A golden shimmer surrounded the dragon, so he glowed. The light became so bright I had to look away.
After several seconds the light diminished. I coughed, and squinted, trying to see the dragon through all the smoke.
But he was gone.
Instead, a man came forward.
Chapter 3
“Kenmei,” I whispered, bewildered. “What happened to Abernathy?”
“Take my hand,” he insisted.
I shook my head. “Where’s the dragon?” Had Kenmei killed him? Was everything the Vampire Queen said about him true? Was Kenmei evil?
“Shiryo-san, it’s me,” he said, and crouched so that we were level. His eyes flashed, and the endlessness that was Kenmei’s vanished. Instead, his eyes glowed amber.
Abernathy’s eyes.
“That’s impossible.”
“Not impossible. Let me show you.” He held out his hand. Nervous I took it, and he pulled me to my feet.
“Does Pro—Adam Henry know?” I asked, searching his face, trying to see Abernathy in there. Even though the dragon was a hundred times my size, I felt more at ease with him than I’d ever felt with Kenmei.
“You are the only person I’ve ever revealed this secret to. Though I think the Vampire Queen suspects.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?” And then I understood. The Vampire Queen bit him, changed him. He was the first Hunter. She’d tasted his blood, probably more than once. “How could she not know?” I asked.
He smiled. “When she bit me I was in this form. And I stayed in this form for hundreds of years while I served her, until…” he trailed off. “May I take you somewhere?”
I had lots to do, but I was intrigued. “Sure,” I said.
“Thank you.” He squeezed my fingers. “Don’t let go.”
“Okay.”
Kenmei moved one hand in front of him.
Professor Pops’ mansion, and yard swirled before me, like a watercolor painting lost in the rain.
Kenmei and I were on a dirt road. The sun hung high above, and off in the distance I saw a dragon circling in the air.
“Is that you?” I asked, still unsure it was true. Abernathy and Kenmei were the same. That fact messed with my head. My mind ran through all of the different times I’d talked to the dragon (even with Silindra) and Kenmei. The strangest recollection was that Kenmei told me to talk to Abernathy. Which meant he was, in fact, sending me to talk to himself. I shook my head. Maybe the dragon was crazy.
“Yes,” Kenmei answered, bringing me out of my thoughts. I watched his features soften. “Listen.”
I clamped down on another question, and strained to hear what he wanted me to. Finally, I heard it. Singing. Like the song of a beautiful bird, but the voice was that of a girl.
As one, Kenmei and I glided closer (it wasn’t walking or floating, it was like moving in super fast forward). We went off the road, and into an orchard. It was filled with apple trees. The scented blossoms made everything fragrant. I spotted a girl only a few feet away.
“Won’t she see us?” I asked, ready to hide behind a tree.
“No. This is one of my memories.” A hint of a smile danced on Kenmei’s lips. He was happy. I felt it flow off him.
“Who is she?” I took a step closer, mesmerized by her song. She seemed so innocent, carefree. Her hair was long, and blond (the color of Abernathy’s mane). She wore a brown skirt, and a white shirt. The sleeves were long and poofed at the wrist. Her feet were bare. On one arm hung a basket.
She sang:
Carry me
Up to the clouds
Let me soar
I want to fly
Birds of all kinds fluttered around her, but they were silent. Even they seemed enamored by her voice.
If I had feathers
A tail too
I’d carry you
And you
And you
“Can’t you tell?” he asked, distracted. Then he answered, “That’s Aurora.”
“No,” I began, but regarded her more closely. She looked almost exactly like the girl in the Disney inspired pictures my stepmother used to keep in the house. “Wow,” I said.
“She’s exquisite, isn’t she?”
She was very pretty. “Yes,” I answered, keeping a step behind Kenmei, as we moved nearer.
“Aurora is the reason I took on a human form. It might seem odd, but I was a dragon in love with a human girl.”
“No way.”
Aurora plucked an apple from a tree, and placed it inside.
“Yes way, Shiryo-san.” His eyes sparkled, and radiated the love he felt for her.
“Wow,” I said again.
“I had all this magic, but no one to love. It was her song that drew me. And once I heard her laugh, that was it. I was gone. In love.”
“She sings beautifully,” I breathed.
“If those birds possessed my magic, they would’ve become men as well.”
I snickered.
“You think I’m kidding?”
I saw the look on his face, and knew he wasn’t. I even sort of loved her now. Her words swayed in my head, and filled my heart. “Does she possess magic?” I asked, shocked I could be twitterpated after a few seconds of hearing her sing.
“Yes, Shiryo-san. Aurora was the first enchantress. Though she didn’t know it. Her song bewitched me, but not to the extent that I lost control of myself. Her magic awoke my amorous feelings. And I wanted to experience them. With her. So I took on this form, and became Kenmei.”
“Did it work?” I asked, surprised. “Did she love you back?”
His brow furrowed. And I knew she didn’t—at least not the way Kenmei loved her.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
He cleared his throat. “Don’t be. We became great friends. Even after she married, we visited together often. I taught her how to use her magic. And she created the book your friend Cindy keeps, the Eye of Abernathy.”
“Ohhhhh.”
“That’s right,” he nodded, and a whimsical smile smoked across his lips. “She loved me, but it wasn’t the kind one feels for their eternal mate. Still, I wouldn’t trade a second of the time I spent with her.”
I nodded, but felt bad. “Mulan loves you though?”
“Oh, yes. And I love her.” He sighed. “Perhaps it’s the heartbreak of a first love, or maybe dragons love differently than humans.” He chuckled. “Either way, my heart has always, and will always belong to Aurora.” He paused, and wiped at his eyes. Was he crying? “It was the love I felt for Aurora that allowed me to break free of the Vampire Queen’s grasp.”
That was interesting. “How does that work?” Christopher kind of told me, but I was still a little confused.
“The token must have great meaning for the Hunter. It’s different for each of us.”
For Christopher it’d been the bear he carved. I wondered what helped Professor Pops. Someday I’d ask him.
Kenmei went on, “I shared this memory with you because I wanted you to understand the power the Vampire Queen holds.”
“What do you mean?” I picked an apple blossom from a low hanging branch and brought it to my nose.
“Sharra drank from me at my weakest moment. When Aurora shunned my romantic affections for another. I was angry, filled with hatred, consumed by grief. When Sharra found me, I believed I was using her—at first. Of course once she changed me, I realized my folly.”
I was still confused.
He went on, “By drinking my blood, she stole some of my power.” He paused. “Each time you allow Christopher to drink from you, you’re giving him some of your power. And when you healed him?” Darkness passed over Kenmei’s features.
Had he expected me to let Christopher die?
“I know you saving him is part of who you are. You love him. I understand. What you must understand is the consequences of your actions.”
“But—” I began, and Kenmei held up a hand to stop me.
“You
love him. And I believe he loves you too. He’s…” Kenmei turned away, and fixed his gaze on Aurora. Her basket was almost full of apples.
I got the feeling Kenmei wanted to tell me something important. He either couldn’t or wouldn’t. And where Christopher was concerned, I didn’t want to discuss it. My feelings were already confused. I knew I loved Christopher. But, Dorian.
His kiss.
Not that it mattered. Dorian was gone. Still, the experience, his lips on mine… I didn’t think anything else would ever compare.
“Did you speak to her in this memory?” I asked, turning my attention back to Kenmei.
“No.”
The landscape smeared watercolors once again, and then I was home. Abernathy and Kenmei were gone. But his voice whispered in my mind.
“Seek out Sharra immediately. Finish this, little vampire.”
Chapter 4
Urgency boiled to overflowing. I went to the back door of the mansion. It was unlocked, and I walked in. Glints of moonlight cut through the windows, basking the kitchen in its glow. The clock on the microwave said four-thirty. Everyone should be asleep. Quietly, I tiptoed up the stairs, and entered the bedroom that used to be Dorian’s. Gatsby jumped off my bed, and wound his body around my feet.
“Hi, boy.” I picked him up, and went to the window. I could see my house through the trees. An ache filled my heart, and I wiped the tear sliding down my cheek. Placing Gatsby back on my bed, I sat, and removed my shoes. Weariness weighed heavily.
Even though the room had been redecorated, I could still see Dorian’s football posters on the walls, could still see his clothes strewn over the desk and on the floor, his laptop flicking through Patriots photos.
“Dorian.” I spoke his name like a prayer. It hurt to realize I finally grasped the power of love when it was too late to do anything about it.
“Where is he?” Professor Pops asked.
He stood in the doorway. His gray hair rumpled, like he hadn’t combed it in days. His clothes the same he wore the night Cindy and I decided to go see Abernathy.
I swallowed. Once I told him, would me hate me? Throw me out.
Professor Pops flipped on the light. Rubbed a hand over his tired face. “I’m glad you’re back. Safe.” He extended his arms in an effort to give me a hug.
Before he could, I blurted, “Dorian’s dead.”
Pops froze. His arms went lax, and hung at his sides. “I don’t believe it.”
His eyes glazed over. Pain convulsed through him. My heart broke again. For him. For me.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Henry.” It didn’t seem right to call him Professor Pops any more. Not when that was what Dorian called him. Not when I was responsible for his death.
Pops sat on the edge of my bed, his shoulders turned in wearily. “How?” he asked quietly.
I went over to the love seat, as though space would protect me from the agony Professor Pops was feeling. Then I explained. When I was finished, Professor Pops met my eyes. His were filled with tears, and his cheeks were wet. “You didn’t see him die? He just disappeared?”
“Yes.” I didn’t want to give him hope. “He didn’t have a pulse though. I checked.”
Pops wiped at his eyes. “If we don’t have a body, there’s a chance he’s still alive.” He must’ve seen the disbelief on my face because he continued, “You should know by now, considering the supernatural world we know exists, that it’s not over until…” A smile broke on his face. “Until we have our happily ever after.”
I blinked. My lips parted. Was he serious? Happily Ever After was a stupid ending to stupid fairytales. More appropriate would’ve been Happily Next Chapter, or Happily Ensuing Life… Or… “What do you mean?” I asked, wondering if his grief corrupted his thoughts.
He stood. A little bit of light shone in his eyes. It didn’t matter that I tried to dissuade him. The man still held out faith that his son wasn’t dead.
“I’ve got some research to do.” He went to the door. Stopped, and rushed over, wrapping me in his arms. Without prelude the waterworks flooded my face. I hugged him back, and held on tight. “It’s okay,” he cooed softly, stroking my hair. “It isn’t your fault. It’s okay.” I clung to him. His words were exactly what I needed to hear. He didn’t hate me. He wouldn’t banish me from his house, his life. I was loved. No matter what. It was a sensation I needed, and treasured.
Several minutes later, he released me. Professor Pop’s smile was kind. “Get cleaned up. Get some rest. We’ll figure this out. We’ll get him back.” He glanced around the room, noticing the candles on the floor in the shape of the star. Wax had melted and left blobs on the carpet. I doubted they would come out. “I’ll get this cleaned up later,” he said.
I tried to return his smile. His confidence was contagious.
“Don’t worry about the others either. I’ll tell them what happened. When you’re ready, come down, and we’ll make a plan.”
“Okay,” I said.
He closed the door, and I sank onto the bed, grabbing one of the white pillows, and squeezing.
A plan, I thought.
That meant more opportunities for those I cared for to get hurt, or die. I wasn’t going to allow that to happen. I would face the Vampire Queen. And I would do it on my own.
Chapter 5
I took a quick shower. Brushed my teeth. Put my long hair in a ponytail. Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, and put on my red Converse. When I finished, I went to the bed, and stared at the star on the floor beside it.
My plan was simple: Find a way into Sharra. Speak to the Vampire Queen, and destroy her with the Seal, if necessary. Then I would have Abernathy take me to Mizu, get my mother, and bring her home.
This isn’t her home, my inner voice quipped. But I pushed those thoughts away as technicalities. The house next door was still mine, at least according to Pops. We would live there. Simple as that.
Everything else. Christopher. Dorian. Cindy. School. Life. I would deal with whatever else came a step at a time.
Gatsby climbed on my lap. I scratched behind his ears. “I’m going to fix it. Promise.”
Gatsby purred in response. Then jumped off the bed, and went to the door.
Taking a deep breath, I followed him out. In the kitchen I opened drawers, and cupboards, searching for a lighter or matches in order to light the candles.
“What are you doing?” His voice had a hint of amusement to it.
I turned. “Hi Gabe.” Telling him my plan was out of the question. I needed to make something up. “I-I was going to take a bath, and wanted to light some candles. Do you know where to find a lighter or matches?” I shrugged, hoping the movement was nonchalant enough.
He smirked, and moved over to a cupboard. He opened it, and pulled a black lighter, one used for lighting a grill, with a long neck, from the top shelf. “Here you go,” he said lightly.
When I took it, our fingers brushed, and I had a quick flash of drinking from him. The night we almost did more than kiss. And he told me he loved me.
“I’m sorry, Snowflake,” he whispered.
I searched his features. He seemed older, his features hardened. Matured. His green eyes were still vivid, but darker.
“For what?” I asked, running my fingers along my wet ponytail.
“I’m a coward. I should’ve been a champion for you, fought for you, loved you the way you deserve.”
I crossed my arms. He didn’t need to apologize for that. “You are a man with a lot on your mind. I get that. You’ve got the chayot to lead. Cindy.” I sighed. “You did what you had to do. We all did.”
He brushed a piece of hair from my face. “I didn’t love you for the right reasons.”
That surprised me. “What do you mean?”
Gabe stepped back. “The two years you were gone allowed me to see that my love was driven by my hate for my father. The desire I had to go against everything he was. All he stood for.” He blew out a breath. “It was immature. I’m an idiot. And I’m s
orry if I hurt you.”
I swallowed. What he said made sense. I loved him and always would. It had been a crush. Sweet. Innocent, but it wasn’t long lasting.
What about Christopher, I thought.
I didn’t have an answer.
And Dorian?
At his name, my heart clenched in pain.
Dorian.
I swallowed down the agony, so it wouldn’t squash me. “I get it. And you didn’t hurt me. I’m glad you’re with Cindy. She loves you.”
He nodded. A fragment of a smile curled over his lips. “She’s a pain in the ass, but I love her too.” His eyes caught and held mine. “I really do.”
I nodded. “You better.”
He chuckled. “Life is weird, isn’t it?”
“That’s an understatement,” I responded. Then shaking the lighter in front of us as a reminder of why I came down, I said, “Well, I’d better get my bath.”
“Oh, right,” he said, slightly embarrassed. “See ya later.”
“Yep, see ya.”
He moved out of my way, leaning his back against the island. I smiled and walked by. Without thinking, I reached out and hugged him. Hard. As of way of acknowledging him for all he was, all he’d done for me. “Thanks, Gabe.”
“For what?” he asked, wrapping his arms around me.
“For everything. Being a great friend, an amazing boyfriend, and, well…” I pulled back so I could see his face. “Thanks for being you.”
He blinked in surprise. “You’re welcome, Snowflake.”
Chapter 6
I closed the door, and kneeled in the middle of the star. Then I lit the candles the old fashioned way. With a lighter. When I was finished, I tossed the lighter outside the circle, and sat.
It occurred to me that I was breaking my promise to Christopher. He’d asked me not to leave without telling him, but this couldn’t be helped. I wouldn’t put him or anyone else in jeopardy.
Blood and Snow 12: Vampire Ever After? Page 2
