I Must Be Dreaming (8 page)

CITY OF LIGHTS

              When I woke up Jake was standing over me. “I was starting to worry. You’ve been asleep the whole trip. We are almost there.” His voice was strained and almost mean like he hadn't slept at all. “I guess I needed the sleep.” I sat up and I could tell he was worried. The look in his eyes said it all. “I’m fine really Jake.” He moved away from me and started to walk around picking up a few loose things. “I’ve got all our bags and things packed up. Why don’t you get dressed and we can watch for the City of Lights.”  “I want to take a shower real fast first. You can go ahead of me. I’ll be right behind you.” “No, I think I will wait for you.” He didn’t look at me as he talked. “Jake it’s ok really.” I tilted my head to try to see his face but he turned away. “Just hurry up.” He sounded like he was annoyed. I didn't want to fight so I got up and went to the bathroom. I turned the shower on striped out of the clothes I had slept in for two days and stepped in. The hot water felt good but I hurried up so he wouldn't complain plus I was excited to see the City of Lights.                                                                                                                              I stepped out of the bathroom and saw that Victor and Daymon were in our room too. “Izzy I’m glad you finally came round.” Daymon said with a grin. Victor gave Daymon a look and then began to talk. “Izzy are you feeling ok? I heard about the other night.” He kept eyeing Daymon as if he was going to do something again. “Yes I’m fine. I slept well, a much needed rest. But I would like everyone to drop it though.” Daymon was grinning from ear to ear now. Jake was frowning and Victor, well Victor is just Victor. “Can we go up top to watch?”  “Yes, that’s why we are here. I want us to stay together. All of us.” Victor said as he was eyeing Daymon and Jake as if they were going to break into a fight at any moment. Whatever happened while I was asleep must not have been good!              

             
As soon as we were up top I could see in the distance a bright light. Victor pointed it out first and told us it was the City of Lights. “That is the entrance.” He said. “We will have to get off at the gate and take a ferry to the shore. No humans allowed he added.” I looked back toward the ocean to see the city of lights. It was an island in the middle of the ocean and we are the only ones that can see it. Vampires that is. When we got to the gate I could see in the distance the most beautiful city. It looked like twinkling gold fireflies from here. I couldn’t wait to get to the ferry.                                                        The ferry was a short ride to the shore. When we stepped off it was amazing. The land was so green and the water seemed to shimmer. Even the sand on the beach had a sparkle to it. The buildings and houses even had a shine. Every light was on in the city it looked like candles on a birthday cake. I could not believe my eyes. Could this place be real with all its beauty?                                                                       We walked up the side of a large hill and started into the city. The streets were all made of cobblestone that looked like they had been there since the 1700s. But the building looked shiny and new. Vampires were everywhere and they were all laughing and talking. Some walking others going vampire speed, some even seemed to float. A few walked with their fangs out. It was paradise for vampires. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous people in one place. We walked up to one of the buildings off the main street. It was one of the larger buildings. We went in. I was at a loss for words. It looked like what the rich and famous only stayed in. Nothing to good for vampires I guess. Everything was in deep reds, gold’s and royal blue. Even the elevator was extravagate glass all around us. Chandeliers were hanging here and there. I didn’t want to touch anything, scared I may smudge something. We went to our rooms they were as big as the cottage. We had a king size bed with rose petal on it, a full kitchen, why I’m not sure since vampires don’t eat food. The sitting area had a long couch with a nice size tv and the bathroom had a Jacuzzi in it. I started to put our things away in the mahogany dressers just to do something. I felt like a celebrity in one of those beautiful hotels.

             
Victor had told me that Daymon’s trial would start tomorrow morning. So we had the rest of the day and night to explore. I wanted to see the city and get my mind off of the past day's events. Jake had not talked much since we left the ship. I started to think he was mad at me. I sat there for a few minutes trying to figure out what I was going to wear when Jake finally talked to me. “Izzy are you sure you want to go out?”  “Yes, why would you ask that?” “Well after what happened the other night. I figured you would like to stay in.”  “Just because I tasted a human blood doesn’t mean anything and wasn’t it you that wanted to do that before we left anyway?” I didn’t want to fight with him but I was going to make my point. “Izzy you almost killed her. If I had not stopped you, you would have.”  “Can we just get past this? I don’t know why you are acting this way.” Jake looked at me hard. “You are not the same person now. The Izzy I know would have cared.” I almost lost my temper. “Jake I cannot change the past. I do care I just don’t want to think about me almost killing someone anymore. There is a lot on my mind and I would like to enjoy my evening before things get to serious again tomorrow. I really thought you of all people would understand.” He didn’t say a word and I knew if I didn‘t make a move he would sit here all night. So I grabbed his hands and put them in mine. “You know what I’ve been through these past couple of days, I need this. Please can we just go out and have a good evening? I would like you to be my escort tonight, please.”  “Well if you’re going I’m going.” Jake said quickly. “That’s what I wanted to hear, but please let’s not talk about the other night anymore.” Jake agreed but not happy about it. “So what should I wear?”

              We hit the streets thirty minutes later and started toward the main square. Jake said that’s where all the good shops and bars are. I could hear the live music from three blocks away. I wanted to dance right there. Jake seemed to be in a better mood as well thank goodness. His smile had returned. As we came near the crowd Jake grabbed my hand. I grinned at him because he had me wear a v-neck shirt and put my hair up. I’m sure so everyone could see I was his. I felt lucky for this one moment. “Jake lets go dance.” “ Izzy I’d rather not, let’s sit this one out.” I was pulling him closer. “Come on please.” I tried to give him the sweetest look but I don’t think it was working. But when a young man came up to us and asked if he could have this dance. I looked at Jake and before I could say anything Jake jumped right in and told him we were on our way to dance right now. I giggled a little to myself but kept as quite as I could. I’m sure my smile said everything! We moved to the center where everyone was dancing and the music was loud. We started to dance and I rubbed all over him at the same time. He leaned in a told me if I didn’t stop we would be doing it right here in front of everyone. I was tempted to keep on but I stopped grinding him and went back to just swaying to the music. After a couple of songs we went on to see the rest of the city.                                                                                                                              It was the most amazing city I’ve ever seen and I‘ve traveled a lot. The later it got the brighter the city got. We walked up and down the streets, into all the shops and bars. They had blood on hand at every corner. We shared a glass of blood that was from some famous sing or that‘s what they told us. It didn’t matter we were happy and I would remember this moment for as long as I lived. We stopped in at one of the little shops. It had all kinds of jewelry and precious stones in it. Jake decided to buy me a necklace that had a small round crystal hanging from it. He said it was to remind me of our first trip together. I thought that was sweet but unsure if I want to be reminded of this place after the trial.                                                                                                                 After a few hours of walking around town I decided it was time to get some sleep before the big day. The city was still alive as we walked away from the main part of town. I almost did not want to leave but then Jake reminded me of what fun we could have alone. I was more than agreeable without anymore hesitation. We could come back and see the city later. Jake took my hand in his and we where off to the hotel in vampire speed. I guess he was eager to be alone as well.                                                                                                   We made it to the hotel in seconds. As soon as we started into the hotel a very handsome man came up to us from the shadows of the street. He had a very nice and expensive suit on and asked me if I was in fact Isadora Beau Pre. I was taken aback because only my mother had ever called me that and only when I was in deep trouble. Jake moved right in front of me and said. “Who wants to know?” His chest was poking out as far as it would go. “I do.” the man said as he came into the light. Jake bowed his head and back down immediately. Then he waited till the man nodded. I thought he was insane for a moment until he introduced his self. “I am Zadok. I just wanted to see for myself.”  “See what?” I was confused. “That you are really here again my dear.” His voice was from another time and so smooth like silk. I looked at him hard for a moment, I've never been here before but there was something familiar about him. “You look very familiar Zadok. Have we met before?” He stared at me a few moments longer before he answered. “My child, things will come out sooner than you think.” Before I could ask he was gone. ”What did he mean Jake? He said my last name is Beau Pre. Maybe he is confused.” Jake was in shock staring into the night where the man disappeared. ”Jake, hello are you there?” I waved my hand furiously in front of him. “Izzy that was one of the oldest on the council and they never come out in public without their guardians. We need to go see Victor and now.”

             
Victor had been asleep but came to our room as soon as Jake told him it was an emergency. “Who is Zadok and why do I think I know him?”  “What are you talking about Izzy?” Victor was still half asleep but just the mention of Zadok and he was on full alert. “We just saw Zadok downstairs and he told me things will come out. What kind of things is he talking about?” Victor looked shocked then almost disbelief. “He came out to see you?”  “Yes that’s what I’m trying to tell you. I know I’ve seen him before.”  “ You must be mistaken Izzy. The council does not come out in public or show up to just anyone.”  “I know, I know whatever, I’m telling you I’ve seen him before.” I kept trying to think where have I seen him. If only my memory would all come back. “This does not sound good. Izzy, Jake I must go back to my room and think what this may mean. I suggest you both stay in your rooms for the rest of the night." You could see the worry on Victors face. "Tomorrow will be a long day especially for you Izzy.” I had never seen Victor scared but that’s what I'm pretty sure he looked like. “He just walked right out.”  Victor was saying to his self as he went back to his room. “What is with everyone?” I through my hands in the air. “I don’t know but I think Victor is right you need to get some sleep and stay inside until we know who is on our side.”  “How could I sleep now?” The night drug out even though Jake helped for the first hour or so.

THE TRIAL

I was trying to figure out what to wear; I guess you can’t go wrong with black around here. I was so nervous. This could mean a lot for me, and Jake and Daymon. Jake was dressed and ready to go in a nice suit that looked like a trial lawyer. He kept pacing outside the bathroom door just waiting on me. I was trying to curl the ends of my hair but no success. He was trying to be there for me as much as he could, but what could he do or say right now. Victor knocked on the door. “We need to start our way there.” I took a deep breath in, I guess my hair would have to do and went out the door.                                                                                    Victor, Daymon and Jake were all dressed in black pin stripe suits. I thought they just needed a hat and we’d have a mob or a funeral. Which either was not too far off from the truth. I wore my Black sweater and Black pleated knee length skirt with red pumps. With my hair pinned up in a tight bun. When my hair wouldn’t hold the curls and I gave up. “You look very nice Izzy.” Daymon said. “Yes“, Victor agreed then motioned for us to move. “Thank you, ugh all of you look very nice as well.” You could feel the anxiety in everyone except Daymon. He seemed sure of himself maybe too sure. I was not sure if that was him being nervous or he really was that cocky.                                                                       We made it to the street and I started to shake. The city that was full of life last night and it was now a ghost town. No one was out and a thick fog had rolled in. Jake grabbed my hands and told me it would be alright but he couldn't know that, not for sure. My father’s life was at stake literally and Jake could be in trouble for all we know. We started our way through the streets one by one. We followed Victor in vamp speed. I was still a little slower than the rest of them especially in these pumps so Jake was pulling me alongside him. We came to what looked like an old warehouse.                                                                                                   It was as if we had got lost and was on the wrong side of town. The really rough side of town. We came to the door on the side of the building and got stopped by guards. The guards were big and had weird tattoos on them that had no rhyme or reason. Jake saw how I was looking at the guards and he leaned down to whisper. He said those tattoo’s were like spells written on them. “Those guards do nothing but protect the council. There are many more guardians. That’s what we call them." I understood you didn't want to mess with them. All they know is to protect and they will die for whoever they protect.                                                                                           The two huge doors opened and as we walked in one at a time the guards went over us with what seemed like a sixth sense. Their hands never touched us just glided over our bodies. As if their hands were some kind of metal detector. As I walked in the darkness I saw a small light and followed it. Soon we were in what seemed like a large den with a huge fireplace and ancient looking books all around. It was magnificent I loved to read and there was enough books to last a life time in here. We walked on through and came to another door. On that had symbols on them like the ones on the guards outside. As soon as we were all there the doors swung open and we stepped inside. There was a row of seats in the middle and all around were these throne type chairs that looked like what king and queens sat in a long ago. The whole room looked like it had been made for royalty. Thick red velvet drapes with gold trim that went to the floor to the ceiling. The floor was white marble with I think real gold chips! It shined so beautifully. I had never seen anything so elegant in my life! We all followed behind Victor, he seemed to know what he was doing. The guards that stood to each side of the chairs ushered us to take a seat. As soon as we sat down the council came in and sat in there twenty-two throne like seats, I counted. They all still looked very young and beautiful only some of them had a porcelain look to them. Like they could break even though I know it's hard to kill a vampire. But they looked like if you dropped one they would shatter into a million pieces. Jake told me last night that some of them were hundreds of years old and one he knows of is in the thousands! Only two were women the others were men. The air became thick and I already could feel the tension in the room. Almost too thick to swallow. I think I even heard a hiss or two. I already was feeling uneasy and now I was ready to run away. I wish I never had to come.                                                                                     One of the men stood up bowed his head to each of the council and said "let's begin." Victor bowed his head and took his seat between Daymon and me. Victor had to seat with us and not with the council today. Jake was on the other side of Victor. I could tell Jake was not happy about that. I could feel his emotions pouring through me. Anger, love, sad, even a little scared. He kept his head forward though and his face like stone. I on the other hand looked everywhere until the same man that bowed his head came forward. It was Zadok. He hated Daymon and from the looks of things, he’s in charge. That’s not good. Zadok came straight to me and put his hands on my face. He did with a kind of gentleness and loving manor. He whispered in my ear “I am so sorry dear; this will be the hardest for you.” I started to shake a little. What did he mean hardest for me? Zadok looked up at the council. One of the council men stood up and said. “Zadok Beau Pre you are accusing Daymon Pompadour another royal, of treason, rape and murder of your wife, desecration to your name and the kidnapping of your daughter.” I was in shock, what did he just say? The man's words did not register all the way. “Yes I am” The council man kept talking, “The punishment for this is death, you may proceed. Do all parties understand?”
There was a lot of head shaking and I do's.                                                        As soon as the last I do was said, Zadok turned and grabbed Daymon by the neck stood him up and faced him toward some of the council. He faced on men and if looks could kill Daymon would be dead and burning right now! Zadok told the council of his wrong doings with me from the past few days and then proceed to tell of the years and years of suffering he caused. Which I was very stunned to learn. This was not the first time he had killed a human woman because they would not stay. The more things came out, the more I did not like him. Daymon never spoke a word just hung there. Then Zadok turned and with heavy eyes and said, “The truth about Isadora and her mother needs to come out.” I think I saw a tear in his eye. Zadok turned back around and started to tell the story. “Centuries and centuries we all have been trying to figure a way to save our race and without us losing anymore of our families. Some of us just were wanting to have a child of our own, from our own body. Cora had known about our existence for a while. She was very unique.” The way he said that made me think that there was something behind it something more than just “unique“. “I myself had been involved with her. I helped her a while back with some witches that put spells on her brother. She did everything she could to help him and so did I but it was too late. He is now with them and still under a spell if they let him live.”  This was new to me I thought my mom was an only child. ”In return for the help she agreed to bare a child for me. She had no money and this was something we both wanted. We were very fond of each other.                                                                                                                 The first few times she became pregnant she miscarried. Cora took this very hard but each time made her more determined to have a child." My eyes filled with tears listening to my mother's past. "Then Daymon found out about Cora and swept her off her feet. Of course we still had our agreement but I was not bound by her yet. Even though she had my mark, Daymon did not care and pursued her. Even tried a few spells on her.” I heard a few hisses and wondered about the mark. “After a few months she learned of how Daymon truly was and did not want him around and he did not like that. Cora asked for help again. She was scared, he had threatened her life. I had already felt much love for this woman and so agreed to help again. The deal was marriage and to bare a child in return I would keep her safe from him.” His grip on Daymon got a little tighter. I could see Daymon trying not to show it but you could tell he was hurting. ”Things went very well until I got called to take Lucas’s place on the council again. That’s when Daymon found Cora and started to stalk her for the second time. Me and Cora had our marriage bond so I knew when she was upset and when I felt her emotions I came as soon as I could. But it was too late, Daymon had had her. He raped her and drank from her trying to kill her.” As soon as he said that I was horrified. My poor mother and what she went through. I hated Daymon right now. Zadok continued. “Cora was a very strong woman. She recovered fast he had bruised her and not just on the outside. But not long after we found out she was pregnant. She was scared Daymon was the father and that he may try to take the baby. My duties were needed here so she came to live with me. The first mortal on our land and she fit in well." He looked back at me with such sadness. I was letting the tears run down my face not trying to stop them.                                                                                                    "We were not sure who the father was but we had decided I would raise the baby as my own. Cora did very well here, she loved to paint, it was a happy time for all of us. And she made some money that way even though I had enough. Like I said she was a strong woman. Once Isadora was born we knew she was half vampire half human right away. She was so special not just because she was a hybrid or a royal but she was my daughter.” Zadok turned and looked at me and said “ you are still so very special to me.” I could almost feel what he was saying. There was a warmth about his words but He had to tell his story. “After a few years Cora had wanted Isadora to grow up with the humans and be normal as much as possible. She looked human, she could stand the sun light, she could eat food not just blood. We had tested this many times to make sure there would be no side effects. So after much discussion and since Daymon had left us alone for a couple of years, we decided to take our family and make a home in the human world. Of course I had my duties here and we made it work until he found us again a few years ago. We tried to move but he followed and kept on until he killed Cora out of rage and went after Isadora." His eyes had turned from blue to red within seconds. "I do not ask much other than his death. He owes that not only to me but to Isadora.” Daymon started to wiggle and kick about until he broke loose of Zadok’s hold. He turned and looked back at me and said, "Why don’t we let Izzy talk. See if this is what she wants.” I already felt conflicted. I hated him so much but at the same time wanted to know him, it was like there was some kind of pull to him. Plus if he is my real father how can I put him to death but on the other hand he killed my mother because he couldn’t have her. Zadok turned and asked me if I wanted to speak. One of the council women stood up and said “Isadora my name is Sophia I would like to hear what YOU want and a little more about you yourself.” The others all nodded in agreement. Zadok and Victor both gave me the go ahead with a small nod. I slowly stood up. I had to wipe my hands on my skirt they were wet with my tears. “Hi everyone, I’m sorry to say I don’t remember much of my child hood. There are only a few vague memories. My memory has not been right since I was turned completely. I know it was a happy childhood though, I remember smiling and laughing a lot. I’m really not sure how much I can help. I... I’m very confused on a lot and would like to speak to both men before sentencing or whatever you do." I turned to Daymon, "I do hate you but I need to know something’s from you, and Zadok I would love for you to tell me more about my mother and my past." I smiled at him then turned back toward the woman who asked me. "After I have spoken to both men I think I can make my decision on what I would like to happen. If nobody minds?” I looked up at the council and at Zadok. He turned to the council and said, “Let’s deliberate for a moment.” All th
e council got up and disappeared somewhere behind them. Zadok was ushered by one of those mean looking guards. Two of them came over and one stood beside me the other grabbed Daymon. Daymon did not move an inch. I looked over at Jake, his eyes were on me. We locked eyes I tried to smile but my head was swirling. I had so many thoughts and trying to remember something, anything of my childhood. I looked over at Victor he was staring straight ahead. No emotion on his face. I felt sad for him. They would not let him vote as council because of his brother. I wondered what else Victor has given up for his brother. Then I looked at Daymon, I wanted to rip his throat out but at the same time I needed to know the truth from him, is he my father? This was not a good feeling at all. I closed my eyes for a minute to try and stop the room from spinning. I heard some movement like feet shuffling. I looked up and Daymon was in my face. His eyes looked red with furry, he grabbed me by my neck and picked me up, my feet dangling. I felt like the worm on the hook. “My life will not be up to you.” He growled and at that moment everything went in slow motion, I could not see much but could hear everything. Jake was fighting someone and I could hear what sounded like doors opening and closing. I looked Daymon right in the eye’s and spit! His grip got tighter and I felt stronger. My hands moved fast and smooth, I was out of his hold and without thinking my body had, had Daymon on the ground. I was baring my fangs at him. I wanted him to die, I wanted to kill him, the monster in me had come out to play.                                           Right before I leaned in to rip his throat out Zadok grabbed me and pulled me off him. He said “sweetheart you don’t want to do this.” I looked at him with wild eyes. “Yes I do. I want nothing else from him. I don’t want to hear him speak again. His life is not worth saving." His soul is corrupt I saw it when I looked in his eyes. He meant nothing to me. Zadok took my hands and held them in his. “I’m so sorry I wish these past days could be taken from you. My dear we will take care of this matter you go rest now." He was talking to me while everyone moved around us. Then it all seemed to speed back up to the present time. "Jake, take Izzy back to her room and keep everyone away, protect her with your life. I will be sending my own personal guards to watch after her.” Jake nodded and picked me up. I wanted to yell at everyone to stop and to stop treating me like a child. But I knew that was not going to happen.                                                         By the time we were headed out the back door the council had taken control of everyone. Most of them were just standing there with some kind of trance look on their faces. Jake looked down at me and kissed the top of my head then started to run. He never stopped until we were in the room.