Ring of Madness

by Royden Labrosse

  - I remember him well. He loved his mother.

  - And his mum?

  - Yes, he did.

  - When father and grandmother were alive, he and grandfather had nothing. Then it was their free will.

  - Don't you think about decency?

  - Slavik, what kind of decency are you talking about? How long do they have left? A year? Five years? Ten? Don't they have the right to be a little bit happy?

  - At our expense?

  - Why is it on us? This is .

  their

  personal life. And you're selfish. Isn't it clear that your family has a right to be happy?

  - It's disgusting.

  - That's why you and Grandpa won't make up. He feels as bad as I do about your rejection. And why does he have to feel so bad?

  - And your mother?

  - If you show your face to her, I'll kill you myself, I warned you calmly. - I can't wait for Grandpa. Anyway, let's talk about your Clara, and I'll go home. Sleep hunting.

  - What will happen to her?

  - Death.

  I limited myself to one word. But my brother clearly didn't like it. He tried to move, held his eyebrows up, blindfolded his eyes and finally, without waiting for help from heaven, squeezed him out:

  - Julia, can we pardon her?

  - No.

  - Why not? And if we leave? Secretly? How would the execution be, but in fact...

  I shook my head and raised my hand, stopping Slava.

  - I understood everything. You still love her, don't you?

  - Yes, I do.

  - You don't want her to die, I'm willing to believe that she was tricked, intimidated, bullied... But she's not. She loved her vampire as much as I loved mine. And she wants to die now. So she has a good chance of being with him. That's it.

  - What's all this nonsense?

  - Glory, why did Romeo and Juliet die? They just didn't want to live without each other. If Danielle hadn't left me... it doesn't matter, though. But I, too, would have been able to head down the window one fine day. Yes, you could. And I can understand Clara. And I respect her decision. Respect you, too.

  - Can I talk to her?

  - Yes. Tomorrow, before her execution.

  - You've become cruel, Julia.

  - You've brought up life. My father died, my brother left...

  - Mother's a whore, and Grandpa...

  I didn't let him talk any further.

  - If you say that about your mother again, I'll break your neck.

  Or I'll ask Leonidas to do it. You have a nice day. Feel better.

  And you're out of here.

  Leonidas was waiting for me outside the door.

  - Eavesdropping?

  - We are aware of the mood of the guarded facility, - parried werewolf, picking me up under his arm. - He didn't upset you?

  I shook my head.

  - I don't feel sorry for Slave. Clara, I understand. For her, death will be a blessing. And this one...

  - And he really is your brother.

  - It's called a freakin' breed.

  We were walking slowly towards the exit of the club.

  - So what did you want to talk to me about?

  - Reproduction, of course. Tigers are the animals of the Prince of the city, so...

  - Decide everything with Valentine in order," I interrupted.

  Leonidas nodded.

  - Okay. But you...

  - And I agree to help. Let's see how Nastia will feel, how I will feel - and we'll decide. Do we have a deal?

  - Yes, we do.

  Gleb and Konstantin were waiting for us outside. Gleb waved at me and sat behind the wheel.

  I obediently stuck myself in the back seat, to Konstantin, Leonid sat in the front seat.

  - Home," I ordered.

  * * *

  Clara was executed at midnight the next day.

  Slava asked permission to speak with her.

  We couldn't get a look at her. But we overheard her as a whole team. Me, Vadim, Valentin, Leonid. Mieczysław was also invited, but he said it was below his dignity. Well, you bet... The Prince of the city can't eavesdrop. But it's in his spirit to direct his subordinates to eavesdrop, and then to ask them in detail.

  Why weren't you watching? It was lazy to set up a video in the camera. Eyes to do - to fool around, too. But it's a pleasure to squeeze a couple of mics into the ventilation. Just sit on the couch and listen.

  Slavka came in without knocking. For a while, no sound was heard from the speakers. Then...

  - Clara...

  Yeah. And my brother's voice is shaking. He didn't have a spine broken once...

  - Yeah? - That's Clara. In that tone... "Would you fuck off?"

  - We need to talk.

  - I don't need anything anymore. Especially from you," she cut the fox off. Yeah, whatever you think of her, she's a worthy opponent. If she hadn't gone crazy, we wouldn't have proved anything in life. You can't tell from her where the truth is and where the lies are. She'd be standing on her own, and that's it.

  - Well, I have to. Julia told me everything.

  - Everything at all? Then tell me how the universe was created. It would be a shame to die without knowing the answer. - Ton Clara was so indifferent that I knew she wasn't even mocking. She just doesn't care. She doesn't care about anything.

  - Wouldn't it hurt to die at all?

  And Slava's voice is shaking. Still, he loves her. He still loves her. Even though his beloved one almost sent him to the other world. Idiot. Although... should I throw stones? No. Not me.

  - Not to me.

  Clara's answer sounded like a reflection of my thoughts.

  - I could have talked to Julia. If you want, I can try to get a pardon.

  - No, you can't.

  - Did you really love him that much?

  - None of your business.

  - Turn around when I'm talking to you! - suddenly Slava exploded.

  - Don't raise your voice at me, puppy, I'll break my neck - Clara didn't even think to worry. And she'll break it, judging by the tone.

  - You don't care about me at all? You're doing all this for your vampire lover?!

  - Don't touch Diego. Otherwise, Yulka won't help. He won't.

  Now Clara's clearly angry. But Slava didn't understand that. Or he did, but he still kept coming forward.

  - We can go away! Forget about all this, like a terrible dream! I'll talk to Julia. Well, they're staging a murder! It's not that scary! We may even have to never go back to Russia...

  - Dummy.

  The word fell on Slava's confused speech and pressed like a cockroach slipper. The brother was sedated and silenced. And Clara went on with the same indifferent and cold tone.

  - Who knows how much I've had enough of you in this time! With her love, her naivety, her dream of a perfect world and a perfect relationship! If it wasn't for Diego, I wouldn't have touched you with my pliers. But since my lover asked me to, I had to play the rapturous idiot. And you didn't even notice anything! Did it ever occur to you that werewolves can't act so stupid? A prima wolf alone would have been enough to smudge you on the asphalt. And a gun wouldn't have helped! You know, one thing comforts me: At least after I die, I won't see your stupid face!

  - You... you... - Slava didn't have any words or air.

  - – Я. So what? Get out of here. Don't poison me the last minutes before you die. I'm sick of it.

  Slava sucked the air in with his mouth again and flew out the door.

  Clara didn't want to live without Diego, she didn't love Slava, and she didn't need forgiveness.

  Did she use it?

  Yes, she did. If Diego had said so, she would have killed him. And she wouldn't have thought about it. Did she lie?

  I did. If Diego had said it, she'd have killed him. She wouldn't have thought about it.

  She doesn't?

  She'll never love me. Julia promised that she, Clara, would meet with Diego. That's all she needs. Now get out, you're sick of worse
than a bitter radish. It's as simple as that.

  I took a look at Lenka. The shape-shifter nodded.

  - Get out, you'll comfort yourself. You'll manage...

  - What the hell with it!

  - Go, go, go, go, go. He is your brother after all.

  - Only by blood!

  - At least by fecal analysis. Go crawl!

  And Lenka pushed me out the door.

  You bastard!

  I caught up with Lenka on the stairs.

  - Hello?

  My brother looked around, and he snapped at me.

  - Oh, it's you! Well, are you happy?!

  - I'm quite happy. Things are going very well.

  - That's it?! - Judging by the tone of the brother, this "all" was not just bad, but total tin.

  - That's all. We caught the spies. Losses on our part are minimal. But the two strong vampires that have entered our territory have been neutralized. Minus a visit from a member of the Council. But somehow we'll survive... I'll have orange juice and he'll have double vodka on the rocks.

  We went out from the basement to the bar to talk. The werewolf behind the counter was a vaguely familiar sight. Well, he certainly knew me.

  - Right now, Fluffy.

  I snorted a snort, but I didn't comment.

  The juice was delicious and freshly squeezed. Slavka spent a few minutes scratching his vodka like water, and then he looked at me.

  - Julia, she never liked me, did she?

  I didn't pretend to misunderstand.

  - No, she didn't. So what?

  - It's nothing. Do you think it's nice to feel like using a condom?

  Did you start swinging your rights? Well, get it!

  - Slavik, what did you want? Our actions define our lives in many ways. And how people feel about us. When you faced a difficult choice - to get away from reality or to stay and accept the fight - you chose to run away. I mean, you ran away from home. You could've done a lot of things, but instead you ran away. You left us. And your help could have been invaluable. I was a snot. My grandfather recently lost his wife and son. And he needed support and help, not your monkey pranks. It's only natural. You betrayed us. She is you. It's the great wheel of life.

  - Do you have to judge? Me, her...

  - And that's not a judgment. This is the outcome. It's sad, but it's a fact. You've been considered weak and predictable. And you've been used.

  - Clara never loved me...

  - Yulia, - Vadim found himself behind my back. - It's time.

  - Yes," I confirmed the words of Slavkin. - And the sooner you understand it, the better you will. And I must go now. More vodka for the boy.

  I jumped from the bar stool and headed for the cellar.

  In Clara's cell, a small but refined society was waiting for me: Vadim, Boris, Valentin, Miecislav and five vampires. Including Anna, former Katka. I pulled up my nose and looked at Mečislav. - Is it time?

  - Yes. These five are executing. Boris will take the last of the blood. And I want to see what you're doing, Fluffy.

  I shrugged my shoulders.

  - You're welcome. Clara...

  - Yeah?

  - I suggest that. You're going to lie on the bed. I'm gonna sit next to you and hold your hand. Don't be scared when you take off. We'll be back where we were before. And I'll open the door for you.

  Clara looked at me closely.

  - Leoverenskaya, if you lied to me, I'll get you out of the world.

  - All my life I've dreamed of lying to you! - I snapped at you. - In my dreams! We had a fair deal. And if you didn't believe me, you wouldn't go for it, would you?

  Clara nodded.

  - Yes. I'm sorry.

  - Forget it. May we not be made enemies in our next life...

  - And we'd better not see her at all," Clara nodded. Then she took off her dress and lay down on the bed. - You may begin.

  I sat down in the chair and clenched her hand tightly. I closed my eyes. And then I fell right into it. To a clearing with blooming dandelions. It was easier and easier for me to get on her every time.

  Clara wasn't here yet. I went through the glade. I ran my hand over the particularly tall flower heads and put my fingers, stained with yellow pollen, in my face. Wasn't this the place described by the ancient Greeks as a field of asphos that had souls circling over it? With asphomodels (I honestly did not know what it is, but it looks like some flowers) it is tense, but here someone is used to what. This place has its own will and at the same time adapts to the whims of those who get here.

  The trees are making a lot of noise. Am I wrong? Not whims? Well, what then? Wishes? Subliminal dreams?

  The sunbeam slipped on my cheek with almost a human touch. Guessed it.

  It's good here, though.

  And I dreamed for a moment... how good it would be to stay here forever. Walking among the trees, weaving dandelion wreaths, thinking nothing of it, lying in the meadows, dissolving in the evil smell of mint grass...

  Sometimes people will come in here. I'll walk them where they ask. And otherwise, complete freedom. Absolute freedom.

  What is freedom?

  It's when nothing is needed, nothing matters, you're not responsible for anyone... Loneliness that doesn't burden you. In this place, you just dissolve... And it's beautiful.

  A branch of wood stroked me on the shoulder. And the bark folds looked like a human face. I wasn't scared. I realized there were those who did. And I left. Now they're always growing up in this place. But they're happy. And they welcome me. As someone with the same powers.

  As a man who will one day come here to wander in the forest, and then, tired of everything, even freedom, will fall asleep forever - and stand next to them another tree. My strength will enter the eternal cycle. And I will look at the next ones coming here. And I will teach them too. Smooth and steady, without invading the mind, without violence, just teaching. Just like breathing. So that the newcomers, using their power incorrectly, will not do anything irreparable.

  - Leoverenskaya! Yulka!

  Damn it! I forgot about Clara at all!

  I was softly released from the gentle branches. Forgive me. Unfortunately, I'm not free to come to you - now. Perhaps later. When there's nothing left in the shower but ashes... And now I have too many obligations. I'll be drawn into that world. I'll just be pulled out.

  Trees stroked my hair. A sprig of birch with green earrings woven into my hair, and there I was. And I moved on. To Clara.

  I wonder what Mecislav is feeling now? He wanted to watch, didn't he?

  There was a breeze, and I heard a rustle of trees.

  A vampire can at least be exposed, he won't see anything. He wasn't invited. He wasn't invited. He doesn't belong here. And anyway, a girl should have her little secrets.

  * * *

  Mieczysław stood behind a chair in which his unpredictable half was sitting. His surname. His Kudryashka. His...

  That sounds nice. Although Julia herself would definitely disagree with it.

  The vampire's fingers were on the girl's whisky. Now he's been trying his best

  sight

  . Do not subdue. Not to order. Just look at it with your eyes. But it didn't work. It feels like he's... lost in the fog. Now through Julie's eyes, he saw just a greenish void. And that's it.

  Clara was already dead, but Julie was still clutching her hand. And she smiled. Whatever was happening to her, she was nice and cozy. He took those feelings as his own. But he couldn't see - nothing. Only emptiness, as if he was enclosed in a ball of green bottle glass.

  Is it closing? On purpose, or...

  The vampire sighed and tried to pass again. And again, unsuccessfully. He strongly suspected it was Julie's pranks. But can you prove it?

  Shouldn't we try it again? And a little differently?

  * * *

  Clara was waiting for me in the clearing, tapping her foot impatiently. - Where are you walking, Leoverenskaya?

  - Wherever I need to be.

&nbs
p; We just didn't want to do the ceremony. We didn't want anything from each other. Just to pay up and say goodbye. So I took her hand without delay.

  - Now, five seconds, we cut her up, and...

  Clara stretched out my hand, put it in my mouth and bit me hard. She buried blood on the ground.

  - It's faster.

  I shrugged my shoulders. Not my hand, not my problem.

  - Vampire Diego, former Diego da Morano, aka Alex Versailles, aka Yuri Grachev, aka John Lindsey, originally Jose Manuel Carras, I call you to us. I call you the blood of a woman who loves you more than life. I call her love, her heart, her immortal soul, which she was ready to sacrifice for you a thousand times without hope of rebirth. I call her passion, her pain, her despair... Answer me, give me a voice...

  It didn't take long. The window started to go up even faster than the last time. But now I haven't gone far away. I just took three steps so I wouldn't get in the way.

  - When it fully manifests itself, ask me to give you my hand," I instructed. - And go to him. You don't belong to the world of the living anymore, you'll pass.

  - Will you?

  - You think you're gonna get me there? It's silly. That window won't take me. I'm... too big for him. Too alive for now, if you want. It's only for the dying. Or the dead.

  Clara nodded. Diego was already quite clearly visible. He reached out to Clara and smiled with a bitter crooked smile.

  The fox nodded.

  - Okay. Goodbye, Leoverenskaya. To my brother, I'm sorry. You know, the war.

  - I'm sorry, too, I shrugged my shoulders. - If there's anything wrong. We were just at war...

  - Yes...

  And the next moment, Clara turned around and threw herself at me.

  - Now let's see if they're gonna take you in or not..." she whispered. - You bastard! I hate it!

  I didn't even get a chance to move. The battle experience is still a terrible force. Clara grabbed my throat and dragged me to the window that opened. Diego was laughing angrily.

  - Give her here, my love! Just hold her throat tight! So she can't talk!

  But I wasn't going to talk. With one hand, Clara was clutching my throat. The other one was clutching her right hand behind my back. The left hand remained free. And the only thing I could do was to hold my palm in a creepy old gesture: "The wind!"

  I had known the language of gestures for a long time. Ever since my grandfather told me about scouts. And how it was necessary to be silent, but to show: "the enemy is near", "how much", "where"...