by K. A. Poe
“Hannah asked for my help. She wanted me to show her how to properly hunt an animal,” he explained, “she still isn't very satisfied with the change in her diet, but promises to continue trying.”
“Well, that's good...” The fact that Hannah was adapting to her new lifestyle was comforting, but I still couldn't trust her completely. If it hadn't been for Salem, either she or I would be dead by now, possibly both.
“Did you sleep well?” He caressed my face delicately with his cold palm, admiring me affectionately.
“Yes. Wait!” I gasped and sat up, ruining the near-perfect moment. Turning over and reaching for my phone from on top of the nightstand, I glanced at the recent call list. The memories from earlier this morning came rushing through my mind. It hadn’t been a dream. “We’re having guests any minute!”
“We are?” he arched a brow and eyed the electronic device I held. “Why? Who?”
“My dad and grandpa are on their way here!” I shook my head in disbelief and frustration, realizing how unprepared we were. “Hannah needs to leave the house while they’re here. I know you trust her, and she may be getting better, but I'm not sure she can handle the smell of three humans in the house yet.”
Salem frowned, “If it makes you more comfortable, then I will ask her to leave.”
“And you...you have to make yourself scarce at least to begin with. Richard might go ballistic if he discovers I’m living with a vampire. At least let Paul and I try to explain it to him first. You know, ease him into it if we can.”
“Of course,” his frown ceased to fade. “How long have we got?”
“Not long, they had just left there two hours ago. They had to stop at Veronica’s but that’s probably it.”
He nodded and left the room. I placed my phone back on the nightstand and climbed out of bed. The walk-in closet at the end of the massive bedroom was filled with clothing that Salem had materialized for me, and I was eager to try on something different. Most days I would stick with the typical jeans and a blouse, but today I opted for a black silk shirt and a matching knee-high skirt that perfectly framed my body. If my days were indeed limited, I might as well enjoy them, right? The outfit definitely reflected the raven in me, which no longer made me uncomfortable.
I admired my reflection briefly in the bathroom mirror, flattering myself with what I saw. As I was turning away, something caught my attention. The fact that my complexion had grown slightly paler than before was not startling, but the apparent change in color of my hair nearly made me scream. Where had the mundane locks of brunette disappeared to? A flowing mess of ebony fell across my shoulders, tinted with streaks of radiant purples. How had Salem not noticed this?
“Salem!” I called in horror, tugging at the unfamiliar strands of hair. This had to have been a trick he was playing on me, or maybe Hannah was the culprit. Whatever it was, it needed to be fixed before my relatives got here!
There was scarcely any noise as Salem rushed up the stairs and into the bathroom. He gawked at me from outside the doorway, apparently oblivious to the cause. “Alex...what happened to your hair?”
“I was hoping you could tell me!”
He stepped into the room, standing directly beside me and admired the difference. “Your hair almost perfectly mirrors the colors of the raven's feather,” he whispered in awe, fingering through the unnatural strands. “Maybe Richard will have an answer for you.”
I shook my head, watching the black hair twirl magnificently with the movement. It was hard to stop myself, but I had to admit that I liked the change. “This doesn’t even make sense. Why would my hair just change? It wasn’t like this just a minute ago when you were up here?”
“No, it wasn’t. I wish I knew what it meant, Alex,” he frowned, then eyed me up and down and smiled, “you look lovely, by the way.”
“Thanks,” I returned the smile. Before I had the opportunity to say anymore, I heard the melodic doorbell. “Is Hannah gone?!” I asked in a worried voice.
“She is,” he confirmed, “and I will stay up here until you need me.”
“I always need you,” I smiled and kissed him gently before heading down the stairs.
Needless to say, Paul and Richard were both startled by the sudden change in my hair. While I had been hopeful to meet Veronica, it was probably wisest that she wasn't present. My grandfather was amazed by the Victorian – as everyone was that ever came to visit – and found it hard to believe my foster mother had been capable of affording such a massive, beautiful piece of architecture. I wondered how he was going to react to the truth behind how I came to live here.
“So…how are you two…you know?” I asked quietly to Paul as Richard examined the house.
He nodded. “I already apologized for how I acted, and not visiting and all, and he said he understood completely. He is really interested in you, Alex…scared, but very curious nonetheless.”
“What is he scared of?” I asked with a frown, although I was pretty positive I knew the reason.
“You are so unusual, in so many ways. You should be dead right now or at least undead...but you're not. We had a little bit of time to talk between Veronica’s house and here and he does have some ideas though.”
“Like what?”
“Like that I’m starving! Your dad there wouldn’t stop for nothing!” Richard said and eyed the kitchen eagerly. I stared at him awkwardly, then realized he was about to be greatly disappointed by the lack of food in the fridge. But, as he pulled the door open we were both stunned. The shelves were neatly organized with various food items. The wrinkled hand of my grandfather reached into the fridge and gathered all of the ingredients necessary to make a ham sandwich. “Your daughter is awfully tidy,” he commented toward Paul as he made his lunch, “sure didn’t get it from you. If you’d have cleaned something when you were a teenager I’d have had a heart attack.”
My father laughed and glanced at me nervously.
“It's a surprise you haven't moved in here with her. It’s a much nicer place than that old dump you live in,” he paused and spread some mustard across a slice of bread, “you do still live in that little ol’ trailer don’t you?”
Paul grumbled under his breath and shook his head. “My home is everything I need.”
“You just don’t want to leave it cause that’s where you and she lived,” Richard said, looking up and frowning at my father. “Destiny is gone, and you need to let that go son.”
“Just like you have let mom go...”
The old man pursed his lips and quietly went back to his sandwich preparation. He gathered a plate from one of the many mahogany cabinets – after looking through each of them until he finally came across the right one – then sat at the dining table. Paul and I followed suit and sat in uncomfortable silence as Richard delved into his meal.
“So, where are you planning to go now that you are out of Littlehaven?” I asked suddenly.
“My old house,” he replied, “your grandmother and I lived together in a little cottage on the other side of town, in another part of the woods. It was really peaceful out there, aside from the occasional vampire or two, you know.”
“The vampire population must be awfully enormous. I can’t believe how many are around here...”
“You would be amazed at how many vampires are out in our world, kid,” Paul grumbled, “there are some who live in groups – families, as they like to call themselves – and then there are the solo kinds. Either way I think there is something that draws them around these parts. Maybe it’s all the nature and places to hide…who knows.”
“Families? Well, I’m glad I haven’t run into any families,” I replied in shock, “two of them at once were bad enough.”
“You two sure are ruining my appetite,” Richard said as he bit into his sandwich.
“This is what we brought you here for...to talk about vampires, or at least half-vampires.”
I shuddered involuntarily at Paul's words as I awaited a response from my gran
dfather. All I could do now was hope that he had an answer for me, even if it was as simple as ‘there is nothing anyone can do for you now.'
26. HISTORY
Richard finished his sandwich and pushed aside the crumb-covered saucer before staring across the table at me. He crossed his hands, resting them gently on the table and studying me from afar. I felt awkward as we sat in silence, wondering just what he was going to say.
“I am about to tell you the history of the Waldron bloodline,” he finally said, his gaze never faltering, “Are you ready for it?”
“I think so,” I replied with a hint of interest, still not entirely sure how this would help solve my problem, but curious nonetheless.
“Your father has never heard it either,” he commented, finally looking away from me to glance at his son, “are you ready to hear it too, Paul?”
“I don't see why not,” he said, bitterness from the last conversation still evident in his voice.
Richard cleared his throat and flexed his thin, bony fingers. “The Waldron line has existed since the late-17th century, although vampires existed long before then, of course. The very first hunter was a man named Walter Ravensly – whom eventually was given the nickname of 'Waldron', meaning 'strong raven',” he explained, then requested a glass of water. I hesitantly left my seat and poured him a beverage and returned to my spot. “Thank you, Alexis,” he took a long gulp of water before resuming his story. “Vampires and hunters alike weren't as secretive or unheard of back then. It was common to discuss the undead amongst friends, family, and even strangers. They were vile, untamed creatures that killed with no concern for their victims – not too different from the vampires of today. Back then, you could go to just about any local store and find at least a crude vampire slaying kit.
“Walter Ravensly married and his wife gave birth to their only child. He passed on his nickname of Waldron to his newborn son Thomas, rather than Ravensly. Thomas Waldron was one of the first and few hunters capable of transforming into a raven, or so they say. He was unfortunately accused of witchery and burned at the stake. Even his father was convinced that this was evidence of black magic and he felt little remorse for the loss of his son. Before his death however, Thomas had wed and sired two children – Agatha and William Waldron, neither of which possessed any kind of ability to speak of.
“Nearly a century passed before another Waldron discovered his ability to transform. Clarence, however, was wise enough to keep the secret between himself and his closest friends. Three generations after Clarence and the third Waldron with the ability was born—Joseph. He, too, married and had two children – Richard and Carolyn. Joseph was discovered murdered a few years after his children were born – no doubt to the work of a vampire,” he frowned and looked down at the tabletop for a moment.
“Female hunters were unheard of until the 20th century, and as far as anyone has ever known...no Waldron girl had been born with the gift. Vampires became less and less seen and spoken of as the years went on. They learned to adapt with the times and became stealthy hunters. Ordinary folk speak of them like they’re myths nowadays, and criminals are blamed for most of their attacks.”
“Joseph,” I whispered, “he was your father?”
Richard smiled, “You’re pretty quick with your math there, kid. Yes, Joseph was your great grandfather. Carolyn didn’t live more than a few months from birth, sadly; otherwise I believe she might still be here today,” his smile faded into a frown once more. “But anyway, there are two reasons I told you two this history. The first is that it seems every third generation Waldron is born with the gift. My dad had the gift, your dad and I don’t. Which means you might have the gift, Alex. I know I said no women have had it before, that we know of anyway, but you might.”
“Grandpa...”
“Just hear me out, Alex. I think it might be possible, with the right mindset and some training, for you to become a raven.”
“Grandpa I already-”
“Alex, didn’t your dad teach you not to interrupt? Just listen. Now because of this possibility I think I have some ideas.”
“I can already turn into a raven!” I shouted, having had enough of him ignoring me.
“What? Nonsense. I mean…are you sure?”
“Umm, let me think. Yes! I’ve been trying to tell you that! I’ve been able to change for months now. I don’t mean to brag but I’ve gotten pretty good at it.”
“Well then, this just goes even more into the ideas I already had been piecing together.”
“And what are these ideas exactly?” Paul butted in, obviously wanting to get to the point already.
“Well…I don’t think she’s not going to die,” he stated confidently. “If you’ve noticed, her body is slowly changing into something else. She is showing more and more signs of turning into one of them, but it is going very slowly. Normally this would happen quite fast. By now she would have either turned or died. I think the raven part of her is stopping both of those things. Whether or not it will stop the transformation entirely I am still not sure of. Most peculiar of all though is that, among the normal signs of changing such as her skin getting paler, she seems to be taking on some physical traits of the raven form. Yes, I see it quite clearly now. Just look at her hair, I am almost certain it wasn’t like that the other day when I just saw her.”
I took in each word silently, considering what he was telling me. My relief at being told I wasn't going to die was unexplainable – but I was still uncertain whether he was right or not. There was no way for any of us to be completely sure. Without warning, he stood from the table and came to my side. The roughness of his fingertips pressed delicately against my wrist.
“Hmm. Your heart rate is quite slow. I think the raven in you definitely won’t let this kill you, but I’m afraid you may eventually turn completely into a vampire. As the process continues you will stop aging, you’ll grow cold and numb; you’ll even start to crave blood. Without it you would grow beyond exhausted, eventually dying without it.” He moved his hands to my head, holding it still and gazing deep into my eyes as if looking intently for something. “Ah, yes. It is as I feared, I think. You are still turning, the raven in you can’t fight it forever…it has just slowed the process. I stand by that we should just kill you now, before-”
“You watch your mouth. Dad or not, I won’t sit here and let you talk about killing my daughter like that. She is your granddaughter for God’s sake.” Paul chimed in.
“Well son, think about it. She will end up hungering for human blood. If she keeps any of the raven in her…just imagine how devastating she could be? You wouldn’t kill her to save hundreds? Thousands? How many vampires do you know that have ever been able to completely stop their thirst for human life?”
“I know of at least one,” I said quietly, before I had the opportunity to stop myself. This was probably not the best time to introduce Salem.
“What? You…know…a vampire?” Richard said with disgust.
“Yep...well, two now,” I mumbled, “but it isn't what you think. Salem can be trusted, he’s harmless to us.”
“Harmless?!” he shouted. “No vampire is harmless. I stand by what I said; we should be done with you and your little friend. As soon as a person becomes a vampire, they are no longer themselves!”
“That’s not entirely true,” Paul said, to my surprise, “that vampire saved her life…more than once.”
“Saved her life?” my grandfather asked, arching a gray eyebrow.
“You heard me. The last time…well… Alex had just been beat up pretty bad from another vampire, a malicious one, and,” I heard my father's voice crack, then he cleared his throat “Salem had to turn her to save her life...there was no other way. I…I let him do it.”
“You encouraged this?!” Richard shook his head in disgust. “He didn't save her, he destroyed her! You let a vampire kill your daughter!”
“She's not dead.”
“She might as well be! She’d be bette
r off!”
“I wanted this,” I said angrily. “Salem asked before turning me. In the end, it was my choice. I chose to become a vampire.”
“How could anyone want such a thing?!” he spat in response, leaving my side.
“She’s in love with him,” Paul said listlessly. I wondered if he was still uncomfortable with the relationship between Salem and me, but I didn't have to ask to know the answer.
“In love with a vampire?” Richard gawked at me as if I was some sort of monster – which, I suppose in his eyes I was. I had become my own enemy. “This story just gets worse and worse, doesn't it? If I didn’t know better I’d think I finally went mad! Maybe I’m up in my hospital room staring at walls.”
“Let me put it to you this way,” I heard a voice coming from the living room. The lights were out and the curtains were drawn; all I could see was Salem's thin silhouette in the gentle glow from the windowsill. “Imagine Samantha, the love of your life, becoming a vampire. Before you begin insisting upon no longer loving her because she has become a ‘monster’, take into account that she is still the beloved woman you had always known – she doesn't feast on human blood, she is caring and generous, and she still loves you,” he paused for a second and stepped into our view, “however, you are a mere mortal with a limited lifespan, you are nearing your final breath each and every day while she continues to be young and beautiful – would you not desire to be immortal with her, eternally together?”
Richard's eyes bore into Salem's and I saw the quiver of his lips, the moisture in his eyes as he thought of my grandmother. He hung his head and sighed, “I want nothing more than to be with her forever…I’d give anything to have her back, even for a day.”
“Exactly. So then, perhaps you can understand Alex's situation a little better.”
“It still disgusts and befuddles me that a human could fall in love with a vampire,” my grandfather slouched in the dining chair and looked up as Salem entered the room completely. “You’re the one that turned her, then?”