The Temptation

Revelations or Revelations?

Part 4 - Jay Ridge

I grasp Laronds arm with haste, instantly paralysing him - a little trick I was taught in regards to one of the only weaknesses a Vampire has and believe me there isn't many. With my other hand, I place it upon his helpless pathetic head and I channel my thoughts into reading his small mind, to reveal his history. The memory I am looking for, terrifying for someone like me but alas this is my mission and I won't fail, I never have and I was created for this. I'm

I can see the warm candle lights of Paris at night, beautifully dimly lit streets and in the ebony recesses there are shadows in the dark dancing with delight. There are 3, no wait 4 people - all in black and with long hair, dressed to impress - theatre-goers - Vampires. They are joyous in their time and tone - speaking French but it's quite easy to translate. Larond, Armand but I don't recognise the other two - the wait is that? That would explain a lot, the way he dresses and acts at times. It seems like that just made a kill after toying with a victim for an extended period of time - they are monsters and are loving every minute of their bloody conquest.

I must look back further, this is not the memory I am looking for.

Daytime, fields, a meadow full of blue flowers, lush green grass, birds chirping clearly - surrounded by tall trees and this must be Larond as a child and I'm guessing the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. He is running through the beautiful field - no fear - hands outstretched to touch the crisp grass as he runs - the long green grass grazing him as he smiles and laughs - wait, I see a dog also, quite large, Rottweiler maybe? but he isn't with Larond, he is running towards him and barking and growling. Wait where is this memory going, it's becoming fuzzy and unreadable - this has never happened before.

Damn

I'm now a little farther ahead, I can't do this for long as I can feel him pulling against my will.  He is stronger than I thought and his resistance is quite formidable. I'm impressed, not that he will ever see.

He is laying on a table, no wait - doctors table - no it's a morgue but he isn't dead, just unconscious - there are 2 other people in the room whispering, I can't make it out - was that word 'mind'? I can't tell - this is starting to hurt me now and I must stop - I release his head and ponder on what I've just seen, how do I play this next move - he cannot see weakness in me.

Larond collapses to the floor when I release him, he knows I've been reading his memories but I can't let him know I didn't find what I was looking for. He is staring at me with intent - his usually amber-tinged eyes are black and he is almost snarling, it's kinda laughable considering I could end him with a flick of my wrist - I almost want to let him out to play with him for a while but I can't, the fun I would have though toying with his physical being - It would be a great release to throw him around for a while - I am sadistic bitch aren't I.

'Larond, be calm - I have what I came for' - I don't, he looks confused though - bemused by me.

'Then set me, free woman, I am no one's prisoner' demands Larond - quite impressive I must say.

'I'm sorry Larond, I can't do this - tonight was the last night you'll ever see' I reply as I walk to the curtains. The bright colours of mornings delight have been rising for a while - a cleansing light that washes away the creatures of the night to make way for the joy of the day. I grasp the curtains tightly and pull back, exposing the room to the warmth of the sun. The beautiful glow of daylight fills the room and the darkest creature of the night are curled in a ball screaming but something isn't right.

Laronds screams pierce my ears - when a Vampire screams it really, as cliche as it sounds, is like a bat's sonar ripping through your skull. Why isn't he burning up? Why isn't there a pile of ash where he lay?

Larond stops and faces the sun, his stunning amber eyes seeing the glory of heaven's light for the first time in centuries as he stands - he raises his arms parallel to his flank and laughs whilst basking in the sunlight. I can see a tear running down his cheek - a clear emotional moment for the Vampire Larond, he wipes it away - conscious that I am watching as he checks his pale skin - he is confused, as am I. The worrying question now is, what is he?