Gaspard laughed weakly. "I don't know." He couldn't help but to think of the horse he had killed earlier that day as he stared at the dying hare. "Probably not." He finally took his eyes of the sheeted animal and walked away.
"I see." He waited patiently for Gaspard to tell him what he was pondering over.
Gaspard's fangs finally started to recede. "I did as you said today. I tried to drink from an animal." He paused.
"And..?"
He was staring at the wall ahead of him. "I killed it."
Gabriel folded his arms. "What kind of animal did you feed on?"
"A horse."
"And you are upset because you killed it, correct?"
"Yes. I even made sure it was the largest one. I still couldn't stop myself from drinking all of his blood."
"Gaspard," he moved closer and put his hand on his shoulder. "You hadn't fed in days. It was to be expected. Not stopping yourself from going too far is common in young vampires."
Gaspard listened, but his thoughts were still distant. "I have decided to never take blood again. I'll just allow myself to go into a trance from now on. I can take the pain."
"It doesn't work like that, Gaspard. You need blood."
"Why can't I just fall into a trance whenever I crave it?"
"You can only rest like this so many times straight. If you don't feed within a day or two at most afterwards, you may fall into a permanent trance and never wake!"
"What if that is what I want?" He gave Gabriel a piercing glare. "To never wake."
"You're over-reacting." He sighed. "We can live without pretty much anything. Except for blood, however. We aren't capable of living serenely without it. It is our food source."
"I don't care."
"Starve yourself if that is what you wish," He said rashly. "But you'll go ravenous without it in-between trances. You'll take out your bloodlust on anyone." he paused. "Even the ones you care about."
Gaspard looked at him suspiciously. Did he know about Jocelyn? Gaspard knew he was right. He couldn't allow himself to hurt Jocelyn anymore than he already has with keeping his secret from her. If he ever bit her or hurt her in anyway, he would never be able to forgive himself. He decided he would then starve himself if that happened or find another way to make sure he never hurt another living soul again.
"Are you ready to continue?" He asked after he knew Gaspard had worked it out that he wouldn't torture himself. "We have much more to accomplish tonight."
"Yeah." He returned to the spot he previously was and stared at the caged animal with a new determination.
They worked on control for several more hours until it was almost day break. Gaspard had finally managed to do as he was requested to: to allow himself to block out the scent and image of the blood so he could bring himself into a controlled state.
"Well done, Gaspard." Gabriel patted his shoulder and gave a satisfied smile once they finished.
Gaspard gave a weak smile in return.
"I think you are ready."
"Ready for what?"
"The test. After each young vampire has been trained you undergo a control test. It is the reason why we have worked so hard on that tonight."
"It has only been two nights. How could I possibly be ready?"
"You have much more skills than you give yourself credit for. Every vampire that I have ever taught took them weeks to accomplish what you just did in two sessions. I have reported your progress to Lucas. He thinks you are ready, as do I."
"When is this test?" "I'll make arrangements for it to be tomorrow night, here at the castle." He led him to the top of the stairs and opened the cellar door for him. "Be prepared when you return." Silently meaning to make sure he feeds before coming. "It is also tradition that everyone in the household watches and takes part in the ceremony."
"You mean that... everyone who stays here in the castle is going to come?" That meant Marcel would be there. A sudden feel of nervousness and anger shook through him. He'd have to put up with his taunts and just seeing him would bring back unwanted memories again.
"Yes. But don't let them distract you. They are only there for observing purposes."
Gaspard nodded. After that, he left the castle and returned to the mansion grounds. He arrived at his quarters and snuck in the door just before the bell rang for all the workers to wake. Thankfully, no one had noticed he hadn't been there all night and even as the sun rose. He hoped the day would drag out since he was dreading to return to the castle and take the test. But then again, hoping it would go fast so he could get it over and done with would work too. He could just imagine how foolish he would look if he didn't pass this test in front of all the other vampires when Gabriel spoke so highly of his skills. What was going to happen? He hadn't the slightest clue.
Chapter 12 Blood Test
Tonight was the night of the test. Gaspard lay in his bed,
listening to the sounds of the dark as he waited for everyone in the mansion to fall asleep. When he thought that no one else was awake, he crept out of the cabin like he had done every night since he became a vampire. There was no need for him to sleep anymore, and just pretending to be asleep in his quarters got rather boring. So he went to the castle. Though, it was mostly because he had to, not that he wanted to go. But being there and learning from Gabriel and the other vampires were the only way for him to teach himself to keep his abilities and bloodlust under control.
He closed the door silently behind him. Before he left, he looked up at the balcony that lead to Jocelyn's bedroom. No flickers of light shown through the small cracks underneath the doors, signifying she had gone to bed. He imagined himself lying next to her, just watching and listening to her breathe in continuous uniform; so easy, with no effort. Her warmth radiating threw her body and released by her skin. How he wished he was human again so he could share with her the same things many people take for granted and pay so little attention to. He would never need to breathe passionately or be able to make her warm (without burning her) with his own body heat if the need arose. Only death and coldness he was capable of bringing to Jocelyn.
With those cheerless thoughts, he left the mansion grounds feeling choler. He ran fast through the forest trying to clear his mind and focus on what was going to happen tonight. He arrived at the Vampire Castle not long after. Gabriel was waiting for him near the main door looking a little nervous.
"Took your time," he said irritably when Gaspard reached the stairs.
"Sorry. I had to wait until everyone was asleep." "No, no. Nothing to be sorry about. I'm just a little anxious I suppose."
"I think you are more nervous than I am," he chuckled.
"I wouldn't doubt that," he laughed along. "And don't you worry, you will do fine. Every vampire here has taken the same test." His smile faded and became more thoughtful. "Are you sure I'm ready for this?"
"Yes. I know you are." He patted his shoulder. "Come. Everyone is waiting for you." He led him inside the castle through several hallways until he finally reached a double door that opened out to a section behind the castle. They walked down the pathway to a small set of stairs that came to a platform. Gabriel nodded and left him to take his place near Lucas.
Lucas motioned to two male vampires on his right to bring his test. They nodded and left the area, heading towards the castle.
Gaspard took the opportunity to observe his surroundings. They were outside on what looked liked to be some kind of ceremonial amphitheater. The walkway was lined with torches. All the vampires stayed clear and stood a few paces behind them in a circle around the amphitheater. They were all staring at him with blank expressions, except for Marcel who was smirking for some odd reason that made Gaspard want to punch the stupid look off his face. Gaspard was standing on the edge of the raised platform in front of the stairs and walkway. Two muscular guards stood slightly behind on either side of him. Lucas was sitting in a raised chair. It looked to be made of a dark wood with red velvet cushions. Gabriel was standing beside him,
looking encouragingly at Gaspard. He gave him a weak smile in return.
Within a few moments, his test subject was being brought to the center of the amphitheater- between Gaspard and Lucas. Gaspard watched with his eyes wide and mouth open as they brought a girl, no more than sixteen, in front of him. The girl was blind folded and had her hands tied in front of her. She was crying and pleading to be let go. All the vampires eyed her with hungry expressions.
Lucas sighed and sat back in his chair with a smirk on his face. "Ah, here we are! Human blood, the sweetest and hardest to resist." "Lucas! This is insane!" Gabriel said furiously, as he turned to face him. "The test cannot be a human!"
"Who says?" he chuckled, and took a quick glance at Gaspard to see his expression. To his amusement, he was staring at the girl, petrified. "It’s not written in stone that it has to be an animal, is it?"
"It’s the way our kind has been doing it for centuries! We cannot break the tradition."
Lucas stood up, and shouted, "Who is our leader?" He looked around and then repeated the question more loudly so everyone could hear. They all stared back in silence, too mesmerized to answer him. "I am! I make the laws! Everyone will follow my rules! If anyone tries to defy me the only blood they will ever taste again is their own! Do I make myself clear?" He looked down at the crowd of vampires. Everyone raised their fists while baring their fangs to let out a screeching hiss in agreement. Only Gabriel and Gaspard didn't join in.
Gabriel walked over to Gaspard and put his hand on his shoulder. "You can do this."
Gaspard finally took his eyes of the girl and looked at Gabriel with a combination of fear and anger. "I am not prepared for this!"
"You are and you have to prove it. Your abilities and strength are beyond ours'. I am sure you can resist her blood even if you haven't been training."
Gaspard shook his head rapidly and looked down. "I can't. I can barely think straight as it is."
"You must. It’s only for sixty seconds. I will be keeping the time. Remember: block the scent out and don't let it reach your brain. You can do it, I know you can." He let go of Gaspard's shoulder and walked far enough away from Gaspard and the girl so the smell wouldn't over take him. Even for a highly skilled and controlled vampire, human blood could trigger an unmanageable attraction.
"Is our trainee ready?" Lucas asked impatiently.
Gaspard glanced over at Gabriel. He nodded encouragingly at him, his face grim.
Gaspard slowly returned his head back to Lucas and spat, "Yes."
"What?" Lucas asked, annoyed with his lack of formality.
Gaspard knew he didn't ask because he couldn't hear him, all vampires had enhanced hearing. Gaspard glared and said more clearly, "Yes, Master, I am ready."
"Fabulous." He smirked. "Then let the show begin." He moved his gaze to the two guards holding the girl and commanded, "Cut her wrist." The girl immediately started to squirm and pout at his words. One guard held her as the other brought out a knife and slit her right wrist. Before Gaspard could protest, the two guards that were previously standing behind him now grabbed him and held him back tight. As soon as the sharp knife touched the girl's skin, blood trickled down her hand and dripped to the ground.
Gaspard's attention instantly returned to the girl whose blood was being spilled. His eyes sparked and then turned a deep purple while he barred his now fully evolved fangs. He was fighting the urge not to break out of the vampires' grips and fail if he even so much as tasted one drop. He knew he wouldn't be able to stop until her heart beat no more.
Lucas threw his head back and laughed evilly at the sight. "It’s like watching a child resist candy. You could easily break out of their grasps and take her life away." Lucas moved forward in the chair and let his chin rest on his hands.
Gaspard desperately tried to ignore him. Gabriel's voice kept ringing in his head. Don't let the smell over power your mind. Block it out. His ears were overwhelmed with the sound of the girl's heart beating rapidly. He brought his gaze away from the girl with great effort and stared at the ground, breathing heavily even though he didn't need to breathe at all. He tried to stop but couldn't.
"Thirty seconds!" Gabriel firmly shouted over from where he stood.
"Come on, you know you can't let her blood go un-tasted, "Lucas said in a snake-like tone, showing obvious malice in his voice. Gaspard closed his eyes tight. Your strength and abilities are beyond ours'. You can do it, I know you can. Gabriel's words soothed him and made him feel stronger. There was something familiar about them, but he couldn't place what made them sound like he has heard them before.
"Just one drop." Lucas smirked devilishly.
Gaspard reopened his eyes and looked Lucas straight in the face, now oblivious to the bleeding human in front of him. A great serge of power flowed within him, growing stronger. "No!" Gaspard screamed. Everyone flinched back. The vampires holding him screeched in pain. Their hands were burnt by his skin that was now as hot as fire.
Gaspard pushed out his arms and the guards holding him flew back, crashing into torches before hitting the ground.
"Time is up!" Gabriel shouted. "Gaspard has passed the test." But no one moved or made a sound.
Gaspard walked forward, while still staring down Lucas. He stopped in front of the girl. She could feel his presence- so close, and started to shake in fear. Gaspard removed his gaze from Lucas and looked down at her face. He kept himself from looking at her wrist. His fangs no longer showed but his eyes were still alarmed. He removed the rag tied around her mouth, and broke apart the rope that kept her arms together with his hands.
"No, no, please no…” The girl pouted and tried to step back but couldn't.
"I promise, I won't hurt you," he said in a low, tender voice. "I am not a monster." He kept his eyes on her face and slowly took her arm and tied the rag around her bleeding wrist. She was still shaking but her tears had ceased.
"Impressive," Lucas finally said, standing up. "But I wouldn't take her blind fold off if I were you."
"Why?" he demanded. "She deserves to see what is going on." "No. You didn't eat her that is all she needs to know."
Gaspard looked back down at the girl and removed the fallen strands of hair that we’re stuck to her face from crying. "You are going to let her go, right?"
Lucas ignored the question and turned to the guards holding the girl. "Take her away." The guards started towards the stairs with the girl, now crying again.
Gaspard quickly moved in front of them, blocking their way. "No! Please, let her go! She's innocent, she doesn't know anything."
Lucas chuckled, "She might be blind folded, boy, but she's not deaf! She heard everything that has happened here tonight. Now step aside," He said threateningly.
Gabriel was now at Gaspard's side. "Gaspard, It’s too late. She knows too much." He put his hand on his shoulder. But Gaspard swiftly shrugged it off. Gabriel moved in front of him so he could talk to him face to face. "If she was let go, she would reveal us."
"No, she wouldn't. If we told her not to say anything, maybe-" But Gabriel shook his head and cut him off.
"Even if she didn't tell, she has had physical abuse. It would be of no use," he said grimly. Gaspard set his jaw and looked away. He knew they were right. Though, he didn't think it was necessary. After a few moments, he reluctantly moved two steps to the side to let them pass. He looked at her, saddened. He took her hand and held it in both of his and whispered, "I'm sorry," in her ear before they descended down the stairs.
Gabriel stood next to Gaspard while he was still staring at the ground with a sorrowful expression. "You did the right thing." Gaspard looked up at him like he couldn't believe what he said. He then looked behind him. The girl was screaming and kicking, but the vampires were too strong. That was the last time Gaspard ever saw her again.
"Bring her to my chamber. She'll be of some use before dinner," Lucas said with a smirk. The guards nodded and went down the walkway with the girl.
Gaspard then turned his
head to Lucas and walked forward to him. "You sick bastard!" Gaspard screamed at him. Lucas stood up and told the crowd of vampires to leave them. Everyone reluctantly fell back and hissed at Gaspard as they headed to the castle. Only Lucas, Gabriel and Gaspard now stood in the amphitheater.
"How dare you insult me!" He barred his fangs and leaped over to Gaspard. Lucas hit him heavily across the face. Gaspard felt the pain but stood his ground and was ready to strike back.
"Can you two stop bickering and fighting like children!" Gabriel shouted and got in-between them, barring his own fangs. He pushed Gaspard, making him stumble back. But not daring to touch Lucas even if it was him who he'd rather knock out.
"Get out of my way, Gabriel," Lucas hissed coldly. "You are not in command."
"A may not be, but I am Gaspard's mentor and I take full responsibility for him as we agreed."
"It is not you who I wish to see suffer in the pillory at this time, Gabriel; but the boy."
"I don't think the pillory is necessary, Lucas." Gabriel growled.
"So you agree, then, that he should be punished?" He half smirked.
He glanced at Gaspard and saw his confusion, but still his anger remained clear on his face. "Lucas, forgive him." He hated to almost beg for Gaspard's forgiveness to Lucas. But if it was the only way, then so be it, he thought. "He was being foolish and was out of line."
"How is what I said 'out of line'?" Gaspard demanded indignantly. "I am not the one going around feeding on humans for fun and pleasure!"
Gabriel sighed and tried to ignore him. "Gaspard is still young. He doesn't know how to control his temper-"
"I cannot believe this!" Gaspard interrupted. "You are taking the murderer's side and not mine?"
"I am not taking sides," he said as he finally turned to face him, "but you must calm down and stop over-reacting."
His anger was building up inside him, causing his temperature to rise again. How could Gabriel turn on him over this? Does he not think Lucas has committed a crime? "You told me feeding on humans was against our laws! Is it not?"
"As I said, being leader, I may alter or enforce certain laws as I wish. You will abide by my rules or face the consequences," Lucas sneered.
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