The Art of Darkness (Part 6)

“Even as a thousand tears fall, love stays the course and endures through all of time.” -Anonymous

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Wrapped in his arms, his chill did not compare to the cold of the darkness I now found myself in. A darkness especially bitter on this night.

Wandering a strange place, my body shivering with the freeze, wet feet stumbling and slipping across a slick floor nearly invisible to the eye, I was alone in the rain. Though the light shone bright enough to see myself, the space around me was empty, a pool of impenetrable blackness. My breath came out in a cloud and in as ice, stinging my lungs as my feet tried to carry me faster.

The cold had spread, seeping into my bones, making every move agonizing, and made worse still by the fact I was sopping wet. Yet I kept going. Water dripped down the strands of my hair, drenching my clothes and face. I struggled to keep purchase with my feet, tears mixing with the rain. Without warning, the path in front of me gave way, releasing me into a free fall over a dark and barren cavern.

It was at that moment, I jolted awake, nearly tumbling from the chair I was sitting in, dislodging a blanket to the floor. My heart continued its frantic pounding and a light layer of sweat had beaded on my forehead. There was a soft rumbling outside as yet more rain threw itself at the windows. When I managed to halt the world from spinning and bring my vision into focus, I looked over at the bed, panicking when I saw it was empty. I leapt from the chair and bounded into the hallway, stumbling into Father Andrews, nearly spilling a cup of tea in his hand.

“Ms. Hollings.”

“Oh I'm so sorry, Father.”

He straightened up, wiping his cassock, uttering a small chuckle. “It's quite all right. I was actually coming to check on you. You've been asleep for some time now. Would you care for some tea?”

“Is he?”

He smiled, “Just fine. His regenerative properties kicked in just as we hoped and he came round a few hours ago. He didn't want to wake you. He's in the library if you-”

But I was already around the corner.

When I came to the door, I stalled. My hands were clammy, my stomach in somersaults. Last night, I was faced with the possibility of losing him, not knowing if I would get the chance to tell him how I felt. Now, with that hope renewed, I found myself, oddly, terrified. Frozen by the unknowns. Should I? I shook my head. You’re being ridiculous. Taking a deep breath, I shoved the fear aside and knocked on the door. “Morvinus?”

“Come.” To my relief, he sounded strong and steady.

He didn't wait for the door to close, already warm when he pulled me into his embrace, bringing my lips in to meet his. He was adamant. No wasted time, no hesitation. And I simply melted. I could feel my heart trip as the world around us faded. Nothing had ever been sweeter, a cascade of fear and dread falling away in his kiss.

After a moment, he released his advance, keeping me close, his mouth wide with a warm smile, hand settled in the curve of my neck. His breath was erratic. So was mine.

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi.” I grinned, clearing my throat, “what was that for?”

“Because I love you.”

The air caught in my lungs, “What?”

His smile faded some, “These feelings I harbor for you, I admit I have had them for some time, though I did not know what name to give them…until now. I love you, Amber. I have loved you since the moment we met.”

Oh God, he’s serious. “Oh.”

“Now, I do not expect a return, and if you do not share in my affections–”

“Stop. Just stop.” I reached up and brought his face to mine, kissing him passionately.

He sighed as he took my hands. “I want to try this. Us.”

“I thought you said–”

“I know. But you are right. Avoiding it is no life at all. And, in answer to your previous question, yes, I do desire it.” He took his finger, pushing a strand of hair from my face and tucking in behind my ear. “Very much so.”

I wanted to shout with joy, to run the streets screaming with the cheer I held. But there was still a problem.

“What about the others? Those you said would come after us?”

His expression turned hard and he pulled away, turning his back to me. “It doesn’t matter. Let them come.”

As he stood against the window frame, the shrouded light gliding along his skin, even though he had donned a new shirt, I could still see the remnants of his injuries. Each scar he bore a stark reminder of what dangers lurk in his world.

I approached him carefully, laying a hand on his shoulder. “Morvinus, what happened?”

“I was summoned.” He tensed, curling the tips of his fingers into the windowsill.

“Summoned? By whom?”

“The Curiae. In the vampire world, the council of the Curiae rule all.”

“They did this to you?”

“Aye.”

“They nearly killed you.”

He turned, sitting against the edge of the window frame. “I believe that was their intention. If Emperor Cesare had not stopped them when he did–”

“This was all for saving me.” I backed off, the pit in my stomach expanding, shivering with a new wave of bitter cold. No longer could I write this off as the actions of some rogue vampire clan, this was the ruling vampiric authority.

“Amber, no.” He straightened from the window, bringing me into him, hands braced on either side of my face. “I have made my choice. What they have done to me is something for which I alone hold responsibility.”

“But it's my book, my research that got you into this, you said it yourself.”

He chuckled, stroking my cheek with his thumb, “Silly girl, do you really think I have done all of this, risked my life, over a book? Did I not just confess my love for you? Yes, I was there to warn you, but it was not the only reason I came that night. I wanted to see you.”

I sighed, “So, what do we do now?”

“For now, we lay low. Emperor Cesare and I had a long conversation before– When I told him of our situation, he seemed rather receptive. Perhaps with time…”

It was then I remembered the journal, “Oh!” I gasped, rushing for the door.

“Amber, where are you going?”

Taking him by surprise, I turned on my heels and grasped the front of his shirt, tugging him in for another kiss. “Don't go anywhere,” I whispered.

I hurried up the stairs, relieved to find it still laying where I had dropped it the night before. Upon my return, Morvinus sat propped against the windowsill wearing a dazed expression.

“Here, you should see this.” I handed him the journal and his brows furrowed.

“Where did you get this?”

“Father Andrews lent it to me.”

“How strange.” His fingers traced the crude symbol on the front cover.

“What is it?”

“This symbol here is vampiric. The hourglass in the middle represents our endurance and longevity.”

“And what are these?” I pointed to the lines bordering either side.

“The wings of a dragon, emphasizing our strength and mythos. There is a rib on each wing for every major coven, twelve in all.”

“But there's thirteen here.”

“Aye. It appears someone has added one.”

“Why would they do that?”

“I do not know. A line is only added when new blood is introduced. But that has not occurred in over a millenia.”

Then it hit me, “their daughter.”

“What?”

Just then, a series of loud crashes echoed down the hall. Morvinus straightened up, tensing, eyes on the door. “Stay here,” he whispered, giving me the book. I squeezed his hand, not wanting to know what was on the other side of that door, nor to be on the side he wasn't. He turned to me, stretching his mouth into a forced half a smile before he kissed me again. “It's all right. I will return in a moment. Do not open this door for anyone, do you understand?”

I nodded and he freed his hand, disappearing out of view. I pressed myself to the wall beside the door, struggling to hear anything over the pounding of my heart. More loud crashes, the sound of glass breaking. Then came shouting. Not anything distinct, just noises and grunts. I backed away from the door, pacing the room. “Morvinus said to stay put, to leave the door closed,” I whispered. And what if it’s another attack? What if he’s dying out there and you’re sitting in here doing what, working a small hole in the floor?

“I’m sorry, Morvinus.” Reaching out my hand, I managed to land one finger on the doorknob before I was yanked backwards, colliding with something hard, dropping the book. Before I could even scream, a cold hand wrapped itself tightly around my mouth and I felt a sharp prick hit my neck, a stranger's voice in my ear.

“You best choose your next move very carefully, my dear, or a needle in your neck is but the least of your worries. Emperor Cesare sends his regards.” With that, I felt the needle slide out and he shoved me forward into the door. I fell to my hands and knees, looking up just in time to see the stranger hop onto the open windowsill.

“I have the sample, move out,” he ordered, leaping through the window and into the pouring rain. Coming to my feet, I reached up and touched the stinging hole now seeping blood down my neck. I barely had time to register what had just happened when Morvinus came rushing back through the door wearing a worried expression. His shirt was half untucked and torn and his hair tousled, as though he had been in a fight. I was relieved to see no extra wounds this time.

“We need to go. Now.” His brows furrowed. “Are you all right? Amber, you have blood on your neck. Are you hurt?”

I shook my head. “What’s going on? Who were they?”

“Soldiers, from the High Guard. Vampires who work for the Curiae. I can only assume they had someone follow me last night. You are not safe here anymore. Come.”

I retrieved the book and he took my hand, leading me back to the foyer. The hallway was a mess, books and artifacts strewn all over the floor, our feet crunching on shards of glass, cracks and divots in the walls where it looked like someone had been thrown into it.

Reaching the foyer, the first thing I noticed was Mrs. Barnette slumped over her knees on the floor. It wasn't until we reached her that I saw what had her attention. Father Andrews lay lifeless in her lap, his Bible still clutched in his hand, his once pristine clerical collar now stained bright red. His neck had been torn open by the same bite wounds I saw on Morvinus. Mrs. Barnette had a grip on his free hand, holding it tightly, her blouse and sweater soaked in blood.

“Oh God, Morvinus.” I could feel the tears beginning to well, squeezing his hand.

Morvinus crouched in front of her, covering her hand with his.

She looked up at him through blubbery eyes. “What do I do now? I can't leave him like this.”

Without a word, Morvinus lifted Father Andrews off the floor and carried him to the rectory, placing him with the utmost care upon the very same bed that had seen his recovery mere hours ago.

“Is there nothing we can do?” I asked him.

He shook his head. Once again, he turned his attention to Mrs. Barnette, grasping her arms. “Eugenia, listen to me. I need to get Ms. Hollings to safety. Once I do that, I will return and assist you with whatever you need to get Father Andrews’ affairs in order. Did he have a will?”

“He donated all he had to the church upon his placement. He and I never discussed-”

“All right. I will make a few phone calls. I may know of someone who can offer some guidance. For now, stay here, I will return as soon as I can.”

She nodded.

I threw my arms around her, doing the only thing I knew how, hoping it might at least bring her some comfort. “I'm so sorry. This is all my fault.”

In a true grandmother's spirit, she perked up and managed to give me a small smile. “Now don’t you be saying anything of the sort. No part of this is your fault, dearie. Besides, he’s with the Lord now.” Her voice was strained and I could hear the wavering, feeling what was left of my composure eroding away with it.

I didn’t know what to do. My head was spinning, my heart sunk low in my stomach. Extending a shaky hand, I tried to give her the journal but she wouldn't take it, instead clasping her hand around mine.

“Keep it. He wanted you to have it. Now, you must be going. Mr. Andonov is right, you are not safe here.” Pulling me into her embrace for one last hug, she was still shaking but her resolve was holding. Mine, on the other hand, was in pieces.

Tugging on my arm, Morvinus led me out the side door of the chapel and into the rain, hastily starting the car.

“Where are we going to go?”

“Anywhere but here. I saw a motel several miles down the road. Perhaps-”

“So this is our life now? On the run?”

He sighed, “What would you have us do?” He said it in frustration, I knew that. Still, he was right. I had no other solutions to offer. And regardless of whether we stayed together or parted ways, we were both targets now, with our enemies willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

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