by Martha Woods
“I guess I could think of a few other ways you could prove useful to me,” I whisper as he leans his face towards mine. “Like bait for demons or other unpleasant spirits.” Morgan growls as he quickly stands and walks away from me. He stops in the doorway and stares down at me. “Be ready in two hours, Morgan. I don’t want to miss the only ride out of this forsaken place.” He doesn’t respond, but simple nods before walking out of the room.
I let out a long sigh as I stand and stretch. The last thing I was expecting today was to prepare for a long trip across the world. As I walk back to my room, my thoughts start to wonder. It’s been a long time since I’ve interreacted with normal humans. Within this stone fortress, I spend my days listening to reports from the front lines or training with fellow warriors in the arenas above. Now I would be placed back in direct sunlight, constantly worrying about what people will see when they look at me.
As I step into my room, I’m surprised by the figure sitting on the edge of my bed.
“Marcus, what are you doing here?” I quickly speak, worried about what news he might have for me today. I walk to the edge of the bed as my brother slowly lifts his face to mine. He looks like he hasn’t showered for days by the way his hair is matted to his head and the stench of sweat that wafts from him.
“News travel fast Anna, especially to my ears,” he says as he stands and pulls me into a tight embrace. His smell sickens me, but I am grateful for any time I get to spend with my brother. Lately, I go weeks without seeing him, knowing his taskforce is close to discovering a new method for fighting the supernatural in their own realm.
“You sound worried. I’m only going to be gone for a few days,” I mumble as I push away from him and take a few steps back.
“But you’re not just going anywhere, Anna. You’re going back there,” Marcus states as he sits back down on my bed. He looks weak as he slouches his shoulders. I wonder when the last time he has eaten a decent meal.
“Darien’s family meant a lot to me growing up. When I couldn’t travel with our uncle, I was there. Darien was my brother growing up,” I admit as I look away from Marcus. When I was four, I was separated from my brother and only returned to our Kingdom when I was a little older than ten. Though we have spent significant time together since my return, I always feel like we missed the innocent time in our life where we could have been simply children instead of being trained as warriors. It’s all for the better, I keep telling myself as I look back at Marcus.
“But what happens if you lose control again from being placed back into that environment?” Marcus says as he looks at the recent scorch marks on my bedroom walls. I sigh as I take a seat next to him on the bed and I lace my fingers with his.
“I can’t fear what may be, Marcus. All I know is that I have a significant task to take care of. And though I’m emotional connected to this task, it doesn’t mean I can just let it pass me by. Surely it wouldn’t be wrong for me to seek closer after all these years,” I explain as I tilt Marcus’ face towards mine. I look deeply into his bright blue eyes where I can see his powers resting patiently and under control.
“You’re still wild as ever, Anna,” Marcus says as he looks away from me. I nodded my head in agreement as a small smirk crosses my face.
“I need to get ready to go. Why don’t you do yourself a favor Marcus and shower before you return to your work. Maybe even take the time to eat a decent meal.”
“Why? Do I really smell that bad?” he asks as he lifts his arm and sniffs his clothes.
“You smell worse than a den full of filthy werewolves,” I say as I pull him up and push him towards the bathroom.
“Fine, fine. I’m sure you won’t mind me raiding your closet.”
“Considering we all wear the same thing, no, I don’t care at all.” As the bathroom door closes, I head to the closet and set a uniform on the back of the door for Marcus. Then I grab the one outfit that isn’t a gray and red uniform. I quickly change into a decent pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Then, I pull on a large fur coat and tuck my hair into a fur hat. As I travel, I’ll continue to change clothes, making sure to dress in the latest fashions in order to blend easier into the human populace. I pocket my sunglasses and start searching for my passport and phone.
“Looks like I just missed a great show,” Morgan’s voice sounds closely behind me as I spin on my toes. I don’t like being surprised, but the silent sound of Morgan’s footsteps are hard to detect. He looks more composed now with his short hair slicked back and slightly more color to his pale face. I can only assume he has recently feed. A thick pair of sunglasses dawn his face, making it hard to search his eyes.
“Maybe next time, Morgan. Now come along, we don’t want to miss the train.”
“As you say, m’lady.”
Chapter 2
“Gods, its muggy,” Morgan speaks up as we exit the taxi cab and begin walking the long walkway to the front of the Mathews estate.
“I didn’t think vampires where effected by temperature,” I remark as I glance over at him. Despite having traveled through five cities to reach Savannah, Georgia, Morgan was still dressed in a long sleeve shirt and jeans. In Italy I had abandoned my furs before even leaving the plane and had bought shorts, a thin t-shirt, and sandals before our next flight.
“The heat doesn’t bother me, but I can feel the heavy moisture in the air. I don’t like it. The air doesn’t feel right here,” Morgan explains as we reach the tall, oak front doors.
“It sounds like you want to be somewhere else?” I inquire, pausing before I knock on the front door. Morgan gives me a swift nod as he glances around the area. It is too dark for me to see through, but I assume Morgan is able to see everything as though it is daylight. “Savannah is a very haunted place, Morgan. All sorts of creatures like to call this place their home. I’d appreciate any leads you might be able to dig up, but you need to watch yourself.”
Morgan looks back at me as his lips pull into a smirk. “Almost sounds like you care about me, Princess?” He leans closer to me and places his hands gently on my hips.
I scoff at him as I bat his hands away. “Almost,” I whisper before he turns and disappears into the night. Though I would love to have the location of any lost tokens by sunrise, I can only assume Morgan will spend the rest of the evening quenching his thirst, and other desires with any local girl that will pay him the slightest attention.
I put my focus on the task at hand as I ring the doorbell. I can hear the familiar chime ring throughout the home, followed by the foyer light being turned on. My heartbeat increases as I hear footsteps near the front door. A part of me wants to run, but I know I must face this major part of my past. After all, a major trade route is currently in jeopardy.
“Anna?” he calls my name as he cracks the front door.
“Hello, Darien,” I say softly as I try to step into the light. Surely, I must look different, between the long length of my hair and the developed features of my female body. Darien is much taller compared to the memory I have always kept of him. His short brown hair is now combed to the side, giving light to his deep blue eyes. His shoulders are much broader, though he still looks skinny as a twig. “I came as soon as I got your message.”
Darien opens the door for me as I step inside the house. I quickly look around, trying to match memory with reality, only to discover that much hasn’t changed. The furniture still seems to be in the exact spot, but as I glance down the hallway I can see that the wall color is different. It only makes sense they would have painted after the fire.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know to expect you or I wouldn’t have been asleep,” Darien stumbles with his words as I place my focus back on him. I try to smile at him, but a part of me is screaming inside. Remember why you are truly here, I tell myself.
“Don’t be sorry, Darien. I should have waited till morning, but with it being so late I didn’t have any other place to stay,” I admit as I watch his every move. I try to remember if he was always
this tall, or if I’ve always been this short. His face relaxes as he motions for me to follow him.
“You must be hungry then,” he suggests as he flips on the lights to the formal dining room and kitchen. I immediately remember the countless mornings I had sat at that table, watching Darien’s father making coffee while his mother cooked an amazing breakfast. Or all the hours I had spent sitting at the table, studying and doing ‘homework’ while my uncle was away.
“Yeah, I could use a bite to eat,” I say as I’m finally pulled back to reality with the sound of the fridge door being opened. Darien is pulling a box of leftovers out of the fridge and is quick to make me a plate of Chinese food. After being on a consistent diet of unflavored food while living in the Kingdom, the aroma of the overly sweet and spicy food waters my mouth. We settle down at the dining table and I’m having a hard time dividing my attention between the food and Darien.
“Thank you,” I say before I take the first big bite. I hear Darien chuckle as he takes a seat next to me at the table.
“You still have a big appetite, I see,” he comments as he watches me closely.
“I haven’t been in American for a long time,” I explain as I take a few more bites, and then slow my pace so I can properly have a conversation with my friend. “This food is like heaven compared to what I normally get to eat.”
“You sound like you’ve been in hiding all this time,” Darien comments. I smirk at the thought. It really feels like it compared to everything I have seen in the last 48 hours. The world has changed in the last fifteen years, including the man that now sits in front of me. I can’t help but keep my eyes on him as I eat.
“I’ve been helping my family with their business in Asia. I finished my studies and my mother has been kind enough to allow me to help run things while my father and brother are away securing new pieces,” I explain. All that Darien knows is that my family also deals antiques. He is completely unaware of the supernatural realm, or of the paranormal creatures that roam this planet. He doesn’t even truly understand what happened that night when I discovered a token in his home.
“Sounds good,” he responds, clearly lost for words in this moment. I try to look pleasant despite the late hour. I was currently unaware of how I truly looked after two days of traveling with little sleep.
“What about you? What have you been doing lately?” I ask as I continue eating.
“I started attending the local art academy two years ago. I had finally stood up to my parents and declared that I had no interest in the business,” Darien started as he ran his fingers through his hair. When we were younger, Darien often spent hours drawing or painting. Though his parents always expected him to take over their business, I wasn’t surprised by Darien’s defiance of their wishes. “I always thought that maybe Elizabeth or John might take my spot as heir to the business, but I guess I have no choice now,” Darien says softly as he looks away from me. I can only imagine what he must be feeling with the death of his parents and now the huge responsibility that has been placed on him. I finally finish the plate of food as I push it aside and lean my elbows on the table.
“That is why I am here, Darien. I have a list of people who would be more than willing to pay you appropriately for your parent’s business contracts.” Darien looks back at me, but now his face is stern and cold.
“Is that why you have come back now, after all of these years without nothing as little as a letter or email? I didn’t expect you to grow up to be so business like,” Darien remarks as he forces me to look at him despite the feeling that has now formed between us. Part of me wants to leap across the table and shake him, but I take a deep breath and instead walk around the table and pull him from his chair. He doesn’t protest as I wrap my arms around him and place my head firmly against his chest. I listen to his heart till his breathing calms to a normal rate.
“I’m here to make this transition as easy as possible for you, Darien. As the only person in this house who has experience dealing in this business, I know I can help you,” I speak into his shirt. I inhale deeply, enjoying his familiar scent. I hear him chuckle and pull away to see his face as softened.
“Forgive me if I’m a little upset about you leaving all those years ago. I’ve missed you Anna,” Darien explains as I loosen my grip on him and slowly move away. I’m unsure of what to say. I’ve trained for years to be a warrior and fight against horrific spirits who wish to dominate this world. Nothing my teachers taught could prepare me for the deep feelings that were forming inside my gut.
“And I’ve missed this place, too,” I say as I turn around and take a seat back at the table. “I mean, I only got to see Elizabeth when she was a baby and I haven’t even seen a picture of John. How are they handling everything?”
“Well enough, I suppose. My Aunt Sherly plans to move in at the end of the summer. Having no kids of her own, she has taken it upon herself to watch after Elizabeth and John so I can finish school.”
I roll my eyes at the mention of his aunt. I remember the woman being very ditsy and uncappable of doing anything without her servants by her side. “And you think that babbling woman has the ability to raise children?”
“I don’t need her to raise them. I need her to watch after them while I’m at school. I mean, all she has to do is be here when they got home from school and make sure they don’t starve,” Darien chuckles as he glances over at the clock on the wall. It’s almost two o’clock in the morning.
“I’m sure her trusted help will be able to take care of things while you’re gone,” I admit as I stand and take my dish to the sink. Darien follows me as he leans on the counter. Now that the atmosphere has relaxed between us, I can start to see just how tired he looks. “Come now, show me where I can get a few hours of sleep. I want to be awake when the kids get up in the morning. I’m dying to see them both, but I know it would be rude to wake them up in the middle of the night.”
“Yes, that is very rude,” Darien jokes as I follow him out of the kitchen. I loop my arm with his as he leads us to the second floor and down a long hallway. Darkness surrounds us, but I feel safe walking next to Darien. I can remember a few specific nights where we would sneak out of our rooms and spend the night playing hide and seek. It was antics like that which led to me finding the token.
Darien opens the door to a spare bedroom as I follow him inside and quickly start turning on the bedside lamps. As the light illuminates the room, stronger memories return to me. “It’s exactly how I remember it,” I say softly as I turn about the room, looking at the long, white dresser that I used to keep my cloths in and the four- poster bed that had the same blanket on top.
“Mother always kept this room untouched in hopes that you might come and visit during summer break,” Darien remarked. I turn to him, mindful that he is watching my every move. He then walks over to me and places his arm around my shoulders, much like he used to do when we were children. “I’m glad you came, Anna.”
I tilt my head towards him and begin to notice a shadow of a beard growing on his face. I try not to laugh, but the idea of Darien growing facial hair is unusually funny. “I’m glad, too.” I loop my arm around his waist as I allow him to rest his head on mine. “Now go get some sleep,” I insist as I move away from him and climb onto the bed. I kick off my sandals and get under the covers as I turn to see Darien watching me from the doorway.
“What?” I ask as I pull a pillow under my head. I can see his smile right before I flip off the lamp.
“I just can’t believe you’re really here,” I hear him say into the darkness.
“And I’ll be here when you wake, Darien. Now go get some sleep. I expect a spectacular breakfast in the morning.” I hear him laugh before he shuts the door. I wait a few minutes before I climb out of the bed and tip-toe to the door.
Carefully, I push open the door and poke my head out into the hallway. I listen to the silence of the house before I’m convinced that everyone is sleeping and I’ll be able to walk downstai
rs without anyone noticing me.
Stepping out into the hallway, I walk carefully in the darkness, making sure not to run into anything or step on a loose floor board. But as I reach the lower level, I start to breathe easier. It is only minutes before I’m standing in front of the door, but I feel like it has taken me years to get to this moment. In retrospect it has, but now I am here and I need to face this last fear.
I open up the office door and let it swing open as I simply stare into the room from the hallway. I can see the room has been re-painted and is now is designed to be a small sitting room. When I was a child, it used to be an in-and-out room. Darien’s father would often receive new shipments to the house, the antiques that were most valuable that he wanted to process himself. The room was always packed full of new boxes and crates, making it the best place to hide when Darian and I would play. But there was one particular box that I always dreamed of opening, the one that Darien’s father kept on the mantel of the fireplace. Being told that I was never to touch it made it even more desirable.
One night, when Darien was taken an unusually long time finding me, I had used a chair to reach the mantel and examine the box. Lifting the weightless, wooden lid, I saw a small metal locket around a silver chain, tucked neatly against felt backing. Wanting to know if the neckless would fit me, I lifted the locket from the box and came into contact with the first token I had ever laid my eyes on.
I blink a few times to push the memory of the beautiful locket from my eyes. I finally convince myself to step inside the room as I look towards the wall where the fireplace used to be. Now all that remained was a flat wall with a large landscape painting hanging over top it. I wondered how much of the room had been damaged due to my selfishness, doing something my uncle had specifically told me not to.