Secret Bloodline

Serum

"How the fuck did this happen?" Camila asks.

"I created it," Zayn smiles.

"How did you develop it?" Camila asks.

"Through decades of research and experimentations by the greatest scientific minds in the vampire world," Zayn responds.

"Oh, so it's like every other drug in the world?" Camila says.

"More or less," Zayn nods. He looks down at the syringe poking his fingertip on its needle. "I have suspected for a time now that our nature is more biological than magical. A contagious mutation, if you will, into another species. There's still so much science can't explain but it's only a matter of time," Zayn speaks.

"And this serum can make a vampire mortal again?" Camila questions.

"We hope so," Zayn says.

"And that's what you want? To be mortal?" Camila asks.

Zayn hesitates as he turns around to face away from Camila. "It doesn't matter," Zayn says.

"What do you mean?" Camila asks.

"The serum hasn't been finalized yet," Zayn says.

"You mean you haven't tested it yet?" Camila says.

"No, I have. I was the first vampire to test it," Zayn says. He turns back around as he sets the serum down on his desk. "It doesn't seem to affect most of the aspect of vampirism. The strength, the healing, the hunger. All of those stayed. Though it does have an immediate, if temporary, effect on my photosensitivity," Zayn explains.

"Meaning?" Camila questions.

Zayn picks the serum back up as he just stares at it. "This lets vampires walk in the sun," Zayn says.

"Seriously?" Camila asks shocked.

"Only for about four hours then when it wears off the vampire is back where they started. Except he's exhausted, depleted, and in desperate need of feeding," Zayn explains.

"Did you considered being human again?" Camila asks.

Zayn sighs as he runs a hand over his face, scratching his beard, his face unreadable. "Yes," Zayn finally speaks.

"But you'll give up so much. I mean, eternal life," Camila says.

"There's only so much life a person needs," Zayn frowns. The boy looks down at the floor, a hint of a smile on his lips. "But then again I remember my commitment to helping people. My dream of a better world and my responsibilities on the Council. My duties to my clan. So yes, I've considered all possibilities, which doesn't mean I've committed to any," Zayn speaks. He looks down at the syringe in his hands thoughtfully.

"This is fascinating and all but why are you showing it to me right now?" Camila asks.

"Because I'd like to take a walk around the city today and I'll surely love to have your company," Zayn smiles.

"Sure! Let's do it, Zayn. I need the walk," Camila smiles.

"Think of it as your contribution to our scientific testing process," Zayn smiles.

He chuckles softly, the happiest Camila has ever seen him.

Zayn brings the syringe up to his neck as the needle touches his skin, the needle bigger than any needle Camila has ever taken in the doctor's office.

"That looks painful," Camila says.

"It is," Zayn confirms.

The boy presses down and the substance starts to enter into Zayn's system.