Amnesia

Chapter 1 Odd Bonds

Two blonde vampires frolicked through the streets of Volterra, enjoying the darkness that concealed them. Well, a correction should be made here. There was only one frolicking. Athenodora. Her husband, Caius, simply watched her skip down the deserted street, a large smile spread across his face that revealed his inhumanly white teeth.

Happieness seemed like an occurrence that was making less of an appearance nowadays. But what did he expect? Being in a high position of power only puts your loved ones at greater risk. Especially with rouge vampires causing mayhem. Sure, his brother's wife didn't mind being cut off from the world. She didn't mind not being able to step foot outside. But Athenodora did. She minded a great deal. At one point, Athenodora fashioned together a rope made out of bedsheets and curtains. She eased herself down from her shared tower, and prayed no one would find her in the castle's garden. Unfortunately for her, her assigned guard noticed her absence. She was back in the tower within ten minutes.

Athenodora begged Caius to let her out of the castle. Even if it was just for a few hours. Caius agreed, but only if he, along with some of the finest palace guards, escorted her.

So, here they were at 4 A.M, roaming the streets of Volterra with seven palace guards, all within a ten foot radius.

Oh, how Caius missed the smile that spread across his lover's face. He could stand around for hours just admiring her.

The two walked down the empty street, gazing through shop windows and keeping an eye out for drunk unsuspecting victims. Who knows, maybe they'd come across a quick meal.

The wife stopped in her tracks in front of one of the many stores that lined the street. A certain pink baby quilt in one of the shop windows caught her attention. There was a longing in Athenodora's heart. For as long as she could remember, she had wanted a child. She knew she had kids in her previous life, but as time went on, their faces blurred, and the memory became distant. From where she was standing, she had a perfect view of adoption catalogues that were laid out on the front desk. The shop was full of children's toys and empty crib displays.

She felt a cold hand on her shoulder. Caius knew exactly what was going through her mind.
"I know." He whispered. She sighed heavily. "Come." He motioned. "We've been out for a few hours. We should get back." She rolled her eyes and let a loud groan leave her lips.

"C'mon, Caius! Home is boring! Everything is boring! I've read every book, painted every image my mind could muster, and not to mention I cleaned. There's nothing to do in that hell hole!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air for exaggeration purposes.

"It's not my fault you have a wandering mind, my dear."

"Well, you know what would occupy my time?" She raised a blonde eyebrow at him. The vampire king shook his head, already knowing what she was going to say.

"No, Athena, we've already talked about this-"
"No, we did not talk. I mentioned a baby and was immediately cut off. I want a child. It doesn't even have to be a baby! Who would constantly want to change dirty diapers? I don't."

"We simply cannot allow a small child to run around a large castle full of vampires. Not to mention a human child, like you want. My brothers and I-" he was cut off.

"Caius! I don't care what your brothers say! Please?! Look, there are adoption forms on that counter!" She pointed at the counter in the back of the small shop. Caius sighed and rubbed his forehead. "We could break in, get an adoption form, and give a struggling child a good home-"