Immortal Fire Series; The Trilogy ~ Eighteen Summers, Severina, Rising Bloodtide

by K. M. Liss

  “Perfect. You will be able to raise your bite at will, without using your fingers after a while. It becomes a natural function. How does it feel?”

  “It's certainly different. I like it though. Being fanged.”

  “Good. Now all that is left is to explain your immortality. No vampire is truly immortal. We can die in a number of ways. You can bleed to death. You can drown. You can burn or freeze. But if you are careful in life, as any human would be, you will remain as you are forever.”

  “Who were you, before you changed?” I ask her my burning question.

  “At the age of twelve I became a servant in the Chesterfield family household. I worked there for nine years, on their estate in Lancashire. It is a National Trust house today.”

  “How did you change?”

  “I drank the blood of a vampire. It is the only way, other than by birth. Biological vampires, such as yourself, are formed differently.”

  “Who turned you?”

  “Gabriel.”

  “Oh, and how did you meet him?”

  “He and I became acquainted when he visited the Chesterfield ladies several times on business. He was their legal representative, a solicitor, and still handles all of our legal affairs today. He offered me the chance to escape my domestic station. That is why I was chosen for you. I used to be a lady's maid, you see.”

  “Oh no... Sofia, I'm so sorry. You really don't have to wait on me. I'm sure you have better things to do.”

  “No, I really enjoy it now. I have little else to do with my time otherwise. It is very pleasurable to me, to make you content and attend to your needs. It is how do you say? Jolly good fun!” She laughs heartily and I join in.

  “Well, if you're sure.”

  “I am quite sure. Now, let me finish and dress you.” I get out of the bath and she busies herself wringing out my hair which seems to be much longer than before. “As you don't need to sleep for eight hours any more, you will find your days very long. I hope My Lady has interests to keep her occupied?”

  “I'm sure I can keep myself busy. How long do I need to sleep for?”

  “It varies. I need perhaps two or three hours at most. I can get by on less. Some hardly sleep at all, others need a little more than I. Sleep serves a different purpose. It purely rests our brain. Our body cells do not need to regenerate as a human's do.”

  She finishes drying me and hands me a robe.

  “You are most beautiful Cali.” I glow with the compliment.

  She dresses me, fixes my hair and face, and leaves me for a while. I feel I am forging a good relationship with her. She is kind, thoughtful, and full of facts which I soak up like a sponge. After looking at myself in the mirror for an age, very immodestly, with the biggest smile on my face, I look for something to interest me. I poke around my wardrobe, jewellery, and shoes and finally, having exhausted all the things I can find to look at, I resort to the dusty old books yet again. I must find the media rooms soon, so I can play some music or read something more interesting than 'A Biography of Jane Austen', however wonderful an author she is.

  Finally Nico knocks and enters. I remain seated and smile at him flirtatiously. I know I am looking really good now... His eyes shine and he does nothing to hide the yellow flicker. I bask in his admiration.

  “Well Cali, what a day it has been for you.”

  “You could say that.”

  “And now you must begin thinking seriously about your new life here.”

  “Hmmm, about that...”

  “We agreed you would give it time with My Lord.”

  “That was before I found out something about him.”

  “And what is that?”

  “He's a sadist. He likes to torture women sexually.”

  “He has done this to you?”

  “No, not yet. But he will.”

  “Surely you are imagining things! I would know about this, if it were true. He enjoys the company of many females in the household.”

  “They can't ever tell. He won't allow it.”

  “Cali, what are you saying? Explain yourself.”

  “He has a cellar. He hangs girls upside down in it and tortures them. God knows what else he does in there. I guess just about everything...”

  “I have heard he has several wine cellars, but I have never been to his lower levels. How do you know any of this? If no one will tell...?”

  “I've experienced it, in a very vivid dream. And before you laugh at me, I know Sofia has been in there but she won't say what went on. She is scared for her life. She could be dispatched permanently. I know Severina has been in there as well, but she'll never admit to it either.”

  “But we are not a violent society. It is our ethos and culture to treat each other respectfully. Torture and sadism are completely at odds with this. And he is our leader, our Lord Protector. I cannot believe he would act this way. It's almost Ristorian, and they are everything we are not.”

  “What's a Ristorian?”

  “They are the main reason I guard you. They murdered your parents Cali. They are brutal, undisciplined, and sadistic vampires. Nothing is beyond them, truly nothing. They take small children in the night, decimate entire families on a whim, and indulge in gratuitous orgies of blood lust. The Ristoria are a rival family, from the Etruscan era, 500 BC. The origins of your bloodline and theirs emerged at the same time. There were bloody wars over land rights for millennia until 1500 AD, when your father finally put an end to their disgusting rampage and finally restored peace to the region. Their remaining lineage has sought revenge many times and finally, as you know, they were successful.”

  “My God, this is quite a family history I have, don't I? I want to know more of this later, but tell me, what is a Lord Protector exactly?”

  “He is the Lord in your stead. You are the rightful head of the household and he is holding your position for you until you become more accomplished in our ways. He is an old and ancient one. Wise and a natural leader.”

  “But he isn't a noble like I am?”

  “A lesser noble. He is a part of the extended Gianni family by birth, of Caprice lineage. Well, as far as we know anyway, based on his tale of events. He is not a direct descendant like you. He was born and raised human and later turned.”

  “So who gave him this job?”

  “Your father nominated him, should the need to protect arise. He became his confidant, a close friend, very close after you were born.”

  “I see. So can I un-nominate him?”

  “Cali... please... Do not consider such a thing. I cannot imagine the consequences.”

  “I'm not, but I won't mate with him Nico, how can I?”

  He puts his head in his hands.

  “Look...” I begin, but he holds up his hand.

  “I'm thinking Mistress, one moment please.” I wait for a minute while he paces up and down fretfully. “There is only one way you can avoid the union. You must leave the household, temporarily, until things become rearranged somehow.”

  “Where will I go?”

  “I have friends in Italy. I can take you there.”

  “But what about Raffaele, won't he try to bring me back?”

  “He cannot force you to come back. And you have your own fortune. This household is supported by your father's legacy, a special fund, but the remaining wealth is yours. Lord Raffaele has no title to that, unless you were to marry him, legally, in a human ceremony. A mating alone would not entitle him to share your personal wealth.”

  “Will you stay with me? In Italy?”

  “I have pledged my life to you from birth. I am your guardian. Of course I will stay.”

  “What about Sofia?”

  “Of course she must accompany you and we will enlist the aid of Gabriel. He is our legal counsel. He can advise on the inheritance and other matters.”

  “Can we leave soon?”

  “No, you will suffer blood lust Cali. It is not safe. In a few days perhaps.”

  “Nico... Thank yo
u. For believing me.”

  “Although I think it is unlikely you would have fabricated such a tale, I would like to confirm this with Sofia, in your presence before I take things further.”

  “That's understandable, I suppose.”

  I call for her and she arrives a moment later. And Nico wastes no time on small talk.

  “Sofia, answer me truthfully. There will be no repercussions for you, I will ensure it. Has My Lord hurt you in the bedchamber or elsewhere in this house during recreation?” Sofia glares at me. I have, after all, betrayed her confidence.

  “Yes.”

  “In a sadistic way?”

  “Very.”

  “What did he do, Sofia?”

  She takes a long deep breath before beginning her sordid account.

  “Penetration with sharp objects into all of my orifices. Severe biting. Burning. Hanging me upside down for long periods so that I lose my consciousness. Whipping me. Caning me. Chaining and cuffing me on a table, gagging, making me drink my own blood. Clamping me with metal objects, tying my hands and feet together on the floor and dragging me around... I've probably forgotten some of the more 'unpleasant' things he did, deliberately....”

  “My God Sofia! Why did you not tell me? Come, sweet.” He holds her tightly to him and kisses her face. I feel a raging jealousy build inside me like a storm and I cannot hold it back. Even though I know that she has a preference for Gabriel. Perhaps Nico has a preference for her. I feel choked. But I have no right to his affections. I have just arrived and he has a history here.

  “I'm not the only one. He has us all sworn to secrecy,” Sofia replies.

  “But surely you would not let your young mistress be subjected to this torture?”

  “I would not wish it on anyone of course, but I fear his wrath. I have the strangest feeling about My Lord. It's as if he hates us. All of us. He is so unlike the rest of our family, in every way.”

  “I have always found him to be very pleasant and amiable, humorous and even confiding.”

  “He probably wants to keep you on his side. You are My Lady's guardian after all. It is an influential position that you occupy.”

  “Perhaps… I will look into My Lord's past. I wonder if anyone ever has?” Nico muses. “We shall make a journey to Italy. My Lady, you and I. We shall also ask Gabriel to accompany us, to take advantage of his Latin and historical expertise, as it is far better than mine. Please arrange to travel within the week. Do not tell another soul, am I clear?”

  “Light travel?”

  “Yes, just a few changes of attire for each of us. We can buy new clothing when we require it.”

  I suddenly feel a craving build inside of me. This must be my blood lust surfacing. My mouth is watering and I am starting to shake with hunger.

  “I think I need food.”

  “It is on its way,” Nico answers quickly.

  In five minutes I am panting on the bed in need. My stomach feels like it is being squeezed. My feed arrives and I almost jump upon her as she comes in the door. I feed in a state of rapture for a good minute until Nico commands me to stop. I obey immediately this time around, much to my surprise, breaking the suction loudly.

  “You can feed again in a few hours. Deanna will wait in the salon. Try to rest now. There has been too much excitement for one day. My Lady must be exhausted.”

  They all leave and I am alone. Alone with my thoughts, my worries, and my newly adjusting vampire mind and body. I am not tired or fit for resting. I feel like exploring. I know that the lower levels are the vampire bedchambers but the media rooms and the other main rooms in the house await. I set off up the stairs to the very top of the building. Most of the doors are locked, but the few I enter are mainly reception rooms. There is a library, but it is full of similar books to the ones in my room. I find the media suite and sit at a computer turning it on with joy.

  “A little bit of YouTube I think.” I mumble to myself happily. But it is not to be. I do not have the password to log in.

  Oh damn it and fuck my life.

  I leave the suite in acute disappointment and wander downstairs to the kitchen. I look through the cupboards and fridge and help myself to some red wine diluting it with chilled water. Then I make my way back to my rooms again. I need to get something to do or else I'm going to go crazy down here. I knock on Nico's door as I pass, maybe he can give me the password. He doesn't answer. But being the nosy girl I am, I just need a quick peek inside his room. I try the door and it opens. I quickly step into the darkness. I can see reasonably well, with my newly enhanced vampire vision. My eyes take it all in instantly. Nico and Sofia lie before me, naked on his bed, wrapped together in a passionate embrace. I am so overwhelmed with jealousy, and intense physical need, that I can't stop the strangled noise that escapes me. I stand and stare brazenly as they both look in my direction. Then I rush out, banging the door shut behind me, run along the corridor and back into my room. I lock my door from the inside with the key and slam the bolt across. I know I am overreacting. I know they do this together. But to see it happening is another thing entirely, it's like rubbing salt in an open wound, it hurts so badly. What remains of my human side won't accept it.

  He's my guardian, and he belongs to me now.

  But despite my jealousy, I don't hate Sofia. She was here long before I was. I'm suffering from a confused mind and an inner turmoil that I can't bear.

  I lie down and want to cry. But no tears will come. It appears that vampires have no tears. All I feel is a deep hurt and a harsh burning in my throat. I ignore the knock at my door a few minutes later. I try to ignore the louder insistent ones that follow and the demands to open the door. In the end I get up and let him in.

  “What the hell d'you want?” I ask nastily as he marches past me and inside. I shut the door behind him and turn to face him glaring.

  “You have no right to enter my room without my permission. It is my private sanctuary.”

  “Maybe you should lock it in future.”

  “I have never locked my door before, there's no need. So, what did you want?”

  “I need my password for the computer.”

  “I have not arranged one for you yet.”

  “Then let me use yours.”

  “No, everyone has a different profile. You will have to wait until later today.”

  “I'll just die of boredom then, while you have lots of fun with my maid.” I can't help the hurt tone in my voice.

  “You have well and truly spoiled my fun for now.”

  “I'm sure you can get back into it if you try hard enough, go have a bash...” I snap at him unkindly, my eyes flashing with rejection and anger.

  “My Lady's behaviour is not becoming of her station.”

  Suddenly I lose my cool and stomp around the room letting rip with a loud rant.

  “MY STATION? Well you can stuff my fucking station, because from what I can see, it's nothing but a burden. My life is at risk. I am having to sneak away from a brutal sadist who I have been mated to without my consent. I cannot go anywhere or do anything. The only two people who ever cared for me are probably beside themselves with worry and I feel so sick about that. On top of it all, I have this dreadful blood lust to deal with as well. Oh yeah, my station's just great... And now, there's you...”

  “What about me Cali?”

  “You know what I mean.” My eyes openly blaze into his.

  “I am your guardian. I cannot be emotionally or physically involved with you in that way. Not in my position.”

  “Oh really? Then who can I have that kind of a relationship with? From what I can gather, there might not be too many eligible vampire Lords around. Not that I like anyway...” My voice is rising even louder with frustration and distress.

  “Calm down. Let us discuss this civilly.”

  “I can't Nico, just go away and leave me alone. I don't even want to look at you anymore. Go screw Sofia all day and night for all I care. It's fine with me.”

  “C
ali, that's enough! Stop this ridiculous behaviour.”

  “Ridiculous behaviour?” I repeat angrily. I suddenly see red. “GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY ROOM BOY!” I shout, losing my temper completely, pushing him hard. He snarls at me in shocked anger, his eyes flashing wildly and his teeth descending in his rage. “GET OUT, GET OUT!” I scream at the top of my voice in a blaze of passionate temper launching myself at him again. He turns and leaves abruptly, storming out and slamming the door so hard it almost comes off its hinges.

  Oh shit, shit, shit... I've got to get out of here right now or I'm gonna go completely mad.

  I rush into the wardrobe and find some passable clothes for wearing outside in the street. I change and quietly leave my room, sneaking out of the building. I don't think about my blood lust or potential issues with where I am going. I just want to see my parents. My mum and dad. They care for me and I care for them and that's all that is important. I make my way to the tube station in the early morning light. The streets are deserted but for a few cars and vans which pass me by. I have no money and no means to pay for my fare, but I am a vampire, I have new strengths and abilities now and ways to overcome such obstacles. I break into a fast run, and following the road signs, make my way to the mainline station at Paddington, arriving in a few short minutes. I find the platform for the next train to St David's, Exeter and taking a quick look around to make sure no one is watching, I leap the barrier and spring quickly onto the roof of the awaiting train with ease. I crawl along a few carriages and lie flat, making myself as comfortable as possible. I lie there wondering how on earth I am going to manage the rest of my immortal life. After some minutes, the train pulls out and I sigh with relief that I am getting away from this mess, but it is short lived. One minute outside the station, Nico suddenly appears at my side and he is not at all happy. He stares at me with a bright yellow heated annoyance.

  “How the hell did you find me?” I hiss at him nastily.

  “I heard you leave. I was expecting it and I followed your scent. It was easy and you are very predictable... Going back to Exeter to see your parents was so obvious.”

  “I've had enough of your lot already. I'm going back where I belong, with them.”