VAMPIRUS

HEALING IN THE WINGS

Marla sat beside Blake as he lay in the queen-sized bed, the comforter up to his chin. He was in a deep sleep, his body temperature having dropped considerably but was suffering terrible sweats and shaking uncontrollably. Marla kept reapplying the damp cloth to his forehead, dipping the rag into a specially concocted hot ointment in a bowl prepared by her long-time friend Clee, who also kept vigil opposite her, enchanting magical spells under her breath and placing her hands on various parts of Blake's body, attempting with all of her might to physically heal his battered frame. She then sighed, sitting back in the chair and resting a moment.

"Whatever power he used really has taken a toll on him," she breathed, dabbing at her sweat-slicked face with a lace handkerchief.

Marla nodded in agreement, squeezing the excess liquid out of the cloth and placing it back on Blake's forehead. "He's usually strong but you're right. I've never seen him this weak."

"I will keep trying," Clee assured her, sorting through her array of amulets, potions and oils for a stronger anecdote. "This is calling for much stronger magic." She glanced over at Blake's shivering form, grave concern showing on her face.

Marla watched her. "What's wrong?"

Clee met her gaze. "I can only hope I'm not too late to save him."

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Broderick sat before the hearth, his gaze fixated on the dancing and crackling flames. Danny sat behind him, softly caressing his back and shoulders. Broderick was extremely tense but Danny didn't intend for applying pressure to soothing out the knots; his light touches were only meant to soothe and comfort.

Isabella and Jacob came along to offer their support, their intent to massacre their now-turned allies forgotten. She sat adjacent to Broderick while Jacob stood, leafing through a hardcover novel and skimming its pages. It seemed only appropriate to render their respect to the very vampire who saved their lives, although having done so now a detriment to his health.

Jacob placed the book back on the shelf and sat beside his sister, exhaling a breath.

"Okay, I know this is going to sound out of place," he replied, "but I was wondering if anyone was hungry. I could order something if there places close to here."

"Mmm, that sounds good," Isabella agreed.

Jacob looked over at Broderick and Danny. "Guys? You down?"

Broderick considered. "I should eat something," he replied. "Danny?"

"I could just make something," Danny said. "It would keep my mind off of Blake's condition for a while."

"Just order something, Danny," Broderick insisted. "It'd be much easier."

Danny gave Broderick a peck on the top of his head and rose to his feet. "I'll put some tea on while we wait. Jacob, there's menus in the kitchen."

"Alright. Bet." Jacob followed him into the kitchen.

Isabella watched Broderick as he placed his face into his hands. His entire frame radiated worry. She got up from the couch and knelt down next to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey."

Broderick gazed at her, tired and weak.

"Blake is strong," she assured him. "Stronger than any vampire I've come across. He's gonna make it. I have faith in that."

Broderick offered a smile, timid at best. "He is strong. I know that. But right now..." His voice trailed off. He massaged his forehead. "My blood can't even save him."

"Your friends in there are doing all they can," Isabella said, referring to Clee and Marla. "I don't know much about magic and talismans and all but they'll do all they can."

Broderick shifted his eyes up toward area where the master bedroom was. "What if they can't?" His voice cracked. He glanced back to Isabella. "What if they can't? I can't even help him." His eyes glistened with tears.

Isabella rose up on her knees and covered him with a loving embrace. "I never thought I'd hug a vampire," she laughed.

Broderick shared her laugh. "Just keep those swords out of reach."

They laughed.

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Broderick knocked on the partially-opened door to the master bedroom, peering inside to see Clee and Marla taking another break from attempting to heal Blake. Clee was exhausted, dabbing at her face with her cloth handkerchief while Marla sipped from an ice cold water bottle.

Broderick's heart dropped. "No progress?"

Marla smiled weakly. "We managed to help him sleep more soundly but his temperature is still high and he's still so weak."

Clee exhaled a sigh. "My powers are stabilizing him but it's all I've been able to do."

Broderick nodded. "Thank you for trying, my friends. There's Chinese downstairs if you'd like some food and strengthen yourselves. Danny and Jacob teamed up on takeout."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful," Marla replied, rising to her feet.

"I am a little hungry," Clee said. "Thank you."

She and Marla left the room, Marla placing a loving hand on Broderick's chest. She looked back at Blake's sleeping form. "Stay strong, Broderick."

Broderick smiled appreciatively. "I'll be down in a minute."

Marla nodded then followed Clee down the hall.

Broderick slowly made his way to Blake and carefully laid next to him, placing his strong arms around his lover's frail frame. He nuzzled Blake's cheek.

"Hey, big guy," Broderick softly replied. "You got us all worried about ya, you know?"

He stayed silent a moment, reflecting on his life with the 400 year old vampire. A wide smile broke across his face.

"I never thought in a million years I'd fall in love with a vampire," he continued. "You were so handsome when I first saw you. So damn handsome. I wanted you so bad right there. I've never had anyone treat me like a king before, you know that? I never told you that but you did. You still do. You're so protective, understanding, gentle. I know you really love me. I still love you." He stroked Blake's damp strands of hair. "I love you so much. You're my light. My strength. My guardian. My protector. You don't deserve this, Blake. You don't deserve all of this crazy shit you've been through recently. I feel responsible for putting through it. Still, you were there for me and saved me from my past. From Nesdal and his crazy ass. What you became just to rescue me... Why do you love me so much, Blake? Why me? Why did you choose me to be your lover, huh? What made me stand out above all the others?" He cradled his head on Blake's chest. "You need to come back to me, Blake. I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He broke into heavy sobs, completely unaware of the shadow that hung outside the window.