The Prince of Darkness (Undying #2)

Chapter 2

Beings such as vampires prefer laying low in small countries such as the Philippines. They, behind closed doors, ruled over century after century without the public knowing, pampered, the government wagging its tail before them.
Unlike the old age, they don't put an effort to hide the fact of their existence anymore. Only the people refuse to acknowledge a superior being, as if vampires are dreams that they share.
"So you want to be sheltered? Live under my wing? Is that what you're saying, demon?" Edward Wycoff, a pureblood who governs the domain, confirmes with a thick British accent. His pale skin and long blonde hair contrast to the darkness that is his home, the lobby only lighted by a dim chandelier.
His guest is a young man with ragged features, moustache and beard. Long, dry hair covered his face. He wears a scarf, boots and trench coat way beyond its years.
"Daimon. The name's Daimon," he corrected, "My friend said he'd already contacted you."
"Yes, yes. He did, in fact, mention a stray dog." He clicked his tongue and crossed his long legs, "I'll be honored to house you, Daimon. But as every organization we follow certain rules. You have to earn your keep. I don't want my men misjudging me, y'see?"
Reluctantly, Daimon nodded. Edward's eyes met his dead sapphire ones with dangerous intent. "You and I are both men who have unlocked the shackles called time. It is both a gift and a curse, don't you think?" Edward murmured in scrutiny.
"I don't know about that. But whatever it is you need done, count on me."
Gadarette's head, Rondo, owes the pure-blood a large sum of money. He could easily have him killed but that would serve no purpose. Humans who know about vampires should embed on their minds that they are not to be crossed. Rondo shall suffer a fate worse than death, and Daimon will be Edward's eyes in order to find the boss's Achilles' heel.
Full moon shines upon the camp when Daimon decided to pay a visit. He bought a ticket and found a seat on the uppermost portable bleacher and watched performers tame a lion and an elephant that came from God knows where. It brought his mind back in time. Chantelle used to have celebrations like this. They are rich in traditions he surely miss.
After their fantastic scene, Leila among other girls entered. The brunette on the front lane has a bottle on one hand a stick on the other. The audience was heavily sedated with awe that started even from the beginning of the show. It is not much of a trick but the way they did their act, the mesmerizing grin on Leila's face, made all the difference. They had a lot of circus acts in Chantelle as well but none quite this one. He doesn't know if they really are amazing or his memories are starting to fail him after centuries of life's worth.
Everything was going fine until a shrill voice of a woman broke them from being entranced, "It escaped! The lion escaped!"
The circus staff weren't able to contain the panic for people ran about, eager to leave, uncaring of who they bumped or stepped on. The current performers were lost, not knowing what to do. They stood in the midde of the amok until Daimon saw the lion arrive and study them like it's readying itself to pounce on one of them.
It circled Leila slowly, unsheathing its fangs. She dared not move. Joaquin went there in a haste with a syringe. "Here, boy!" Daimon called, removing his gloves and successfully stole the animal's interest.
Leila's heart pounded even harder against her chest, unable to watch the sacrifice to be made, but it was too late. The lion jumped on her saviour.
To the bystanders' amazement, the heroic man tamed the predator without so much a sweat as he caresses its temple. Despair was etched on his face though Leila couldn't comprehend why, until the lion dropped dead to the ground.