convince you?

  Both my brother and Clara stared at me in a way that made me want to howl. What the hell is that?! Will it always be like this with everyone?! And no one will accept me for who I am?!

  - Where did you get this?

  - Isn't it too late to find out, Stanislav Evgenievich? - I put my brother in his place.

  - Yulia...

  - Get to the point. Yes, I know there are vampires and werewolves in the world. Although that's not the way to talk about vampires. They can't exist in the world. What's next?

  - Can I get a glass of water? - Clara's voice came through.

  I gave her a good look in the eyes. And I nodded at my brother.

  - Drinking in the kitchen and telling us to eat something. You can make some broth. You'll come back when we call. Okay?

  Slavka went up without talking and went to the kitchen.

  - Well?

  Clara put her eyes down. She's all right, she's pretty. For a bone lover. As far as I know, such charm among werewolves most. What's woolly, what's fangly, what's good taste, and who's not gonna get initiated.

  - I'll introduce myself first. Clara Karlovna Karelova.

  I unwittingly snort.

  - How long have you been practicing on the short talk?

  - It's not funny! - A werewolf has been inflated. Hmm, well, that's like... I'm so full of it.

  - Well, then what is it? Were the parents original?

  - Uh, Mom. And I didn't even know my dad. Some kind of German tourist.

  It's interesting...

  - Does your Zapopinsk have one of these?

  - I'm from Tula! - Clara is outraged.

  I nodded. Now I can see where the German came from. Guns, gingerbread, samovars... Got a lot to go for.

  - Why weren't you in Tula, Clara Karlovna?

  - I wasn't in Tula, Clara said.

  - And you, of course, have permission from your leader and your Prince to come here? - I was wondering, sarcastically. - And also the local prince? I don't ask about the local leader, and I already know that you didn't ask him!

  - And where did you come from?

  - It's none of your fox's business. - I wasn't going to spread the word about my acquaintances. - I don't hear any explanation. Who are you, how did you become a werewolf and how did you end up with my brother?

  - I'm a nurse. I worked at the hospital. She became a werewolf by accident. She went to a disco. That's where I met this cool guy. Who knew he was a werewolf?! First we danced, then we had a drink, then he offered me a ride home and brought me back to his place. The tastes in his bed were very exotic. How I survived, I don't know. - The girl was obviously stuck. - A month later, I threw myself for the first time. The local foxes took me under their patronage. Actually, they took me into their pack.

  Yeah. The girl answered in military terms clearly and briefly. It was what I needed. No snot, no tears, no hysterics... On the other hand, what do you wear inside to be so calm? What does my calm cost me? It's better not to think about it. And what's inside her?

  But whatever it is, she deserves respect for these short phrases.

  - And who were you? - I asked more kindly already.

  The girl was hesitant for a moment, and then she threw herself into the water:

  - Paddy.

  I shook my head. Paddy. Sad... Bad role, bad fate. In general, as Nadia explained to me, the hierarchy of fox werewolves is built on the following principles. The werewolf foxes themselves call themselves wolves. The first place in the herd, of course, is its leader. His word is the law for any member of the pack. He is the strongest, not only in the physical but also in the metaphysical sense. In second place is the retinue of the leader, or prima wolves. They also have voice and power. This is the inner circle of the leader. His bodyguards, friends, arms and legs. There are always very few of them - it's a very serious role. First, the prima must be very strong. Mentally and physically. I mean, both as humans and as werewolves. And, secondly, primas are the backbone of the pack. They cure, protect, protect... sometimes in a twisted way, but still... something like "I'll kill you myself, I won't give you to anyone else". And that's the worst case. At best, "we're in the same pack... who's got a tail on my one-piece? I'm gonna rip it off at my mother's..."

  Then come the usual wolves. They're just foxes that are strong enough to stand up for themselves, but not strong enough for the primus. Midi class. Kind of a working layer. Not superpowered, but not rags. They can stand up for themselves, they can protect those who are weaker...

  And finally, fall. Th
e lower layer of werewolves. Weakest, lowest ability, bedding for anyone who wants them, six, eternal subordinates. Usually survive if they have a patron of the primus or vampires. Or if they're not interested in anyone on their own. Or if the leader decides to bring justice and stand up for the Paddy. But that's very rare. Valentine is one of the few people who won't allow the Padi to be offended. As far as I know, in other flocks the position of the Padi is lower than low, in fact, it's just a rug at the threshold: I want to step on it, I want to wipe my feet. All that remains is to be tolerated. Although there are werewolves who enjoy it. But Clara doesn't seem to belong to them.

  Somehow, organizing werewolves is a lot like prison. Pahan, he's the chief of the pack, his personal guard, ordinary prisoners and - the lowest step - the paddy. And they're all prisoners - of their body and spirit. Prisoners of their werewolves, imprisoned in him as in a prison for life.

  - That's not good.

  Clara opened her eyes wide. Surprised? You bet she did.

  - Do you know what I mean?

  I rinsed my soul into an unprotected place.

  - Whoever made you a fox was one of the prima wolps?

  Clara had her eyes down.

  - Our leader. An affair.

  I whistled.

  - It's clear. What's next?

  - Pretty much nothing," said the girl.

  - So tell me "nothing", or it'll get worse!

  - Who are you to make me obey you?!

  I didn't look at the girl well.

  - The question isn't right. It's not about my status, it's about yours. You're going down. And I'm stronger than you. So tell me the truth!

  The girl's stuttered. Her body was tense on the black fur of the couch. I felt her skin all over me.

  power

  leaked into the room. She was trying to push me. Not to flip over, no, but just to show her I wasn't the order, to scare her, to make her nervous. That's how a scared beast looks and growls, intimidating the enemy. A warm wave rushed through the room, washing my body with an invisible stream. It wasn't the cool breeze I felt...

  power

  of vampires. This is .

  power

  was flesh from the flesh, the essence of nature. Not a grave land, but a meadow land, a land where myriads of plants and animals grow and rejoice. Something that must have been foreign to me at its core. I got mine from the vampire connection, didn't I?

  But the fox didn't scare me. I involuntarily put my hand out in front of me. And inside, there was a familiar vortex of fire. I woke up, clawing at the invisible grating, my beast is a mirror.

  But now it was even pleasant. A stream of invisible fire rushed from me across the room, and came across a warm vortex. I did not fight. I just started...

  drink

  him,

  implicate

  to yourself, to join your

  strength.

  And I knew I could get back what I had spent at any time. But the fox couldn't. And I also knew that if I took too much, Clara would just die. I think that's what Vadim once told me. Or was it Danielle? I couldn't remember anymore. But if I could absorb

  power

  from the outside world unknowingly, she could do it in a very calm and even controlled way. And I could.

  drink

  all

  power

  from a human, like vampires drink blood from their victims.

  That's not what I wanted for Clara. The girl got soaked on the couch.

  Sync by honeybunny

  still flowed out of her room, but now it wasn't her will, it was mine. I focused. I closed my eyes. And to others, with my inner vision, I saw a weak yellowish indignation coming from Clara down the room, and a powerful red-orange vortex from me. The Death. This whirlwind was drawing in a yellowish mirage, and it was getting smaller and smaller by the minute. I couldn't drink it all. I shouldn't have. I'm just gonna kill the girl! Not that I'm sorry for a stupid fall, but I've had enough nightmares as it is. I didn't want to see another face in the dark window glass. So I raised my hand sharply.

  - Mine is to me! Mine, into me! I want it back!

  I didn't know why I was saying all this myself. To have a better idea of what I'm doing? It's possible. And at the same time, I pulled my vortex into myself. Slowly, almost reluctantly, it was coming back to me.

  Inside, a beast with human eyes grew resentfully. He just wanted to drink a stupid fall to the bottom! Who did she dare to raise her tail to?! Destroy it! Tear it up on rags! R-r-ra-a-a-a-a-a-a-uh!

  I clenched my teeth. It'd be so good to throw it forward now, immerse it in the werewolf's body, drink her mind,

  power

  soul... So delicious... nice... But I couldn't afford it. The scarlet whirlwind approached me - and I touched it with my hand, trying to get it back.

  - Ahhh!

  A terrible pain pierced my whole body. Sync by honeybunny

  power

  came back to me, cramping my mind and soul. I sobbed and curled up in my chair. Fortunately, it wasn't for long. I regained consciousness quickly, wiped sweat from my forehead and looked at Clara. A girl with a bunch of dirty rags sagged on the couch. My brother came in from the kitchen and immediately rushed to her.

  - Clara, what's wrong with you, honey?! What's wrong with you?!

  His face was so sincere, I even jealous of Clara. She's a fool, but she does seem to be loved. But I haven't saved my love. Danielle, my love, why aren't you around when I need you so much?! Danielle...

  I said his name to myself, and it got easier. It's much easier. It's like remembering a loved one took some of the pain and rage away. My brother turned to me with a face distorted by fear and rage.

  - What did you do to her?!

  - Only what she had asked for," I answered. - No one pulled her hand when she tried to release her claws.

  - Julia!

  I don't know what my brother would have done or what I would have done, but then Clara moved and moaned.

  - It's okay, she grunted a little bit.

  I was lying in the chair, completely relaxed.

  - Say thank you, you fool, for staying alive. I told you before that I have no control over mine.

  strength.

  Did you want to test it or are you just tired of living?! You idiot! You stupid idiot! Fall down, one word!

  - Yulia!

  This time my brother was genuinely outraged. But Clara cut him off.

  - Don't you dare. She's right. And she could really have killed me!

  - I didn't want to do it," I answered. - Look, bring us something to drink. I bought some juice there. Get it!

  - No alcohol? - My brother asked.

  - Get some clean juice, I cut it off. - Come on, now!

  Slava turned around and ploughed into the kitchen, so he could soon return with two glasses. The juice was my favorite. Orange juice. And not even too much chemistry. Yeah, it must be full of stuff, but it's better than nothing. I was drinking, enjoying the spicy citrus smell and the sour taste. Every sip refreshed me both physically and spiritually. But I wasn't tired. On the contrary, I was getting chipper and stronger. Your Stegosaurus, what's happening to me?! But I already know what it is. Is it worth yelling to heaven? You just have to go to a vampire who will explain it to me scientifically and teach me how to use mine...

  force

  . Yes, Mecislav can do that. But what will he ask in return? Although I knew that, too.

  The power.

  The soul. The body. Mind. The last three points may not be in that order, but it will. And he'll certainly try to subdue me. What about playing some games with a 70-year-old vampire? I'm not going to do that! Health is more expensive! Especially since I won't win anyway!

  - Are you okay?

  Slavka.

  Clara looked at me with her black eyes. But she didn't dare say anything. And correctly. She defied me and lost. I won. Now she was wondering who I was. And wouldn't they get any worse. Well, torture yourself, bitch! I took an arrogant
look at her.

  - All right,

  go down,

  have you made sure I'm not worth playing these games with?

  - I did.

  - Yeah?

  My voice was calm and cold. So what did I learn from vampires? I wondered for the first time, were my conversations with Vadim and Boris innocent? Or did they put something in me? Every vampire is a great psychologist. Otherwise, they just won't survive. And they've had experience for centuries. Before, talking to Clara, I would have missed that moment. Right now, I was demanding to be paid my due.

  - Yes, ma'am.

  The last word came out like a slug. Clara literally spit it out. But I had no choice either. Either she obeys, and I lead, or I'll earn myself a great headache. In Wolpe custom, Clara challenged me. She wanted to break and scare me. My blow almost killed her. Now I've shown that I'm stronger than her, and now I'm standing taller. And you must address me accordingly, mistress. If we become friends, I will allow her to put this title behind her and never remind her of our quarrel. If not, let her fear what I can do.

  - Very well. What happened next?

  - I... I couldn't take it anymore! - almost shouted Clara out. - The leader liked me, he liked to have sex with me while I was human and he was spitting. We can take a lot of wounds. A lot. An affair could have prevented me from spilling over! It hurt like hell! He also liked it when someone else or others had sex with me and he watched or participated! Do you want to tell me more?!

  Her voice rose almost to a squeal. I shook my shoulders. It was hard to scare me with descriptions of group sex. And zoophilia, too. I already knew that some werewolves had peculiar tastes. And not just werewolves. The Marquis de Sade, for your information, wasn't even a werewolf, Boris told me. And what scenes did he describe?! And what, to choke yourself and not live?

  - You can lower the bed scenes. Then what happened?

  My voice was still calm and cold. I even surprised myself. But I liked it so much better. Clara evil looked at me.