"...And that is how it stands. No answers can be got by staying still."

Layla stood in front of a gathering of Fisham's council, explaining in expedited terms the possibility of finding information on the White Plague, as well as a possibility of stopping the Bleak.

Chief Fisher had listened patiently, his fingers steepled. To his right sat Geoffrey, Peter's older brother and next in line to be Chief. And to Geoffrey's right was Peter, whose expression was grave and complexion pale. Dark circles had formed under his usually bright eyes. The Chief glanced over at his nephews, then at the other members of the elect who had gathered for the evening meeting before speaking. "So you propose to send a team down south to investigate?" Chief Fisher tapped his fingers together. "...And you... want us to send our already spread thin forces with you?"

"No," Layla responded. "But you do have a radio tower and generators. I have mobile radio equipment. I wish to be able to communicate with Rena, who will stay behind to fulfil her obligations to you. All I request is that you keep a receiver tuned to the frequency I provide, and have it consistently manned."

Chief Fisher narrowed his eyes. "I think that can be arranged. But why did you insist on such a large gathering, and not just speak with our Comms Master?" Chief Fisher leaned forward, raising an eyebrow expectantly at Layla.

"I personally wish to prioritise finding information on the source of the Bleak. But Rena suggests investigating the origin of the White Plague to be more urgent. I put the question to you, as we wish to make Fisham a home base for operations," Layla explained.

Chief Fisher leaned back and looked at his council. They looked among each other, eyeing the three vampires earnestly. Peter looked relieved about something and seemed to melt into his chair, but wasn't saying anything amidst the murmurs that were happening.

Geoffrey Fisher cleared his throat and spoke with authority that uncannily echoed Graham Fisher's. "The plague should be our primary concern. The world has had several mass extinction events, and life persevered. Even if we stop the source, it may be too late to do anything about the effects of the Bleak but to devise a way to endure."

"Be that as it may, if we can stop the Bleak from reaching us, then we won't have to flee north like many before us have done."

"Flee? We will not flee!" another council member insisted. This quickly derailed into an argument, taking the meeting nowhere.

Linda, who was present alongside her sister, leaned over to Rena while the squabbling continued. "Why are we here? We're Goldies."

"You have a right to weigh in," Rena whispered. "Don't worry, I didn't tell anyone about Lily's condition. I just said you had become part of our operation."

"Operation?" Lily asked, bewildered.

"Yes. To stop merely surviving and try to find a new way forward."

"As in, to find a cure?" Lily asked hopefully.

"If there is one," Rena answered guardedly.

"In that case..." Lily stood up, which at first no one paid her much attention. She cleared her throat noisily, and a few people looked at her askant. "I know I'm just visiting. But this mission will help us all. You're part of Westarm Ward so's why not let the rest of the ward help? I'll be going with Cyrus and Layla..." Linda's eyes went wide and she stammered a protest which was quickly drowned out. Cyrus, who had been leaning back in his chair, lurched forward. "...but if we go to Goldilocks first, maybe we can get help there, too. You're not alone, anymore, Fisham."

Linda tugged at Lily's sleeve and Lily sat back down. She had the attention of the room now, as everyone looked around uneasily.

"They don't know about true vampires yet. To break the truth to them, and then the cause of the Bleak, it might be too much all at once," Chief Fisher explained, looking Lily over with careful scrutiny. Lily's hand went to the scarf she wore on her head, to make sure her hair was still well concealed.

"It's not a bad idea, though, to include the other Wards," Rena spoke up. She stood, trying to get eyes on her instead. "Perhaps if we prioritise the investigation into the origins of the White Plague with a large enough party, and then split from there into two groups, one to seek out cornerstones and the other to follow up on any leads about the plague. If the lab turns out to be a dead end, that group can simply return and report back. The other members of the ward need not understand the cornerstone mission, but I am sure they could understand trying to learn more about the White Plague. Fighting against the infected is a losing battle if we don't seek to understand more about them."

While Rena was addressing the room, Linda had leaned over to whisper harshly into Lily's ear. "Are you mad? We were supposed to stay put with Rena!"

"It's too late now. I already said I'd go. They'll just think us Goldies are floppy if I change my mind." Lily laced her fingers together and put them on the table.

"Well if you're going I'm going too. No buts." Linda sighed and leaned back in her chair, expression sour.

"While the Hawks are excellent trackers and hunters, and the Goldies have some resources we could use, I don't imagine even with their help we could form two such parties," Chief Fisher cautioned. "Especially with the Goldies' recent losses."

Rena gave Cyrus a scathing look. He raised his eyebrows and then looked away. Rena then turned her attention back to Chief Fisher.

"If we don't get enough volunteers for two parties, then we'll re-assess our priorities then."

Layla tapped her finger on the table, having silently observed the room. She looked up at Rena who stood to her left. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and whatever thoughts she was forming, she was keeping to herself.

"And what does our head of medical sciences say?" Chief Fisher inquired.

The man addressed, Luke Fisher, squinted ponderously and then shared his carefully curated thoughts. "I believe the White Plague should be our primary concern." Luke paused to take a drink of water. "Without the constant fear of infection or raids from the abominations, I believe rebuilding efforts would accelerate. Some of the settlements may become less xenophobic in time as well. We may be able to restore the infrastructure required to create environments conducive to life. We have the technology for hydroponics, artificial sunlight, and climate emulation. We can endure the Bleak with these things. Our main issue is restoring lost infrastructure, and regaining the deficit in man power to run these systems."

Cyrus' eyes appeared somewhat glazed and his head nodded, prompting a sharp elbow to the side by Rena. He jerked to attention with unerring nonchalance.

"On the other hand," Sierra said, standing up to command the attention she felt she was due. "If we could abolish the Bleak, then that would cripple the number of infected out there. There's no telling if what we find out about the White Plague can help us or not. If there's a way to stop the Bleak, which is spreading and killing life in its wake, then we need to before it is too late."

"For once, I agree with Sierra. If there is a way to stop the Bleak, we need swift decisive action," Bo proclaimed. All eyes were on him, impressed with this turn of events. Bo blinked and regarded everyone. "I'm as surprised as all of you."

"Be that as it may," Geoffery spoke up, "these cornerstones could just be fancy. How do we know this woman isn't misleading us?" He gestured to Layla, who remained unflappable in the face of his aspersions. "Just because she is an ally of Rena doesn't mean she is infallible. I'd rather we put our efforts into finding what we can about the White Plague and then work to find either a cure, or some way to inoculate ourselves."

"But we got information of where the source of the plague is from her as well! Why believe in one and not the other?" Bo questioned.

"We should hedge our bets on the more likely of the two," Luke chimed in gruffly. Geoffrey, who at first appeared affronted by someone speaking for him, set his pride aside long enough to put on a strained smile and nod in agreement.

"Oh yes, Luke, very scientific of you," Sierra murmured.

Geoffrey reclaimed the floor. "We already lost Rufus to them. What if more and more waves of them come at us? We were fortunate he was our only casualty. And what of the other settlements? Rena can't protect all of them. But if we bolster our defences with greater understanding of them, all the better."

Luke rubbed his clean shaven jaw. "For that matter... if we could trap an infected to be studied, I would be most grateful."

Many in the assembly looked pointedly at Rena. Peter, however, looked at Lily. Lily swallowed hard and looked down. Linda put an arm about her shoulders protectively. Peter quickly looked away.

"Killing them is easier than capturing them," Rena explained with a half-lidded stare towards Luke. Luke scoffed haughtily.

"Well we've seen plenty of arguments for both. How about we put it to a vote? I'll give everyone time to gather their thoughts, and we will take a tally." The Chief sat down and brought his chair forward, sitting tall and straight as he looked around the table.

Rena took this opportunity to lean closer to Lily and Linda. "I understand your desire to help, but without blood transfusions, there's no telling what will happen to you."

"Oh... I didn't think of that," Lily said, her jaw hanging open as her eyes darted side to side. "But surely we can find a way around that? I'm sure we can be useful! We kin do things in the day while the vampires rest."

"This is true. I can take Rena's place," Layla suggested, "If this woman wishes to accompany us."

Both Cyrus and Rena stared at Layla. The two exchanged looks, and Rena shook her head while Cyrus squinted disapprovingly. "Lily is still mortal. You'd need clean needles for each transfusion and a sterile environment."

"We're all still mortal. Immortality is a myth," Layla intoned. "But I take your meaning. Transfusions would be difficult to sustain en route."

"But can't we try? I only need them every few weeks," Lily insisted.

"I don't think this is a good idea, Lily..." Rena cautioned.

"My mind is made up."

Cyrus shifted in his seat, staring intensely at Lily. Noticing this, her cheeks went red and she looked away.

"Alright. Let's vote." The din quieted and Chief Fisher stood up. "All those who wish to prioritise finding answers to the White Plague, show a raise of hands." Lily, Linda, and Rena raised their hands. Several of the Fisham council, including Peter's brother and Luke, raised theirs as well. Chief Fisher quickly made a count and nodded.

"Majority wins. White Plague will be our priority." There was a wave of murmuring, but it quickly died out. "That's how it stands. Layla and Cyrus will head an expedition south in search of answers, but first will seek support from other settlements in our Westarm Ward. We will make sure to keep communications open. Rena will stay behind and work with Sierra on defence." Sierra looked displeased but did not object. "With that, I bring this meeting to a close."

Rena turned to Lily and Linda. "You and I need to speak. Now."

"Alright..."

----------------------------------------

"I didn't want to say anything with the rest of the council nearby. But Lily, Linda, you may wish to reconsider joining Cyrus and Layla on their search." Rena crossed her arms as she regarded the sisters, who both sat upon Lily's bed.

"Why?"

"Because, Lily, even though Layla offered to take over the transfusions, she has not been monitoring your progress from the beginning. I believe you would be better off to stay here, in my care." Rena walked over to the window sill, glancing out at the falling snow. "There are other reasons, as well."

Linda stood up, smoothing out her tunic style shirt. "You sure been good to us. But we can't stay forever. Sooner we find a cure, the better."

"I understand. And while Lily's argument that having someone who can operate during the day may help, sending someone else would be better." Rena turned away from the window, leaning against the nearby wall.

Linda placed her hands on her wide hips. "Yeah? Like who? Din see nobody stepping up."

"Yeah. Who else wants this badly as me?" Lily piped up.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"It isn't safe!" It was not Rena's intention to raise her voice, but the words came out forcefully. She raised her shoulders and quickly looked away from the startled expressions worn by both Linda and Lily.

"You did try'n kill Lily. Why d'ya care 'bout her safety now?" Linda questioned. Lily tugged at her shirt, shaking her head.

"I'm not a monster. I've shared my blood with you. Is it strange that I'm invested in your well being?" Rena drew in a deep breath, filling her lungs until her ribs cracked before expelling the air quickly. Linda and Lily looked at each other. Lily took hold of her sister's wrist and pulled her down on the bed beside her.

"I don't think you're a monster, Rena," Lily said in a trembling voice.

"Well it'd be an easy assumption to make. Especially with the beastly company I keep, and I don't mean my wolves." Rena's eyes narrowed. A creak caught her attention, and she focused on scanning for heartbeats. Rena crossed the room in a few long strides and swung the door open abruptly. Cyrus, who had evidently been leaning against the door and eavesdropping fell in.

"Well, speak of the devil, and he will appear!" Cyrus said as he pushed himself up onto his knees. "Hey, Layla, get in here! Party in Lily's room!"

"No one invited you!" Linda protested. Nonetheless, Layla crossed the threshold, stepping over Cyrus who had not quite made it to his feet yet.

"Right. Just make yourselves at home," Linda grumbled.

"Don't mind if I do," Cyrus said as he hopped up, only to plunk down beside both Lily and Linda, forcing them to scoot to one side. Layla, instead, walked and stood beside Rena.

"Rena's concerns are well founded. You are not bound to the night, but you also do not have our protecting during the day," Layla asserted.

"You were eavesdropping too, Layla? I thought you had more class than that," Rena chided. Layla just lifted her eyebrows, pursing her lips momentarily.

"I told her to follow. She's gone back to obeying me, it seems," Cyrus said, reaching behind Lily and resting his arm across her shoulders. She looked at his wide eyed, but did not move away. Linda scowled.

"And this is the other reason I don't want you travelling with Cyrus and Layla," Rena said, gesturing to Cyrus and Lily.

"Oh, come on! I'm just having a little fun! You know how I am!"

"Exactly." Rena walked over to Cyrus and looked down at him. "I do know you. And what you are capable of."

"Hey... don't worry, even without you looking over my shoulder, I won't slaughter people indiscriminately. Even when it is funny."

At this remark, Lily did shift away from Cyrus, her lower lip pouting. Her knee began to shake. Cyrus ignored her blatant signs of discomfort and did not release her shoulders until Linda firmly plucked his arm off of Lily's shoulders.

"Cyrus. You said the deaths of the scouts were because you were frenzied. But I'm not convinced." Rena placed her hands on her hips, fixing Cyrus with a stern gaze.

Cyrus lifted his eyebrows, looking up at Rena, scoffing incredulously. "I don't see why you're bringing this up now. But I assure you, I was not in my right mind and take no responsibility for that. It's Layla's fault."

Layla arched her eyebrow but did not defend herself.

"The bodies were buried, that's why. But more suspicious, is the woman who was torn to pieces. She was not buried, but the timeline indicated she died after the other two men." Rena narrowed her eyes. "So why was the more savage death after you would have glutted on two people's blood?"

"Woah, now," Cyrus said, bringing his hands up, palms out. "Wild animals got to her."

"Oh? Convenient."

"Hey, you know mutilating is NOT my MO," Cyrus refuted. His hands gripped the edge of the bed.

"You're right. But it was the MO of Gabriel's followers," Rena said. Layla tensed at the name, and Cyrus's nose wrinkled, his lips curling up in a sneer. Seeing the change in demeanour, Lily nearly crawled into her sister's lap to get space between herself and Cyrus.

Cyrus quickly forced his face to relax, chuckling softly, albeit without any amusement in his tone. "What are you getting at, Rena? Are you saying some of his cronies survived and found their way here?"

"No. I'm saying you, yourself admitted that you had a relapse. I thought you meant killing the two men. You must have been confused and angry even when you came to."

"Of course I was! Who wouldn't be?" Cyrus looked past Rena to Layla meaningfully, then looked back up at Rena. He stood up, standing nose to nose with her. Almost. "But let me be clear, I'm over it already. I'm not a threat anymore." His eyes were like harsh coals, even as he tried to soften his expression with a disarming smile. He stroked Rena's cheek. "You know I'm making strides."

Rena slapped Cyrus' hand away. Linda and Lily exchanged looks. Linda looked ready to pounce, as if anticipating some revelation she could use to triumph over the cad. Lily just looked apprehensive. Cyrus held up his hand, flexing his fingers before dropping his hand back to his side.

"Are you, though? Or has it been so long, and you needed to slake more than your lust for blood?" Rena grabbed Cyrus by the throat, catching him off guard. His hand was quickly on her wrist. "Did you rape and murder the scout? Did you?" Cyrus tried to shake his head, but she held his neck firm. "Did you hypnotise Lily? Have you been using your powers on her this whole time?"

Lily got to her feet, but almost immediately seemed to swoon, and Linda had to stabilise her. Layla stepped in to interfere, forcing her way between Cyrus and Rena. Linda's face turned a shade of scarlet as she glared at Cyrus. "I KNEW IT!"

Lily at the same time, had gone pale. "What do you mean?"

"Stop this!" Layla interjected. All the voices bled into each other. It was with great effort that Layla was able to push both Rena and Cyrus away from each other. Cryus hissed and fixed the collar of his shirt, glaring past Layla at Rena. Rena had her fists balled and looked ready to go at him again.

"Answer me Cyrus!"

"No!" Cyrus licked his lips, glancing at Linda and Lily. By now Linda was in front of Lily, her face like a bulldog, daring Cyrus to try and get through her to her precious sister. Cyrus's half lidded eyes swept its gaze away from the two sisters and he instead busied himself with straightening the creased cuff of his shirt. "I find your accusations very insulting. And it isn't like you to drum up drama with an audience. So what's really eating at you?"

"What was that about hypnotising my sister?" Linda asked, not about to drop this bone easily.

"He-"

"I," Cyrus cut Rena off. "I can mesmerise mortals with a gaze. They become compliant. Open to suggestions." Cyrus furrowed his brow. "But it's not total mind control like some people make it seem. Otherwise Rena wouldn't be standing here."

"What do you mean I wouldn't be standing here?" Rena demanded. Layla shook her head, putting up a hand as Rena tried to advance on him again.

"Because if I could have controlled you, I could have kept you safe!" Cyrus exclaimed, slicing the air with his arm. "And you could have lived out your natural life."

"And what sort of life would that have been? Living as your slave?" Rena sneered. Layla raised her eyebrow at Rena. "No offence Layla." Layla's other eyebrow joined its twin, and then they both relaxed as she tilted her head to Rena.

"You two got issues. But what's that again 'bout controlling Lily?" Linda interrupted. Rena and Cyrus turned to the two sisters. Lily looked away, on the verge of tears.

"Oh right. Lily. Yeah, no, I didn't need to use my powers on her. She was giving it up readily - and I could tell I wasn't her first ride. Stop treating her like an innocent maiden in need of protection. Her body, her decision, Linda."

Lily looked up suddenly. "You could tell?"

"How dare you!" Linda all but shrieked. Layla was quick to hold her back as she lunged for Cyrus. Linda screamed and struggled in Layla's grasp, spittle flying as she howled some nonsense sounds at the man.

"Linda! Linda calm down!" Lily pleaded, placing a hand on Linda's shoulder.

Linda grunted, breathing heavily as she glared at Cyrus. "That's it. We ain't going, Lily. We're staying put. I don't want him near you ever again!"

"I'm going," Lily said, despite the tears in her eyes.

"What!?"

"Come again?"

Incredulity and surprise were in vogue at that moment. Everyone turned to stare at Lily. Layla released her hold of Linda who ceased her struggled in a stunned stupor. Lily wiped her eyes, gave a few sniffs, and lifted her chin. "Back home everyone thought I was useless. Well. I don't wanna be useless. If I can save myself, and others like me, I want to." Lily's throat tensed. "I'm turning into a monster. So maybe I should go with a monster."

"...I mean... that makes sense... but... should I be offended?" Cyrus cocked his head to the side, rubbing his chin as he looked Lily up and down.

"Lily! You ain't useless!" Linda frowned and turned back to her sister, wrapping her arms about her. "Just a late bloomer's all..." A snort from Cyrus elicited a glare from Linda. He cleared his throat, covered his mouth, and looked away. Linda turned back to her sister, stroking her hair. "Stay in Fisham. There's plenty smart folks. Maybe you kin learn something, 'n show everyone back home. O'course, after they get back with the cure." Linda glanced over at Cyrus and Layla sternly.

"There's no guarantee there is a cure," Layla reminded.

"Well. Then there ain't. But won't hurt to plan ahead anyway."

A knock at the door interrupted the tender moment between the sisters. Linda huffed in irritation. "Now what? WHO'S THERE!?" Linda hollered through the door.

A muffled voice responded, "I heard screams. Everything okay?"

Everyone looked at each other, and then all eyes rested on Linda. With a heavy sigh she hefted herself over to the door and opened it. Siobhan framed the door, peering in with concern.

"Everything's fine," Linda said tiredly.

"We were just having a lively discussion," Cyrus colluded.

Siobhan looked at all of them warily. But seeing that the room was not in completely disarray, she nodded to them all. "Alright. Well. Keep it down in the future." Siobhan left, the door left ajar.

"Know what, I think y'all oughta just leave and let Lily and me talk," Linda pointed emphatically at the door. Rena nodded and headed towards the door. Layla followed. Linda glared at Cyrus who seemed intent on lingering. His eyebrows popped up and he pointed at himself in feigned disbelief. Linda snarled and shook her head towards the door. Cyrus sighed and was the last to leave.

Linda shut the door and waited a moment, as if to collect herself. She then turned to her sister, who was standing by the bed, stroking her hair in repetitive, self-soothing motions. "Sis, you don't gotta prove nothing to no one."

Lily's eyes filled with tears and she looked over at her sister, twining her hair about her fingers. "I've got a monster inside me, Linda."

"What? Hey now, you got sick, that's all!" Linda said, rushing over to her sister and placing a hand on her shoulder. Lily shook her head, sniffling up the snot that ran from her nose.

"He's a monster. If it's true what Rena said about him... and I... I let him..."

"Hey now! You didn't know. That don't make you a monster, Lily," Linda reassured, her grip on her sister's shoulders tightening. Lily turned away, wiping at her face with her sleeve.

"You don't get it. I liked it. And it wasn't just the one time... since we came here... he started drinking my blood. One thing led to another..." Lily shook her head, not able to look at her sister.

"Lily!" Linda squawked in disbelief. Lily shuddered and pulled out of Linda's weakening grasp. "Lily, the way he treated you, he almost killed you... how could you let him?" Linda coughed and shook her head. "No. I'm sorry. No, you didn't let him! Rena said he could do mind control. He made you do it! He made you!"

Lily turned to the window, staring out to avoid looking at her sister, shoulders shaking as she held back the sobs. "You don't understand, Linda. When I'm with him, I feel powerful." Lily held up a fist, seeing her reflection in the window superimposed over the snowy scene yonder. "With Jay I felt complete. Safe. Both felt good, in different ways. I'd go back to Jay, but he's not here. And I don't wanna be seen by him now. With Cyrus, I feel I'm in pieces, but pieces of me that can do something. It's like he kin sift them stronger pieces outta the mess." In the glass reflection, Lily caught sight of Linda pacing behind her.

"You're right, Lily, I don't understand. " Linda stepped up behind her sister, again placing a hand on her shoulder, but more gently this time. "I don't get how he makes you feel powerful when he don't respect you. You see how he talks about other women. How he treats you, how he treats Rena. He don't respect you."

Lily curled in her pink lips and put her hand on Linda's. For a moment she held it there, then she plucked her sister's hand off of her shoulder. "You don't respect me either, Linda!" Lily turned around, a new wave of tears forming. "You treat me like a child!"

"But I!" Linda stepped back, staring at her sister in astonishment. "I... I only wanna protect you because I love you! He don't love you! He's been hurting you and you just don't know it!"

"You think I don't know when I'm hurt? That I don't know my own feelings?" Lily snapped. She balled her fists and flailed her arms at Linda, but was careful to not actually hit her sister. "I know he don't care! But maybe that's what I need! Someone that don't care! That can do what need be done if I lose myself!" Lily threw herself on the bed, overwrought with emotion and bawled into a pillow.

Linda stood over her sister, hands hovering over her, but never making contact. "Lily I..." All she got was a loud wail in protest. "I'm sorry, Lily." Blubbering ensued. Linda took in a deep breath, puffing out her cheeks before slowly releasing it and sitting at the foot of Lily's bed. "Just because you was bit, I don't want you thinking less of yourself. And he ain't treating you good. I don't wanna give up on you. Please don't give up on yourself."

Lily's sobbing gradually ceased and she turned her head to the side, one cheek buried in the pillow. She did not look at Linda, but was breathing more regularly. "I'm not giving up."

"Sounds like, with all that monster talk."

"I'm fighting for a cure. But I ain't gonna pretend it'll work. And... I know I said I want someone that don't care, but... maybe I did let myself believe maybe he'd be kinder to me after all that." Lily dabbed at her eyes. "And I don't wanna believe he did what Rena accused him of. It makes me sick all up and down to think it. I'm torn. Being with him gives me comfort, like drinking a big glass of birch beer. Oh... I miss birch beer so much."

Linda made a strangled noise, and then burst out laughing despite the tears in her eyes. "Birch beer?" An undignified snort followed and Linda shook her head. She quickly sobered, confused as to why she laughed in the first place. "What happens if you say no?"

Lily hesitated as she chewed on her lower lip. "I dunno."

"Then don't go with him. Stay," Linda repeated.

Lily sighed. "I..." Lily's chin quivered as another lump rose in her throat. "I need to know for sure... if he..."