JT : The Face in the Mirror

“It seems your emotions also control storms. Just like the storms and heat the planet causes. Now to learn how to control them.” I look at his face. “Why are you so interested in my powers?” Smirking to my question. “You will find your purpose in time but now to learn your abilities.” 1

A questioned look filled my face. “What purpose could Ihave?” Wrapping his arms around me he replies again. “In time my dear, In time.” The fire I controled facinated me that I wanted to do more but I didn’t want to reveal what makes me happy.2

Looking down at the ground Tevarus kisses my check and takes my hand to go back inside. Upon entering the clock rang in the great hall and the music stopped. Some left to go to other homes scattered in different countries. Those left lived here with us. Days went by so quickly. It felt like I have only been missing a few days. As I turned into a room in the west wing there were three men sitting at computers prosessing orders for hospitals in need and across the room were two more watching monitors of the mansion grounds. Surprised at the technology in this old style house I walked over to one. Stunned at my apperance as I entered they bowed and replied, “My lady. What do you wish?”3

Standing close to them I answered. “What is this all for?” The one they call Jax stands up and walks me around. “This is our main facility. The mansion may be old but it is rebuilt to our needs. The basement holds two vaults. One is for the revenue we accumulate as well as our funding for supplies. The banks do not know who we are. 4

They take and hold the blood to process. After they are screened they are sorted. Being we are dead we are immune to infection. We take the unclean with some healthy batches. That is what the second vault is for.” Pointing to the monitors. Two cameras show each vault. “ This one is refrigerated for our food. Orders are placed by computer and we tell the banks were to send it.” Smiling at the well planned layout of getting blood without taking life made me feel better. 5

In the background I hear a voice talking. As I turned one of the many monitors had the news on. They turned up the volume. 6

The announcment began: “Today police have a changing outcome for the missing woman. The search for Mrs. Butler is no longer a rescue mission. She is now presumed dead and are now searching for her body. Mr. Butler on the other hand is still reluctant to the possibility and will continue his search on his own. She is the 40th person gone missing in the US total. As to why is still a mystery.”7

The volume is turned back down. I still stare at the screen watching my husband wonder the streets for me. I wanted to cry from the hurt I felt inside. Laughing Jax replies, “They will never find you my lady. After three weeks they start looking for a dead body and the guys’ search is pretty much hopeless due to your changes. Time goes on and we are stay together as a family.” 8

In my mind I could not believe these few days have actually been three weeks or more. Sadden by the news I turn to walk the mansion as I do night after night. I would try to go nights without feeding just to let myself wither away staying at times in a part of the mansion that is hardly visited. In hopes I would die the cravings got worse. At my weakest point I was shaking uncontrolably and looking for anything that moved. Tevarus found me weak and convulsing in the corner. “Nia!” He ran over with a bottle of blood in his hand. Shocked by my attempt and in tears of red he puts his hand to my check. “My love, please don’t kill yourself. I beg of you, please!” His divosion to me and our marriage surprised me. I had no words. Again he screamed begging me. 9

Suddenly the evil inside me grew to the point I had no control. I reached out and snatched the bottle from his hands in one motion. Tilting it upside down I took down every drop. The taste filled my mouth with a lucious pleasure. He smiled in relief as he pulled me close to his body. Holding me tight I let go of the bottle. A thud was the only sound in that room at that moment. Almost grinning from the release of my cravings I realized how strong they can get. Fearful of the evil craving inside I did not want to attempt it again. Still somewhat weak I held on to him as he carried me back to my room.10

Night after night we would go out in groups. We blended in with the believers and goth groups incuriging their ideas of vandalism and rebellion from others. I remained by his side watching their efferts bloom and spread like a vine. We had the ability to convince them of their prized posessions and take as we please. All the while I felt as if I was changing yet again or growing more into who I am. A strong since of being pleased by our sinful ways. Not wanting to lose my true self completely I showed no emotion. The urge to do what was wrong was tempting me every night. One night we ventured into the woods. A pile of sticks were put in the center of our circle. Tevarus standing beside me extends his hand to the pile. “Give it a try my love.” Looking at him surprised and nervous at everyone watching me I slowly walked closer to the wood pile. I cupped my hand and concentrated on a flaming ball while staring at the wood. A spark started and grew bigger as I continued. Soon it was the size of my hand and I threw it at the wood. Like an explosion the pile burst into flames. All around came closer to cheer. Smiling at my accomplishment I laughed and took a twig and held it in my hand. Like a little girl I wanted to play. The twig rested in my hand till a flame appeared in the center and ran down the stick. In a matter of seconds it was nothing but ash. Clapping he walks towards me. “Well done! Well done!” He looks towards the group. "This is just the beginning. We must feed and we must survive. Our need to just go and take anyone we please is a great one. Their will be no food left if we continue a life of blood lust. Keeping who we are a secret as well as having plenty to eat is thanks to our plan. We now have a continuous life enough to soon bring home our creator, our master. To the day when our ruler may live among us. To Oranis!” A toast that all cheered to. I did not know this Oranis. 11

From the dark people in hoods appeared from behind the trees. They stood close to a group as if they are there to be shared with. One stood between Tevarus and I. The hoods removed and cloaks dropped. Young men and women stood in their goth clothing. "We are ready to follow you." I was astonished at their words. More followers to be feed from and given this life. With that said the groups grabbed a body part and feed slowly. Looking upon this horror I saw two just standing next to a follower. One a male the other a small female. We stared into each others eyes as if screaming for help. After that moment the lines of running blood took over and they feed from them. watching everyone feed including those that were reluctant filled my mind. I closed my eyes but could still hear their hearts beat. I opened my eyes to Tevarus holding a woman in his arms. "Nia my dear, please?" All hearts slowed except hers. He walked her over to me. Tevarus left to feed the others before they died from blood loss. This woman bitten once already stood there waiting for me. I could see her veins pulse to her heart which was loud and strong. My breathing got heavier with every second that ticked away. Done with the others Tevarus stands next to me to encourage me. "She is yours. Take her and give her the gift." Shaking I reply, "I can't." My eyes never left her body. Her veins, the blood drops on her clothes, her hearts rythem. So sweet to my ears and delicious to my eyes. "Everyone can change someone if I allow it." He whispers. Hundreds of eyes watch my craving grow. In a snap I did not think or feel like myself but more like a dream. I walked up to her and took her hand. Pulling her close I felt her heart beat next to my skin. Taking my other hand I put my fingers in her hair. Looking over her face I snatched a clump of her hair and pulled her head to the side to pierce my teeth into her veins. Holding her close I drank her blood and listen to her heart fade. This was so pleasing to my senses I closed my eyes. Letting go Tevarus pulled out his knife and cut a line in my hand. I stared at him as he took my hand to her mouth. Her body twitched and I looked back to her. I layed her down as she shook. Suddenly she sat up and screamed flinging her arms and grabbing her neck. It woke me out of my demon self to a horror I wish I didn't see. Her mouth was filled with fire that soon spread all over her body. I stared in fear of what I done. My blood was deadly. 12

I stepped away from Tevarus with my hands over my mouth. Tears fell from my eyes. "I took...I took her..." He tries to reach for me but I go further away. "Love please, come back." Furiated at myself I scream. "I did this. I turned her to ash." Crying in fear the lightning crackled. Tevarus walks up to me and holds me in his arms. "It is alright." I did not want to be this creature. My abilities could hurt others. The clouds rolled in with such speed that while I cried it rained were we stood. The fire was extinguished by it pouring down. Looking at the wet embers I saw there was something good I could do. We brought the new children in and I retreated to my room to rest. Her blood lingered in my mouth like creamy chocolate. Her screams echoed in my sleep for several nights.13

A month went by before I got my full strength back. Passing through the great room were my turning took place. I remembered everyones faces, the glasses of blood, and a single girls face smiling at me. I continue to the gardens. The perfume filled me as I breathed in. Stopping, I felt as if someone was nearby. Leaning over to look at the roses I waited for them to get closer. My hand open as if holding a ball. Fire sparked and grew in the center of my palm.14

The person was a few steps away and I asked, “Why do you hide from my pressence?” A small quiet voice like a tiny angel spoke. “I am sorry Lady Tevarus. I don’t mean to follow in your shadow.” I close my hand to extinguish the fire and turn to face her. There before me was this smiling girl. She was younger than the rest in this house, very small, and quiet. “What is your name?”15

With a quiet voice she replies, “ Samantha.”16

“How did you come to be here with us?” I asked.17

Her face drops in sadness. Figity she plays with her fingers as she starts to explain. 18

“I was changed by mistake. I was sixteen when I met Trevor. He was a drummer for a band that played at our local teen clubs. Trevor was eightteen and serving his second year as a senior at my high school when we started dating. 19

Six months later Tevarus arrived at our club to watch the band play. Everyone thought he was a music scout. After the show he took Trevor to the back of the club. I went back there to see how things went. I froze as I got close to them. 20

His eyes wide open just staring at me. The blood covered his neck. I ran away thinking he was dead. Confused to why a man would be such a cannabal. A weak after that day I went back to put flowers on the ground were I saw him. I heard my name called out and as I turned there he was just standing there with a pale look to him. He started explaining that Tevarus wanted someone to jam with and showed him a better life. Still in disbelief I couldn’t speak to tell him I did not want to be a part of their cult. Trevors only wish was to have me with him forever. 21

So he bit me and took us back to his home to search for you. Now here I am. I was told I am the only one of my age as he does not like to turn anyone younger than him.”22

Looking surprised to her story I thought about what was mention. Younger than him. Rattling in my head his appearance was quite young. This only ment that he found a way not too long after we separated. Looking at her face she smiled as I reached out to move her hair off of her face. 23

“ You may be by my side if you like but may I ask why do you not wish to be beside Trevor?” Grabbing my hand with releif she answers. “I did not like him after they took me. I hate the life he gave me just to be together.” Smiling with a nod. “ I fully agree with that. Come lets go back in.” Walking she grows curious about the stars as I proceed to show her and name them off one by one. Coming up the steps she drops to a bow as I am face to face with Lord Tevarus. “My love. How are you tonight?” 24

“Fine my lord.”25

“Please dearest. You don’t have to call me that. Come we have much to discuss for the next new moon.”26

Looking a little confused I ask, “ what do you mean?”27

With a suspicious grin he walks around us. “ The new moon we go out to feast as apose to food provided by our banks.”28

Disgusted by this monthly ritual I stare at his eyes. “You mean to kill. Like the animals we are.”29

“Yes ofcourse, it is after all what we truly are. We just found a way not to extinguish the food supply. The bank is just to sustain life without drawing attention to ourselves. It is our way of survival right Sam?”30

“Yes my lord.”31

“Look! I know you still hang on to lifes morals which are hard to let go but you know we have to feed. And I don’t want to lose you again. I just can’t deal with it anymore.” His eyes so serious as they seemed to look straight into me. Hearing the crack in his voice of how he feels almost confused me. Still, I did know what he was talking about. Feeding on the blood Feeding on the blood of that woman was the same enjoyment, the same satifaction as not eating for days and then be given a juicy cooked steak. In order to live we had to take. A fate I did not want but was given. 32

Deep down I wanted to die. To not have to live this life of death. Never seeing my husband and kids again was such torture. Eventually the craving would get so bad I had to drink. An outcome I knew all to well. I put my hand to his face and look deep into his eyes. “I…I know but Sam and I are the same. We will never approve but we do not have a choice. Tevarus sighs and looks at me. “We are what we are my love.” With a sudden turn away from him I respond abrubtly. “ A creature we did not choice to be!” He slowly hangs his head down. Standing at a distance I wanted to talk to him alone. 33

“Sam. Would you be so kind as to help me find proper attiar for the new moons arrival.”34

Quickly curtsing she leaves us to fulfill her orders. Tevarus starts to look around to find something to talk about. “The night is magnificent. Not a cloud in the sky.” Smirking to his efferts to win my affections I look up. “I could change that.” Impressed by my confidence to manipulate my powers he smiles. 35