Creatures and Legends (Wattys2018)

3: Getting to The Truth

It's been about three months since my senses and curiosity got the better of me and I was brought to the mansion my people forbade. The boys have continued being at each other's throats, Thomas being his stubborn bipolar self. I look over at the painting Dale gave me on the wall. He'd made a big showing of it in front a Thomas, who almost blew a fuse.

I've noticed that they've seemed more on edge with each other lately then they were when I first arrived. I haven't learned much more about why I'm here, nor have I gotten to see the rest of the house. I get out of bed, get dressed and look over at the jewelry box on the vanity and open it. Inside, in a hidden pocket, is a sapphire crested gold necklace with a 'C' on one side and a 'K' on the other. Thomas gifted it to me without Dale knowing and I still don't think he knows. I put it on and attempt to conceal it under my dress.

Taking one more look in the mirror I notice the scar on my arm. I sigh, remembering what happened that night. The second night I was in the mansion, it was the first time I saw the brothers' powers. I step out from my room and follow the tea candles lighting the short hallway to the dining room. Both boys had invited me to lunch with them saying they needed to talk to me about something important. I obliged nervously before beginning to get ready.

As I approach the dining room, I see Thomas and Dale already sitting at the table. I take my normal seat as Dale smiles warmly and Thomas scoffs at him.

"Good evening, Krista. I'm delighted you accepted our invitation!" Dale says, smiling.

"I don't mean to be rude, but can we cut to the chase as to what you wanted to tell me?" I ask the boys.

"What is she talking about, Dale?" Thomas asks.

"I think it's about time that she knew part of the reason why she's here and why she was always drawn to us."

"Wait, Dale? What are you talking about?"

"Don't pretend like you didn't feel it, dear. The pull every day to come here?"

"Yeah, I guess you're right..." I had felt the pull. It got stronger every day.

"That's because your not a human. You are one of us. This is your home, Krista."

My home? I blinked. I couldn't be one of them. I was a human, and they clearly weren't. "No. I can't be one of you. I'm a human and you are... vampires," I said, beginning to stand from my seat. Dale seemed a bit taken aback by me knowing then began glaring at Thomas. Like always, he shrugged carelessly. Dale scoffed at him, then turned back to me, already out of my chair.

"Cyl- I mean Krista, I know you may think we're crazy but if you just sit down and listen, we'll explain. There will be things we can't explain yet, though," he said, soothingly and I slowly sat back down.

"Alright..." I took a deep breath and attempted to prepare myself for what I was about to hear. Thomas and Dale did the same, looking at each other for what seemed like the first time in months.

"You're a vampire. You were always pulled to this mansion, to us, because it's your destiny. You weren't born human. You were born as one of us. Then your memories were erased and you were sent to your human family. Before you ask, no, they don't know where you're from."

I stare at them, thinking that I might be dreaming. Instinctively, I pinch my arm and yell. They both look at me as if I'm the crazy one here, but if there is anyone crazy here, it is one of them.

My head spun with questions, and I gripped the side of the table so hard that my knuckles turned white. If I let go, I might fall out of my chair. "Wait wait wait. How is that possible? Why aren't they looking for me? Why was I raised as a human?"

"Yeah, umm, we can't answer that right now..." Thomas says speaking for the first time in this conversation.

"Why not? You can tell me what I am, and how it happened but not how that is possible?" My mind was whirling as I stood up and left the room, making my way to the library. I hoped the brothers would leave me alone. I needed time to adjust to this idea. I also needed to learn more about who I was.

I was halfway to the library when Thomas appeared beside me. "Krista, you don't need to be wandering around the halls by yourself," I could hear the concern in his voice as he spoke. "Are you... is everything alright...?"

"Just go away, Thomas. Everything is fine. I need time to digest."

"No, I'm not leaving you alone."

"Go away, Thomas."

"No," he said, continuing to walk beside me.

"Thomas, I need time to think..." I said beginning to get angry. He stops me by grabbing my arm and I struggle to exit his grip. "Thomas, let me go," I yell, becoming even angrier.

"No!" he yells back. I yell something I don't understand and the next thing I know, Thomas is on the ground staring at me in confusion and horror as if he's seen a ghost. I look around, confused as well, and see a red tinted light. It's not coming from Thomas, though. That's when I realized...

The red light was coming from my eyes...