Ring of Madness

by Royden Labrosse

  - That sounds like the truth. The Seal alone isn't enough for that. And so are my two Seals. Danielle didn't put another Seal on you, Curly?

  I shaken my head.

  - He didn't have a chance.

  - You never made love again?

  - None of your business! - I flashed.

  - Mine, sweetie.

  I squinted at a vampire. I squinted at a vampire, and I knew it very well.

  - Unlike you, Danielle is not trying to seduce me on every corner.

  - That doesn't characterize him very well, Fluffy.

  - Making love in your dreams - there's something unnatural about it," I parried.

  - You've never done it, and you don't know what you've lost.

  I shrugged my shoulders. The last thing I wanted to argue with a vampire was when I wanted something else. And in my head there were thoughts that you can bypass the table, and the chairs are quite strong, will hold even three, and in general, we have time, and sex is good for health.

  - Okay, we'll talk about that later...

  - I'll take your word for it, Curly.

  - Catch the hell with you. Tell me better - no one else has ever shown such ability? No last name has ever drank blood before?

  Mecislav frowned as if he remembered something bad. Sad.

  - There was only one surname in my memory who could receive the Force through blood and pass it on to his mistress.

  - And what happened to him? Can I see him? Talk to him?

  Mecislav's frown was even greater. Did it seem to me - or did the pain flash in his bottomless eyes?

  I reached out and touched his fingers.

  - What's wrong with you? Don't...

  The vampire gustled my fingers.

  - I don't like remembering this story, curly. I knew that last name well. We were friends. When his mistress died, he was almost killed. He was a werewolf and could bear a lot. And he waited for me. I saved his body, but not his mind.

  - Not the mind?

  - He became some kind of animal, baby. When his mistress died, he got hurt in his mind. They keep him in a cage, in chains. He's fed and cared for, but he's not aware of the world around him. In his mind, he's still there with his mistress.

  The vampire's voice sounded like real pain. Usually I don't sympathize with humans, but now the vampire somehow managed to convey his feelings, emotions to me... His pain stunned, deprived him of his mind and willpower. I wanted to curl up with a ball of wool and ride on the floor, howling from the intolerable pain of loss. And it was only a reflection of his emotions. Quite late and not the strongest. What did the vampire himself experience when his friends died? I bit his lips.

  - I am so sorry. I didn't know them, but it hurts so much...

  Mecislav brought my hand to my lips.

  - I appreciate your sympathy, Curly. I know you're being sincere. Let's get back to our business. I don't want to scare you. You've got a lot to do already.

  I nodded. It's best to take your mind off your memories in another way.

  - What should I tell Vadim? He is determined to come with me. Is there any way...

  - You can," the vampire interrupted me. And where did all the sadness go? Now I had a tough, assembled man sitting in front of me. Like a knight dressed in armor. Only this armor was not on his body, but on his soul.

  - And you even have to. Whether you like it or not, Curly, you're my last name. And I'm supposed to show up for the reception like a queen. And Vadim must accompany you. Danielle's been living longer, but Vadim is more aware of vampire etiquette and the fight, and our rights and those of Andre. Not to mention that Vadim can protect you even at the cost of his life, but Danielle can't. Danielle is not a warrior at all, and we're going to need all the strength we can gather.

  I slammed my eyes.

  - Do you have any idea that you're risking the life of your second vampire? If we don't get out, then Boris can't leave alone. He's wounded, he needs bed rest for a few more days! He can't even take care of himself!

  Mecislav looked at me with such astonishment that I shut up.

  - I don't understand you, Curly. Are you saying you're worried about Boris?

  - Yeah, I'm worried.

  We clearly spoke different languages. I wonder what surprises him so much. I worry about everyone who stands under the same banner with me. Even though the squad is tiny, these are my comrades-in-arms! Is it okay to leave them?

  - Honey, you know, Boris is my employee. His life is my life, his will is my will. If I die, he'll just have no reason to live.

  Mieczysław was indulgent and charming. She'd have cracked something heavy.

  - Really? Did you ask him?

  The green eyes were astonished, the face a solid impervious mask. A light smile of kindness on beautiful lips, as always, when Mecislav did not want to show his real feelings and thoughts.

  - What for?

  - Well, actually, we have a democracy out there - I tried to add poison to the voice. - Twentieth century, glasnost, perestroika, constitution, the Geneva and Hague Conventions...

  The vampire smiled bigger. White and very sharp fangs showed up.

  - My dear, will you show me where your constitution says about vampires?

  What a bummer. I slammed my eyes. Swordsman guided gracefully with his hand as if to mark my objections.

  - You don't understand, Curly. Humans have democracy, and we vampires have a real slave system. If you don't want to, don't live.

  He singled out the words "we" and "people" in such a way that it became clear that he does not consider either himself or me to be people. He's a vampire, I'm his last name. And my worldview must be the same as his, even in the smallest detail. I wasn't comfortable with that at all.

  - I was thinking better of you.

  - I'm a vampire, curly, but not a priest.

  I imagined Mieczysław in a cassock, with a cross and a tall hat like Popov's. It turned out so tempting that I even licked it.

  - Crowds of women would go to your church. And not for prayer at all. Just to admire you in the background of icons.

  - What about you, curly? - one vampire voice acted as well as an aphrodisiac. Listening to him, no matter what he was talking about, I somehow started to sneak in on the two of us, on wrinkled sheets, smelling of perfume, and then something else. Mecislav could talk about anything. Read lectures on quantum mechanics with this voice - by the end of the first hour all students would have orgasms. And some even have a plural.

  I shaken my head to disperse the obsession. No sex! There!!!

  - Wouldn't come. Not for any mats. Anyway, let's get back to our sheep... vampires. Boris and Vadim. I want to leave Vadim to look after Boris.

  - No, curly.

  It was said in a way that I realized it was useless to argue. And I rubbed my forehead with my hand.

  - Let's hope you're all right," I sighed. - I really want to live, and not live like a vampire.

  - I'm sorry you could die because of me, Curly.

  - You'll also say you'd change your mind if everyone knew in advance.

  - I won't say. I wouldn't change my mind, Curly.

  - Then I should go. We have to prepare a way out.

  - Where did you say there was a meeting with the emissary of the Council?

  - It's funny, but in "Wolf Fight." It's closed today - and there's a reception for all the fang evil of our long-suffering city.

  - Julia!

  However! What did I do to make him call me by my name? Did you tell him the truth? I think I've had a lot more fun than that...

  - Oh, I'm sorry to be so rude about vampires and werewolves! But they owe me! And so do you!

  It wasn't too good to bring it up, but otherwise I don't get anything from vampires. And I had a simple plan. If Miecislav gets his throne, freedom and life for me and Daniel. Whether we are together or not, we must be free from all fang politics, at least within the Kingdom of Mieczyslaw.

  - I really owe you. And I'll pay my debt in full
if I live. And what does everyone else owe you for, huh, curly?

  I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. And then I told you about the IPF. I told about Konstantin Sergeyevich, about Tatyana, about the thirst for blood, about how I felt the awakening of Mechislav and his Seal, and what came out of it all.

  - You didn't feel anything?

  Mechislav thought for a moment.

  - Indeed, Curly, immediately after waking up I was in a terrible famine. Then I felt better. It must have happened when you drank the blood.

  - But it was my blood?!

  - It could have been anyone's blood.

  - Even an animal?

  - No!

  The disgust on the vampire's face was unexpected. I raised my eyebrows waiting for an explanation.

  - Baby, for vampires, bloodsucking is very close to sex. And there are no slaughterhouses among us. I mean, there are some perverts, but I'm not one of them.

  - I'm happy about it," I suddenly gagged.

  - Curly, of course. You're a normal young woman with a traditional orientation. And you like me. You're just dreaming of being in bed with me.

  - And I don't like you at all! - I lied and blushed. I always blush when I lie.

  The vampire didn't even pay attention to my démarche.

  - You're gonna have to leave now, Curly. You have to look and act like a queen tonight. And try to be more careful. There may be a trap in every word, every gesture. Trust no one with a drop of your blood, watch your actions and words. For every word, you may be forced to answer. And never say anything about your connection to the IPF. You could get yourself killed for that. And me, too.

  - What's the connection?

  - I know you don't, Fluffy, and I believe you. But I'm alone. And the rest of you... The rest of the paranorms won't believe me. We're wolves, the IPF are hunters. What do the two have in common except death? Nothing! Traitors are punished without mercy.

  - Okay, I'll keep quiet about the IPF.

  - That's right. Your aspen cross didn't get lost on the way?

  - I'd rather lose my hand!

  - Bring him with you. And don't be afraid of anything.

  - You give me mutually exclusive advice.

  - And our lives are full of paradoxes, Curly.

  A vampire philosopher? Well, no, leave me sane!

  - Send me back. And I will go to the rendezvous with Daniel.

  The vampire suddenly raised his hand.

  - I forgot, sweetie. Be careful with Danielle. Very careful.

  - And with you, no?

  Now there was a curved expression on his face. Should I be ashamed of my stupidity? I can't wait! The vampire probably figured it out because he shook his head and slowly, highlighting every word:

  - Danielle can be any talented artist, can be a genius and your lover, can be your lover and even offer you a hand and heart, but despite everything, he was and will remain a vampire. Just like me. And you should trust him just as much as you trust me.

  - Are you saying...

  - That Danielle can pursue her goals just as much as I can. Just because I tell you what I want, curly, and he doesn't say anything, doesn't mean he doesn't have plans for you and your power. Especially since you trust him. I mean, you're even easier to use.

  I choked to death from outrage.

  - Tell me right away you want to quarrel with Daniel!

  - I don't want to, sweetie. But I'm trying to open your eyes.

  I snorted. Thank you for opening it. Did it ever occur to him that I'm still only alive because of my ignorance?

  - I gotta go back.

  - You don't believe anything, Curly. And I'm not lying. And even if I thickened the paint a little, there's another danger. Danielle can hurt you just by not knowing you.

  - Like what? A bite in your sleep?

  - No. Like with the Seal. He didn't mean to, but you're now tied up with two vampires at once. And no one can predict the result. Not even the father of all vampires, if he exists.

  - It wasn't out of spite.

  - And you're so sure Danielle didn't want the benefit? He may not have brought it to that. But he needed... he needed your strength, you needed yourself, and that's the result.

  - Shut up. It won't help anyway.

  I shouldn't have snapped. My green eyes burst into mockery.

  - And you're nervous, baby. And you're afraid it's the truth.

  - I don't believe in the nasty things about the man who saved my life," I coined. Fang bastard. Stegosaurus. Bitch!

  - Danielle is not human. He is a vampire. And he hasn't lived 300 years because he's such a trusting, innocent, light angel. On the contrary, because he squeezed a lot of human qualities out of himself.

  I clenched my fists.

  - And what are you squeezing out of yourself?!

  Mecislav stood up from the table.

  - Come here, curly. I'm going to send you home.

  - Do you want to answer the question? - I was just wondering.

  The vampire took a gentle breath. I couldn't believe his tiredness from my stupidity. And I stared into his eyes questioningly. Scarlet sparks dancing around the blurring green pupil.

  - That's it, curly. I squeezed out all the human qualities.

  I also got up from my chair. There were no words and no evil. Is it clear that he said it in irritation... or not? Is that what he really thinks? Although in seven hundred years, or how many years, he's not as good at it. Shit! It's gonna be even harder for me to communicate with him now! I don't have to talk to him! Do the job and get out of here! Mecislav extended his hand to me.

  - Come here, Curly.

  - Does it have to be?

  I felt very acutely that I was dressed only in a black transparent rag with cuts in all interesting places, and Mechislav would take advantage of any display of weakness. And this time he will not let me out so easily.

  - You want to go back, don't you? And I'm the only one who can get you out of a trance.

  - Yes, but I don't want to sleep with you," I answered.

  - I'd offer you my body, but now you just have to leave, curly. I promise not to let anything sexual happen to me. Give me your hand.

  Why, is there a choice? Or at least have a drink?

  I dutifully gave him my palm. My strong fingers squeezed on my wrist and stroked the delicate skin on my vein in passing so that it seemed like an accidental touch. And who cares if it gave me the creeps all over my body?! Higher Powers! Well, why can't I just give in? Fuck and run?! And everyone's happy. The vampire is happy to confirm his irresistibility, I'm happy that he's finally lost me. What if he hasn't? Or if I can't get away from him?! Something told me that Mecislav's beautiful bodies were enough for his life and his death. And if he needs my soul - will I be able to resist? I'll be able to resist! But it is better to stand at a distance of several meters! Or kilometers. I believe that half the meridian is neat enough for your own peace of mind.

  - Close your eyes, curly.

  A quiet voice with velvet enveloped me, caressed my skin like a lover's fingers. Mecislav said something else, but I couldn't understand the words. For a moment, I stopped feeling my body. There was only darkness left - and this magic voice. Then my voice changed a little - and I realized what Vadim was saying. And I opened my eyes.

  I was still in the front seat of the jeep. Vadim and Danielle leaned over me. Vadim was sitting next to me, and Danielle bent over from the back seat. Did we get to the meeting place yet? And we met already?! Did I spend all this time in a trance? It was a nightmare! I wish I wasn't late! The vampires were arguing pretty loudly. It was their voices I heard coming out of the trance.

  - How could you let her?! She barely recovered, she just can't go back into a trance! Do you have any idea that she might not come back?! How long has she been there? An hour? Two?!

  - Don't raise your voice at me! - It's already Vadim. The words are filled with cold anger. - In case you haven't figured it out yet, you're nothing to me. And Jane is
the surname of my protector and creator. She's the one I obey. And you can shove your tongue in a place known to me!

  - If she dies, she won't be anyone's last name anymore! - Danielle has spoken. - If she's not back by midnight, I want to try to follow her.

  - Go now? What's stopping you?

  - There's only one of my stamps on it.

  - And you want to bet the other one?! You'll get over it! Jane didn't say anything about it! And you're not touching her!

  - Would you rather watch her die?!

  - She's not going to die!

  - Just so you know, you miserable miserable bastard!

  - No offence," I intervened hastily, fearing that Vadim would now move from words to actions.

  - Jane, have you come to your senses?

  - You all right, curly?

  Of course, Danielle's in a quiet frenzy. Or is she just trying to show me her displeasure?! Mecislav always used my nickname, replacing it with his name only in a moment of irritation or special importance. Danielle did the exact opposite. If I was good - Jane. If he was angry with me or resented me, I would become a curl. Okay, now I don't care how upset he feels. I was shaking my head. Everything was blurring before my eyes.

  - Shut up, both of you for five minutes!

  The vampires have been obediently silent. I tried to sit down. I did it! Well done! Dizzy's gone.

  - Have I been lying unconscious long?

  - Almost an hour," Vadim answered.

  - Is that a lot?

  - Depends who it's for. If for the real surname of two hundred or three hundred years from birth - it's quite normal. And if it's a lot for you.

  - You're wrong," said Vadim. - Even though it has your seal on it, you don't know it. And the more I know Jane, the more I believe in her.

  - I don't know, but I do. That's a great position.

  - Hey, you guys were getting along, right? What kind of cat got in between you guys?

  Vampire faces were impenetrable. Right now for questioning by the KGB. You can't tell from a face like that. They don't think or feel anything. Danielle thawed first.

  - I'm worried about you. And Vadim was absolutely calm. I went out of my mind and told him shit.

  - It's bad," I was upset. - We're a team. Vadim, apologize to Daniel immediately! I heard the end of your conversation, but apologize anyway.