VAMPIRUS

AFTERMATH

Blake slowly opened his eyes.  His heart sank immediately upon what he witnessed.

First, his body was wracked with pain; so bad, it was hard to adjust his vision from a blurred state to a clear one.  The base of his skull throbbed in agony, the feeling of blood trickling down his neck and onto his back, which Blake discovered that he was shirtless.  His torso was wrapped with steel chains, which explained why his body felt like it was on fire:  the cold links were covered with garlic.  Strange, being that he was able to endure the sunlight, he surmised that his bonds were encased with garlic laced with a dark brand of magic.

Secondly, he beheld his comrades in helpless states:  the two werewolves were laying on the floor naked in their human forms, apparently unconscious; Maria and Clee were held against their will by two strange vampires; the two former vampire hunters, Isabella and Jacob, were also constrained by two devishly-looking rogues; and lastly, his beloved Broderick who was presently cowering over a fallen Danny, sobbing despairingly.  Danny appeared limp, crippled.  Broderick's wailing, deep and agonized, cut immensely through Blake's senses and he moved angrily, immediately stopping when his entire being experienced electric- like shock because of his damned restraints.  He gritted his teeth against the agony, hearing snide laughter above him.

Both Craig and another gentlemen stood at his head, amused expressions radiating from their features.  Blake searched his telepathic abilities despite the nerve-wracking pain buffeting his body and he realized, much to his enraged dismay and hatred, that the other individual was the one he saw in his vision after tasting the blood of the ancient Turok-Hans now lying beheaded and lifeless on the floor just a few steps away from him.  This detestable immortal was the same hideous monster who not only threatened Broderick on the pier when the ship Broderick was aboard set sail for Africa but who also assisted Nesdal from the heart of Tartaurus.

This same rogue knelt down close to Blake, an evil grin stapled wide across his face.  "Hello, Blake.  It's a pleasure to finally meet you."  He extended his hand in a gesture of friendship.  "Name's Ivan, the vampire formerly known as Ichabod."  He chuckled and withdrew his hand.  "I'd shake hands but you seem a little preoccupied."

Ivan stood back up and clapped a hand to Craig's shoulder.  "I thought you said this guy was the shit?"

Craig shrugged.  "I seriously thought he was," he chuckled.

Blake's teeth gritted together in seething anger.  "You fucking son of a bitch," he spat vehemently.

"Now, now, Blake," Craig chided.  "Don't get so emotional."

"You were the other guy I saw," Blake explained.  "You helped Ivan release Nesdal."

Craig sucked his teeth.  "I had to do what I had to do," he admitted.  "I just find it amusing that my plan worked so easily.  You had no clue whatsoever that I was your enemy this whole time."

"Plan?"

"Yes.  That Turok-Hans you killed was just a ploy.  You drink its blood, you experience an euphoria for the knowledge you seek, all the while you are powerless, thus leaving you vulnerable.  We couldn't wait until the Turok-Hans' blood overtook you completely, could we?  Hell no!  Yet my plan was simple."  Craig pointed at him.  "I want to be like you.  I want to as powerful, reliant, and yes, I'll say it:  cool.  You have no idea just how powerful you truly are,  Blake.  I've been watching you for a very, very long time.  Hell, even Ivan tabs on you; through me, of course.  His knowledge of the Vampire Lore and his quest for power is what gave me the desire to hook up with him. We had the same thing in common:  we both wanted you gone.  We had different reasons but we were united just the same.  Ivan wanted revenge and I wanted to take your place.  Between you and me, there can only be one all-powerful vampire.  Imagine:  I get all of the benefits of being such a powerful and majestic vampire.  The world would be at my feet!  And with Ivan by my side ... hell, we'd be like you and Broderick.  The great gay vampire couple!"  He chuckled.  "Well, except for the gay part."