The Immortal | Prequel Story |

Chapter 9 ~ When Worlds Collide

Iérti looked at Mallen in astonishment, the story of Mallen's past surprising him. "So the servant turned on his master and became the most fearsome vampire, while the first vampire actually wasn't a cruel person and only wanted power."

"Precisely," Mallen confirmed. "After we formed out of those books, I killed anyone I saw as a threat. I didn't want to become servant to anyone again, so I became the leader over all vampires. Now I want you to be the leader."

"I told you, I don't want any of it. All I want is to be with my family and to see a peaceful world, one where humans no longer fear the night."

"And I told you, humans are no longer your people."

"I'm more human than I ever will be vampire," insisted, his eyes firm.

"We'll see about that," Mallen responded.

Mallen took Iérti into his castle, insisting that he should live with him from now on. Iérti looked around the decorated rooms, the high ceilings, the banners showing the kings and knights of old, the fancy artwork, the tapestries on the walls. What an extraordinary castle. I can see why Mallen was so enchanted with it, Iérti thought, admiring the castle.

After Mallen showed Iérti to his room and was about to head for his own room to tune in for the night before the sun rose, Iérti told Mallen, "I'll still keep searching for a way to end the vampire need for blood."

"That would mean no longer being a vampire. We would turn into something else."

"I think it preferable to being a vampire."

"Couldn't think of anything better," Mallen murmured sarcastically, running a hand through his hair as he glanced at the window.

Iérti's attention turned towards the clothes he was wearing. "These clothes you gave me, did you make them yourself?"

"Handmade and designed by the one and only Mallen," Mallen verified, turning from the window. "I enjoy good clothing and wish for you to enjoy that luxury as well."

"Well," Iérti started to say thoughtfully, as if trying to decide whether he should say something, then he came to a decision and said, "Thank you, Mallen. I like your style."

Mallen smiled genuinely, touched that it was the first time spoke his name, choosing to call him by who he was instead of what he was, and that Iérti liked the clothes he had given him.

"You're welcome, Iérti," Mallen said, his voice reflecting how meaningful it was to him. After a moment of appreciation, Mallen headed for his room, closing the door after himself.

Iérti went into his own room, sighing as he looked out the window to watch the first rays of sun appear before he would be forced to stay in the darkness. He thought about his wife and daughter, wondering if news of his army had reached them. His heart felt for the families of those who remained in the fortress, unaware of the doom that had fallen upon his army.

And now, I'm a room away from the vampire who ordered the massacre. I should stake Mallen while I have the chance. Iérti left his room, wondering if perhaps the castle contained a stake somewhere. He turned and barely made it to the staircase before he felt someone pull him back. Iérti fell against the wall and looked up to see Mallen regarding him icily.

"You will not find a stake or weapon anywhere in my castle," Mallen told him sharply. "You will remain in the room I have given you until the sun is down. You are subjected to me. You will follow everything I say. Otherwise, the price for your rebellion would be your family's deaths. I know exactly which fortress they live in, and I know exactly how your wife and daughter look like.