The Art of Darkness (Part 17)
“A battle sometimes decides everything; and sometimes the most trifling thing decides the fate of a battle.” -Napoleon Bonaparte
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16
Previously on The Art of Darkness:
Still on the mend from her near death experience, Amber is shocked to find her vampiric side is beginning to manifest itself, terrified she will succumb to her ever growing need. Meanwhile, an unexpected visit from Freddy brings to light the final pieces of her puzzle. Vampires and humans were once one species, the former evolving from humans eons ago. With barely enough time to absorb this revelation, they are faced with yet another demonstration. And this time, in front of the entire Curiae body.
Part 17
One hundred and twenty-eight souls.
It was that part. That wretched number that became the sticking point in my mind. I awoke in a sweat almost every night that week, what little rest I got plagued with nightmares about all the impending details. How big the room would be, what the set up would be like. Would we be on a stage, like two actors in a play? More like animals in a zoo.
Oh God, how could we do this? How could we pull this off? It was difficult enough doing it in front of two. Especially when he did it that way.
It’s just a performance. You can do this. Just an act, remember? An act. The problem, of course, with that approach meant if we didn’t believe it, if we didn’t sell it in just the right way, would our audience still buy it? Our audience. That word made my stomach lurch.
It was on one of these nights, I arose out of bed, careful not to wake Morvinus. He was trying. So hard he was trying. Holding me while I shook, whispering all the right things in my ears, kissing me sweetly with all the hope and warmth he could manage. He was nervous too, though he didn’t let it show. But I could tell it was getting to him. I didn’t know if it was the upcoming demonstration or the fact that my newly emerged vampire traits were not fading as we hoped. On the contrary, they were only growing stronger.
And after days of trying to survive the old way, trying to avoid going there, the need became unbearable. And I hated myself for it. So when Morvinus held a cup out for me, the familiar crimson fluid brimming its edges, even despite the immense temptation, I was hesitant. For I knew, once I crossed this line, there was no going back.
“Do I dare ask where- who this came from?”
“Amber, it is only natural.”
“No, not to me! I’m a monster, Morvinus!”
His expression went cold, “Is that so? Well then, what exactly does that make me?”
“That’s not fair.”
He sighed deeply, setting the cup down and taking me in his arms, pulling my hands together to his chest, “Would you call the lion a monster for preying on the antelope?”
“It's not the same.”
“But in a way, it is very much the same. And to ignore your need is to bring only more suffering to you. You need your strength. Please?”
He brought his forehead to mine, closing his eyes, “I love you. Never forget that.”
“I know.”
He held the cup out for me once more and I took it, bringing it to my lips. Letting in a small sip, I was overwhelmed by how much it affected me. It was thicker than I had imagined, coating my throat in its essence, more like a rich tomato soup than a glass of water. It spread a warmth within me, dripping down through my veins, pooling in places I never expected. I could see now why it was so tempting.
The taste was unlike anything I could have ever imagined, as though light itself could have a flavor. Sweet, but not overly so. Delectable, reminding me in a way of melted chocolate, the dark more bitter notes hitting further on the way down.
All of a sudden I could feel the changes in me, the fatigue and irritability fading, my energy returning, as though I was asleep before, and now awake, revitalized. Before he could stop me, I threw the rest back like a shot of whiskey, desperation finally getting the better of me.
He chuckled, “Amber, slow down. Give yourself time to savor it.”
But it was too late. The glass was empty. And I found myself wanting more.
He smiled at me as I set the glass back down, sweeping his thumb across my upper lip to collect what lingered, before lifting it to his own. And for a moment, one singular moment, we were lost in each other again. His gaze on mine, captivating, in a light I had never seen him before. I had never fully understood him until then. And when he kissed me that time, it felt as though it were our first, the fire I felt for him burning brightly once more.
He had fallen asleep as we often did, arm draped over me, keeping me cradled against his bare chest. After all the late night pacing I could handle, I let myself stray briefly from the worry, taking in all his features. His pale skin stretched over his taut, perfectly formed muscles. A jaw that would make the Statue of David melt with envy. Those hands, my, those hands. How I longed for those hands to touch me.
His raven hair lay gracefully piled at his back, with one rebellious strand caught across his neck, as if reaching to be reunited with the others. A slow rise about his rippled chest was the only indication I had that he still lived. And I reveled in every deep breath.
The occasion finally upon us, he held tightly to my hand as we sat together in the back of the car on our way to the meeting. We were both dressed in our finest again, Lord Cawston somehow finding a dress with the lowest neckline in history. Not exactly the way I wanted to start out the evening. Though it wouldn’t have changed the fact that I still felt like a dress up doll. Morvinus was perfect, as always. It wasn't fair. That he should look like that, while I struggled to keep myself together.
Though it had become increasingly difficult for me, we had practiced, as Lady Umbria had advised, taking a more mechanical approach to his feedings like before.
Trying hard to abide by Lord Cawston’s wishes, we had refrained from getting too intimate with each other, but now it took a greater amount of my resolve not to give in every time he touched me. It was torture.
My need for blood had yet to wane, and it was then both of us knew this was most likely permanent. And while Morvinus successfully feeding on me solved his problem, we were still left unsure of how to solve mine.
As though he were listening to my inner worry, he squeezed my hand, “Relax,” his voice as smooth as a summer rain.
The drive was long, or at least it felt that way. I shifted against the black leather seat, the satin on my red dress sliding under me. Morvinus and I both fed before we left, still it did little to soothe my nerves.
When we arrived, pulling into the parking garage, my stomach tightened, my breath starting to labor. He held the door open for me, outstretching a hand, but I didn't want to take it. The floor had dropped beneath me like I was suddenly confronted with my inevitable execution. It was the most terrified I had ever been. Then I remembered Dr. Bachmann's words:
I can only pray that through my experiences and my research, to the more noble set of eyes, will bring to light all that I have found and, through the grace of God, destroy this putrid barrier between our worlds.
I couldn't back down now, not when so many were depending on this, including the vampire I loved. I took a deep breath and grasped his hand as he led me into the building. A short ride in a chilled elevator brought us to an expansive lobby, towering overhead with grand chandeliers and elaborate carpeting, much like a prestigious hotel.
Lady Umbria met us inside, her glittering form even more astounding than the last time I saw her. She was accompanied by another vampire, a man, following her every move. “Welcome,” she sang, “Now is the time. Mr. Harper, will you please be so gracious as to take Lord Cawston to his seat?”
“Yes, madame,” he replied. “Lord Cawston, this way.”
Lord Cawston turned to me, a tense smile forming on his lips. “This is it, my dear. I know your mother's spirit is with us, Analise. God be with you.”
With that, he strolled away, following Mr. Harper's lead.
“Well, I am pleased to see you both again. Shall we?”
Morvinus took one look at me as I held steadfast to his hand. I nodded.
“We are ready,” he uttered.
I’ll never forget that look. His strength held in every facet of his face except his eyes.
My skin was clammy. Had he not held stronger to my hand, it would’ve slipped from his grasp.
As Lady Umbria halted just outside a steel door, I could feel my throat tightening, my world narrowing. I tried letting out a breath but I couldn’t breathe in deep enough for it to help.
Lady Umbria turned to Morvinus, “Morvinus, they would like to speak with you first. Alone.”
I panicked, “Wait, they're splitting us up? Morvinus-“
“Shh,” he whispered, bringing me to him, his hands framing my face. “Everything will be all right. They simply wish to speak with me. That is all.”
The tears were beginning to well, nothing I could do to stop them easing over the bottom edge of my eye. “The last time they summoned you, they nearly killed you.”
“This is different. Amber, listen to me, I will be all right.” With that, a small smile crested his lips, and he left me alone with Lady Umbria, disappearing through the door.
Back and forth in front of that door I paced, my aching feet already blistering in my heels. Still, that pain was no match for my nerves. My feet could have been pouring blood and I would not have had space to care.
Lady Umbria did her best to quell my fears, asking me about our practice, whether I had taken her advice. All I could do was draw line after line on the floor with my shoes.
“Amber, dear, you have my assurances, no harm will come to him.”
I finally had enough. “Look, Lady Umbria, I appreciate what you’re trying to do but, no offense, I don’t exactly trust any of you very much right now.”
Suddenly the door came open again, and to my relief, Morvinus came through it, intact and unharmed.
I didn’t wait for a single word or gesture, throwing my arms around his neck. He laughed, “Did I not tell you I would be all right? Silly girl.” He peeled me back, kissing me deeply. When our lips parted again, his smile faded, “It is time.”
He led me through the door, closing it with a clang behind us. Shrouded in darkness, I could barely see. The air was heavy and moist, stale, the smell of old wood and antique paint overwhelming my nose. It felt dusty, an odd sort of dank musk lingering about. On the underside, however, there was left a small hint, a familiar but ominous scent. So small I could barely register it, but it was there, causing a rise in me. Not now.
As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I could finally see what it was my hand had been gracing. A curtain. We were backstage. How appropriate.
Coming through the various layers, we finally hit the curtain edge, and I saw it. Placed in the middle of a wide open stage, sat an antique chaise lounge chair, a stark white spotlight bearing down its harsh beam upon the dark tufted velvet cushion.
Peeking around into the audience, squinting my eyes to fight the glaring light, I could barely make the outline of the first three rows of seats, and the sea of those behind them. A hundred and twenty-eight? More like a thousand.
In the middle of the second row, with an unobstructed view, twelve chairs of ornate design stood out from the rest. As though they were thrones from another age. Each one with a vampire upon it, elegant in stature and form. I could only guess they were the twelve council members, the head of each major vampire coven.
Toward the center appeared a vampire who looked to be not that much older than Lord Cawston. He wore a black on black suit, emblems of gold and bronze adorning the left side, with a grey sash stretched across his chest, almost royal in appearance. Emperor Cesare. He balanced the head of an elaborate cane in his spidery fingers, the top adorned with a large red ruby. Lady Umbria took the seat just to his left, her sparkling gown reflecting a subtle cast of lighted spots on the edge of the stage.
Morvinus had gone ahead of me, leaving me waiting in the wings, too frozen to move, but somehow I had to.
“Bring her forth,” spoke the Emperor, his voice flat but commanding.
Morvinus held his hand out for me to join him. This is it. Last chance to jump ship. But I knew that wasn't an option anymore. Even if I didn't do it, even if I had the ability or the strength to escape, they would come after me, after us. They would just keep coming.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward from behind the curtain, trying not to focus on just how my stomach could do that many somersaults in one go. Immediately, I could hear a chorus of whispers and chirps, a hushed murmuring growing louder by the second.
That frightened animal in me returned with a vengeance. Although I had their blood, I still felt more like prey than predator. A guppy in an ocean full of sharks. And they all had their eyes on me.
“Quiet! Proceed,” the Emperor called.
Upon his order, the low hum ceased and a still silence fell about the room. I finally reached Morvinus’ hand and he gingerly led me to my place, as we had before, lain against the curled back of the lounge chair. My heart drummed so loudly I had no doubt everyone in that auditorium could hear it, which only made it that much louder.
As he sat himself down on the edge, he leaned over, whispering against my skin, “Relax.”
I closed my eyes tight, trying to block everything out. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
For my own sake, I was actually glad he didn't hesitate this time, piercing his fangs into his favorite spot on my neck. Drawing my blood into him, I let out a breath, gripping the edge of the cushion tightly. Keep it together. I tried to keep still.
I was terrified to lay hands on him in case I would ruin our facade, but as the euphoria began to take over, the temptation grew. I wanted so desperately to bring him closer, to have us be one again. To disappear away from this place, with him, in our world we had created.
My head grew lighter and I faded, my resolve fading with it. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him, bringing him down to me, closing our carefully constructed gap. It shocked him and he unlatched, pulling away abruptly, his eyes wide.
“I'm sorry,” I whispered, a look of worry spreading across his face.
“Enough,” Emperor Cesare commanded, slamming the end of his cane into the floor, coming to a stand.
Now I had done it. I lost control, the one thing of which I was supposed to refrain. Oh shit. What have I done?
Continued in Part 18 (Coming soon!)
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Lovely description of Morvinius! There are a lot of threads in this one, all coming together…