Bound (The Grandor Descendant Series Book 3) (17 page)

“Huh? Do you really think now is the time to see your boyfriend?”

“Ragon’s thesis presentation is on in like half an hour. If I don’t go, he will know something is up,” she explained. “I’ll see you later, ok?”

Chris nodded and Ari raced back to Lea’s room. When she opened the door, her jaw dropped. Lea’s room was entirely packed with people. They all turned to stare at her, clearly uncertain of what she was doing there. Moving past the muttering people, Ari neared Belinda, who was sitting a little way back from Lea, watching as a very young girl was drawing something on Lea’s hand.

“Belinda,” said Ari, “Chris and I… we have to go.” Belinda looked confused and so Ari added, “We, um, heard about a vampire attack in the woods. We need to go and make sure that no one was hurt.”

Ari wasn’t sure where this lie had come from, but when Belinda nodded, Ari sighed in relief.

“Lea will be ok?” Ari added, looking down at her. “Won’t she?”

The young girl who was crouched down low near Lea suddenly stood. She walked over to Ari and held out her hand. Ari looked down and saw the Crown family crest drawn there. Slowly the mark was growing and then several other people in the room looked down at their hands also, where the image of a crescent moon and bird was beginning to appear.

“I have spread the spell so that all of us take it in,” said the girl; her voice was squeaky, making Ari think that she couldn’t be more than seventeen years old. “It is the only way to lessen Lea’s load. She will live.”

“Thank you,” said Ari, moving back to the door.

She took one last look at all the people inside Lea’s room. Some of them had become pale, while others looked as if they were flushed and had sat down quickly. None seemed to be concerned at their predicament; rather there was a determined look on their faces, as if suffering was tied to their fate as being witches.  

It was ten to midnight when Ari finally reached Cruor halls. Though she waved at Ragon, who was on stage and preparing for his presentation, her mind was still firmly with Lea. She was glad to see that Ragon’s face did not hint at all of any anger. This was good; she was afraid that Patrick or Ryder might have let slip that Ari had been in the forest and had gone against Clyde’s command to stay away from Natalie. She knew that she should tell Ragon about what had happened tonight, but she was too afraid to. Clyde’s anger would be nothing to Ragon’s if he found out that Ari had risked her safety by going into the forest, yet again. She could just imagine what he would say. That she was stupid, foolish, foolhardy, and many other things, all of which, she was ashamed to admit, were probably true. But what was she supposed to do? Not help Riley? Ignore the fact that Natalie had saved them and was now in danger because of it. No, being a coward wasn’t the type of person Ari was. True, she probably could have gone about it a different way, but it wasn’t like she had gone by herself. Lea and Chris had come too. Ari sucked in a sharp intake of breath; Lea was the one who was paying for her rash decision. Maybe Ragon was right; maybe she didn’t think before she did things?

Scanning around at the somewhat subdued faces of the vampire student body, Ari couldn’t help but feel out of place. She had been surprised when Ragon had invited her a few weeks ago to attend his thesis presentation. Like gaining admission to the vampire library, she had thought that his top secret research into the vampire’s reaction to sunlight would be off limits to everyone with a pulse. Then again, all these vampires thought that Ari was his source, that she had been lulled by him. Temporarily she pictured what it would be like if this really were the case. Right now she would probably be standing next to him, her arm outstretched for him to feed on if his nerves got the better of him.  

“Goodnight everyone,” said Ragon, when the last of the seminar attendees arrived and had taken their seats. “My name is Ragon Young and together with Bridget Harp, we will be presenting on photosensitisation in vampires.”

Ari beamed when Ragon spoke, but her smile quickly faded when Bridget glared at her. Ari retuned the death stare with interest, and was rewarded when Ragon had to poke Bridget in the elbow to get her attention, so that she could continue her part of the presentation.   

“Right,” said Bridget, fumbling through her notes. “The vampire species as a whole are no stranger to the damaging effects of sunlight. Though UV glass and cloud cover can protect us from the harsh rays, there are many climates in the world in which our inhabitation is almost impossible.”

Instantly Ari thought of her home back in Australia; how Ragon had gone there to hide from Kiara, hoping that she would not be able to terrorise him during the day because it was so sunny.

“But what exactly is it about sunlight that is so deadly to our kind and, is there anything we can do about it?” said Bridget, handing the microphone back over to Ragon.

“In this study we took eighteen vampires, ranging in age from new born fledgling, to 987 year-olds, and investigated their relative photosensitivity. Each vampire was exposed to varying scales of UV light, and their injury response and recovery was examined.”

Suddenly Ragon looked over to a squat girl with dark hair parted into two pigtails, whose hand was shot straight into the air.

“Yes,” he said, inclining his head towards her.

“Which ethics committee approved this research?” she asked.

“All testing was done with the vampire’s consent, in addition to having the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Harding’s, approval,” said Ragon. “Now as you can see here,” he added, indicating an image a projector showed on the white wall behind him. Ari looked up at the graph, which showed the plotted age of vampires, relative to their recovery time, “The older the vampire, the faster they heal. Additionally, as shown here,” he said, now bringing up a new graph, “the older the vampire, the less severe the effects were.”

“Skin lacerations ranged from superficial ulcers to muscular necrosis, with healing being amplified following a blood meal,” said Bridget, clicking the projector, so that various crude images of burnt flesh were now being shown. “Tissue and blood samples were collected from all participants, bar one who had to leave the trial early, following unrelated illness. A high level of photosensitised pigments was recorded in all specimens, with younger vampires showing elevated levels of this pigment.”

“We surmise that these photosensitised pigments predispose vampires to the effects of sunlight,” said Ragon, resuming his place in front of the microphone. “This was confirmed when fifteen healthy humans donated blood and tissue samples. The tissue samples were collected at the Forensic Agency and Research Morgue, which has recently opened at the Pasteur Institute. Following their donation, all humans were disassociated. As you can see from these results, there is no trace what so ever of the aforementioned photosensitisation pigments, suggesting they play a vital role in our intolerance to the sun.”

Ari looked around, thinking that the squat girl from earlier might ask about the ethics approval for human testing, but her hand remained firmly clasped to a pen, where she was taking notes. Apparently human ethics was not something she considered important.

“You were wonderful,” Ari said half an hour later, when she and Ragon were back in his dorm room.

“You think?” he asked, and Ari nodded her head.

“But what the hell is the forensic and research agency… whatever… the place where you got the human samples from?”

“Oh yea, the Farm,” said Ragon, and when Ari looked confused, he went on. “F.A.R.M stands for Forensic Agency and Research Morgue. Get it, FARM.”

“You vamps are really big on acronyms,” Ari pointed out. “But what exactly is it?”

“To be honest, I am not entirely sure. When Bridget and I needed human test subjects, we were told to apply to the FARM for them. A few weeks later, we had all the samples we needed.”

Ari didn’t know what to make of this information. There was something nagging about the Forensic Agency and Research Morgue that left her feeling uneasy, and it wasn’t just the idea of it, it was as if there was something familiar about it. She was sure she had heard someone say something about a Farm, but couldn’t remember who it was or what they had said. All she knew was that she didn’t have a good feeling about the Farm, whatever the hell it was.   

Chapter 7- Makers and Fledglings

For the next few days Lea and Chris were nowhere to be seen; Ari had looked for the pair at the cafeteria, even hung around after lectures, but had not seen them anywhere. The day after their trip into the forest, Ari had messaged them, and they had responded by saying that they were resting. Neither made any mention of Chris’ father, or the circle, and Ari had been comforted by this. So far she had been able to hide her little stunt at the forest from Ragon and Clyde.

On Sunday, Ari had met with Riley, while Ragon and Clyde went hunting. Instantly Ari recanted the story of how she had warned Natalie to leave the Isle of Man. Riley, who had been shocked initially on finding out that Lea had been attacked by Chris’s father, had apologised profusely and Ari had assured her that Lea had made a full recovery, and as long as Ragon or Clyde didn’t find out, it was ok.

“Also, do you think you would be up to going out tonight? Ryder and Patrick mentioned going to the campus club?” said Ari, recalling Ryder and Patricks’ invitation a few days ago.

Ari had thought that Riley would be too tired, but the girl had jumped to her feet and smiled wildly at the proposal.

“That sounds awesome! Maybe I can drown Clyde in enough alcohol to trick him into sleeping with me.”

“He’s still being protective about the baby?” asked Ari.

“Protective is an understatement. I feel like a nun. Actually I fell like a nun who has been dead for decades.”

“Well, it’s defiantly worth a shot. Maybe I could hint at it too. He probably doesn’t realise that most pregnant women still have sex,” said Ari. “At least, I think they do. Right?”

“Oh they defiantly do. I told you, I googled it. So, what’s the occasion for tonight?” asked Riley, already beginning to search for an outfit. “Celebrating Ragon’s thesis presentation?”

“Last night the soldiers will be in town,” said Ari. “I think that Patrick and Ryder want to say their goodbyes.”

When Clyde returned from his hunt, Ari had managed to convince him to allow Riley to attend the Sailor’s farewell, explaining that it was good for Riley to appear out in public, not just to keep up appearances but also for her mental health. She had almost made mention of other ways that Clyde could improve Riley’s mental state, like sleeping with her, but decided that tonight, when the alcohol was flowing, was probably the best time for such a personal conversation.

Riley and Ari had spent a long time getting ready that night, so that when they finally reached the campus club, they were already half an hour late. They had planned on meeting the rest of the coven before the club got too crowded. When they reached the entrance, Ari saw that a small cue had formed outside. Judging by the large number of students who were waiting in line, it wasn’t just Patrick and Ryder who were going to be sad to see the naval officers leave.

Halfway through the cue, Ari felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

“Chris!” she exclaimed, her face breaking into a relieved smile; it was the first time she had seen him since their ordeal in the forest.

When the initial shock of seeing him after so many days had worn off, Ari looked at him, really looked at him. He looked different somehow. Ari thought that maybe he had spent time styling his hair, and there was a distinctly delicious fragrance lingering around him, some kind of aftershave or deodorant. Even his clothes were different. He was wearing a pair of black pants and a dark blue turtle neck jumper, particularly different from the casual shorts and t-shirts he normally wore. Was it dress up night and no one had told her? Ari’s mouth was open, and she was ready to make a witty comment regarding Chris’s obvious effort into his appearance, when Riley spoke.

“Wow,” she said, her eyes twinkling at Chris, “you look good.”

“I try to put effort in,” said Chris, looking at Riley in confusion.

“Don’t mind her,” said Ari, laughing lightly. “She’s basically on heat.”

“Yea, but stuck in a commune,” Riley added, then her eyes widened and she looked past Chris, saying, “What the hell are you doing here?”

Ari spun around and saw… Natalie; what was she doing here? Did she have a death wish?

“Didn’t Ari warn you?” Riley added, looking at Ari sceptically, as if she had made up the entire story about going into the forest.

“You think some stupid blood suckers are going to scare me away?” Natalie said boldly.

Ari thought that the girl’s resilience reminded her of Riley, but she didn’t dare mention this now. Riley’s nostrils were flared and she looked as if she was about to unleash hell.

“Do you seriously have so little regard for your own life?” Riley asked angrily. “Or the lives of all our kind?”

But Natalie was no longer looking at Riley. Her eyes had gone wide and she was staring at Chris in confusion.

Moving closer, Natalie said, “You’re the one who took me to the hospital.”

“Knight in shining armour,” said Chris, winking at her, “at your service.”

“Listen Natalie,” said Riley, moving over and manoeuvring herself until she was in between Natalie and Chris, “you have to get out of here. Ari risked a hell of a lot to warn you. And it’s not just your life you are putting at risk. It’s all of our lives. If someone recognises you-”

“-I just wanted to come and say thank you and good luck with the baby. I don’t plan on staying; I am heading south tonight,” said Natalie, just as Riley’s face lightened in relief.

“But you have time for one quick drink?” said Chris, looking around the group hopefully, until his eyes met with Riley’s and he looked down at his feet, realising too late his mistake.  

“Yea, that sounds nice,” said Natalie.

Before Ari or Riley had a chance to argue, the group had reached the end of the line. Natalie held her ID card out to the security guard and received a stamp. Ari, Riley and Chris followed suit and as soon as they had walked inside, immediately began rubbing furiously at the stamp they could not see. Ari had learnt on her first night here that the vampires used a special ink to allow them to easily identify the sources.

“Allergic to the ink,” Riley said indifferently, shrugging when Natalie had stopped to stare at the groups reaction.

“Yea,” said Chris, “you should see what happens to-”

Ari leaned forwards, knocked hard into Chris and glared at him. It was one thing to warn Natalie to remove the stamp that allowed vampires to target humans, but it was another to tell her outright.   

Just as Ari suspected, the club was packed. The dance floor was a sea of white uniformed soldiers, all spending their last night of freedom dancing and drinking. Ari thought that the fact that the club was so crowded, worked in their favour; it was unlikely that anyone would notice Natalie with so much going on around them.     

“What took you so long?” asked Clyde, having just spotted them entering the club.

“I didn’t realise you missed me so much Clyde,” said Chris, laughing to himself.  

Riley didn’t answer right away; instead she looked around, searching for something. A second later Ari realised what; Natalie was nowhere to be seen.  

“But where did she go?” said Riley, looking in confusion at Clyde.

“Who?” Clyde asked.  

Ari spun around and saw Chris racing back towards the entrance, following Natalie; immediately she sprinted after him.  

“Hey, wait a minute,” Chris yelled out, pushing through the clubs front doors and racing outside.

Ari hurried behind, straining to listen. Chris didn’t catch up to Natalie until they were several feet out of the club.

“Hey, wait,” Chris said again, this time reaching out for Natalie’s arm and griping it. “Where are you going?”

“They’re vampires!” whispered Natalie, jerking her hand away from Chris.  

“Look, I’m no fan of blood suckers either, but they aren’t all bad,” said Chris, and Ari was struck with surprise and affection for him. “They won’t turn you in!”

“What are you talking about? They’re vampires!” Natalie said again, her eyes narrowing. “Ari warned me about them; she told me that they have started searching the forest for me, and, and you are hanging out with them?”

“Look,” Chris said, “those vampires are different. I hated them when I first met them too but it’s not as simple as good and bad. If they can accept me as a wraith-” Chris began to explain, but Natalie’s face had fallen and she was backing away from him.

“-you’re a wraith?” she exclaimed, but she didn’t wait for an answer, spinning around she began racing away again.  

“Wait!” Ari screamed, having finally caught up to Chris.

Natalie didn’t stop running until she reached the edge of a large gathering of trees; Ari watched as her clothes tore from her body and she shifted into an owl then flew away.

Both Chris and Ari stared at each other in disbelief, still watching the large white bird as it gathered height in the sky then disappeared entirely from sight.

“Jesus, who died?” asked Lea, startling Ari and Chris as she walked over to the pair and looked at them in confusion. 

It took a minute for Ari to recover, but Chris had smiled goofily at Lea and said, “We just ran into Natalie. She wasn’t too happy when she found out that Riley was friends with vampires and wraiths.”

“Then why are you smiling?” asked Lea.

Chris coughed loudly and then in a sombre voice, said, “I’m not. I just thought that she might be a little more grateful after what we went through to warn her. Talk about a dramatic exit.”

“Lea, are you ok?” asked Ari, eyeing Lea suspiciously. “After the other night… I haven’t really seen you or Chris, and, and I am so sorry for everything.”

“It’s ok,” said Lea. “The circle patched me up.”

Ari, who was looking from Chris and then back to Lea, was surprised to see a goofy grin still on Chris face. It suddenly seemed obvious why he was smiling, though she kept this thought to herself as they walked back inside the club.

“She’s gone,” Ari told Riley, when they had found the coven waiting for them outside.

“Who’s gone?” asked Clyde.

“It’s probably for the best,” said Lea, moving over to Riley and touching her shoulder tentatively.

Riley’s eyes looked almost teary when she nodded and then said, “I know; I told her to leave.”

“Would someone mind telling me what the hell you are all talking about?” Clyde said angrily.

“We ran into Natalie outside,” explained Ari, taking a long look at Chris before her eyes rested on Clyde. “She wasn’t too impressed with the company we keep.”