Forsaken Blood

- FRAILTY -

"You're okay, Layla. They won't hurt you anymore," Marco said as he held onto her.

He was holding her weak body up and knew that if he let go she would collapse under her own weight. Gently he let her arms flop to her side and lowered her damaged body back down on the bed.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just need rest..."

Marco had forgotten the frailty of humans and was in awe at the delicacy of their lives. He watched Layla rest, and took her hand in his, closed his eyes, and looked deep into Layla's mind. He felt the intense sadness which she had endured and realized that the world she knew no longer existed. He felt Layla's life hanging by a thread, and could sense her tormented nightmares.

Her body sweated as though she were fevered and she tossed and turned on the bed.

"Layla, wake up," he yelled shaking her to her senses.

Layla struggled to open her eyes, her hair was stuck to her face as perspiration ran down her cheeks. She looked wildly around the room before realizing she was safe.

"You were having a nightmare," Marco said as he helped her back up.

"I feel so weak," she whimpered.

"You must be strong, Layla," he took her hand. "Tonight you are being summoned to appear in front of the Sanguine Ligurio. I've taken it upon myself to buy you a dress to wear. I hope that is alright?"

"What is a Sanguine Ligurio?" She asked in her daze, "and why am I being summoned? Are they going to kill me?"

"It is the coven's high-council. I'm not sure what they want to know Layla, but you won't be hurt, I won't allow it," he said. "Please, freshen up, my bathroom is over there, I'll come for you in an hour." As he pointed at the wall toward the foot end of the bed.

Layla took the black box that Marco had left her and opened it up. Inside was a long gown in what appeared to be satin or silk, blood red in color. She had never worn such a dress before and wondered why she would need to be so dressed up.

She slid off the side of the bed and made her way to the bathroom. It had been weeks since she had had a shower and she could feel the sweat and blood clinging to her skin.

***

Marco returned to usher Layla to the hall in which the members were gathered. It was huge, like a ballroom with candelabras bordering the edges, and candle chandeliers hanging from the tall domed ceiling. There were at least a hundred vampires in attendance. Some were relaxed over old chaise lounges while others gathered in small circles with wine glasses in their hands.

There was a single black leather chair up one end of the hall, high backed and buttoned, it was fitting for a king. In front was a stone alter with an intricate, crystal chalice placed in the centre, and a small dagger laying to the side.

The vampires themselves were mostly dressed in black, long tight gowns, some that revealed a little too much cleavage while the men were either in black leather or tailored suits. It was a formal evening, and it appeared that Layla was the only one dressed to stand out in her crimson gown.

"Ah, Miss Sinclair," a man's voice spoke from within the crowd.

The whole room of vampires stood silent, and all turned to look at Layla. She felt naked amongst the crowd and her hands began to shake as the air thickened with anticipation.

"Don't be afraid, Layla." The voice said, "please, come forward."

It was Dimitry, he stepped out from the crowd to let Layla see him. She started to take half steps toward him, while looking all around her, worried that anyone of these vampires might lunge at her.

"Why am I here?" she asked with a shaking voice.

"It appears that you are special, Miss Sinclair, and I am here to determine how." answered Dimitry.

He held his hand out encouraging Layla to step forward. She was hesitant and looked back at Marco for support, but all he could do was nod. Layla took Dimitry's hand and he led her up toward the altar. She could feel the sweat drip down her weary body while the vampires looked her up and down in thirst.

"We have had word that there is something very unique about your blood, Layla." Dimitry remarked, "we are wanting to find out just what is so special about it."

Layla's mind flickered in thought, Anastasia... it had to be...

"Yes, you are quite right, it was." Dimitry uttered under his breath.

Oh my god, he can read my mind...

She was petrified, realizing now she wasn't even safe from her own thoughts. She looked up at the vampire and he gave her a half smile in response.

He tugged her by the wrist toward the altar and Layla cried out. She grabbed his fingers in an attempt to pry them off of her wrist, but it was no use, he was too powerful.

"Stop resisting my girl, you will only make this worse than it has to be," he laughed.

Dimitry turned to the gathered crowd of vampires.

"My dear brothers and sisters, we are gathered here tonight to witness what may be a miracle sent to us. If the story is true, this may be the greatest opportunity we have ever had to grow and become powerful in our own right!"

The hall was filled with clapping and the eyes of every vampire were fixed on Dimitry as he took up the dagger. He held out Layla's hand and jabbed her in the middle of her palm. She cried out and blood spurted before gushing out, he turned her palm over and let the veins bleed out into the chalice. The fierce mob of vampires looked on with a hunger she had never seen.

A select number of vampires were asked to step forward, they formed themselves into a line as if they were waiting for holy communion. Dimitry was first, he took a sip of Layla's blood and passed it onto the other members to try. Each drank their fill, letting the warm crimson blood run down their throats before looking on at each other with nods of approval.

"My fellow brothers and sisters," Dimitry called out, "the story has been proven true. She holds the bloodline!"

"Bloodline, what bloodline?" Layla frantically called out trying to be heard over the cacophony of cheering. "What are you talking about?"

Marco waded through the crowd and placed his hand on her back in a friendly gesture.

"It's ok now, Layla." He said calmly, "you won't and can't be harmed here now."

Layla's eyes were wild, "what is in my blood, Marco? Tell me!"