“No!” Dori said aloud. She did not want to go back to Michael; it almost seemed like accepting defeat. How could she face him? He had turned her into a monster. He had taken her family away from her. But yet, he had also saved her life to a certain degree. Without him she would have surely died by now. Maybe it would have been easier if she had died, she thought. She wandered among the overgrowth of the forest with no particular direction in mind. She was trying to sort out a thousand thoughts, trying to get a grasp on what had happened in the last twenty-four hours. The night sky was fading to day faster than anticipated. She had to do something quickly or she would find out first-hand if the sun was harmful. Glancing around, she wasn’t sure of where she was. It was impossible to get her bearings. Each tree looked identical and there were no paths worn into the forest floor. Dori’s breath quickened and she began to run.
She wasn’t sure where she was going, but if she moved quickly enough, maybe she would find some indication of her location. Dori became aware of animals awakening and scurrying around her. The forest was waking up to another morning. The deeper blues were completely gone from the sky. It was a tableau of pinks and orange. On the horizon, the lightest blue was beginning to show and the sun would soon peek above the trees. Dori was beginning to panic.
“Go, Ballerina Girl! Run away from the sun.”
Dori trusted the voice. Only her grandmother had ever called her that. That voice hadn’t let her down yet, so she turned her back to the sun and ran as hard as she could. The trees became a blur around her. She still couldn’t make out any houses or signs of human life. Hopelessness was beginning to settle in and her hand ached from clutching her box so tightly.
Panicked, Dori was traveling much too quickly for a human eye to discern her from the trees, so she was surprised when, at the last moment, something moved right into her path. She didn’t have time to stop before running into it, so she braced herself. A pair of hands reached out and grabbed her precisely at the moment of impact. Michael spun her around to absorb the momentum, never slackening his grasp.
“Easy, Dori, it’s okay. There is nothing to fear. Nothing can hurt you here, Dori.” Michael was whispering in her ear, soothing and calming her. She finally hit the breaking point; her knees went weak and they both sank to the forest floor. Michael cradled her protectively. He rocked her and chanted soothing phrases, trying to settle her down. The crushing weight of the night was too much to bear, and she found herself sobbing in his arms.
Dori was struggling to stay afloat in a whirlpool of emotions. Why had Michael followed her? How was it possible for her heart to break again? What was left for her in this life? What did she have to look forward to now? What was her role with Michael? Were their existences intertwined like he said? From the shelter of his protective arms, Dori glanced up at him. Although the tears blurred her vision, his loving gaze was undeniable. Dori really looked at the man holding her, keeping her afloat, and she saw a deep sadness that mirrored her own. In that moment, she felt close to him, as if he needed her as much as she needed him. Together they could both stand strong against the loneliness that comes from losing all love.
Dori wrapped her arms around Michael, needing his comfort, and he held her closer, soothing her. In this silent embrace, she contemplated the depth of his feelings. She imagined their future together.
He pulled her impossibly closer as he calmly spoke.
“I know you are in pain. I remember realizing the weight of the truth. The only thing worse is the loneliness that comes next. Every face reminds you of your solitude, every smile is a dagger. Just remember that I am here. I want to take your pain away.”
As the words washed over Dori, her sobbing quieted but the tears still ran. “Will it always hurt this way?” she asked, meeting Michael’s gaze.
“I wish I could say that the time will heal your wounds, Preziosa, but that’s not true. There is one thing I have found that helps ease the pain.” Michael ran his thumb gently over Dori’s cheekbone, wiping away a tear. “You have to find someone or something that gives your life meaning. When you find that person, you will do anything to keep them because they will make you feel alive again.” Michael paused to look into her eyes. “You are the spark that rekindled my soul.”
Michael paused and she could sense the intimacy of his confession. The silence stretched on and as Dori stared at his handsome features, it became apparent that he was wrestling with something. She wondered what truth he could be struggling with, but she didn’t dare interrupt. After an eternity, she drew in a breath; she wanted to encourage him to share more with her, but he cut her off before she could utter a word.
“Dori I won’t go back to a life that has no fire, no light. A life without you in it holds no meaning for me.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A look of submission crept onto his face and she resisted the urge to say anything. His eyes flew open and once again, he was a predator ready to attack his prey.
“Forgive me Dori,” he whispered as his gaze bore down on her with a dangerous force. Between the intensity of his staring eyes and his melodic voice, she didn’t stand a chance.
“You were never in that house, Dori. In fact, you can’t remember who lives there.”
Dori’s brow furrowed under the strength of his persuasion. She wanted to disagree but she couldn’t break his focus. It was as if he had climbed in through her eyes and was tampering with her memories and her soul. Dori puckered up her mouth to protest but Michael continued sternly.
“Dori, that house is full of strangers. You have never met them.”
Dori’s gaze was hollow as she fell victim to the power of Michael’s suggestions. A sea of green flooded her vision. Different memories surfaced flashing like a silent movie in her mind. She was too mesmerized to realize that Michael was weeding through her thoughts, carefully removing all traces of Amir, Layla and Dahlia. She was helpless as the faces of her loved ones faded then disappeared from her recollection. She didn’t notice as the hand-carved wooden box teetered in her hands and fell to the ground. Michael kicked it into the nearby underbrush, removing the last connection to her former family.
Michael stood, pulling her up with him. He led her away from where they had been, still manipulating her mind as they moved. Michael was speaking in Italian, his native tongue. She didn’t understand all of his words, but they held her captive nonetheless. As he spoke, new memories began to fill her mind, replacing what had been erased. He created memories that told a story of their life together and of her change. He painted the story of his past and planted hopes of a future together. Michael was just as skillful at creating memories as he was with his art.
As feverishly as Michael had entered her mind, he left. He released her thoughts so quickly she was confused as she came back to reality. Her mind spun and she was dizzy.
“Oh! There you are, Michael! I was looking all over for you. I’m ready to go home; I didn’t realize how tired I was.” As if to prove her point, she took a step, lost her balance and nearly stumbled as everything swirled around her. Michael was there in an instant, wrapping her in his arms.
“Alright, Preziosa, let’s head back.” Dori looked up at Michael and gave him a loving smile. She was so lucky to have him in her life. She couldn’t imagine anyone happier than she was at that very moment. She stood on her toes and kissed him gently. Michael was about to return her sentiment but Dori waivered again. She really was quite dizzy; she must have been running harder than she thought.
“We really need to get you home. You wore yourself out tonight. A few hours of sleep will give you new life.”
The sun was moments away from crossing the horizon, announcing the new day. Dori instinctively covered her eyes with her hands. She was silently reprimanding herself for forgetting her sunglasses again. Now she would be half blind by the sun’s brightness. Right on cue, Michael tugged her hands from her eyes and slid a pair of dark glasses on her face.
“What would I do without you? Thanks.”
Dori told herself again how lucky she was to have Michael.
“I hope to never find out, il mio amore.”
Michael’s hands found their way around her and he pulled her closer as they walked. He felt her knees give way as she succumbed to the combination of fatigue and vertigo left in her head. He drew her up to him, cradling her. Although he was capable of moving much more quickly, he walked gingerly not wanting to jar her. The slow retreat from the forest, Dori clutching Michael for support, was a peaceful moment shared between soul mates. He was her personal hero and she wanted it to always be that way. Her eyes grew heavy and she rested her head on his shoulder. It wasn’t long before her arms went slack and she was asleep.
* * *
When Dori awoke, she was nestled comfortably in the down comforter on the bed. She reached over for Michael and was surprised to find that he wasn’t there. She blinked open her eyes and scanned the room. He must have been up for a long time. His side of the bed was cool and the smell of his cologne had faded from the air. Not sure she wanted to get up yet, she lay in bed, letting her mind wander. She began thinking about the vivid dream she had that night.
She dreamt of swimming in a hidden lake. The water was warmer than she had expected. The golden sun glittered on the surface of the water which had been as smooth as glass until she waded in. Now there were thousands of amber sparkles dancing on the surface. Although she was alone in the water, she knew that someone was there at the edge of the forest. She couldn’t see the man, but she felt his presence. She was sure it was Michael and waited for him to join her in the lake, but he never came. He stood on the periphery, watching over her in a way that made her feel safe and protected. It was good to be loved by him. She felt nothing but elation as she relived the dream. It reminded her of the careless and innocent summers of her youth. She stayed in that beautiful place, submerged in the warm waters, basking in the golden reflection of a thousand tiny suns.
The dream faded away and Dori became aware of the room around her again and a bothersome stinging in her veins. It was stronger in her core, but the burn was traveling toward her extremities. Dori had felt this a thousand times before. It appeared as if she and Michael would begin their day with a quick trip to the forest. She got out of bed and quickly readied herself for a hike.
As Dori walked down the hallway toward Michael’s studio, she glanced at the same paintings she always did. She was struck by them today as if looking at them for the first time again. The Cezanne replica stared at her from down the hall, there was a copy of a Renoir that depicted the two of them together, and her eyes found her personal favorite, the Monet replica, right outside the studio door. Every time Dori found herself depicted in a different scene, she was taken aback by the softness with which she had been portrayed. Michael was even tender with her image. She was again moved by his work.
Eventually Dori found him, sitting, waiting for her.
“Let’s go to the forest,” Michael said with a sparkle in his eye. “I have something to show you.”
They left the back door at top speed, two souls piercing the night, running with a purpose, but also for the sheer enjoyment of the sensation. Michael would let her catch up and then he would surge out in front of her again, taunting her to join him. He was careful to lead her away from where her box lay hidden, and the two of them were alone to discover their animal instincts together.
Chapter Twelve
April 23, 1598
I have failed at killing Mr. Barwicke, yet succeeded at drawing his wrathe. I find it impossible to bear the too, too heavy weighte of the deathe I bring to others. For that reason alone I vow to find a way to end not only Barwicke, but my own existence as well. We are a plague upon the worlde, both New and Olde and our unholy kinde must be eradicated moste hastily.
I awaited the new moon, when I would be cloaked in utter darkness. Our kind sees through nighte as it were day, but I discovered courage while cloaked in the depth of the moonless eve. I had no advantage over my master; rather I thought sheer deception to be my best defense. T’were I who volunteered to leade his hunting partie so as to ensure I would be e’er nearer to Him. As we creapt upon a cluster of natives I let out a shriek of frustration and lunged for Barwicke, wooden stake drawn.
Oak founde purchase in his chest and I thruste with all my mighte. It were rather facile to penetrate the spot where his heart should have been, but instead of bringing on his deathe, I only brought about his fury. Throwing his head back, his laughter shook the nighte, terrorizing all that hearde. In that moment I learned that piercing an inanimate hearte simply angered the beaste. In that moment I went from ally to enemie.
I fled the flock that night, running until the sun kissed the morning skye. I buried myself in the back of a cave into which I were able to wedge myself. I know Barwicke knows my location. His chuckle rattled my innards even though I were beneath the Earth itself. I now await his torture, but I shall flee as long as possible. I must finde a way to end our scourge on humanitie.
Chapter Thirteen
Time began to pass in a blur. With Michael as her companion, Dori continued developing her superior sills. She rather enjoyed chasing animals through the forest; she looked forward to flexing her muscles and pushing herself farther than she thought possible. Maybe it was because spring was upon them, but lately she was feeling reborn. It was as if she was only now discovering her talents as an immortal. Occasionally she lost focus, enthralled by her physical agility, and she would outrun her prey. Turning back to find her meal, she and Michael would share a good chuckle.
Michael was always with her, smiling, encouraging her to refine her skills. She enjoyed his unending support and reveled in his elation while rising to every new challenge he presented. Dori had long since become adept at the hunt, but she still found the chase invigorating. That was when she could totally give in to her instincts and simply follow her senses.
Of course, Michael had explained long ago that many vampires had special senses. These had evolved to keep their species superior to humans. Michael was able to sense where people were. It was how he found her the other night in the forest. Dori knew that his voice was another weapon in his arsenal. It was nearly impossible to disobey his orders, no matter how innocent. Only the strongest minds could defy Michael’s wishes. Dori liked to think Michael’s eyes held special powers too. She was embarrassed to admit she was so enchanted by him that, under his intent gaze, she melted.
Hearing her grandmother’s voice was one of her special senses. She had tried to call out to her grandmother unsuccessfully. It seemed Grandma only talked on her own terms. In fact, Grandma only communicated when she needed to warn Dori or soothe her in times of great sadness. Just as she was in life, Grandma’s voice demonstrated her crafty character with precious few words that sometimes bordered on cryptic.
Michael was with her in the forest when she discovered another of her special talents. He was explaining a new method of subduing prey and as usual he wanted to be her first victim. She suspected he had ulterior motives behind this choice.
“Alright, Preziosa, now I want you to try that on me.” Michael paused to grin mischievously at her. She set her jaw, preparing for the chase. “Catch me if you can!” With that, Michael disappeared into the trees.
The chase was on. Dori sped through the lichen and ferns. She darted under branches and leapt over fallen trees. She didn’t have to think to trail Michael; she could follow his scent instinctively. Every now and then he would slow enough to catch a glimpse of her and of course he would goad her tauntingly. This was one of his favorite games.
“I thought you could run faster than that!”
Indeed she could, but she said nothing, choosing to use his pride as a method of catching him. Eventually he would lag too far behind, and then she would spring. Why should she expend extra energy if he would fall into her trap? She let the chase go on for a few more miles. Each time Michael fell back to tease her, she would cut the distance between them infinit
esimally. Michael didn’t seem to notice her strategy. He was looking for her to try what he had taught; he didn’t see through her ruse. The cat was about to become the mouse.
Dori wouldn’t hurt him of course. How could she harm him when he looked at her like she was his chef d’œuvre? With the light shining through his dark hair and his perfect smile, Dori found him absolutely irresistible. She had never felt more cherished by someone in her life. His complete dedication to her was endearing.
Drawn from her reverie, she noticed that he was slipping away from her again. He was running backward, grinning and mumbling something in Italian. He winked at her; he enjoyed this game. If only there was a way to surprise and subdue him, she thought. That would teach him! He turned and ran among the tall oak trees toward a clearing with a foot path on the other side. Dori bore down, digging her feet into the soft forest floor and accelerating toward the object of her chase. She focused her mind as well, calling on her instincts to help her trap her prey. If only those trees were to fall, blocking his escape, then she would have him trapped.
Without warning, a loud popping echoed through the forest sending birds into sudden flight. Michael stopped in his tracks; his smile disappeared. He was dangerously close to the trees Dori was focusing on. In slow motion the trees on either side of Michael’s trajectory groaned in protest and fell toward each other, gaining momentum as they fell. They crashed to the earthen floor, shaking the ground when they hit. Michael turned slowly to meet her wild eyes as the dust and dead leaves gracefully floated back to the forest floor. A victorious smile spread across Dori’s face and as she raised her eyebrows slowly, the two trees on either side of those recently fallen sang out their wounded song and began falling as well. Michael jumped slightly as they crashed to the ground even closer to him than their predecessors.
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