Crimson Tears: A Crimson Sky (Book 3)

Chapter V: What Some Hybrids Can Do

Original Werewolf Head Council

City of Zalin

When Alistair, Catherine, and I made it to Zalin, I was surprised to see how well it was maintained over the years. The three of us walked to the lowest levels of the original council's building. Alistair and Catherine had to keep their faces hidden, as to not draw any unwanted attention our way. I had a feeling that these wolves were of both the old and new factions working together to rebuild this place. Getting my hair back to the color it was before I changed was a pain, but I managed somehow.

Since I'm a vampire in werewolf territory, it'd be a wise idea to look as human as possible. Catherine explained to me that the original werewolf council held records of Hybrid children at different stages of life to see what they could do. The records we recovered from Selrana stated that some hybrids can recover from mortal wounds that most would die from. Not that it wouldn't kill anyone, but for instance, if we were stabbed just below the heart the wound would heal damn near instantly. Now if one of the arteries was severed, like a human we'd start to bleed out because the wound wouldn't close on its own.

A hybrid's blood alone could help heal the wound. They also documented the difference between an ancient wolf, vampire, and hybrid's healing response. This explained a lot about Jerick since he has ancient blood running through him. A hybrid can heal from almost any type of wound, whereas a vampire or werewolf can't. Also on rare occasions, they can heal berserk changes as well, but certain conditions have to be met first, and that's why the three of us are here now, to find out what those are.

"Kayle, are you beginning to understand why I've had you go through the trouble of going to each of these places?" Asks Catherine.

"Little by little." Replies Kayle.

"This will give you the last of the information I can give you. Use it well, if not then there is nothing else I can do for you." States Catherine.

"We've searched for answers ourselves to better understand your position. We always thought that hybrids were out of the question, but during our time searching, it has changed our perspective quite a bit." Adds Alistair.

"When we get to the hidden library you will go in alone." States Catherine.

"There are some things only you can find." Adds Alistair.

"So, this is goodbye?" Asks Kayle.

"More of a farewell for now." Replies Catherine.

"You'll see us again soon." States Alistair.

As we continue our descent to the lowest floor of the council hall, the noise from above gets quieter. The walkway gets darker as we get deeper and deeper underground, thankfully my vision adjusts to the difference in light quickly. When I look at Alistair and Catherine I see the pulsing veins in their bodies and I suddenly stop walking, which they notice all too well.

"How long has it been since you last fed?" Asks Catherine.

"I've been away from home for over a month." Replies Kayle.

Looking at Catherine, Alistair asks "Mistress, is it wise for her to drink from us?"

"If she doesn't eat soon the end result will be worse than it would if she doesn't drink from one of us." Replies Catherine.

Taking that as an order, Alistair lowers the neck of Catherine's shirt and bites down until a trail of blood flows from it. As Alistair steps away, he nods to let me know it's okay to feed. Not able to control my hunger much more, my fangs elongate and I drink. I drink Catherine's blood until I could feel her body going slack, so I force myself to stop so I don't kill her.