by Rachael Wade
I struggled to find my way to the bayou and watched the sun sink down to the earth, the loyal crescent moon becoming more and more visible as the sky went black. Joel knew the cycle, knew tonight was the last crescent we’d have until next month, so I was really pressing my luck. Still, I figured he’d never assume I’d do something this senseless. My tires jumped as I made my way off road, down a path I vaguely remembered from the night Gavin drove me there. I took advantage of the last few seconds of daylight, hoped that seeing my surroundings in the light would help jog my memory and lead the way.
Getting frustrated, I slowed down, leaned over the steering wheel to look out into the dead clearing in front of me. The sky now a dark void; my headlights only illuminated the ground and the trees directly in front of the car. I grabbed my flashlight and jumped out into the darkness, shined it on the trees in front of me, searched for any sign of the bizarre oak tree. I staggered forward, squinted as I approached a slope in the ground that led to a part of the bayou’s shoreline. I spun around and frantically searched the trees again, sure that the clearing looked familiar, but uncertain I’d driven far enough along the bank to reach the right spot.
My back to the water, I turned my head to the right, remembered the location of the tree in relation to the water. Moving the flashlight in front of me, I breathed a sigh when I saw the rebellious branch I was looking for, staring me in the face, daring me. Thrilled that my directional instincts had been right, I glared up at the taunting moon and adrenaline rushed through me. The sounds of the night coalesced with my heartbeat. It was time.
I dashed back to the Jeep and dumped my work shirt and shoes into the backseat, replaced them with an old t-shirt and durable riding boots that would hopefully be useful in my surroundings. I pulled the boots on over my jeans and slammed the car door shut, took a deep breath as I patted my pockets for anything I didn’t need. Vampire repellant would be helpful to take with me. A shame it wasn’t on the market just yet. I tossed my hair into a loose ponytail and stalked toward the tree, then ruthlessly grabbed hold of the branch to accept the challenge. Wrapping both arms around it, I pushed down forcefully, felt it crack as it gave way. I could already the feel the elements change, as they had the night my friends left me.
Immediately, I began shivering and watched the water roar to life, wondered when I should enter. Creeping toward the bayou’s edge, I couldn’t help but think of drowning. The anxious, uncomfortable feeling of holding your breath for too long, lungs signaling it was time to get air, and fast. What would happen once I surrendered to the water’s pull? Once my feet were in the swirling water—or worse, once my head went under the water—would something terrible happen to me?
I stared down into the magnetic water, amazed at the violet color it emanated, then shut my eyes and stepped forward. The swishing current’s powerful tug thrashed around my knees, and I opened my eyes and waded in farther, kept my hands up near my waist.
“Oh, this is too good.”
The words were followed by menacing laughter. I swung my head around and peered up toward the magic tree, shrieked when I saw Andrew’s loathsome face.
“You just made my night, sweetheart.”
Before I had time to think, he lunged from the tree, grabbed my ponytail and dragged me farther into the water. His cursed eyes were present, no sign of humanness in them. I didn’t bother fighting his hold on me. There was no hope for me now.
“You really think you can just stroll into the city of the undead and rescue your precious boyfriend?” He gave my head another hard yank as he stood behind me, his other arm clamped around my neck. We stood waist deep now, inches from the center of the swirling vortex.
“Please, don’t do this, Andrew, please—” I squirmed away from his fangs, felt his breath on the back of my neck.
“I’d love nothing more than to have you for dinner right now, but you’re good for more than just a meal at the moment, so you’re going to do me one last favor.”
“I can’t give you anything you want. I’m nothing to you.”
“No, you’re going to give me something I need.”
Trembling, I shut my eyes as he cupped his hand tightly over my mouth.
Jerking me forward, his body moved with mine as he plunged us into the fathomless abyss. Under water, I opened my eyes and to my surprise could see clearly; no muck or fog clouded my vision. Heavenly spirals of lucent magenta whirled around me, peaceful trails of bubbles floated toward the surface as spurts of air escaped my lips. The streams of vivid light brightened and the moon faded off into the distance, the surface of the water transforming into a bright, blinding white canvas as the earth shook beneath us. My feet were dragged toward the muddy, evolving floor, and the force pulled me farther and farther down, my body swept away like a rag doll. Wrapped in my attacker’s cocoon, I yielded to his perilous direction.
CHAPTER 15
Threshold
After plummeting down a narrow tunnel of dirt, soil, and roots of the earth, we crashed onto a cold black-and-white tile floor, struck it with a loud smack. I laid there drenched, puddles of water around me, unsure how long I’d been unconscious. We were in an underground passage of some sort, the ground above us low and threatening.
My head throbbed, and as I grabbed the back of it, I wondered if I’d broken any bones from the fall.
“Get up.” Andrew stood to his feet to jerk me to mine. Sore but able to stand, I quickly obeyed. Pulling me by the arm, he rushed me down the confined hall toward a set of stone steps in front of a jagged medieval-looking door made of wood and bones. I quivered at the gruesome sight, and distracted myself by looking at the cool rock walls and the archaic candelabra lanterns that hung eerily from them, dimly lighting the ancient path.
Andrew latched onto the crescent-shaped iron doorknob and gave it an aggressive tug, stepped back as a cloud of dust and dirt fumed around us. The heavy door creaked open and revealed an ashen sky and a vast perimeter of land that stretched toward a breathtaking imperial cathedral situated high on a hill. Directly in front of us, a dirt path led to the entrance of a gorgeous English garden, and an impressive maze of perfectly tidy trees.
“We won’t be needing this,” he said, pointed to the path. “Stay close, you wouldn’t want to wander off on your own around here. Much too dangerous.” He gave me a wink that sickened me.
“Where are you taking me?”
“I said the details aren’t important.”
“If you’re going to kill me, why not just get it over with?”
“Who said anything about killing you? Where’s the fun in that?” He turned to pick me up, then tossed me over his shoulder and leaped into the air, flew past the quaint maze entrance and over the vibrant green terrain toward the enormous castle.
I glanced at the lush grounds as they whizzed past us, mesmerized. The rich emerald hues popped against the pallid sky, and the incandescent scenery offered stark contrast to the dull, macabre skyline. It all made me shiver, knowing the fascination would be short lived. I was headed toward something sinister, and I didn’t need to look at Andrew as he carried me to be reminded of it. The classically beautiful architecture and landscape were exquisite, but far too beautiful for such a dangerous place.
My instincts kicked back in and I said, “Just tell me where you’re taking me!”
“No need to get all worked up, darlin’. You’re about to meet royalty, you know.” He stopped flying when we reached the castle’s moat, dropped me to the ground and looked up at it towering over us.
“Royalty. You’re taking me to Samira.” I stood, dusted myself off. Assessing the moat, I wrung out my damp shirt.
“You were on your way to see her anyhow.”
“Not with you, I wasn’t. What are you thinking? She’s just going to kill you too, is that what you want?”
“Stop talking.” He grabbed my arm again and lurched forward, marched us toward the entryway, then greeted a cluster of tall, human-like creatures: vampires on steroi
ds. Their hooded cloaks concealed most of their features, but their fangs were front and center.
“Where is Marie?” One of the tall, ghastly vamps asked Andrew.
“There is no Marie. I am here to bring the queen what she most desires.”
“Who sent you?” The guard stepped forward and let down the hood of his gray cloak, revealing a hard stare. “What did you do with Marie?”
“I don’t know who you’re talking about. Are you going to let me see her or not?”
The suspicious guard glanced at the other two guards standing next to him, returned his attention to Andrew. “What exactly do you have for Her Highness?”
“Insurance.”
My mind didn’t have time to wrestle with what Andrew’s reply meant. I was too busy shrinking away in fear of the grisly watchmen. They didn’t look like the other vampires I’d met. Extremely built with broad shoulders, they looked far more animalistic, with wide snouts and heavy brows.
“Come this way,” the creature reluctantly ordered, led us through the castle doors.
Once inside, I gawked at the long corridor in wonder and realized it was a massive conservatory. Under the gloomy light that filtered through the glass ceiling, hundreds of flawless rose bushes sat nestled along the cold stone ground, each one displaying hordes of the most beautiful red roses I’d ever seen.
“Excited yet?” Andrew whispered, watched me marvel at the luxurious garden.
“You know, I believe you owe me some gratitude. Without me, you wouldn’t have been able to make it this far. You wouldn’t be able to see your beloved. You should be happy I followed you from that sorry job of yours to the portal. I did you a great favor.”
“I didn’t need you for anything. You’re only getting in the way.”
“Believe me, sweetheart. You wouldn’t have made it two steps past that portal door without me. They would’ve sensed a mortal all alone, would’ve snatched you up in seconds. I did you a favor, and now you’re going to do one for me.”
“I don’t owe you anything.”
“Enough,” The burly guard bellowed, and bid us to follow him past two lofty wooden doors into a spacious granite-floored room, it’s focal point a stately velvet throne chair. The quiet crackle of a fire sounded from behind the empty throne.
“I must say this is an honor.” The woman’s voice filled the room; a strong echo followed as she emerged from behind us. Her next words were to order the guard to leave. Though no one had spoken her name, I knew this was Samira. The room looked literally fit for a queen, and the way the guard obeyed the woman’s voice told me she was in charge.
The guard shut the doors behind him and left us with a creation that only my worst nightmares could fabricate. Her appearance shocked me, just as this new beautiful world had, caused me to wonder how such a gorgeous being could be so fatal. I didn’t allow my eyes to deceive me, aware that her kind smile wasn’t in any way to be trusted.
“You are the first mortal to grace us with your presence in some time.” She moved toward us, acknowledged Andrew only with a tight smile, kept her arctic-blue eyes on mine. “And how brave you are, to choose such company,” she lifted her delicate lace train as she made a slithering sway around me, extended a hand with intimidating red claws to fool with my hair. “What can I do for you, my pet?”
“I brought her here, Your Highness, she is—”
“Silence. You will speak when spoken to. We will get to that.” She slipped in front of me and took my hand, as though wanting to display her sincerity. “As I was saying, child. Why is it you are here? What is your name?”
I dropped my eyes from hers, intimidated by her piercing gaze, admired the deep red satin corset that cinched her svelte waist. Her ebony hair against her ice-cold milky skin added a chilling harshness to her exterior, which heightened the intimidation. I lifted my chin to speak more confidently.
“I’m Camille. Andrew did bring me here, but I was coming here to speak to you on my own. I’m here to see someone, a friend of mine. He came here just recently.”
“Of course. Gavin, presumably.”
“Yes. I know he came here to go into exile, and I was wondering if I might be able to speak to him one last time.”
“One last time?”
“Well, I understand he was in some trouble with you …for being with me,” I gulped, “and I’d like to take his place, to pay whatever punishment you had in mind for him. If it’s not too late.”
I peeked at Andrew, surprised to see him wide-eyed and afraid. Not knowing if that would be my last sight, I cherished his expression.
Samira stepped away from me, squinted while she considered my request. I was unsure whether to explain myself further, so I remained silent with the hopes of agitating her less. Two hulking gray wolves appeared from behind her throne, and I jumped back, watched them make their way to her side. My heart pounded through my chest, and I tried to stay composed.
“Well I must say, this is a turn of events,” she exhaled. I caught a glimpse of a red mojo bag attached to her wrist, and other remnants of her familiarity with Voodoo began to jump out at me: the cobalt blue bottles on the windowsills, the eclectic spirit dolls sprawled across the altar next to her throne.
“This is certainly something to be discussed in private,” she continued, tilted her head and peered toward an open doorway. “Victor,” she shouted, “come at once.” As the servant hustled in, she stepped in front of Andrew to address him. “I am delighted to see that you have brought Camille here to me, although it seems she was perfectly content finding her way to me on her own.”
“Yes Your Majesty, but I—”
“You assumed this would ensure a lenient punishment for your rebellious acts and the disgrace you have bestowed upon me and my kingdom.” She smiled at Victor as he came to stand beside her.
“Well, y-yes,” Andrew stammered. “I know what the girl means to y-you.”
“Do you, now?”
“I … thought you’d be pleased.”
“Oh, I am certainly pleased. Your debt was soon to be collected, and well … here you are, ready to pay in full.”
“Yes,” he glanced at me, relieved. “I wanted to pay my dues, and I hope this will suffice. Am I free to go?”
She tilted her head back and laughed, then lowered those cold blue eyes to his. “Camille clearly intended to come here on her own free will. So you see my child, the problem now is not only your debt, but your interference. Your freedom is a liberty which you have chosen to abuse, and now you stand before me offering me something you have no business offering, to secure none other than yourself.”
The two wolves hovered closer to her, positioned themselves to block Andrew’s movement. “Unfortunately, Camille is not yours to claim as payment. You are not only still in debt, but as I stated, you have also interfered in my affairs, and therefore are subject to just punishment.”
Taking his hand in hers, she stepped closer to him and looked down, apathetic.
“Please, Your Highness, please, no! I beg of you!” Andrew shrieked, shook as she held his hand. His expression desperate, he stared into her eyes, and I backed away from them, wrapped my arms around my body. I tried to cover my eyes but couldn’t look away. “Your Highness, I can give you more!”
She raised a hand to his face and swiped his cheek, her red nails clawing it like a lion dominating its prey. “I have secrets!” he cried out, feeling his torn flesh. “Secrets about the resistance! I beg of you, please, no!”
Smearing the blood across his face, “Farewell,” was all she said before she snapped her neck to the side and sunk her fangs into him. One quick bite sent him to the floor; his body instantly shriveled and deteriorated. She prompted Victor to remove his body from the room, then fluffed her long black curls with her fingernails and readjusted her gown before she turned to face me. My knees trembled as she swung around to meet me, my mind’s eye still fixed on the granite stairway where Andrew’s lifeless body lay. He was here, and then he w
as gone. His absence should have been a relief, but it only intensified my fear. Now it was just Samira and me. Alone.
“Now then, where were we?” She wiped the blood from her mouth, licked her fingers.
“I don’t know, I …”
“Ah, yes. Your request.” She beamed, floated back and forth as she spoke. “It seems you have wasted your time and have taken quite a gamble.”
“I’m sorry?”
“You made the assumption Gavin would be punished. That you could take his place. You see, he is alive, and I do not intend to punish him. I must allow him to go into exile. However, he is guilty under my law, and will serve me in place of physical punishment. As for you my dear, a mortal in this place has two options. Live or die. You may not leave mortal, you see. You become a liability to our secrecy if you do. To live, you must become one of us. And what an honor it is to join our family.”
“I wouldn’t be a liability if you let me go.… I would never tell anyone, I swear—”
“I have no proof of that. The only mortals who know about us outside of this place are changed, or killed immediately. The relationship you and Gavin have begun is most forbidden, and such a unique situation must be handled quickly and definitively. Leaving is not a choice for you unless you are changed, do you understand?”
My eyes locked on hers. I fought to remain submissive, but my suspicion burned. “Yes. But … why give me the gift of immortality? I mean, why spare me?”
“Your very presence exudes endless potential. It is infectious,” she inhaled strongly, as if taking in my scent. “Such vitality, such perseverance. You would be far more useful to me joining our family than you would be providing me with a single meal. The choice is yours. What will it be?”