Nerys had believed, some time ago, that Lyssa would do anything to end vampirism. In a sense, she was not wrong. What she wanted to eradicate now was the disease, not them.

She had left her for two hours, just two. Her officials had called, and she could not ignore her duties as their sire. She had told her that she was free to roam wherever she wished, with no restrictions. Of course, Lyssa had sought Bastian. It was like if nothing had changed; the two had always been close, and it seemed that their bond was still an unpredictable mix of maniac shrewdness.

Nerys stared at the two with resignation. As soon as she entered Lyssa’s chambers, Bastian averted his gaze and looked at everything but her. Meanwhile, those ochre eyes hinted nothing but satisfied pride, because two fangs rested on the nearby table. There was obvious discomfort in his eyes, and he was probably regretting having agreed to let her do this, even if his teeth now looked human.

Lyssa had cut Bastian’s fangs off, with the tools that were scattered on the table. It was clear that it had not been easy to trim and slice his teeth, but she managed. Nerys sighed, finally overcoming her tired bafflement.

“Didn’t I tell you both that they grow back?”

Lyssa nodded, not very bothered by the fact. She browsed the tools on the table and admitted.

“You did, yes. And maybe they will.”

He cringed at that, so much that he stopped rubbing his cheek to try to soothe the ache. A growl escaped him, which he did not try to hide due to his nervousness.

“Y-you said you had an idea of how to stop them from growing again?! Have we cut them for nothing?!”

She crossed her arms, unfazed by his questioning stare.

“Bastian, an idea is a hypothesis, not a definite statement! I will try to stop them from growing!” He began to sweat, because she grabbed the metallic gizmo they had crafted. “Now, open your mouth again!”

He stared at the contraption they made out of scraps. It was the size of his upper jaw, small enough to fit into his mouth. Its frame was shaped to latch around his teeth, especially his trimmed canines. Supposedly, the metal would block and stop them from growing. It was a good idea on paper, but in practice…

“Lyssa, I- I think I’ve changed my mind. This-”

Bastian had opened his mouth to speak, and that was a chance Lyssa did not let pass. Nerys could do nothing as she stuffed the braces into his mouth, fast. As expected, that motion started a small scuffle between the two.

She tried to fix it on him, while he struggled as much as possible without ever resorting to biting or hitting her. Both ended up throwing a chair to the ground in their quarrel, which did not fail to startle a crow that watched from a nearby shelf.

Nerys grew tired of their absurd unruliness and finally stepped close to put an end to their fray. She easily grabbed and pulled at Lyssa with an arm, while her other claw blocked a retaliatory swat Bastian tried to land.

The two were arguing wordlessly, staring at each other. Lyssa was grinning in triumph, while Bastian was scowling in annoyance, because she had managed to latch the braces around his teeth. Nerys was just done; she looked into her ochre eyes, tiredly.

“I know you dislike our changes, but you can’t stop them from happening. You can’t perceive the capriciousness of this disease.”

Lyssa was offended by those last words.

“I do comprehend the effects of this affliction.” She laid a hand over her chest, saying plain truth. “While he only read about weaknesses to aid his ploys, I looked into all the effects that the sickness brings! One must understand their foes to confront them directly.”

Nerys grabbed her gently, smiling softly.

“You are not ignorant; it’s not what I meant. What I’m saying is that as vampires, we are the ones to understand this affliction better than anyone. As a human, you-“

Lyssa stood proudly and crossed her arms. As much as she cared for them, she still subconsciously felt that she had to defend the aptitudes of humans, which vampires always tried to question.

“Perhaps I do not know some things, true, but I am informed!” Her eyes glinted with fascination, looking at them as if they were strange creatures to examine, something that did not fail to make them fidget uncomfortably. “You need human blood to carry oxygen efficiently through your veins, for your disease is similar to anemia. That’s why you feel cold if you don’t feed. The affliction slows down your vital functions so much that you don’t need to eat. Still, you can do all that a human could, perhaps more. The disease grants you strength for you to survive and feed, something that allows it to mutate. You all change with time, some of you in more severe ways than others; that volatility is what has created so many bloodlines. However, you all share the same weaknesses, at least initially. The sun and light hurt you as fledglings, you need darkness. Water, of all things, makes you dizzy. Nobody knows why yet, so that’s one of the things I wish to research. Any discovery could be useful to our races, we must cooperate. Your species is dependent on humanity, you need us. Not only due to our blood but because vampiric reproduction is based entirely on siring! You can’t-“

“That’s it, I’m out.”

Nerys blinked, because Bastian reached for Nadiya and walked out of the chambers, not wanting to hear anything else. Lyssa was not pleased, of course.

“Sebastian, don’t you ignore me! I’m stating facts! They need to be addressed!”

He managed to yell, even with those heavy braces stuck against his teeth.

“I’m not listening!”

It was clear to her now, that she knew more than him, even as a human. That only made her more determined.

She chased him out into the corridor, but he proceeded to slam his hands onto his slightly pointed ears, not before a crow hopped onto his shoulder.

“Can’t hear you!”

“Bastian, we have agreed all our lives that ignorance induces weakness, not bliss!”

Nerys sighed and brushed her eyes, wondering what would befall them.

———

She hated this, with all her soul and heart. There was nothing she loathed more than this horrible disease, for it afflicted them both. It was in their blood, bringing nothing but pain and sorrow. She had to do something, there had to be a way in which to free them, other than death.

No one knew how this curse came to be, what brought it into the world. Not even the oldest of bloodlines could recall its origin. One had to wonder if this was a natural illness, for magic was invoked by will. The notion of someone wishing for this agony was haunting.

Whatever the case, there had to be a cure. The disease needed to be examined, tested and understood. They could not resign to their fate, and they had to acknowledge that fact.

She marched strongly through the corridors. Her ochre eyes glanced at the shadows around her, only wishing to find two. She crossed paths with many vampires, but she disregarded them all. Many of them hinted nervousness when she would look at them subtly, with distrust and apathy.

No one would attain her trust, much less vampires. Only two were deserving of it, due to their bond and past. That was the reason for her determined conviction, her care.

She eyed the bowl she carried again. The mixture in it had not been easy to craft, for the ingredients were scarce. Still, it brought her hope, and due to it, she marched more fiercely. All that she wanted was to find the truth, the source of their torment. She wished to discover it with their aid, but sadly, they were not as adamant and eager as her.

Nerys was also lurking through the corridors. She was looking all around, nervously. Her steps were slow and quiet, but still urgent. She had been welcoming; she tried to present her rule and land to erase any doubts of her goodwill. No matter what she spoke of, however, Lyssa would always direct the subject of the conversation to the disease. She would not stop proclaiming she could reverse it, with hopeful yet wounding words.

Such reminders made her feel sick, but she was not angry with her, just tired. Even if it was true that she was ill, she did not wish to be. These admonitions made her feel inadequate and aberrant.

To make matters worse, she could not avoid fleeing when she began to explain what she was adding to that mixture. There was no way she would put that thing over her skin, no matter if it could help her regain some colour.

She feared her advances, and so, she was searching for a place where to hide. The kitchens were not an option, for that was one of the first places she had shown her, knowing she would love them. The throne room had many crannies in which to hide, but she had lurked in them to reach them.

She did not have many options. The courtyard was huge but far too open and obvious. If she hid in the stables, she would bother the horses. And she should not distract the servants that worked in the quarters and storage…

No, her best option was some unused room in the west wing, because she disliked other vampires. And so, she moved ahead with a glint in her eyes, ignoring all the chambers she passed. Many were empty, but unlocked. Nothing would stop her from opening those doors to peek inside.

She needed an unusual and unthinkable hiding spot. And she had an idea of where to find one. There was a small door, a few corridors away. It was always overlooked, between pillars. That closet was barely given use, only having a few brooms.

Nerys finally halted her steps with a relieved smile, reaching for the handle of the closet. She opened it, and then she let out a yelp, because the one inside gasped. Green eyes met silver ones. Neither expected to see the other, and it was not easy to tell who was more startled.

“N-nerys?!” Bastian stopped pulling at the braces stuck on his teeth, panicking due to the fact that he had been exposed. “Close the door!”

“W-what are you doing in here?!”

He leaned forward a little and peeked into the corridor, sweating anxiously.

“Isn’t it obvious?! I’m avoiding her mad endeavours!” He grabbed the handle of the door and began to pull to close it again. “Let me hide here! It’s close to my chambers and she won’t look in a closet! She does not stop messing with this thing in my mouth! I don’t want her to cut my teeth again!”

His fangs had begun to grow, in just a day. They had pierced slightly the metal of the braces, and now he could not get the thing off. To make matters worse, if he dared roam to fetch some tools from the forge or storage, she would surely find him.

Nerys paled, realizing that her hiding spot was taken. Bastian growled in exasperation when she not only kept the door from closing, but pulled at it for her to get in the closet as well.

“I need to hide too! L-let me in! She has this weird mixture that-!”

He scoffed and grinned angrily, beginning to pull even more strongly to leave her out.

“I don’t want to find out what the hell is that, and there is not enough space for us both in here! Find another hideout, I was here first! You could hide between pillars, I did once!”

She looked sideways, keeping the closet open with a claw, rendering his stubborn pulls pointless. There were indeed a few pillars, which created a shade… but she was far too tall to go unnoticed. She gave him a look, anxiously.

“You may have been able to hide like that, but I won’t!”

“Well, too bad! I’m not risking my own skin for you this time! Close, dammit!”

“Are you going to leave me to my luck?!”

“I’m going to leave you with her, yes! Didn’t you want to be by her side?!”

“Y-yes, I do! But she does not stop-!”

Both gasped, because they heard steps, not too far. They were too strong and decisive to not be hers. Their echo inflicted fear in them, and so they panicked. Nerys stopped pleading and acted instead, squeezing herself in, ignoring how Bastian tried to push her away. Both yelled and whispered at the same time.

“Nerys, I said-!

“Move to a side! Please!”

“What side?! You’ll crush me!”

“I’m not fat!”

“N-no, but you’re hellishly tall and-!”

Both shut up, paling. A broom fell out as the door was closed, with a strong slam. It was followed by some quiet growls and a few nervous mumbles. They sensed a heartbeat; she was near.

At the moment, they did not feel like the mighty beings that they were supposed to be. For once, a heartbeat was not something that allured them, at all. It pulsed stronger every second, like a drum, approaching.

In other circumstances, Bastian would have doubted to squish himself against Nerys, but she did not protest at all and in fact hugged him with the same fearful grip. They both held their breaths like a human would to hide their presence from a vampire. No more steps echoed, for she was on the other side of the door.

Her ochre eyes looked down slowly, to stare at the broom that lied forgotten on the ground, for a whole minute. Then, she raised her gaze to the closet, with an eyebrow raised.

“Get out of there, you fools.”

She was answered with silence, even if a muffled thud echoed from inside, followed by an annoyed groan and an apologetic mumble. It took a minute for the door to open, for it did not seem that there was much space to move in there.

Nerys was the first to step out, staring at the ground with the meekest expression she could muster, her green eyes hidden under her red hair. Meanwhile, Bastian moved out much more angrily, clearly exasperated to no end.

Both were able to smell the mixture Lyssa was holding, and it did not fail to disgust them. Bastian gave Nerys an irritated look, crossing his arms strongly to show his disappointment.

“Thanks to you, now she will put that on me too”

“I didn’t mean-”

Lyssa interrupted them, with a sassy look.

“Don’t fret, Bastian. I’m not going to apply this concoction on your skin.” He felt relief until she said the next words. “I have other plans for you. While Nerys will help me test the effectiveness of this cream, you will drink an infusion, to see if it can be a good substitute for blood. I’ll need you to-“

“Ahh…” Lyssa yelped, because Bastian bolted away, grimacing at the thought. “No thanks!”

“Bast-!” She could not finish her yell, because she heard another one dash off while she looked away. “Nerys?!”

Both vampires had escaped frantically, in opposite directions, afraid of her concoctions.

“Come back here you two! This is for your own good!”

She had to choose where to chase, and she knew she had to do it fast before they could hide again. After a few seconds and a snarl, she decided to bolt for Nerys, because she was the one that would surrender without a quarrel. As she ran, someone watched.

Sergius sighed, seeing her sprint through the dark corridors with that bowl in hand. He decided to keep roaming in the castle and leave her to her business, knowing that there was no point in keeping a constant watch.

He had always seen vampires chase humans in a predatory way; they were always the ones to command and inflict fear, not the other way around.

——-

Lyssa smiled, letting the fire of the oven die out, because the food inside it was almost done. Preparing food this lovingly had become something foreign, and it was strange to experience it again. It was comforting and familiar.

The kitchen was calm, for now. She moved away from the counters and neared the table again, where both vampires sat. Ever since she came back, she had been able to cook for them again, and her heart filled with joy when she saw them eat with such appreciation.

It was strange to be together again, for all of them. They were able to gather as if nothing had happened, like if they had never been torn apart by war.

Lyssa was so entranced in her memories and feelings, that she was not paying that much mind to the small growls that echoed. Bastian snarled again, pulling ferociously at his braces, with exasperation. At last, there was a strong click, and she got out of her thoughts as he sighed in relief.

Bastian proceeded to throw the contraption onto the table in front of the two, with an angry huff. He then exclaimed proudly, glad to have it off his teeth.

“Goddammit, finally!” He began to rub his cheek, glaring into those curious ochre eyes. “You latched it too strongly! It has taken me hours to break it off!”

“It needed to pressure your teeth.”

“But not this intensely! I needed to use multiple tools to loosen the connections on my molars! You could have put this thing more carefully!”

“I did set it with care! If I had not, your fangs would have unlatched it, easily.”

He pointed at himself, groaning.

“Look at this.” He opened his mouth, showing off his fangs, which had grown sharp and long again. “They pierced the metal that was supposed to stop them like butter!”

Lyssa disliked that fact, but also felt curiosity for it. Bastian growled as she neared to examine his teeth, commenting on them and debating another try, which he was quick to refuse.

While the two bickered, Nerys eyed the oven, entranced by the smell that came from it. She too felt that their reunion was strange, but she was comforted by it. It reminded her of the days in which they would roam in Hollowgrave and the wilds, feeling at home as long as they were together.

While Nerys daydreamed and focused on the scent of the food she had helped with, the two had grown quiet. That did not mean Bastian was calm. Lyssa had stopped examining his teeth, to take a step back and stare at him silently. After a minute, he sighed and began to tap his nails on the table, warning her.

“I don’t like the way you’re looking at me, Lyssa.”

Of them all, her gaze was the most intense, even if she was not a vampire. Her eyes were fixed on him, and her thoughts were soon voiced, without a doubt.

“Now that you don’t have those braces…” She had told him that he could take them off, for she saw that they were not being as effective as she had wanted them to. “I should test another thing on you.”

“I’m not putting on that disgusting cream, you won’t-”

“No need. I used it already.”

Bastian raised an eyebrow, while Lyssa smiled sheepishly. Nerys sighed and acknowledged his questioning glance, moving one of her sleeves back, to reveal a faint red mark on her arm. He stared at it, blankly, but he soon glared and inquired in disbelief.

“What the hell did you add in that mixture to give her a rash?!”

Lyssa was glad to have only used a small quantity, and on her arm, where the redness could be hidden. It was much more relieving to see that Nerys did not seem to mind or hurt, whispering with a faint smile.

“She told me beforehand and I regret asking. Do you want to know?”

He shut his mouth, sweating.

“Better not…” Lyssa ignored his comment, searching in the pockets of her robes. Bastian paled when she set a flask in front of him on the table. It was small, but its liquid had a suspicious red hue. He mumbled nervously when she nodded at it. “I don’t want to know what that has either.”

“Vegetable extracts, multiple alchemical herbs, condensed air, animal blood, and some processed minerals. All has been boiled with my fire, of course.”

“I said I didn’t want to know!”

She grinned and leaned a little closer, motioning at the flask.

“It’s not that bad, is it?” She nudged it towards him, commanding softly. “Drink it, please. And put off feeding for a week, to see if you feel hunger.”

“Why the hell would I drink this disgusting thing?”

“Because I’m asking you to do it. If this works, you won’t have to consume blood anymore. None of you will have to. I wish to test if oxygenated animal blood can have any effect on you. It could be a start.”

“Why me instead of Nerys?”

“You’re younger than her, technically still a fledgling. She can endure the hunger better than you, so there would be more variables to consider with her. Honestly, you are the youngest vampire in this castle, period.”

Bastian growled, and if his glare could pierce physical objects, the flask would have shattered. He despised the idea of drinking it, but deep inside he wished to, hopeful. After a minute, he seemed to make a choice.

“Only a week you say?”

Lyssa nodded, showing care in her eyes. She was smiling, sharing his same hope.

“Only one, Bastian. I know you can go without feeding for a month. A week is enough for me to see if there is any effect, and you won’t have to endure the hunger. Asking for you to starve would be selfish of me, so just a week.”

His silver eyes looked at the flask again, with a much calmer apprehension.

“Will you leave me alone then?”

“Maybe.”

Lyssa had always loved to taunt him. Nerys stood from the table and chuckled as she walked towards the oven, advising him.

“That’s the best offer you’ll get, and you know it.”

He nodded, exasperated.

“True that.” He shook his head and grabbed the flask, opening it angrily. “Nerys, I want you to keep an eye on me, to make sure I don’t suffer abnormal growths.”

Lyssa exclaimed, ignoring his sarcasm.

“That would be an unplanned symptom, but still, the sudden trigger of mutations would be fascinating and-“

She shut up when an empty flask rolled on the table, to stop by her hand. He rubbed a hand against his mouth, giving her a tired look.

“Pleased?”

She smiled brightly.

“Very.”

He stuck his tongue out, disgusted by the taste. He had not thought that he would find something more revolting than the first blood he consumed.

“Urgh…” He coughed a little, clearly annoyed. “That was awful.”

“It had blood in it.”

“Animal blood. I don’t want to know from which critter you got it.” He stood with a snarl, waving a hand dismissively. “I’m going to snatch a piece of that meat pie, maybe it will help me forget.”

Nerys had taken it out of the oven, setting it on the counters. While they had argued, she had cut it into slices, small enough to hold with a hand. He did not doubt to grab the first piece before they did, opening his mouth to bite a good chunk off it.

He bit air. His silver eyes blinked multiple times, for he realized that his hand was no longer holding the slice. It took him a few seconds to recognize that Lyssa had snatched it from him, to prevent him from tasting it.

“What the hell?!”

She raised a finger, warning.

“You should not eat meat! It could mess with the effects of the mixture!”

Nerys tensed and got ready to witness the fight that would ensue. He had seen them clash many times, and she knew that they would soon forget about the cause of the argument, their pride a much more volatile trigger. Indeed, Bastian hissed at Lyssa, outraged by her audacity.

“Give it back! I drank that disgusting thing like you told me to, so I should be allowed to eat! Stop messing with me!”

“Bastian, you don’t need food! Your body does not process nutrients like a normal person!”

“Ah, now you are calling me abnormal!”

“I’m calling you vampire, something that you obviously are!” She stood tall and proclaimed, proudly. “Humans are the ones who truly need to eat!”

He gasped, for she bit onto the slice of pie, as if to prove a point. Her mockery angered him, and he did not doubt to lean, ready to dash at her.

“You made the pie for us!”

“Yes, I made it, so I can take it away! Show some patience or I won’t cook for you again!”

“Oh, I think I’ve been far too patient with you!”

He lunged at her, aiming for the food she had stolen. She dodged him easily, like a matador. He gasped and slammed his hands onto a counter to stop himself from crashing against it, having missed her.

Nerys sighed, noticing well that Bastian could simply grab another slice, the rest of the pie right there. Instead, he bolted for Lyssa again, more bothered by her gall than what he had been stolen of. After a few dashes and consequent dodges, she ran out of the kitchen, and he did not doubt to give chase.

“Come back here you thief!”

“I am no thief, for I simply took what I crafted! I’ll be the one to eat it!”

“Don’t you dare bite on it again or I’ll-!” That was enough to prompt her to do it, while she ran ahead. “You damn-! I’ll lock you in the dungeons, inside that cell that has a tunnel! To get out, you’ll have to go through that passage and spend hours walking back to the castle! I will finally have some peace!”

“And how are you going to do that?! Even if you could somehow overpower me, Nerys has the keys!”

“T-then, I’ll…! I’ll throw you into the big pantry and lock it from the outside!”

“I’ll shove you into it instead!”

“We’re equal in strength now! Don’t try me, Lyssa! Just give up that damn slice!”

“Never!”

Lyssa ignored all the bewildered vampires she crossed paths with, running through the throne room to try to lose Bastian behind her. She did not even pay mind to the fact that a winged figure jumped down from a window.

Lochan blinked as the human dashed away through another door, only taking a few seconds for a vampire to follow her trail, shaking a clawed first and yelling a few profanities. He stood there, more baffled than the guards around him, who just shrugged like if this was a daily occurrence. He could not help but comment, all to himself.

“Every day, it gets weirder.”

He was not surprised to see the lord of the castle enter the throne room, surely having been following those two. She began to approach him slowly when she saw him, with a tired smile.

“Hello, Lochan.”

He raised a nail, to point over his shoulder.

“Is that the other rebel you told me about? The one that is actually dangerous?”

He had visited after her domain had been assaulted, once the army left. It had not been easy to explain how she got rid of the insurgents, because she was not really the one who banished them. Their own general had made them retreat, for her sake.

“That’s her, yes…”

He crossed his wings, with a lean of head.

“Now I see why she gave you so much trouble. I’m surprised you survived.”

She was faster than the vampire that chased her, and her bites onto that slice were almost as fierce as the ones they were capable of. Still, those green eyes showed nothing but care and awe.

“I’m still wrapping my mind around it too.”

He grew serious, suddenly.

“Nerys…” She blinked and looked down at him, for he gave her a dark look. “Aren’t you being too trusting?”

She frowned sadly, for believing in her was something she did with all her heart.

“I don’t need to be wary of her intentions.”

He nodded, but one of his wings pointed subtly.

Nerys looked over her shoulder, at Sergius. He was staring at them both intensely, all others vampires not worthy of his watch. The two were lords, leaders of the clans he would wish to see fade from existence.

The two proceeded to discuss politics, very carefully, for the human paid mind to every word. They made sure to avoid voicing anything related to their fight against insurgents, and they were vague when speaking of other clans. For once, Lochan did not dare protest about her lenience, knowing that doing so could anger the man.

Sergius was glad that none of their words supposed a threat for Lyssa. He hated them all equally, wings or not, so he would act if they gave him a single reason to do so.

Lochan was smart enough to keep as quiet as possible. He had come to satiate his curiosity, but part of him regretted doing so. Her two guests made him feel threatened. Those ochre eyes hinted no malice, and there was care for her, but the apathy for their kind was all ever-present.

He did not feel comfortable in her castle anymore. She gave them too much freedom, even if they were still rebels at heart. And so, he left quickly, with one last warning that she knew to be true.

“Don’t let your emotions blind you. Be alert, not only of them, but yourself. We are different, in many ways.”

“Maybe we are. I now I’m walking on thin ice.” Nerys turned around, to find Bastian and Lyssa. “I shall move forward, however, not back.”

Sergius only left the throne room when Lochan opened his wings and flew away.

————–

Vampires liked water as much as cats. They bathed carefully, mostly when they had time to spare. If they moved under the rain, they did so with hoods. When they sky hinted a storm, they frequently stayed indoors.

She knew why. Water could daze them, clouding their thoughts and moves; it was not harmful, but it did leave them vulnerable. The effects varied from vampire to vampire, depending on age, strength, and mind.

Like many other factors, the effects of water could not be measured and noted. No lord ever wished to subject themselves to such humbling state in the name of research, and the insurgents that wished to study them only disposed of captured fledglings and loners.

But here, I could…

Could, that was the word. Even if she had more chances of reaching a methodical breakthrough in this castle, she was finding a few deterrents.

Nerys had agreed to test a few things. She had let her try to cut her huge nails, measure the difference between her fangs and Bastian’s, and put that mixture on her skin to see if her paleness could be treated.

She was, overall, very compliant and caring. However, when the subject of water was brought up, she was not as eager to please. She would grow nervous, and no matter how much she asked, she refused politely every time. Somehow, she would always find a way in which to escape the conversation, finding tasks to attend or changing the subject. She tried to divert her attention many times, by asking her to cook something with her, or by suggesting watching the horizon from a tower.

It was only water. She did not understand why she was so nervous about it. A lord like her would not be hurt by it. Sure, perhaps she would not be able to attend her duties for an hour, but that was a good thing, considering how much she worried about everything.

She would not near any kind of water… so it would need to find her instead. Her reluctance was simple apprehension, which was unneeded.

————

“Bring those crates to the storage, and set them between the piles of timber. As well, do not forget to bring the hay of those carts to the stables.”

Her ochre eyes watched from above, carefully. Nerys was below, standing in between many servants, pointing and commanding politely. Many carts were coming from the nearby villages and farms, and she was supervising it all herself.

She was certainly a good leader, but her concern was a little extreme sometimes. There was no need for her to keep such a watchful and attentive vigilance. All her brethren and servants knew what to do; her orders were unneeded, simply given as moral support.

“Careful with those boxes! The flasks inside are fragile!”

Lyssa sighed above, noticing how Nerys stared intensely at two servants that were doing a perfectly good job, like if they would drop the supplies suddenly. She was overprotective and passionate. Knowing this, she looked sideways, slowly. Then, she glanced down again. She was right above her, on a tall wall. Those green eyes had not seen her, for she was far too focused on what she was staring at.

And so, Lyssa moved her hands, all ever slowly. She was careful as she leaned over the edge of the rampart, holding a bucket tightly.

Bastian had been reading a list nearby, counting boxes, making sure that everything was in order. He always checked twice that everything they needed was brought from the settlements. His focus was intent and calm, until he heard something that startled him, for it was familiar and unnerving to his kind: water.

He jolted faintly in instinct, for there was a splash against the ground. He looked up to the sky, without thinking. There were no clouds, and it definitely was not raining. After the scare, he finally glanced sideways. Like him, all froze, both servants and vampires.

Nerys was as surprised as them. Her sharp green eyes blinked, under her soaked strands of hair. She looked down slowly, at her own robes. Before her vision grew slightly foggy, she recognized that she was drenched in water.

“W-wha…”

In a second, Nerys began to shiver. Bastian yelped and bolted forward when she tried to take a step, which was shaky. He grabbed her and propped her up with the help of some guards, to prevent her from tripping in her dazedness.

Bastian was the first to glare up, while Nerys mumbled something that nobody managed to understand. His sharp eyes caught a glimpse of a blonde, who promptly dashed away. He let out a growl, understanding immediately.

“Lyssa.”

Nerys was not hurt in any way, but she was out of her mind now, like if she was drunk. As a strong lord, she had not fallen to the ground, yet she was not herself. She began to chuckle, hearing him say that name.

“Lyssa…” Bastian winced when that faint chuckle turned into a sad whisper. “Where’s Lyssa?”

“She just threw you-“

She pushed them all off gently, tired of them holding her up. He stood pokerfaced, because she began to look all around her, like if she had lost something very important. Somehow, she was able to keep muttering words while she stepped ahead slowly, clumsily.

“W-where is she?”

She had managed to recognize that she was the one to throw her water, but soon enough, her thoughts became chaotic. She could only think of how she was away, how she had fought against her, and how that sword had almost pierced her heart.

It was not easy for her to think, and the fact that she had decided to soak her like this made her believe that she did not like her anymore, as ingenuous as that thought was.

“W-why did she-?” Bastian cringed, because the tall and imposing vampire held her claws together like a lost child. “H-has she left? I don’t want her to go! I- I wouldn’t bite her! I wouldn’t harm her! No, I swear I would not! I-!”

He neared her, to try to pull at her and lead her to the nearby arcs, so she could sit and get dry under the sun.

“Nerys, calm down, she is not leaving. I’ll deal with her; just-“

“N-no.” Tears welled up in her green eyes, and all vampires had to step off when she shouted, almost growling. “I must-!”

“Nerys!” Bastian glared with a snarl, because Lyssa finally came out of a door, which led to the ramparts above. She ran towards them, panting. “Nerys, are you ok?! I just-!”

Lyssa could not finish the sentence. A huff escaped her, for those strong arms dashed and pulled at her strongly, to slam her against her chest. She blinked more when Nerys buried her face against her shoulder, sobbing softly.

“Lyssa, p-please, don’t leave! I’ve missed you, I need you! I’m sorry, I am! I w-would never bite you!”

Bastian growled at Lyssa, pointing at her with a sharp nail.

“Look what you’ve done! Are you happy now?! Why the hell have you-?!”

“Sorry, Bastian! I just wanted to-!”

“D-don’t yell at her!”

Bastian frowned and groaned in exasperation, because Nerys growled faintly, to scold him. Lyssa was smiling sheepishly and apologetically, noting how she was being squished tightly, like if she could vanish into the air.

“D-don’t leave. Please, please, please, ple-”

“I won’t, Nerys.” She hugged her, noticing how she relaxed a little, only slightly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Her answer was a sad mumble. She brushed her face more against her, uncaring of the stares that she was given. Not that she could comprehend them much with how dazed she was.

In this state of mind, Nerys couldn’t avoid expressing her worst fears. She knew that she would never harm Lyssa, but she had been deadly afraid of being seen like this. Many times she had affirmed that she should leave her domain, but it was the last thing she wanted. That was why she was startled when another one spoke.

“Get your claws off her.”

Lyssa tensed and frowned deeply, hearing Sergius snarl. Sadly, it was Nerys who reacted first, and angrily. She stopped burying her face on her shoulder, and as the old mage neared, she showed her fangs in a hiss.

Bastian sweated nervously, because Nerys dared pull Lyssa closer in a protective hug, to growl at Sergius. He did not react violently, because those ochre eyes warned him not to do so. Still, he did not appreciate them being this close, not while the vampire was in such a weak state of mind.

“Let her be.” Lyssa argued, defending Nerys. “I was the one to throw-”

“I don’t care about your foolish endeavours.” His whip was always there, at hand. “It is her possible reaction what concerns me. She is out of it.”

“And it is my fault, not hers!”

Bastian was the one to address the situation carefully and with more tact. He neared Nerys and grasped one of her arms to begin to pull at her gently.

“E-even if there is one at fault, we shouldn’t argue. She should go grab a towel. Everything’s fine. Come on Nerys, let go of her.”

Bastian almost stumbled back when Nerys pushed him off easily with a nudge of shoulder.

“No.” Lyssa sighed tiredly when Nerys squished her closer. “I’m not letting go.”

This was not part of her plan, and she had not thought that her old mentor would step in either.

“Oh, you are.” Sergius grabbed one of her sleeves, to pull her away. “Move, right now!”

There was another annoyed hiss, but Nerys did not lash at Sergius with her claws. Still, Bastian grabbed her too and began to assist the mage to prevent the situation from escalating.

“Come on, Nerys! You are soaking Lyssa as well! You don’t want that, right?!”

Both men kept trying to pull her off, yet her grip was not loosening at all. Before Nerys or Sergius could act aggressively, Lyssa yelled, fed up.

“Bastian, Sergius, stop already!”

Both stepped back, because she swatted at them, with a huff. They watched in bafflement as she grabbed the tall vampire close to her, to then begin to nudge her away. Her words were firm, and she would not allow them to argue.

“I caused this mess, so I’ll solve it!” Lyssa glared intensely at Sergius, and then she looked into those weary green eyes, with a caring bright smile. “Come, Nerys. I’m sorry; let’s go sit by a fireplace, shall we?”

Nerys nodded tiredly but smiled faintly. She let Lyssa prop her up as she led her inside, listening to her loving regretful whispers.

“Look at you…” She brushed her face with a hand, softly. “I’ve messed up your long plait. I’m such a fool. Don’t worry, it’s alright; I’ll fix everything.”

Gone was her interest in the symptoms she would suffer. They went inside, and everyone just stood there, baffled… until Sergius reacted again. He glared at Bastian, like if he was at fault.

Every servant and vampire moved away and returned to their tasks, to avoid being between the two. Bastian raised his hands nervously, to give Sergius a confounded look.

“D-don’t glare at me like that! What did I do?! I’m not the one at fault here!”

Sergius opened his mouth, wishing to curse him. He tried to find words with which to blame him and his sire, but he was not able to say any. And so, he just scoffed and pulled at his coat arrogantly, to walk away with his head high. Meanwhile, Bastian just let out a long exhale, exhausted.

————

Lyssa had learnt from her mistakes, or at least she tried to. She felt sorry about throwing that water on Nerys, she really was. However, by seeing her like that, she had grown even more determined.

She wanted to free her of the disease, so she would never have to suffer those weaknesses or fear them. Her heart wished her to heal, be alright, and she could not accept that this affliction would torment her forever.

The illness was a part of her now. There no way to make her feel human again. Her skin would forever feel cold to the touch if she did not consume blood. If there was a way in which to aid her, she would do everything to find it.

Lyssa would never dare act without asking first, not anymore. Luckily, Nerys did not show any trace of anger or distrust. She recovered from her daze in a matter of minutes, and she only showed a slight trace of apprehension for her impulsiveness.

The only thing she did was ask her to be more careful and less impetuous. She told her that she would help her sate her wonder, if she was mindful about it. Their agreement led them to this moment, in which trust was needed. No vampire would ever allow a human to grasp a torch near them, yet there they were.

“I really admire your traits, Nerys.” She wasn’t intimidated at all by the fire, not even when it was moved closer intermittently. “No vampire has ever endured fire like this. Only you have grown resistant to it. If you were…”

Lyssa opened her mouth multiple times, struggling with words. It was not easy to say, so she averted her gaze with a frown.

“If you were evil like others, humanity could consider itself doomed.”

Fire was one of their most treasured weapons, a symbol of survival and freedom. She could fight it easily, yet she didn’t; not to submit them all, at least.

Lyssa smiled, with wonder, care and adoration. Her voice hinted no resent, only fascination and respect.

“We did not know about your traits, not until we began to try to claim your territory.”

Nerys took a deep breath.

“You know that I despise war, even if I am willing to fight. I simply wish to protect my domain. Even if I had the means to do so, I would not invade your lands.”

Lyssa laughed, with a caring smile.

“Your heart and soul have not changed at all.” She closed her ochre eyes, with an affectionate expression. “Yet you think they’ve done so.”

Nerys scowled and gave Lyssa a look, yet she ignored it, in favour of affirming.

“That’s why I will help you battle this curse.”

“It can’t be fought. It is not something you can defeat or reason with.”

“Perhaps…” She neared the torch to her skin, so slowly that she could move away at any moment. “I can still see the pain it inflicts, all too physical and clear. It is a real foe.”

Nerys frowned as the flames licked her right claw. The fire tangled around her nails, yet it did not affect her. It would take more than a minute for her to feel the burn if the flames stayed there. Lyssa whispered, both in wonder and sorrow.

“You suffer due to this affliction, yet you embrace it.”

“We have no choice but to do so, Lyssa. It has existed for millennia. If there was a cure, we would have found it already.”

That prompted a huff, prideful and determined.

“No, the changes brought by time make all vampires complacent. Just look at that lord that you are so fond of; he loves his wings! Once you grow strong enough, you don’t wish to be human anymore. All have surrendered, but you could be the first to stay firm.”

Nerys decided that there was no point in arguing, so she just sighed and let Lyssa believe what she wanted. She kept moving the fire over her claw, examining how her skin adapted to the heat, temporally. It was something amazing to witness, for all vampires felt pain near intense light.

While they whispered under the moonlight, two others roamed the courtyard, at a distance. Bastian was focused on his mare, near the stables. He was smiling, even if he was not alone.

Sergius was, as always, glaring at Nerys. He did so even while he took care of his own horse, not once looking away from the couple ahead. Bastian eventually grew tired of his hateful stare, and dared voice his thoughts, at last.

“Leave them be already…”

Sergius finally looked away from Lyssa and those huge sharp claws, to glare at Bastian instead. He had been ignoring him, tolerant of his presence, for it was her who made him feel more anger. His next whisper was inquiring, proud in its derision.

“What makes you think I will trust as foolishly as her?”

Bastian had been reluctant before, but now he gave Sergius a mocking lean of head, wearily. He was tired, not only due to the fact that he had not fed, as she had asked.

“Maybe you should ponder how she never hints any perilous intent, not even while inebriated and dazed. Lyssa threw a damn bucket of water onto her, and all she could think of was hugging her.”

Sergius hated that Bastian was right. He saw care in those green eyes, but he could not forget the sharp gaze in his memories, which displayed nothing but possessive and prideful hunger. The claws of a vampire could be gentle, but also deadly. It was something he knew well, and nothing would make him ignore it.

“Water does not inflict the same trance as hunger.” Sergius pointed at Nerys and Lyssa, hoping Bastian would ponder carefully his words. “You need to hunt, and that is a fact I must be wary of. Look at them, Bastian, and tell me what you see.”

Bastian leaned his head. He could see how Lyssa moved the torch away, because Nerys retracted her claw, finally feeling a small burn. The two were smiling sheepishly, more entranced in each other than the effect of the flames.

“The two are mad. I see fools in love, as always.”

Sergius gave Bastian a scolding glance, not doubting to admonish his dismissive comment.

“I see a vampire, and a human. There are flames, near her skin. Bastian, fire is something that should make you all cower in fear and pain. If Nerys lost control, that torch would not protect Lyssa. If she wished to hurt her for any reason, no magic would be able to take her down. You are a threat, and accident waiting to happen. We are nothing but prey, sooner or later. Lyssa does not see it, or perhaps she does not want to. She should have a weapon with her at all times if she is to stay with you two.”

Bastian had stopped listening long ago. His silver eyes were fixed on that fire, on the two. He did not realize that he was trembling slightly, and he could not understand the coldness that flowed through his veins suddenly. It took him a minute to recognize the red hues in his vision.

He struggled to comprehend what he was feeling. The whispers in his mind could not be understood, for only the disease gave them meaning, for his body to endure. His affliction reacted to the presence of a human who wielded fire, near his sire.

Fire was dangerous to him; he had not inherited her resistance and strength yet. It was something that could kill him, very easily. He was weaker to it than any living being.

Sergius stopped talking, because he heard a faint wheeze behind him. He turned around, just in time to see Bastian cling onto his mare, trembling and panting silently.

The sight made Sergius tense, for he recognized what he was witnessing immediately. Bastian’s skin was paling even more, and all horses but his mare cowered. He watched as he cringed more with each second that passed, dazed.

His mare had to move away, because his nails scratched her accidentally when he tried to keep himself on his feet against her. He gasped and slumped onto a nearby cart, struggling to breathe. His vision was foggy, yet he could see the man with whom he had been talking. He could hear the pulse, sense the human. It was not easy, but he managed to recognize him. The words escaped him, for his fangs were sharpening.

“L-leave-”

The coldness took over, and all his fearful thoughts faded, stolen away. Sergius stared with an unnerved expression as the young vampire fainted; no one but him saw it, for they were standing near some carts, which concealed their presence.

He was seeing something that was familiar, yet different. This was something he had witnessed before, once. He had been forced to observe it, endured much more gracefully and proudly.

Sergius was aware of the sleep that vampires suffered. Yet he was not seeing what he remembered. This time he saw reluctance, and pain. He wished to see a vampire, but he could only see Bastian. He was shaking, trembling; he was weak, and his expression was one of instinctive fear. It reminded him of the night in which he found him, hidden in that dark cellar.

He had suffered too many changes since that bloody day. Scars adorned his face, and he displayed many feral traits he had not wished to attain. All that had been inflicted on him, suddenly and against his will. He could not see the evil creature he wanted to see… yet he still needed a minute to leave behind his hate.

“Nerys!”

She heard his call, and it made her tense immediately. It had a tone that she had not heard in years, far too many. There was worry in his voice, and now she could sense his rapid heartbeat.

The two frowned and turned, only to shudder. They saw Sergius there, crouching and calling by a figure that lied on the ground, trying to lift it up onto his shoulder. Nerys was the first to bolt, her gaze showing nothing but horrified recognition. Meanwhile, Lyssa froze, confused and alarmed. It took her a minute to understand, guess what was happening.

When Lyssa finally stepped close to Bastian, Nerys had already picked him up in her arms. It was her silence what made her see. Her worried and fearful gaze made her ponder, in a way that shook her deeply.

Nerys hurried away, unable to answer any questions. She had trouble battling her own fearful thoughts, so she avoided Lyssa. Her concern was caring, but she could not acknowledge it, for she was afraid of what Bastian was going through. He was suffering something dreadful, something she never wished to see again.

Sergius watched silently, much like Lyssa was forced to. She felt more fear than him, in a manner that shook her to the core. Her hand let the torch drop, horrified. She understood… but she had not wanted to think of it, not with them.

————-

When Nerys gave her word, she always did her best to keep it. Lyssa barely saw her since Bastian fainted, for a full week and a half. Every time she had a chance to ask, she was answered with silence. She rarely got out of those dark chambers of hers. When she did, she looked miserable, scared and ashamed. She only spoke when she was cornered and questioned worriedly, forcing her to let out a firm whisper.

“Stay out of this. Please, Lyssa.”

Those words, they had been said with care, but they still hurt. They were the last she said, resolutely. She did not want her to see them, not while one of them slept. He would wake eventually, and a human should not be nearby.

This was something the two could suffer, and it was dangerous. To make matters worse, this was the first sleep he endured since his rebirth. It would hurt, and it would not be easy to deal with, not only due to her presence.

Nerys swore that Lyssa would be safe, and truthfully, she would not be when Bastian awakened. It was shameful to have to admit that fact, but they really were beings that needed to be contained. The two stayed in those dark chambers for days, and the door was locked. It was impossible to know when he would stir in that crypt, but when he did, he would try to feed on living prey.

There were many barrels of blood in her chambers, for when the time came. Nerys did not want Lyssa to see such hunger, and she knew that Bastian didn’t either. And so, she waited in the shadows, to prevent anything from happening. She would be there to deter the affliction when it begged for death.

Outside, the days passed painfully. Lyssa roamed the castle, which felt void without them. She could not forget the pain in his expression, the last thing she saw before he was taken away. There was nothing but dread and shameful resignation in those green eyes, and it was haunting.

They hid from her, and even though she knew she wouldn’t lose them, it still made her heart ache. The days were long, and it took time for her to hear their voices again.

Her chambers were not too far from hers. And where there had been silence, there were unnerving echoes.

One night, she raised her gaze from her hands when she heard a loud pained breath. Silence followed, but it did not last long. There were scratches and growls, intelligible curses. Something thrashed, yet strong feet slammed down to stop it.

After a hit that broke something, the growls were muffled, and soon they grew quiet. What had been a tense silence became a sorrowful one. She heard pained sobs, faint but clear.

There were whispers, but she could not discern them well. Still, she did recognize her voice, which was answering one that was familiar even if feral. She could never forget that fearful tone.

She wanted to go and support them, be at their side. But she knew that it was not possible, for she would only hurt them. And so, she obeyed the command of a vampire, due to care.

———-

They came out in the end. The three met in the kitchens, unable to avoid each other for long. She was waiting for them, not needing to call with words for them to near. They smelled her food from afar, and it was enough to make the apprehension fade slightly.

Still, Bastian halted at the door, with an exhausted expression. He was only able to give her a faint smile, not quite knowing what to say. However, the gratitude for her patience and silence was clear.

Lyssa watched carefully as Nerys walked in first, leading as always. Bastian took his time to follow, and when he did, it was with tired steps. He kept his head low, not daring to look at her much. He was really pale, and obviously weak. It did not help that he had a meek posture, like if he believed that he should not be around. She soon realized that it was best not to stare at his nails, which had grown bigger. Now they covered his fingers more, his hands now worthy of being called claws.

Bastian sat slowly onto a chair, without a word. Nerys sat by his side, never looking away from him, all ever attentive of any possible aftereffects of the sleep. When Lyssa sat with them, he could not avoid but shiver, remembering the whispers.

The three stayed quiet for a while. Neither vampire dared say anything to the human, unable to look her in the eye. And so, it was Lyssa who glanced at them, incapable of swallowing her worry any longer.

“Bastian, have you fed?”

He jolted a little, startled by the question. It took him a few seconds to realize that she said those words kindly, not inquisitively.

“Ah…” She was staring at him, but only because she was concerned by his paleness. “I- I did, a little. I-“

He shut up, for he did not know what was worse, that he had fed or not. Both options seemed wrong. Everything felt wrong, all his being. He had consumed blood indeed, but only enough to keep going, to wake and not lose control. It would keep him from preying on others, lending him some humanity.

Lyssa hated how Nerys simply bowed her head, refusing to say anything. Her claws were trembling too, even if she tried to hide it by taking a deep breath. They felt shame and fear, she could see it. There was no acceptance, nor surrender. The two were fighting something out of their control, and they barely had weapons to wield against it.

Her efforts were not helping them. They felt like they were something that had to change, if they did not wish to be erased. She was the one that was wrong.

———

The past could not be changed, but the future could be determined. For that reason, Lyssa stood proudly between the servants around her. She kept her head high while she waited in the queue for her turn.

Sergious was glaring at her from the other side of the courtyard, scolding her exasperatedly. He was not stopping her, however. And so, she smiled and took another step towards the stand where blood was collected. It was almost her turn, for only one human was in front of her. Her past self would curse her for doing this, she knew. But she had changed, for the best.

The disease could not be erased. It was something that needed to be understood, to keep it under control. Blood would aid them, soothe all pain. She would focus on that, for it was a clear way in which she could help, not a vain hope.

It was almost her turn, but somebody grabbed her and stopped her from advancing. Surprisingly, it was not Sergius. She sighed and looked up with a tired smile, because Nerys was looking down at her with a disapproving frown.

“What are you doing?”

Lyssa raised an eyebrow.

“What do you think?”

Nerys growled, not menacingly. She whispered and pulled her away from the queue, gently.

“You don’t need to do this, Lyssa.”

She answered her with a playful scoff, crossing her arms.

“What about your people? Am I different?”

Nerys wanted to yell, but she didn’t. Her next words were said carefully.

“It is only a guideline. I wouldn’t force anyone to pay tribute if they did not wish to do so. If it is done, it’s because it benefits everyone. They get something in return.”

Many vampire civilians aided in the production of resources, surrendering all food to the humans of the land. It truly was a symbiotic relationship. Lyssa was aware of that fact, and so, she proceeded to scold Nerys.

“I live in your domain now, so it is my right to give out blood.”

“It’s not a right! You aren’t-“

“Hey, you could not stop me. What makes you think you’ll be able to change her mind?”

Nerys gasped, because Bastian had roamed into the courtyard, and he did not doubt to comment when he saw them there.

“Quiet! You are not helping! I thought you hated to drink blood?!”

Lyssa did not know if to chuckle or yell at Bastian when he shrugged and exclaimed.

“I do hate it. I’m just saying that you won’t stop her; it is a fact. Believe me, I wouldn’t want to taste hers, not even for all the gold in the world.”

Bastian felt slight envy, somewhat. He had cherished the fact that he was able to help Nerys with his own blood, and he did not want to keep Lyssa from that chance. Now he couldn’t offer his aid, for he felt the hunger too.

Nerys turned to face him, exasperatedly. She focused on him, yelling to express her apprehension and discomfort.

“You drink from casks! And guess where her blood will be stored?! Next time you fill a goblet, you could be consuming hers!”

“If there’s any trace of her blood, I will know. I could distinguish that stench anywhere, because she is always mixing awful ingredients into strange concoctions.”

“That can’t influence the scent of her blood! You have never smelled hers anyway!”

“Hmm, actually…” Bastian leaned to look behind Nerys, with a small mocking smirk. “Maybe I have now?”

Nerys blinked, and then looked sideways. Lyssa had been at her side, but she was no longer there. And so, she yelped, seeing her indeed by the stall. She was wrapping a bandage around her wrist, for she had filled a flask with her blood.

Lyssa laughed joyfully, while Nerys just buried her face against her claws. Bastian simply shrugged, and then kept walking towards the library as if nothing.

He did not like that she bled either, but he would not keep her from it. She was free to do as she wished, and she was determined to help them. Her heart was caring and loving, and they could do nothing about it.