He quickly lowers his gaze. “I am sorry, I do not mean to displease.”
“You are forgiven this once, but remember your place, Ditanu.” It is unseemly for one of our creations to speak to us so familiarly.
“Of course, Goddess, thank you.” His voice is pained.
“Now, would you like us to make you a mate?” I ask.
“No, but I thank you for your kind offer.”
“You do not wish a mate?” I ask, surprised.
“I could never love her as she deserves, it would not be fair to her.”
“Does your heart belong to another?”
“Indeed, it does, however, it is not meant to be. It is enough that I see her face. My father has sons enough to continue his line.”
“Such a lonely existence. Why do you not apprise this female of your affections?”
“I cannot, Goddess. She would never receive me. I am not worthy.” A suspicion begins to form in my mind. My sister, however, seems to have no such ideas.
“You are the son of the first vampire, created by us. You are practically descended from the gods; how can you not be worthy?”
“Sister,” I say. “Enough.” I turn to Ditanu in sympathy. He is right; a goddess will never receive him. “I shall consider your predicament. I believe I understand. But, I do not know whom. Will you tell me?”
“I dare not, Goddess. I am far too presumptuous with my affections.” At this point, I decide to take a liberty, as my curiosity is great. I look into Ditanu’s mind, searching for his secret love. To my amazement and great despair, it is myself. I keep these feelings from my face, and send Ditanu on his way. I ask him to send his younger brother to us.
***
He arrives quickly and kneels before us. “You wished to see me Goddesses?”
“Indeed, you are nearly 175 yet you have asked for no mate. Why is this?”
“I feel no desire for a mate.” As he speaks, I realize he looks younger than his brother, despite the minimal age difference. While his brother appears in his mid-twenties, Enlil appears less than twenty.
“You desire no female?” asks my sister.
“No, Goddess.”
“Do you . . . desire a . . . male?” she asks, slowly.
“No, Goddess.”
“Do you wish for a companion?”
“My family seems happy with their respective mates, so I am sure it must be pleasant, but I feel no need for a mate.”
“Do you feel any desires of the flesh?”
“None at all, Goddess.”
“This is most unusual, Enlil. Are you happy, at least?” I ask.
“Yes, Goddess. I take great joy in my nephews and nieces.”
“That pleases us. We believe joy is incredibly important. However, I believe you have suffered from a lack of desire because of your limited experiences. Perhaps you should travel the world for a while.”
“As you wish, Goddess.”
“We wish you luck in your travels, Enlil.”
“Thank you, Goddesses, for your blessings.”
We watch over Enlil during his travels. He wanders aimlessly for a few years before traveling in a more direct path, and arriving at a specific village. I am often distracted, especially as I sit in the sky alone. My thoughts regularly turn to Ditanu and his—or perhaps I should say our—predicament. He gazes longingly at the sky when I am there, and I feel despair at his pain.
I do not tell my sister of my findings, especially since I have yet to decide what to do with my knowledge. I can admit that he is an attractive vampire. More so even than his father. But he is still a vampire, and I am a goddess. These thoughts are pushed aside when my sister points out that Enlil has been watching a human.
“Sister, what is Enlil doing? He has been watching that human for years, since she was a child.”
“Perhaps she is special to her family and he seeks the best way to punish them by stealing her.”
My sister looks doubtful. “Perhaps.” Enlil continues watching the girl. Finally, on a celebration of her birth, he speaks with her. My sister and I are shocked. “Why does he lower himself to speak with a human?” I can do nothing but shrug, for I am as baffled as she.
***
Enlil continues visiting the human for several months. When we realize there is something special between them, we pay close attention to the human. We are gratified to see her offering nightly prayers to us.
Approximately a year after Enlil first spoke with the human, he comes to us. “Goddesses, I wish to make a most unusual request. I have met the woman I wish to spend my existence with.”
Fearing the worst, I feign excitement. “This is excellent news, Enlil! We are pleased to hear you have found yourself a mate. But you have not mentioned a request.”
“My mate is human. I wish to be bonded with her, and I would like you to witness our bond. I would also like to make her a vampire. Is this possible, Goddesses?” My sister and I stare at him. We had been afraid of this, but never once imagined he would be so foolish as to actually request it. How can he expect us to allow him to bond with a human?
After several moments, I finally speak. “She is a mere human, vampire. This would be a great gift. Is she worthy? Does she even wish it?” I know most humans fear vampires, despite knowing next to nothing about them.
“She is worthy. She remembers you both and offers nightly prayers. Her grandmother has taught her all about you and what you do for the world. I love her greatly, and she loves me, even knowing what I am.”
Running out of objections other than that she is human, I grasp at the last remaining option. “You did not answer my other question, Enlil. Does she desire this?”
“She desires to be bonded to me. However, I have not mentioned anything about becoming a vampire. I wished to speak with you first.”
“A wise move, Enlil. We shall consider your request. However, we promise nothing. Return tomorrow with your human.”
Enlil bows away from us. “I will, Goddesses. Thank you so much.” That evening, while I am tied to the sky, my sister speaks with different deities for opinions and suggestions.
***
She speaks with me the next morning as she rises into the sky. “I spoke with many deities last night, sister. As expected, I received mixed answers. However, my final visit was to the Fates.”
I gasp. “Sister, you actually visited the Fates?” The Fates have long been feared by the gods for the ease with which they can manipulate destinies.
“Yes, Sister. I visited the Fates. They created Enlil’s match.”
“But why?”
“Apparently, they have decided that this original family shall become royalty in the future. Some of the descendants of this family will have need of extra aid and outside opinions to keep them anchored to the progress of the human world. Because of this, the Fates have decided to add certain humans, or Chosen, to our original family of vampires, to help them with their destinies.”
I am amazed by these revelations. “Is that what has happened here?”
“Yes, Sister. The Fates also gave me a warning. We must allow our vampires to make their own choices, whether they request their own mate, choose another vampire, or even a human.”
“If we do not?”
“We run the risk of angering the Fates.”
I feel the blood rush from my face. No one in their right mind, not even a god, dare anger the Fates. “Then we have no choice. These new types of bonds cannot be ignored.” By this time, I can stay in the sky no longer, and begin to descend.
“The Fates intimated they had more information. Visit them!” My sister calls. I promise her to visit them and discover how to change a human into a vampire.
***
When I arrive, I am surprised the Fates see me quickly. They do not make me wait as they have done before. “Ah, Nyx, how good to see you.”
“And you, Past.”
“Yes, so good to see you so soon after your sister.”
“It is
a pleasure to see you as well, Future.”
The most powerful of the Fate sisters steps forward. “Nyx, you come seeking answers, we shall give them to you.”
“Thank you, Present.”
“However, we have some other advice for you first.” I wait, patiently, knowing the folly of actually requesting information. The Fates know everything, including what you want to know. They do not like to be reminded of the mundane. Finally, Present speaks. “Give in to your yearnings, Nyx. Do not resist the inevitable. When you embrace your destiny, you are given marvelous gifts.”
I am given a moment to process this information before Past speaks again. “Now, in answer to your question, it is really quite simple. Think of what you gave to your vampires to make them truly alive, then, consider what you must do to make room for it.”
It takes a mere moment to figure it out. Enlil must consume his human’s blood and feed her his own.
“Good, Nyx. Now, do not disappoint us in either matter. We shall give you some time, but know that this will happen. Better in a way you desire than in the way we choose.”
I swallow hard and nod. “Of course, Fates. Thank you for your help, wise ones.”
They nod their acceptance of my thanks. “Go now,” says Future. “And think on what has been said.”
***
I have just managed to make it into the sky when Enlil and his Chosen come to us.
The human gasps and prostrates herself before us as we appear in corporeal form. I smile at the sight. “Rise, Chosen.” She does so, but only to a kneel.
“Goddesses, forgive my attire. Had I but known I would see you, I would have arrayed myself in far finer clothing.”
“Enlil!” my sister admonishes. “You did not tell this human where you were bringing her?”
Enlil bows his head in guilt. “No, Goddess. I apologize, I did not wish her to be nervous.” He turns to his Chosen. “Forgive me, Anunit.”
“There is no need, dear Enlil. You did what you thought best.” I cannot help but smile at the obvious love between the two.
“Enlil, the two of you have a special bond.” My sister relays the information from the Fates.
When she finishes her explanation, I give the slightly overwhelmed couple some more good news. “I am sure that this Bond means you wish to spend more time with one another than a single human lifespan.”
“It would be wonderful to have more time together . . . ”
Enlil glances at his Chosen and I can hear the ‘but’ in his sentence. “As I thought. There is a way for Anunit to become a vampire.” The pure joy on both of their faces is enough to dispel any lingering doubts about Anunit’s worthiness or their love.
“However, this is a marvelous gift. We require a sacrifice of you in return, Anunit.”
“Anything for such a wonderful gift, Goddesses.”
“That is good to hear, Chosen. But, is it wise to agree when you do not know the terms?”
“I trust whatever sacrifice you require will be fair. To be given this gift is worth anything you could possibly request.”
I smile. “Well spoken, Chosen. Now since this is a special Bond, specifically arranged by the Fates, I believe it deserves a celebration of thanks. It would benefit you both to marry in the human custom so you may travel easily to celebrate your Bonding with Enlil’s family. I will allow you to plan your own Bonding ceremony. I only ask that you be ready to celebrate it within one month. The Fates do not accept delays in their plans.”
“We shall do so, Goddess,” said Enlil. “Is there anything else we should know?”
***
The jarring beeps of my alarm forcefully yank me into the land of wakefulness. I bolt upright in bed, looking around me in confusion, not really processing what I’m seeing. I’m stuck between Nyx and Elysabeth. It takes me a few moments to remember where—and who—I am. As I fall back into myself, the fog of sleep clears, and I realize it was only a dream.
I also realize that the details from said dream are slowly leaving me, so I grab some paper and a pencil and write down everything I can remember. I know, in the pit of my stomach, that it’s crucial that I remember this.
It had all been so vivid; more a memory than a dream. The idea of Chosen intrigues me. I’m slightly bothered by the idea of not having a choice in your spouse, but the thought of the Fates personally arranging a match is an honor. I sigh and push the papers away from me. Too bad it isn’t real.
***
“Hey, Lys, come give me a hand with this sofa!” I sigh. Shawn’s a stickler for spring cleaning, although this year he’s running late, and he’s working on the living room. I’m supposedly working on my bedroom, but I’ve really just been reading for the past few hours. I keep my room tidy; I don’t see any need to tear it apart to clean it up.
“Coming!” I head down the stairs to find him moving things out of the way.
“It’s going in the kitchen for now,” he says, a little breathless.
“Okay.” I reach down and grab the couch, surprised when I lift it easily. “You know, this isn’t as heavy as I remember.”
“Speak for yourself,” says Shawn, panting. “You must have left most of the weight on me.”
“Do you want to switch sides? Maybe lifting it this way is lighter.”
“Don’t be silly, I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”
I shake my head at his male pride. “Shawn, set it down. I don’t want you to hurt yourself, either. You’re probably tired from working so hard all day. Come on, switch with me.”
He stares at me, eyes narrowed. “You’ve just been reading up there, haven’t you?” His tone is accusing, and I blush. “Fine,” he gives in. “We can try switching, but let me know if it’s too heavy.”
“Will do,” I agree eagerly, happy to have avoided a talking to. I pick up the sofa again, but it feels no heavier than a book. “You okay over there?” I ask him.
“Yeah, I’m great. Come on, to the kitchen.” Shawn still seems to be having troubles, but hiding it because I’m not. I wonder if he’s feeling okay. I know he’s stronger than me. He sighs in relief and stretches when we set the sofa down in the kitchen. “Hey, Shawnie, you look beat; why don’t you tell me what to move, and you can get some rest?”
“Well, I have been working hard . . . ” I know his pride is warring with his fatigue. “Okay, Lys. I want to move the stuff on the walls to the center of the room, but leave the TV unit, it’s too heavy. I’ll help you.”
“Okay, Shawnie, I’ll let you know when I’m done.” I go back to the living room and quickly move the different pieces of furniture. When I easily pick up the big recliner while trying to pull it to one side, I know something is off. I start experimenting, trying to see how strong I am. I’m easily able to move the six-foot TV unit.
“Hey, Shawn!”
“Coming!” He walks into the living room and looks around. “Lys, are you all right? I told you not to move the TV unit yourself!” In his worry, he doesn’t notice that I’m not even a bit out of breath. “That has to be a hundred pounds empty, it must be a few hundred full of books and electronics like . . . ” He finally notices my excited look. “What’s going on?”
“Shawn, I’m not tired, I’m not winded.” I gesture to the furniture. “That wasn’t even hard. I actually picked up the recliner! This is crazy!” I calm my excited tone a bit. “In a good way! I don’t know what caused my sudden burst of strength.”
Shawn gives me an odd look. “You don’t know?” He pauses, looking uncomfortable.
“What’s wrong?”
He shakes his head. “Nothing. Nothing at all. It’s just . . . an odd situation. Have you been working out?” He cocks his head.
I grimace. “No, you know I hate exercise.” He nods. An evil idea forms in my mind. “Hey, Shawn, how much do you weigh?”
“About one-sixty, why?”
“Come here.”
He must see the evil glint in my eyes. “Lys, don’t you dare, you’ll
hurt yourself.”
I dart forward, surprising him with my speed and lift him easily. “Are you sure you weigh one-sixty? You feel like a feather.” I lift him higher, holding him up over my head until he bumps the ceiling.
“ I think something’s wrong with you.”
I laugh, setting him down. “I think this is amazing! I have super-powers!” I do a little spin, then flex my muscles. “Rawr!”
“No, Lys,” his voice is low, but nervous. “There has to be some explanation.”
You are fine; there is no reason to worry.
Every time I hear the voice now, it’s clearer and stronger than the time before. I’m really starting to doubt it’s just my intuition, but I have no other theories at the moment. Either way, I know that whatever, or whoever, it is, it’s in my best interest to listen to it.
“Nah,” I wave off his concerns. “Everything’s fine, I know it. I just got really strong.”
“Listen to yourself. No one ‘just gets strong.’” He regards me earnestly. “Something’s up.”
I shrug. “I suppose I can look online, but I’m not all that worried about it. Besides, it’s been incredibly useful today.”
Despite the worried looks Shawn keeps throwing me, I don’t feel the least bit concerned. My intuition tells me that I’m fine, and that’s good enough for me. Besides, it’s really cool.
CHAPTER 15
“Elysabeth, wait here, I will go get us some drinks.” I nod, not wanting to shout over the blaring music. We’ve been dancing for the past hour, and I’m both tired and thirsty.
I sit in one of the chairs behind me, and fend off the different guys that try to hit on me. I know the club is busy, so I figure it will take Damien a while to get our drinks. However, when twenty minutes have passed, and I’ve been hit on at least as many times, I decide to go find him.
I force my way through the crowd of people and finally make it to the bar. It’s almost empty. Most everyone is on the dance floor, and I’m able to see quite easily that Damien is not there.
Find him.
Okay, will do. I turn and survey the club, craning my neck to see over the crowd. I think I catch sight of him over in a corner, and start to make my way over to him. Perhaps he’s trying to stay out of the crowd. He wouldn’t want to spill the drinks on his shirt.
The Most Special Chosen Page 20
