The cosy restaurant, with its inviting mix of light browns and blues, should have been a welcoming sight for Zach. But the warm lighting, designed to create an intimate atmosphere, made him feel uncomfortable. The cheerful conversations and smiles exchanged between customers, designed to foster a sense of camaraderie, only served to increase his sense of being overwhelmed. As Zach entered, his gaze was drawn to the familiar sight of the middle-aged white couple nestled in their usual private corner. Time seemed to have stood still for them, the wrinkles on their faces unchanged since he last saw them. Their elegant attire, a stark contrast to the casual wear of the other customers, hinted at a special occasion.
When they spotted Zach, a smile spread across their faces. But it was not a warm, welcoming smile. It was a smile laced with venom, a chilling facade that masked a hidden malice. The insincerity behind their expressions sent a shiver down Zach's spine, a foreboding premonition of the sinister intentions lurking beneath their polished exterior.
"My son," the man beckoned, his arms outstretched in a gesture of paternal affection.
"Come on, hug your father," the woman urged, her voice dripping with feigned warmth.
Zach let out a soft, resigned sigh. He knew the consequences of refusing their embrace. This seemingly harmless gesture was a thinly veiled threat, a power play disguised as familial love. He could imagine the scene that would unfold if he defied her: a public spectacle, accusations and, ultimately, chaos.
Each heavy step towards the man felt like a surrender, a reluctant concession to the familiar dance of manipulation. Beneath the veneer of fatherly affection, Zach sensed the sinister undercurrent of a toxic bond he knew all too well.
"How are you, son?" The man's voice dripped with practised warmth, his kind eyes and meticulously groomed brunette hair the perfect disguise for a predator.
"Fine," Zach mumbled, sinking into the chair beside him. The air thickened with unspoken threats, the pleasantries a thin veil over a yawning chasm of malice
"So, you've really moved to another town?" The woman's voice was honeyed poison, her once-blonde hair now streaked with silver.
"Why ask?" Zach said with an annoyed tone, his eyes glued to the menu as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
"Answer your mother," the man said, his voice a low rumble that brooked no argument.
Zach dropped the menu, his gaze fixed on his trembling hands. "Yes, I moved out."
"I thought you lied," the woman hissed.
Zach looked at his hands, clenched into fists, and forced himself to meet their eyes. He had promised himself that he would end this. He looked at the man, his heart pounding like thunder in his ears. His father's deep brown eyes, once a source of warmth and security, now seemed to pierce through him, dissecting his every emotion. Memories flooded back, a torrent of hurt and anger threatening to drown him.
"Do you have anything to say?" the father asked, a smile playing on his lips, a smile that concealed a venomous undercurrent.
"Y...Yes," Zach stammered, the words caught in his throat.
"Go on," the father urged, accepting the plates from the waiter. The steak glistened, rare as always, as if the flesh was still alive. The sight of the crimson flesh twisted Zach's guts, a visceral reaction to a long-buried trauma that still haunted his nights. He gagged, bile rising in his throat as a phantom pain echoed through his body
"I...I don't..." Zach fought back the bile rising in his throat, a wave of nausea threatening to overwhelm him.
"Don't what, son?" His father asked, chewing a bloody mouthful of steak with grotesque relish.
"I..." Zach gagged, unable to hold it back any longer. He lurched to his feet"I need to go to the bathroom."
He fled to the bathroom, bursting into the first stall and retching violently. The acrid stench of vomit filled the small space as he emptied his stomach, tears mixing with the acidic bile. He scrubbed his mouth with rough paper towels, desperate to rid himself of the phantom taste of raw meat. A long-buried memory, a taste of terror, clung to his tongue, a reminder of the past he couldn't escape.
Footsteps echoed in the bathroom, the rustle of fabric amplifying Zach's anxiety. The sharp scent of smoke and rum wafted towards him. His father's voice, thick with amusement, broke the silence.
"You alright?"
"Yes," Zach answered, his voice hollow with exhaustion.
"If you're done, come on out. The steak's getting cold, isn't it your favourite?" His father's hand landed on Zach's back, a light pat that sent a jolt of electricity through his body. It felt like a blow from a hammer.
Zach pushed himself upright, his father instinctively taking a step back. Zach's face burned, Zach's face was flushed, a furious crimson that could have been from the retching or the rage simmering beneath the surface. He locked eyes with his father, the older man's stance casual, one hand still tucked in his pocket. Zach's breath came in ragged gasps, his heart thundering against his ribs as a bone-deep chill settled over him. He opened his mouth, closed it, the words trapped in his throat.
"I...I won't go back out there," Zach finally managed, his voice barely a whisper.
"Speak up," his father demanded, closing the distance between them.
Zach flinched but held his ground. "I won't go out there," he repeated, avoiding his father's eyes.
"I said LOUDER, son!" the man's voice roared, echoing off the tiled walls.
"I AM NOT YOUR SON!" Zach screamed, the words ripping from his throat. "NOT ANYMORE!"
"What did you just say?" Disbelief twisted the man's face into a mask of fury.
Zach panted, vision blurred by tears and rage. He had crossed a line, shattered the illusion of obedience. He could almost taste the violence hanging in the air, the unspoken threat of retribution
"I asked you, what did you say?" The man's voice was a low growl as he lunged forward, grabbing Zach's collar and pulling him closer. His hand rose, ready to strike.
Zach braced himself, squeezing his eyes shut. The slap hit his face, a sharp sting that exploded into a throbbing pain. Then another. The sound echoed in the cramped bathroom, each blow a sickening thud. A metallic taste filled Zach's mouth.
And then another slap. Zach was helpless, his defiance crumbling into regret. The pain was searing, as if his skin were on fire. His face was now numb with the pain. He couldn't stand it anymore. The moment his father's grip loosened, he shoved him back with all his might.
He ran, bursting out of the bathroom and into the restaurant. The customers stared as he sprinted past, a blur of desperation. He didn't stop, didn't look back. He ran out into the night, the darkness swallowing him whole. He ran without a destination, driven only by the primal need to escape.
Tears burst from his eyes, mingling with the cold night air that mocked his pain. His face was numb, a canvas of stinging fire. His legs ached, his feet burned. The panting grew heavier, each inhale a ragged gasp.
He stumbled into a field, as if it had appeared out of nowhere. He collapsed onto the damp grass, his hands covering his face as he sobbed like a child. His cries echoed across the empty field, a discordant harmony with the chirping of night insects. The harmony was broken by the soft rustle of footsteps on grass, approaching and then stopping behind him.
"I could smell your blood a mile away." The voice came from behind him, laced with a breathlessness that hinted at a chase. Zach knew instantly whose voice it belonged to, Velor.
"Are you alright?" Velor asked, settling beside him on the damp grass. Zach remained silent, his body wracked with sobs and hiccups.
"I'll stay here," Velor said, his voice a low rumble in the night. "Just tell me if you want me to leave." He placed a comforting hand on Zach's back, a gentle pat that offered silent support.
The night settled back into a hushed stillness, broken only by Zach's sobs. But the cold air didn't bite as sharply anymore. as if Velor's presence had brought a warmth that defied the elements. The comfort radiating from the vampire allowed Zach to regain some semblance of composure. His crying subsided, the tears slowing to a trickle, and the numbness in his face gradually gave way to a dull ache.
For the next half hour, Zach remained in the field, his face a canvas of pain and sorrow. The bruises on his cheek darkened, a stark reminder of his father's cruelty. The inside of his mouth throbbed with each hesitant movement of his tongue, the metallic taste of blood a constant companion.
Tears had left streaks on his face, carving paths through the grime and dirt. His eyes, red and swollen, reflected the anguish of his ordeal, the betrayal of a bond that was supposed to be sacred.
He looked up at Velor, who sat beside him, a flicker of shock in his eyes. Velor opened his mouth as if to speak, but hesitated.
"You're probably wondering why I ended up like this," Zach said, his voice raspy from the tears.
"Yes, I am," Velor replied softly, his concern evident in his tone.
"My father - I mean, my no-longer father - did this," Zach confessed, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. There was no point in hiding the truth from Velor any longer
"I'm so sorry," Velor murmured, his gaze fixed on the star-studded sky.
"It's okay," Zach sighed, lying back on the damp grass. "At least I'm free."
"It must have been so hard," Velor said, looking at Zach, who had closed his eyes.
"It was..." Zach's voice trailed off, a tremor running through him. "When I was five..." He paused, tears welling up again.
"I was adopted by them. They seemed so loving at first. But when I turned ten, they..." Zach's voice caught in his throat.
"They became monsters. I thought it was my fault, that I was a bad kid who deserved it." His voice was hoarse with emotion.
"I started obeying their every command, hoping they'd be nicer. But even the smallest mistake meant beatings, being locked in the closet... no food, no water."
"The worst part was the family gatherings," Zach's voice cracked, the memory threatening to break him. "One of their brother's kids, maybe thirteen or fourteen at the time, they would tie me up and..." He met Velor's gaze, a silent plea for understanding in his eyes.
Zach's voice cracked, the bravado slipping away as memories flooded back.
"They peed on me. My body was covered in wounds, and it hurt like hell. After that... I became their dog. Obedient to them, but a real jerk to everyone else." His gaze drifted up to the night sky, a single star piercing the darkness above them.
"I was so helpless. But then in high school, I met Eva, my best friend, my only friend." A small smile touched his lips as he wiped away a stray tear.
"I was a kid who scared people off, probably what they call 'attitude problems'." Zach chuckled humorlessly. "But she tried so hard to be my friend. We started hanging out, and she helped me with everything. Her parents, too. They gave me a bed and food when I showed up at their house at night." The smile returned, a flicker of warmth in the darkness.
"When I turned eighteen, I tried to move out, but they wouldn't let me." Zach's hand moved to his stomach, tracing the raised scar hidden beneath his shirt. "They said I belonged to them, that I was their son. Then they tried to... end it, with a knife." He laughed, the sound hollow and brittle.
"But they failed. All they left me with was this scar." Zach lifted his shirt, revealing the jagged mark.
"Then they moved away, heartbroken or something. But I didn't leave. I lived in the house next to the museum, and they kept showing up uninvited. So I lied, told them I moved to the next town over. In reality, I just moved to the other side of town. They still haven't found me." Zach smiled but the wound hurt so he just smiled lightly
"I... let's go to Dominick's place," Velor said, abruptly standing up.
"Huh? Why?" Zach asked, bewildered.
"To treat your wound," Velor replied, holding out a hand to help Zach up. Zach instinctively took it, still unsure why he was following this vampire's lead.
"If you say so," Zach mumbled, brushing the dirt and grass
"But how? Didn't you just walk here?" Zach asked, furrowing his brow as he recalled Velor's sudden appearance
Velor paused, then chuckled. "Right. Maybe a taxi is a better option." He pulled out his phone and dialled a number.
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They waited in the shadows for five minutes until a sleek black car emerged from the darkness. Zach hesitated, but as Velor strode towards it, he followed.
The ride was brief, ending at the familiar sight of the grand Victorian mansion and its imposing iron gates. The car swept them through the entrance before disappearing into the night. Velor led Zach inside, where the twins with their striking amber eyes and raven hair approached them. Confusion flickered across their faces as Velor pulled them aside for a hushed conversation. Their eyes darted over Velor's shoulder to Zach, who offered a small wave. Surprise registered on their faces at this unexpected gesture.
"Come on," Velor said, leading Zach down a dimly lit corridor. "I've asked them to prepare a room and some clothes for you."
"A room?" Zach echoed, his voice thick with confusion.
"Yes, a room. You need rest and to get those wounds cleaned. Who knows what you might catch if you don't take care of them. Mortals are fragile creatures," Velor explained, leading Zach down the same cellar stairs from the Azure Night event.
They followed the familiar route, ending up at Dominick's workroom. Velor threw open the door dramatically, startling a napping vampire lord sprawled on the couch
"What the hell?!" Dominick jolted awake, glaring at Velor.
"Must you always do that?" Dominick grumbled, flashing Velor a middle finger.
"And who do we have here?" Dominick stood, his keen senses immediately picking up the scent of fresh blood emanating from Zach.
"Why are you... Did Velor do this?"Dominick asked, only to receive a swift slap on the back of the head from Velor.
"No, not him," Zach offered a weak smile as Dominick gently guided him to the couch. "He found me like this."
"Did you eat?" Dominick asked, his gaze shifting to Velor.
"Why are you looking at me, you idiot?" Velor retorted.
"No, I haven't," Zach interjected before a full-blown argument erupted.
"Want something to eat?" Dominick asked, genuine concern written all over his face.
"But we don't keep human food here, what do we do?" Dominick walked over to Velor, who was rummaging through a nearby cupboard.
"Go ask Aiden, he'll figure something out," Velor said, placing several items on the table.
"Okay, be right back." Dominick vanished in a blur of motion
Zach watched as Velor poured salt into a glass of water. "Here, rinse your mouth with this. Slowly," he instructed, handing Zach the glass.
Velor left the room briefly and returned a few moments later. Zach swished the salt water around his mouth, the sting bringing tears to his eyes. Suddenly, a chill touched his cheek, making him flinch. He turned to see Velor holding an ice pack to his bruised face.
"Didn't mean to startle you," Velor murmured, his hand hesitantly hovering over the ice pack.
"It's okay," Zach reassured him, leaning into the cool touch against his sore skin. The relief was immediate, the icy chill soothing the throbbing pain and calming his frayed nerves. But the tenderness of the gesture, the unexpected comfort, brought a fresh wave of tears to his eyes.
"Cry if you need to," Velor's voice was soft, laced with compassion.
Zach's gaze met his, and the dam broke. Tears flowed freely, sobs wracking his body. He slumped forward, burying his face in his lap. A pair of strong arms enveloped him, a gentle squeeze conveying warmth and unwavering support. In that embrace, Zach found solace, a fleeting sense of safety amidst the turmoil.
Ten minutes passed, and the storm within him subsided. The tears stopped, replaced by a lingering warmth from Velor's embrace. Zach, suddenly self-conscious, awkwardly pulled away, his face flushing crimson. Embarrassment washed over him as he realised he'd just had a full-blown breakdown in front of a vampire he barely knew.
They fell into an awkward silence, the only sound being the soft drip of the melting ice pack as Velor gently rubbed it against Zach's bruised cheek. A comfortable silence, born of years of unspoken understanding. Velor knew instinctively when words were needed and when quiet presence was enough. Zach opened his mouth to speak, but before any words could form, Dominick burst through the door, a bag of food clutched in his hand.
"Who's hungry?" Dominick announced, holding the bag aloft like a trophy.
Zach and Velor looked at him, momentarily stunned by his enthusiasm.His eyes flickered between Velor and Zach, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. But he asked no further questions, simply handing the bag to Zach with a gentle gesture.
"Here, Aiden ordered this for you," he said,
"Eat," Dominick encouraged, his eyes following Zach's movements as he pulled out the contents.
"Thanks, Dominick," Zach murmured, revealing a steaming bowl of pork porridge and a side of vibrantly coloured steamed vegetables. He took a deep breath, the rich aroma of pork and rice mingling with the savoury scent of herbs and spices. It was mouthwatering. He scooped a small spoonful, blowing gently to cool it before taking a cautious bite. The warmth and flavour exploded on his tongue, a symphony of comfort and nourishment. A genuine smile spread across his face. It was good. Damn good.
"You like it?" Dominick asked, a pleased grin spreading across his face as he saw Zach's reaction.
"Yes, I do," Zach replied, a quiet gratitude in his voice as he continued to eat.
Dominick nodded, a soft smile lingering on his lips, then pulled Velor towards a desk for a quiet conversation, leaving Zach to enjoy his meal in peace.
Zach finished the porridge and vegetables, a wave of warmth spreading through his chilled body. His gaze fell upon the salt Velor had used earlier, The two vampires were engrossed in conversation, so he decided not to disturb them. Finding a small bottle of salt, he poured a generous amount into the same glass he used. Unsure of the correct dosage, he took a sip and immediately choked, the overwhelming saltiness causing him to cough violently.
"See? This is why you need a room here," Velor said, gently taking the glass from Zach's hand and emptying it into a nearby bin.
"You'll poison yourself if you drink that much salt," Velor said, refilling the cup with the correct ratio of salt to water. He handed it back to Zach.
"Thanks," Zach mumbled, offering a grateful smile. Velor's eyes softened, a faint blush creeping onto Zach's cheeks as he recalled their earlier embrace.
"Well, if you're finished eating, go upstairs and talk to Pearl and Penelope. They'll take care of you," Velor said,
"Who?" Zach asked, a bit dazed.
"The twins," Dominick added with a smirk.
"Oh, okay. Thank you both," Zach said, grabbing the empty food container as he made his way out of the room.
He made his way upstairs. Zach wandered the halls in search of the twins. Unable to find them, he ventured towards the ballroom, the site of the Azure event. He pushed open the heavy doors to find Pearl, Penelope, and Aiden engaged in conversation at the bar. They turned to face him as he entered.
"Didn't expect to see you back here, especially with that face," Aiden said, his tone a mix of surprise and concern.
"No offence, but when Dominick described you, I didn't expect it to be this bad. It looks painful for a mortal like you” Aiden added, his gaze lingering on Zach's bruises
"It is and I didn't expect to be back either," Zach admitted with a wry smile.
"Care for a drink?" Aiden offered, gesturing towards the well-stocked bar.
"Maybe not right now. Wouldn't want to risk infecting my wounds," Zach declined.
"Right, right. Forgive me, it's been, what, two hundred years since my last medical course?" Aiden joked.
"No worries," Zach said, turning to the twins who were studying him intently.
"Velor told me to come find you two," Zach explained.
"Yes, the Lord informed us," one of the twins replied formally
"Lord? Thought Dominick was one," Zach questioned
"Vampire lord, sure, but Velor, he's blue blood," Aiden replied
"Right," Zach said, his eyes shifting to the twins who were watching him with curiosity. Unlike the intimidating figures they'd been at the event, they now appeared less menacing and more approachable.
"Then follow me," one of the twins chirped, her voice indistinguishable from her sister's. Pearl or Penelope, it didn't matter. She led Zach out of the ballroom and towards the ornate staircase.
The upstairs hall was bathed in the silvery glow of moonlight streaming through the tall windows. Portraits of stern-faced men and elegant women lined the walls, their painted eyes seeming to follow Zach's every move. The air was delicately perfumed with jasmine and tea. Though less opulent than the ballroom or Dominick's subterranean domain, the hall exuded an air of quiet elegance, a testament to the meticulous care taken in its upkeep.
"Can I ask your name?" Zach asked, breaking the awkward silence, She turned to him, blinking in surprise.
"I am Pearl," she said with a gentle smile, pulling a key from her pocket. She led him to a white wooden door, unlocked it, and gestured for him to enter.
The room was awash in soft moonlight streaming through tall windows, just like the hallway. A queen-sized bed, piled high with fluffy pillows and blankets, that looked invitingly warm and comfortable. A plush armchair and a wooden coffee table occupied one corner, while leafy green plants added pops of colour against the crisp white wallpaper. On the bed, a fresh set of clothes – a shirt and trousers – lay neatly folded, alongside a toothbrush set and a fluffy white towel.
“Please, rest. I believe you will find it beneficial,” Pearl said with a smile before leaving the room.
Zach walked towards the bed and collapsed onto it, staring up at the ceiling as the events of the day replayed in his mind. The memories of abuse were like a burning inferno, but the image of that man's shocked disbelief brought a strange, twisted sense of relief. It was as if he had crossed a forbidden line he never thought he would dare to breach.
Even though it was just words, it felt like a good first step in avenging his torment.
He pulled out his phone, the one he'd forgotten he even had. It was dead now, and he didn't care about it at all, except for Eva. She was the only one he truly cared about. The thought of them bothering her again filled him with dread.
He searched the room for an electrical outlet and found one, but he didn't have his charger with him. He descended the stairs and headed towards the ballroom, where he found Aiden enjoying a drink at the bar.
"If you don't mind, could I ask a favour?" Zach asked quietly, not wanting to startle Aiden.
"Yeah, what's up?" Aiden responded, wiping his mouth.
"Do you have a phone charger? My battery's dead," Zach requested, holding out his lifeless phone.
"Hold on a sec," Aiden said, disappearing into a back room before returning with a charger.
"This should do the trick," Aiden said, flashing a fanged smile.
"Thanks a lot," Zach replied gratefully, returning to his room to plug in his phone.
He then left it to charge while he headed to the bathroom, hoping the water would be cold and not one of those fancy automatic warm baths. Thankfully, it was. The cold water cascaded over his body, washing away the dust and grime from his long walk. When the water hit his face, it stung the bruises but felt oddly refreshing. He brushed his teeth carefully, avoiding the cuts inside his mouth, and tilted his head back to rinse away the toothpaste foam.
When he finished, he put on the clothes provided, their warmth comforting his chilled body. He jumped back onto the bed and grabbed his phone, now charged. The screen was flooded with a barrage of missed calls and messages, mostly rage-filled curses from that man.
He scrolled through his contacts and found Eva's name. He dialed it, and she picked up instantly.
"God, I thought they did something to you again," Eva said with a sigh of relief.
"They did, but it doesn't matter anymore," Zach replied, tucking himself under the covers.
"Where are you? I was at your place, but there was no answer," Eva said.
"I'm at the vampire mansion, they …" Zach started but couldn't finish.
"What?! Did they kidnap you or something?!" Eva interrupted, her voice rising in alarm.
"No, they didn't. They're... nice people, don't worry," Zach said with a nervous chuckle.
"How can you be so sure? Are you friends with them?" Eva questioned him.
"Well..." Zach paused, the memory of Velor's visit flashing through his mind. He remembered the vampire's painted smile that had somehow soothed his bruises more than it had stung, the warmth of his embrace, the genuine concern in his eyes. He recalled the playful banter with Dominick and the unexpected kindness he'd received from all of them.
"You can take that as a yes," Zach admitted.
"Wow, you have more friends now. I'm not your only friend anymore," Eva said with a forced giggle.
"Are you jealous?" Zach asked with a playful tone in his voice.
"What the fuck, I'm not! I'm just glad you have more friends, but I'm still worried about all of this," Eva sighed.
"I know you are, but listen..." Zach began, recounting the events of the day in detail. As he spoke, the weight on his chest seemed to lessen. The simple act of sharing his experience with a trusted friend was a balm to his battered soul. By the time he finished, a wave of relief washed over him, easing the tension in his shoulders and the knot in his gut.
"Just hope your actions are worth it," Eva said, her voice calm but laced with concern.
"I hope so too, but don't worry, they still haven't found my place after all this time," Zach chuckled.
"That's right, and I hope it stays that way," Eva replied.
"Now go to bed. After all that, you need rest. Don't forget to take care of your wounds too," Eva reminded him.
"Okay, Eve. Love you," Zach said softly.
"Love you too, jackass," Eva giggled before hanging up
After hanging up, a knock echoed through the room. Zach opened the door to find Velor standing there, holding two bottles of water. He glanced at Zach, already prepared for bed.
"May I come in?" Velor asked. Zach stepped aside, allowing Velor to enter. Velor walked over to the coffee table and placed the bottles down.
"This one is salt water, and this one is regular water," Velor explained, pointing to each bottle.
"Thanks," Zach mumbled, avoiding eye contact.
"How are your bruises?" Velor inquired.
"Less sore, thanks to you," Zach replied, offering a fleeting smile but still not meeting Velor's gaze.
"Have I done something wrong?" Velor asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
"No, of course not!" Zach finally met Velor's eyes.
"Thought I might have," Velor relaxed, a small smile returning
"In the morning, you can stay here. I know you didn't bring that... rotten juice with you, so it might be too risky for you to go out there," As Velor turned to go, Zach spoke up, hesitantly in his voice.
"Could I ask you something?"
Velor paused, smiling. "Anything."
"How'd you find me, back in the field?" Zach asked, meeting Velor's gaze. A flicker of fangs, a softer expression.
"Long story," Velor replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"I have time," Zach said, with a hint of curiosity.
Velor gestured towards an armchair.
"Let's sit down, then.