Rise Above

Chapter Twelve

In the next room they found themselves plunged into darkness again. Amira reached out for Savanna as Savanna reached out for Amira. Their hands touched midway between the two of them. Normally something like that would be amusing, but it wasn't then, because they had no idea what they were up against. Carefully they started making their way through the area, putting their feet out in advance to make sure nothing was in front of them.
"Most people don't make it through when they're going this way." The voice made them both jump. "I don't let anyone into my territory for any reason. When I know they're going to do their best to kill me I'm normally kind enough to make this quick and easy. Why do I feel the urge to do things differently this time?"
"No idea." Amira shrugged. "Do you want to put an end to all this?"
"What is 'all this'?"
"The tunnels. You're all trapped here the same way we are and I want to bring them to an end."
A light snapped on, somehow, and they found themselves staring at someone who had to be a vampire. That really was the only logical explanation. "You do. Do you know how many people have felt the same way you do? They hate the Tunnels and yet they don't do a thing to change this when they get out. I don't believe you have the courage to be able to put this to an end." Amira looked at him and their eyes met. "You might have the anger though. What happened to you?"
"After being raised by two people I thought might have been helping us out of the goodness of their heart I found myself here, with my two siblings, and I've already lost my brother."
"Only one sibling can go through the door alive." The vampire looked between the two of them. "The rules don't say anything about one of you going through undead and the other going through alive." He smiled. "Which one of you volunteers to go through the transformation?"
Savanna stepped forward before Amira could. "I do."
"I might kill you."
"So might the next area. All I want is your promise Amira can pass through safely."
"In return for your blood she can. If you happen to become a vampire I want a promise from you."
"What is it?"
"That you'll come with me when this has been brought to an end in order to learn what it means to be a vampire. I don't want you to hurt anyone."
"I can do that."
"Good."
Amira had to turn away, rather than watch what came next. When she turned back it looked as though Savanna was dead. "How long will it be before we know?"
"If she's vampire she'll wake at sunset. If she isn't she won't wake." The vampire studied Amira. "This was the best way. If I could think of any other way to get you both through the door I wouldn't have suggested it."
"Why are you trying to help us?"
"I've been here for a very long time and I really would like you to bring an end to all this as soon as possible."