Vorg (3b)

An hour later Jason and Paul were standing below ''Kamara'' waiting for the two warlocks to appear.
Jason had already checked the police findings and their investigation on the spot didn't provide anything useful.
Just a minute after the hour had passed a TAXI stopped and two definitely european looking men came out.
One had the features of a central european person while the other one was clearly a mediterranean one, propably Italian.
-Our two warlocks I suppose, Jason whispered.
-Let's go find out, said Paul while walking towards them.
-Excuse me, he said. Are you Mr. Asterios and Mr. Darius?
-You must be Mr. Anageropoulos, said the man in an Italian accent.
-Yes and he is Mr. Jason. He is here to help with the situation too.
-About that..., Asterios started.
-It's not the right place to talk about such things, said the other man for the first time. Greetings Mr. Anageropoulos and Mr. Jason but let's find a more proper place to continue our conversation.
-Of course, you are right, said Paul.
-As always..., Asterios muttered with a grin.

Paul chose a bar a few blocks away called ''Ereipio'' which he knew from his mortal days.
Most of the time it was empty and quiet.
The bar owner, a regular man called Kyriakos, was almost always there  playing chess on his PC.

They sat at a table in the far corner and ordered a beer just for the sake of pretending to be humans.
-So what is the problem actually? Asterios asked.
-Well, as it seems we have a kindred defying the laws and murdering humans in the most grotesque way, Paul answered.
-And what is our part in that? Darius asked. It seems to me like an ordinary problem a sheriff could deal with.
-I don't have an exact answer to that Mr.Darius, I wasn't even informed about you before tonight's call. I believe our Prince would like me to have the most help I can get, that's why Mr.Jason was also asked by his elder to join me.
-Or maybe a test of our capacity and loyalty, Darius added.
''A classic warlock, Paul thaught. Always cautious and always looking behind their backs. It's only natural with all those enemies they have made through the years.''
-Either way we have a task at hand and we don't want to waste more time or human blood.
-I agree, Darius said, what do we have to work with?
-Few things, a dead corpse of a male mutilated in a disgusting wa , a kidnapped girl and some people that caught a glimpse of something moving fast and then disappearing. No prints, no cameras, no apparent motive for such violence.
-Identities of the victims?
-I am working on that, said Jason taking a quick look at his laptop.
-So a kindred broke the ''masquearade'' for no apparent reason in the middle of the city in a crowded square? Maybe a Sabbat attack? Darius almost concluded.
-Propably, Paul agreed but still thats doesn't help us, we need to find him or them as fast as possible.
-Any ideas then, Sheriff? asked Darius, a hint of irony in his voice.
-Let's start with the victim's identities...
-About that, said Jason with a smile on his face, as I said Greek police doesn't have a solid security system, so I have what we want.
-Go on then..., said Paul.
-The name of the male victim is Athanasios Fotiou, he is, sorry, was a businessman running a small company, nothing special. No kids, no wife and only a mother left.
-And the woman?
-They don't have an actual ID but from the descriptions of the witnesses she is propably a hooker named Mina, an illegal immigrant from the eastern region of Europe.
-So a normal man with a girl paid for sex, the man gets mutilated for no reason and the woman is taken. I am more confused now, said Paul loudly.
-I have a theory if you don't mind sheriff, said Asterios.
-You? shouted Darius in disbelief.
-A theory that needs to be proven and unfortunately requires another girl to be kidnapped.
-Oh come on now, Darius started.
-I am open to any proposal, Paul said.
-First we need to take a look at the corpse of the man.
-We did, said Jason, nothing special was found on him...
-I believe I can, don't forget our clan's powers, and by look I mean get a taste of him, Asterios said to Darius winking his eye.
-I can arrange a visit to the local morgue. As far as I know the doctor there is also a kindred from an Italian family.
-A Giovanni? There is no way I am going to cooperate with a necromancer, Darius declared.
-Well there is a way, said an irritated Paul. You are tasked to help me and I decided that I like Asterios' proposal or would you like me to inform the Prince about your refusal?
-....okay Sheriff I got the message, I hope Asterios' idea will bear fruits because although it may seem otherwise, I am concerned about the ''masquerade'' as much as you are, in fact it is our clan's duty to protect and preserve it.
-If you really mean that then we are going to get along just fine. Alright let's get moving, I will arrange our meeting on our way there. Mr. Asterios I hope that you will really get some clues to further our investigation.
Asterios felt proud, he was sick of Darius' mocking and as he was the newest addition to their clan he rarely had the chance to speak his mind.

They got up and paid for the beers that they had-to the owner's surprise-barely touched.
Jason looked at him one last time before they left.
A normal man playing chess on a computer but his exercised eyes caught the difficulty level of the game. Kuriakos was playing chess against a PC on the hardest level and from what Jason saw Kuriakos would propably win or in the worst case get a tie. Such opportunities for a human servant of such skills were rare.

-I may have to visit this bar again, he said more to himself than to the other three .


One hour later, Paul had arranged for the necromancer to accept them at the morgue.
The four of them entered the hospital ''Panagia'' and Paul asked at the reception where to find the morgue which was located at sub-level one.
They walked across a long hallway and stood in front of a double metallic door.
Even the undead like them could feel the chill of this place, not only from the fridges but the whole place was radiating a chill of his own.

Paul knocked on the door twice. A tall man dressed in a 50's style opened and stood in front.
Although he was looking human, it was obvious he was not quite that.
''Maybe her bodyguard'' Paul thought.
-We are here to speak with Dr. Marcela, my name is Paul Anageropoulos.
-Let them come in  they heard a woman's voice from inside.
They entered and they saw her, an Italian woman in her thirties with long red hair, a sexy face and a well curved body. They also realised that behind this mask lied the soul of a necromancer of an Italian family with a notorious history.
-Lady Marcela, greetings. Thank you for letting us in in such short notice, said Paul bowing in a Spanish fashion.
-The honor is mine helping the sheriff and the city of our generous Prince. Prince James has always been good with me and my family.Your companions?
-Mr. Jason, Mr. Asterios and Mr. Darius, they are also tasked to help him with this matter.
-Nice to meet you, Marcela said.
Jason and Asterios returned the greeting but Darius only whispered a ''hello''.
- I did a fast examination of the remains but I have nothing to tell you sheriff, only that it's gonna be hard to explain to the police how this man turned to that.
-Mr. Asterios here says he has an idea and a power that may grant us insight on our case.
-Really? I would like to know what power that is.
-A power that we learn in our basic training at Vienna, said Darius hastily afraid that Asterios may reveal more than this necromancer needed to know.
-Oh sheriff you forgot to mention that two warlocks would honor my humble office.
-Is that a problem doctor? Paul asked.
-Not really but for future occasions you should inform someone about the identities of his visitors.
Anyway let's check the remains, Marcela said and opened the door of one of the fridges.
The sight was disgusting and greatly disturbing, a pile of meat, bones and blood of something that used to be a human.
-Mr. Asterios, he is all yours, said a teasing Marcela.
Asterios took a breath and approached the body.
He placed a finger on it and got a blood sample, then to everyone's sirprise and disgust he put the finger in his mouth tasting it.
He used the teachings of his clan and activated a power that gave him insight on any blood he was tasting at that moment.
As a clan that used blood magic the elders of his clan believed that every neonate should first learn the qualities of the blood itself.


After a few weird moments he turned to the others with his face brightened.
-My first suspicion was right, he spoke proud of himself, now we just need a second kidnapping to happen.
-Go on, said Paul.
-No, not now. You are probably going to laugh at my idea right now. I would prefer it if I had my theory provenby the second incident.
-I would prefer no second incident at all, said Marcela. It's already hard to explain that to the police.
-You'd better tell us something, said Jason, maybe we'll get an idea as well.
-I can safely tell you that this man became like this by the use of a power known to an eastern clan of Vampires.
-A warlord did that? Marcela asked.
-Or someone using their clan power, it's common among the Sabbat to share their gifts and that strengthens my theory of a Sabbat attack, Darius declared.
-Well at least we have something even if it is only a theory, Prince James values time, said Paul, and  I suspect Dr. Marcela also values hers.
-It is a busy night indeed sheriff.
-Well thanks again lady Marcela.
-Give the Prince my regards.

They left the hospital with a renewed vigor about their task.
-So now what? Jason asked
-I am going to report to the Prince about our findings, he may have something to say that will help us and as Asterios said we need to wait for the second attack. I have your numbers and I will be in touch, soon I hope.
-It's set then, Darius said, Asterios we are leaving. It was nice meeting both of you.

Paul rode his motorcycle back to the Prince's office, all that time wondering about those weird companions he had acquired tonight.
''Well temporary help'' he concluded.
But he was wrong again, those people with the adition of some others would accompany him for years to come.

Sarah (3)

''How can this be happening? Have I lost the gift of ''sight''? Have I done something THAT wrong that even Nuriel stopped speaking to me?''
''First came this young assasin that joined Roxanne's family and house. Then his flirt, well love, with young Suzan. Then came her miraculous pregnancy followed by her unfortunate and unfair death in the hands of Roxanne's enemies. Then came Roxanne's sudden friendship with this bitch Maria Mendes and their more sudden trip together. After that it was Maria's return with tales of Roxanne's demise to the flames of a flamethrower during a fight in Athens and now Sarah was left with this young assassin as her only family.''
''To make things worse, Paul had already committed the worst crime in vampire society, he had cannibalised his own creators. Sure he had been caught in the middle of a war that wans't his to fight and sure the beast does things noone wants and everyone regrets but still his soul was tainted with the crime. But there she was, on a bed, in a dark room, in the basement of an uknown house where this young assasin had taken her to protect her from Roxanne's enemies.''
He had no obligation yet he had done it.
Sarah was sure the young assasin had regretted cannibalising his creator but he had not regretted fighting them to save himself and his bond with Suzan. She was also sure that Paul had loved Suzan truly and her death had been the epitaph of his humanity. She was able to see him lose his humane traits day by day.
He couldn't stop blaming himself, he was the sheriff of this city after all and his job was to keep this city safe, safe for Suzan, safe for Roxanne, safe for every other vampire of the city and the day Suzan died he had failed in his job.
''Well that was not true, noone had expected that attack especially during daytime and noone had accused him of incopetence, not even Roxanne.''
 Of course Sarah would never accuse him but for only one thing, having put Suzan in that weird position with her pregnancy.
Not that he knew or that he was ever going to find out, Sarah had promised herself and Suzan to never reveal that secret especially now that this young assassins's sanity was on the verge of breaking.
Sarah was sure that if she were to tell him this secret Paul would go insane from guilt and he already had enough guilt burdening his soul for the murder of his creators.
And what about her vision? She was sure Roxanne was her destiny or maybe Suzan was after that revelation about her pregnancy and she had failed them both as she had failed her creator Nuriel centuries ago.
And now? What was it that she had to do from now on? Hide in a basement? Mourn her failures for an eternity? Maybe surrender to her fate, her clan's fate and go meet her destiny in the hands of her enemies?
NO!!!
She had to stay. Liza was dead, Suzan was dead and even Roxanne was dead but this family had one more person, that young assassin and Sarah had to protect him now as she had protected and guided the rest of her family.
''You will fail him like you failed the others'' She kept reminding herself...
''Maybe, maybe not. Only time will tell and in the end everyone has to die one day but until that day comes for me I will continue to do what I do best. This young vampire needs me more than ever and I will not fail him by leaving him alone during this hard time in his life.''

So Sarah stayed by his side each night just after the sunset and each day just before the sunrise. The few hours Paul stayed at home she would tell him of ages past, of ancient wars, of honor, of justice, of duty but mostly she spoke to him about the ways to keep his sanity and humanity.
Each passing day she was waking him up earlier than he used to so that he would learn not to miss any of his precious nocturnal nights and she kept him awake until the very first sun rays hit the earth.
Each passing day she reminded him of humane things to do and say.
And each passing day she almost forced him to eat! Not blood but human food.
Yes vampires can eat cooked food, though it's pretty hard for one to re-learn how to do this since drinking blood is much easier.
After all, their long dead bodies were not made to digest cooked food but blood.
But with effort, practise and patience one was able to re-learn how to eat.
Not that normal food could sustain one of the damned forever or quieten his beast but if needed it was an emergency source for sustenance and a brilliant way to look and be a lot more like a human.
And although Paul was on the verge of insanity from his losses and guilt he proved to be a good student, eager to learn, eager to improve.

So there she was that night in the small kitchen of the basement preparing a nice meal for her and Paul who was already up, not by her but by his own will and he was taking a bath before his nightly affairs in the city. From the few news he was sharing with her, after that monster Vorg more bad things were happening and to if she were to be honest Sarah could feel them spreading through the city like a virus trying to infect everyone, even her.
-Good evening Sarah! Paul interrupted her thoughts.
-Master Paul! Good evening to you too. How are you feeling today?
-Do not call me master, ever! Please? I am feeling quite hungry, what smells so good?
-I have to call you master, remember? I have to pretend I am your ghoul in case we are being watched.
-To be honest I no longer care who's watching me or you...I have told you many times that with Vorg dead I've pleased Prince James so much that as he told me I have been granted a favor from him as a reward. I could ask him to accept you and you will never have to hide and fear anymore.
-My dear Paul do you really believe that Roxanne couldn't have done the same arrangement for me all these years?
-Then why hasn't she?
-To protect me!
-Sometimes, Sarah, I can't understand you at all.
-My clan is extinct, it was hunted down and only a few of us remain and our enemies will never cease hunting us. That's why I should not reveal myself.
-And you think someone would defy Prince James and attack you? This someone should be insane to even try it.
-No, not from this city but news tend to spread and many headhunters would defy your precious Prince and come here to kill me.
-Do not mock Prince James, he knows damn well how to govern this city.
-Oh you are so enthralled by him, aren't you?
-I am enthralled by the power he exhibits in controlling this city, by his patience and clear mind during difficult moments and by the generocity he shows even to his enemies.
-Then why is the city in turmoil? Even I who am hidden here, burried below the earth, can sense it.
-His enemies are stirring and he is waiting. That's what he does best, wait and prepare and when the time comes he strikes with full force, that's all I can tell you.
-I hope your faith in this Prince of unknown bloodline is not misplaced young Paul.
-Enough talk about politics, serve this delicious meal and tell me a nice story before I go hunt more monsters threatening my city.
-Well, tonight I will tell you about Nuriel, my creator, the reason I am what I am, as a reminder for the respect we should have about our creators and elders.
-......Paul couldn't say anything, he felt his guilt rising once again.


Later that night Sarah was left alone in this small basement as usual, watching television or pretending to watch since her mind was not there.
Her mind was travelling to a dark cave centuries ago when she had risen from a long sleep after Nuriel's death and she was feeling helpless and alone.
Back then Nuriel's voice had appeared and guided her.
''I have reached a level of power that even in death I can unite my soul with yours so you will never be alone young Sarah''
Those had been her words back then.
Now after centuries Sarah had knowledge of this power too.
But could it work on others or could it only be used on herself?
''What am I thinking? If I can ressurect someone? This is blasphemy. Only our lord and savior rose from the dead giving everyone a chance on ressurection, who am I to challenge this?''
''Is it really blasphemy though for someone to desire to bring his loved ones back from the dead? Which lord and savior could judge such a desire?"
''And even if this power worked who should she bring back? Suzan or Roxanne?''
And how? She had no focus, no body or spirit.''
-Am I going mad? Am I really wondering if I can ressurect them? It is impossible!
''Or is it? For a vampire fathering a child was also considered impossible but Suzan was pregnant with Paul's child. How was that possible?''
''And what would the cost of this ressurection be? Nuriel had to die to use this power...''
-Well if my life is the price for the life of my loved ones so be it!!! Sarah caught herself almost scream those words.
''Still I have no focus, no body, nothing to anchor a dead spirit.''
-I'd be damned! If I am to try such a thing I am going to need help, help so weird as the task I am about to undertake!
She picked up the phone and dialed the number of a mobile phone.
-Theophilos speaking, who is it? said a male voice.
-Good evening Theophilos, I am sorry to bother you this late at night.
-Who is it please?
-Names do not matter over the phone, I am a friend of Roxanne's, maybe you remember her?
-Of course I remember lady Roxanne but I thought...
-Sorry to interrupt again but maybe you remember a friend of hers that helped you with some wounded clanless from time to time?
-Dear lord of course I remember. How could I forget such kindness? Are you still in town? It's been long since the last time I saw you.
-I am and this time I am in need of your help.
-By all means I will help you, I owe much to you and Roxanne.
-Can we meet tonight?
-Tonight? Sure, where and when?
-At the hospital ''Panagia'' in about an hour, at the morgue, if it is ok with you.
-At the morgue? This sounds interesting, I will be there of course.
-Thanks and goodbye for now.

''Next step''
Sarah dialed another number this time and a female voice answered.
-''Panagia'' hospital morgue, this is Dr. Marcela Giovanni speaking, who is it?
-Hello doctor, how is your night?
-Busy and boring but who is it?
-Is this line secure?
-I want to believe it is, will you tell me who it is?
-I am Sarah, Roxanne's friend, do you remember me? I helped give peaceful death to some of your subjects.
-Damn Sarah you are still alive, I was afraid that with Roxanne's dea...well dissapearance the warlocks had gotten you too.
-Well no, not yet, are you really busy tonight?
-Well yes, but tell me, how can I help you?
-I am in need of your unique powers this time.
-My powers? Sounds interesting...
-Can I come over in about an hour?
-Of course I am very curious of the reason you need my powers.
-Can I bring one more person? You probably already know Theophilos.
-This clanless? Why? Well screw that come and explain to me face to face.
-Thank you, see you in an hour.

''Second step complete. Now begins the hard part...''

Fiftyfive minutes later Sarah was standing at the hospital's entrance waiting for Theophilos who came right on time.
-Good evening, he greeted her.
-Good evening Theophilos, glad you could come.
-Are you kidding me? Some of my friends owe their lives to you and they don't even know about it.
-That's for their own good and I hardly ever ask anyone to repay me.
-Then I am glad this one time you asked I can help you, said a smiling Theophilos.
-Let's go find this Italian doctor then.
-Marcela? Damn this shit must be really bad if it includes an Italian necromancer, sorry for the language though.
-No offence.
Soon they reached the morgue and they found Dr. Marcela sitting at her desk drinking a glass of frozen blood as Sarah could recognise from the smell.
-Good evening Doctor, Sarah said.
-Welcome to my humble palace, said Marcela with an Italian accent.
-I believe you two know each other and I know you are busy people so I have something to ask of you both. The sooner we get it over with the better it will be for us.
-Come on then Sarah, tell us. From the moment you called me I've been wondering what could have happened that you decided to venture outside and even ask us for a favor, Dr. Marcela said in a teasing voice.
-Well something happened but many days ago. Tonight I just want to try an experiment.
-An experiment? Of what sort? Theophilos asked.
-To bring someone back to life, Sarah said bravely.
-To do what? Theophilos was surprised.
-Do you feel like God tonight Sarah? Marcela asked almost ironically.
-No I am not God and I do not know if I can do it that's why I spoke of an experiment.
-Sarah, I know the tales about Roxanne's demise and I know that you propably feel upset right now but...
-It is not about me feeling upset. It is about trying to help those I care for, Sarah interrupted the Italian doctor.
-Apart from the fact that I know of noone that has actually ressurected anyone, how do you plan to do it?
-Well that's why I needed help from both of you.
-Alright tell us and if you convince me it's worth a try you will have my help, Theophilos said, more out of compassion rather than real hope.
-Me too, agreed Marcela.
''Alright Sarah, here is your shot, are you really willing to go through with this scheme? And also the hard part, who should you try to bring back from the dead, Roxanne or Suzan?''
Sarah stood silent for some moments lost in her thoughts again.
''Well it was Roxanne's choise to follow that bitch Maria Mendes and Roxanne after a millenia of fighting was more than capable to defend herself.''
''Is this the real reason? Or are you still curious about this miracle in Suzan's womb?''
''Maybe it is so. After all Suzan was a mortal girl in love with a man and carrying his child. If I can bring back one of them then it should be Suzan.''
-So Sarah?
-Alright, Marcela is there any chance you kept the ashes of Suzan's corpse? I recall Roxanne saying that you burned her body.
-You are going to ressurect a ghoul and not Roxanne?
-Roxanne made her mind and walked to that fight willingly, Suzan was not supposed to die, not such a terrible death at least.
-Still I thought Roxanne was your friend...
-She was and I am sure she would prefer it that way if she were alive!
-I doubt that, Marcela said, but anyway I still have her ashes. I thought that maybe Roxanne or our young sheriff might one day request them. What else?
-Is there any chance you have a body noone will miss? I mean the dead body of a girl.
-In fact I do, a young girl, propably at the age of the ghoul, well the mortal age at least, that died from poisoning because of bad family relationships. The parents didn't even want the body, they donated it to the hospital.
-How lucky for us?
-What else?
-Okay here is the plan, Marcela I would like you to try and contact Suzan's spirit from the world of the dead. Once you have her we will move to the next step that includes your help Theophilos. You will take the dead body of this unlucky girl and mould her to look like Suzan, I know you have this power and that you are actually a master in flesh shaping.
-Damn Sarah, that's not common knowledge, he said looking at Marcela.
-Don't worry clanless, tonight we are part of this conspiracy together and I am deeply afraid that if it succeeds we won't be able to tell anyone either way.
-Alright then, yes I can make the dead body look like Suzan but there is a problem here, a very unique problem.
-What is it?
-To make someone look like someone else I need to know about them from head to toe and to be honest I have never seen Suzan naked, said Theofilos with a teasing smile.
-Hmmm, alright then, fortunately I have and I can send you a mental picture if you let me contact your mind.
-Alright but what happens after we reshape the body?
-Then the experimental part starts. Marcela using her necromancy and the ashes will try to anchor Suzan's soul to that body...
-And we will get a nice Suzan looking zombie, interrupted Marcela finishing Sarah's sentence.
-No, God help us no. At that same moment I will try to give life to this body and with her ashes as focus the body will become hers so we will have a whole person and not a zombie.
-Sorry to say that Sarah but this thing you propose will never work. Worst case scenario is that we bring back Suzan and she wakes as a zombie and we will have tormented her soul for no good reason.
-I am willing to take that risk if there is any chance to bring her back, Sarah said with a sudden burst of determination.
-Well....Marcela started.
-Let's get to work, Theophilos said, I really don't expect anything more than a zombie Suzan but for all the times you helped me I am willing to try.
-Me too Sarah, I respected Roxanne and I owe you for your help so lets try it.
-One more thing, no one, under no circumstances will ever find out about tonight. Can I trust you both on this?
-Well the warlocks will make a million jokes about me if I ever say anything like this, said an ever-teasing Marcela.
-Who is going to believe a clanless after all?
-And if we succeed we will say that the body you got months ago was not Suzan's and that Roxanne had sent Suzan away to tend to some business and stay safe.
-Fine by me.
-Lets start already, then.

Sarah focused and reached for Theophilos' mind, she then shared her visual memories of Suzan's body to the very last detail. She really hoped she remembered her well enough.
At the same time Marcela lit some weird black candles and focused her powers on the spirit world to reach Suzan's spirit if it still existed.

Fifteen minutes later...
-I have her, Marcela almost screamed, she is in shock, she doesn't even know how or why she became a ghost. It must have been a very violent death.
-Nice and I believe I know each and every detail about her. I hope the young sheriff won't kill me for having seen his girlfriend naked, Theophilos tried to joke.
-How about that body?
Marcela opened a huge fridge for corpses and dragged a female body.
-Here she is.
Sarah reached for the body and touched it. She focused her cleansing and healing powers on that touch so that Suzan's new body won't have anything left from its past.
-It is ready, she said to Theophilos, do your magic now and please do it well.
-My ladies the art of flesh shaping is disturbing to new observers so I will request that you avert your eyes, I will inform you when I am done.

Thirty minutes later...
-I believe I did a fine job, Theophilos announced sounding almost tired.
Sarah turned to the body, she would swear it was Suzan's body .
-Excellent job, Theophilos!
-Not bad for a clanless, he said looking at Marcela.
The woman looked back at him with a smile on her face.
-Not bad at all Theophilos, though you are not a common clanless, isn't that the reason our beloved Prince made you their leader after all?
-Lets focus on the plan, Sarah said in order to change the subject.
-What now?
-Marcela I want you to spread the ashes all over the body, try it in a way that almost all of the body will be covered with them.
Marcela did as she was told. At the same time Sarah focused her will.
''If there was any point in my life and if my existence has any meaning it would be a nice time to prove it. Nuriel, my creator, my teacher, MY MOTHER if there is any hidden meaning in your return from the dead let it be now.''
Sarah started to pray silently.
''My lord, eternal life-giver and you the most fair judge please hear my pray, give this poor girl her life back and whatever the price is ,I am ready to pay it.''
Silence. No response.
''So be it, let's do this!''
Sarah opened her third mystical eye as she reached for the still cold, dead body and funneled all her power, will and love through that touch.
At the start nothing happened when suddenly she felt it, a stream of power and feelings rushing through her hand into the cold body.
Then Sarah heard a very familiar voice in her mind.
''Oh my young Sarah how could you ever think I let you?''
''Nuriel? Is that really you? Where have you been?
''Some times everyone has to stay alone though it was not actually my choise to be silent. You see my little Sarah I always told you to live with no regrets and during this period you were blaming yourself. It was not me going away from you but you going away from what you are.''
''I am sorry Nuriel, I really am but now I feel fine, with you by my side I am sure I can make this happen. I am sure I can bring young Suzan back to life.''
''You know that very few vampires have ever tried something like this and succeeded? We are creatures that avoided death and giving life is not part of our powers.''
''But you came back, after death you came back for me...''
''Well it is not the same, I am a voice in your head, a living memory and not a ressurected person.''
''You are telling me there is no way to bring her back?''
''I am telling you there are great chances you won't succeed.''
''Well if anything was true about your teachings and if love and fairness get rewarded some day that day is today!!!''
''Even if you do it the price will be too high to pay. Are you ready for it?''
''I would give my life and my immortality if that was the way to bring her back.''
''You are ready then, goodbye Sarah.''
''Goodbye? You are leaving me? Why?''
''You do not need me anymore and this will be a part of the price you will have to pay. Consider it as my last gift and teaching to you.''
''Nuriel...''
''Be well my little Sarah, you will always be the little girl I saved that night at that village. Do not ever lose that girl, promise me!!!''
-I....promise! Marcela and Theophilos heard Sarah say.
And then it happened, she felt empty and weak like a human after a hard day of work. She felt tired and for the first time her inner beast stirred from hunger.
-In the name of the lord!!! Theophilos shouted!
-For Christ's sake, did she really blink her eyes? Marcela shouted those words almost scared.
Sarah opened her eyes, the third was gone already. She saw the now warm body in front of her. She saw Suzan's chest moving up and down. She could hear her breath.
-Suzan? Is that really you? Can you hear me? Please, say something, anything...
The girl stirred, she fought to open her eyes, she opened her lips to speak.
-Saaaa....Sarah? What has happened? Where am I?
-Oh my god she did it!!! Marcela shouted, She ressurected her!!!
-Sarah? said the girl with a weak voice.
-I am here my child, Sarah grasped Suzan's hand.
-Sarah I had a weird nightmare, I was tortured and then the whole world became grey and I was alone in pain and despair.
-Calm down my girl you are here among friends now.
-Paul? Where is he?
-He will be here soon, don't worry.
-And the ba....
-Shush my child, rest, we will have all the time to speak later.
-Does he know? Did you tell him?
Sarah touched her belly, nothing was inside. She may have ressurected Suzan but the baby was gone.
''I destroyed a miracle'' she thought and suddenly felt so tired like her real age weighted on her shoulders.
-There is nothing to tell him Suzan, I am afraid what happened is now gone.
-What do you mean? And where is Roxanne?
-Roxanne is....Sarah started.
Suddenly cold thick shadows entered the morgue covering everything.
Everything went dark and even Sarah with her superanatural vision could not pierce those shadows.
Suzan managed to scream but only once.
A strange voice filled the room and almost made their ears bleed.
And then as suddenly as the shadows had entered the room they disappeared.
Suzan was gone, only the ashes remained on the bed.
-What in Hell's name was that? Marcela screamed.
-And where is the girl? Theophilos wondered.
Only Sarah remained silent, she stood there with a small smile on her face.
-Sarah what happened?
-I have no idea, but our work here is done!
-Done? The girl is gone Sarah!!!
-It is not in our hands anymore, she is where she belongs.
-How can you even say that?
-Well didn't you hear what the voice said?
-I didn't recognise that speech, Theophilos said.
-It said: STAY AWAY FROM MY FAMILY, Sarah said and smiled even more.
-Family?
-That thing was...Marcela started
-Well whatever it was Suzan is with it and it is where she belongs, Sarah finished. Thank you both for making all this possible tonight.
''She is alive! Both of them are! Now I do not mind whatever the price may be.''

Roxanne (5)

Suzan is dead!!!
I had to go down to the morgue, into the lair of this Italian necromancer to identify the body.
Suzan is dead!!!
My servant, my ghoul, my next progeny, my...daughter was there on a table, frozen, in a bag.
Suzan is dead!!!
Only the remains of her once beautiful body were there to be indentified. The rest, a grotesque collection of human body parts.
Suzan is dead!!!
My necklace still hanging on what was left of her pale neck, a message to be delivered to me...
Suzan is dead!!!
And I'll be damned if I claim I didn't get the message, though I should have realised it years ago.
Suzan is dead!!!
For a millenia I had to deal with betrayals and backstabs. Why should the rules of engangement change now?
And Suzan is dead!!!
But they are messing with the wrong woman here, they must either be crazy or desperate to coax the viper in her nest.
And Suzan is dead!!!
Because of me. It is not the first time and I am deeply afraid that it won't be the last.
And Suzan is dead!!!
They think that I will be afraid? That I will be scared? That I will run and hide? Or do they maybe believe that I will hunt them so they can ambush me?
And Suzan is dead!!!
Well if that's what they are hoping for, then I will give them that pleasure, just for a few seconds before tearing them to pieces.
And Suzan is dead!!!
Yes she is and if I want to secure that Sarah and even this youngling Paul are safe I have to move quickly. But Prince James will never let me to go after them and why should he? Why risk losing his well kept secret weapon, especially now that an elder roams his city unchecked...
Suzan will be dead!!!
Yes she will be dead. She is now and she will be in a couple of weeks too, but revenge is a dish best served cold.
Suzan will be dead!!!
After centuries of hoping that at least one family member will stand by my side, my last hope died.
Suzan will be dead!!!
Well Suzan won't be the only one dead after this. I will have my revenge on all her murderers, I will satisfy my thirst with their blood to the last drop.
Suzan will be dead!!!
She will be dead and with her died the last part of me that was human. I spent 50 years trying to find my human side again as Sarah had proposed and tried to teach me and in one night everything is gone...
Suzan cannot be dead!!!
I am afraid she can  and now my heart is broken...no, not broken...my heart is filled with cold and hatred and a great desire for revenge.
Suzan cannot be dead!!!
How could she be? I had centuries to see her laugh, I had centuries to witness her passion, a passion she inherited from me. I had centuries to see her in love and though I distaste that feeling she was human and love is what keeps them human.
Suzan cannot be dead!!!
She can't be, not now, not this way. That girl survived for too many years to die like this, she even managed to seduce, better say love another vampire. This girl was destined for things greater than dying in the hands of a pervert...
Suzan cannot be dead!!!
The house is colder now and even I can feel it. Sarah is locked in her room, lost in grief. Paul is on the verge of insanity and if he wasn't obliged to hunt this vampire kidnapper I am pretty sure he would have done something crazier than even what I'm planning to do.
Suzan will still be dead!!!
Yes she will but when I am done with them only their memory will remain...
Suzan will still be dead!!!
They wanted to send me a message, it's time for my reply ...
Suzan will still be dead!!!
And so will I if I'm going to attack them heads on...no I need a plan and I already have one.
Suzan will still be dead!!!
Thats why I have to die too, though I will live again but they won't know that part right?
Suzan will still be dead!!!
I have to ensure that noone else will be before I have the time realise my plan, so I have to live. I am pretty sure they have no idea about Sarah's identity and as for Paul even if they know about him, he is a sheriff, isn't he? It is his job to face such monsters to keep the city safe.
Suzan will still be dead!!!
And the Prince knows it as I do, that's why he won't let me, that's why I have to get there in secrecy, that's why I have to accept the proposal of this new arrival, that's why I need Maria Mendes! She will be the reason for my departure and she has to be the witness of my death so that no one will have any doubt.
Suzan will be dead!!!
And the moment they are least expecting it, I will strike with full force!!!
Suzan was dead!!!
For almost a month now and she will have to stay unavenged for a few more months...
Suzan was dead!!!
And with her fate sealed, the murderer's fate had been sealed too.
Suzan was dead!!!
And maybe Roxanne was a tamed, though passionate Vampire of Thessaloniki but Yvet was not and soon she going to be unleashed upon Athens!!!
Suzan was dead!!!
The plan is ready waiting to be set in motion. Every pawn is where I want it to be and noone expects what is to follow...
Suzan is dead!!!
She is dead already!!! I have to stop reminding myself. I have to move. My revenge is waiting.
She is dead already!!! But, my little Suzan, I will stop at nothing until I've avenged you. Religious people fear the wrath of God but I will teach those scums to fear MY wrath!!!
It is time!!!

-CREATURES OF THE ABYSS HEAR ME NOW, her cold voice was heard in the dark room as she evoked her ancient powers of Abyss mysticism, HEAR ME NOW AND OBEY MY COMMANDS. TONIGHT YOU WILL HELP ME TAKE REVENGE, TONIGHT YOU WILL BATHE WITH THE BLOOD OF MY ENEMIES, TONIGHT ANYONE WHO STANDS IN FRONT OF US IS AN ENEMY AND HE WILL DIE A DEATH SO PAINFUL THAT THE RAYS OF THE SUN WILL FEEL LIKE A MOTHER'S EMBRACE TO HIM. HEAR ME NOW AND OBEY, I SUMMON YOU TO CLOAK ME WITH YOUR DARKNESS, TO BOOST ME WITH YOUR ETERNAL HATRED, TO FUEL MY POWERS, TO TASTE MY REVENGE UPON THOSE WHO DESERVE IT, the woman finished her ritual and unliving shadows from another world entered her room, her body, her soul.
Now she was a shadow too, whatever human part remained in her up till now had just died.
Tonight she was no longer Roxanne, tonight she was no longer a woman, TONIGHT SHE WAS PRINCESS YVET, A CREATURE FULL OF HATRED WITH ONLY A SOLE PURPOSE....REVENGE!!!


Only a few meters nearby in another room, Sarah, tears still in her eyes, was praying for the soul of young Suzan when she felt it.
It was a cold feeling that something evil, pure evil, had entered the house. It was something that didn't belong to this world yet it had been summoned here, something that its very presence could choke a mortal to death and drive a young vampire to frenzy and insanity.
And though she had fought many fights and she was no longer afraid for her life...after centuries Sarah trembled in fear in her room.

-What have you done Roxanne?

Suzan (3)

''Can this be happening? Can this be real?'' Suzan wondered for the hundrenth time that day.
''How was it even possible? She had lived in the world of the undead for almost a millenia but THIS thing was something she, nor anyone else as far as she knew, had never heard or thought of.
''I can't keep it a secret for a long time, I need to share it with someone but who? Who will have the patience to listen to me and the discipline not to shred me to pieces?''
''Paul? I doubt that, he is too young, he is not a vampire yet how could he be a ....''
''Roxanne? She will kill me herself to avoid any attention drawn to her...''
''No it has to be Sarah, she has discipline over her inner beast and she always has a wise advice. Even if she won't help me at least she will understand me''.

With this thought in her mind Suzan walked faster towards her sire's and mother's house, one hand holding her necklace of old and the other holding the enevelop, the source of her problems.

''How was it possible that something which would be her happiest hour also be her death sentence?''

Back at Roxanne's house everything was quiet, the only sound coming from Sarah's room. She was probably taking her bath before getting out.
Suzan decided to wait outside her door.
Ten minutes later the sound of running water had stopped and she heard Sarah's voice from inside.
- Come inside, no need to stand outside my door, it makes me nervous.
Suzan entered the room with her eyes on the floor after all she was a servant and Sarah was a vampire even if she was the kindest and more humane vampire Suzan had ever known.
-I am sorry, it was not my intention to make you nervous.
-Oh my young Suzan, it was you? I thought that either Roxanne was testing my alertness skills or Paul was trying to sneak on me for a pardon, Sarah said and hugged Suzan, but judging from your look it must be something important to have waited for me out there. Has anything happened?
-...yes, said Suzan finally with a tone of fear in her voice.
-To Roxanne?
-No, god help us no!!!
-To Paul?
-Not as far as I know, though he is hunting an elder vampire that roams the city at night and I am afraid for him.
-Then to whom?
-...
-Come on Suzan, you should know by now that you can trust me and that I would never harm you. If it is something I can help you with, I will gladly do so.
-I know that Sarah and I am glad I had you all those years but I am afraid, afraid for me, afraid for Paul and ultimately afraid for you if I share this with you.
-Ok now you've intrigued me even more Suzan, what is that terrible secret? You should know better that in this house only the intruders should fear the wrath of your mother and even this youngling Paul has proved to be a skilled vampire.
-Do you remember months ago the night that you and I talked about me and Paul?
-Of course and to be honest with you and him, I am glad that he honestly feels what he feels for you.
-Do you remember what I asked you that night?
-I think you asked me if Vampires are able to love, am I right?
-Yes and something else...
-Reall , oh Suzan I am sorry, I can't remember at the moment. What was it?
-It was something that you called it...
-Come on don't stop, what was it?
-...
-If I promise you that everything will be alright after you tell me will it make you feel less afraid? You are more pale than Roxxane herself at the moment.
-You can't keep this promise Sarah but I will tell you, I can't keep it to myself any longer. I asked you if it was possible for vampires to have children...the moment Suzan let it go she closed her eyes in case death would come to her for what she had confessed.
-Yes, now that you told me I recall it and I already told you that it would be a blasphemy even to speak of such things... wait a minute...why are you asking me this now?
-You know that me and Paul have an affair right? And that we are frequently having sex...?
-I guess so, though I am afraid you do not take the same pleasure in it, said Sarah trying to be funny but her face revealed that she was afraid of what would come next.
-I could debate with you about the pleasure but not this time, it is more serious.
-Go on then...
-...Well, in the last 3 months I was late for my period and I...
-Can't be!!! Sarah said in fear and doubt.
-...I had some incidents of morning dizziness and sometimes after I ate something I felt nauseous but I didn't pay attention since I had nothing to worry about, right? But each day it was getting worse and even the blood that Roxxane gave me coulnd't cure those symptoms...
-WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME SUZAN? Sarah almost screamed the words.
-Last week I took a pregnacy test, more to have a silly story to share with Paul when I would be healthy again and...
-AND?
-And the test was positive...
-Couldn't it be a faulty outcome?
-But both the second and the third? So today I went to see a doctor, don't worry he is in a village out of Thessaloniki and I am pretty sure he is not the ghoul of anyone and since I went during day I am pretty sure noone followed me.
-And...what...did the doctor...say? Sarah was already afraid of the answer and what would come next.
-Sarah I am 13 weeks pregnant, said Suzan already crying.
Sarah stood up like if she was hit by lightning, her inner beast already lusting to shred this mortal to pieces. But Sarah was not an ordinary vampire, in her long life she had lost control only two times and she was considered young in both those times.
She focused her will and soon the beast was quiet again.
-Pregnant? she managed to say.
-...yes, I am going to have a child Sarah, what you thought as blasphemy and impossible is going to happen in less that 6 months. And the symptoms are the usual pregnancy symptoms but intensified thanks to the nature of the father, I guess.
-Suzan this is not a nice joke, please tell me you are joking right now...
-I know you have the power to check somebody's health status, try it on me and I beg you to keep in mind that all these days I've been praying for all this to not be true.
Sarah said nothing and touched Suzan on the head and at that same moment her mystical third eye opened on her forehead. It took her only a few seconds to confirm that what the young girl was saying was true and she backed away in fear and doubt again.
-So?
-It is...it is true, she managed to say, you are pregnant.
-What am I going to do Sarah? I came to you for help.
-Me? I don't know, this is far beyond my...I don't know how I can help you Suzan...
-Give me a piece of advice me like you always do, I know it's a terrible secret and I am sorry I had to burden you with it. I am not asking anything of you, I will carry this cross alone if needed, just advise me please.
-Oh my Suzan!!! said Sarah to the crying girl, if she were able to cry she would do so alongside her.
-What should I do? In a couple of weeks I won't be able to hide it anymore, please help me.
-First of all my little Suzan, are you sure it's Paul's? Is there no chance that something happened with another man? I mean a mortal man...
-Sarah!!! I love Paul and I wouldn't do that to him under no circumstance, of course I am sure it's his!!!
- Okay, okay, I still can't believe this was possible but I believe you.
-Will you help me?
-..........
-Will you?
-With all my heart, with every drop of blood I have, even with my last breath if I have to and not because it is a unique union but because it is your child Suzan and I will not let anything take this happiness away from you.
-Thank you Sarah! I knew you were gonna help me, said Suzan and hugged her once again.
-First of all, does Roxxane know or suspect anything?
-I don't think so.
-Lets hope so or else she will kill us both. She will never understand this situation, she will immediately lose control and kill us all. After so many years, for her the mere thought of something like that is considered a blasphemy.
-Then how will...?
-Well we will have to keep it a secret for now and since time is pressuring us we will have to think of something to keep it secret later on. Paul?
-What about Paul?
-Does he know?
-No, not yet.
-Maybe it's better this way....Sarah murmured.
-What is better?
-Well Suzan I will ask you something and I want you to think about it very seriously before you answer me.
-Go on.
-If you had to leave you mother for this child would you do it? If you had to spend your life hiding from everyone would you do it? And what's more if Paul had to do the same would he do it for you?
-Sarah I do not know how I feel for the unborn child but I know that a miracle has happened with the man I love and I love Roxxane for everyhing she has given me but if I had to choose between those two I would choose my child and if this means I have to leave her and spend another millenia hiding then so be it, but I cannot answer for Paul.
-Then that's what we have to find out. You need to tell him. After all it is half his fault, said Sarah trying one more joke and this time Suzan almost smiled.
-...and if he doesn't believe me? If he gets angry with me or worse if he rejects me?
-Then my little Suzan, I will come with you!
-You? Why?
-Because in the end what matters most is you and this unborn miracle!
-And what about Roxxane? Do you believe she will ever be able to forgive us?
-That I do not know! There are times that I believe she is fed up with this social lifestyle and she would prefer her violent past, she misses her path and I do not know if the path that I am showing to her will ever become dominant.
-Then so be it. I will ask Paul and we shall figure out what we are going to do.
-Yes, do that, the sooner the better. Even now, call him.
-Tomorrow, I think he has work to do with that elder vampire that's haunting the city these days. Tomorrow I will go to his house before sunset and I'll tell him about it.
-Tomorrow then, oh my little Suzan I am so happy for you! May the god be merciful on you.
-Thank you Sarah, I knew I could count on you.
-Always Suzan, always!



The next evening Suzan walked, almost ran towards Paul's house, a huge smile on her face. She couldn't wait to share these news with him. She couldn't wait to see his face, everything about their union was unique. He was not a typical vampire, he spent hours with her, he cared for her, he couldn't even lift his eyes from her and as for the sex, Sarah was wrong. Paul enjoyed their union even though he was an undead, yes everything was unique about them two and she couldn't wait until sunset to share her news with him.
''Please god make him believe me and share the same feelings with me, please make him as happy about this child as I am''.
She was so lost in her thoughts that even after centuries of being cautious and aware of her surroundings she missed the weird van that had been following her all this time, she missed the men with hoods on their faces that were sitting in it and she missed the van speeding up the moment she entered that dark and quiet alley.
She realised it too late, just a second before the van was beside her and the doors opened letting some monstrous men with hoods get out and grab her.
She would scream if she could but no voice came out her mouth.
She would resist if she could  after all she was a well trained ghoul but one man injected something to her and in her weakened state she couldn't.
And then everything blacked out...

She had no idea what time it was or where she was when she next opened her eyes.
She knew though that she was tied with metal chains on a metal chair.
She had to be somewhere underground judging by the incoming sounds but there was no light so she could see better.
And then she felt fear, not for her but for her unborn child.
Suddenly she realised that her carelessness could have cost her child's life and in that moment she loved it more than anything.

She heard footsteps approaching.
-Who is there? she screamed.
-Silence bitch, she heard an unfamiliar voice, silence or I will silence you forever.
-Who are you? What do you want from me?
-Me? Nothing. I would have killed you already bitch but he wanted to talk to you...
-He? Who is he?
-It's me, said a familiar voice and the same moment the lights went on.
Suzan had to close her eys for some seconds and then she recognised the man in the luxurious suit standing only a few meters away from her.
-Edward? she whispered in fear.
-Young Suzan de Castile! said the man imitating a fake salute, I am glad you remember me.
-I remember you and also my mother remembers you!
-How is my queen? How is Yvet or should I call her Roxxane now?
-How did you...?
-How did I find you? Well, it took us a while but patience always pays off, after all Yvet may have changed her clothes and her hair but she can never hide her face and I would recognize the majestic queen of Castile even among a million other women. So here we are, you and me having this little chat.
-What do you want?
-Well to be honest her head on a plate to serve to her husband but I am afraid she will refuse to cooperate and we would have a fight and I hate fights.
-As always a coward! said Suzan disgusted.
-For many a coward, for others a survivor, but this is not the point of our meeting.
-Then what is? You can't possibly expect her to surrender because you have me.
-Surrender? Of course not, she wouldn't be Yvet then. No I have a message to send her and I needed a messenger.
Suzan breathed a sigh of relief, maybe she would survive this meeting.
-Alright, what's the message?
-That depends on you ...Suzan? Am I right?
-What do you mean?
-Well my faction hates ghouls but I find some of them to be of use, for example the ones that captured you today. And you Susan, you have been a ghoul for centuries now, a well trained ghoul as far as I know.
-So?
-So you would make a fine soldier for my faction and at the same moment a nice message to your mother!
-How do you expect this to happen?
-Well if you agree on this plan, I will have a friend of mine embrace you and you will join our packs in this nightly war.
-Are you so sure that I won't betray you if I join your ranks?
-Oh my little princess of course I am but our Vinculi, our union will make sure this doesn't happen cause once you drink your loyalty will become you pack and our cause, nothing else.
Suzan realised her fate, she would become a soldier for them and a lure for her mother, a moving bait that would help them capture her but the worst was the fate of her child, no unborn had ever survived an embrace, the moment she would take life eternal her child would die and she was not able to let that happen.
-And if I decide not to accept your kind offer?
-Then unfortunately you will give the message in another, unpleasant way...
-....?
-I am afraid I will have to let my pack's priest play with you and then we will dump your body somewhere to be found hoping that your mother will be able to recognize you and get the message.
-So either way I die?
-More or less, though I should advise you take the first option. It's less painful and I am willing to let you choose the clan you are going to join, said Edward with a fake smile.
''In both cases my child dies but in the second I can protect Roxxane, Sarah and Paul''
Suzan already knew about this "Vinculi" and she knew that after it she would expose every secret and share everything with anyone in her pack. That was the way that faction worked in order to ensure loyalty amongst them and she knew better than to take that choice, after all her mother belonged to that faction for centuries and Suzan had learned from her about their practises. At least with the second option she would die, painfully and in a perverted way, but she would not betray her loved ones.

-Then I choose the second option! I am not afraid of your pack priest or death. I am the Princess of Castile, child of the greatest Queen. I belong to the clan of the shadow masters and I refuse to be afraid of anything! Suzan said the words full of pride but she was lying. She was afraid, not of death, not of the afterlife, if there was any but she was afraid for her child, her unborn child.
-I was sure Princess, Edward mocked her, though I had to try. IVAN!!! COME HERE!!!

A monstrous man appeared. He belonged to the clan of the fiends, great magicians of the central Europe known for their grotesque appearances and their perverted experiments on other beings.
-I shall take my leave now Princess, Ivan is a very capable artist of the bodycrafts and though I love a fine piece of art I am afraid I will not like your pieces after he is done. She is all yours Ivan, make it slow, make it painful and make her beg for death many times before death finds her.
-With great pleasure my leader!said the monster and approached Suzan.
She screamed with all her power for the first time this night but not the last, her centuries of ghoul status made his ''work'' easier since she could withstand a lot of pain and torturing and some time before the dawn when death came for her, she could only thank him for having been merciful. Her last thoughts though were about her unborn child and Paul and her happiest hour was indeed her death sentence!




Three days later Roxxane was walking down the stairs to the morgue. The doctor, a vampire necromancer belonging to an Italian family had called to inform her that someone had found a body that looked like Suzan.
She was going there not sure if she was sad for the loss of her ghoul and daughter or angry, on the verge of frenzy, for her enemies who once more hadn't had the honor to face her.
The doctor awaited her with a strange look on her face, not sure how this mysterious woman of unknown origins but with great powers would react to the sight of the body. Still it was her job for the Prince and the city to take care of such bodies so the ''masquearde'' wouldn't be endangered by a mortal doctor.
-My lady, she said when Roxxane stormed the morgue.
-Marcela! Roxxane said in responce. Where is the body?
-Right here, Marcela said and pointed at a frozen body, well not exactly a body but the weird remains of it. I am still curious how a human body could turn out like this. Is it her?
Roxxane took a good look. Unlike others who would take a quick glance and then look away she bathed in the gore of the remains of her daughter, the sight fueling her thirst for vengeanse.
-Yes she is...she finally said.
-What do you want me to do with it?
-.....
-My lady?
-...Burn her!!! Ashes to ashes and dust to dust!!!
-As you wish my lady, said the Italian woman with relief.
-One moment, Roxxane strafed towards the body, took another look at the remains and searched the body for it...finally she found what she was looking for, the necklace, her necklance, her gift to her daughter.
-What's this?
-A gift, she will no longer miss it. Are we done here?
-Two questions my lady, shall I inform the Prince?
-I will inform him if needed, no damage has been done to the ''masquerade'' right?
-Of course, and the second thing...shall I inform our sheriff?
-I already told you...
-Not "Faceless", the new one, your child, I know he was very close with your gh...with Suzan.
The Italian necromancer almost cowered in fear from the look of this woman, she was ready to grab her and shred her to pieces.
-Do as you please with Paul, I don't care, said Roxxane in a cold voice, but I need her burnt before sunrise, am I clear?
-Of course my lady, always at your service.


Three days now with Suzan gone Sarah could not find rest, not at home, not during her meditation not even in her torpid sleep during the day.
She was haunted with visions of Suzan's pain and death in the hands of that monster...
Sarah couldn't forgive herself for letting Suzan go alone that day. She had pushed her to inform Paul and that was the outcome.
A miracle would have happened and Sarah had destroyed it.
She would never, ever forgive herself for that.
And when Roxxane came back from the morgue to confirm Suzan's death something died inside Sarah as well.
And that sunrise, moments before her sleep, Sarah couldn't hold back anymore...
And she cried, not like an adult woman but like a hysterical child...
And her tears were red lines on her face,THEY WERE TEARS OF BLOOD!!!

Vorg (3a)

-God damn it!!!, Paul let his thought be heard, How am I supposed to find this kidnapper? I don't even know where to start from.
He was walking fast towards the crime scene, hoping that he could find some clues there.
Suddenly his mobile phone rang. There was neither the name nor the caller's number.
-Yes? He almost whispered.
-Are you Mr. Anageropoulos? He heard a strange, almost growling voice.
-I am yes, and you are?
-My name is Jason, I am new to the city and I was informed to contact you.
-Me? By whom?
-I am not quite sure I can tell such things over the phone, it's better we met somewhere, somewhere near Aristotelous square since you are already there?
-How can you even know where I am? Are you spying on me?
-Mr. Anag...can I call you Paul already? I hate these formalities.
-You can call me ''sheriff'' already...
-Okay, sheriff, I am not spying on you but it is not that hard to find someone using a mobile phone.
-Listen Mr. Jason, I have a very important task at the moment. Can't we meet another time?
-Of course we can but I am quite sure Sir Nick said something about helping you with your important task.
-Sir Nick? He told you to contact me?
-Yes but if you don't want, it's fine by me...
-No, no, lets meet, lets say in 15 minutes near the statue on the upper square?
-I will be there sheriff. Goodbye.
-Wait, how will I recognize you ?
-Don't worry, I will !

Paul did a quick scan of the crime scene and headed for the upper square still wondering about this Jason and why Sir Nick had sent him to help him.
He stood in front of the statue that depicted a Greek prime minister and General and pretended to play with his phone trying to look normal. Since it was early enough people were passing by or just standing, waiting for someone just as he did.
Soon a tall man dressed in heavy clothing, wearing a hat and a pair of sunglasses and gloves aproached him.
-Hello sheriff, he said in low voice.
-Are you Jason ?
-No, I am Santa Claus, have you been a good sheriff this year ?
-Very funny, you know that for tunneler you draw too much attention dressed like that this time of the year?
-Trust me, I would draw a lot more if I weren't dressed like that.
Paul understood what the man was saying. Roxanne had told him about the curse that tunnelers had inherited from their progenitors.
-Okay, lets get somewhere quiter and talk then.
-Of course. By the way here is my number, said the man and passed him a business card.
-Jason Vorhes, private investigator, Paul read out loud.
-Yep, that's me.
-Ok Jason, nice to meet you. I am Paul Anageropoulos but you knew that already.
They reached a small and quiet cafe and sat in a shadowy corner .
Only a bored waitress and one -by the looks of it drunk- man were there.
They ordered a couple of beers to look normal  and waited until she had brought them before they would start talking.
-So what is this task I am supposed to help you with?
-How did you become involved in the first place?
-As I already told you I am new to the city. Only a few nights have passed since I presented myself to Prince James and got his permission to stay and tonight I got a phone call from Sir Nick who informed me that in order to please the Prince for his approval I had to contact you and help you with something.
-Your lucky day, huh?
-It's not bad making contacts in a new place...
-Well, I don't know if you've heard already but tonight a crime was committed and Prince James ordered me to find the one responsible for it and bring him to justice . He believes that a kindred is responsible so it endangers the ''masquerade'' .
-Well I was sure it was not going to be easy, said Jason almost laughing.
-So I think we need to go take a look at the ... Paul had to stop to answer his phone that had just rang again this time with an unknown number appearing on the screen.
-Yes?
-Excuse me, are you Mr. Anageropoulos? Paul heard a young male voice with a weird accent.
-I am and you are ?
-Mr. Paul Anageropoulos?
-I told you I am he already, who are you?
-Ah, very nice, my name is Asterios.
''What the fuck? Who are all these people?'' Paul thought.
-Okay Mr. Asterios what can I do you for?
-I believe that I am the one that can do something for you.
-What do you mean?
-I was told to contact you to arrange a meeting.
-By whom?
-My teacher, Amadeus. Me and my colleague Darius are supposed to meet with you and help you with something.
-You must be kidding me.
-No Mr. Anageropoulos, I am very serious.
-You said Amadeus right?
-Yes! Do you know him?
-No but I know what he is. Okay Mr. Asterios I am currently at a bar called ''Aristotelous'', can you get here?
-I am afraid both me and Mr. Darius are new in this beautiful town and we are not that familiar with its places. Can we meet near an arch called ''Kamara''?
-...Okay, what time?
-Lets say in an hour, is that good for you too?
-Fine, fine. See you in an hour at ''Kamara'' said Paul and hung up.
-I am sorry Mr. Jason it seems Prince James is forming a team for me.
-I can imagine, we are to meet two more?
-Yes, in an hour.
-Well sometimes the more the merrier. Why do you look so worried?
-Well I am a bit worried with those two, it's not the best thing to work with a warlock and now we have to work with two of them, if you know what I mean.
-Two warlocks? Prince James must be really anxious to find that kidnapper.
Jason of course had already heard stories about warlocks from Sir Nick and the mistrust that followed them but he was not going to share his fears especially with the sheriff.
-Okay lets focus on our real problem, Paul said, where shall we start our investigation?
-That's easy. For starters we can take a look at the crime scene, then we can take a look at what the police have found and then we can plan our next steps.
-Easy to say that but how are we going to take a look at police findings?
-I may be only a few days in your country but I am pretty sure your police protection systems are not that good, said Jason with a grin on his face.
-So, Sir Nick sent me an investigator with hacking abilities?
-Wasn't that obvious already?
-Okay Mr. Jason, enough talking. Lets start doing our job. We have approximately 45 minutes before the meeting with the warlocks, lets put this time to good use.

Anageropoulos (17)

Paul had only some minutes he had left Prince Jame's office. He still couldn't believe his luck.
Not only the prince hadn't punished him but now he had almost limitless power in his hands.
For a young vampire with only months in the dark world of the undead such position could be a fast way to the top of the food chain.

He was walking fast towards Roxanne's house, he needed to share his success with the people he liked.
That was a win-win situation after all, he was now able to help Roxanne more efficiently than before, he could provide safety for Suzan and Sarah and he wouldn't have to look over his shoulder for the crime he had committed towards his clanmates.

Even when Liza opened the door showing him her dislike, he still couldn't wipe that big smile off his face.
Inside the living-room Suzan was as usual behind her computer and Sarah was wathcing TV and from the noises coming from the bathroom he could assume Roxxane was preparing for another wild night, propably at Purgatory.
-My lo...I mean master Paul, said Suzan, didn't you say you had some business to attend to tonight?
-And I did but I finished a lot earlier than expected. Hello Sarah how are you?
Sarah strafed towards him to greet him with a smile that faded almost immediately.
-What have you done youngling? She screamed and got up showing him her fangs.
Liza and Suzan almost froze in place seeing Sarah in such a condition.
-Wait, wait, I can explain, said Paul losing his smile.
-You dare come here smiling murderer and you expect me to let you explain? out of nowhere a shining sword appeared in Sarah's hands.
-Please, Sarah, just let me talk...Paul hadn't managed to finish his sentence when thick shadows surrounded him draining his stamina. He felt helpless inside those shadows and he knew that Roxanne had just entered the fight alerted by Sarah's screams.
-Please...let...let me explain...and then you can do whatever you like, he managed to whisper to two burning, red eyes staring him inside those abyssal shadows.
-Speak youngling! he heard Roxanne's voice.
-I had no choice, they decided to fight and I was caught in the middle of it, I had to fight for my life. I was wounded and the beast took over, when I woke up they were already gone.
-Is that your explanation? I have warned you about this. Consuming other vampires is the greatest sin amongst our kind.
-I know and I am deeply sorry for failing you but it was not a choice. I fought and luck or fate decided I would be the last man standing.
-If the prince finds out he will kill you in the worst possible way and I will be in his disfavor.
-Not really. Prince James already knows, I was in his office before coming here.
-And you are still alive? Why?
-He offered me the chance to live and serve him as a sheriff's helper. You see my clanmates held that postion and he offered it to me now. And you know I can be of much help in that position to you. Slowly the shadows began to fade.
Sarah was still holding her sword but Roxanne was much calmer.
-Are you telling me the truth, youngling?
-I wouldn't lie to you after all you've done for me.
-Roxanne, amaranth is our greatest sin, he needs to be punished, Sarah insisted.
-Sarah you were the one speaking about forgiveness, is it so hard to forgive me? It is not that I wanted to kill them.
-I don't care about you killing two other assasins, but drinking them dry, consuming their souls and destroying any chance they had for an afterlife is a sin I cannot forgive. Roxanne please step aside, let me clean this sin from our house.
-One minute Sarah, I respect your beliefs and as you see I am trying to uphold them but here we have an opportunity.
-How can you even trust him? You know his clan's weakness, now that he has tasted vampiric blood he will do it again and again and who knows he may even try kill you.
-Would that be the first time someone comes for my blood? Am I to be afraid of a youngling that got lucky in a fight? Please Sarah, I have fought many a war to start fearing now.
-And what exactly do you propose? Forgive him?
-Who said anything about forgiveness? James ignored his crime for a reason, Nansy and Narssel -yes youngling I knew damn well who were your bloodline- were valuable allies to him and still he chose not to punish him, what's more he made him the sheriff's assistant. If that is not part of a weird plan of his then I am not a shadow lord! Did James ask anything else of you? You better be honest with me Paul.
-He ordered me to keep this position one year for each murder and then I will be totally free. He said that when he calls I'll have to be at his side as fast as possible, nothing more.
-Okay, said Roxanne who was looking a bit satisfied, I better gather my shadows before those two pitiful ghouls choke to death and Sarah I know you have that power that can clean someone's soul why not offer it to Paul?
-That I will not do! said Sarah.
She was looking calm again and the sword was nowhere to be seen as she was bending over the two ghouls that were on the floor trying to breathe.
The shadows that shadow lords commanded were so thick that a mortal could choke to death if they stayed enough time inside of them.
-They will be fine Sarah, they are not normal humans and the shadows did not last that much.
-Look Roxanne, you say you can use him and I don't doubt it. You say you want no punishment for him, this is your house and you make the rules BUT I will not betray my beliefs and help a murderer.
Even now in his soul he doesn't feel sorry about what he has done. I can see clearly he is full of pride about his actions. He even feels pride about getting that sheriff position.
''Damn that woman and her mind-reading powers'' Paul thought.
-Okay, okay I get it, you don't want to help him and I will not force you to. But as you said this is my house and my will will be done. One last question youngling. Do I still have your loyalty?
-Of course my lady, never doubt that, said a still scared Paul.
-Never forget that then, if you try anything foolish enough even James won't be able to hide you from me...and Paul?
-Yes?
-Remember, cannibalising is a downward path to your inner beast, you cannot imagine how easy it is to lose yourself to your beastial instincts. Remember also that the day your beast controls your mind  I will kill you myself, am I clear?
-As always, my lady.
-Fine then, I already lost much time with this and I need to get ready for that party Sofia is throwing tonight. Ah by the way Paul, as long as this black stain stays on your aura I would rather you didn't accompany me on social gatherings, it will affect my status and will unnerve the others.
-As you wish my lady, said Paul with dissapointment in his face and voice.

As soon as Roxanne entered the bathroom again Paul  went to Suzan.
-My little Suzan are you ok?
-What happened? Why did Sarah scream?
-I can explain to you but not now. Are you okay? Can you move? We could take a walk maybe and I'll explain everything to you.
-I have to finish some paperwork, I thought you wouldn't be free tonight as you had said.
-Then later? Do you want to come by my place and sleep together?
-Of course I'd want that, said an ever-smiling Suzan while going back to her computer.

Paul looked for Sarah, she wasn't there. After she had checked both Suzan and Liza she propably had left for her room.
He took a deep breath -a useless habbit from his mortal days- and knocked her door.
-Who is it?
-It's me and I would really like to speak to you.
-My door is locked for you young Paul, leave me alone.
-Sarah please, of all the people in this house you are the one I need to apologize to the most.
-I don't need your apology, my clan suffered grave losses from cannibals like you and I now have one in the same place where I live.
-You know what? I am done trying to convince you that I am sorry, I did what I had to to protect my life and Suzan's and I will do it again if I have to. I am not proud of my crime but I am proud that I am still alive and that the Prince gave me a chance to get a place among my kind. I know you are perfect and all this humane shit but if you ever, ever, did something you were not proud of then you should give me a chance to prove that I am worthy of your forgiveness.
Paul heard the door unlock and suddenly Sarah charged out of her room. But this was not the usual Sarah.
Her silken skarf was gone and a terrifying third eye with a deep red glow was open and looking at him like looking into his very soul.
-You want forgiveness? I will grant you your wish then murderer! Spirits of my forefathers hear my call! Suddenly Sarah grabbed his arm. Archangel Michael I summon thee to haunt this man's dreamless sleep, to fill his soul with remorse and terror for what he has done, to reveal to him the true face of  his own evil! Let him know no rest until he understands the severity of his crime.
Paul had fallen on his knees while Sarah was uttering this ancient curse of her clan and when he regained his strength the third eye with the red glow was gone.
-What kind of sorcery is this? What have you done to me?
-What you asked for youngling. When you will be ready both in your mind and your soul then and only then will I forgive you. Till then I consider you unclean and I order you to stay away from me.
-What will happen to me? What were those words you said?
-Believe it or not it was my effort to save whatever part of your soul has remained intact after your crime and now leave me. Come back only when you will be clean of your sins.
-And when will that be?
-You will know...said Sarah cryptically and locked herself inside her room.

Later that night Paul explained to Suzan what had happened with his clanmates and what had happened tonight in the living room and later with Sarah.
In her human heart there was only love for him and no place for mistrust.
-I am sorry, he said to her, for everything, I never wanted any of that to happen.
-You don't need to be sorry, you fought for your life and I prefer you alive rather than dead. I believe Roxanne doesn't care that much for what you've done and Sarah will forgive you too. We only look towards the future not the past and I want a future with you.

Just moments before the sunrise Paul believed the worse had passed but as soon as the dreamless sleep claimed him he realised that his nightmare had just begun and he would be alone and helpless during his personal Hell.

''Nightmare lying here in the dark

Scared like my dreams made their mark

I wonder

Dreamer always alone

Lost in a part of myself I can't find anymore

I wonder if it's gonna end tonight

I can't sleep alone anymore

I need you here with me

Even though I closed all the doors

There's somethin' holdin' me

Never Ending Nightmare''

Vorg (2)

-My lord Byron may I interrupt? asked a servant.
-You already did, said Byron taking his eyes off the TV, so what is it about?
-Mr.Aris wants to see you.
-Alright bring him in.
A few seconds later Aris entered the living room.
Aris had been an athletic man as a mortal and his immortal nature hadn't changed that at all. He was always dressed in jeans and sporty t-shirts and most of the time he had dust or even leaves on his clothes and his body. He was the leader of his predator clan tasked by the Prince to guard the outskirts of the city from other vampires or lupines.
Of course his loyalty lied with Lord Byron and not his Prince for many years now.
After all if it hadn't been for Lord Byron his creator would still be alive and in his position.
He knew Byron was using him and in the event of his death Byron would not even bother to do anything but as long as he was alive and of some use he could partake in many pleasures Byron could arrange for him.
-Don't even move! Byron shouted, I have told you many times not to come in here with mud on your shoes yet you are standing there getting my carpets dirty.
-I am very sorry my Lord! I was in a hurry to bring you good news.
-I am listening.
-Vorg is in our town already.
-Damn Aris, I know, said Byron pointing at the TV, I saw the news already, he has started his work.
-Humans are already shaking, his first victim, has already been found in such a grotesque condtion that even the cops got scared.
-Very nice, let the humans bathe in fear for their lives, any news from our beloved Prince?
-I heard he called this new Sheriff to his office about an hour ago.
-Really? Is he going to assign this neonate on this? Hahahaha that's going to be fun, we may even get a dead sheriff before we strike the Prince himself then.
-What about his creator? The shadow bitch.
-Ah yes, Roxanne, well since you are here I have another job for you. I want you to settle a score with that bitch for me.
-Always at your service, my Lord.
-Go find Makis and get a package I ordered, he will explain to you what you have to do with it.
-On my way.
Byron laughed looking at the news one more time.
''Soon Prince you will only be but a memory''.

A couple of hours before Paul had just woken up in his large bed. Of course Suzan was already up and she propably was at Roxanne's house attending her business.
Paul took a bath and opened his television ready for another quiet night that he was going to spend with either Roxanne or Suzan.
One week had passed since his encounter with James and his new assignment and since then the Prince had never called him.
On every channel there was the news about a kidnapping that had happened earlier that evening in a central park of Thessaloniki. The weird thing was not the kidnapping itself but the bloody mess the kidnapper had made of the victim's friend. It seemed it was a couple having their vacations in Greece when someone attacked them and violently killed the man and kidnapped the girl leaving a bloody mess behind. The funny thing was that all that had happened in a central park but almost no witness could offer anything to help the police.
''And they call us the monsters'' Paul thought.
He was ready to call Suzan when his mobile phone rang. Paul opened his eyes in disbelief when he saw the name of the caller.
-M-my Prince?
-Get at my office as fast as possible, he heard James saying.
-Of course, on my way.
''Damn here goes my quiet night, judging by his voice something really bad has happened and I am quite sure this kidnapping has something to do with it''

In less that 15 minutes he was at Jame's office. The prince and ''Faceless'' were already there watching the news.
-My prince? said Paul while bowing at his Prince.
-Welcome Mr.Anageropoulos, I am pleased you were so fast.
-You call and I answer, wasn't that the deal?
-Yes it was and it's time to take on your first assignment.
-I suppose it has to do with this kidnapping that's on the news?
-Yes! I am pretty sure the kidnapper was a vampire judging by the bloody state of the victim and by the fact that strangely enough all witnesses can't remember a thing.
-What do you want me to do?
-Find me the one responsible for this, alive or dead I don't care, though I would like to pass my punishment onto him myself.
-May I ask why me? I truly believe ''Faceless'' would be much more efficient at tracking him down
-Aren't you a sheriff too? Time to do something about it.
-Is this some kind of test then?
-Maybe, Mr.Anageropoulos. Would you care to dissapoint me?
-Of course not my Prince, I will find the one responsible and serve him your justice. One more thing my Prince, I would need some help with the investigation and maybe access in the police.
-As I told you already you are a sheriff, if you need any help ask the proper one and he would be damned not to help my sheriff.
-Then I'll be taking my leave.
-Do not fail me Anageropoulos!
''Hell yeah...where am i supposed to start searching?'' Paul wondered while leaving.

-My lord?
-Yes ''Faceless''?
-Why that youngling and not me? I don't think he is ready for this, he has no social connections and judging from what happened the kidnapper is of quite some power and age.
-Exactly that!
-Meaning?
-Whoever did this meant to provoke me, he endangered the ''masquerade'' for no apparent reason, he could have taken that girl any other time, so I am sending a youngling to investigate just to show him I do not consider him a threat.
-But the youngling may get in trouble...
-Well isn't that part of the job of a sheriff? If he succeeds then I would have made the right choice about keeping him alive and if he fails then we end up at the same point. As for this kidnapper whoever he is I am pretty sure we will hear from him again and soon.
-Do you want me to start searching too?
-No, at least not for the time being. Let the youngling try, I want something else trickier from you. This kidnapper is not from Thessaloniki and I am sure of this, he is an outsider.
-From Athens?
-Maybe, it doesn't really matter where he is from but who invited him or sent him here. So from now on I want you to monitor the elders closely.
-Do you think the conspiracy will try to strike at you now?
-Well if there is a conspiracy it would be a perfect time to strike during a large breach of the ''masquerade''.
-Do you suspect anyone specifically?
-I suspect everyone ''Faceless'', keep a close eye on them.
-As you order my lord but I still believe the youngling will fail. Shall I keep an eye on him too?
-No! I have other plans for him. That rotten warlock informed me he had two new arrivals for his clan and as you know I have to accept them, so why not prove they are worth my kindness by helping our young sheriff? And also Sir Nick presented a new tunneler of his, he said that this man is an expert in computers and it would be foolish of me to kill him. Lets have this expert join our sheriff's team.
-Two warlocks an assasin and a tunneler, not bad at all my prince.
-I think so as well. Do not forget that this youngling killed two highly trained assassins already. I strongly believe Anageropoulos is going to impress us. So start your part of the investigation, have Nick tell this new tunneler to contact Anageropoulos and I will inform that rotten piece of shit Amadeus about his two new warlocks.
-As you wish my lord, said ''Faceless'' and after bowing he left the office.

''Is this the time the conspiracy will finally show its real face?'' James wondered.
''Am I ready to face my would be killers? Time will tell but if I have to fight for my life and my position I will give them a fight they are never going to forget!''