by Aiden James
“You slept for six hours, which your body needed,” said Racco, looking over my shoulder at the view below. “Right now it would be 1:20 p.m. in Paris, but we are three hours to the east in time zones. It is 4:20 p.m. thirty thousand feet below us, in Karachi, Pakistan.”
“Is Pakistan where we’re headed?”
I couldn’t hide the stress in my voice as it cracked. I sought to reconcile his statement about loving our next destination.
“You really do think I’m full of shit, don’t you?” He chuckled again. “I made a promise to Gustav not to tell you where we’re going, despite the fact Ralu could never reach you there even if he did know your exact whereabouts.”
“So, I guess you’re not going to tell me, huh?” I smiled, and hoped he understood that I already regretted my earlier statement. I wanted to believe in Racco so badly, but it was going to be an ongoing war within my heart for a while.
“We’ll see,” he said, wearing a Cheshire grin. “For now, I will tell you this. It isn’t in Pakistan, and we’re not going back to Nepal or to Kazikli’s ancient fortress in India. Our destination is one of the most beautiful places in all of the world.”
“I’ve got images of Fiji, with white sand beaches and soft ocean breezes,” I said, thinking of the last summer vacation I took with my parents and brothers. It was my high school graduation gift, which I could’ve spent with friends. I wanted it to be with my family instead. It made me feel sad, but at the same time grateful for something to look back on fondly. “What can be better than that?”
“You’ll see.”
“Where we’re going is better than Fiji?”
“Yes.”
“And it has fantastic beaches that aren’t crowded and where the evening breezes caress your face as you walk hand and hand with someone special?”
“Yes, again,” he said, pausing to study me. His eyes turned slightly brighter. “And there are freshwater lagoons fed by amazing waterfalls, too. My little island has it all!”
“Your island?” I wasn’t completely incredulous. After all, Racco could state he had a space station at this point and I’d only be slightly surprised. “Where is it?”
“Ah, there you see?” He laughed. “I knew it would come down to me having to tell you, and I will. But I can’t tell you yet… not until we are hundreds of miles from the mainland and over the Indian Ocean. That should keep us safe enough from certain flying vampires bent on killing everyone on this plane, especially you and Alaia.”
Brunch was excellent, although in reality it was dinner. Afterward, we shared several glasses of champagne while watching the sun set on the west side of the plane as we veered south over the Indian Ocean. Alaia seemed at peace lying between our seats in the bassinet I brought out from Racco’s bedroom.
When we were safely over the water, and twilight had settled upon the earth below, Racco told me that his island was part of a chain of about twelve hundred located southeast from the southern tip of India. The Maldives. He also admitted, sheepishly, that he doesn’t really own the island, but has been leasing it for twenty-five years at a time since the mid-1970s. Before then, he paid a sum each year to the sultan monarchs who ruled from the mid twelfth century until the monarchy was abolished in 1968.
“It’s a haven for immortals,” he said, and that was before we both got a little tipsy. “That’s why I’m not worried about whether Ralu knows we are there or not. Surely Ralu already knows of the place, having waged war several hundred years ago and lost against one of my dearest friends who is the acting ‘ruler’ over the island in my stead. His name is Koimala.”
“Is Koimala like you, or is he a vampire?”
“Definitely a vampire, but one that is different from any you’ve met so far,” he said, wearing that clever smile again.
I believe Racco knew this information would cause more torment for me, since I had a ton of brand new questions about this vampire named Koimala. Rather than badger him for information, I decided to wait. Especially, since Racco told me we’d be arriving on the island within the hour, and that I’d likely meet this latest vampire that night.
The water below was a brilliant blue before darkness overtook us. Several of the islands were lit up brilliantly with an array of lights, but none of these were our destination. After the plane moved past them, it abruptly dove into the deepening darkness. For nearly a minute, I had the irrational fear we were going to crash head-on into the ocean. Racco especially made me worry, since he rushed to secure my seatbelt while grabbing Alaia and holding her close to his chest. But, as if out of nowhere, a landing strip appeared before us, and our jet landed softly upon the runway.
“You knew this was going to happen, and you didn’t tell me?” I said, once the plane stopped moving. Through my window, I caught glimpses of a resort palace nestled beneath several tall palm trees. The three-story white marble building appeared well lit, which made me wonder why I couldn’t see it from the air.
“Ahhh, that was priceless seeing you panic for a moment,” he said, to which I slugged him playfully on the arm. “If only you had hung onto me for dear life, as I had hoped, this could’ve been the start to a fantastic night.”
If nothing else, our long plane ride together allowed me to see a different side of Racco. Maybe things could work out between us after all. It was a perspective that brought a lasting smile to my face until shortly after we descended the portable staircase to the runway. The soft, warm breeze from the ocean caressing my face kept the illusion of lasting peace and happiness going. Even the polished marble steps ahead of us that led to the palace’s spectacular tall portico fed this perception.
What didn’t feed the image in my mind were the four dim figures who approached us before we reached the steps.
“Bonjour!” said Racco, and his expectant smile made me think for a moment that these were friends of his. It turned out they were in a sense, although when all four stepped under the glow from a nearby gas lantern he gasped in surprise.
“You should consider yourself damned lucky that Txema and Alaia made it here safely!” said Chanson, angrily, while Raquel, Nora, and Tyreen stood next to her nodding their support. “Otherwise, there would be hell to pay for you, Racco!”
Although her words were for him, she eyed me angrily, as well. Nora and Raquel looked on with sullen expressions, while Tyreen’s eyes glistened with tears and there were crimson smears on her cheeks.
“How did you get here so fast?” I didn’t realize how amiss this question was, and how many naughty things it implied.
“Our jet took us to Bangalore, and from there we flew on our own to save time,” she said, adding more fire to the serious bone she had to pick with us and Racco especially.
“The pilots were instructed to bring you here,” said Racco, ignoring her original complaint. “Everyone is supposed to be here—even Gustav and those who stayed behind in Nepal and India are already here.”
“They’ll be fine, I’m sure,” Chanson said. “Perhaps you can send your personal plane for everyone else in the morning. But two members of your crew are dead, due to Ralu’s attack on Nashville last evening.”
“What?” My knees went weak. Ralu had followed us, me and Alaia, and more innocent people paid with their lives. “This can’t be… oh, my God!”
“It’s worse than any of us could have anticipated, dear cousin,” she said, and the anger in her voice lessened. “Nearly a thousand people died last night, as Ralu went looking for you and anyone you came in contact with. The limousine driver and several patrons of the hotel you visited are dead. Guards were killed and the airport staff was decimated. We tried to help, as the attack happened right at dusk, which means Ralu arrived in Tennessee before dawn, and had a sizable army ready once the sun went down.”
“They were too much for us, and all we could do was try and save the crew assigned to our flight,” said Nora.
I couldn’t fight the mental image of Ralu tossing their heads at my feet amid his horrid boi
sterous laughter. Meanwhile, Racco was stunned. I could tell he never anticipated anything like this happening.
“It is good you came with me, Txema,” Racco said.
The vampires looked at him, their mouths open in shock.
“Like it or not, I got Txema and Alaia out of Nashville well before dusk. Had I not arrived, or had there been a delay…” his voice trailed off.
“Where is Garvan? And Armando and, Franz, and Kazikli?” I was nauseous.
“They all stayed behind, sister,” said Tyreen, to which the others sadly nodded. “And they did it for you. Only you.”
“Actually for you and Peter,” added Raquel, who then glared at Racco.
“What’s going on with Peter?” Something bad had happened to him, I could feel it. Everything around me started to swirl and go dark. “Please tell me that he’s okay… Please!”
“That’s not possible for us to say,” said Chanson, as I watched a single tear form in the corner of her right eye and draw a crimson stream upon her cheek.
“What in the hell are you talking about?” said Racco, as he reached over and pulled me close. “Speak clearly, Chanson!”
“I am speaking clearly!” she replied, glaring at him before returning a softer gaze towards me. “The reason it isn’t possible for me to say if he’s okay or not is because we can’t find him. He has disappeared, and our brothers have decided for Txema’s and Alaia’s sake to stay behind in Tennessee until they do!”
acco did have to carry me inside the palace, perhaps the most spectacular place I’d ever stepped into, despite my inability to appreciate any of it. It wouldn’t be until the next morning, when I saw the amazing frescos on the ceilings above and upon the walls in the clear light of day that I experienced the sense of awe and wonder that should’ve been my initial response upon our arrival.
It felt like we were stepping into some hall out of antiquity, perhaps even Mount Olympus itself. There were grand marble statues and tall columns lining the corridor to the main reception area and dramatic fountains, clear blue pools, and colorful birds flitting about inside the palace. There was even a pair of waterfalls that fed into a much larger pool right in the middle.
Although I was too distraught to dwell on what my latest gilded cage was like the breathtaking beauty was undeniable.
“I am so sorry, Txema,” said Racco as he held me in his arms. The man I had lusted for, and who still stirred desire within my mind and body, softly stroked my neck. Perhaps to comfort, or distract me from thinking about the news we’d just been given by Chanson. “I pray that Kazikli finds Peter and keeps him safe.”
“His life will never be the same, poor soul,” said Chanson. She and the others surrounded Racco and me as we sat upon a Roman styled couch. “I’m afraid that even if he is found, there is worse news for him.”
“How so?” I looked up at her through my tear-clouded gaze. She gently wiped my cheeks with the back of her cool hands.
“His mother and father were among those who died during the attack along with an unidentified young woman,” she said, tenderly, and then sat on the couch next to us. “That information came from Franz, when he returned to the plane to advise us to go ahead and leave without him and the others. He said it’s what he and Garvan found when they arrived at the house belonging to Peter’s parents. Franz later told me that Kazikli knows where to find us once they’ve recovered Peter, either alive or dead…”
Her words faded as she looked up. A tall and powerfully built Indian male appeared behind Nora and Tyreen. Dressed in a white tunic, he carried a jeweled gold scepter similar to the ones that Huangtian Dadi and Gustav held when they met with the European vampires shortly after our arrival in China back in November.
“It appears we are reuniting with you, my good friend, at a less than opportune time,” he said to Racco. “We would like to welcome your companions!”
Racco gently pulled away from me and stood to greet this other male, a vampire whom I assumed must be Koimala. They shared a warm embrace that told of a deep comradeship and long acquaintance. As the two separated from their embrace, nearly a dozen other vampires appeared around us. Dressed in similar tunics or sarongs, this group was split evenly between male and female.
“I am indeed Koimala.” He offered a generous smile that was a little more frightening than what I was used to. Two long canines on his lower teeth matched the fangs on his top row. Along with his gold, luminescent eyes, the extra teeth made him resemble a predatory big cat. Dark, flawless, skin along with sleek features, his flowing, black hair hung in waves upon his broad shoulders. “I welcome you to my realm, Txema!”
He reached for my hand, which I tentatively extended. His touch was surprisingly warm, and his eyes bore a playful glint, as he surely understood my timid reaction. He lightly kissed the back of my hand.
“Welcome to the rest of you, as well!” he said to my female companions, focusing the most on Raquel, who held Alaia. He lingered on my baby for a moment before looking over his shoulder toward Gustav, whom I hadn’t noticed until then. “I have not seen one of these in nearly three hundred years—is that not when Jacqueline and Marissa were born?”
“Yes, that is correct,” said Gustav, who eyed me with concern. Dressed in a more modest black robe than I had seen him wear before, he shook his head when Racco motioned to him.
“Hmmm.” Koimala nodded thoughtfully as he turned his attention back to Alaia.
Despite my tears, my daughter had been fairly quiet since we encountered my guardians on the runway outside the palace. I would’ve taken her back by then from everyone that had held her, except she seemed quite content to let Raquel gently bounce her while her momma bawled her eyes out nearby. I didn’t wish for my daughter to share my sorrow. If Peter was dead, I’d rather have her tune into that frequency when she was older and could effectively deal with whatever pain it meant for her as his daughter.
“Chanson and Nora, do you feel the same about this one as Gustav? If she is to become the catalyst that heals the growing conflict between humans and vampires, she will likely need to grow up very fast. Ralu seems determined to destroy all of our political inroads with the human race. They fear and hate us now more than ever, and several hundred years of diligent hard work is being destroyed in less than a year.”
“We both feel the same about Alaia,” said Chanson, after she and Nora traded cautious glances. “She’s the one we were hoping for.”
That caught my ear, and I looked at my cousin. They were talking about Alaia as if she were some kind of messiah. Even though I’d heard such talk previously, it had always been on a much smaller scale. What I mentioned at the beginning of my story, other than what inspired my baby’s name, was Gustav’s words spoken later on to me.
“You need not worry, Txema,” said Koimala, studying me with the look I was begrudgingly getting used to from all vampires while they read my thoughts. “We will be able to protect you and Alaia from Ralu. Something about the coral reef composition of these islands makes it very difficult—and painful—for him to try and follow you here. He couldn’t find Chanson here after the birth of her daughters. She would be the first to admit that if she had decided to stay here, instead of returning to Perpignan so long ago with her young girls, her history, and that of her daughters, would have turned out much differently.”
“I don’t understand. I thought as long as he can hear my thoughts we’re in danger, too.” I wanted desperately to believe an oasis like this could also mean protection for at least Alaia, if not for us both.
“Not when he can’t determine exactly where you are,” said another voice, from across the room. We all looked in the direction of the waterfall furthest from us, and the only vampire dressed in a changshen drew steadily closer. It was Xuanxang, and he smiled at me once he reached the spot where we were all gathered. “Too many centuries spent underground while building his army, this is the one thing that has hurt him. He can only go where his warriors travel first. That’s
how his conquests in America and Europe were carried out. So, if his soldiers can’t find us, then neither can he. Anything he hears from your head will be useless to him.”
“And, my dear, his soldiers will never find this place,” said Racco, smiling confidently again. Apparently, other than Chanson, no one presently in our midst blamed him for what happened in America the night before. More importantly, somehow he knew it. “Even if they did get remotely close, our own warriors will easily rout them.”
“All right,” I said, looking around the room at every vampire in attendance—by my count there were twenty-one. “I’d like to stay here for as long as you’ll have me and my little girl.”
“I greatly favor that proposition! We will do our utmost to ensure your happiness, Txema, and Alaia’s,” said Koimala, visibly pleased. “Before we leave for our nightly hunt, I would like to introduce you to my family.”
He motioned to a lovely female first, who stood to his left. Meanwhile, my mind was sorting through possible things the ‘hunt’ he mentioned might include. Likely, he solely referred to human beings, since that’s always been a vampire preference. While I would’ve liked to believe our guests would prey on the evil doer only, visions of the young mother I saw butchered in front of her children in China was the pervading image that came to mind.
“This is Mohini, who is the love of my life!” he said, and for a moment, his gold eyes took on an orange glint.
Impossible for me to know exactly what that indicated, the loving look this other vampire gave him made me think it had something to do with Koimala’s devotion to her. All of the Maldives vampires were lovely to the eye, but Mohini was by far the most beautiful I had ever seen. Her lavender eyes were even more brilliant than Raquel’s. Tall and statuesque with long flowing brown hair and an olive tint to her skin, her region of human birth was impossible to ascertain.
