Blood and Love : Chapter 19

In my lust, I had forgotten to lock it. One look at us and rage, shock scarred his face. He walked to the bed and pulled Alex away from me and onto the floor. I growled in anger and pushed him away. I went to help Alex and turned around to face the even shocked, disheveled and angry old man. My father’s aura and power had diminished with my act of defiance.

“What the hell is happening here? In my house, under the very roof of your lineage, you are defiling the family name and honor with this most unnatural, desecrating act of -”

“That’s enough!” I interrupted. “I’ve had enough of your worthless rants for honor and the pretence that enthralls every little happiness of my life. I defy every protocol, every belief, and every pretence of hollow honor that you talk about. I couldn’t do anything in Arthur’s case.”

At this moment Evan walked in and stood shocked on witnessing the scene. Alex took my hand and I continued.

“I love Alex. And whoever comes in between us. I swear to God, I’ll destroy him.”

My father looked at me in rage and opened his mouth to speak when a chilling scream of a woman filled the room. It had echoed throughout the mansion, having emanated from the hall. We rushed towards the scene. The guests were huddled at one side while the leading family heads and sons were looking upon something.

“What is the scream about? What happened?”

Rochester and Gellar cleared the way and our eyes met the most horrifying of sights. There lay on stretchers, four almost mangled blood-drained bodies of humans. My father froze and looked at the others with an incredulous and puzzled look. I turned to look at Alex. His face was impassive and showed no sign of emotion. He simply looked ahead at the remains.

“The police just walked in. One of the carnival processions in the east of town, towards the woods was attacked. This is a small example of the bloodshed that has happened there. No one knows what or who attacked. No witnesses or survivors. It looks like a savage animal attack.” Rochester spoke.

“We shall intensify the search. Look again. Any witness or survivors who saw what happened.” Ms. Bronte spoke to the officers.

“This is most unfortunate. I think we all should meet and discuss what security measures are needed.” Oakwood suggested.

“As well as get a high alert in town and ask people to stay safe and indoors. At least till the time the attack has been seen into.” Keats added.

“Yes. That would be best.” My father said and turned to the others. “The celebrations have to be ended. This is a matter of great chaos and obloquy. It has to be dealt with. The men of the families are requested to stay. We need to figure out what has happened and how should it be dealt with. Good night the rest.”

All dispersed except the men from the families of the town. The hall was arranged for a conference and chairs were set up according to hierarchies for people to sit. The hall was buzzing with whispers. Everyone present was speculating about the incident that had happened. Finally, my father got up and silence followed.

“We have a major issue at hand. Mutilated bodies of our kin have been found and there is no idea whatsoever of who is responsible for this horrendous crime. What do the police have to say about it? Sherriff Bronte?”

Mr. Bronte cleared his throat and spoke. “The mishap tonight has not been the first in town.” A collective gasp and rising whispers followed but were immediately silenced by my father’s look. Bronte continued, “There have been individual deaths in the past one month and we have been attributing them to that of animal attacks. But, an event of such magnitude has dismissed our conviction and we are forced to believe the hand of a more lethal agency.”

“Why was this hushed up?” A man spoke and others agreed.

“It wasn’t hushed. The event did not seem significant enough to raise panic and disturb the town’s peace.” Bronte answered in defense.

“What has happened is done. We need to make plans to deal with this threat.” Oakwood added.

“The citizens will work with the police and organize themselves into groups to patrol the streets and ensure the town’s security at nights. The council will have a meeting after this. The gathering is now dismissed.” My father announced.

As the people exited to perform their respective duties, the members of the council set forth to their meeting. Evan, Alex and I decided to leave, considering we were not the members of the order. However, father stopped me. He said that it was time for me to be a part of the council. I looked at Alex who showed signs of wanting to stay but I pressed his hand slightly and gave him a meaningful look. He left with Evan.

For the next hour the council debated over the possible causes of the event. The policies of governance and the collateral damage were discussed for the search of alternatives. It was at the moment when the council decided to end the meeting that our butler walked in and announced a visitor. The visitor had refused to send his name but had emphasized that the council was in dire need of his help regarding the happening casualties. He was allowed entry amidst whispers of curiosity and speculation. The stranger was dressed in black.

A huge black overcoat covered his attire which showed a sturdy frame. His face was half-hidden by a hat. His almost white chin, blood red lips and slightly sharp canines were noticeable when he spoke. His presence had brought sheer silence and a certain chill in the room. His aura was intimidating and slightly hypnotizing. He spoke in a low but clear cold voice.

“My details are not important. And I do not have much time at hand. I have come to inform you of the dire danger that surrounds this town. Death and destruction is on its way. It will be a massacre you have never seen before. Every night will bring death. In the darkness lurk the shadows of the horrifying nightmares.”

“What do you mean?” My father spoke. Everyone present was looking intently at the stranger.

“Ever heard about the creatures of the night, the drinkers of blood, Mr. Damien?”

My father stood up angrily as everyone else. “What rubbish do you talk about? There is no such thing. Mere foolery! Fables!”

“Bodies ripped limb to limb, bloodless, and you call it the work of beasts? Perhaps, you’d like a demonstration.” With that he suddenly moved, grabbed a man from the other end of the table and buried his face in his neck. There was a splash of blood while the man screamed in agony. All watched in horror, transfixed. The man crumpled in a heap on the floor. The stranger removed his hat. Red eyes with black slits, protruding canines and blood dripping from his lips, shining against the alabaster skin.

“Don’t worry about that. He was a spy. Appointed by the Noctimonstra to report your moves.” The stranger answered casually as he wiped his face with a handkerchief.

In the next fifteen minutes the stranger informed us of the events happening around us. Apparently, there were two clans of vampires: the sun-walking Sanguinatus and the night-creatures Noctimonstra. The feud between the clans had been centuries old but now the Nocti had involved the humans in it. One of the witches of the ancient order had prophesized that in one of the bloodlines of the town would be born those that shall either end the Nocti or provide it unimaginable power. Hence, the Nocti were determined to destroy the town and capture the family. But, that couldn’t be allowed by the Sanguinatus. If the bloodline fell into the hands of the Nocti, the Sanguinatus would be doomed. It was a political pandemonium for them.

We listened, rapt in attention, horror and incredulity. My father stepped forth.

“We will work with you.”

***

“What happened at the meeting? You have to tell me everything. You don’t look well.” Alex spoke earnestly as I entered the room. Evan came forward too. I looked into Alex’s eyes and saw frenzy. He really cared about me. My heart filled with warmth at the thought.

Over the next ten minutes I informed them of the vampire Oblonsky’s arrival and the information he had related.

“But, did he tell us which family is threatened?” Alex asked.

“Yes, he did. He says the Oracle has told them that the Gellar bloodline is the one. The Nocti are not aware yet. The Sanguinatus’ witches have performed charms that have prevented Nocti from deducing the identity of the bloodline. But, promise me Alex, you can’t tell this to anyone. This information is shared only by the top order of the Council.”

“I love you, Daniel. Why would I possibly betray you?”

I looked into his deep emerald green eyes and saw sincerity there. I kissed his softly. The time ahead was sure to test our love.

*** 1885, 20th January.

It is over. My life, my dreams, and my love, my family: it is all over. Alex is gone. And I… I am no longer who I was. Evan is lying next to me. He’s dead. But, he’ll wake up. I know he will. And then he’ll be like me.

The Nocti attacked in full swing last night. The Sanguinatus were there to help us. The battle raged at midnight. But the beings were ferocious monsters. So much bloodshed, so many lives lost. Battle was fought everywhere. Troupes of men with guns and stakes accompanied with Sanguinatus stationed themselves at different location of the town, to battle. The Gellars were hidden in the cellar at our mansion. A number of Sanguinatus supporters and the men of the Council were guarding them.

The attack was vicious and sudden. We were betrayed by someone. They knew that the Gellers were the bloodline they sought. I saw my father ripped limb to limb by a monster. I screamed and buried the stake in him. Every single man around me was dying. But the Sanguinatus were powerful. Victory seemed to be coming. Dawn was nearing. Sun break was to happen any moment. I ran to check on Evan and Alex. The room was in a huge mess. And there was blood splattered on the walls. Horrified I rushed out of the door that led into the woods.

As I approached a grove, I saw Alex fallen on the ground. A Noctimonstra was pinned to the tree by a stake through his arm while a Sanguinatus grabbed Alex and buried his teeth into his neck. I screamed in horror and anger, and rushed at him with my axe. The vampire released Alex who fell to the ground and lay still. He grabbed me and bit me in the neck. As he began sucking blood, I felt life draining out of me. But, suddenly, a stake surfaced from his chest. Evan had rescued me.

But he staggered, swayed and fell to the ground. I saw blood gushing out of his throat too. The Nocti got rid of the stake that pinned him to the tree and moved towards Alex. I saw him bend and look at Alex’s dead body.

That was the last I saw before the world faded out… forever.

*** Aaron’s Story VIII
******************

I finished reading and kept the journal aside. The mist shifted a little. It was a cold, gloomy day, much like my mood after I had finished reading Daniel’s journal. I finally knew his life’s story. I saw how much he had been hurt. The pain he had felt when he had lost Alex. No wonder he was so unwilling to commit to our relationship, any relationship.

I looked up from my spot under the tree and saw Daniel smiling sadly, sitting under the huge oak opposite to me. I got up and walked slowly towards him. The twigs and dried leaves crushed and broke under my feet as I headed towards him. Apart from the chirping of a few birds and the occasional wind that swayed the mist, everything was silent in the woods. This was the spot where he had lost Alex, his love, his humanity… his life. As I reached near him, he let out his left hand for mine. I gave him my right hand and he pulled me close to him. I sat between his legs, resting on his chest. His strong arms surrounded me in a tight embrace and I softly kissed the nape of his neck.

“So, how did you find my love story?” He asked with a slight smile.

“I never thought you could be so romantic.” I answered with a wink.

A wide grin appeared on his handsome face.

“You still don’t know a lot about me.”

“And what could that be? I thought I pretty much saw everything last night.” I winked and laughed.

“One hell of a smart ass, aren’t you?” He retorted before tickling my sides.

I giggled and tried to get away from him. But, he grabbed my arms and pushed me toward himself. I crashed into his chest and he wrapped his left arm around my waist while tickling me with the right hand. Our combined laughter echoed throughout the woods.

“Ok! Stop. Come on, stop!” I insisted out of breath with laughter.

He stopped and looked at me with an affectionate smile.

“You know why you’re so special for me?”

“Cuz’ I’m super hot and you can’t get a better guy.” I joked.

He laughed. “That and the fact that you make me feel. All these years, I never felt anything. After Alex I just couldn’t feel for anyone, anything. But when you came, I don’t know. Everything just changed. Even in the frequent arguments with you, there was this passion, this feeling of being alive. Yeah, that’s it. You make me feel alive.”

I leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

“You really need to stop complimenting me so much. It’d be bad for you if I became a snob due to all that praise.” I added to the kiss.

“Excuse me? If you became a snob? Really now? So, you are saying that you’re not a snob?” He replied sarcastically.

I narrowed my eyes. “You know dude, that attitude won’t get you any from me.”

“Really?” He questioned wickedly and pulled me closer. He breathed on the nape of my neck. A strong tingling sensation ran through my body. I felt my member stirring. His hand moved from my shoulders, travelling the length of my body and coming towards my waist. I shifted in his embrace and my hand travelled to unzip his jacket. I slipped my hand under his shirt and caressed his chest.

The feeling of the strong pecks with a little hair on the chest made me crave for more. My member was throbbing and leaking now. He pulled me for a kiss and his tongue began to ravish my mouth. I caressed his chest with my right and grabbed his member through his jeans with my left. I felt him grunting as he kissed me with increased intensity. He pulled me closer as if he wanted every part of me. The feeling of being desired so much filled me with great ecstasy.

But the moment of bliss and love was not to last. Daniel suddenly pulled away.

“Someone’s coming.” He said with alertness. It was amazing how he could get out of the making out so soon. My brain was still fuzzy with all the testosterone.

We got up and I turned to look in the direction Dan was looking. Within a minute I heaved a sigh of relief. It was Evan with Sean.

“It’s you guys! Dan here freaked me out.” I said jovially.

“What’s wrong?” Dan said and then I noticed the tense looks on their faces.

“You guys are together now?” Sean looked at us holding hands.

“Yeah!” I smiled and Dan put his hand around my waist.

Sean and Evan exchanged crestfallen looks.

“Okay! Seriously, what is wrong?” Dan questioned noticing them.

“Daniel…”

I looked around. Evan had opened his mouth to speak but it wasn’t his voice. Sean stood frozen. I turned to look at Dan. His face registered nothing but shock. He was numb and pale. I followed his gaze and saw a young blond guy step forward. He looked pale and slightly weak. He walked towards us. He stopped a foot away from us. Dan was staring at him incessantly. His hand fell from my waist and he staggered. I started to realize, the description I’d just read… the innocent face, the blonde guy, and the emerald green eyes. No! It couldn’t be. This wasn’t him. How could it be? But my fears were realized. I had nothing left to say when I heard my lover’s voice.

“Alex…!”