“John!”
“Liam! Where the hell were you? Mina has left!”
“I know, I tried staying with the car but she’s driving like… Is someone following?”
“Mina wrecked Lilly’s car. Liam, she’s super charged. We couldn’t catch her. Margarith’s car will never catch up. We’ve called the police in town asking them to let us know if they see her.”
“Maria contacted me… She tried to tell me. What went on there?”
“I’ll speak with Maria,” Esmeriska breaks her silence.
John shows his brother, mother and father. Esmeriska and Will stay silent but Liam’s guilt and anguish when he sees Carmina’s small body in a bundle on the ground rips a clear path straight to his personal hell. He covers his ears against her screams and starts a run towards the town.
“We have to find her. I’m sorry this is my fault! I’m going…”
Liam spends a fair amount of time trying to pin down Carmina’s scent but finds none. When he sees her car in front of the hotel, he thought there is hope. The lady at the desk confirms that Mina was there and had checked in. She said other than being wet, the young lady looked very calm and controlled. No, she doesn’t know if Miss Nightshade is in but she can put a call to her room. There is no answer but she can leave a message. Liam leaves a message and watches for the room number when the girl jots it down. As calm as he can, he head towards the lifts and to the booked room. He didn’t have to go inside to know she was never there.
Jarrod, John and Will join him in trying to try find a scent, but the rain is still pouring. There’s so many disgusting smells in the town. When the sun rises, the three return to the courtyard. Carmina Rose Nightshade vanished into thin air. They take turns to watch the hotel in case she returns.
Margarith and Lilly are huddled on the couch together and Esmeriska is pacing when the men return. Liam walks through the door and it is his mother that glowers at him.
“You, my son, are an idiot.”
Liam stares blankly at Esmeriska, his mother’s anger puzzling. Angry and forceful, she shares the image that Maria saw, that Carmina saw, including Carmina’s reaction to it. Maria was right, that was too much restraint. John puts both his hands to his head, using his elbows to cover his face. Will puts his hand on his wife’s shoulder.
“That’s enough. He gets it, my love. That’s enough. We’ll find her.”
Jarrod walks over to his wife and mother, comforting them both as best he can. He knows Carmina; even when she was little, you would not find her easily if she didn’t want to be found.
“It’s our Carmina. We’ll find her, eventually.” Says Jarrod, looking at Liam with sympathy but not without accusation. Liam turns to walk away and Jarrod stops him.
“You couldn’t have done anything, Liam. Not today. We’ll help you. We’ll find her.”
John, on the other hand, stays silent, walking outside with his hands over his head.
***
Runaway
I feel the constant push from the Moretti and Azzara families. I also feel guilty over not answering Maria in particular. I have made good progress and am in Russia within a week. Worried that the main airlines will flag me, I used helicopters and small planes to carry me in stretches, paying cash and running when I can. The book Joseph gave me directed me to Dimitri Thana’s domain.
Dimitri Thana is a blood trader; a good one at that. He is also a collector of antiques and is described as easily fascinated by beautiful things. He is an original who lives off human blood, with the exception that it is from humans willingly offering their blood to him or his coven. He is very picky over his ‘stock’ but I am convinced I’ll have no problem getting to him. After all, I have a map from an Ancient’s library. Bargaining won’t be hard.
I look in the mirror, satisfied. The white figure hugging dress is a dramatic contrast to my crimson-red hair. My skin is healthy and sun-kissed. I wear no make-up other than a slight touch of green around my eyes. Liam has taught me how important eye colors are. I will use this, hopefully to my advantage. My own hazel eyes viciously flash with pain, sadness and hurt. The pull at the corners of my mouth completing the picture I created for this occasion. Slightly smiling. Lilly would have approved. I shake my head, banishing all thoughts of family and ties.
Rostov-on-Don is a flourishing town and I am surprised to see how big it is. I don’t bother booking the hotel for any longer than today. Today, I will die or suffer life on my terms. There is no turning back.
I join the tourist group to traverse the estate of Iona Sysoevich. I still cannot believe that all these things are in fact true. I look and listen, but mostly, I am searching. When I reach the Abraham Monastery, I know I am in the right place. I can smell blood. I follow the scent to a small room in the back of an old storage chamber. It has to be here somewhere. The appearance of a tour-guide behind me actually makes me smile.
“Miss, are you lost?” When I turn and notice the hypnotic gray of his eyes, I beam at him.
“I think I found what I was looking for. I seek audience with Dimitri Thana.”
The pale gentleman in front of me pretends not to know what I’m talking about.
“What is your name, sir?” I ask and shamelessly read his mind. I don’t understand Russian but certain things are not hard to differentiate from everyday babble. He answers with a name that I ignore.
“Ivan Ma’am, the tour group—”
“Vadim, beautiful name. Now, please, take me to Dimitri?” I catch him by surprise. “Oh Vadim, English please! Better yet, show me.” I say, putting my hand on his arm as if we’re familiar friends. The flashes are quick but I capture them expertly and smile.
“Or I can go back there and go alone, but I think - maybe - you will have trouble for allowing that?” The young man seems nervous of me now.
“Of course, this way Miss…”
“Carmen.”
“Carmen, yes, this way please.”
I walk fast with the official who was probably a guard to stop wandering tourists. He walks in front of me, and I have to jog lightly to keep up. I smile as comfortably as I can to the bystanders that we pass, not wanting to draw negative reaction. I lose all sense of direction after we go through a decorated door, down stairs, up a spiral, around a few bends… LOST. Fear starts hammering against my temples.
As we walk around the last corner in the maze, I stop to admire the beautiful hall that stretches in front of me. Dimly lit, gorgeous paintings on the wall decorated with brightly colored frames, modern furniture placed all around, suspended dance podiums and blue, ice colored lamps everywhere. So… Modern! So... striking! My jaw slacks and I lick my lips. The tour-guide comes to a halt and I basically walk straight into him. His light-footed interchange avoiding a collision is no big surprise to me.
I stand dead still. I am making this stuff up as I go and I have no idea what I’m doing. A blonde, blue-eyed man walk towards me; I marvel at the perfect features edged upon his face. He looks more handsome than a statue, and less dead than one. I look down, and notice his feet. He is not walking, but emulating a walk. He is definitely gliding towards me, hardly touching the floor.
“Vadim! Brother, what have you here! A guest!” he claps his hands together in delight. He inspects me from head to toe, his breath on my hair when he speaks.
“Miss Carmen.” I announce myself, nodding to the Adonis in front of me.
“Carmen, forgive me my rudeness! Vadim, bring our guest a drink.” The tour-guide looks relieved at my reception into the hall, and vanishes without a sound or trace.
“Oh yes, a human girl,” he licks his lips as he inhales the air around me. “All dressed in white… how … fashionable.”
I feel the blush push into my face and my bravery threatens to rush after Vadim instead.
“Sir…”
“Oh no devochka - girl, call me Dimitri, please. Why did you come here so… boldly beautiful Carmen?”
“I have come to trade with you Dim
itri. I have something you may like?” I produce the two books to him, not knowing how many rules I am breaking here. The books were given to me, not lent, so I can do with them as I please. I have already read his greedy mind and he is not going to let those books out of his sight. He knows what they are, where they’ve been and how valuable they are. While the words and the meaning of them escape me, the emotional emanation is vivid and straight forward.
“A trade, devochka, would mean that you want something in turn?”
“Yes, Dimitri. I don’t want to sell the books for money. I have lots of that. And I certainly don’t want immortality, I can’t stand the idea.” I hear and feel the amused and intrigued rambling from the man.
“Carmen! Immortality will suit you so well!” he reverts to sweet-talking and the flattery helps my confidence to continue.
Vadim returns as silently as he left. On his arm is a very beautiful, Goth-looking girl. She is partially naked, looking anemic and tired. I turn my eyes away from her. I cannot afford to lose control or contemplate the moral inference of seeing and knowing what Dimitri and his brand of entities do here.
“Before you decide, Dimitri Thana,” I say harmoniously, pulling the small broach from my dress. “I want you to sell my blood and donate 30% profits to a children’s home of my choice, until I die naturally, or you find reason to kill me.”
I don’t give him a chance to respond, but prick my finger. Sucking on it, I move closer and plant a bloody kiss on his lips. I watch him as he eagerly licks his lips and the flash in his eyes accepts the deal before his words leave his mouth.
“Devochka! You bring this to me! So daring! So dangerous! So rare and delicious! You must be tired of your life; you know this is slow suicide?”
“I know. It is my wish and you are my hero if you can make it come true.” I stroke his ego for good measure, applying my own girlish version of the dramatic lady in distress.
Dimitri pushes his face firmly against my chest without warning and for an instant I question my judgment while my heart chases after dandelions.
“A thundering heartbeat. You show fear after all. How superb!” He sounds like a boy who’s discovering hidden parts to his new toy,
“You are too good for it!” he murmurs against my skin. His hand finds my finger and put it to his mouth. He groans, squeezing another drop of blood from my fingertip. I feel the odd warm and cold mixture emanating from him. He sucks hard, his grip on my wrist painful, dulling that of an old scar that refuses to heal.
“Carmen… Какáя краси́вая дéвушка!”
** Translated: Carmen… What a beautiful girl!
My name, my mother’s name, sounds like a hot poker in his mouth.
It was as if a spell was broken. I saw men and woman approaching fast, like flickering mirages on the horizon. Before any of them can reach me, Dimitri bundles me in his arms. I feel the strength and restraint behind his every move. His hissing hurts my eardrums. I experience a jolt, hear a thunderous thump and the other arrivals look like they are jerked backwards, away from us.
Dimitri marches through to another room, and yet again I stare at the richness of this place. The room is filled with antique paintings, furniture, statues, sculptures and so much more. There are soft dim lights in this room, highlighting every piece of art individually. I feel I’m being watched by the portraits, as one who is paraded in front of peers to be judged in worth and value. It certainly looks like a museum of relics.
“Vadim, go get Anton and Vasily. I want a new trophy box.” He speaks, initially without slowing down. Eventually, I am placed on the floor thoughtfully, as if I’m brittle. Dimitri does not release me yet and I wonder if he is worried about me making a run for it.
I don’t know where they came from, but in an instant, there are two slender, gorgeous women by my side. Their eyes are shiny and dark; you cannot see the pupils. Their skin is almost see-through with veins visibly networked in hues of blue. Their movements are liquescent. Their heads are bald which enhance the remarkable features of their faces; high-set cheekbones, full, plump, pouty lips and large round eyes.
As wanton as Dimitri acted before, he lets me go now. Still ominously towering over me, he looks into my face with an impatient expression.
“One can easily become greedy around you, Carmen. Your beauty, your scent… Intoxicating. Yes. I will agree to this trade you speak of.”
Relief washes over me and I unwind. I knew he’d accept but finally hearing him say it seals the reality firmly. I have a place and a purpose. My terms.
A tear streaks across my face unexpectedly.
“Alina and Darya, you will guard her. Nobody touches her once she takes up her place. Nobody at all. Not even…” he gives me one more lustful look. “…Not even me.”
I don’t know what I expected, but I admit that this is a turn of events I did not anticipate. Dimitri would guard me against himself? He must have noticed my surprise at the order and he explains in his most charming voice.
“I like to protect my investments, Carmen. I would not want anything unfortunate to happen to something so fragile and yet so… valuable. A virgin human with blood that tastes of a youth fountain, holding relics from Houses that are only rumored to exist. You are going to be very popular.”
I listen, watching him move, as if he’s already lining up a buyers list.
“I see. And these girls…” I look at the two he addressed as Alina and Darya.
“They are my best guards.” Dimitri’s face is solemn and exceptionally calm, which unnerves me and brings me to question his undertaking.
“You will be safe. They know your purpose and your …our… unique agreement. To seal the contract, dear girl, a drop of your blood for each of them.”
The broach, still clutched in my fist, is tolerantly pried from my fingers and Dimitri holds my hand with exceptional tenderness. He does not break the skin with the pin, but asks me to do it myself. It is as if he is literally trying to avoid any damage to me. I find his behavior peculiar and fascinating at the same time.
In all my life, I’ve stumbled, fell, bled… and not once did the thought cross my mind that someone may one day consider it an infringement. I quickly dab my finger into the sharp pin, watching the blood pool on the tip of my finger, holding it out to the woman by my side. After repeating it for the second time to satisfy both the women, Dimitri takes the pin from hands, wipes it on his sleeve and places it in a small purple box.
“Your property, Carmen. It is yours to have but I cannot leave it with you. Humans are so… unpredictable sometimes”
Dimitri’s hand moves to wipe away the tear on my cheek tasting it from the tip of his index finger, savoring it. He gives a shrill little laugh and clasps his hands together.
“So much pain, oh dear, so alluring, beautiful.” That is when I realize, when Dimitri says I am beautiful, he is not referring to my body or physical attributes. Dimitri loves the pain and hurt I am carrying inside me; my love lost for Liam.
“Thank you, Dimitri.”
Treasured
The museum empties out, all but for the two girls. I can see that an invisible rope intrinsically binds them to me. When I move, all their attention is focused on me, undivided. The girls move around me, one tucks at me, the other pushes. I shuffle along, and when a panel in the wall reveals the room behind it; a breathtaking picturesque image greets me. Clearly, Dimitri Thana has expensive and immaculate taste.
I walk through the room, letting my fingers touch across the richness that surrounds me everywhere. It is an old, rustic royal sort of depiction from a Victorian era. I feel like the princess who’s locked in the tower. I wonder if the two women can understand me. I guess it won’t matter. I will do what they want me to, and they will do what I feel. I keep my mind closely guarded, still ignoring the intermitted calls from the Moretti and Azzara families.
A soft, urgent push towards the bathroom and nimble fingers help me undress. The bath is warm and soothing but no
perfume, no fragrance, nothing to taint my natural scent. The two girls are running water over me; they smell and taste the air, then more fresh water, then repeat. This goes on for roughly half an hour. When they are satisfied, I am dried and dressed in the most exquisite gown. It is soft, pale green in color with gold trimming bundling at my bare feet; the person in the mirror looks like a stranger to me.
The food I am offered is fresh and delicious. I am craving meat and my body is constantly hungry again. I don’t reveal that part of me either; the sooner I fade away, the sooner I can stop suffering life. This way, I will live for long enough to ensure the wellbeing of a few orphans, at minimum.
Sooner than I could anticipate, Dimitri insists on building a new orphanage in my name and honor. Very thoughtful of him, he felt that it would be prudent to keep me busy when I am not being a buffet for his clientele. I am very careful with the information I give and manage to get the registration and details done in Lilly’s name. Momma has taught me many things, but the one thing she has taught me well was how to run a successful company. This is no different. I take care of the children in the care of the orphanage and provide them with bursaries and scholarships, should they need it, all from the safety and seclusion of my vampire sanctuary.
Hidden Carmina Page 22
