Aleron: Book One of Strigoi Series (Stringoi Series) (23 page)

asha was the first vampire Mynea ever made; thus she was very powerful, more powerful than all others in Mynea’s bloodline. Not because she was the first, but due to Mynea’s inexperience in making another. The feeling we get when we make another is equaled to the feeling we get when we drink. Without knowing how to control it, we overindulge. Thus, Mynea infused Sasha with much more blood than she did with all others. However, I suspect you’re an exception in this respect also.

“There are ancient techniques vampires use when deciding on a mortal to give birth to. The mortal is watched and studied for whatever amount of time it takes for the vampire to decide. Mynea didn’t find Sasha on her own. She saw Sasha in the memories of Vlad while sharing a blood kiss. And although Vlad ultimately showed no interest in the mortal woman, Mynea gave birth to her to ensure that Sasha’s allegiance would ultimately be with her.

“Mynea was made powerful, for Vlad feared that if she were weak, I would undoubtedly be the instrument of her destruction. I admit he was right. If the source is powerful and unskilled at passing on the gift of darkness, the result would be a fledgling vampire with enhanced immortal abilities. Sasha was no exception. Her strength rivaled Natasha’s. However, she would be no match for her maker or myself. As for our young sister, Natasha, Mynea loathed her, and with that knowledge I made sure no harm came to Vlad’s youngest fledgling.

“Vlad lavished affection on Sasha as he did on all within his harem. However, Sasha wasn’t deeply in love with our master like the rest of us. She found solace in the company of mortal men. And before many moons had passed, Sasha took particular interest in one man, who carried the name Seth, and she decided he would be worthy. She made Seth into an immortal.”

Pandora smiled again while speaking about this male fledgling, a sinister and calculating smile. I was captivated by every word she spoke. She knew she had my undivided attention, my reasons being a combination of curiosity and mesmerism. She reminded me so of my princess. It had been a long time since I had encountered beauty for the likes of which nations would go to war. I continued to listen.

“Sasha kept her immortal lover at Carfax, in England. Vlad hadn’t set his eyes on England at the time, and it proved to be a fitting abode. It was in a vision from one of Sasha’s sisters that Vlad came to realize Seth’s existence. A male had penetrated where no other male had ever existed. I remember as if it were happening moments ago.

“Vlad invited a plethora of souls for us to devour just after midnight in Bran. The feast quickly became a blood orgy of screams and death. It was pure ecstasy. Vlad often loved to watch his children play. It excited him. Everyone was present whenever our father brought such a gift. However, this night, Sasha was nowhere to be found. Vlad’s expression suddenly changed as he called to Mynea. He spoke to Mynea’s mind, and she replied in kind. Mynea silently called out to Sasha, and Sasha answered. Mynea returned to the main hall, and Sasha entered moments later. She wasn’t alone.

“Silence gripped the hall. Whispers began to muffle the sound of Vlad’s
beating heart. Sasha took Seth’s hand and walked with him through the bloodbath and scattered dismembered human remains. His eyes were astonished, fueled by the awe of Bran’s grand room, which was adorned with marble statues, ancient pagan mosaics, and an elaborately painted ceiling depicting a war between the Ottoman Turks and Christendom, a massacre in which the artist included the eventuality of the Turks who were captured alive: impalement. The picture characterized on the ceiling was similar to the blood-soaked floor below.

“The other vampires parted as she passed and regrouped behind her. She turned and acknowledged Mynea as she led her new vampire lover to Vlad, seeking his approval.

“Vlad’s children stared as he stood up from his enormous throne of carved wood, gold, bronze, and silk. The candles became torches. The winds were awakened and could easily be heard beyond the castle walls. Clouds filled the sky as the moon was blanketed. The young male knelt in submission on one knee before his master. Sasha stepped back and stood beside Mynea. Silence returned as Vlad approached the male.

“Vlad looked at him carefully. He began to walk slowly around the fledgling. His mortal age was no more than twenty-four years, which could be easily deduced by his naturally muscular stature and strong chin. His eyes were as dark as dried blood, his hair long and dark, magnificently groomed. Seth’s clothing consisted of black trousers, overshadowed by a flowing cloak covering his massive and hairless bare chest. He was truly a specimen to be envied and desired. The others were intrigued by this new male. Surely, this newfound infatuation accentuated what was to come next.

“Vlad told Seth to stand as he continued to walk around him, examining him from head to toe. Seth was slightly shorter than Vlad, though it was difficult to tell. Sasha was concerned yet proud of her choice. Vlad’s face changed from one of inquisition to disgust. He was visibly unpleased. He was sickened and offended at the very sight of this foreign male. It was an insult to his house and coven.

“Seth attempted to speak. But without warning, Vlad captured his words by grabbing the young vampire by the throat and lifting him into the air. Sasha tried desperately to rush to his aid, but Mynea grasped
her arm, making it impossible. Seth struggled and fell to the floor as he broke free from Vlad. He quickly recovered. They began to stalk each other in circles while displaying ferocious teeth, deathly sharp talons, and beastly groans. The fledgling’s arms outstretched as did his fingers and elongated nails. His face became more menacing than that of a wild animal.

“The skin surrounding Vlad’s eyes retreated as they grew wide and black. His face, too, became something extraordinary, resembling the monster that chased my brothers and me the night I was born to darkness. Vlad’s hands no longer were those of a graceful and elegant vampire. They had become those of a wolf man, full of tangled brown hair, fingers long and thick, nails sharp as chiseled bone. His cloak began to move on its own, much to the surprise of the rest of us, willed by a seemingly independent invisible force.

“The fledgling lunged toward Vlad as a cheetah would pounce on prey. However, this cheetah didn’t realize his prey was a lion. Our king’s cloak wrapped Seth’s body completely as Vlad leapt over him. Before Vlad landed squarely afoot, he grabbed Seth’s head and ripped it off. Blood erupted from the neck poking out of the apex of the living cloak before the garment unraveled and released the headless body. Vlad held Seth’s torn head over his as the body remained animated, crawling in search for its head. The vampire’s eyes still moved, mouth outstretched, exposing his vampire teeth. Vlad began to drink the dripping nectar gushing from the bottom of the severed head. While doing this, Vlad’s eyes sought Sasha. The vampire concubines watched, some in disbelief. Some smiled at this night’s offerings.

“Sasha’s rage allowed her to break free of her mother’s grip, and she appeared before Vlad. Before she could strike out or do whatever she meant to, two other immortals swiftly grabbed her and held her down to Vlad’s feet. She struggled for her freedom, and without the strength to overcome her cousins’ hold, she screamed. Mynea dared not move as Vlad looked right into her eyes. Mynea turned away, and her eyes found Natasha, who was standing next to me, smiling.

“Seth’s body finally came to rest as Vlad tossed his head to the ground
in front of Sasha, whose eyes were filled with tears of blood. She continued to struggle with the other immortals who held her.

“‘Let her go!’ Vlad said in a monstrous voice.

“The vampires released her and disappeared into the crowd of forty-two as swiftly as they had arrested her. She rose to her feet. Full of hatred and emotions, she raised her arm to strike her master. Vlad caught her arm and secured the other. He then bit down on her neck as the lion completed the assault on his prey. She gave out a cry, withdrew her hand, and reached for Mynea, who didn’t move. Vlad continued to crush her throat as he drained her dry. Within seconds she was immortal no more. Vlad tore her throat with his enormous and unforgiving teeth and released her bloodless body to the stone floor below. She lay next to her fledgling male, headless and lifeless.

“The winds returned calm. The torches became candles. Vlad’s cloak rested as his hands regained their preternatural beauty. And as Vlad retreated into his throne, his eyes became a deep blue. He raised his hand to address his coven and said, ‘Continue.’ And with these calmly spoken words from his blood-filled mouth, the feast resumed.

“Visibly shaken, Mynea left the main hall for her bedchamber. Sasha’s remains were discarded into the moat. Her fate would be the same as the fate of all the delicacies of the evening.

“I’ve witnessed Vlad devour and dismember many mortals to quench his insatiable thirst. I’ve witnessed Vlad feed on many large horses, camels, and even bears, all of which he would leave unrecognizable to the human eye. This night, however, he seemed extraordinarily beastly. The very thought of a male immortal within his family was deeply troubling for some reason. I could sense something else in Vlad’s thoughts that didn’t involve this male. I sensed the pure contempt for this fledgling originated elsewhere, another distant and unknown event in Vlad’s long life, one he would shield from our blood kisses for all eternity. I know something else exists. Perhaps someone else existed or still exists.”

Pandora was implying the past or present existence of another male immortal. Mynea never revealed the existence of such a rule or the notion of my becoming having been an act of treason. I was still confused as
to why she had left. I continued to listen to Pandora, leaning against a moss-covered elm for support during the remainder of her account.

“From that night forward, Vlad forbade the turning of any mortal men. We all feared ceasing to exist. Sasha’s demise was a point well made. This blasphemous act was never to be repeated. Until now.”

Pandora turned toward me. “Your existence will spell the end of you and Mynea once Vlad comes to know of you. If you want to live, then you must stay far from the Carpathians, far from your immortal womb. Mynea must become a forgotten memory, lest your thoughts betray you to another. Be forewarned, there are many of us. Some as ancient as I. Some as young as you. I fear there may even exist other immortals who are as ancient as Vlad. All are a danger to you.”

“And what of Eliza? What have you done with her?”

“She’s safe, Aleron. Under the protection of one of my loyal gypsies of this region. No harm will come to her. And I’ve provided what she needs to survive.”

“Why would you protect that which is so precious to your first enemy?”

“Had it not been for your affection for Eliza, my mind would already be swimming in her thoughts, while her blood coursed through my veins.”

“Why do you protect what is mine?”

“I’ve a particular interest in you, Aleron. You see, I am ancient. Life as an immortal can become quite uneventful. I rather enjoyed the death of Sasha and her fledgling prince. I rather enjoy seeing the fire in Vlad’s eyes. I feel that fire will return once you disregard my warning and seek Mynea.”

“How are you so sure I’ll go to her? How do you know she won’t return to me?”

“Oh, my dear young prince. I’ve lived for centuries and have come to know the irrational reflexes regarding matters of the heart. And besides, I’ve seen it.”

“You’ve seen it? What do you mean?”

“What did Mynea teach you? Do you know some of us can see beyond the boundaries of time? It’s one of my gifts that has grown stronger over
the decades. I only need to be in somewhat close proximity to someone, and I can see his other life as if it were my own, a story revealed to me by mortals and immortals alike. Though I can see only a few months into anyone’s path, it doesn’t take any of my powers to know your intentions.”

“What of my intentions with you? What does the future hold for you and me? Why are you telling me these things? Why have you come to me?”

“I’m here, Aleron, because I choose to be.”

“There’s more?” I became more agitated and forceful with my questions. Walking toward her, I asked, “Why have you left your lover and master?”

Pandora didn’t retreat, yet she didn’t stand firm. She welcomed me. Her eyes and the smirk on her face told me. “For an eternity, we all loved Vlad. We all wanted desperately to please him. And in doing that, we all have accepted each other as his concubines and means to increase his power. But this devotion comes at a price. And I’ve well paid and endured beyond what any other has. My birthright has been stripped from me.

“You want to know why your beloved Mynea has left you? It seems the immortal heart also desires what it cannot have.

“Vlad showed the same interest in all of us. Thus he showed interest in none of us. We were all special to him. Thus, none of us was special. Every one of us wanted to feel he loved us more than the others. None felt this as strongly as I did. And as the years passed in Mynea’s absence, I noticed a subtle change in our master. Vlad began to miss her. For the first time since the days of Vlad and me, I saw emotion in him. No one else noticed. He longed for her as the years progressed. He began to see less of us, and he hunted more frequently. His hunts weren’t only for his lust for blood; they included scanning the minds of hundreds of mortals a night for any sign of her. To him, Mynea was lost. To me, she simply left.