Gabrielle sat on the couch next to Kristian. His sun glasses were in his left hand, while his right arm was around her shoulders. “I was very worried you wouldn’t make it.” He said, then gently kissed her lips.
  She began to play with her dark red hair. “I didn’t think I would, but Kailin just didn’t give up on me.” She looked over at the TV that was off, and then back at him. “She has never given up on me, so I shouldn’t be surprised.”
  “Kailin was a loyal friend, I agree.”
  Gabrielle looked worried, “I feel horrible though.”
  “Why’s that?”
  “Because she killed so much that week to keep me alive, and it was completely against her morals. She must look down on herself for doing it. I’ve tried to find out how she is feeling since then, but she has blocked me out of her mind.” She frowned, “It feels as if she is pushing me away.”
  Kristian shook his head, “That is not true, Gabby. She has a lot on her mind now.”
  “Like what?”
  He didn’t believe she had no idea, “Hasn’t she told you about Tzion and Mathias?”
  Gabrielle shook her head, “She hasn’t told me anything, like I said she’s blocked me out.”
  Looking down at his glasses, he took a deep breath. He didn’t know if it was his place to tell Gabrielle what had occurred. “Are you aware of Blood Exchanges?”
  She nodded, “Two vampires exchange blood, it was common practice back when I was in Boston with my pack.”
  “You and the other women partook in them?”
  “Yes, we slept with the human males all day, and it brought us no pleasure. It brings closeness and awareness of each other.” She smiled, “Perhaps one day I will share the experience with you.”
  Kristian looked down a little embarrassed, “Do you know what happens when a fresh and an elder of the same breed exchange blood?”
  “It’s forbidden.”
  “Yes, it is. Do you know why?”
  Slowly, she shook her head.
  “The fresh will retain all of the knowledge of the elder, as well as gain his ability to a small extent. However, after much practice, they could use it as powerfully as the elder.”
  Gabrielle looked at him for a moment, unsure of why he was explaining this to her.
  “Kailin and Tzion exchanged blood…”
  “What?” She stood up quickly and looked down at him.
  “Calm down, he would never do anything to hurt her. It was only to strengthen her. He has assured me that her aura can handle it, and much more if necessary.”
  “If necessary? He plans on doing it again?” She snapped.
  “No, there aren’t any plans for it.” He patted the sit next to him, “Sit down, all is well. I just believe she is a little more withdrawn because it’s a characteristic trait of Tzion.”
  She took her seat.
  “Kailin should be back to her old self once her aura can control the added burden.”
  “I wasn’t affected in that way, and I fed from his blood.”
  He put his glasses back on and smiled. “You didn’t fed on nearly as much as she did, besides that you aren’t a Hallowed. Your physical form isn’t able to control an Elder’s Hallowed ability, but I am sure you have retained some of his knowledge.”
  “Yes, but it fades more everyday.” She had her elbows on her knees, and was leaning forward.
  Kristian placed his hand on the small of her back and rubbed gently over the soft fabric of her shirt.
  Both of their eyes turned to the door, as they heard footsteps down the hall.
  “Kailin is home.” Gabrielle said, and the door opened to reveal Kailin’s form. “Hi, I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
  Kailin’s eyes went immediately to Kristian, “Get out!” She snapped, and then headed for her bedroom door.
  “He is my guest, I invited him over.” Gabrielle stood up when Kristian did.
  Kailin said nothing, just entered her room.
  Walking over to her door, Gabrielle knocked gently. “What are you doing?”
  “Getting dressed.” She said.
  “Are you going somewhere? Can we come?”
  “If we is Kristian then no.” Kailin snapped.
  Gabrielle looked over to Kristian, he had sat back down on the couch. “Cranky.”
  The door opened, and Gabrielle shut her eyes for a moment to block out the sight of the crosses. When she heard the door shut, she opened them again. Kailin was wearing a dark gray dress that stopped above her knees with spaghetti straps. She also put on black knee high boots, and a black jacket with an artificial fur collar.
  “You look nice, where are you going?”
  “Moonlight Club.” Kailin answered, and looked back over at Kristian, “Never enter my home again. Else, I might be pushed to remove you from this earth.”
  Kristian looked at her with surprise.
  “Tell your lord that I will not be joining him at the convention, and that he needs to remain out of my life!” She exclaimed, and headed towards the front door.
  “Tzion isn’t trying to hurt you, don’t believe what Mathias has to say.” Kristian answered.
  “I am not interested in what either elder has to say. I want them both out of my life forever.” Opening the door, she stepped out and disappeared into the hall.
  Gabrielle shut the door that she had left open and looked at Kristian, “You say that’ll pass, right?”
  Kristian laughed.
  “I didn’t know that she was going to go to the convention.”
  He nodded, “Yes, I was meaning to invite you to that. Tzion wanted me to be your escort while he took the company of your friend.”
  “Tzion wanted you to?”
  “Well, I want to now.”
  Gabrielle folded her arms and leaned against the door, “Why would Tzion want anything to do with Kailin?”
  Kristian turned around so that he could see her better, and then folded his hands into his lap. “Kailin is an interesting vampire, though you may not know it yourself. We have been studying her since she was born. For a vampire so young, she has done things that not even an elder has accomplished.”
  “Studying her? Since she was born?”
  He nodded, “It was known long ago that she would create the Mephis, we just didn’t know where and when. It is important to know everything about her. There are many vampires we need to know much about, which is why there are files on each.”
  “Each vampire or each important vampire?”
  Kristian grinned, “Every vampire that the scribes come across, which would be a vast majority yes. They are stored in Italy.”
  “Scribes?”
  “They travel the world wide collecting information about vampires they meet. Tzion isn’t a scribe, but he is personally assigned to Kailin’s file. He has been since she was an infant, and when you came into her life, he began your file as well.”
  Gabrielle looked at him like she didn’t believe him, “That’s ridiculous. You are full of it.”
  He shook his head, “I swear that what I have said is true. I have seen both your and Kailin’s files, when I have been working with Tzion.”
  “Why would these files be needed?”
  Kristian stood up, “That I can not tell you.”
  “Why?”
  “Because for the greater part, I do not know. And what I do know I am prohibited from telling.”
  She stared at him for a moment, “What do the files say?”
  “Gabrielle Éléonore D'Aubigne born 1765 in Versailles, France. Turned to a Pyrrhonian in 1789 the year the French Revolution began, and the thirteenth year of Caitlyn Lyndale’s life. Master is unknown…”
  “Basically my entire life story then?”
  He nodded, “Basically.”
  “Well, my life revolving around Kailin, anyway.”
  “What could be taken from your mind was, such as your birth date, your parents’ names, and your original name. I am curious as to why you pushed Kailin to change her name, but never changed your own.”
  She folded her arms, “It’s not as common of a practice among Pyrrhonians as it is with your kind. We don’t feel we have come into a new life, rather extended the first.” She remained silent for a moment, “So, now this all makes sense. You hovering around me every moment, and Kailin acting out against you. Your master is just trying to use us for whatever sick plot he has in mind. Going to make us kill the Mephis, huh?”
  He shook his head, “No, he only wants to help Kailin. Make her better and stronger so that she can better protect…”
  “Kailin was right. Get the hell out and stay out!”
  “Gabby, I don’t understand where this hostility is coming from. I merely stated that your file was on record.”
  She shook her head, “It is and always will be about Kailin, she is the center of attention. Does the file tell you that because of her dragging her damn infected sister here, that my entire pack was killed? Does it tell you that I held my best friend while she died a slow miserable death in my arms? Kailin brought it upon us, and she is the reason that we no longer have peace.”
  “She is your friend, she would do anything for you. Don’t speak harshly of her like that. The creation of the Mephis was foreseen long before you or she were born, you can’t…”
  “I said get out, you fucking cross bearer! Get the hell out of my apartment and don’t you ever return!” She threw open the door and pointed to the hall with her index finger.
  He walked over to the door and looked back, “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded, if you would just let me explain.”
  “No explanations is needed, I am much smarter then you think. All you Halloweds always looking down on other species, you make me sick!” She pushed him, and he stepped back into the hall. Once she was sure he was out enough, she slammed the door.
  Staring at the closed door, she felt herself begin to tear up. Gabrielle had always blamed Kailin for what had occurred in Boston, but there was nothing she could of done. Kailin had killed her own sister, thinking that it would cleanse the world of them. But once Leila was dead, the Mephis wanted to take revenge. The only intelligent Mephis that Leila had left behind was thought to be destroyed. He came to destroy his mistress’ murderer, but found that it was truly Kailin who was his creator.
  Samuel died helping to protect them, and if it hadn’t been for Kailin then she would of never made it out either. Yet, if Kailin had never come she would still be with her sisters. It was too late for such thoughts, as Kailin had done nothing but protect her as the years past. She was her pack mate now, and would always remain as such. They may not of gotten along, but she loved her more then she could ever say. But sometimes, she didn’t know whether she hated her for the past more or loved her for now.
  But one thing was for sure, Kailin was the one constant in her life. The one person who would never leave or betray her. They had become sisters, replacing each other’s losses. While others came and went, there was always Kailin. While others brought pain, Kailin brought safety. And while others plotted against them, Kailin would pull out against their odds.
  She believed in her Hallowed friend, and had long ago stopped viewing her as a different species. She could be cold and distant, but on the inside she was just like Gabrielle. They both had lost, both had loved, both had suffered, but more importantly they both needed each other. Gabrielle followed her lead, and that was what had kept her in this world for so long.

  Kailin wrapped her coat around her as she walked past the red rope barrier. The line into the club was stretched around and into the back with good reason. The bar was a beautiful place, it had a glass roof so that one could see the stars and the moon. Drinks were made by some of the best professionals in the business. There were two sections one for the more socialite people for talking and drinking, and the other section for dancing to loud music.
  She walked past the crowd hearing several people yell at her to get in line. The loud beat within the building echoed through her ears. Matthew, the door guard, stood at the end. Dark almond hair and eyes with jeans and a tight black shirt that read Moonlight Club. He smiled at she approached, and reached towards the door with his muscle filled arm.
  “Miss Drake, it’s been a while.”
  Kailin smiled, “Indeed it has.” “Hey fuckhead, I’ve been waiting for three hours to get in and she just walks right up? What kind of place is this?” A man in line yelled.
  “The kind you ain’t getting into, get the hell out of line!” Matthew yelled as he shut the door when Kailin stepped in.
  Steven, a man who could have been Matthew’s twin, stood at the end of the long hallway. He smiled when he saw her approach, “Hey, how’s it going?”
  “Fine, how are you?” She asked, and then reached into her purse for her wallet.
  “Great, been a while since you showed up. We were just talking the other day about you.” He laughed.
  Pulling out a fifty dollar bill, she offered it to him. “I’ve been busy.”
  Steven took it and put it into a metal case, “To busy for us?” He inked up a stamp.
  “Is that necessary?” She asked, she hated when they stamped her.
  Holding out his hand, he nodded. “Afraid so, if someone inside doesn’t see it on you then you could be thrown out.”
  “Who wouldn’t know who I am?”
  “Come on, it’s only a little ink.”
  Kailin sighed and put her hand into Steven’s, he pressed the stamp of a half moon that read Moonlight club where the other half was missing onto her hand. He kept a hold of her hand and helped walk her around the table, and opened the door that lead to the main dance room for her.
  “Have fun, Miss Drake.”
  “I always do.” She smiled, as he shut the door.
  Making her way over to the bar, she sat down on a stool. She didn’t recognize the bartender as he came to stand in front of her. “What do you want?”
  “Just water please.”
  He stared at her for a moment, “You have to be drinking alcohol to sit at the bar.”
  Kailin cocked her head at him, “I’ve never had a problem with it before.”
  “That’s the rules, lady.” He said.
  She looked him over, blonde hair spiked up and built like the guards outside. “I always sit at the bar, now please get my water.”
  “Not tonight you get a drink or sit at a table.”
  “Fine then make me a martini.” She snapped.
  He turned around and made her one quickly and placed it in front of her. Policy was to watch them take their first drink to make sure it tasted alright.
  Kailin scooped the drink up and poured it in the sink behind the bar. “That was delicious.”
  He frowned, “Whatever, lady, you still have to pay for it.”
  “Kailin.” Another bartender walked next to the blonde man.
  “Hello, Chris.” She smiled.
  “Water?” Chris asked, he looked just like Matthew and Steven, but unlike Steven he was related to Matthew.
  “Yes, thank you.” She said again with a smile.
  Chris looked over to the blonde bartender, “It’s alright, Alex, we make an exception for Kailin.”
  He rolled his eyes and walked away, as Chris got her a glass of water. He placed the clear glass in front of her full of ice and the clear liquid, and smiled. She returned the gesture and he walked away.
  Leaving the glass on the counter, she turned to examine the room. It was dark in here, except for the blue lights that somehow seemed to make it better for the human vision. Kailin could see just fine, as she began checking for her next victim.
  “Hello, haven’t see you here before?” The male voice said, and Kailin turned to look at the tall Italian man.
  “Probably because you haven’t looked.” She said, and turned back to the crowd.
  When her eyes fell on two women dancing together, she realized that her victim had come to her. She heard him drop something into her water, as he leaned against the bar between her and an empty stool. Her attention went back to him, and began to check his mind. A rapist, how lovely, and all too common in this city.
  “I take it you come here a lot?” He said.
  Turning around, Kailin’s hand accidentally bumped her water and it spilt onto the counter and behind the bar. “Oops.” She tried to sound innocent, even though she had done it on purpose. “Thought it was further back.”
  He laughed, acting as if it didn’t bother him. “What was that? I’ll buy you another.”
  “It was just water.” She waved Chris over, and he laughed when he saw the mess.
  “Cool, collected Kailin spills her drink. This is going to make headlines tomorrow, you know?” Chris teased as he cleaned it up, and then gave her another glass.
  She took the drink in her hand and smiled at the man beside her, as Chris walked away.
  “Kailin, huh? Pretty name.” He said and took a seat on the stool, “My name is Jess.”
  She wanted his attention to be on someone else, normally they would give up and find another target. If she could watch him and then follow him out, then all would be well. She couldn’t afford to have his attention on her, and yet she couldn’t have him scared away either. He had to feel safe to continue his search within the club.
  Kailin was about to turn to the man and tell him nicely she wasn’t interested, when a scream came from the crowd and the sound of breaking glass. Mephis entered through the skylight, and a rain of glass sprinkled down. She shot up as they began to attack several of the humans inside. Looking over to the entrance, she saw a Mephis holding the door shut with one hand. Steven tried to get in, but failed against the strength of the creature.
  One took notice at her and ran towards her, ready to attack. Kailin spun around, and when he ran past her, she grabbed his neck and broke it. She heard a Mephis speaking to the others, most of the younger Mephis couldn’t speak. Only she and another Mephis could understand their strange, fluid filled language. He had told them to attack and kill her.
  The room filled with people screaming, and blood covered the dance floor as Kailin turned to face the group of two. Some people began to hide under the tables, and others went for windows, but failed when a Mephis caught them.
  One began to charge her, a Mephis healing rate was extremely slow, though faster then a humans, she could injure them to slow them down. Next to her was a bar stool, which she grabbed and thrust through the mid-section of the on coming Mephis. The second was far luckier, and shoved her up against the bar. The pain of the bar pushing into her spine made her whimper, as he continued to push. Then in one solid motion he bit firmly into her neck.
  He didn’t drink her blood or continue to chew at her flesh, instead he stepped backwards. His gray skin blue by the light, his dark large eyes vacant. She looked at the hunched over creature, as she grabbed the wound on her neck, feeling the teeth marks over Tzion’s. He began to gag and cough, falling to the ground on his back. He flayed wildly with his hands and legs, and then began to bloat. Unable to kick anymore, he became nothing but a large fluid filled creature. Blood, mucus, and flesh flew everywhere landing on Kailin and anyone unlucky enough to be close by.
  She realized that all the screaming had stopped, and looked up at the Mephis left in the room. They had the humans tucked away under tables or in their arms, and in the center of the bloody dance floor was a familiar face. Though it was scarred and slightly burned still, she could see him clearly past the wounds.
  “Kailin, it has been such a long time.” He said, he didn’t look like the Mephis. Instead he looked very human still, expect for his long fangs.
  She said nothing just stared at him.
  “Please, don’t tell me you don’t remember me. After all that we have been through together.” He waited for her to respond, but she didn’t. “Mother, you know your own son, do you not.”
  “I remember you, Anthony, but I am shocked that you still live.” It was her sister’s first turn, and the very man she thought she killed within the walls of the whore house. She watched it burn with Samuel’s and Anthony’s bodies inside.
  “You gave it a good go, however I am afraid you didn’t quite finish me the way you had thought. I am much stronger then these drones.“ He kicked the arm of the exploded Mephis as he walked closer to her. “I found my head,” He pointed to the scars on his neck, “and I found the body of your abandon friend. He was still alive, Kailin. You left him to burn.” He stopped three feet from her, and smiled.
  His face carried scars and burns, it had taken him quite some time to recover from what she had done. He wore dark pants and shirt with a long black overcoat, and a devilish grin.
  “Samuel is dead, I watched him die.”
  He shook his head, “Samuel lives with me now, as a Mephis. I changed him.”
  “That’s not possible, I bit first. You can’t turn a Hallowed into a Mephis.”
  Anthony smiled wider, showing his teeth, “Apparently there is a small window which I found, it did turn him. If you don’t believe me, then you can come and see for yourself, mother.”
  She swallowed, “How could you?”
  “What turn him into me? Don’t worry I didn’t make him a disgusting drone, he is of a higher thought.” It was silent for a moment as he stared at her, “You look so much like Leila, I miss her so.”
  “I’m sure you do.” She said sarcastically.
  “You do not believe that I truly loved her?”
  “When you were human, but as a Mephis you love only to feed.”
  His smiled faded away, “Perhaps, you are right.” He looked down at the blood soaked ground, and then took a step closer to her. Placing his hand on her cheek, she could smell his rotting flesh, still healing from a battle two hundred years ago. “Mother, guide us. Show us the way to glory.”
  “What the hell are you talking about?” She pushed his hand away.
  “You can lead us to be more, show us how to conquer and destroy.”
  She looked into his deep brown eyes, a man who was once a soft spoken hermit. He lived in the nearby woods and only came into town to buy the essentials. Anthony would make medicines from herbs he found around the forest, and sell them for a fair price in town. What had he become? A man who wanted nothing more to be left alone and to help people. His eyes weren’t the same as they had once been, she knew them from the battle in Boston. These weren’t his eyes anymore, they belonged to a demon now. A creature that only enjoyed death.
  Opening her mouth, she was about to answer, when the door flew open from the entrance hall. Kailin turned her head to see Tzion enter with several peons, human and vampire. Turning her head, Anthony was gone, and so were the several Mephis who had been standing around the club.
  The traces of fear vanished from the human faces, and everyone stood up and began to make a single line. They walked towards the door, and out onto the sidewalk.
  “Are you doing this?” Kailin asked looking at the vacant human faces as they walked past.
  “No, but there are some with such strong minds to accomplish such a feat.” Tzion told her. “So, you’ve met Anthony, now.”
  She nodded, “I need to know what is going on. Why has he asked me to lead them?”
  “Come to my home tomorrow night around eight, I will explain everything to you then. Nothing will be hidden from you ever again. It was a mistake not to tell you from the very beginning.”
  “Mathias warned me not to go to your house again.” She told him as he turned his back on her.
  “You have been speaking to Mathias, have you?” he asked, turning back around. “Don’t trust that one, Kailin. He only wishes you harm, and can not stand to see you succeed. He is insane and believes that if you are destroyed that the Mephis will die as well. He doesn’t know that they will only destroy us for your death.” He snorted, “He believes that he is Eva’s chosen one, and that by watching you, he can stop you from becoming the Mephis’ leader.”
  Throwing up his hands, he looked around, “Where is he now, Kailin? You were attacked by Anthony and he allowed them to harm you.” He turned back to her, “He wants you to die, and doesn’t want me to help make you stronger. I know that you must be in order to survive to your one thousandth year. Be warned, Kailin, he wishes you death.”
  She nodded, and headed towards the door.
  “Be careful on your way home, Anthony may still be lurking.” She heard him say as she stepped into the hall, and then the words entered her mind. “Or worse, Mathias may be.”

  Atop of the building across the street, stood a woman in a black dress that fell around her feet. Her long black hair flew in the wind, as she carefully watched the humans stepping out of the club. She reprogrammed their memories carefully for the interview, knowing the human police would arrive soon. Tzion had taken a small clean up crew into the club to clean up any signs of murder, while she was left to the task of keeping the humans from running in fear.
  Even those who weren’t inside, and had only been waiting to get in had the vacant stares upon their faces. Everyone needed the memory erased. Humans were such frantic children, and the mere memory of a Mephis would send them into a fearful state for the rest of their lives. After a few moments, she felt the large form come to stand next to her, as Kailin left the club and headed down the side walk.
  “Do not follow her, Mathias.” She told him.
  “She may be hurt or confused, I need to make sure…”
  She took her eyes off the humans for a moment to look at him. Her dark brown eyes stared at his curious face. Placing her milk white hand on his bicep, he looked over at her. “If she was in need, Tzion would of seen fit to keep her near. It’s not your job to care for her in such a manner. You are to watch and not interfere remember?”
  “You know nothing, Akela. Tzion is the prophet, he is the one who isn’t meant to interfere. I am meant to protect her…”
  She snorted, “Don’t try to sell me your lies, child. I know full well what your intentions are, your mind is after all open to me.”
  He looked at the Elder beside him. Akela was Tzion’s favored vampire, she wasn’t his peon, but they had known each other for thousands of years. Her mind was so strong, she could break through almost any mental block. It was also the reason that so little was known about her, all anyone knew was that she was Egyptian and a queen. Her pale white skin made him question her Egyptian heritage, but it had been said in a moment of weakness, the information was stolen from her mind. She didn’t talk about her life before becoming a vampire, and even then some of her earlier fresh years were not revealed.
  Her slim face and body along with several other Egyptian features, did make it seem plausible. However, most couldn’t get over that her skin was whiter then any other being. She had become so white long ago, that she stopped looking human, and wasn’t able to be seen in public. Akela had been that way long before Mathias was ever turned, and Tzion had never mentioned her being any other way.
  Mathias looked back at his group, who had been waiting to enter the club and help Kailin. The Mephis were too much, and he knew that she could hold them off long enough for him to get back up. He hated having to ask for it from Tzion, but it was the only way. When they returned they felt the presence of Anthony, it was his worst fear. Anthony getting his hands on her. Mathias would kill Kailin before he would allow her to rule over those creatures.
  “I’m going.” He said to Akela and then turned to his group.
  “Mathias, I will warn you only once, do not approach her again.” Akela’s dark, pleasing voice said.
  “I am going to follow her home with the others to make sure she gets home safely.” He said.
  She nodded, “Don’t approach her, I know you are thinking about it.”
  Mathias walked over to Khaldun, who stood in front of Lycorisa and Jareth. They stood up as he drew near. “Lets follow her home, and make sure she gets there alright. We don’t know if Anthony is still in the area or not.”
  They all nodded, and headed over to the next rooftop.

  The sirens screamed as they drove down the road, it was a possible live Bloody Hands attack. Jerry drove behind six other police cars, and Lucas sat in the passenger seat. Someone had phoned in the attack, while it was occurring. The terrifying screams echoing in behind the man’s voice, who identified himself as Chris the bartender. Lucas had heard him cry out something about them attacking her, before the line went dead.
  As they drew closer, he looked across the street to a familiar form. Kailin was rushing down the sidewalk, seeming to be distressed. Blood smears covered her face, and the bare parts of her chest that revealed under her coat.
  “Stop.” Lucas said and pointed at her across the street.
  Jerry did as he was told, and parked the car against the sidewalk. He picked up the radio to tell them they were checking on a distressed female.
  “Kailin!” Lucas screamed across the street, and she stopped for a moment then continued forward.
  Crossing the street, he ran up to her and grabbed her arm. “Kailin, are you alright?”
  “I am fine, leave me alone.” She snapped, and ripped her arm from his grasp.
  He was a little surprised at her strength, as he had been holding on fairly tight.
  Jerry appeared behind him, “What’s the blood from?”
  “What blood?”
  “The blood all over your face and chest.” Jerry pointed with his index finger.
  Kailin looked down at her chest and touched her face. For once in Kailin’s life, she had no lie and no way of getting out of this. “I don’t know.” They were the only words she could fathom at that moment.
  “Somehow, I think you do know.” Jerry said in an intimidating voice.
  She looked at the police car as it flew by them.
  “Kailin, if you were at that club then you are a witness. It’s against the law to leave the scene of a crime.” Lucas told her, his voice full of sympathy. “I know you are scared, but we need your help in finding justice.”
  “You don’t know what you are talking about.” She snapped, and started down the sidewalk.
  “Kailin, what happened?” Lucas grabbed her arm again.
  “I don’t know, I was sitting at the bar.” She swallowed, “I heard people start screaming, and then glass breaking. When I looked I was sprayed with blood, then I hid behind the bar. I didn’t see anything after that.” Sometimes, it was better just to go along with the humans’ games.
  He nodded, “Come on, we will give you a ride back to the club and then you can make a official statement.”
  “I have blood all over me.” She wiped her face again.
  Jerry pulled a tissue from his pocket and handed it to her. She took it with a thank you grin, and began to wipe her face and chest down.
  “You didn’t see anyone at all?” Jerry asked after a few moments.
  “No. I turned around and was sprayed with blood. I figured that was reason enough to hide.”
  “Are you sure?” He asked.
  Lucas responded for her, “She’s scared, Jerry, leave her be.”
  Jerry brought his mouth down to Lucas’ ear and whispered. “Maybe, you shouldn’t be talking to her about this.”
  Kailin could hear him clearly, but pretended to wait by looking around. In her hand was the blood covered tissue, after a moment she shoved it into her pocket.
  “Kailin.” A dark voice spoke.
  Both Jerry and Lucas looked up at the dark man behind her, and Kailin turned to face him.
  “We were so rudely interrupted.” Anthony said and stepped forward.
  “Leave me be, Anthony. I have no desire to speak with you.” Kailin told him with disgust in her voice.
  He smiled showing his fangs, “Come now, we are both aware that you will someday have to face what you have done.”
  “Who is this?” Jerry questioned.
  Kailin had all but forgotten the humans behind her, she turned her head slightly. “Remain silent.” She ordered them, then turned her eyes back to the Mephis in front of her.
  As soon as her eyes were on Anthony, three Mephis dropped to the ground and hissed behind the two men. Kailin twirled around, and Anthony took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her neck and chest. She cried out as he held her close to him as tightly as possible.
  Both Jerry and Lucas turned to the strange gray creatures behind them. They slowly circled the humans, preparing to attack them.
  Anthony’s hand ran up to Kailin’s forehead, and his mouth went to her ear. “Have you ever truly seen the beauty of a Mephis eating, Kailin?” His slimy voice asked.
  She tried to pull away, but his grasp was to strong.
  Hearing him laugh, she took a deep breath and looked around. “Never imagined, I would return so strong, did you? Not the pathetic vampire I once was. I’ve spent all my time, watching you, studying you, waiting on you.”
  “Call them off, Anthony!” Kailin screamed, when one of the Mephis tried to claw Lucas. He jumped back almost into another to escape the sharp claws.
  She felt his cold, wet tongue run from her jaw to her upper cheek. “Do you realize how powerful your blood could make me? Just a few drops, and I could walk in the day light, just like Leila.” He whispered into her ear.
  Her hands wrapped around his arm that was holding her chest tightly. “Let the humans go, they have nothing to do with this.”
  “Exactly, that is why they are nothing more then food at the moment.” He chuckled, as the Mephis continued to play with the two police officers.
  “What do you want from me?” Kailin cried, she saw a shadow out of the corner of her eye.
  “I want you to be our queen. To willingly give us your life essence, and to help us control the world. Together, Kailin, we could rule. Forcing the humans to be nothing more then cows to us, and the other vampires would be nothing more then a dream.”
  “I fight for neither side. I allow you to live in peace.”
  “Peace? Peace? You think living in the sewers, feeding on the filth of this world is peace. Do you believe that having to hide from all other vampires is peace? We are at war, we are the enemies of all vampires and humans alike. And you, you are our mother. Will you allow your children to die? Your very creation to be destroyed?”
  Kailin whimpered as his squeeze on her became tighter, “I am not your mother. The Mephis were a mistake, and horrible, cruel trick played upon me.”
  She watched Lucas and Jerry stuck between the three Mephis, they had no idea what these creatures were. They had no way of escaping. Whenever they tried to get past, a fist full of razor sharp claws would reach out to them. Both men held horror within their eyes, and she doubted they were even aware of the conversation being had between Anthony and her. She tried to keep her eyes on them, so that her captor wouldn’t be aware of the movement above the rooftops. It might have been more Mephis, but something told her that it was Mathias.
  “Your blood is but a poison to us if stolen, but a serum if given. Allow me one taste, and your humans may go free.” His hand on her forehead moved to her hair, she could feel his thin fingers weave between her strands of hair. He yanked her head down revealing her neck to him, and ran his teeth over her soft skin.
  “I will not strengthen you, ever!” She snarled. “Mathias! Help me!” She cried out, remembering his words that he was always close enough to hear her. If he didn’t then Tzion was speaking the truth, he did wish her harm.
  Anthony’s head popped up, and she felt both he and her being picked up in the air and tossed into a brick wall. The Mephis around Lucas and Jerry attacked. Khaldun ran over to try and help her out of the Mephis grip. While Mathias went to fight the three Mephis that were chasing the humans. She heard a scream as she struggled in Anthony’s arms.
  His hand covered her mouth, as Khaldun tried to pry them away from her.
  “Fool!” Anthony barked, and then bit into Khaldun’s arm.
  He pulled his arm back, revealing a large chunk missing from his forearm. “Let her go!” Khaldun ordered, and pulled a knife from his belt. He jabbed in through the side of Anthony’s neck, and with a shriek, he let her go.
  Khaldun pulled Kailin off him with one arm, she held onto to his uninjured arm with both hands. Anthony whaled around for several moments, before the knife dropped to the ground.
  His dark eyes looked up at Kailin, as Khaldun shoved her behind him. “Soon, Kailin, you will not be able to deny my wishes.” As he spoke he slowly transformed into the gray drone Mephis, he attached himself to the brick wall and began to climb up.
  Both Khaldun and she watched him disappear over the ledge. Her hands shook on the elder’s arm, she hadn’t been so afraid in such a long time. This was a man of her nightmares, and not even Damon could bring fear into her heart in such a way. Seeing him in the club had frightened her, but his outright attack on her had brought terror into her heart.
  “Are you alright?” Khaldun’s deep voice asked, turning around to face her.
  “I’m fine.” She answered, before he ran past her to help Mathias.
  Kailin turned around to see Jerry laying against the building with Lucas kneeled over him. Khaldun and Mathias behead the last Mephis, and then Jareth jumped down off the building across the street. Lycorisa made her appearance from a shadow.
  Kailin made her way over to Jerry, his stomach held four puncture wounds. One of the Mephis must of tried to push their hand through him. Lucas looked up at her, as his partner breathed heavily trying to hang onto life.
  “You should get him to a hospital.” Kailin told Lucas, kneeling down.
  He nodded, and ran towards the car to radio in for help.
  Standing up, she looked at Mathias and his group. “We should leave.” She said and then jumped up onto the nearest building, and began her journey home.

  Akela stood on the building and stared down as Lucas approached the car. Kailin and the others jumped onto the roof and disappeared into the distance. It didn’t matter that Mathias had disobeyed her at the moment, she would deal with that later. Right now, she had to erase the memories of these humans and replace them with ones more acceptable. She racked her mind as she listened to Lucas frantically speaking into the radio. What could she possibly do with those wounds? It would almost be better if she killed both men, so that they would never be found.
  She finally decided on the story, and was about to install it into their minds, when a soft hand touched hers. Slowly, she turned her head to look at Tzion. His goatee parted telling her that he was smiling, and then he looked back down at the human.
  “Let them be.” He said.
  “But, he knows.” She objected, looking down at Lucas as he ran back to his friend’s side.
  He nodded which she could see out of the corner of her eye, “It is time that he knows. The prophecies are playing out as written, we must make haste to strengthen Kailin.”
  Turning his back to her, he walked into the shadows. Akela stared down at them, watching the ambulance drive up and then men run over to help the dark man. After a few moments, he was on a stretcher and being placed into the vehicle. Lucas walked over to climb inside, but not before he looked up at the building.
  They both made eye contact, but he didn’t seem to question the woman standing there watching him. With one final glance, he climbed inside, and Akela went to ensure that her puppets at the club were performing as told.

  Her finger pressed the button, and she could hear the buzz noise coming from the mansion. Waiting for a moment, there was no question as to who was there, the gates only opened for her entry. Kailin made her way down the paved driveway and to the front door. The same guard from before stood waiting for her, and allowed her entrance. The whole scene felt like deja-vu as she walked down the halls behind the small man.
  He opened the door to Tzion’s bedroom, but Kailin remained in the hall. “Please, seat me in a library, I will not enter his bedroom again.”
  The small man nodded, and walked across the hall and opened the door. It was the library, and when Kailin entered he shut the door behind her.
  Pulling off her cloak, she laid it on the chair beside the door, revealing her jeans, black boots, and light blue shirt. The room was beautiful, the built in bookshelves lined the walls. Everything had a gold framing, even the plants gave off an unearthly elegance. Walking over to the desk in the center, she ran her eyes over some of the paperwork. Nothing that was of too much interest, her eyes fell on the painting behind the desk. It was of her as a young girl, no more then eight years old.
  She stepped around the desk to get a better look, the detail was extraordinary. The white dress she wore was familiar as she stood in front of her old home. In the distance, her five year old sister made her way down the steps. Kailin’s eyes looked over all the painting, everything was as if it had been stolen from her memories. Then the red eyes caught her attention to the right of her house in the distant forest, a pair of red slanted eyes watched her. Yet on the left of her home, a large shadow stood with it’s interest on her as well.
  Her fingers lifted up from her side, and she touched the shadow. “Mathias.” She mumbled.
  “Indeed.” Tzion answered, as he shut the door. “Always watching you, waiting for you to make an error so that he can justify killing you.”
  Kailin turned around to look at him, still wearing black clothing. “What are the red eyes? Why are they watching me?”
  “They are the future, and they are watching Leila, not you.” He walked over to her, placing his hands behind his back, and looked over the painting. “This was my first painting of you, long before you were born.”
  “Before I was born?” She asked, turning to look at it.
  “Would you like something to drink?” He asked, and walked over to the bar.
  Vampires didn’t drink alcohol, it affected them far to seriously. They would loose control in violent ways, and only wish to feed without being stealthy. Tzion poured himself a wine glass full of water, and held it out to her.
  “No, I am fine. You said you were going to tell me what is happening?”
  He nodded, “Anthony has been following you for sometime now.”
  “And what of Samuel?” She asked, sitting at the desk’s chair.
  “It is true, he did survive and has since become a Mephis.”
  Kailin looked at the several nameless books on the table, “How? I bit him first?”
  “There is a very small period of time after someone if formed into a Hallowed, that is a Mephis or Bowery were to bite then yes they could turn. However, the time is extremely short, and Anthony was simply lucky to have discovered it.”
  “I was there when Samuel died, he… it can’t be.”
  Tzion sat in the chair across the desk, “He died because we all die to become an immortal, but you were to young to understand.”
  “Why was I never told of his survival?”
  “Because you would try to search him out, and in turn become one of your own creations.”
  Kailin held her eyes on Tzion for a short moment, then swallowed. “What do you mean?”
  His hand reached across the desk, picking up the tattered old brown book. There was a silver chain wrapped around it, that he removed and placed back on the desk. “This is the Mephis’s bible, written by Anthony at first and then over the years it was added to, by other Mephis and demons as well, who knew of fate and magic.” He slowly thumbed through it, trying to find the correct page.
  “Here it is.” He said and cleared his throat. “Our creator shall come giving her blood to walk in the day, her ability to comprehend higher thoughts, and the secrets of the enemies species. She will sacrifice herself for us then resurrect as anew breed, a better breed, a stronger breed. She shall lead us into battle against the world, and we will be victorious.
  “We will control humans and vampires alike, her hate will grow strong. Be weary, however, for she may become the ultimate enemy. Fate can only play so much of a role in this. Be careful of where you step, fore you might step on her without knowing. Our creator is our destroyer, as it has always been.” He looked up at her, waiting for a response.
  Her eyes met his, “I don’t understand.”
  “Let’s me explain it to you this way then. They are trying to resurrect your sister, and they will succeed, I have foreseen this. The problem is, she isn’t their creator and she won’t be able to accomplish those feats as Anthony hopes she will. He knows you are his true creator, but turning you will be much harder then resurrecting her. However, they will come for you, when they discover she is nothing more then a Mephis who can walk at low sun.”
  “And exactly, what do they want with me?”
  “When you give your blood, they will be come the ultimate vampires, and you will drink the blood of your sister, the purest Mephis blood, and become one of them. When this process is complete, we will not be able to stop them or you. They will destroy the entire world, and be left with nothing but each other to eat.”
  “I have already told Anthony that I would not share my blood with him.” She told him, her voice a little shaken.
  “You would have no choice in the matter. You see where it says be weary? That means that this fate has two sides, you can be their leader or their death. The choice is up to you.”
  Kailin stood up and glared down at him, “You mean to tell me, that you have brought me here, just to tell me that you wish me to kill the Mephis. Wasn’t it you that said I wasn’t ready not to long ago?”
  He nodded, “I am giving you all my knowledge and power, so that you will be far more advanced then any other vampire.”
  “Why?”
  “So, that you can fight and win.”
  “And what if you gave me your powers and I turn?”
  “Then I can only hope that you remember what it is that really makes you.”
  She remained quiet for a moment, thinking of the last few moments.
  Tzion stared at her, waiting for her to respond. “I have always had problems reading your deep thoughts, and your true intentions. I knew then you would be a strong vampire even when you were extremely young.” He stood up and walked to stand in front of her. “Only you, can defeat the Mephis, and only you can defeat us.” He took her hands into his own. “A choice must be made, Kailin.”
  The library doors were pushed open, and Kailin looked into Mathias’ eyes. He stopped in front of the desk, his eyes angry as they tried to pierce through Tzion. “Leave her be, Tzion!” He ordered.
  Akela trotted in behind him, “I’m sorry, Tzion, but he wouldn’t wait any longer. I tried to control him, but…”
  “It is alright, Akela.” Tzion said, and then looked at the large men. “Why should I leave her be, so that you can cause her more harm?”
  “Me? Cause her harm? You are the one trying to poison her with your own blood, how dare you feed…”
  “Silence, Mathias. You know not of what you speak!” He threw up his hand.
  Kailin slipped around Tzion and headed for her cloak on the large chair next to the door. She wasn’t going to stand around and listen to them argue, she had gotten what she came for.
  “Where are you going?” Both men asked her.
  Picking up her cloak, she turned to them. “I don’t have time to watch your pissing contest. Good day.” She told them, and then headed towards the door.
  “Akela!” Tzion shouted.
  The pale woman turned to Kailin, “You may not leave.” She said.
  “You going to stop me?” She pushed through her, but Akela pushed her back.
  Mathias blocked Tzion’s exit from behind the desk, and refused to move.
  “Stand silent.” Akela ordered, and Kailin’s face went inane. Her cloak dropped to the floor, “She is but a humble servant now, Tzion.” She said to him.
  “Thank you, please escort yourself out.” Tzion commanded.
  Akela bowed, and walked towards the door, shutting them when she stepped out into the hall.
  “She isn’t strong enough for this, Tzion. It wasn’t to occur until she is an elder, only then can her aura control such powers.”
  “The prophecies have begun, we cannot wait!” Tzion yelled.
  “You started it when you over burdened her aura by feeding from her.” Mathias bulged out his chest to intimidate him.
  “Nine elders have been waiting for thousands of years to accomplish this. I would not betray them now, it is time.” He pointed to the chair, and took a seat in the chair that Kailin had previously occupied.
  Mathias nodded, deciding it was best to have a civilized conversation with him for once. “I can already see, changes in her personality and her way of life. This is too much for her.” He said as he took a seat.
  “You saw her there unable to fight Anthony, frightened. He held her, and you were helpless to protect her until she called out to you.” Tzion looked over at Kailin, who still stood without motion. “Give her your powers, Mathias. So that injury will no longer encumber her.”
  Mathias had the elder ability to heal faster then any other vampire, but even such a useful power could harm Kailin. “She can’t handle it. It says it needs to occur after she had mastered her own elder ability. She is still eight hundred years away from that.”
  “The two of us, she could handle with ease. If you do this for me, I will ask no one else.”
  “If she is overpowered and turns, the she will be worse then the prophecies foretell.”
  Tzion stood up and walked over to check Kailin. He placed his hand on her cheek, and ran his fingers down gently. “Over two hundred years of watching her, protecting her, one can not help but have feelings for her now?”
  Standing up he watched Tzion, “Feelings?”
  “Yes, you are not complete unless she is near are you, Mathias? Have you not wondered what sharing such a pleasurable experience would be like?”
  “This is insane, Tzion!” He yelled and pointed at him.
  “I do not have to wonder, of course, I never really did.” He brushed her hair away from her neck, “Are you truly upset that we exchanged blood or that I touched her first?” He turned to look at Mathias, who stood with his eyes wide.
  “Are you trying to imply that I am jealous? She could be our deadliest enemy.”
  “You’ve watched her, stalked her. There is no one in the world, not even me, who knows more about her. Don’t you want to know all about her? You can just by feeding from her.” He ran his finger from her jaw to her shoulder. “Her blood is far sweeter then you could ever imagine.”
  Mathias swallowed, “I will not bring any more harm to her, then you already have.”
  “As your master, I know what you feel and think. You’ve had this desire for her for some time now. When did it start? When you saw her slay her first Mephis? Perhaps sooner, when she took her own beloved sister’s death into her own hands?”
  The look of hate grew in Mathias’ eyes.
  “No? Sooner? When she continued onward even though she had been transformed into something she knew nothing about? Maybe, it wasn’t an instant, but something about her that replays in your mind. Her determination not to belong to the vampire world? The lust for vengeance that she fulfills whenever she feeds.” He grinned when Mathias looked down for a moment, “That’s it, you enjoy watching her feed. Only the most cruel and evil of humans for our Kailin.”
  “Enough!” He screamed, “Tell Akela to release her and let us leave.”
  “Tonight, an elder will feed from her. You have the option of allowing it to be you or Akela.”
  Mathias looked at Kailin, and then back to his master. “Just, let her be.”
  He grabbed her arm and pulled her over to Mathias. “Feed from her, you stubborn goon. You have been wanting to since the moment you knew her. Taste of her blood, and fight it no more.” He said, then shoved her at him.
  His arms caught her as she fell into his chest, “Tzion, she isn’t strong enough.”
  “Worry not of tomorrow, partake in your desire tonight.” He told him as he walked over to the door, “I will leave you in peace.”
  Tzion stepped out into the hallway, and looked at Akela, who had been waiting for him. “When he is feeding, release her. I want her to feel him forcing himself upon her.”
  Akela nodded, as he walked down the hall.

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Book Cover is done by a great artist Luis Royo. He didn't do this work for me, and it's his copywritted material.

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