Immortal Suffering

by Shana J Caldwell

  “So are you ready to begin our adventure?” Zuriel asks. I look to him and survey the forest.

  “What are we doing for it?” I ask as Zuriel begins to walk. I follow behind.

  “There’s a small human town close by, I was thinking we could do something there.”

  “Penrith, how far away is Penrith?” I ask, my heart aching at the mention of my home town.

  “A few days give or take, why? Did you leave something behind?” He moves a branch out of our way.

  “No, I just miss it I guess. Especially having my own house.” I say, side stepping a rock. The low shrubs around us scratch at my bare legs.

  “It was a cute little house wasn’t it?” His voice sounds far away even though he’s a few steps in front of me. I hadn’t seen a grobbler since I was in Penrith, and I planned to keep it that way.

  We continue to trek through the forest in silence. I wasn’t sure what direction we were heading, but the path around us had been used enough to leave a trail.

  “How is Nardia?” I was dying to see her. I had to know she was still okay and no one was really giving me any answers.

  “She’s managing, she’s always been strong. One eye makes it hard though, especially considering she’s had both for the last three hundred years.” He looks back over his shoulder at me. “I think Luke was the one that removed it, I can only assume after the way she ended his life.” I don’t let my memoires surface of that day by the river. I block it out of my memories, not wanting to know.

  “When can I see her though?”

  “She’s different from the rest of us; she likes to be alone while she heals. She deals with everything herself before asking any of us for support. Don’t take it personal, I’m sure she’ll come around eventually.” He looks forward again, the trees around us begin to thin out and in the distance a make shift wall has been built, intending to replicate the cement one Penrith has.

  We stop at the tree line and survey for any guards or threats. The wall in front of us isn’t very high and is made up from a vast amount of different metal and wood. Undergrowth has begun to fill in the gaps, allowing small white flowers to bloom.

  “Are you sure anyone lives here?” I whisper, trying to find or hear any movement of life.

  “Yes, I’m sure. They’re very well hidden. Their town doesn’t operate like yours.” Zuriel begins to walk straight for the wall. I catch up with him, not wanting to be alone.

  At the wall he reaches down and unhooks a large wooden board, exposing a small enough space for us to crawl through. He winks at me and gestures. “Ladies first.”

  I sigh as I get down on my hands and knees; I crawl through the small space to find myself tangled in overgrown grass. Zuriel crawls in behind me, replacing the wooden board.

  “What the hell,” I whisper, pulling grass from my hair.

  “I told you it was different,” he whispers back. He stands up and helps me to my feet. The grass is taller than us, giving us the advantage of not being seen.

  I follow him as he moves forward, it’s eerily quiet here. I stay close to Zuriel as we move through the grass, suddenly we enter a deserted street. Grass has grown through the broken pavements and the gravel road. The small buildings are covered in dust and cobwebs, their broken windows long forgotten about. Zuriel breaks away and peers into a rundown diner; the sign words are faded and unreadable.

  “Zuriel, where is everyone?” I ask, looking towards the other buildings. It’s like they all up and left and abandoned the town.

  “They’re here; they just don’t like new guests,” he calls back. I frown over at him, he’s tugging on the dining room door.

  “What do you mean? Do you come here often?” I ask, coming closer. The door opens inwards, no trace of dust can be seen inside the diner as sunlight streams through the windows.

  In the back corner is a group of six people huddled around a table, a small person is lying unmoving on top. Their heads cock towards us.

  “What’s happened?” Zuriel asks, rushing over. I follow him slowly, not wanting to scare them. Their clothes are filthy and the stench coming from them makes my eyes water. They eye me cautiously, their bones stick out from under their clothes. My heart aches, I was once in their position.

  A woman with a thick Scottish accent says to Zuriel’s right, “They came to us, offering salvation at a price. Wee’ lad here wanted to test it for us, foolish child making such a large sacrifice.” She’s gripping the boy’s hand. Her orange hair is a matted mess atop of her head, her thin features sharpen her bright green eyes.

  “Who are they exactly?” I ask, coming closer. They move away from me, Zuriel shuffles over so I can see the boy on the table. I gasp as I come closer. His skin is tinged a dark green, his black hair is stuck to his forehead from his excessive sweating. He doesn’t look to be older than ten.

  “The Order, as they like to call themselves,” the woman says. The others growl at the mention of them. My heart beats wildly in my chest; could this be Xavier’s work? Would he really continue to carry on Luke’s legacy?

  “How bad is it?” Zuriel asks as he presses his fingers to the boys pulse and lets out a sigh. “He’s still alive.”

  “They came a few days ago and when they return, if he’s still alive, they will be taking us with ‘em”

  “Yolanda you can’t be serious?” Zuriel turns to her, clearly baffled. She places a delicate hand over his, her green eyes focusing on him. Something passes between them; I turn away from the intimate moment.

  “Zuriel, we don’t have a choice. I wish we could stay ‘ere more than anything, but we’re starvin’ and dyin’. I need to think of the children.” I look back to the boy, his breathing is so shallow his chest barely moves with each breath.

  “What did they give him?” I ask and she turns her eyes to me.

  “Some sort a green liquid, a large amount at that.” She frowns and looks back to the boy.

  “He’ll be okay. When he wakes he’ll be… different.” I say quietly. When I was in the camp they were giving the green doses to everyone; including the children.

  “How do you know that? Are you a part of it?” She stands and steps towards me, Zuriel grabs her gently by the shoulders.

  “No but I was once a member of the camp. The dose will give him similar advantages to a vampire, make him stronger and faster. They gave it to me each day, and they gave it to the children as well. They didn’t handle it very well, but after a few days they woke up and were fine. The first dose is the worst.” I cringe at my own words, what sort of monster could do this to children?

  “So he’ll be okay?”

  “Yes, but if that’s the case you’ll all be injected with the same thing.” I whisper. They mumble back and forth with each other.

  “Yolanda you can’t, it’s too dangerous.” Zuriel says, resting a hand on her cheek. She looks up at him, her emotions smeared on her face.

  “I have to. I’m sorry. They have food and shelter and can look after us and if that’s the asking price, it’s a small price to pay.” Zuriel’s jaw tightens and a muscle ticks.

  “I won’t be able to visit,” he says softly, stroking her cheek. Tears well up in her eyes. I’m taken aback by the affection he shares with her, a human girl. There is so much I don’t know about Zuriel.

  “I know, but I have to put them first. Maybe we will meet again.” Her voice is barely a whisper. I clear my throat and take a few steps back.

  “We must be off, I’ll return before you depart.” He drops his hand and glances at the boy before turning and heading out of the diner. I quickly follow after him.

  I stumble, trying to keep up with him.

  “Zuriel slow down!” I shout, breaking into a run to catch up with him. He stays silent as he storms through the grass towards the exit.

  “Not here,” he says. We leave quickly and head into the forest. I grab onto his arm, pulling him to a stop.

  “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?” I ask and he f
rowns and looks away.

  “It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” I whisper, releasing his arm.

  “I’m not ashamed. But it’s hard, I’ve offered to turn her, with Kal’s approval, but she refuses. Now she’s going to live with those animals.” His eyes flash with anger as he looks at me. “I know the horrors they put you through, I can’t be there to protect her or any of them. I won’t know if she breaks, I won’t know what happens to her after they leave.” He turns and continues to walk, slow enough for me to keep in stride.

  “Have you told them what they do?” I ask.

  “Yes, but they have no choice. They’re too weak to hunt and have nothing left to trade. I’ve been binging them food for the last year, begging them to stay where I can protect them. Yolanda doesn’t understand the consequences if they join, not fully.”

  “So she’s willing to give up whatever you have for the children?” I glance over at him and he looks ahead; his eyes far way.

  “Yes, but I don’t know that I am.”

  Before I can ask any more questions, we reach the entrance to Dafria. We enter in silence, a million questions swirling in my mind. Zuriel is in love with a human girl. The Order is growing and evolving; if they were reaching for others outside their camp this far, they must be working on building their army. Why now? What were the vampires doing to go against this?

  What side would I be on when it came down to it?

  Chapter 16

  Allison

  The days pass by me in a blur, my thoughts are consumed by Yolanda and the Order. I’d improved in training. I now had control of my powers and was nearly equal to Kal in combat. The more time we spent together the more I was growing attached to him, letting my guard down.

  He’d been chipping away at the wall I had built around myself and was worming his way into my heart like a parasite.

  We’d been spending far too much time together; we were currently sitting in the living room. My legs are draped across his lap, his hand idly caressing the bare skin while he reads a book.

  “They’ll be here soon, won’t they?” I ask, watching him. His eyes never leave his book.

  “Correct. Are you ready?” I look away and around the room.

  “No, not really. I don’t have a choice though. What am I even going to wear?” I lean back and look up at the ceiling.

  “I’ll have one of the maids bring you a dress and they’ll do your hair as well. It’s important to look the part of a queen as well as act the part of one.”

  “Okay, thank you. Who is going to be there?” I ask.

  “Everyone of importance. Nardia is also coming to help you prepare.” I sit up, Kal looks up at me from his book; raising his eyebrow inquisitively.

  “Nardia is coming?!” I ask. Finally I could talk to her and have my friend back. He gives me an easy smile, his hand still stroking my leg.

  “Yes, she will be here later. She’s happy she gets to see you again, I’m sure you both have plenty of catching up to do.” I swing my legs off the couch and stand up, stretching my arms above my head.

  “Awesome, I need to prepare myself then.” I turn to him, placing my hands on my hips.

  “From now until the guests arrive I don’t want you to see me, I want it to be a surprise. Also just send Nardia to my room when she arrives.” I grin before turning and heading towards my room.

  “Yes, your highness.” Kal calls behind me; I roll my eyes and hold back a retort. Once the guests arrived I had to be on my best behaviour, and act more like a vampire than I ever had before. I squirm at the thought of being surrounded by high ranking vampires, they may not be as lenient as Kal is with me.

  I open my door and pull a bag out from under the bed, I begin to pack a few sweaters and tights and anything else that could aid me in my grand plan.

  I couldn’t sit back and watch Zuriel’s heart break, so I only had one option: I was going to the camp to protect Yolanda until I could get her and the others out. I knew the ins and outs and I was the best one for the task. I was leaving tomorrow, leaving a note for Kal. I knew he’d try to stop me, but I had to make amends for the wrongdoing I caused. I had to save them from whatever the Order would do to them.

  A soft knock comes from my closed door and before I can hide the bag Nardia walks in, closing the door behind her. Her green gown flows around her as she turns to me, her hair is a vibrant red and sits in loose curls around her shoulders; her eye surveys me and then the bag.

  “Running away are we?” my heart swells as I engulf her in a hug.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” I whisper, breathing in her rose scent. She wraps her arms around me and squeezes gently.

  “I’ve missed you too dear, have you noticed our bond is weakening?” she lets me go and holds me by the shoulders. I briefly search my mind and come back empty, I frown.

  “Why?” I ask. Her mouth twists as she thinks.

  “I heard you that day when I was with Zeke, in that alley. I think your power broke a part of it to protect me.” She touches my face gently. I gulp, I didn’t realise I was that powerful.

  “I’m so sorry about that, I didn’t think you’d hear me,” I say, stepping back. I zip the bag up and stuff it back under the bed.

  “Don’t apologise. Now we’re this close it should strengthen. What’s the bag for?” She sits down in the now empty space as I lean against the chest of drawers, folding my arms over my chest.

  “I’m leaving tomorrow to go back to the Order. They’ve taken the girl Zuriel is in love with and I need to get her and the others she is with out of there,” I say simply, not wanting to complicate it. She frowns.

  “The Order?”

  “Oh, that’s what Xavier now calls the camp. I know he’ll let me back.” I look towards the window and sigh, another bridge I’d burned.

  “Ali, you can’t be serious.”

  Before I can reply a soft knock comes from the door. “Come in,” I call. The door opens to one of Kal’s many female maids; she sashays into the room holding a black gown and jewellery.

  “Miss, the King has sent these for you. I am to dress you.” Nardia moves closer to the pillows as the maid sits the dress down. I nod and undress, blushing when I’m down to my underwear. Nardia rolls her eyes.

  “I’m over three hundred years old, love and trust me when I say I’ve seen plenty of boobs.” I shoot her a furious look as the maid helps me into the dress; my black gown makes her green gown look simple. It’s strapless with a corset waist, diamonds glitter in flower patterns over the breast plate leading down in a trail to the skirts of my gown. It puffs out slightly above my hips; the multiple layers of black cloth are smooth against my legs. The top layer is sparkled with gems like the night sky, trailing a metre behind me.

  “My god, I can’t wear this. I’ll ruin it.” I exclaim, running a hand against the skirts.

  “Nonsense. It’s ordered by the King. This was once the Queen’s dress so it’s rather fitting for you. Here, let me help you with your shoes.” She bends down and helps me into a pair of simple black heels.

  I stay still as she straightens my hair with a hot brush, places a diamond choker at the base of my throat and slips a pair of earrings into my ears. I hiss as she breaks the skin, I’d never had my ears pierced.

  “You look beautiful. The guests have begun to arrive so your presence is needed in the ball room whenever you are ready.” She bows low before leaving the room.

  “Now, why on earth would you think that would be a good idea?” Nardia asks, sitting at the end of my bed. I pace back and forth in front of her, my heels clicking as I go.

  “God, I don’t know.” I groan as I look at her, the shadow of who she was is long gone. She rolls her eye at me.

  “Clearly not, how does Kal feel about this little choice of yours?” my stomach twists.

  “I haven’t told him, I can’t until I’m gone. I need to do this without vampire influencers or it won’t work, and I need it to work.”

  “Well I don’
t think it’s a good idea leaving it until last minute. I’m sure he’d understand.” She stands and touches my arm lightly, her green gown swirls around her as she moves; the tight waist exaggerating her breasts.

  “I can’t tell him now, not with all of those other vampires down there,” I hiss, frowning. It was finally the night to meet higher ranking vampires from the other cities. She tilts her head to the side and gives this thought.

  “Mmm. You need to tell him, if you don’t he will drag your stupid human ass from that camp and bring you back.”

  “Nards, I know you mean well but have you seen Zuriel with her? I need to get her back for him, I can’t have any chance of ruining that.” while I was there, I was seeking peace between both races. If Xavier had any hint I was there on vampire business I’m sure I’d have a bullet in me before I could blink.

  “I know sweetie, but if it goes pear shaped, where does that leave you?” She lets go of me and crosses her arms.

  “I can take care of myself.”

  “Yeah I’m sure you can, but you don’t have to anymore. That’s the point of all of this, so you’re not alone. You have us now, we’re your family.” She sighs and walks to the door, holding the door knob in her hand.

  “We’ll talk about this later, but for now we need to go down there and you need to make them believe you’re the best damn Queen we could ever have.” I nibble my bottom lip but nod and follow her.

  Nardia leads us to the ball room, already my sensitive ears pick up the smooth piano and voices. I fiddle with the diamond choker at the base of my throat, I don’t know what I was more nervous about; Kal seeing me like this or having to meet new vampires. I tuck a stray strand of my straightened hair behind my ear, taking a deep breath.

  Nardia swings the large double doors open and sashays into the room, she’s immediately enveloped by the crowd. I walk in hesitantly, breathing in the sweet scent of blood. Every vampire I can see is holding a glass of it and dressed in brilliant dresses and suits. All eyes turn to me. Kal moves out of the crowd, his hungry eyes taking in every inch of me.