by Aria Sparke
‘Gregori’s probably gone shopping in Wicklow,’ Anya said. ‘He always does on Tuesdays.’
‘Poor man, he’s such a slave. I don’t get why he stays here,’ Martin said.
‘Because he’s an original,’ Alexis said.
‘That and the lure of vampiric blood and immortality,’ Martin said.
With Tarek planted in his coffin, none of us felt particularly concerned breaking into the family home. Whenever we visited lately, I deeply missed our mother, Mirela’s presence. I don’t think it would ever feel truly like home again without her. She was a beautiful woman who didn’t deserve to die the way she had.
Alexis pulled a key from his pocket and opened the front door. Leading the way, he crept down the hallway with me following immediately behind him. When we reached the living room, he pushed one of the doors open and I could see the back of Leah’s head over the sofa.
‘Leah,’ whispered Alexis as he visually scoured the room.
Leah didn’t answer or move. She was facing the open window where the gauzy drapes billowed in the breeze, framing a clear gray sky with weak sunlight breaking through.
My heart missed a beat as Alexis and I walked around the sofa.
She was sitting with a peaceful expression gazing into the garden as though admiring the myriad of red, pink and white roses in the back garden. By her side a pile of books lay scattered on a coffee table with one open in her lap. First I saw her white face and then I saw the telltale marks on her neck. Tarek had obviously drained her blood and left her lifeless. I reeled and saw Alexis grip the sofa for balance. It was our father’s barbaric idea of justice and her body was like a trophy left to remind us of his dominance.
Anya rounded the sofa and covered her mouth with her hand in shock after seeing Leah. ‘Why would he do this?’
‘I want to kill him,’ I said quietly to Alexis, ‘while he’s asleep.’
‘I’ll help you,’ said Martin between gritted teeth.
Alexis shook his head. ‘I understand, but we can’t.’
I knew now for certain Tarek had exerted his glamour over Leah in Alexis’ office before she could cast any protective spell. I was sickened and saddened by what my father had done to this wonderful, spirited woman.
We had all known Leah for years. She had tended to our daily need for blood infusions and whenever we had been injured in battle, she had aided the speed of our recovery with her healing spells. Most of all she had been our counselor and friend. I couldn’t bear to think Tarek had done this. It tore me apart.
Martin sat by Leah’s side and took her lifeless hand in his own before burying his head on her shoulder.
‘What about Avery?’ Anya whispered with tears in her eyes. ‘I can’t hear her.’
‘She might be asleep in the nursery,’ I said.
‘We need to be quick. Search the rooms, but if you can’t find her, we’ll get out of here,’ said Alexis, his speech rapid and tense.
After splitting up to do a hurried search of the rooms, we found no sign of the baby. To be sure, I even peeked in Tarek’s room. As I opened the door to the airless room, it creaked slightly, but he didn’t stir. It would be so easy to slip a blade into his heart while he lay sleeping. He would never see me coming. It took a massive effort to tear myself away from the doorway and join the others downstairs.
‘Are you alright?’ Anya asked me at the bottom of the stairs.
‘I checked his room.’
She nodded as though she understood.
I followed her back to the living room where Martin and Alexis were waiting. No one had found a trace of Avery.
‘Her nursery looks unused,’ Anya said. ‘The diapers, toys and bottles are lined up but untouched.’
‘He may have sent her away already,’ said Martin shifting the drape to look across the back garden. ‘You know he’d never harm his own baby.’
‘Different matter for an adult child though,’ said Alexis looking at me with a grim expression. ‘We know what he’s done in the past—what he’s capable of.’
We had heard stories growing up as children about his own dhampirs who had crossed him over the past few hundred years. They were like ghastly and gruesome fairytales and once we’d heard them, none of us ever wanted them repeated. Sometimes I wondered if they were like propaganda to keep us obedient and submissive. The thought of testing this theory, however didn’t appeal.
‘We can’t leave Leah like this,’ I said as I imagined telling Lily the awful news. She’d never forgive us if we did.’
‘I’ll come back and look after Leah,’ Alexis said. ‘Right now, we have to get you away from here, and as far away from Wicklow as possible.’
‘What about Bella’s funeral—and Leah’s?’ I said remembering my promise to Lily when I’d seen her plane off in Portland Airport last night. ‘I told Lily we would go to Bella’s funeral and that I’d bring white lilies.’
‘I’ll go and take the flowers.’
I admired Alexis’ bravery. His life had never been easy, but he always chose the honorable pathway and I loved him for it.
‘We’re going with you, Flynn,’ said Martin, ‘especially if you’re going to Australia. I think you and Lily will need back up.’
‘Definitely,’ Anya piped up.
Surprised by their reaction, I smiled at them in thanks.
* * *
CHAPTER 5
Lily: A Magical Legacy
I woke early on my first day of classes in this new world and felt an indescribable longing for Flynn. It clawed at my being, making it difficult to go on. As each day passed, I felt the hole in my heart growing and the pain of his absence deepening. I’d already sent two letters to dear Alexis for him to forward to Flynn. I didn’t use his real name but rather addressed my letter to the Director of Anubis College. So far, I’d received no replies, yet it had only been a week since I arrived. How was I going to focus on university without knowing how Flynn was going or when I might see him again? My brain conjured up various scenarios with Tarek pursuing Flynn and sometimes I feared they were visions rather than imagined scenes.
‘Are you okay?’ My father was sitting at the kitchen table reading something on his computer. Since coming to Canberra, I’d discovered he routinely scoured the news for reports of murders and attacks every morning. Because he had no witch’s visions to rely on here, this was how he traced vampires and had done so since losing my mother.
He took the cup of tea and plate of toast I handed him. ‘Thanks, Lily.’ Closing the laptop quietly, he looked at me. ‘Do you ever, um, have visions?’
I sighed. ‘Not like the other witches. At college Cecilia and the others had strong visions, but I couldn’t summon them. I’ve had dreams though and they were vivid.’
He nodded sadly. ‘Just like your mother.’
Just like my mother? I wish I’d known her better, especially this hidden side. ‘If I see something here, I’ll let you know, I promise.’
‘Thanks, Lily. To be honest, I’d rather spare you from this. I’d much rather you focus on your studies, become a doctor and try to forget all you’ve seen in Wicklow.’
‘Me too, but we both know it’s probably too late for that.’ In any case forgetting everything would mean cutting ties with Flynn. Nothing could make me go there.
Dad ran his fingers through his hair. ‘Even when you try to avoid it all, it has an ugly habit of finding you.’
‘I know how it is.’
‘I’m so sorry you’ve been dragged into it. If there was anything I could’ve done to spare you and your mother, I would’ve done it.’
‘It’s okay, Dad. You can relax. I know what a great dad and husband you’ve been.’
He smiled at me like he was overwhelmed.
‘I’m heading off to lectures. I’ve got a lab in the afternoon, so I’ll be back around dinner.’
‘Okay, enjoy yourself—but please be careful.’
‘I will.’
Another mild spring mor
ning with sun and bird song lured me outside. I walked down the street and cut through to a major road busy with morning traffic. I reveled in the blissful ordinariness of it all. Once I’d crossed the main road I was in the outer grounds of The Australian National University. I trekked over lawns with elegant eucalypts and blooming wattle along a path that passed football ovals and residences toward the physiology lecture theater. Being an 8 am lecture, few people were stirring except a scattering of staff and students. It was gloriously picturesque and peaceful.
A few students were waiting in the tiered lecture theater so once inside, I slid along a padded bench seat and watched others arriving and greeting each other. I was eager to begin. The class description mentioned we were starting with the human circulatory system. Given the fact I was part dhampir and was involved with a vampiric family, it was natural I’d be interested in this course. It was in my blood.
‘This seat taken?’ A blond boy with a distinctly Australian accent, slid along the seat toward me.
‘No.’
‘I’m Jack.’ He smiled openly as though he had heard a joke and was still enjoying it.
‘Lily.’ I grinned back at him. He was cute and it was nice to talk to another human being.
‘I’m in the right room, aren’t I?’ he asked as he looked around at the other students.
‘I’m pretty sure it’s Human Physiology—room 3c.’ Now he had me doubting myself.
‘Great,’ he said opening his backpack. ‘Prof’s late this morning then.’
I frowned.
‘The lecturer, Professor Gamin is usually the first one here. Prides himself on it, I think.’ Jack snorted. ‘If he’s late he must have had a heavy night.’ After removing an electronic notebook from his bag, he opened and switched it on. ‘Are you American?’
I nodded. ‘Is it that obvious?’
‘I really like your accent.’
I grinned.
‘What are you doing here at the uni?’
‘I’m on exchange for a semester. And you?’
‘I’m from Sydney but staying on campus.’ He seemed easy-going and relaxed. His bleached and tousled hair and freckled face made him look as though he saw a lot of sun and smelled of salt and fresh air. ‘I like to get back to the coast on the weekends when I can to surf.’
‘That sounds like fun.’ This boy and this place were the polar opposites of the people I knew and where I’d come from. If it weren’t for Flynn, I’d never choose to return to the rain and cloud of Wicklow.
‘How do you know the prof’s usually early?’ I asked.
‘I’m a repeat offender. I failed physiol last year, so I’m doomed to repeat. It’s a pretty tough course.’
He must have picked up on my concern. ‘I wouldn’t worry though, you look smart—it’s all in the eyes.’
I shook my head and laughed. It was a pretty feeble pickup line.
‘Hey, if you’re interested, we’re having a party at Burgmann College on Friday night.’
He was coming on a little strong. ‘I don’t know yet, I’ve only just arrived.’
‘Bring a friend if you like and whatever you want to drink. You’ll be able to meet plenty of people and it’ll be fun.’
Fun? I don’t remember fun. ‘Thanks, I might do that.’
‘Do you have a map?’ He reached into his bag for a pen.
I pulled out the map Dad had given me and handed it to him. He circled Burgmann and scribbled his name, the date and time on the margin of the map. ‘I hope you can make it.’
I smiled. ‘Thanks, I’ll try.’ This is what normal people did. They got to know each other, party and meet more people. I wished I were ordinary. Maybe I would go. Would Flynn mind? What did it matter? He wouldn’t know and even if he did, he’d tell me to go because he knew he could trust me.
‘Prof. Gamin’s pretty demanding and also abnormally brilliant. He’s a hematologist at The Canberra Hospital and lectures at ANU. He always starts this subject with his pet area—blood. Some later year kids are doing specialised projects under him. I want to do that next year hopefully after I pass this.’
When Professor Gamin entered the lecture hall, I viewed him from my lofty seat seven tiers up from his lectern, I immediately began to worry. He was a weird one—too tall, white-haired with translucent skin—all this and an expert on blood. I struggled not to hyperventilate. It was glaringly obvious, or was I being ridiculous? My lecturer looked like a vampire. I wondered if he would be able to sense I was a witch, or worse, was he one of the Berisha clan? Maybe I was just paranoid.
‘Are you okay?’ Jack asked.
‘Fine, I’m just getting over a bout of flu,’ I lied.
‘Can I help? I could get you some water.’
I shook my head. ‘Thanks, you’re kind, but I’m okay.’
Professor Gamin clutched the lectern in his powerful hands. Although he looked a little doddery, I couldn’t help imagining his massive fingers crushing my neck and him baring retractable fangs. Why? I wasn’t sure. I was, however, steadily becoming aware my daydreams were linked to my nightmares, so this wasn’t encouraging.
‘I’ll be lecturing you twice a week and I want you to sign up for labs online by the end of the week, please. You have a choice of five labs, so there should be enough options to suit everyone. I’ll be personally conducting the blood circulation prac next week.’
His accent was European, I was certain. How did they let him in to this university? Stupid, unaware humans. When would Flynn get here? At least I could alert Dad and he could investigate.
‘What other courses are you taking?’ Jack asked me when the lecture was over and we were standing outside the building. The weather had changed since this morning and it was raining softly. After stepping back under an awning, I ran through my program with him.
‘Human Anatomy is a third year course. I’m taking it too. I’ve already done the genetics and stats courses. You won’t have to worry about them. They’re okay—not so hard.’
‘Good to know, thanks.’ I decided to head off to the library to get out of the weather, but before I could say anything Jack jumped in.
‘There’s a one hour break before the lecture starts, so would you like to go for coffee?’
‘Sure.’ A bubble of guilt popped to the surface. It was just coffee, I reassured myself although I had to be mindful of not leading him on. I was so hopelessly out of touch dealing with eager boys. Not that there had been many.
‘I’m catching up with my girlfriend.’
‘That would be great.’ Now I could relax because he was just being friendly.
We walked to a cafe at the art school and as the rain had stopped, we sat under the vine-entangled pergola to watch art students wander by.
‘Don’t let my bad experience affect your impression of physiol,’ Jack said. ‘The labs are kind of cool if you’re into that sort of stuff.’
‘What’s your degree focusing on?’ I asked.
‘It’s an undergrad Bachelor of Medical Science. Like most kids, I’m aiming for the grad medical degree once I‘m through.’
‘Same here. It sounds as though we have a similar system in the U.S..’
‘Ah yes, it’s a ruthless path—gruelling, interminable, competitive and expensive—but we love to suffer, don’t we?’
I nodded and smiled wistfully. I knew we were on the same wavelength. ‘It’ll be worth it—I hope.’
A slim girl in a hippy-style dress with short-cropped, brown hair and pointed facial features rocked up to our table. ‘Hi Jack.’ She beamed at me with a friendly face.
‘Lily, this is my girlfriend, Maeve.’ He turned to her as she sat with us. ‘Lily’s an exchange student from America, who’s here for the semester studying medical science.’
‘That’s great. Pleased to meet you.’ She kissed Jack on the cheek and put her feet on the chair while hugging her knees to her chest.
‘You too, Maeve. Are you studying the same course as Jack?’
&nbs
p; ‘No way! I live here.’ She laughed and held up her paint-stained hands. ‘I’m a Bachelor of Design student. Half painting and half digital.’
‘It sounds like fun,’ I said truthfully while picturing myself painting pictures and drinking coffee all day while earning a degree. All at once I was relieved and happy. I’d made friends and no longer felt guilty knowing Jack had a girlfriend.
Jack got up to order our coffee.
‘Are you here alone?’ Maeve asked.
‘I’m sharing a house at present with a friend.’
‘Boyfriend?’ Maeve was disarmingly direct.
I grinned. ‘No, I left him at home.’
Maeve raised her eyebrows. ‘For good?’
‘No, I didn’t mean that. Being apart from him is killing me.’
She shook her head. ‘I couldn’t be away from Jack that long.’
I sighed. ‘It’s tough, but I’m doing it.’
‘Good for you.’
Jack returned juggling three cups of coffee and almost immediately steered the conversation back to our earlier discussion. ‘Since failing Prof. Gamin’s course, I found out the sure fire way to do well is to sign up for the research experiments he’s always running.’
‘Creepy Gamin? I wouldn’t go near him,’ Maeve said. ‘Some of the girls from my ressie reckon he’s weird.’
I must have looked mystified.
‘Ressie, you know a residential college. I’m at Burgmann College with Jack.’
‘Oh.’
Jack shrugged. ‘Gamin only acts that way ‘cause he’s brilliant. Super smart scientists are often a bit off the planet. If you want to get into medicine you have to do what it takes. I don’t have much option with a fail grade last year. I’ll need to bump it up to a high distinction if I’m going to make up for it.’
When we’d finished our coffee, Jack and I said goodbye to Maeve and headed back for the anatomy lecture, which was delivered by a short, plump female lecturer with a reassuring sprinkle of freckles over her nose. Unless vampires looked different in this part of the world, I doubted she could be one of them.
After classes, I headed back to Dad’s house for lunch as I discovered there were no labs scheduled for the first week of semester. He was asleep on the couch when I entered the house through the back door, but he stirred and greeted me.