My question took me and the vampire by surprise. I didn’t know why I wanted to ask, perhaps it was a coping mechanism to take my mind off the awful events that had transpired.
“Yes they were a student of mine,” The monster’s voice was almost tender as he answered before looking down at me, “Why would you ask such a question?”
“Because…It has always been a dream of mine to create something that could outlive me.” My voice came out in a whisper as it cracked like old wood, “If I die knowing it was possible perhaps I could find some semblance of peace.”
“Your heart still beats, why assume you are a dead man walking,” The vampire asked, his scarlet eyes never leaving my own.
“Even if you decide not to take my life, it won’t be long. The first man you killed was the only reason I am still alive. And without both my hands I won’t be able to meet the quota.” I muttered grimly before lowering my eyes back to the floor.
For a moment the vampire didn’t reply and I kept my eyes fixed on the hem of his robe hovering just over the bloodstained floor, “What would you give, in order to achieve your dream?”
In the next instant I felt two sharp points sink into my neck and before I could push away or fight back I felt every muscle in my body go limp before my mind slipped away and everything went black.
---
Opening my eyes as I woke up from a dreamless sleep for the first time in a very long time. I slid out my bed and braced for the drop down. Only to pause when my feet landed on a lush carpet only a few inches below my bed.
For a moment nothing clicked in my addled mind until memories of the previous day flooded into my mind. A cold sweat broke out across my body and my left hand balled into a fist in my lap while I stared at the mutilated remains of my right.
“You’ve been asleep for quite some time.” A familiar voice echoed in my ears and before I knew it I was up on my feet staring at the vampire who had slaughtered my comrades like sheep.
He had ditched the floor length robe and now wore a pair of black linen pants and a white cotton shirt, “Though the transformation process has exceeded my every expectation.”
Remembering the fangs buried into my neck I reached up only to pause mid way and switch hands to feel the smooth unbroken skin, “What did you do to me?”
“I gave you a gift, one that hasn’t been received in over five centuries.” The vampire replied steadily, “You wanted to make something that could transcend mortality. Now you have a body that will never wither away or succumb to disease.”
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As he finished speaking the vampire stepped aside revealing a body length mirror affixed to the wall behind him.
At first glance I almost didn’t believe it was my reflection in the mirror. But then I saw my hand and had to take a deep breath to calm the surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. Besides my disfiguration everything had changed for the better. I had grown several inches putting me at an even six foot. And an even more drastic change was to my overall physique, instead of being a lanky stick visible muscles filled out my frame. Curling my arm I watched as the individual muscle fibers moved under my skin which had changed for the better as well. It was unnaturally smooth like thrown clay and only a couple shades lighter than the coals of an iron smith’s furnace.
However the most startling transformation was my face, it looked as if every minor insecurity I once had was gone. I also had the same chiseled features and cheekbones that seemed universal in every description of a great king or war hero. But the initial awe of my new features quickly faded, as I looked into my reflection’s scarlet eyes, no longer the common brown I had inherited from my mother.
The loss of that connection cut deeper than any knife and I nearly collapsed as I felt my vision swim, “W-Why did you do this?”
My voice was harsh even to my ears, but I couldn’t bother restraining my emotions a moment longer. The vampire stared down at me with a chilling gaze, “Because I have need of you.”
”That isn’t an answer.”
“That is the only answer you get,” The vampire sapped back and his eyes flashed with a bloodthirsty light, “I am the only reason you are still alive, but continue to speak to me in that manner and I will make your life a living hell. Am I understood.”
After a tense moment I averted my eyes and nodded. The vampire’s face slipped back into the well practiced mask of neutrality, “Good, now what is your name?”
“Ramos Masura,” I muttered quickly before pausing, as I realized it was the first time I had said my full name in over half a decade.
“A strong name, your parents chose well.”
I blinked, not expecting the blatant compliment from the unfeeling Fae.
“My name is Atravius Tuvaru Vitamori, but you will call me Master or Master Atravius.” There was no question in his voice, only a command demanding obedience.
Having already felt his hostile gaze before, I nodded quickly and watched as Artravius’ lips curled up in a slight smile, “Perhaps this won’t be such a painful endeavor after all.”
Raising his hand Atravius snapped his pale slender fingers and I watched with wide eyes a circle of glowing red energy appeared out of thin air, “Come we have much to discuss.”
Without waiting for my reply Atravius walked through the portal and the surface rippled like water before stilling once more. I stared at the magic wearily, but my fear of drawing Atravius’ ire proved stronger
After a final moment of hesitation I walked through the portal. The sensation that passed over my body was akin to plunging into a stagnant oasis heated by the desert sun.
Thankfully the sensation only lasted a split second and the next time I opened my eyes I was somewhere completely else. Looking around I stared at the massive monolithic stone pillars surrounding the stone platform I stood on.
Beyond the pillars there was nothingness, and endless darkness that stretched on for eternity.
“Tell me Ramos, what do you know of magic?” The question rang out in the large open space and I turned to face Atravius who stood in the middle of the platform that was slightly raised on a dais.