The Brother

Deaken’s figure receded into the shadows, each step away from us echoing through the vast hall. His departure was silent but spoke volumes, leaving a palpable void in his wake. My heart lurched as I watched him go, the pull to follow him irresistible. Without a word, I released Damon’s hand and hastened after Deaken, her footsteps quick and determined.

I could hear Damon call out to me, but I wasn’t listening. I needed to talk to Deaken, I needed to explain what he had seen. The labyrinthine corridors of the ancient castle seemed to twist and turn with a mind of their own, and soon I found myself hopelessly disoriented, the echoes of Deaken’s departure my only guide as the walls felt like they had begun to close in on me.

The walls loomed high, adorned with tapestries that whispered tales of old, their threads shimmering in the dim light as if alive. My breath quickened, my senses heightened by the vampire blood coursing through my veins, yet they offered no solace in finding my way out of here. Soon I couldn’t hear anything, no sound from the part made it to this part of the castle. I no longer smelled Deaken in the distance, the fear of being alone here started to set into my bones as I felt a pair of eyes on me.

I called out, “Deaken!” but my voice was swallowed by the stone and silence. Panic began to set in, the once familiar halls now a maze designed to trap and confuse. I rounded another corner, only to find another stretch of indistinguishable corridor. In the heart of the maze, I stopped, my chest heaving with exertion and fear. I was lost, not just within the walls of the castle, but within the web of my own heart. Deaken’s stormy eyes haunted me, I can see the pain in them even as I close my own. I knew I had to find him, to bridge the distance his steps had put between us.

I did the one thing I promised Damon I wouldn’t do tonight. Not only am I alone I have no clue where I am either. I felt someone standing behind me but when I turned around no one was there. I needed to get out of here as soon as possible, I don’t like this situation one bit.

“Are you lost darling,” I heard a man say behind me. When I turned to look at him my already cold blood grew colder. I could see small similarities between Damon and the man in front of me.

I tried to keep the fear from my voice, as I shook my head. “No, I am waiting for my husband.” I am hoping this man doesn’t know who I am, or this could be a very bad thing.

As the man stepped into the light, his features became clearer, and I couldn’t help but notice the uncanny resemblance to Damon. His gaze was piercing, and a sly smile played on his lips as if he knew something I didn’t.

“I’m afraid your husband won’t be able to find you here,” he said, his voice smooth as silk yet carrying an edge that sent shivers down my spine. “This part of the castle is… let’s say, reserved for special guests.” He waved his hands around making me look around the room I had ended up in.

I took a step back, trying to maintain a facade of composure. “And what makes you think I’m special?” I asked, my voice betraying a hint of defiance. I needed to buy myself some time to find a way out of here.

The man chuckled, a sound that resonated through the empty halls. “Oh, my dear, it’s not what I think, it’s what I know. You carry the mark of the ancients, a rare gift among your kind. Damon has kept you well hidden, but not well enough. Father saw it the second you turned around. I can’t let him have you, so I need to do this now.”

My heart raced as I processed his words. The mark of the ancients? What has Damon not told me? Was that why I felt this unexplainable pull towards the castle’s secrets, why the tapestries seem to speak directly to me?

“Who are you?” I demanded, trying to mask the fear that was quickly taking hold. I just hope Damon is looking for me. I need him to find me right now.

He took a step closer, and I could see the faint glow of his eyes a deep, mesmerizing red. “I am Lucius, Damon’s older brother, but you already know that. And you, my dear, are Caroline Avalon. You're about to discover the true legacy of your bloodline. If you let me show you.”

With that, Lucius extended his hand, and despite every instinct screaming at me to run, I found myself drawn to him, my body moved against my own will. The panic seeped into my bones as Lucius’s hand reached for mine, a mixture of dread and curiosity washed over me. His touch was cold, yet strangely comforting, and as our fingers intertwined, a jolt of energy surged through me.

“You see,” Lucius began, his voice now a whisper as he pulled me to his chest. “The mark you bear is not just a symbol; it’s a key. It unlocks the ancient power that has been dormant within our lineage for centuries. If Damon was smart, he would have never brought you here.” He moved my hair to one side as my head moved on its own accord. I don’t understand why my body is moving on its own. “Sadly, for you my dear that means I need to drink from you.” He licked my throat, “and I can’t let you live, or my pesky little brother will get in my way. We can’t have that now can we.”

He bit down hard on my neck while I screamed out in intense pain. Finally breaking whatever hold he had on me I tried to jerk out of his grip, but his hands held me firm. “Damon!” I screamed for his help, “Deaken!” I yelled as my eyes began to roll.

He lapped up more blood as he hummed, “Yes cry out for help. I want to hear your desperate pleas for help.” He bit down again this time turning his head tearing into me. He sucked harder and my legs gave out.

I struggled in his grasp try to push him off of me, “please stop.” I begged as he laughed agist my neck.