Blood Wake

Chapter 10: Turning

Erik was patient but he was still driving me mad with all the things he wanted me to learn and understand. Most of his lecture was a guide of creatures for beginners. Erik told me that vampires were not the only things lurking in the shadows of humans. There was so much to learn. The legends and myths about them were so different and I was at first tented to bet on which one was true. Turned out all had some fundaments because there was more than one type of the creatures known as Lycans, vampire and even elf and fairies.

— Vampires for a start, are just like a big specie in themselves. You and Charles are quite different. You were transformed and he was born vampire. Well half, but seems like most of the half belong to the blood-sucker kind.

— So Mathilde is an exception?

— Not exactly but she sure is a rarity. Mathilde told me than usually people like her are exactly as born vampire when transformed. But since she choose to stay human we won't know what it would have been in her case. I do know that kind of things make a difference in the vampire community because that means she has already some lineage. I heard that most are not kind to humans who were turned.

Then he drifted on the basics of the organization they were working for.

— There is actually also more than one organization keeping tabs on crimes against the humans. Of course the mains groups of creatures have their own guard. But the main ones are the Association and the Sentinelles.

— None are exactly originals when it comes to name. I remarked.

— Blame it on the very origin of our story. Some said we were all created by a mad woman who was bored during a summer holyday. But enough of that. The Association is basically a group of hunters who kill every kind of monster and magical beings that have presented a danger to human. They are trained to act alone and under-cover. It is really risky for there is a huge gap in capacity between humans and creatures.

— Is this why you are so mad about Jessie reckless behavior?

— Yes. Usually duo are enough to take out young and unexperienced targets. Like you were. But in some case, I believe that the aid of Charles is more than welcome.

— After my fight with Jessie I can understand your point of view.

— Well to be fair he was unarmed and I believe it would be quite different f he had his sword or his guns. Provided of course that he would actually shoot at you.

— Oh I'm sure he would not have hesitated in the end. His pride was badly wounded yesterday.

Erik chuckled and I smiled.

— Okay now we should focus again. I want to talk rapidly about the Sentinelles. They are a mixed organization of all species, the only to respect half-blood. They try to protect every species and are the first actors on the field who not only track and arrest criminals, but also act as diplomat when there is conflict. They are called like that because they prevented war more than once between the vampires, metamorphed, witches and human.

I started at the word witches very intrigued but stayed quiet listening to his tale about the Sentinelles.

— Even the elves know about them. But so far nobody know with certainty who they are. They infiltrate every state of the society and watch from far most of the time, acting silently.

I can't tell you more about them and the other organizations because I'm not sure if what I've heard is the truth. Ask Charles, I think he knows some people in the vampire guard and maybe someone from the Sentinelles.

Erik continued by talking about the organization he was working for.

— Contrary to The Association we are not afraid of working with creatures though we prefer to keep to ourselves. And it is actually not very often that they try to stay close with us. Charles is no exception. The only thing that keep him in the mansion is his sister. Our friendship with creatures means we need some accords with the Association and Charles benefit from it.

Erik continued for a while.

When Charles came I thought I would be glad for the break. But when is voice drew nearer and I saw him interact with his sister I felt my chest contract. For the first time since I was here I really felt the pain of memories. I tried not to get too worked up but was saved by a ring.

Erik answered his phone.

— Jessie? Where are you? Stay there we are coming.

He turned it off and both men exchanged a glance. Charles nodded and quickly lead me to my room.

— I'm sorry. I'll ask Delilah to pass by and give you a snack.

— Don't worry I understand. Go save Jessie sorry ass.

The line of his lips turned thin and he just left without replying.

As I closed the door, I heard the already familiar click of the lock. I wondered if Jessie was still mad about me beating him the day before. Was that the reason Erik had looked so alarmed? He tried to compose himself when he remembered Mathilde and I were in the room. But it was too late. I crossed my fingers wishing Erik would be able to beat some sense into his friend.

All this emotions twirled in my head and I replayed the little family scene in the library. All this talk about belonging had made me think about what I left behind when the boys got me here. My family and my friends. A lone tear escaped from my left eye and I whipped out with rage. I had tried to keep the sorrow at bay when I understood that my new status made my feelings more intense. But slowly as the unfairness of the situation washed over me I shook with fury.

By the time I finally laid down on my bed, my room was a mess.

It was time for me to turn this page of my life. I knew I would never be able to go back. And sooner I would get it better it would be for me. Even if right now it was hurting so much.

This night I let my tears drive me to sleep.

Too much emotions and informations for our lady. Next chapters are going tobe a bit depressing but it is kind of normal after everything that happened.