Chapter 4: Demon war and vampire lies

I woke up. Then I remembered. Thankfully, I was still alive.

Then came the pain. It was horrible. To the pain of many injuries joined the painful aftereffects of the “die later” pills, which gave me a significant physical boost but did a number on several of my organs.

I swallowed the three “don’t die” pills. Taking a pill to compensate for another pill was a bad idea, but I had little choice. Had I not taken them, it would have taken me weeks to heal. How fast could I heal with the pills? That depended on the damage. And since every movement felt like agony, I’d say it was pretty bad.

I was lying on a bed in a small and dirty room. My naked torso had been bandaged, but my pants were still on. My strength ring was still on my finger, and the shield inside my chest felt unharmed. The large pill in my rectum was still there, if you really want to know.

I directed my magical energy to my wounds, chanting a simple healing spell. The pills would do the heavy lifting. I stopped after about an hour, but only because I noticed something: the sun had finished setting down. That was probably why I woke up. Growing up with vampires, my body learned to wake up when the sun was setting.

Ideally, I should take more time to heal. But this will have to do for now.

Slowly standing up, I was happy to see everything was working fine. Perhaps I had to thank the “fuck it” pill, the first one I took when coming into the city, for giving my body a general enhancement that stacked with both the combat pills and the healing pills, and helped with the side effects of both by pushing some of it onto my future health.

Walking slowly out of the room, I was noticed by a werewolf. He began to cheer.

Soon, a dozen werewolves stood all around me, yelling and cheering. I was pretty sure they looked happy, which should have been a good thing, only I still felt a bit confused.

“What happened?” I asked.

“You fought like no human did in years, and you did not use magic like a warlock” said one of them. “Fenori has declared you an honored guest”.

That was good. Actually, that was great. It meant everything worked out as I planned – except for my injuries, which were far worse than I had planned for.

“You can stand?” asked a woman of the pack, her eyes full of surprise and admiration.

She was very pretty, assuming you like hairy women. Which I didn’t mind. If you ask me, every type of woman has a look befitting her: the slim body and pale skin (on white people) of a vampire; the strong, rough-looking body of a she-orc; the natural, hairy look of a werewolf woman; the wooden look of dryads... You get the deal.

We walked together, the wolves and I. One offered to support me as I walked, but I refused. With vampires, the one thing to always keep in mind is: they will always lie to you. With werewolves, the one thing to always keep in mind is: they will always challenge your place in the dominance hierarchy. You can’t show weakness – unless it fits your desired rank in the group. In my case, I had to worry not to overshadow the alpha, while at the same time not to appear weak. So far I was doing a decent job.

The alpha, who’s name apparently was Fenori, sat on his big chair. He would have looked healthy to the average human eye, but I could tell he was in pain. After the fight he most likely remained in the hall, sitting on his chair, to show his strength and maintain his status. He most likely received no medical care. Soon he will retire home, where his nuclear family will treat his wounds, out of the sight of prying eyes. Everyone knew it will happen, yet he had to keep up appearances. Every society has at least one useless custom.

“Adam Day-walker”, Fenori said. He tried his best to speak clearly, but I could hear the physical pain in his voice.

“You fought like a wolf in human skin. You fought with honor, risking death. For that, you are a guest of honor in our pack. You may come and go as you please. You may eat at our table. You may bed an unwed woman. Should you answer this honor with dishonor, you will die a liar, in disgrace.”

I bowed my head.

“My strength pales in light of yours. I will let all in Veritom know that Fenori fights with honor, that Fenori stands undefeated, and that Fenori’s pack treats guests with due honor”.

All around me, werewolves cheered.

“Go, now”, said Fenori to his pack. “I must talk with the guest alone”.

Several pack members invited me to eat and sleep in their homes. I must have made a real impression in the fight.

Finally, I was left alone with Fenori.

“I meant what I said”, Fenori began. “You fight like a wolf, even if you use a strength ring”.

So, he noticed. Not that it was hard to.

“You fight well. Especially for one who uses no artifacts” I looked him straight in the eyes, and we both smiled. Now he knew that I knew, and that I didn’t mind. That I won’t use the information against him in any way.

“The attack”, he said.

I nodded.

“It’s strange”, he said. “no one took credit, yet the underside is not up in arms. There is no great search, no accusations. As if no one wants to move”.

I thought of Jack. How tired and old he seemed. Was it possible that this town simply lost its spirit? No. Humans grow old and tired, werewolves too, but not the immortal species. The vampires, the demons. They don’t change. They’re not supposed to.

“Tell me what you think”, I said.

Fenori exhaled slowly. “Either Council or the Throne did it. Maybe both. That’s the only explanation I can think of”.

“Then why?” I asked.

He shook his head. “There were talks, the past two years. That Jane wants to overthrow the Throne. That she is being close to Council. I thought it was an attempt to discredit her. Maybe it really was”.

“But then, why attack anonymously? Why make her appear like a victim?” I said.

Something was off. He was hiding something. Just like Jack was.

“Your lies disgrace you”, I said. I probably shouldn’t have.

Fenori stood up from his chair. “I’ll kill you where you stand”, he said.

“Then kill me quickly, before anyone gets here and hears me repeat my accusation”.

He considered it.

“I can see you speak from love of Jane. So I will forgive you – once. Never call me a liar again”.

I nodded, refusing to make a verbal promise.

“I can tell you something else, but it is speculation. And I don’t believe it’s true, which is why I did not say it.”

I nodded again.

He sat back down on his chair, clearly in pain.

“There are rumors whispered in the underside. Not by the undersiders in Veritom, but in the underside itself. Rumors of a change in power. A silent war. A demon war.”

He paused. I wasn’t sure if I should speak. I decided to keep silent.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“Cecile should know more than I”, he continued. “She was the one who told me of it. Us mortals have few connections in the underside.”

Cecile? Talking to a werewolf? And not telling me about it? And if the rumors are true, was she hiding a demon war from me?

What happened here these past thirteen years?

The simplest answer would be that Cecile was lying to Fenori. That would make the most sense. But I wasn’t sure anymore. I could barely recognize what my own home had become.

“We do not want a war”, Fenori said. “And though my instincts scream at me for it, I do like your mother Jane. She is unlike any other vampire I have ever met. If you learn more, come to me. I will help you, if I can.”

A human-vampire-werewolf alliance against Council and the Throne? I should just get the dryads, then we’ll have a full-on party. It was far more likely I had just gone insane.

“Help me find Jane, and I will owe you. Anything”.

His eyes met mine, and he knew I spoke the truth.

“Very well”, he said. “We will look for her. But we will not be the ones to start a war. And if a war starts, we will do what we must.”

I understood. If there was a plot and mom was on the wrong side of it, Fenori would fight against us to protect the future of his pack. It was fair.

“Tell me the moment you learn anything”, I said. “Assuming no war breaks out, I will always treat your pack with honor.”

He nodded slowly in acceptance.

“You may stay tonight, if you wish”, he said. “Several of our unwed women have voiced an interest in you”.

That sounded pretty good, and exactly what I needed. If only my body wasn’t hurt so bad, and if only I didn’t have important work tonight. If only mom was safe at home.

“I will take you on that offer”, I said. “After my mother is found safe”.

Or if I end up with a few hours of daytime and no idea what to do with them. Though I didn’t say that out loud, of course.

I limped my way out of werewolf territory. After picking up my stash and equipping all my gear, I took a cab to Frieda’s. It was time to pick up a friend.

The place was open. It usually closed a few hours after sunset, from what I remembered. I found Frank sitting at a table alone, waiting.

I cringed a little. The reason guys like that have trouble with people is because they don’t notice what their behavior says about them. How long do you think he was waiting? And I had no doubt he was waiting for me.

“Day-walker!” he called when I approached.

Then he noticed my injuries.

“Who did this?!” he shouted, scaring the few people still inside the restaurant.

“Don’t worry, Frank”, I said. “It was a good fight. No bad blood.”

“Blood?” he asked, confused.

My vocabulary wasn’t even close to impressive, but it seemed it was a bit much for Frank.

“We forgave each other. Everything is alright”.

I’m not sure if it reassured him or not, but Frank did seem to relax a little.

“Will you come with me?” I asked. “I need your help for a few hours, then I’ll help you find a girl”.

Frank seems hesitant. “What kind of girl?” he asked.

I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first. Examining his face, I could see he seemed worried. Worried for himself, but also for someone else. Then I understood what the problem was.

“A vampire girl”, I said. “They are small, but they are very strong. You will not hurt them by accident”.

I seemed to have hit the mark. Frank looked delighted for a moment, before looking worried once again.

“Frieda says vampire is dangerous. Will trick me and drink my blood”.

“Vampires are good at tricking, yes”, I said. “But you’ll be with me. I’ll tell the vampire to treat you right. Do you trust me?”

There shouldn’t be a problem there. Vampire escorts usually had sex for blood, but money worked just as well. Vampires had to pay rent, too. I could pay the price, and make it clear to the vampire that Frank is easily influenced and must not be made to fall in love with her. The vampire might even enjoy the challenge: flirt with a man and make his night, without him forming an attachment. Shouldn’t be too hard. Only, Frank wasn’t a man. Would that be a problem? Is he compatible with vampire anatomy – with human anatomy? We’ll see, I supposed. A good vampire escort knows how to work around these things. And if the worst happens, she’ll still heal. Probably.

Frank nodded. “I trust Day-walker a bunch a lot”.

“That’s good to hear, Frank”.

First stop was Cecile. I wanted to ask her about the rumors. Then there was Jack’s again, this time with people and probably some trouble. Then, if I was still conscious, we’ll go to the Throne. I wasn’t sure if Frank would be any help with that last one. I’ll decide after we’ll leave Jack’s.

“Welcome, gentlemen”, Cecile greeted us as we entered.

Seeing as I wasn’t alone, Cecile was in human mode. She wore a soft smile under intelligent and kind eyes.

“We need to talk”, I told Cecile.

She nodded, then her eyes glanced at frank so fast that it was clearly meant for me.

“This is my friend Frank. We were good friends when we were young. Now that I think about it, I never brought him over here.”

“Hello, Frank”, Cecile said, offering her hand.

Frank shook it so gently it was clear he’d practiced a lot. Cecile gave me a quick glance, and I nodded. I saw her grip tighten on Frank’s hand, and the surprise on his face. He shook her hand over and over, up and down, clearly not restricting his strength at all. His face was full of ecstatic delight.

“Can you wait for me here, Frank?” I said. “I need to talk to Cecile alone for a few minutes”.

I looked around. The place wasn’t full yet, but there were definitely people. I recognized one of the vampires.

“Rachel!” I called.

She smiled at me and approached.

“Adam. It’s been far too long.”

I didn’t have time for pleasantries. Especially when it was all an act, and Rachel didn’t actually care.

“Are you working right now?” I asked.

She nodded.

“This is my friend, Frank. Could you stay and talk with him while I talk to Cecile?”

She nodded. “I’d be delighted. Frank, was it? Come, lets sit over there”.

I specifically asked her to talk to him, knowing she would pick up on the words I chose. In other words: don’t sleep with him, and don’t try to drink his blood. Just talk.

I followed Cecile upstairs. The highest floor had three rooms: a conference room, an office, and mom’s and Cecile’s bedroom. They moved here after I turned ten, and mom thought I didn’t need a classic home environment anymore. We used to live in a house close to the club.

Cecile and I entered the office.

“Heard rumors about a war in underside, and that mom might be involved”. No use beating around the bush. Especially not with a vampire.

Cecile’s blank face did not move and inch. It looked like she was hiding her emotions, but any emotion I’d see on her face will be the real act of hiding her emotions. A blank face was as honest as she could get. Though it did not necessarily imply such intention.

My face was blank, too. I was out of practice, but it was coming back to me – the blank face, the blank heart. I needed it now for real, since I wasn’t sure if Cecile was really on my side.

“Rumors. Make believe. Untrue.”, she answered.

“Where from?”

“Unknown”.

“You lie.”

It was indeed an accusation, but not the kind a human would make. It was not “It’s bad to lie”, but rather “it’s bad to be caught in a lie”. I was, of course, angry that Cecile lied to me. But she was incapable of sympathizing with my sentiment, so I didn’t even try. Catching her in a lie, however, would hurt her by revealing that her lie failed. It was the closest thing I had for punishment.

Well, not exactly. There was something even better.

“Lying risks Jane’s death”, I said.

That should have hurt. I could never know what a vampire would feel in such a case, how the feeling we call “hurt” manifests itself in their inhuman heart. But she didn’t spend her life with mom just because it was convenient. She had money and power of her own. She didn’t want sex or anything related to it, and she couldn’t drink mom’s blood. Yet she stayed with her. In her own way, she loved mom. That’s how I knew my words had to hurt.

The carrot and the stick are universal. No matter what creature you are, if you’re alive then there are things you want, and things you want to avoid. It is a condition of life itself.

“I lied”, Cecile said. “Rumors are true, but dangerous. Contacts in underside tell of demon war. Internal, hidden. I don’t know more.”

“And mom?”

She paused.

“Jane went to underside. Tried to stop it before it began. Tried to save Veritom.”

“When?”

“Twenty one years ago”.

I was seven. And it was true. Mom left home for nine months when I was seven. I didn’t know she went to underside. I still wasn’t sure that part was true.

An old war, then. Began many years ago. Then again, to immortals years are like days are to us. It made sense.

“Who took mom?”

“Unknown”.

“How are Council and the Throne involved?”

“Unknown”.

I had no way to tell what was true.

Stick didn’t work. Time for a carrot.

I focused my magical energy. I could feel Cecile’s body tense, awaiting an attack. But she must have seen on my face that it wasn’t my intention.

My broken body screamed at me, but I kept going. I activated my strength ring. I activated my thumb ring, not to show its effect but only its magical potential. I chanted a potent magical enhancement spell, and the air began to glow around me.

“I’m on mom’s side”, I said. “This is the power I gathered. I will use it to help mom, no matter what she plans to do. Use me. Let me help”.

Cecile’s face was without change.

“You are stronger than you were”, she said slowly. “I forgot how fast humans can change”.

Then her eyes took on a piercing gaze. “But you aren’t strong enough. You forget your place, human”.

Her fist hit me in the stomach, taking my breath away and preventing me from chanting even a single word.

The finger of my strength ring was grabbed, then snapped, before I could move a muscle. I felt the ring ceasing to work once my finger was broken. Cecile’s eyes met mine, And they were white and black and red. I felt her will enter my mind.

I activated the shield in my chest, and my mind was freed. I activated a ring, and a flash of electricity went into Cecile, paralyzing her temporarily. I grabbed her neck with my right hand, activated the ring on my thumb, and chanted:

Break, break, O magic of dark

Break, break, O bringer of death

Come forth, O light from up high

Burn, burn, O light of my life

The spell was ready in my hand, the hand on Cecile’s neck.

I let it dissipate, unused. I removed my hand. I could have killed her, then and there. Perhaps she had a way to stop me; perhaps she had cards up her sleeve. But she underestimated me, and she knew it.

One thing’s for sure: I won’t be able to pull that trick on her again. But I never would have done it. I loved Cecile, even if she didn’t love me. And I’d die for her, though she’d never die for me.

I think my childhood might have messed me up a bit. What do you think?

Cecile stumbled to the floor, her legs struck with sudden weakness.

She looked up at me.

I returned her gaze.

“If you want my life”, I said. “It’s yours. Say it, and I’ll let you take from me whatever you want.”

She was silent for a long moment.

“I was wrong”, Cecile said at last. “You are strong. I can use you. For Jane.”

“Tell me how”, I said.