Immortal Suffering

by Shana J Caldwell

  “Be my Queen.” my voice is clear as it rings around the room. She just watches me with those calculating eyes. I’d have to relay this conversation to her in the morning if she doesn’t remember.

  “Why?” she asks, as still as night.

  “Together I believe we’d be a force to be reckoned with. You have influence over the humans whereas I have influence over the vampires, if we unite as one I believe we’d have a sure chance of winning both of the races over and showing them there’s a brighter future for us all.” I lean forward, seeing it clearly in my mind.

  “We can go to the smaller towns and begin to build them to suit both humans and vampires. We can take down those ridiculous cement walls and begin to piece this world back together.”

  “What if there were towns that wouldn’t want to take the risk?” she asks, leaning forward. I knew she could see it as clear as I could, both of us uniting and becoming one in this world.

  “Then we show them the way of the new world, the new order. Equality for both, no more registered and non-registered humans. Each human deserves the same treatment, like the vampires have in this city.” I’m so engrossed in this idea that I’ve moved from the seat and am now sitting in front of the spa on my knees.

  She moves towards me, sitting her small chin on the ledge again. She meets my eyes and nibbles her bottom lip.

  “Is that the only reason you wish for me to be Queen?” Her voice is as soft as a feather, her breath hits my face. I’m surprised by her question.

  “I need to know if what we share can go somewhere Kal. I’m not one for games, so if you solemnly swear that me being queen is only to unite the races I will let the fascination I have for you go and keep it professional.” I sit back on my heels, eyebrows raised. I hadn’t realised that how I felt for her wasn’t obvious.

  “Allison…” She raises a hand and cuts me off.

  “I’m serious, Kal. I can’t have my heart broken again, the pain isn’t worth it. I don’t know if this works the same way for vampires or not but—” I cut her off as I move closer to her, our noses touch as I look into her eyes, peering into her soul.

  “Allison, I have been in love with you from the moment I laid my eyes on you. When I saw you at that camp I knew I had to have you, but only if you’d have me. I didn’t want to rush you or pressure you into anything you didn’t want. I had to make sure what you felt for me was only because of you and not because of my influence.” I’m breathless and the world around me seems brighter than ever. I’d just confessed what I’d been feeling; a weight releases itself from my chest as I focus on her and only her.

  “You’re in love with me?” she squeaks, her cheeks begin to turn red. I grin at her.

  “I thought I’d made it obvious.” I say lightly, shaking my head. She begins to giggle.

  “What’s so funny, hmm?” I ask, leaning back. Two dimples appear on her cheeks from her smile. I do everything I can to not poke them.

  “I think I’m in love with you too.” the force of her words knocks me back, I didn’t think I’d ever be worthy of love again. I sure as hell didn’t deserve it, not after all the wrong doing I’d caused.

  “Be my Queen and I’ll spend every day forward being the best damn King I could ever be. Together.” The hope in my chest is overwhelming and the happiness comes hand in hand. Cassidar would be looking down on me and smiling, this was exactly what she would have wanted for me. To find that person that makes me a better version of myself.

  “Ask me in the morning, for now I’m still processing the fact that you love me. And that I love you. That we love each other.” she shakes her head in disbelief, the smile never leaving her face. I rise from the floor and get the towel.

  “Let’s get you to bed then.” I wrap the towel around her as she steps out of the bath; she leans into me as I lead her to the bed. I pull the covers back while she stands there patiently.

  “I don’t have anything to wear,” she says, yawning. I pull the shirt over my head and pass it to her, she drops the towel and pulls it on, the material skimming her thighs. I help her into bed, tucking the sheets around her.

  “Will you be here when I wake up?” She asks, holding onto my hand. I sit down on the side of the bed.

  “Of course I will, always.” I lean down and press a kiss to her damp forehead.

  “Kal if I stay human, what will you do?” she asks. I hide my worry as I look down at her.

  “I would love you until your day came to leave this earth, and I would carry on your legacy until it was time for us to be united in another world. Now get some sleep.” I let go of her hand, the room darkens as the kitchen light goes out. I walk out onto the balcony and shut the door softly behind me.

  I lean out and look over my city, the city I’d built from the ground up.

  I wasn’t alone anymore. I had Ali, maybe not forever but each day with her would last me an eternity.

  Chapter 32

  Allison

  I awake to pounding, unsure if it’s in my head or the world around me as I sit up; I clasp my head in my hands as the room spins. I hear footsteps and the door opens, words are exchanged.

  I have no idea where I am or how I got here. I can’t remember anything from last night. My final memory is when I’m dancing with that girl, I groan as I drop my hands.

  My whole body aches and I feel mentally off. What happened to me last night? I look up as the kitchen light turns on, Kal walks in and slams his hands on the bench. His shoulders heave as he grips the counter.

  “Kal?” I croak; my voice scratchy and foreign. He looks up at me, finally realising he’s got company. He walks over to me and stops shy of the bed.

  “Good morning, sleeping beauty. How do you feel?” He asks, finally taking a seat near my feet.

  “I don’t know; it’s the weirdest feeling. I can’t remember a thing from last night. How did I get here? What happened?” I ask, running a hand through my hair. His face falls, but he recovers before I can ask why.

  “I found you at the club, intoxicated and on drugs. I brought you back here, put you in the bath and put you to bed.” I drop my face into my hands as he says this, I’d done drugs? Who was I turning in to?

  “God I’m so sorry, I honestly don’t know what came over me. I was so stupid. Thank you for coming to get me; I can’t even remember why I’d gone there in the first place now.” for his sake he’s lucky I can’t recall what drove me to drink, because I have a suspicion it has something to do with him. He sighs and stands up.

  “Well we need to get you ready for the day; Nardia has just informed me there’s something wrong with the portal so we need to check that out.” he walks over to the glass walls and looks out at the city.

  “I don’t even have clothes.” I pull the sheets back and stand on shaky legs, as much as I’d love to stay in bed I needed to help with the portal.

  “If you look in the bathroom there’s a fresh set, be quick please. I’ll wait for you in the hall.” he turns swiftly and walks down the hallway, I walk as fast as my legs will allow; finding the pile of folded clothes on the sink. I avoid looking at my reflection as I pull the black tights and red sweater on. I run a hand over my hair as I head into the hallway.

  I find Kal leaning against the wall, dressed in his usual leathers; hair pulled back in a tight bun. His eyes flicker over me, he clenches his jaw and begins walking towards the elevator.

  A strange silence settles over us, as if something was missing between us. I tap my fingers against my thigh as the elevator goes down, finally opening up to a white tile lobby.

  He rushes from the elevator; from me or the silence I’m unsure. I follow after him as we merge into the crowd on the street. We both look up to see the white stairs, the usual black portal was now static; the outside world flickering in and out of existence.

  We move through the crowd and make our way to the stairs; Nardia intercepts and begins rushing with us.

  “When did this start?” he asks, Nardia shakes h
er head.

  “I don’t know, one minute it was working and the next it began to do this. I don’t know how long it’s been doing it for, I only noticed when I looked out the window and thought it would be best retrieving you.” he nods as he listens and I try to push the nausea away, I was walking way too fast. The crowd stands back and make way for us as we walk up the stairs, vaguely on the other side I can make out figures.

  “Kal, can you see that?” I ask, pointing towards the closest one, the portal is still too blurry to make out any distinct features. The air around the portal is static and crackling with electricity, a hint of smoke in the air. I walk up to the portal and Kal places his hand on my arm. I look back at him, the muscle in his jaw twitches as he drops his hand.

  “Be careful.” he steps back and watches me. I nod once and continue through the portal. As I pass, a small spark of electricity courses through me; the hair on my arms stands up. As I blink in my surroundings I’m surprised by the humans standing there, over two dozen all have eyes for me.

  “What are you guys doing here?” I ask, trying to find a familiar face. A tall man steps forward, his thin frame obvious in his loose torn clothes. He sweeps his shaggy brown hair out of his face.

  “We’ve come looking for Allison. I’m Sam, and we’re former members of the Order.” he stands tall as he looks down at me, I raise an eyebrow and look back over the people. It strikes me then, they’re terrified. Of what, I didn’t know.

  “Yes that’s me. But why me?” I ask, the static in the air from the portal begins to grow dense; pushing against my back. I didn’t have much time.

  “Because you’re our only hope. You want equality for both races and we’re here to help the cause.” He bows low, as do the others.

  “You do know that’s a city full of vampires in there right?” I say, pointing back towards the portal. They all nod.

  “We can’t go back to the camp, those who have stayed are going to war for this and we want to be on the right side.” Sam straightens, puffing his chest out.

  “Okay, give me a second.” I immediately connect with Nardia down the bond.

  The humans want to come into the city, seeking refuge. They can’t go back to the camp, I think the rest of the Order are planning a war. The seconds that tick by seem like hours. Finally she responds.

  They want to come in here? Full of vampires? She asks in disbelief.

  Yes, I know it seems crazy but they’re terrified to stay out here and this portal doesn’t have much time. Can you talk to Kal please?

  “Well?” Sam asks, looking around me.

  “Oh sorry, mind communication thing. She’s asking the King.” A few eyes widen at my words and I’m reminded that no one apart from his inner circle knows who he really is; know how soft he is.

  All clear, sending out a vampire that can chip them all so they can pass through.

  I let out a sigh and step away from the portal. It shimmers as a small male vampire steps out, his greying hair shines in the sun. He hisses as he moves to a spot in the shade.

  “Sorry about that folks, my old age gets to me. There’s a few things you need to know, first is that you need a vampire activated chip to enter through the portal.” He holds up a small silver diamond device.

  “This is placed behind your left ear, it stings for a few moments but then it releases a numbing serum. Secondly, this does not stop the vampires from coming near you.” He raises an eyebrow as he looks over his glasses.

  Sam steps forward and falls to his knees.

  “I’ll go first.” He turns his head and moves his hair out of the way. The vampire shrugs and uses his sharp nail to make a small cut behind Sam’s ear before sliding the device in. Sam stands and instinctively touches behind his ear. Slowly the other humans form a single line, each falling to their knees. I guide Sam through the portal, holding his hand as we pass.

  He gasps as he takes in the city and I smile. I remember the first time I entered as well. All the vampires move back, but keep their eyes on the humans that begin to filter through.

  I smile down at Kal, he smiles back. My dream was finally being put to the test. Nardia comes forward and greets Sam. Once all the humans and the vampire come through, Nardia introduces herself to each one, shaking their hand as she goes.

  My chest fills with happiness, I couldn’t be more proud of her.

  “Alright, I need-” Nardia’s interrupted by a thundering crack. Behind us the portal begins to glow bright, electric flame spits out at us.

  “Get back!” I yell, pushing my way to the portal; pulling the humans behind me. Screaming begins to erupt as the air grows sweltering.

  “Ali get back!” Zuriel yells from somewhere behind me, but I can’t. A small girl is huddled on the ground in front of the portal. I reach her and wrap myself around her small frame; the skin on my back feels like it’s melting from the portal.

  We both scream as the portal breaks behind us. The blast is blocked by an invisible shield as the portal collapses in on itself and blinks out of existence.

  I open my eyes as I sit back, the little girl cries. A woman runs forward and picks her up, tears streaming down her face. She thanks me over and over but the ringing from the portal blocks it out. She helps me stand, I walk towards the end of the platform; Kal runs up and grabs me by the shoulders gently, he asks me something as he searches my face.

  I turn and show him my back.

  As I turn back his eyes are wide, it must be bad. I lean my head against his chest as I take deep breaths, relaxing the muscles.

  He strokes my hair, and hums to me. I’d saved that little girl, and that was all that mattered to me.

  Chapter 33

  Kalabhiti

  I take in my surroundings and I’m taken aback, I now have over two dozen humans in my city and no portal to the outside world. Ali leans back and I look down at her; her eyes are clear now but God her back is covered in small blisters and a bright red.

  “I need to address everyone, can you find Nardia and help get the humans to the closest hotel. Can you do that?” I brush the hair back from her eyes, she nods a few times and steps back. She turns and slips into the crowd of humans; one of them offers her their jumpers. I turn to the city of vampires and clear my throat.

  “Attention everyone,” I call, my voice raises and echoes around the space. The murmurs and crying quieten as everyone focuses on me.

  “It’s obvious the portal has broken, and there are humans needing our refuge. We can’t turn them away; while they are here they’re under my protection. Each one of them that’s stepped through the portal is mine and if anything happens to them you have me to answer to.

  “Our scientists are going to be working on fixing the portal as soon as possible; figuring out why it’s gone and what it’s done. Worse-case scenario we have to create a new portal, which might take weeks to become stable.” gasps echo around us, some people yell out at me. I raise my hand to silence them.

  “There is a new world on the horizon and we will be a part of it. We will be a reason why both races can unite. This is our ultimate test; if we cannot learn to coexist peacefully with the humans, our race is doomed. This world cannot be ruled by a sole species; together is the only way to end this war.

  “I know I have changed tremendously over the few hundred years that have passed, but the change is for the better. I need you all to be on our side and to unite. What do you say?” I yell, raising a hand. The crowd erupts in agreeance.

  “I can’t hear you!” I scream. They raise their hands and scream yes back to me. The humans cheer behind me as the vampires clap. I turn back to see the humans following Ali and Nardia to the hotel on the corner but they watch the vampires warily.

  I’m about to turn back to the space where the portal once was when I hear a scream, I frown as I turn back towards the crowd. My heart plummets as I see flickers of white filtering through the tree line in the forest.

  The creatures break through, hundreds filtering out; the
ir screams pierce the air.

  War is coming.

  Chapter 34

  Allison

  I look towards the screaming and my jaw falls open; hundreds of half vampire creatures bound towards us, their figures almost a blur with their speed.

  They can smell the humans.

  “Hurry! Follow me!” I scream as I run towards the hotel. I wrench open the doors to a stunned vampire assistant behind her desk. The humans file in, not understanding what’s going on.

  Nardia comes up behind them, “That’s all of them.” I nod as she heads back outside.

  “You need to get in the elevator and go up a few flights, stick together. Do not come outside unless I or Nardia come and get you.” I push them towards the elevator.

  “What are those things?” Sam asks, holding open the elevator doors as a load full climb in.

  “Floor five.” Sam says, nodding at them.

  “I’m not sure, they’re turned vampires gone wrong. Since you’re all human you’re all at risk, please don’t be brave,” I say, tapping my foot as the carriage begins to come back down.

  “We won’t go anywhere. I’ll make sure of it.” we both rush more people in. The female vampire comes over and raises an eyebrow.

  “What on earth are you doing?” she asks, looking over the humans.

  “We’re under attack and the portal to escape is broken, the humans cannot leave this building. Okay? Protect them, please.” she rolls her eyes and waits for the last few to pile on.

  “Can you help me barricade the doors then?” She asks Sam, sucking on her bottom lip. He nods.

  “Alright, I’ll be back. Be safe. Thank you so much again.” I run out of the hotel and into pure chaos. I look back to make sure they lock the doors, they begin to push furniture against the door.

  I frantically look around for Kal, not finding him or anyone else familiar. All around me the vampires begin to form a curved wall, the ones at the front flicker their display of powers. I stand there in awe as purple, blue and orange bright flames begin to form a barrier as the front vampire’s fuel their powers together.