cast no shadow. (the lost boys).

Chapter Three: Revelations in the Dark

A few minutes later, the boys arrived. Marko shot me a small smile before getting on his bike. Paul hopped on his bike, and I climbed on behind him. As we rode, the excitement of the journey was overshadowed by the turmoil inside me. I leaned my head against Paul's back, letting the rhythm of the ride soothe me.

We stopped near a cliff marked with "Danger" and "Do Not Enter" signs. Descending some steps, we entered a cave. Paul held my hand to guide me safely down.

"You live in a cave?" I asked, both curious and impressed.

"Yeah, cool, right?" Paul grinned as he took a seat on one of the couches.

"Yeah, it's pretty cool," I mumbled, taking in the cave's eclectic decor.

The cave was an eclectic mix of barrels burning to light the space, scattered candles, a portrait of Jim Morrison, posters, and drapes. The old, battered couches seemed surprisingly cozy, and there were two beds in the back that looked unused. The cave was littered with sketchpads, pencils, paintbrushes, and various artistic materials, alongside collection books, records, and a boombox.

"We found it a while back. It was a big resort before it fell through after the big one hit," David explained. "But enough about that, we have some things to discuss. Wouldn't you agree?"

"I guess we do," I said, taking a seat on the couch next to Paul. David wheeled over to a chair, which seemed like his throne, while Marko and Dwayne took seats on another couch. Paul took my hand in his, offering a reassuring smile.

"I know for a fact that the four of you are vampires," I said plainly. Paul tensed beside me, gripping my hand tighter.

"Really?" David's tone was skeptical.

"Yes, really. Max told me."

"And why would he tell you that without killing you?" David asked, raising an eyebrow, while the others watched with interest.

"Because I'm a vampire too. Well, a hybrid. I'm also a witch," I admitted.

"I think you'd better start explaining, Elizabeth," David said firmly.

"I was born in the tenth century. My father was a Viking, and my mother was a witch. I had seven siblings, but we lost our older sister, the first child.

"In the autumn of 1001 AD, the village we lived in was mostly werewolves. When our youngest brother was killed by one, my mother performed a powerful ritual to protect us. It turned us into creatures stronger and faster than the wolves, resistant to death. She called on the sun for life, the ancient white oak for immortality, and the magic blood of the Petrova doppelganger, making us the world's first vampires."

"The Originals," Dwayne interjected.

"Yes, how did you know?" I asked, surprised.

"I've done my research," he said with a chuckle.

"But with our strengths came weaknesses. The sun burned us, vervain from the white oak tree repelled us, and we were cursed with insatiable bloodlust. We massacred half our village, including the woman whose blood created us. Later, I discovered I was not just a vampire but a witch, inheriting abilities from my mother's bloodline. I was the next witch with the heretic gene," I continued.

"What about the tree?" Marko asked, intrigued.

"We burned it. So now, nothing can kill us, not even a wooden stake. We also wear daylight rings enchanted by my mother to walk in the sun. Without them, we'd expose ourselves," I explained.

"Wow," Paul said, clearly impressed. "So you're like a thousand years old. I can dig that."

"I'm glad you feel that way," I said, rolling my eyes playfully. The cave was quiet as everyone absorbed the information.

"What was yesterday all about?" David asked, breaking the silence.

"I saw something," I replied vaguely.

"What was it?" David pressed.

"She doesn't have to say it yet if she doesn't want to," Paul interjected.

"No, I may as well say it now," I sighed. "When I first met Paul, I had a vision. I called my sister, who thinks it's related to my witch side. She's consulting my brother for more insight."

"What was the vision?" David asked.

"It was Paul dying in a bathtub, burned alive by holy water. Blood exploded from the pipes. Dwayne was shot in the heart by a wooden arrow, fell back into a stereo, which blew up. I'm trying to figure it out. It could be a future event, but I don't know. That's why I'm being cautious," I explained, avoiding their gazes.

"What the fuck," Marko muttered.

"Do you know when this will happen or who is responsible?" David asked.

"No, I'm sorry. I wish I did. Maybe more visions will come," I said, feeling guilty.

"It's not your fault," Paul said, rubbing my hand comfortingly.

"I think we should keep this from Max for now," David said. "If we learn more about when and if this will happen, we'll inform him. We need to be prepared."

The boys nodded in agreement.

"What did Paul mean earlier?" I suddenly remembered to ask.

"What do you mean?" David asked.

"What did Paul say about you all feeling something for me?" I asked shyly.

"He's not wrong, though I didn't want to say anything until we were certain," David admitted. "There's a possibility you could be our mate."

"All four of you?" I asked, puzzled.

"Yes, it's rare, but you could be a mate to all of us, making you our pack mate," Dwayne explained.

"That would explain the pull I feel towards you all," I admitted.

"You feel it too?" Paul asked eagerly.

"I guess I do," I replied with a small smile.

"Elizabeth," David called.

"Yes?" I looked at him.

"I think you should try touching Marko and me. It could help clarify things," he suggested.

"Okay," I agreed, though apprehensive. I went to Marko first and took his hand in mine.

I saw the boys hanging upside down, sleeping. A voice spoke to the sleeping Marko and then staked him in the heart. Blood sprayed from the pipes, and I quickly withdrew my hands.

"What was it?" Marko asked softly.

"You got staked while you were sleeping," I murmured.

"They came to the cave?" David asked.

"I guess so. The voice was familiar but I can't place it," I confessed.

"Think hard," Paul urged.

I struggled to recall the voice, feeling increasingly anxious. I couldn't remember where I had heard it.

Dwayne placed a comforting hand on my thigh, his concern evident.

"I'm sorry, I don't know. I— I have to go," I said hurriedly, leaving the cave to escape as quickly as possible.