Post by AdaMaS on Aug 11, 2018 1:33:06 GMT -6
A new girl slipped in through the nightclub door. She was a young adult, tall and gangly, wearing a black dress and flats. Her eyes were bright orange as if she was wearing colored contacts, and her hair was a chin length mess that stuck out in all directions like black spears. She grinned all around, as if she knew a joke that nobody else did, and sat down at the bar. "White Russian," she said and looked around for people who weren't drinking. Those were the people she was interested in. She was shaking with excitement just thinking about seeing her very first vampire up close.
It'd been an extensive time in the books for the tall, muscled proprietor of the club. He'd been thumbing through various historical, mystical, and logistical texts at his desk for hours, soaking up the information and knowledge. It was his absolute vice in this time. Shutting the last book, he pushed back the elegantly decorated executive's chair and stood, buttoning the two buttons of his matching white business-suit coat. It was nearing peak hours in the club and he liked to go and make his rounds and see what customer attendance and satisfaction looked like. Sometimes some of the...less human...creatures could have a tendency to get rowdy, as well. He'd need to attend to their behavior now and again, as he didn't need any foolish outbursts running off his primary source of income. Opening the heavy door of his office, he headed out into the halls. He'd check out Elysium, first, as it was nearest. Usually everything was timid there, being the lounge and all. It was the Red Room that issues would normally arise. Something about beasts and night clubs...
The red room was great. It amazed Thorn how comfortable its denizens seemed just being themselves. They made out in front of her, laughed loudly, danced provocatively. It. Was. Amazing. Thank God she was out of foster care. Thank God she had a stipend to spend. She had so much to learn, and these people seemed extremely knowledgeable about living life. As the young woman was leaning against the bartop and eavesdropping on so many interesting conversations, a young man came to her. He offered to buy her a drink. She was tempted, but she really had to be careful. As exciting as it was to think about, the danger of being eaten by a monster was very real as far as she knew. She had to keep an eye out. So Thorn politely declined, which seemed to make the young man very unhappy. His once pleasant expression soured immediately, like he'd taken off a mask, and he wandered off somewhere else. Well that was fine. She'd have time for boyfriends later. She shrugged to herself and took a sip of her drink. The cream and coffee liqueur softened the bite of the vodka. And there was something else too, something she wasn't used to. She suddenly started feeling really sleepy. "Fuck," she mumbled to herself. It was time to go back to the apartment already, and she hadn't even seen a single vampire. She got up and groggily held her purse, then started wandering out. A familiar voice asked her if she was okay after she stumbled and she looked up to see the young man from before. "I'm fine. Just tired," she assured him. But he kept offering her a ride. She really didn't need a ride home. Besides, he was creeping her out. His face was like a happy mask again but his eyes were so lifeless. He put a hand on her shoulder and she drew away from him. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" she roared, then groaned and rubbed her forehead. Shouting hurt her head. Had she drunk too much?
As he'd expected, Elysium was filled with quiet conversation. Couches occupied by vampires sharing in conversation, some speaking business, others enjoying a quiet drink decorated the room. He didn't recognize any familiar faces, tonight. Though that wasn't unusual, as weeks, months, years could pass by that he'd go without seeing old familiar faces. He decided to take a look over in the Red Room, then. If he recalled correctly, Marus had set up for a well-known dj to be playing his set tonight. It was sure to have some energy to it tonight. As he walked through the foyer, he gave the lean, almost gaunt, caretaker, Marus, a nod and proceeded down the hall and through the double doors into the night club. The red-lighting of laserlight and spot lights showered over the room of hopping, dancing crowds as they moved to the rhythmic bass of the EDM mix. He moved through the crowd, smoothly, near unnoticeable as he observed his surroundings. No hunting had been deemed permissive tonight, as it was a recruiting event to raise the count of regular club-goers. And everything seemed to be going smoothly, until he heard it. In the far corner of the room, near one of the exit doors, he heard a girl's scream. Damnit. He'd made himself perfectly clear about tonight.
The girl who the scream had belonged to was brandishing a box cutter at a young man who had his hands in the air and was telling her to 'calm down, babe' which seemed to irritate her further. Just then, Thorn noticed the guy look elsewhere, do a double take and run out of the exit door. Well that was fortunate. "Phew," she sighed and pocketed the box cutter. Then she looked at what had spooked the guy. It was... a different guy? Was she in trouble? She immediately frowned, ready to go on the defensive.
He recognized the young 'pire. He'd been in causing mischief before, but this was blatantly against what he'd instructed Marus to inform the guests against. The trouble-maker caught sight of him as he stood amidst the crowd and the much larger, more imposing ancient spoke to his mind. "You will leave now...or this will be your last night." He watched as the 'pire ran out of the club, leaving his potential prey behind. The crowd seemed to lose interest quickly as the scene died down and all resumed their dancing. She was mortal, he could smell that much on her. This irritated him. He didn't particularly care less about them, however appearances were to be maintained and he needed to assure the reputation of his establishment hadn't been sullied. He'd track down that 'pire and make him pay for this inconvenience. Walking through the crowd, he approached the girl and glanced her over. A box cutter wasn't exactly the tool of the wealthy. A street urchin? Certainly not a craftsman. As he approached her, he tilted his head. "I'm the owner of this establishment. Perhaps we should go speak in my office. I feel apologies are in order for what's transpired this evening."
There she was ready to defend herself against some kind of trouble for her box cutter, and to her surprise the owner actually wanted to apologize! But if she went to his office, she might miss seeing a vampire which is what she came here to do in the first place. Still, the big guy seemed imposing without actually giving her a feeling of malice. "It's not your fault. ...Grr, I guess I do need to sit down though. That jerk put something in my drink!" She felt groggy.
He nodded to her commentary. What a pathetic 'pire he'd been, indeed. Needing to resort to the use of drugs to garner a victim. "Please. Follow me. My staff have things that can assist a speedy recovery." He walked by her towards the double doors out to foyer. As he got to the doors, he pushed one open and looked back to ensure she was indeed following behind him.
She was able to follow him without stumbling even if she had been drugged. She had always possessed a hearty constitution, so that came in handy. The young woman smiled and walked through the door he opened. She felt weirdly safe for what had just happened. "That happens a lot here?'' she inquired. If they had medicine on hand it might not have been the safest club. Probably best not to come back.
He watched her, looking down as she walked through the doors before letting it close behind them and walking through the halls down to the foyer and it's main desk. "It does not, fortunately. However, one should always be prepared for such events. This sort of thing should not have happened, and I assure you, proper precautions will be taken to ensure it does not happen again. Let's just tend to you first and make sure you're feeling better." As they walked by the main desk of the lobby, he turned to the thin, blonde man behind the desk. "Marus, have some water and charcoal brought to my office please. We've had an incident." He watched as the young man's eyes widened and nodded, turning to one of the ladies beside him and sent her away to fetch the required items. He led the girl through the Elysium lounge, passed the charter members as some eyed her and they made their way to the staff offices hall.
The Elysium was quieter than that other club, but for once Thorn preferred it that way. This night hadn't gone the way she wanted at all. Once they were in the hall and out of earshot of the other patrons, the girl's smile turned into a wry smirk. "I'll take your word for it. I've never been to a nightclub before. Hehe, I guess that guy noticed it was my first time. I tried to look tough and everything."
He almost found it humorous, this wee lass posturing up as a tough as nails type. He had to give credit where it was due, she'd wandered in to a nightclub for the first time prepared with a box cutter, ready to strike down her assailant. He didn't see how that could have gone very well, but it was a plan nonetheless. "There are those .. predators ... who mingle in the crowds just looking for an easy score. I'm just glad we were able to avoid that." As they reached his office, he opened the door to the very lavish room. The black marble room was adorned by an expensive red and white Persian rug, various mahogany and velvet furniture, and classic paintings of a much older time. One painting stood out, and that was a portrait of his wife to the side of his large desk. He motioned for her to take a seat in front of his desk in a velvet lounge chair as he went to stand behind his desk.
She may have just been very nearly assaulted, but she felt safe now. She trusted this gentleman because he owned the establishment, not to mention he must have been trustworthy to have a big picture of who she assumed must be his beautiful wife right by his desk. She could already tell he was a family man, and even though she herself wasn't-- she didn't have a family at all actually-- she had a kind of respect for that. Almost envy even, though she was too groggy to feel very envious. Thorn sat down in the lounge chair and let its comfort blanket her in a soft plush warmth.
He eyed her curiously, but not to an extent to seem awkward. She appeared young. Though, he'd found appearances didnt always reflect their true age as often anymore. One of the wait staff came in with a glass of water, a black murk swirling within the liquid and the girl handed it to her carefully. He felt he may need to reassure her on this. "You need to drink this, please. It's charcoal, it'll help relieve you of the toxins. How old are you, if you dont mind my asking?"
It wasn't exactly a nice drink to enjoy like her white russian had been, but Thorn nonetheless downed it like medicine. She.... couldn't feel it working yet, and she was uncomfortable with silences, but thankfully the kind man spoke up. It wasn't exactly the question she wanted to hear. He knew she'd had alcohol because her drink was what had been drugged. The legal age to drink there was 21, and she was not 21. At all. But should she tell the truth...? She studied him again and said "Twenty one."
He gave a slow slight smirk to her. Of course she was. He fully expected that answer, actually. "I think we both know that's not true, child. I, also, think we both know my club is not like many others and certain rules do not apply here." He walked around the desk and bent over to grab his empty trash can. The staff was very thorough about cleanliness. He set it by her feet and went back and took a seat. "You'll be needing that once the charcoal activates."
Her brow furrowed as she watched him set the trashcan down and listened to his increasingly concerning words. He knew. Her stomach was churning, she felt sick with guilt. No, not guilt, actually sick. She didn't want to puke in front of a stranger no matter how kind he'd been up to that point, but there it was and nature had to take its course. She had something really important to say though, so that was inconvenient. Frustrated, she let her body cleanse itself of the toxins. When she was done, she panted and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Ugh. Look, I just got out of foster care. I'm eighteen. If my caseworker finds out I was here she'll kill me."
He walked over to his minibar in the lounge area of his office, near the fireplace and grabbed a silver pitcher and a glass. Bring the pair to her, he handed her the empty glass and filled it with ice water. The worry was painted across her face. "You're in no trouble, I assure you. Just collecting facts. Truth be told, that answer is older than I expected. I like to know my clientele demographic. What brings people to my club. Just a business practice, really. So, what brought you to the Hellfire?" He froze a minute and recollected a serious omission of manners. "My apologies. I'm Adamas Mahorela. As I'm sure you've no doubt discerned, the proprietor of this establishment."
She took the water with as much dignity as she could muster, then drank. It was nice to wash the taste out of her mouth, and she felt much better once the glass was empty. She set it aside and sat a little straighter with her legs crossed and her hands folded on her knees. "I'm Elbee, but you can call me Thorn." Was she really not in trouble? No matter if he was lying or not, it didn't make a difference, so she kept calm. "It's a nice place. I mean, I like it. I'm here because, well..." This was going to be embarrassing, but she couldn't resist. The moment she thought about her favorite show, she was brimming with the desire to talk about it. She looked up at him and took a deep breath. "You know that show Parahunters where people do searches for paranormal activity? Like there was an episode about the night life here and their radio picked up some really cool frequencies. And now that I'm on my own I can actually go wherever I want, and this was close to my apartment anyway, so. I guess I'm just hunting vampires." She didn't want him to think she was stupid, but he probably did. She looked at him with a guilty smirk. Did he?
He quirked a brow. Well, that wasn't exactly the answer he was anticipating. And what exactly was a...parahunter? He leaned forward and clasped his hands. "So...you decided to come out and visit a potentially...haunted club, in the anticipation of finding vampires? And you did it armed with a boxcutter?" He wasnt too fond of the idea of his club being highlighted within the human society. And these...hunters...would need to be dealt with. "While it does sound a little far out there...what exactly would you have done if you found any?"
She smiled at him and laughed shortly, then explained "I mean they aren't real, it's just fun to feel like they are. Hehe, I guess getting into actual danger makes that sound stupid now." She took a small sketchbook out of her purse and handed it to him closed. Inside were penciled sketches of all manner of random things. "I was going to draw it."
He took the sketchbook and opened it, browsing over the sketches. "These are good." He continued flipping through. There was a talent there for sure. This girl was intriguing. No family. No home now he was guessing, if she'd just been released as a ward. And apparently her curiosity outweighed her sense of self-preservation. "Not that it's any of my business, but what will you do now that you've been released?"
She offered him a reassuring smile. "Get a job, a better apartment. Maybe school. You know... normal stuff." She didn't want him to get the wrong idea, she liked him and wanted him to approve of her. So she pressed on, "I'm not a delinquent or whatever. I only have a caseworker to keep an eye on me while I get used to the normal people life."
He laughed a bit, not out of jest but more the idea of anything being normal. He gave her a nod and handed her back the sketchbook. "I suppose that's a plan, then." There was something about this girl. She intrigued him. She had a flare to her, and a curiosity. He decided to go against his better instincts. "What if I told you there were indeed vampires?"
She put the book back into her purse, then gave him a dorky grin. "Are you making fun of me? I just think they're cool, okay?" But she did very much want them to be real, and seemed to be fidgety and giddy at the mere possibility.
His face remained stoic. Crimson eyes flashing over a brief moment of gold, excited at the prospect of turning the girl's knowledge of the world inside-out. "No jest. And what if I'd told you, you'd already met one?" He paused and leaned back in his chair, examining her every expression.
She was still smiling, but it was a strange kind of guarded one, tight lipped as she met his stare. She knew he was probably messing with her, but how could she not follow this lead? But she had to be sure. "I'd say prove it," she said, trying and failing to hide her excited fidgeting.
A single edge of his lips upturned slightly. "Brazen. That's good." He looked past her to the door and casually spoke. "Marus?" Within a few moments, the lean blonde-haired young man entered through the door in his boyish beauty. "We've an opportunity to make a wish come true tonight." Marus looked to him inquisitively, at first, and then looked to the girl with an 'oh really?' expression.
Thorn was trying not to get too excited. This was weird, and a little creepy, but more than anything it was enticing. The charcoal had helped with her drugged state, so she was on the edge of her seat and bright eyed. Her box cutter was in her purse just in case anyway. She looked at Adamas, then Marus, then back to Adamas. They both seemed to genuinely know something she didn't. Why would they be such good actors for the mere reason of messing with her? The owner of the establishment especially didn't give Thorn that impression.
He kept his eyes locked on Marus, as the blonde turned back to him. "If you'll excuse me a moment." Marus said as he left to office. Adamas turned his eyes to the door and back to Thorn. "It so happens perhaps you'll get more than you bargained for this evening."
Marus came back into the office, this time with an irate and feral vampire with his arms locked behind his back by a single hand of the blonde. Marus looked young, playful and charming as well as quite beautiful to look at, but he was old and this newer vampire couldn't hope to overpower him. The feral man was the same who'd tried to drug Thorn in the club. His fangs exposed hissing and cursing at them as he struggled to break free. Adamas remained calm, collected, and perhaps a little content. He stood, eyeing Thorn as he approached the vampire and roughly grabbed a hold of a fang with two of his fingers. "This is what you wanted to draw?"
At first she was dumbstruck; her hands shot up to her mouth in shock as she looked at what was clearly a vampire. Drawing it was the last thing on her mind now. "Are you serious? He was going to EAT me?" She rummaged through her purse and drew the box cutter again, just in case, though she did think Marus appared to have the creature under control.
Marus grinned, his own fangs showing as he looked at Adamas and laughed. Much larger than both of them, Adamas kept his grip on the fang as he looked at Thorn. "Well...drain would be the more appropriate term. And you did want to see one." He used his other hand and grabbed the other fang before yanking them both out of his mouth. As he looked at the fangs he somewhat shook them like dice. "It seemed apropos to also correct this attempted assault on you at the same time."
Drain? That was even worse probably! Thorn was still stunned that she'd come so close to being 'drained' as Adamas had called it. But reality was a bucket of ice water being poured over her inquisitive soul. So, whether it made her a monster or not, she didn't protest as Marus held the man and Adamas wrenched his fangs out. It didn't exactly hurt her to see the guy get his teeth removed. In fact, she felt kind of satisfied to see them being handled like a couple of dice. The thought kind of troubled her, but she had so much to think about and was still absorbing more. Instead she got her sketchbook and pencil out of her purse, tiptoed only slightly closer to them and hurriedly scribbled a basic sketch. "I'll finish it later, I just need an outline and the rest I'll get from my head."
He seldom was afforded the opportunity to be surprised, but here this young girl was being introduced to the undead the first time and instead of running out screaming she had approached closer and proceeded to draw him. He paid little attention to the vampire's whines at the removal of his teeth, drowned out by his curiosity of an orphan girl. He wondered if Trinket had been this way when she was turned. In fact this girl might just make a complimentary playmate to her. He continued to watch Thorn and said lightly, "Go ahead, Marus..." No sooner than he'd said that did the blonde 'pire extend his fangs and sink them into the neck of the captive.
She knew that she was watching somebody get badly hurt, and maybe even die, but she stayed near and even watched. She couldn't look away. As for the other two vampires, there was a trust there from her, a safety she felt even if she wasn't consciously aware of it. She didn't run or scream partially because she was generally detrimentally brave, but a big part of it was her instinct that they wouldn't let her get hurt, almost like she had parents.
Still...no panic. Little to no fear at all as to what was occurring. She had moxy. He had to give her that. He gave a nod before turning a punching up under the man's sternum and wrenching his heart from his chest, forcing Marus to stop drinking. His blood-smeared face pulling back and grinning big. They enjoyed the kill, craved it even. They could go without a hunt for near as long as they needed if they desired, but when the opportunity arose they did so with unparalleled savagery. Adamas brought the heart to his lips and bit deep, swallowing blood from the chambers and savoring the taste of the organ. He looked down to the girl, his eyes more vibrant a crimson than they'd been previously. "You're a resilient one, aren't you, child?"
The panic came when she watched Adamas pull her attacker's heart out like he was a piñata. Neck biting she had been prepared for. She dropped her box cutter in shock and stared with a gaping mouth at the equally gaping chest before her. Her sense of safety seemed to have vanished, replaced with sheer amazement and horror. When he bit the heart, she felt a little sick at the grisly sight, but fortunately she didn't have anything in her stomach to throw up anymore. Adamas's attention froze her as if he'd turned her to stone. She was even holding her breath. Was this how she died? "Awesome," she whispered under her breath. It wasn't exactly a response to his question, but it was neat that she was able to speak at all.
When the heart had little left to give, he tossed it behind him and smacked the recently deceased with a squishy thud. "See to it his body catches some morning sun, brother." He said, as Marus carried the body on his shoulder out of the office. Adamas took out his handkerchief and wiped his mouth as he went to sit back in his chair. "I presume you'll feel justice has been carried out?"
Her mind raced, and her smile returned albeit a little shakier. "Well," she began. Her voice cracked. She cleared her throat and sat on the lounge chair again, then tried to look at him without feeling practically starstruck. She felt like she was about to jump off a precipice, but it was now or never. This was her chance. "I guess it's a start." She said, trying to keep a look of calm about her. Instead she bit her bottom lip and stared at him meaningfully.
He quirked a brow at that response. She was full of surprises this one. He recognized the intent, though. He had to give credit, though. A few lessons should have already been learned by what she'd just witnessed. "A start?" Go ahead and ask it. Would she say it? "Your attacker's been dispatched. What more is needed?"
She'd never so much as sent food back at a restaurant before, and here she was having to play dissatisfied customer. But it looked like he took his business seriously, and the only way she'd know she was safe was to manipulate that priority. "I don't want to be rude, I just meant that maybe it would be, um, more just if I could... replace that dead vampire?"
And there it was. That attraction to the supernatural that enraptured so many over time. The stories, the movies, the merchandise. It'd been glamorized. He rested his chin on his hand, looking her over. "What, if anything, did you learn from what you just witnessed?" He wasnt the sort to go and turn just anyone. To many of them already existed. A mockery to their very nature. Pacifists, benevolent souls wanting to be part of just some immortal Brady Bunch rather than accepting their role. His line had remained thin for this very reason.
He had a good point. Thorn had never seen that kind of violence in real life before, and it was scary, but in an enticing way. Knowing she wasn't at the top of the food chain filled her with the desire to be something more. But how to get him to agree? Why should he even care? He was kind, but he didn't exactly owe her anything, especially since her attacker had been dealt with. She knew it was a long shot in the first place, but she had already made her proposal and there was no going back now. Well, she could have backpedaled, but Thorn never did that. She was a bit stubborn. "I learned not to mess with you. Listen, I won't be any trouble," she promised. "Please?" She was exactly like a teenaged girl asking her dad for his car keys. Maybe she'd lied about her age twice.
He tapped his fingers against his jaw. She was certainly adamant. Those hadn't exactly been the answers he was looking for, but not many fledglings would've answered much different. "First, lesson should have been involving that fool who accosted you....and the penalty for doing so. There is always a bigger shark and every action has a repercussion. He paid for his insult with his life. Respect is not earned, it's taken. Understand?"
"I know. And I'm not scared." He looked skeptical to Thorn, but she still readily absorbed his words and nodded eagerly. Survival of the fittest. "I want to be a big shark. Wouldn't you? Can't you... respect that?" Maybe the appeal to compassion wasn't the best way to get through to him, he was a bloodsucking vampire and as kindly as he'd treated her she'd still just watched him pull a monster's fangs out.
A grin painted itself across his lips. Yessss. This persistence, this tenacity. Any childer of his couldn't be without. "How old are you reeeeally?"
Her expression soured quickly. Had he struck a nerve? Defensively, Thorn leaned forward in the lounge chair and said "Sixteen. But I'm an adult. I take care of myself, I have an apartment and I'm definitely going to find a job soon- I mean I was, before all this." Her glare demanded a respect that her puny human body definitely couldn't just take by force. But there was something noble about it.
He bellowed a laugh out loud, reverberating through the room. Perfect. "You're aware you'll always appear sixteen, then?"
She actually hadn't thought about that, and any retort she could have had died in her throat as a lump grew in it. Unable to respond right away, she glanced away. If she did this now, she would never be as mature and beautiful as the woman in the portrait there. But she wasn't sure if he was going to let her go trusting that she wouldn't make trouble for vampires. Finally she asked in a strained voice, "What do I do now, then? Knowing what I do..."
He sneered now and leaned in with clasped hands. The beast in him really couldn't resist toying with her. But now she was on the cusp and the game was over. "Now, you're going to join my little family, as my daughter. You're going to use that energy to become a big shark in this weak city."
Her eyes grew wide again, just as they had when he'd told her vampires were in fact real. "REALLY?" She was smiling again. She was going to be immortal. And daughter? Family? She liked the sound of that. Not that she ever needed a family to take care of her or anything. She was tough, self reliant after all.
His smile faded some. She certainly took the satisfaction out of his expected response. She'd denied him any fear. There was also something satisfying about that though, as well. "Yes. The club can always use more help and the city's in need of some real vampires again. I'll teach you how we're supposed to behave. About our history. About war. But first....you have to die, m'dear."
He made that sound simple. Like a doctor's visit, a surgical procedure. She trusted him, and even if he was just messing with her head and she was going to end up taking a long dirtnap, Thorn still couldn't have thought of a cooler way to die. "Will it hurt?" she asked, curious as ever.
Within a blink, he was behind her, slicing his nails across her wrists. He moved his hands to cup her face and walked around, brushing her cheeks lightly, speaking to her in a mesmerizing calming voice. "No, dear. It'll have come and gone in mere moments. Just dont fight it and allow it to swallow you. When you wake, it'll be a whole new world."
It happened so fast that Thorn wasn't even aware what he'd done until she felt her forearms getting wet. Blood, that was her blood. It stung a little. She wasn't scared, that's what she told herself while she bled out. She felt drowsy. The room was closing in around her as if darkness was swallowing her. Her excitement made her heart race, and the traitorous organ pumped vast amounts of blood straight out of her arms with reckless abandon. Dizzy, she closed her eyes and slumped in the chair and lost consciousness. She had a dream then, about a man with a mustache the color of her hair. He was lightly grasping a thorn in a young girl's foot. She didn't want him to pull it out. "It'll hurt! No, don't!" But the man with a twinkle in his eye pointed behind her and said "Look Elbee, a butterfly!" The moment she looked away, there was a light sting, and she was looking at the man again, only he was holding the thorn between his fingers. "See? Was that really so hard?"
Watching her closely as she drifted away, he considered how long it'd been since he took a childe. Was he sure about this? But a calm filled him. He'd teach her well. Far better than the vast majority of miscreants that ran amuck. She'd be fierce, intelligent, wise, a killer without remorse. As he watched her ride the wave into the submission of death, he bit deep into his lip and tongue allowing blood to pool in his mouth. He leaned in and kissed her, letting the blood flow from his mouth into her own.
She awoke shortly after, a bit groggy. At first her eyes were vacant and her body was still and it didn't even seem like she was aware Adamas was in the room at all. But when she looked at his face it was like a switch flipped, and she grinned. "Dad."
He scowled and shook his head. "Rid yourself of the mortal titles, childe. I am your sire. Your father."
"Wow," she replied and leaned back. As she regained her strength, she became aware of a greater energy than she had before, and a better awareness. Was this how drugs felt? She might have to try drugs now. Did vampires do drugs, could they? Her grin was relentless. In good spirits for someone who had just died, Thorn felt her dreams coming to fruition. Dreams she'd never even had before were coming true now. She was going to sketch all of the things, read all of the books. She was going to have a FAMILY again. And this time they wouldn't die out on her. "Thank you, sire." She was so giddy she thought she might faint again.
This time he smiled and gave a nod. It'd been well over 13 years since he'd heard those words. It elated him to no end. "Dont thank me just yet. The early nights can be hard. Blood to gain, power to be sought after. But we'll get you there." He went and sat back down. "Marus." No sooner than he'd said that than the door opened and Marus brought her a glass full of blood, most likely from the recently deceased. "Drink. You'll need it. I'm sure you have questions."
Joint Post:
AdaMaS
&
Elbee
It'd been an extensive time in the books for the tall, muscled proprietor of the club. He'd been thumbing through various historical, mystical, and logistical texts at his desk for hours, soaking up the information and knowledge. It was his absolute vice in this time. Shutting the last book, he pushed back the elegantly decorated executive's chair and stood, buttoning the two buttons of his matching white business-suit coat. It was nearing peak hours in the club and he liked to go and make his rounds and see what customer attendance and satisfaction looked like. Sometimes some of the...less human...creatures could have a tendency to get rowdy, as well. He'd need to attend to their behavior now and again, as he didn't need any foolish outbursts running off his primary source of income. Opening the heavy door of his office, he headed out into the halls. He'd check out Elysium, first, as it was nearest. Usually everything was timid there, being the lounge and all. It was the Red Room that issues would normally arise. Something about beasts and night clubs...
The red room was great. It amazed Thorn how comfortable its denizens seemed just being themselves. They made out in front of her, laughed loudly, danced provocatively. It. Was. Amazing. Thank God she was out of foster care. Thank God she had a stipend to spend. She had so much to learn, and these people seemed extremely knowledgeable about living life. As the young woman was leaning against the bartop and eavesdropping on so many interesting conversations, a young man came to her. He offered to buy her a drink. She was tempted, but she really had to be careful. As exciting as it was to think about, the danger of being eaten by a monster was very real as far as she knew. She had to keep an eye out. So Thorn politely declined, which seemed to make the young man very unhappy. His once pleasant expression soured immediately, like he'd taken off a mask, and he wandered off somewhere else. Well that was fine. She'd have time for boyfriends later. She shrugged to herself and took a sip of her drink. The cream and coffee liqueur softened the bite of the vodka. And there was something else too, something she wasn't used to. She suddenly started feeling really sleepy. "Fuck," she mumbled to herself. It was time to go back to the apartment already, and she hadn't even seen a single vampire. She got up and groggily held her purse, then started wandering out. A familiar voice asked her if she was okay after she stumbled and she looked up to see the young man from before. "I'm fine. Just tired," she assured him. But he kept offering her a ride. She really didn't need a ride home. Besides, he was creeping her out. His face was like a happy mask again but his eyes were so lifeless. He put a hand on her shoulder and she drew away from him. "LEAVE ME ALONE!" she roared, then groaned and rubbed her forehead. Shouting hurt her head. Had she drunk too much?
As he'd expected, Elysium was filled with quiet conversation. Couches occupied by vampires sharing in conversation, some speaking business, others enjoying a quiet drink decorated the room. He didn't recognize any familiar faces, tonight. Though that wasn't unusual, as weeks, months, years could pass by that he'd go without seeing old familiar faces. He decided to take a look over in the Red Room, then. If he recalled correctly, Marus had set up for a well-known dj to be playing his set tonight. It was sure to have some energy to it tonight. As he walked through the foyer, he gave the lean, almost gaunt, caretaker, Marus, a nod and proceeded down the hall and through the double doors into the night club. The red-lighting of laserlight and spot lights showered over the room of hopping, dancing crowds as they moved to the rhythmic bass of the EDM mix. He moved through the crowd, smoothly, near unnoticeable as he observed his surroundings. No hunting had been deemed permissive tonight, as it was a recruiting event to raise the count of regular club-goers. And everything seemed to be going smoothly, until he heard it. In the far corner of the room, near one of the exit doors, he heard a girl's scream. Damnit. He'd made himself perfectly clear about tonight.
The girl who the scream had belonged to was brandishing a box cutter at a young man who had his hands in the air and was telling her to 'calm down, babe' which seemed to irritate her further. Just then, Thorn noticed the guy look elsewhere, do a double take and run out of the exit door. Well that was fortunate. "Phew," she sighed and pocketed the box cutter. Then she looked at what had spooked the guy. It was... a different guy? Was she in trouble? She immediately frowned, ready to go on the defensive.
He recognized the young 'pire. He'd been in causing mischief before, but this was blatantly against what he'd instructed Marus to inform the guests against. The trouble-maker caught sight of him as he stood amidst the crowd and the much larger, more imposing ancient spoke to his mind. "You will leave now...or this will be your last night." He watched as the 'pire ran out of the club, leaving his potential prey behind. The crowd seemed to lose interest quickly as the scene died down and all resumed their dancing. She was mortal, he could smell that much on her. This irritated him. He didn't particularly care less about them, however appearances were to be maintained and he needed to assure the reputation of his establishment hadn't been sullied. He'd track down that 'pire and make him pay for this inconvenience. Walking through the crowd, he approached the girl and glanced her over. A box cutter wasn't exactly the tool of the wealthy. A street urchin? Certainly not a craftsman. As he approached her, he tilted his head. "I'm the owner of this establishment. Perhaps we should go speak in my office. I feel apologies are in order for what's transpired this evening."
There she was ready to defend herself against some kind of trouble for her box cutter, and to her surprise the owner actually wanted to apologize! But if she went to his office, she might miss seeing a vampire which is what she came here to do in the first place. Still, the big guy seemed imposing without actually giving her a feeling of malice. "It's not your fault. ...Grr, I guess I do need to sit down though. That jerk put something in my drink!" She felt groggy.
He nodded to her commentary. What a pathetic 'pire he'd been, indeed. Needing to resort to the use of drugs to garner a victim. "Please. Follow me. My staff have things that can assist a speedy recovery." He walked by her towards the double doors out to foyer. As he got to the doors, he pushed one open and looked back to ensure she was indeed following behind him.
She was able to follow him without stumbling even if she had been drugged. She had always possessed a hearty constitution, so that came in handy. The young woman smiled and walked through the door he opened. She felt weirdly safe for what had just happened. "That happens a lot here?'' she inquired. If they had medicine on hand it might not have been the safest club. Probably best not to come back.
He watched her, looking down as she walked through the doors before letting it close behind them and walking through the halls down to the foyer and it's main desk. "It does not, fortunately. However, one should always be prepared for such events. This sort of thing should not have happened, and I assure you, proper precautions will be taken to ensure it does not happen again. Let's just tend to you first and make sure you're feeling better." As they walked by the main desk of the lobby, he turned to the thin, blonde man behind the desk. "Marus, have some water and charcoal brought to my office please. We've had an incident." He watched as the young man's eyes widened and nodded, turning to one of the ladies beside him and sent her away to fetch the required items. He led the girl through the Elysium lounge, passed the charter members as some eyed her and they made their way to the staff offices hall.
The Elysium was quieter than that other club, but for once Thorn preferred it that way. This night hadn't gone the way she wanted at all. Once they were in the hall and out of earshot of the other patrons, the girl's smile turned into a wry smirk. "I'll take your word for it. I've never been to a nightclub before. Hehe, I guess that guy noticed it was my first time. I tried to look tough and everything."
He almost found it humorous, this wee lass posturing up as a tough as nails type. He had to give credit where it was due, she'd wandered in to a nightclub for the first time prepared with a box cutter, ready to strike down her assailant. He didn't see how that could have gone very well, but it was a plan nonetheless. "There are those .. predators ... who mingle in the crowds just looking for an easy score. I'm just glad we were able to avoid that." As they reached his office, he opened the door to the very lavish room. The black marble room was adorned by an expensive red and white Persian rug, various mahogany and velvet furniture, and classic paintings of a much older time. One painting stood out, and that was a portrait of his wife to the side of his large desk. He motioned for her to take a seat in front of his desk in a velvet lounge chair as he went to stand behind his desk.
She may have just been very nearly assaulted, but she felt safe now. She trusted this gentleman because he owned the establishment, not to mention he must have been trustworthy to have a big picture of who she assumed must be his beautiful wife right by his desk. She could already tell he was a family man, and even though she herself wasn't-- she didn't have a family at all actually-- she had a kind of respect for that. Almost envy even, though she was too groggy to feel very envious. Thorn sat down in the lounge chair and let its comfort blanket her in a soft plush warmth.
He eyed her curiously, but not to an extent to seem awkward. She appeared young. Though, he'd found appearances didnt always reflect their true age as often anymore. One of the wait staff came in with a glass of water, a black murk swirling within the liquid and the girl handed it to her carefully. He felt he may need to reassure her on this. "You need to drink this, please. It's charcoal, it'll help relieve you of the toxins. How old are you, if you dont mind my asking?"
It wasn't exactly a nice drink to enjoy like her white russian had been, but Thorn nonetheless downed it like medicine. She.... couldn't feel it working yet, and she was uncomfortable with silences, but thankfully the kind man spoke up. It wasn't exactly the question she wanted to hear. He knew she'd had alcohol because her drink was what had been drugged. The legal age to drink there was 21, and she was not 21. At all. But should she tell the truth...? She studied him again and said "Twenty one."
He gave a slow slight smirk to her. Of course she was. He fully expected that answer, actually. "I think we both know that's not true, child. I, also, think we both know my club is not like many others and certain rules do not apply here." He walked around the desk and bent over to grab his empty trash can. The staff was very thorough about cleanliness. He set it by her feet and went back and took a seat. "You'll be needing that once the charcoal activates."
Her brow furrowed as she watched him set the trashcan down and listened to his increasingly concerning words. He knew. Her stomach was churning, she felt sick with guilt. No, not guilt, actually sick. She didn't want to puke in front of a stranger no matter how kind he'd been up to that point, but there it was and nature had to take its course. She had something really important to say though, so that was inconvenient. Frustrated, she let her body cleanse itself of the toxins. When she was done, she panted and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Ugh. Look, I just got out of foster care. I'm eighteen. If my caseworker finds out I was here she'll kill me."
He walked over to his minibar in the lounge area of his office, near the fireplace and grabbed a silver pitcher and a glass. Bring the pair to her, he handed her the empty glass and filled it with ice water. The worry was painted across her face. "You're in no trouble, I assure you. Just collecting facts. Truth be told, that answer is older than I expected. I like to know my clientele demographic. What brings people to my club. Just a business practice, really. So, what brought you to the Hellfire?" He froze a minute and recollected a serious omission of manners. "My apologies. I'm Adamas Mahorela. As I'm sure you've no doubt discerned, the proprietor of this establishment."
She took the water with as much dignity as she could muster, then drank. It was nice to wash the taste out of her mouth, and she felt much better once the glass was empty. She set it aside and sat a little straighter with her legs crossed and her hands folded on her knees. "I'm Elbee, but you can call me Thorn." Was she really not in trouble? No matter if he was lying or not, it didn't make a difference, so she kept calm. "It's a nice place. I mean, I like it. I'm here because, well..." This was going to be embarrassing, but she couldn't resist. The moment she thought about her favorite show, she was brimming with the desire to talk about it. She looked up at him and took a deep breath. "You know that show Parahunters where people do searches for paranormal activity? Like there was an episode about the night life here and their radio picked up some really cool frequencies. And now that I'm on my own I can actually go wherever I want, and this was close to my apartment anyway, so. I guess I'm just hunting vampires." She didn't want him to think she was stupid, but he probably did. She looked at him with a guilty smirk. Did he?
He quirked a brow. Well, that wasn't exactly the answer he was anticipating. And what exactly was a...parahunter? He leaned forward and clasped his hands. "So...you decided to come out and visit a potentially...haunted club, in the anticipation of finding vampires? And you did it armed with a boxcutter?" He wasnt too fond of the idea of his club being highlighted within the human society. And these...hunters...would need to be dealt with. "While it does sound a little far out there...what exactly would you have done if you found any?"
She smiled at him and laughed shortly, then explained "I mean they aren't real, it's just fun to feel like they are. Hehe, I guess getting into actual danger makes that sound stupid now." She took a small sketchbook out of her purse and handed it to him closed. Inside were penciled sketches of all manner of random things. "I was going to draw it."
He took the sketchbook and opened it, browsing over the sketches. "These are good." He continued flipping through. There was a talent there for sure. This girl was intriguing. No family. No home now he was guessing, if she'd just been released as a ward. And apparently her curiosity outweighed her sense of self-preservation. "Not that it's any of my business, but what will you do now that you've been released?"
She offered him a reassuring smile. "Get a job, a better apartment. Maybe school. You know... normal stuff." She didn't want him to get the wrong idea, she liked him and wanted him to approve of her. So she pressed on, "I'm not a delinquent or whatever. I only have a caseworker to keep an eye on me while I get used to the normal people life."
He laughed a bit, not out of jest but more the idea of anything being normal. He gave her a nod and handed her back the sketchbook. "I suppose that's a plan, then." There was something about this girl. She intrigued him. She had a flare to her, and a curiosity. He decided to go against his better instincts. "What if I told you there were indeed vampires?"
She put the book back into her purse, then gave him a dorky grin. "Are you making fun of me? I just think they're cool, okay?" But she did very much want them to be real, and seemed to be fidgety and giddy at the mere possibility.
His face remained stoic. Crimson eyes flashing over a brief moment of gold, excited at the prospect of turning the girl's knowledge of the world inside-out. "No jest. And what if I'd told you, you'd already met one?" He paused and leaned back in his chair, examining her every expression.
She was still smiling, but it was a strange kind of guarded one, tight lipped as she met his stare. She knew he was probably messing with her, but how could she not follow this lead? But she had to be sure. "I'd say prove it," she said, trying and failing to hide her excited fidgeting.
A single edge of his lips upturned slightly. "Brazen. That's good." He looked past her to the door and casually spoke. "Marus?" Within a few moments, the lean blonde-haired young man entered through the door in his boyish beauty. "We've an opportunity to make a wish come true tonight." Marus looked to him inquisitively, at first, and then looked to the girl with an 'oh really?' expression.
Thorn was trying not to get too excited. This was weird, and a little creepy, but more than anything it was enticing. The charcoal had helped with her drugged state, so she was on the edge of her seat and bright eyed. Her box cutter was in her purse just in case anyway. She looked at Adamas, then Marus, then back to Adamas. They both seemed to genuinely know something she didn't. Why would they be such good actors for the mere reason of messing with her? The owner of the establishment especially didn't give Thorn that impression.
He kept his eyes locked on Marus, as the blonde turned back to him. "If you'll excuse me a moment." Marus said as he left to office. Adamas turned his eyes to the door and back to Thorn. "It so happens perhaps you'll get more than you bargained for this evening."
Marus came back into the office, this time with an irate and feral vampire with his arms locked behind his back by a single hand of the blonde. Marus looked young, playful and charming as well as quite beautiful to look at, but he was old and this newer vampire couldn't hope to overpower him. The feral man was the same who'd tried to drug Thorn in the club. His fangs exposed hissing and cursing at them as he struggled to break free. Adamas remained calm, collected, and perhaps a little content. He stood, eyeing Thorn as he approached the vampire and roughly grabbed a hold of a fang with two of his fingers. "This is what you wanted to draw?"
At first she was dumbstruck; her hands shot up to her mouth in shock as she looked at what was clearly a vampire. Drawing it was the last thing on her mind now. "Are you serious? He was going to EAT me?" She rummaged through her purse and drew the box cutter again, just in case, though she did think Marus appared to have the creature under control.
Marus grinned, his own fangs showing as he looked at Adamas and laughed. Much larger than both of them, Adamas kept his grip on the fang as he looked at Thorn. "Well...drain would be the more appropriate term. And you did want to see one." He used his other hand and grabbed the other fang before yanking them both out of his mouth. As he looked at the fangs he somewhat shook them like dice. "It seemed apropos to also correct this attempted assault on you at the same time."
Drain? That was even worse probably! Thorn was still stunned that she'd come so close to being 'drained' as Adamas had called it. But reality was a bucket of ice water being poured over her inquisitive soul. So, whether it made her a monster or not, she didn't protest as Marus held the man and Adamas wrenched his fangs out. It didn't exactly hurt her to see the guy get his teeth removed. In fact, she felt kind of satisfied to see them being handled like a couple of dice. The thought kind of troubled her, but she had so much to think about and was still absorbing more. Instead she got her sketchbook and pencil out of her purse, tiptoed only slightly closer to them and hurriedly scribbled a basic sketch. "I'll finish it later, I just need an outline and the rest I'll get from my head."
He seldom was afforded the opportunity to be surprised, but here this young girl was being introduced to the undead the first time and instead of running out screaming she had approached closer and proceeded to draw him. He paid little attention to the vampire's whines at the removal of his teeth, drowned out by his curiosity of an orphan girl. He wondered if Trinket had been this way when she was turned. In fact this girl might just make a complimentary playmate to her. He continued to watch Thorn and said lightly, "Go ahead, Marus..." No sooner than he'd said that did the blonde 'pire extend his fangs and sink them into the neck of the captive.
She knew that she was watching somebody get badly hurt, and maybe even die, but she stayed near and even watched. She couldn't look away. As for the other two vampires, there was a trust there from her, a safety she felt even if she wasn't consciously aware of it. She didn't run or scream partially because she was generally detrimentally brave, but a big part of it was her instinct that they wouldn't let her get hurt, almost like she had parents.
Still...no panic. Little to no fear at all as to what was occurring. She had moxy. He had to give her that. He gave a nod before turning a punching up under the man's sternum and wrenching his heart from his chest, forcing Marus to stop drinking. His blood-smeared face pulling back and grinning big. They enjoyed the kill, craved it even. They could go without a hunt for near as long as they needed if they desired, but when the opportunity arose they did so with unparalleled savagery. Adamas brought the heart to his lips and bit deep, swallowing blood from the chambers and savoring the taste of the organ. He looked down to the girl, his eyes more vibrant a crimson than they'd been previously. "You're a resilient one, aren't you, child?"
The panic came when she watched Adamas pull her attacker's heart out like he was a piñata. Neck biting she had been prepared for. She dropped her box cutter in shock and stared with a gaping mouth at the equally gaping chest before her. Her sense of safety seemed to have vanished, replaced with sheer amazement and horror. When he bit the heart, she felt a little sick at the grisly sight, but fortunately she didn't have anything in her stomach to throw up anymore. Adamas's attention froze her as if he'd turned her to stone. She was even holding her breath. Was this how she died? "Awesome," she whispered under her breath. It wasn't exactly a response to his question, but it was neat that she was able to speak at all.
When the heart had little left to give, he tossed it behind him and smacked the recently deceased with a squishy thud. "See to it his body catches some morning sun, brother." He said, as Marus carried the body on his shoulder out of the office. Adamas took out his handkerchief and wiped his mouth as he went to sit back in his chair. "I presume you'll feel justice has been carried out?"
Her mind raced, and her smile returned albeit a little shakier. "Well," she began. Her voice cracked. She cleared her throat and sat on the lounge chair again, then tried to look at him without feeling practically starstruck. She felt like she was about to jump off a precipice, but it was now or never. This was her chance. "I guess it's a start." She said, trying to keep a look of calm about her. Instead she bit her bottom lip and stared at him meaningfully.
He quirked a brow at that response. She was full of surprises this one. He recognized the intent, though. He had to give credit, though. A few lessons should have already been learned by what she'd just witnessed. "A start?" Go ahead and ask it. Would she say it? "Your attacker's been dispatched. What more is needed?"
She'd never so much as sent food back at a restaurant before, and here she was having to play dissatisfied customer. But it looked like he took his business seriously, and the only way she'd know she was safe was to manipulate that priority. "I don't want to be rude, I just meant that maybe it would be, um, more just if I could... replace that dead vampire?"
And there it was. That attraction to the supernatural that enraptured so many over time. The stories, the movies, the merchandise. It'd been glamorized. He rested his chin on his hand, looking her over. "What, if anything, did you learn from what you just witnessed?" He wasnt the sort to go and turn just anyone. To many of them already existed. A mockery to their very nature. Pacifists, benevolent souls wanting to be part of just some immortal Brady Bunch rather than accepting their role. His line had remained thin for this very reason.
He had a good point. Thorn had never seen that kind of violence in real life before, and it was scary, but in an enticing way. Knowing she wasn't at the top of the food chain filled her with the desire to be something more. But how to get him to agree? Why should he even care? He was kind, but he didn't exactly owe her anything, especially since her attacker had been dealt with. She knew it was a long shot in the first place, but she had already made her proposal and there was no going back now. Well, she could have backpedaled, but Thorn never did that. She was a bit stubborn. "I learned not to mess with you. Listen, I won't be any trouble," she promised. "Please?" She was exactly like a teenaged girl asking her dad for his car keys. Maybe she'd lied about her age twice.
He tapped his fingers against his jaw. She was certainly adamant. Those hadn't exactly been the answers he was looking for, but not many fledglings would've answered much different. "First, lesson should have been involving that fool who accosted you....and the penalty for doing so. There is always a bigger shark and every action has a repercussion. He paid for his insult with his life. Respect is not earned, it's taken. Understand?"
"I know. And I'm not scared." He looked skeptical to Thorn, but she still readily absorbed his words and nodded eagerly. Survival of the fittest. "I want to be a big shark. Wouldn't you? Can't you... respect that?" Maybe the appeal to compassion wasn't the best way to get through to him, he was a bloodsucking vampire and as kindly as he'd treated her she'd still just watched him pull a monster's fangs out.
A grin painted itself across his lips. Yessss. This persistence, this tenacity. Any childer of his couldn't be without. "How old are you reeeeally?"
Her expression soured quickly. Had he struck a nerve? Defensively, Thorn leaned forward in the lounge chair and said "Sixteen. But I'm an adult. I take care of myself, I have an apartment and I'm definitely going to find a job soon- I mean I was, before all this." Her glare demanded a respect that her puny human body definitely couldn't just take by force. But there was something noble about it.
He bellowed a laugh out loud, reverberating through the room. Perfect. "You're aware you'll always appear sixteen, then?"
She actually hadn't thought about that, and any retort she could have had died in her throat as a lump grew in it. Unable to respond right away, she glanced away. If she did this now, she would never be as mature and beautiful as the woman in the portrait there. But she wasn't sure if he was going to let her go trusting that she wouldn't make trouble for vampires. Finally she asked in a strained voice, "What do I do now, then? Knowing what I do..."
He sneered now and leaned in with clasped hands. The beast in him really couldn't resist toying with her. But now she was on the cusp and the game was over. "Now, you're going to join my little family, as my daughter. You're going to use that energy to become a big shark in this weak city."
Her eyes grew wide again, just as they had when he'd told her vampires were in fact real. "REALLY?" She was smiling again. She was going to be immortal. And daughter? Family? She liked the sound of that. Not that she ever needed a family to take care of her or anything. She was tough, self reliant after all.
His smile faded some. She certainly took the satisfaction out of his expected response. She'd denied him any fear. There was also something satisfying about that though, as well. "Yes. The club can always use more help and the city's in need of some real vampires again. I'll teach you how we're supposed to behave. About our history. About war. But first....you have to die, m'dear."
He made that sound simple. Like a doctor's visit, a surgical procedure. She trusted him, and even if he was just messing with her head and she was going to end up taking a long dirtnap, Thorn still couldn't have thought of a cooler way to die. "Will it hurt?" she asked, curious as ever.
Within a blink, he was behind her, slicing his nails across her wrists. He moved his hands to cup her face and walked around, brushing her cheeks lightly, speaking to her in a mesmerizing calming voice. "No, dear. It'll have come and gone in mere moments. Just dont fight it and allow it to swallow you. When you wake, it'll be a whole new world."
It happened so fast that Thorn wasn't even aware what he'd done until she felt her forearms getting wet. Blood, that was her blood. It stung a little. She wasn't scared, that's what she told herself while she bled out. She felt drowsy. The room was closing in around her as if darkness was swallowing her. Her excitement made her heart race, and the traitorous organ pumped vast amounts of blood straight out of her arms with reckless abandon. Dizzy, she closed her eyes and slumped in the chair and lost consciousness. She had a dream then, about a man with a mustache the color of her hair. He was lightly grasping a thorn in a young girl's foot. She didn't want him to pull it out. "It'll hurt! No, don't!" But the man with a twinkle in his eye pointed behind her and said "Look Elbee, a butterfly!" The moment she looked away, there was a light sting, and she was looking at the man again, only he was holding the thorn between his fingers. "See? Was that really so hard?"
Watching her closely as she drifted away, he considered how long it'd been since he took a childe. Was he sure about this? But a calm filled him. He'd teach her well. Far better than the vast majority of miscreants that ran amuck. She'd be fierce, intelligent, wise, a killer without remorse. As he watched her ride the wave into the submission of death, he bit deep into his lip and tongue allowing blood to pool in his mouth. He leaned in and kissed her, letting the blood flow from his mouth into her own.
She awoke shortly after, a bit groggy. At first her eyes were vacant and her body was still and it didn't even seem like she was aware Adamas was in the room at all. But when she looked at his face it was like a switch flipped, and she grinned. "Dad."
He scowled and shook his head. "Rid yourself of the mortal titles, childe. I am your sire. Your father."
"Wow," she replied and leaned back. As she regained her strength, she became aware of a greater energy than she had before, and a better awareness. Was this how drugs felt? She might have to try drugs now. Did vampires do drugs, could they? Her grin was relentless. In good spirits for someone who had just died, Thorn felt her dreams coming to fruition. Dreams she'd never even had before were coming true now. She was going to sketch all of the things, read all of the books. She was going to have a FAMILY again. And this time they wouldn't die out on her. "Thank you, sire." She was so giddy she thought she might faint again.
This time he smiled and gave a nod. It'd been well over 13 years since he'd heard those words. It elated him to no end. "Dont thank me just yet. The early nights can be hard. Blood to gain, power to be sought after. But we'll get you there." He went and sat back down. "Marus." No sooner than he'd said that than the door opened and Marus brought her a glass full of blood, most likely from the recently deceased. "Drink. You'll need it. I'm sure you have questions."
Joint Post:
AdaMaS
&
Elbee
