The Ash Clan [Dancing with Vampires Sequel]

Chapter Three: A Secret Alliance

Chapter 3—A Secret Alliance

That night, I lay in bed, staring at the cold dark ceiling.

I was a prisoner of the Ash Clan, and so were the ones that I loved.

I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to sleep.

I abruptly sat up when I heard a creak and footsteps.

“Who—”

“Shh, shh, not so loud.”

The person moved closer, and I realized that she wasn’t alone.

A smaller figure emerged from the darkness.

“Mommy?”

“Don,” I said as she wrapped her arms around me.

“Mommy, they took my blood earlier.”

“I know. They took mine, too. Did they hurt you?”

“Just a little from the needle, but it was alright.”

“Good, that’s good.”

“Mommy, this lady said that she knows you.”

I observed the woman and realized that it was Gia.

“Gia,” I whispered.

“Hello, Hazel. It is both a pleasure and displeasure to see you again.”

I understood what she meant and nodded.

“What are you doing in here? I am grateful that you brought my daughter to me, but won’t you get in trouble?”

She smirked. “We, vampires, have a secret, and that secret keeps all of us sane.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s put it this way. You only have fifteen more minutes to spend with your daughter,” she replied.

“But Gia, what is this secret? Where’s Master Circo? Where are the guards?”

“I cannot tell you at this time, but rest assured that I am on your side.”

“How do I know this isn’t some trick? I saw Livia earlier, and she was clearly obeying Master Circo.”

“We obey him when we need to. Otherwise, if we can find a way around his rules, then we take the chance.”

I gave Don a squeeze and then hugged Gia.

I said, “Whatever you did, Gia. Thank you.”

“Just consider this as a secret alliance.”

“Between you, me, and Don?” I questioned.

She placed a hand on my shoulder.

“There are more people on your side than you think,” she informed me.

“My side?”

“Yes, but only time will tell if we’re going to succeed. Until then, this must be kept secret. No one may know about this secret alliance. Understood?”

“Yes, of course,” I replied.

“I’ll keep it secret, too,” Don said.

“Good. Now, I’m sorry, but Don needs to get back into her chamber.”

“Okay,” I said, “Sweetie, stay safe, and don’t let anyone hurt you. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mommy.”

I gave her one last hug before letting Gia take her away.

I sighed, a bit more content.

I have people on my side.

Let me clarify, I have vampires who are on my side.

I suddenly feel more hopeful and powerful.

*

The next morning, I was awakened by a guard slapping my face.

I looked up, startled.

His eyes looked so cold.

This obviously wasn’t a vampire who’s on my side.

“Get up,” he ordered. “Master Circo wants you to prepare for a special meeting.”

“Special meeting?” I questioned.

“You’re moving.”

“Moving?”

“Just get up, human.”

The guard grabbed my arm and led me out of the room.

“Where are you taking me?” I asked.

“You’re going to meet up with Livia. She will stand guard as you get dressed for your meeting.”

We walked down three different corridors until we reached a small worn-out door.

“Go in there.”

I opened the entrance and walked in.

The guard slammed the door behind me.

Livia approached me as I looked around.

It was a giant bathroom with a shower, bathtub, row of sinks, a separate door that led to a toilet area, and a closet door.

“Livia, what am I doing in here?” I asked.

“I’ve prepared your clothes. You must get ready, and—”

“Livia, the guard mentioned something about moving. What was he talking about?”

“Master Circo will explain everything. Just get ready.”

*

After taking a shower and getting dressed in a prepared outfit that Livia gave me, she instructed me to follow her.

“You must be presentable, both inside and out. Do not say anything that will disgrace the Ash Clan. Understood?”

“I don’t even know if—”

“Livia, is the human ready?”

I turned around to see Master Circo.

“Yes, Master,” she replied.

“Hazel, you look…decent.”

This was probably the closest he would ever get to a compliment.

“What’s happening?” I asked.

“I’m handing you over to the Moon Clan.”

“There’s another clan?”

“Of course. It’s not just one group of vampires that roams the Earth. You humans are so clueless about the things around you.”

“Why are you handing me over to them?”

“You and Mitrik will be going with the Moon Clan. Your friend and your daughter will stay here with me. The Moon Clan wants its own half-ling to study.”

“Why are you separating me and my daughter? Why are you even giving me away at all?”

“Sometimes, two heads are better than one. And if those two heads happen to belong to two vampire masters, then it’s even better.”

“Master Circo, I would much rather stay here.”

“You cannot stay. You’re no longer welcome here. I made a deal with the Moon Clan, and after tonight, you will take orders from Master Slayer.”

“Master Slayer? That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Master Circo smirked. “Good. You’re not supposed to feel better.”

“But you mentioned that Mitrik is going, too?”

“Yes, but don’t get any ideas. You and Everit won’t be getting much time to talk with each other.”

“Why, not? Is he going to be locked up in a basement in the Moon Clan’s hideout?”

“We have special plans for Mitrik.”

“Like what?”

“You will find out, Hazel. Just wait and see.”