The Bride and Her Bloodlust

“I like dreaming. Pyotr’s always there.” James said to me groggily as I sat beside him.

It was dark in here as his eyes were quite sensitive and only myself, Al and Lucius sat within the toy cluttered room. Alponnse was opposite me, holding James’ hand tightly and he stared blankly at the window behind that bed. He was unshaven with black smudges under his unusually dim eyes. His hair wasn’t brushed and his clothes were crumpled. I knew that hadn’t left James’ side and slept beside him often. Ben and Hilary were outside, guarding the door. Apparently they hadn’t left James’ side since he had been returned to them and, like every youngster in the house, they mourned and regretted not keeping a better eye on him. Lucius, who was still sane and well, was in the corner, letting me speak with my nephew without intruding. I could feel his pain though. Ever since he returned to us, death had only come to meet him. Our Clan was once again suffering.

“He will play with me and go on adventures. Livia says it’s truly him as well.”

“Silvers have the potential to roam dreams, I just didn’t realise it happened so young.” I said apologetically after snorting at being told this.

“Pyotr’s strong though, even Livia says Pyotr’s strong for his age.” He was grinning with pride and exhaustion riddled over his face but his smile stopped short when a coughing fit came over him.

I quickly grabbed a tissue from the table and pressed it to his mouth, barely catching the blobs of blood that sprayed from his mouth. I hated that. The boy was suffering badly but he pretended to be well and happy. He was scared, terrified even, but he just smiled. It just made not being able to cure him even worse.

Alphonse brushed aside James’ hair as he leaned back, his chest heaving as his skin broke out in a sweat. His skin was grey now and his body gaunt. There was barely anything of him. While we hadn’t told James that he was dying, he knew. He knew what was happening. But he never spoke of it. It scared him and he liked to pretend he was getting better. We all did.

“I’m glad you got us out of there, Aunt Susan.” James said softly with his young eyes watching me. “You were being hurt so badly. It looked like you were going to die.”

Hearing that sent triggered a blossom of rage and a twist of guilt. Miriam had done this to him and he was the one worse off than myself. He shouldn’t be thanking me. He should be hating me for not protecting him and getting him killed.

“You’re my kin and friend, James. How could I just leave you there?” I said thickly as I felt sorrow fill my throat. “I am sorry I couldn’t get you out quicker.”

“I’m sorry for not listening.” He replied with a faint sob filling him.

I leaned in close, pressing my forehead against him as I let a gentle purr emit from my throat, trying to comfort him. “We have both learnt something.”

James nodded and sniffed hard. “Mother would’ve scolded me for not listening.”

“She would’ve but I have in her stead. Now, in future, you listen to your elders. No questions asked.” I said mockingly firmly.

“I promise.”

I kissed his forehead, smiling. “Good boy.” I pulled back as he yawned widely and relaxed back into the pillows with half closed eyes. “I can play a board game with you and Pyotr later.”

His eyes lit up. “Yes, that would be good. When I am strong we can play properly. I want to be fast and strong like everyone else.”

His enthusiasm saddened. He would never grow and become strong. He would never lead this Clan as he was meant to. He would never be a full blood like Eva promised. He was going to fade away and join Ella.

“We can.”

He nodded and yawned again with sleep ushering quickly. “I’ll say hello to mother for everyone.” He mumbled under his breath with his soft snores following.

I looked up at Alphonse, worried about how emotionless he looked. He simply watched his son sleep with no frown and no tears.

“James knows. He mumbles when he’s exhausted about seeing Ella and my parents. He speaks of it with Pyotr while he dreams. But he won’t to us. Pytor say James doesn’t want us to worry.” Alphonse said thickly. “Pyotr is helping him a lot. He can ease James’ fears away and make death seem less terrifying than it is. I am glad Eva brought him. James needs him.”

I smoothed down James’ hair. It had grown a lot recently as had reached below his ears. “He needs all of us.” I added softly. “He is a strong, loving boy. I am glad you created him with Ella, Alphonse.”

Alphonse could only nod sharply as sorrow began to swallow him. Before I could move to comfort him, a soft wind came to my mind and Eva’s gentle voice echoed.

‘While James sleeps, I need to speak to everyone. Leave him and come to me. I will be swift so you can return to him.’

I sighed and rose as Lucius came to Alphose and clasped his shoulder. “This won’t be long.” Lucius promised.

Alphonse did as he was asked without much encouragement. I could see he didn’t like leaving James and I didn’t blame him. James could breathe his last at any moment now and Alphonse would want to help him pass and be there for him.

When the door opened, a small white haired boy was there, clutching the strange toy he had given his father, and Livia standing protectively behind him. Pyotr shifted his weight with nervousness and bow his head lightly.

“I’ve come to play with James.”

“Take him somewhere fun.” Alphonse asked and ruffled his hair before he sluggishly headed off down the hall with Lucius keeping close to him.

Pyotr looked after him, frowning sadly and catching my hand as I moved passed. “Alphonse will be okay, won’t he?”

I looked back at him, seeing how bowed his back was, how defeated he looked, how pained. “I’m not sure. If Lucius and I remain alive, he may stand a chance.”

Pyotr only nodded and sadly padded into the room while Livia gave me a comfortingly pat on the shoulder before following. Hilary closed the door behind him and sat back in the chair, going back to his reading. Ben gave me a sad tired smile.

I hurried after my kin, grasping Lucius’ hand tightly, wanting to touch his skin again. I had had quite a fill early but already, after an hour of not being near him, I was itching to touch him again, to know he was still with me. I didn’t dare look up at him though as he smiled down at me and pretended I hadn’t done anything sappy.

Eva waited for us in Lucius’ study. Vincent was beside her while Dana stood in the corner, clutching her scythe as she gazed out the large boarded window. I was faintly surprised to see Augusta there, perched on the same sofa as Eva. She sat a little defensivly with little to show for our battle together. I wondered how sick she got from that poison and how long she remained inactive for. Her eyes did look a little less bright. But it was the great man who stood beside the fireplace that truly surprised me.

“Elgar.” I welcomed warmly.

He smiled back at me with tugged at his bushy face. “I am here to help your Clan. The Whelan Pack is now backing you.”

“That is good to hear.” Lucius said in relief as he collapsed in his usual chair, touching the desk with familiarity. “We need all the help we can get now.”

“Before we get into that, Augusta must speak.” Eva said gently as she watched Alphonse warily. He remained by the door with a gaze that said he really wasn’t listening and constantly looked back. He wanted to return to James, to hold him while he dreamt.

I sat on the desk, still unable to keep myself too far from Lucius, and waited for Augusta to speak. She was growing increasingly nervous, fearful even. It was curious.

Eva gave her a gentle nudge and, still with her head bowed, Augusta spoke.

“I am the reason your Clan is under attack.” She blurted out.

Lucius stirred with faint alarm spreading through him while Alphonse looked at her sharply. Was she involved with the Allaways?

“Go on.” I prodded sharply.

“Nearly thirty years, I had to look after a warlock child. He was an Allaway and he was wanted by them. In the end I discovered a very old Allaway witch had found a type of immortality.” Augusta said hurriedly. “This witch, Ethelinda, could hop from body to body. Any witch body was a potential life for her to use. When they body got old, she would choose another and gain that witch’s matter. She wanted Eguene, the warlock boy, and I just about managed to protect him from her. I was eventually possessed but I slew her before she could take me.” She paused. “I killed the oldest Allaway witch and the one behind the movement against the Old World.”

“But the movement is still there.” Lucius said with confusion.

I furrowed my brow. “Miriam had said the Allaway’s goals against the Old World were dead with her mother. Do you mean Etheldina?”

“Yes. Miriam is a first child of Ethelinda. A child born from her true body.”

“So, if the goals are dead, why is she trying to destroy our Clan?”

“Some still strive for the destruction of the Old World, mostly the humans they gathered and fed information to. They will try to take out the biggest powers, such as your Clan. But Miriam is doing this out of revenge.”

“Revenge for what?”

Augusta once again looked nervous. “For Ethelinda’s death.”

I glanced back at Lucius and he shrugged. He was as bewildered as I was and remained quiet. “But your actions have nothing to do with us. I had not met you before now.”

She red haired witch fidgeted and cleared her throat. “I am a member of this Clan. She takes revenge on you as you’re the only members she can get to.”

Everyone was quiet and I stared at the young witch with curiosity and surprise. But it was Alphonse who made the first move and spoke the first word.

“Edith? You’re Edith?”

I glanced sharply down at Lucius but he remained unmoving. His eyes had darkened and serious look had come to him. Arnold had told me of the young unnatural creature born from Lucius’ own brother, Dustan. A vampire witch hybrid. But she had been sent away at a very young age when Morrigan stirred, fearing for Edith’s life. Lucius had cut off all connect with her, to protect her from Morrigan and to let her live in peace. But, apparently, here she was again, full grown and apparently the reason why our Clan was being attacked.

“When Ethelinda invaded my body, I was in a tiny room a recognised. A place filled with toys and a tiny bed. A place I felt safe in but the door scared me. Whatever was outside it. And Ethelinda grew very excited when she realised what I was. She wanted to have my body instead and have true immortality. I didn’t understand any of it so I went to the Lady in hopes she could open up memories.”

Eva smiled at her and patted her hand, comforting her and praising her slightly. “The memories I found were connected to this Clan.”

“So you are Edith?” I asked.

“I am.”

It was then that Lucius stood sharply and came to stand in front of Augusta. I had never seen the witch so scared. She ducked her head and refused to look at him.

“Stand up.” Lucius demanded.

Meekly, Augusta did as she was told. She stood tall, almost as tall as Lucius himself, and tried to hold his gaze without looking away.

“Tell me more.”

“I was raised by my mother’s Family, the Nespola’s, and they knew me special and tried to protect me. I could change shape, I could sense anything, I had unnatural strength without using Matter. But I fall unconicous during the day and fangs grow during the new moon.” Augusta babbled. “No one knew what I was or who I was exactly and tried to keep me secret.”

“And do you remember anything of here?”

“Not until Eva dove into my mind. Now I recognise you, especially Alphonse.” She turned to look at her half-brother, giving him a look of such warmth. “I remember playing games with you, reading with you, sleeping with you. I remember how much love you gave me. There is another man I remember but Eva tells me he died years ago.”

“Arnold.” I muttered sadly.

“Him, yes. He would care for me when Alphonse couldn’t.” She paused and gazed back at Lucius. “And then you came and took me away and I never saw any of you again.”

“Because Morrigan awoke. It was dangerous.”

“So I heard.” She paused. “But I am your niece and Alphonse’s sister. Truly I am.”

I kept glancing back and forth between Lucius dark scowl and Augusta’s honest expression. No words were said and Eva just watched smiling knowingly.

“Why only appear now?”

“I have been protecting Eugene and hid myself away to mull over what I am. Eugene is stronger now but still in need of training. He and Alexis, my mate, are still in Germany. I didn’t want either involved.”

“I can confirm that.” Elgar said smiling. “He is my cousin.”

“Your mate’s a werewolf?” I asked curiously.

She nodded. “I can’t have children with him but Eugene is our own. He is your family too, although not connected by blood.”

I wasn’t sure if I wanted an Allaway warlock to be our family but Augusta appeared affectionate of him. And if Lucius would accept him, I’d follow his stead.

“Well it explains why Elgar views as us family.”

Elgar smiled warmly. “Alexis and Augusta connects us but I would still help you even if we didn’t have those two.”

Lucius thanked him while I felt a swell of affection grow for the Grey Back. He had always been unnaturally kind and had gone out of his way to fix ties between our Clan and his Pack. I was still glad I had killed his father years ago and he didn’t seem to mind that I had.

Augusta’s face suddenly darkened. “The only reason I am here is because I was warned. Miriam told me exactly who she was and what she wanted to do. That she wanted revenge and your Clan was the best she could go for as my Family disowned me years back.” She said and now looked at me. “She sent you a warning also.”

I knitted my brow. “What?”

“That bracelet that came to you was Ethelinda’s own. It was a statement, a cry of vengeance. That bracelet was enough to say she was coming for you for what happened to her mother.” She bit her lip. “I came quickly and began hunting but too late. Lucius was gone before I got here and they were always one step ahead. I did try to warn you of a potential hunter family but I couldn’t press it or provide evidence. That fault is my own.” Her full mouth frowned sadly. “I’m sorry I’ve brought such sadness and pain to you all. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

Lucius smiled for the first time in a while and grasped her shoulder. “You have done nothing wrong.”

Hope lit up. “So you believe?”

“I can smell it. It takes a while and you have to ignore the witch stench but there is my own blood in you. You’re Edith.”

Augusta grinned in relief. “I was certain you weren’t going to believe and that Eva was going to have to step in.”

“But if Miriam is acting out on revenge, why has the threat returned?” I voiced before the loving reunion started and everyone forgot about it.

Augusta sobered a little but her eyes still danced with joy. “Miriam is the only one seeking revenge and wants nothing to do with what the Allaway’s set out to do years ago. Anna, a witch who hunted Eugene, has a sister, Nina.” I smiled as I remembered how Elgar chucked that witch away like a ragdoll. “She wants to continue what Ethelinda wanted so do the triplets, Alison, Jessica and Lu. And there are many hunter families they created that want to go through with it. These people are still a threat and must be dealt with.”

“Which is why, tomorrow evening, we will set out to see if they’ve moved on. These people are quick to scare and will run for cover at the sign of danger.” Vincent said firmly. “If they aren’t there, we need to find them again.”

“But that will be tomorrow.” Eva stated gently. “For now, everyone is to rest and James is to be comforted. You can return to him now. What has needed to be said is done.” She stood lightly and lightly walked out of the room with Dana following her.

‘I will explain what Augusta is another time. For now, you still need rest Susan.’ Eva’s soft song like voice said lightly in my mind.

I chewed my lip and glanced at Lucius, confirming she had spoken to him by the dark shade his eyes had taken as he looked on at Augusta. I had been curious about how a child could be born both immortal and witch when Matter would just destroy the embryo before it even grew in the womb.

I was going to go with Alphonse, to return with him to James, but Alphonse didn’t flood out of the room as I expected. Instead he approached Augusta and stood before her, staring at her with pained exhausted eyes.

“You’re Edith, my little sister.”

Augusta nodded and it was all Alphonse needed. He pulled her close and clung on to her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder. She at first seemed surprised but gradually began to return the embrace as his body shook with quiet sobs. The two just held each other tightly as one comforted the other.

Lucius indicated for me to follow and I obeyed, wanting to let Alphonse to let out his pain and misery in peace. With the return of Edith, I hoped that gave him some will to live. I had heard the story from Arnold, of how much love Alphonse had for his little half-sister. Having lost his mate and now losing his only child, regaining his beloved sister would give him some happiness. I hoped we would all be enough to keep him going.

We left them be with Elgar watching the fires of the hearth, staying to watch over Augusta and her sorrowful brother protectively. Outside, Vincent slipped out behind us, noiseless as a shadow. I hadn’t noticed he had still been in the room but Vincent was a quiet one. Savage but silent.

He sized up Lucius for a moment with a look that reminded me of the hostility he had towards Lucius years ago, before he spoke in his deep disdained voice. “Eva says your mind is clear.”

“It is. The shadow isn’t there at all.”

“I am glad to hear.”

There was no jealously in his tone, just blunt honesty. Vincent had been infected for too long and now would remain poison forever. The parasite within him would flare up whenever he felt too much rage or a strong threat. If Vincent had been cured faster, he too would be free of it, just like Lucius.

“I hope you’re strong enough to hunt with me.”

Lucius barked a laugh as a menacing glint came to his eyes. “I am hunting regardless of my health. I have been on side for too long. It’s time for me to actually act as Head of this Clan and guard it.”

“Then come with me tomorrow. Susan will need more rest and Alphonse is in no state to come. I need you with me.” Vincent admitted a little stiffly. I wondered how much effort it took to say that. Vincent wasn’t one to say he needed help, especially of Lucius.

“I will come.” Lucius replied with a smile.

Vincent nodded sternly and stalked off down the hall, seeking out where Eva had gone. With him gone, I was scowling up at Lucius with venom.

“I’m coming.”

“No, you’re staying.” Lucius laughed as he turned to head back to James. “Your body is still pushed as it is and I won’t have you getting involved in something where there will be a potential fight. You stay.”

I bared my fangs and hissed. “I can fight.”

I yelped and curled away when he poked me, sending a flare of savage pain up the left side of my body. Just as I raised my head to spit out a demand as to why he did that, his mouth was on mine, kissing me hard.

“No, you can’t. You’re weak and your body damaged. Let is recover. Once it has, then you can hunt but you’re staying here tomorrow.”

He pressed a few more, kissing my nose and mouth warmly, making my body react with heat and desire for him. I was quicker to excite than usual and he knew. He was smiling with amusement as he nuzzled my nose.

“Do you promise?”

I numbly nodded with my face red and scrunched up with hate. His kisses and affection always melted my resolve and he knew it. I hated that he used it against me.

“Now let’s go to James and watch over him while Alphonse mourns.”

I followed him grudgingly, scowling with every step, but, as I neared James’ room, what little happiness I had gained was quickly squashed. James was dying painfully and slowly. I hated it. Hated that I couldn’t stop it.

But I could kill the bitch who did it to him. I wanted to. I wanted to tear Miriam limb from limb and cause her as much pain as she caused Alphonse. But for now I would rest and regain my strength. For now I would comfort James until he passed on.

For now I would wait.