In Darkness We Must Abide: The Complete Second Season: Episodes 6-10 (8 page)

January 2010

Aeron tilted his head, listening to the sweet sound of blood flowing from the severed head into the crystal decanter. The beloved face of his vampire mother was shadowed by the darkness filling the remains of the ancient temple, but Aeron admired her beauty even in death. His fingers entangled in Parthenia’s long dark hair, he smiled up at Lorelei.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

All around them lay the bodies of Parthenia’s faithful children. Her lover, Althea, lay dead nearby, her body slowly decaying into mulch. They had fought bravely, but in the end, they were no match for Aeron and his army. They were doomed to fail against the ancient prophecy that foretold Aeron’s coming and their demise.

“
We’re still alive,” she said, amused. “When she died, I thought maybe we’d die, too. But, no. Still here!”

“
Of course.” His sensuous lips sneered.

“
The rumor was we’d all die when she did.”

“
A rumor started by the Seven Sisters to protect themselves.”

Aeron had hunted down the last of the original vampires just as he had her sisters. He was mildly amused to discover that the vampire who had created him had returned to Greece. All of the sisters had been far too attached to their homeland.

“What rumors will you start to dissuade a future rebellion against your sovereignty?” Lorelei asked, her fingers plucking at her bottom lip thoughtfully.

The blood of his maker filled the decanter completely, mingling with the blood of her sisters. The Seven Sisters were now gone, vanquished. Setting aside the decapitated head, Aeron carefully closed the lid, then snapped the securing latches into place. Holding it to the light of the full moon, he observed the blood swirling sluggishly within the crystal.

“I need to spread no rumors. I will destroy all who defy me. I will not let our kind spread across the world like vermin, lost in the darkness. I will purge our ranks and restore our greatness.” Standing, Aeron motioned for one of his Brides to bring the special case that would house the Blood of the Seven. “I will soon claim my legacy and start building my kingdom.”

“
So now you are the eldest of us all.” Lorelei twirled her blond hair around one finger. “The king of us all.”

The dark blood of vampires stained Aeron’s white skin and flecked his pale hair. He wore it as a badge of glory, a sign of his victory over his enemies. In the darkness, the eyes of his followers glinted with red fires, awaiting his proclamation.

Out of the night came Leto, naked, beautiful, and caked in blood. Though no longer in she-wolf form, her teeth remained sharp and dangerous. Clutched in her hand was the heart of the he-wolf who had stood at Parthenia’s side in battle. Phineas had been Leto’s lover until his betrayal.

“
This world has grown weak,” Leto said, her voice a growl more than human speech.

“
It’s ours for the taking, Leto,” Aeron agreed.

Tearing a large chunk out of the heart, she chewed slowly, thoughtfully, her eyes burning orange. Swallowing, she extended her hand, offering the remains of the organ.

“You honor me.”

“
As you honor me, Aeron.”

Taking the organ, the pale vampire lifted it to his lips and drank the last of the blood from the muscle.

Leto’s full lips split into a feral grin.

Tossing it back to her, Aeron touched the she-wolf’s cheek affectionately. “Our time has come.”

With a slight nod of her head, Leto sauntered to her pack, tearing off chunks of the heart and tossing the bloody meat to her werewolves.

“
It’s time to claim what’s rightfully mine,” he declared, his voice rumbling among the ancient pillars. “It’s time to purge the world of the weakling vampires. It’s time to claim my destiny!”

The warrior vampires cheered.

Aeron held out his arms, welcoming their adulation. Staring up at the moon that reminded him so much of his future queen, Aeron roared in triumph.

It was time to claim his legacy and Vanora.

Episode 7:

Destruction

Prologue

“The gates are open,” Armando said, worry creasing his brow. “The lack of security needs to stop.”

Vanora hugged herself as the mansion loomed ahead at the end of the long gravel drive. The sun was definitely just below the horizon, the lower part of the sky already awash in bright, beautiful colors. In just a few more minutes, the great golden orb would make its appearance. They had made it to the Socoli Mansion just in time.

“Will a gate really stop a vampire?” Vanora arched an eyebrow at Armando.

Appearing just as exhausted as she felt, Armando shook his head. “No, but it may slow down a vampire's mortal minions.”

“But not the vampire. So if a vampire wants to kill my brother, leaving a gate open isn't going to do much.”

“You sound like Roman. Fatalistic.” Armando gave her a dark look. “Is this a Socoli trait?”

“I'm not fatalistic. I'm here to save my brother. I
will
save my brother.” Vanora had already lost too much in her life. She couldn't take another loss. Not after what had happened with Rhonda and Dan.

Armando's only response was to continue scowling. They were both tired and cranky. Vanora just wanted to crawl into bed to sleep. She suspected Armando wanted to do the same. The impulse to reach out and stroke his dark curls assailed her, but she swiftly squashed it. She had come home for her brother, not Armando.

Vanora was relieved when the car pulled into the deep shadows dwelling before the front entrance. When the sun peaked over the horizon, it would still be hidden behind the mansion allowing Armando a little bit more time. As he killed the engine, the vampire rested his forehead against the steering wheel, his shoulders drooping with exhaustion.

“Armando, you can't go to sleep yet,” she said, shaking his arm.

“It's difficult to function once the sun cracks the horizon,” he murmured.

Despite her earlier internal admonitions, Vanora gently combed his silky hair with her fingers. “C'mon. Get out. We're here. And when you get up, you're going to tell me everything. I mean it. I want to know everything that you know.”

Catching her hand, Armando dragged it to his lips and kissed her knuckles before releasing it. “When I awaken...”

Vanora shoved open the passenger door. “Get out before you fall asleep and I have to drag you.”

Wearily, Armando slid from the car, the hinges on the door he had broken earlier protesting loudly. The vampire helped her gather her few bags from the trunk and followed her. The front door was locked, so she held out her hand for her keys. Smiling slightly, Armando handed them over.

“What?” Vanora asked as her fingers closed around the ring.

“It's just good to see you home,” Armando answered, his smile widening.

“For now.” She unlocked the door, and shoved it open.

Cold air gushed over her. The house tended to be difficult to warm during the winter months. The temperature was in the low thirties, but the house felt even more frigid.

Like a mausoleum
, she thought.

Promptly, she regretted thinking such a thing.

“They're asleep,” Armando assured her as though sensing her hesitation. “Roman, Carlotta, Alisha...a few others...” The luggage hit the floor with a resounding thump as his voice trailed off.

Spinning about, Vanora saw Armando sag against the wall. Seeming disoriented, he squinted at her through his dark lashes, his long curls falling over his face. “I've missed you.” His voice was slurred, almost drunken.

“You need to sleep.” Vanora hesitated, then reached out to him. “I'll help you to a guest room.”

Armando slumped further against the wood paneling, a hand rising to press against his eyes. “I got you home...”

“You're nearly asleep on your feet.” Vanora slid her arm around his waist, and he leaned heavily against her. “This isn't good! I can't carry you.”

Fingers tracing her cheek, Armando lowered his face. “I always dream of you.”

Vanora struggled to get him to move, turning her head from him. He caught her chin and tilted it so he could see into her eyes. Instantly, she knew he wanted to kiss her, and if he did, she'd let him. His lips descended toward hers. Heart beating wildly in her chest, she waited for the touch of his mouth knowing it was the wrong, but yearning for it nonetheless.

Pausing, he stared into her face with great longing. “I can't,” he lamented.

Suddenly she was enshrouded in shadow as his body dissolved into nothing.

“Armando,” she whispered, twisting about to see the dark mist flowing upstairs, before vanishing from sight.

Worried, she raced after him, hoping he'd reach safety before falling asleep. Arriving on the second floor, she was glad to see the long hallways empty, which could only mean he had found a haven for the day. Relief filled her, before it was swept away by unease.

She was home.

After all this time, she had come back. The last two times she had been in the mansion, she had run away in terror. Now she had returned for the purpose of saving her brother, even if it meant begging him to flee their home.

Worse yet, Vanora realized that she had nowhere else to be. Her life in Austin was over. Her life in Houston was long abandoned. Nothing in her life remained but her siblings, Armando, and the darkness coming to consume them all.

January 2010

It was a cold January night when Vanora dreamed of the death of Roman.

As her mind wandered aimlessly over the day’s events (schoolwork, chatting with Rhonda, dinner with Dan), she relaxed into the nonsense world of dreams. Gradually, the images became more focused, figures taking shape out of the mist, and Vanora found herself standing alone on the marble floor of the Socoli Mansion ballroom. The room was not complete; walls fading into a star-studded night sky and chandeliers hanging from empty space.

Vanora warily started across the floor, the long skirts of her white Halloween ball gown rustling about her. For months, she had been free of any bizarre dreams or frightening visions. Her life had settled into a sense of normalcy, which she relished. She did
not
want to dream about that terrible Halloween night, or about the mysterious albino vampire. Clutching the skirt of her gown tightly in her hands, she attempted to will herself to awaken.

The dream remained.

And then...

Stars from the velvety sky above fell from their heights, spiraling through the darkness with glittering trails. As they struck the dance floor, the stars exploded with a brilliant light into dancers wearing gay costumes and gilded, plumed masquerade masks. Immediately, the room was overflowing with the boisterous guests, whirling about Vanora in breathtaking beauty.

“You are by far the fairest here,” a deep, lilting voice whispered in her ear.

Vanora steeled her resolve, then turned to see the albino vampire leaning over her, his amethyst eyes glittering beneath his heavy white brows. His frock coat was pure white with gold embroidery edging the sleeves and hem. The cascade of lace at his throat and cuffs was edged in gold.

“You again,” she said with distaste.

Smirking, he bowed his head, his long white ponytail falling over one broad shoulder. “I'm always here. Waiting.”

“Leave. This is my dream. My mind. You're not welcomed here.”

“You can't escape me, my little white witch,” the vampire mockingly responded, his knowing smile infuriating her.

Vanora reeled away. She attempted to cross the dance floor, but was deterred by the laughing dancers. The heavy velvet, silks, satins, and lace of their costumes created a formidable barrier. Frustrated, she raised her hands, pressing against the partygoers in an attempt to push them away. They resisted, closing in around her, their jovial laughter somehow mocking and cruel.

Her arm was grasped firmly, and she was sharply spun about.

The vampire loomed over her, his thumb lightly stroking her skin in such a way that made her shiver. “I told you, my darling love, we are destined to be. You cannot escape me.”

“
Please let me go,” Vanora wailed, attempting to pull away.

Instead, she was drawn close to the man, her lips almost touching his as he leaned over her. The intense purple eyes seemed to penetrate her very soul. “Never. You are mine, and I am yours. We are destined.”

“I control my own destiny,” Vanora spat out.

The vampire smirked. “Do you?”

The room exploded into screams, the music stuttering to a halt.

“
The king is dead!” someone shouted.

The dancers parted, revealing a throne at the far side of the ballroom. A man with dark hair was slumped upon it, a stake driven through his heart.

“Roman?” Vanora gasped.

Wrenching free of the vampire, Vanora rushed toward the fallen figure. A woman with masses of curly hair, dressed all in red, fell at the feet of the dead king.

“No! You said you wouldn’t kill him! You said he was mine!” It was the voice of Carlotta.

Breathlessly, Vanora reached the king and bent over him. Gently, she lifted his head, revealing the face of her brother. “No, Roman, no!”

“You said you wouldn't kill him!” Carlotta screamed in anguish, her fingers tugging at her hair.

“
The king is dead,” the albino vampire declared. He stepped around Vanora, yanked Roman’s body off the throne, and tossed him aside. With a triumphant gleam in his eyes, he bellowed, “Long live the king!” Jauntily, he slouched onto the throne.

The room erupted with shouts of joy. The music began again and the dance continued.

Carlotta and Vanora sank to the floor beside Roman's body. Bloody tears stained Carlotta's face as she held his hand against her cheek.

Weeping, Vanora cradled Roman's head in her lap. “Why?” Vanora whispered. “Why kill him?”

“It's his way,” Carlotta answered, misery in her voice. “You can’t stop him.”

Vanora knew she was dreaming, yet there was a warning within her nightmare. Clenching her eyes shut, she struggled to awaken. She didn’t want to see her brother dead, or the albino vampire gloating upon his throne.

“Vanora,” a familiar and sorely missed voice whispered.

She opened her eyes to see Armando kneeling next to her.

“You must save, Roman. Time is very short,” Armando urged her. “Come back to Houston before it’s too late.”

Vanora woke up screaming.

The bedroom door banged open a few seconds later, Rhonda tumbling into the room clutching a baseball bat. “What's happening?”

Waking fully, Vanora fumbled for the knob on the lamp on the bed stand, then turned it on. Her heart was beating so harshly in her chest, it actually hurt. “I'm sorry. I had a nightmare.”

“I don't have to bash anyone's head in?” Rhonda was still in her work clothes though she was barefoot. Sagging with relief, she set the bat against the wall. “Thank God, I'm so damn tired, I don't think I could actually do it.”

Vanora rubbed her face, trying to dispel her slumber completely. Her head felt heavy in her hands. “I dreamed Roman was dead.”

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Rhonda patted her knee lightly. “Vanora, he
is
dead.”

The words sliced through her like a rapier, then Vanora realized the truth behind Rhonda's comment. Roman had long been dead to the world of humans. Wiping away the tears that had started as she slept, Vanora nodded. “I just dreamed that it was happening again.”

Rhonda grimaced. “It was such a horrible way to die, too. He didn’t deserve it, that’s for sure. He was so damn handsome and nice. I always had such a bad crush on your brother.”

“I miss him,” Vanora whispered, and meant it. All at once, she wanted nothing more than to feel her brother holding her and his calm, deep voice telling her that everything was going to be fine. She drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. It hurt to think of all she had lost when she'd fled Houston, yet she was doing much better now with her new life in Austin.

“Of course you do. He was awesome. But I'm sure he's still looking out for you,” Rhonda curled up across the end of Vanora's bed, her head propped on one hand. “He treated you like you were more than his little sister. Kinda like you were his kid. I sometimes felt a little jealous since my brother is such a major moron.”

Vanora giggled. “True.”

“He even still asks about you. Can you believe it? I told him you have a new boyfriend, so he needs to let it go!”

“Dan isn't my boyfriend,” Vanora said softly.

“Gawd, you two are as slow as turtles!”

Talking about something other than her nightmare was a good thing. Vanora latched onto the change of topic, even though she was tired of Rhonda's lectures. She didn't want to think about the albino vampire or the possibility of losing Roman again. Outside her window, the cold front was howling through the canyon of apartment buildings and rustling the trees. It made her think of home. She needed a distraction.

“Well, Dan is religious, you know,” Vanora said, shrugging.

“Uh huh. I get laid by religious guys all the time.”

“Well, he's very cautious. And so am I! C'mon, there is nothing wrong with taking it slow.”

“Are you even an official couple yet? You've been dating for how long?” Rhonda gave her friend a skeptical look.

Vanora stuck out her tongue. “Slow is good.”

“Slow is boring. Gawd, he hasn't even spent the night. And you haven't even done the walk of shame.” Rhonda frowned, then yawned. She worked very long hours at the store she managed, yet she always partied hard on weekends. Vanora wasn't sure how she did it.

“Life isn't just about getting laid, Rhonda!” Vanora liked teasing her friend. She envied Rhonda's ability to grab onto life and do what she pleased. Actually, she envied the fact that Rhonda knew what she wanted out of life. Vanora didn't doubt her own personal strength, but she just didn't know where to focus it. That was why she was seeing Dan. Dating him felt like a solid place to start building a future. He was kind, funny, considerate, and respectful. Whenever they hung out, she always had a good time. Dan was also a good listener, but she often found herself censoring what she told him. There was so much of her life he would never understand. It sometimes made dating difficult.

“Life isn't just school and a boyfriend whose idea of a making out is holding your hand.”

“We kiss!” Vanora protested, giggling. “We do!”

“Are there at least tongues involved? Oh, my gawd, please tell me there are tongues involved.” Rhonda dramatically pressed the back of her hand to her forehead.

Vanora stuck her tongue out, then sniffed. “Not telling. Besides, we’re having a romantic date this weekend, and I think we may finally make this dating thing official. You know, exclusive.”

“It's not like you've been dating anyone else. How much more exclusive can you get?”

Vanora shrugged.

For months, she'd been letting Dan guide her through the dating waters. They attended his non-denominational church, hung out with his friends, and attended the sort of events he enjoyed. Though she truly didn't want to admit it, she had let Dan absorb her into his life because she didn't possess one she felt she could share with him. Though he had met her uncle and aunt once, she was almost paranoid about introducing him into parts of her life that hid the darkness she was trying to escape. Aunt Crystal had been happy to see that Vanora was dating, but Uncle Nicolau had been his usual over-protective self. In many ways, he and Roman were very much alike.

Rhonda appeared close to falling asleep, her eyelids closing. Her makeup was smudged and there were dark circles under her eyes. Shifting around so she could lay parallel to her friend, Vanora wrapped her fingers around Rhonda's. “I know you care, but I'm not you.”

“I know. I just don't want you to be sad,” Rhonda confessed. “Sometimes you have such a heartbroken look on your face it makes me want to cry. And I don't cry!”

In spite of all her internal vows to herself not to think of Armando, her mind automatically shifted to him. The mere thought of him was pain and desire rolled into one.

“That look, Vanora. That one right there.” Rhonda clutched Vanora's hand under her chin. “What's it for? What hurts that bad?”

“My parents, my brother, my sister...” Vanora answered.

The gloom filling the spaces beyond the lamplight in her room made her uneasy. She and Rhonda were captured in a small pool of light with the darkness surrounding them. She thought of the albino vampire and shivered. They had moved and she had warded the apartment with crosses, vervain, and holy water. Whoever he was, she wasn't going to let him back into her life. He would not take her away from the light.

“Armando, too?” Rhonda dared to ask.

Closing her eyes, Vanora slightly nodded.

“There's more to all that than you're telling me, isn't there?”

Though her pale eyelashes, Vanora could see the deep concern on her friend's sweet face. The words that slipped from her lips were the truth she couldn’t deny. “I can't seem to fall out of love with him.”

Instead of a glib answer, or a sarcastic comment, Rhonda just sighed. “Maybe Dan is good for you then. He's not pushing you and maybe that's what you need. Time to get over Armando.”

“Is it wrong to use Dan to move on?” Vanora wondered.

“Do you like him?”

Vanora nodded. “Yeah, I do. He's really a good guy.”

Rhonda grinned. “Then it's totally cool.”

With a sigh, Vanora felt a little relief at her friend’s reassurance. She needed to banish Armando from not only her thoughts, but from her heart.

Her roommate let out another dramatic yawn. “God, I'm beat.”

“Another long day, huh?”

“I had to fire someone. It wasn't pleasant. I think he went off his meds or something. He's been having odd moments all week and today he had this really bad outburst. Started screaming at a customer.” Rhonda rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. “You don't want to hear this. You have so much on your mind already.”

“Nah, I actually do. You're my friend. Share.” Vanora tucked a hand under her head, focusing on her friend.

“Well, I tried to calm him down, but he got into my personal space and started screaming. So I fired him and had him escorted out of the store. The district manager came by in the evening to talk to me about it. We're going to have extra security for the next few weeks just to make sure he doesn't come back.”