Quantum Heights: Book one of the Dead Path Chronicles

by Richard A. Valicek

  “Take off the mask,” Melina said to him. “I want to see who you are.” The man slowly took off his mask, revealing his face. He stared down at her. He put two fingers of his right hand in front of her. She began to feel dizzy. “I’m beginning to feel woozy.” She swayed her head from side to side. “You bastard. You put something in the drink.” She tried to stand. And, seconds later, she dropped onto the ottoman fast asleep.

  Titanis stood and slowly went to the piano. He sat down and touched a few keys lightly, then looked at Melina. With his eyes on her, he began to play. The melody brought a smile to his face. Titanis playing a haunting tune, filling the room with music.

  Finally, Melina stirred and slowly opened her eyes. She blinked and turned her head, focusing on Titanis’ playing. The music was exquisite. She sat up and looked around, bewildered. “Who are you?” she said. “I seemed to have forgotten things. I’m not even sure of my name.”

  “Your name is Clarisse. You were involved in an accident. I found you unconscious and brought you here.” Titanis stopped playing the piano and walked over to her. “You, Clarisse, are by far the most captivating woman I have ever set my eyes upon,” said Titanis.

  Two human vampires rose from the couch, which lay not too far away, and left the lounge. Now alone, Titanis peered closely at the helpless Melina.

  Titanis could feel her beside him, but he did not look at her. “Sir, who are you? And, what is this place?” she asked.

  He smiled at her. “My name is Titanis Clore. I am prince of Plaphorius.”

  “But, I don’t understand. How did I get here?”

  Melina realized the room was terribly dark and wondered why the curtains were drawn.

  Titanis continued to smile at her. Melina stared at his handsome face.

  “Something lingers to my mind. Something I seem to have forgotten,” she said.

  He came closer to her. He held her by both hands together. “All that you must know is that you and I were very close. The fall has taken away your memory, Clarisse. And, because you do not remember me, my heart is aching. When you hurt… I hurt,” said the devious Titanis Clore.

  Melina’s eyes watered at his beautiful words. “You must be a great and respected man. You say such nice things, Mr. Clore.”

  He put his hand to her cheek, gently caressing her. “No one should ever be alone. I will always be with you. Come, let us sit down on the couch.” He took her in hand, and they walked over. Titanis sat down.

  Melina stood momentarily before sitting down with him. He immediately sat up. “Oh, I’m sorry. A woman should always be seated first. Forgive me.” He took her hand, giving her a kiss. Clarisse smiled warmly. She sat down.

  “Sit, my dear prince,” she said. The handsome vampire sat down. “Tell me more of who you are. And, my involvement with you,” she said sweetly.

  The vampire began to put out a performance of his life to win her heart. “My story is an unhappy one. I have been tormented by being left alone. Growing up…” he put his hand to his chin rubbing it, thinking of what to say, “… I was the ugly duckling. Pushed aside by my family. Ignored and laughed at for my differences. Many times, I’ve tried to fit in, but the harder I tried the further they pushed me away.” Titanis put his finger to his eye and drew a tear.

  “No,” she said softly, falling for his story. “It’s all right. I am here,” said Clarisse.

  Titanis sniffled. “I cried almost a lifetime. Alone in my bed, with no one to comfort me.” He paused and drew a breath. “I thought I would spend my life searching for her. And, after many years, centuries it seems, I had given up. I went to a nearby river to drown myself. I stood at the edge of a dock, looking out to the sea. The moonlight was full. And, it would be my last night.”

  “Oh, no!” she said humbly, drawing a tear. The vampire continued to lie through his teeth. Clarisse looked at him sadly. She was taken in by his delusions. She put her arm around his back. She lightly patted him. “It’s okay. Go on.”

  “It was a chilly autumn evening. I wasn’t wearing heavy clothing. I knew the cold water would get to my bones. With no more optimism for life, I jumped.” Clarisse put her hands on her mouth. “The cold water was chilling to the bone. I did not fight it. I let the water into my lungs. I saw flashes of my life before my eyes. Something happened at that instance. I found my courage. I began to climb onto the dock. I managed to pull myself out. I lay on the dock momentarily coughing up water. I consumed much of it. I dragged myself to the nearby bench. I sat down. As I sat, I trembled. Then, the most wonderful thing happened. A beautiful young woman approached me. She sat down beside me. She put her hand on my shoulder.” And, Clarisse, feeling his sorrow, put her hand on his shoulder. “She said to me that she saw the whole thing from the start. We talked and got to know each other. Soon, we held hands.”

  “I can feel the love,” said Clarisse.

  Titanis looked at her humbly. He put his hand onto hers. “She spoke of her life. And, it seems her life was an unhappy one, too.” Titanis sniffled and rubbed his nose.

  “What was her name, Titanis?” she asked softly. “I want to be her. I want to connect.”

  “She was a victim of abuse. And, I cried for her. We sat on the bench until three am in the morning, holding each other, comforting one another. We talked of ships and how they crossed the vast ocean waves. In search of a new home. We spoke of children.” He sniffled again. “And, how they play.” He smiled at that. “We talked of many things.”

  “I feel the love. I can see now you mean what you say, and it is true love.” Again, Clarisse smiled warmly.

  “She spoke of her mother, who she lost at a young age. Her mother was very sick.” He drew a tear. Clarisse put her finger to his eyelid to wipe it.

  She nodded her head. “It is a sad story indeed,” she said humbly.

  “We became one. We married,” he said smiling warmly. Clarisse nodded her head happily.

  “We lived together for a number of years. Then, tragedy. She had an accident.”

  “No, what happened?” she asked.

  “She was diagnosed with a serious kidney problem. She had very little time to live.” He paused and stood up straight. “I was forced to make a decision. I would give her one of my own kidneys.” he looked at Clarisse. “She lives now.”

  “What was her name? Who was she?” she looked at him with puppy love.

  Titanis held both her hands firmly. “That woman, Clarisse… is you.” He looked at her tearfully, saying it very humbly, almost breaking down. Clarisse put both her hands to her mouth; her eyes were wide open. “And, now because you hurt your head in an accident, you don’t remember. You have forgotten who we were.”

  Clarisse drew a tear. She stood to her feet, putting one hand to her mouth. “Oh, I wish I could remember. I want to be her so much—the love.” Her mouth trembled.

  Titanis stood and went close to her. She turned and looked into his eyes. “I can see the truth in your eyes. And, I want to remember.”

  Titanis put his arms around her. She held him close. “I will help you remember. Clarisse, your memory will return in time.” He gestured with his hand. “Take it slow.”

  At that moment, Lydia, the vampire sorceress, barged into the room, her long red skirt swirling about her ankles like snakes hanging down. “Oh, such an adorable young girl, Titanis,” Lydia gushed with a smile. “So alluring and seductive.” She fingered Melina’s flowing hair.

  “Excuse me, ma’am, but I don’t count myself as being seductive. I’m more in count of being in the presence of an array of flowers, and…” she smiled warmly at Titanis, “my husband. Well, at least I think so.”

  “Yes, Clarisse. You are remembering,” he said.

  “Ah, yes, of course. And, I shall watch the flower as it germinates. Come, my dear. Let us hold hands and see how we can dance and show Titanis what we as woman are accustomed to a night’s pleasure.”

  Lydia took Melina’s hand. Suddenly, there was music. It was light a
nd gentle at first, but soon, the tune became dark and gothic. The piano was playing without anyone touching the keys. And, then out of nowhere, an orchestra appeared playing violins. Melina danced with Lydia. Lydia was a lighthearted dancer; their dance mirrored the music, their movements more unusual to match the low male vocals accompanied by atonal string quartets. A choir of female opera singers gave the sound of music a shear elegance. Lydia swung Melina around and around over the black and white checkered floor. The music was lovely. And, when it ended, Melina stood gazing at Lydia. “My dear, you dance so divinely.” Melina looked at Titanis. He held out two fingers, and Melina felt woozy again.

  Titanis walked over to her. “My sweet, Clarisse, perhaps you’d like me to take you to a room where you can get some sleep.”

  “Yes, I actually would like that. I’m feeling rather nauseous.”

  Titanis used his powers and floated a glass from a table filled with water. As Clarisse watched it float across the room, she was amazed. The glass gently came into Titanis’ hand.

  “How did you do that?” asked Clarisse.

  “My dear, we do this all the time. You have simply forgotten. In time, you will learn who you are,” said Titanis. “Come, Clarisse. Let me take you to your room.”

  Melina arrived in an elegant bedroom. Titanis tucked her into bed. “I will set your glass of water onto this night table. Should you get thirsty, it will be here for you.”

  “Thank you,” said Clarisse.

  “Don’t worry, by tomorrow’s noon, it will all come back to you. Just drink your water; it will help.”

  Titanis left the bedroom. As Clarisse lay on the pillow, she observed the room. “It does look familiar. Just drink my water, and it will all come back to me.” She sipped her water from time to time. Eventually, she drank the whole glass. She began to feel woozy. She struggled to set the glass back onto the night table. But, eventually, she did. Clarisse’ eyes began to squint in a state of fear. She began to pull off the covers as she entered a dream. She saw herself walking bare foot on soil. Her feet stepped down on earth and worms. She wore a red elegant dress, and it swayed in the wind. She was in a barren landscape surrounded by nothing but a deep stretch of land. The land was dehydrated and cracked. As she looked up, the sky was blazing with storm clouds. As she continued to walk, she came across Titanis Clore in his black outfit and shiny black mask. She came close to him. The wind rustled and blew Titanis’ black cowl. His cowl wrapped around Melina like arms. Titanis held her close. “My love. My sweet love,” said Melina.

  “You do not know what it means for me to hear you say this,” said Titanis.

  “It is of my own accord,” said Melina. Melina reached for Titanis and took off his mask. She looked into his eyes. “I want to live for countless centuries by your side.”

  “Then, it shall be given to you. I give you the kiss of eternal life.” He grabbed her gently, and Melina put her hands upon his shoulders. They kissed passionately. Melina felt awe.

  “Hold me, Titanis,” And, he did just that. “I can hear the sweet music ringing in my ears. The song of sadness and the emptiness. It is only you and I.” Then, the earth beneath them began to crack.

  As Melina slept, Titanis had come back into the room. As her head lay on the pillow, Titanis looked down at her with admiration. He wore his shiny black mask, which covered his face. He sat down on the bed. He looked at her hand and her finger, which wore a wedding band. He took off her ring and held it in the palm of his hands. He looked down at it. Suddenly, the golden ring turned into a pile of black ash and disappeared. “There will be no memories of Caprius Seaton,” he said. He looked upon her and stroked her face with two fingers. Her skin was a blossoming white. Her lips were of lush red glossy lipstick. Her mouth was partially opened, revealing some teeth, and she blew a warm breath. Titanis was enchanted by her. “So beautiful,” said Titanis. “Like a red flower blossoming.” Then, he bent down and kissed her lips. As he bent away, looking at her, he put his fingers on her lips. He looked up at the ceiling, where the carvings of two angels extended their arms to hold hands. “Grant me this one wish, Makoor. If I am to die, Melina be given a seat by your side. To rule as queen and to live an eternal life. For my life is hers. And, all will bow down to her.”

  Melina had woken. She slowly sat up to find Titanis Clore sitting in an elegant chair beside her. Titanis had taken off his mask and looked at her warmly and smiled. Melina stared at him. “I had a dream. It was pleasant.” She drew a breath.

  Titanis walked to the bed. He sat down beside her. “It is here that you will find peace,” he said. He held out two fingers in front of her, trying to penetrate her mind. Melina suddenly felt joy.

  “Are you my dark angel? The one who will chase all my bad dreams away?”

  Titanis put out his hand toward her. He reached for her. Melina held out her hand, touching his. They touched each other’s fingertips. Titanis lay a kiss upon her lips. Soon afterwards, they embraced each other. They both slowly lay down on the pillows holding each other in comfort. As they held each other, they felt love. They closed their eyes and slept.

  Two hours had passed and Clarisse awakened. She had her face upon his chest. She put her hand upon his chest caressing him. Titanis opened his eyes. Minutes later, Titanis stood to his feet. “Won’t you join me,” he asked her.

  Melina’s mind was poisoned. Her heart told her this man who called himself the dark angel was a man of noble intentions. The water, which she had consumed, erased her memory and her homeland of Elysium. The dark angel’s hypnotic effect had confused her, and she accepted his offer. They walked out of the bedroom hand in hand.

  Clarisse found herself with Titanis in a lavish room filled with different kinds of flowers. There was a beautiful set of French chairs by a small white elegant table. As the flowers besieged the room, there were French windows surrounding it. Titanis walked over to the table with Melina. They sat down on the chairs. Melina looked around staring at the beauty of the place. “This place, it’s beautiful,” she said. The room had resembled slightly the conservatory from back home in castle Elysium. Melina could not put her finger on it. She had forgotten. A butler came in. He set down a glass of drink beside Melina. The butler set down a drink of aged blood beside Titanis.

  “Is Melina’s drink to my liking?” Titanis asked.

  “Yes, my lord. As you requested,” he said.

  “Thank you, Birus. That will be all.”

  Melina’s mind was lost. “I feel like I belong here. Like, like…” she began but could not finish her sentence. She sat back. “Come to think of it, I don’t remember anything of my past.” She looked at Titanis. “Seems to me you are all I remember, Titanis.”

  “Clarisse? I have been with you a long time. This is your home. You were born and raised here. You have been here a very long time.” Titanis puckered his lips. “You will see, you will remember everything as it should be.”

  “Yes, I suppose I will,” she said. “Something clings to me, like a bee on a flower bud extracting its nectar,” she said.

  Titanis edged closer to her and held her hand. “Try not to think about it. You are here, and that’s all that matters.”

  “Yes, I suppose you’re right. No sense in banging my head against the wall,” she said. Clarisse took a sip of her alcoholic drink.

  “Mmm, it is quite good,” she said.

  Suddenly, Lydia came into the room. She walked slowly toward them. “Happy are those who cherish what they are given,” she said to them.

  Melina looked at her. “Hello, Lydia,” she said warmly.

  “Melina is starting to remember who she is,” said Titanis.

  “Clarisse, darling! Don’t you worry. It will all come as it should be,” Lydia said kissing her on the forehead. “My dear, why not join us tonight. There is a great party at the main hall.”

  “Yes, Clarisse. You need to be among our people more. Then, you will understand who you are,” said Titanis. “Clarisse, why don’t you
go ahead. I will join you in a minute.”

  “I don’t know where to go,” she said.

  “I’ll be right behind you,” said Titanis. Melina began to walk toward the doors.

  “She has forgotten Elysium,” Lydia said smiling. “Your story was very convincing. I heard it all. You’re quite the actor, Titanis.”

  “There is no need for more drugs. I don’t want to pollute her blood,” Titanis said. He walked out to catch up to Melina.

  Melina smiled, and she and Titanis rushed to the entrance. Titanis kissed her gently on the cheek. He held his hand out for her, and they walked together into a large room filled with human vampires. Titanis’ smile extended from one ear to the other.

  Titanis escorted her to a lavish dance hall where an orchestra played beautiful, haunting music that resonated throughout the hall. Couples danced together very closely.

  “Come, let me get you a drink,” Titanis said.

  They made their way to the bar, moving to the sweet music. Titanis left Clarisse on the dance floor and leaned into the bartender.

  Titanis brought the drink to Clarisse, and they clinked their glasses together.

  “To us!” Clarisse said and gulped down the drink.

  Titanis laughed. “And, there is more where that came from.”

  “If you don’t mind, Titanis, I would like to just sit down and watch,” she said.

  “Certainly.” Titanis and Melina sat at a cozy table.

  Looking at Clarisse, Titanis chuckled. She was not yet a disciple of the devil, but her time would come.

  “Tell me, Titanis, tell me more of who I am,” said Melina.

  “We are vampires. As you are yourself. Though you are not fully grown into who we are, you are transitioning. It comes with age. Your time has come. Soon, I will give you the Monisar,” he said.