Preface
I sat and I cried as I let everything I'd worked for slip away. They truly were monsters; they had been right about that from the start. I didn't care what anybody said now, they had ruined my life. As desperate as I had been to escape the hardship of leading a normal, socially acceptable life, I was now desperate to go back to that time, and rebuild a life which did not involve mythological creatures. I heard the front door slam and a tear rolled down my cheek, identical to his. I'd lost everything. I had nothing to live for anymore.
ELIZABETH CANTERBURY
:CivilianThroughout my life I'd always managed to sit on the edge of society; never being popular, never being entirely outcast. Sometimes I thought that being outcast would be so much easier than trying to preserve the small amount of respect some people had for me. I decided that as a last attempt to live a life with company, I would go to my end of school prom. Elizabeth Canterbury, class of 2009.
I adjusted my outfit in my mum's full length mirror. The dress was breathtaking – classic navy satin that pulled in around my waist, and spilled to the floor. My dark red hair was in a French plait, and a black and navy velvet cloak tumbled from my shoulders to about 6 inches above the floor. I used the last few minutes I had to prepare to alter my dark eye makeup to be slightly more conventional. Blue eye shadow, a slightly lighter tone than my dress, swept up into severe points across my eyelids. My appearance as a whole wasn't exactly what most people would consider a summer prom outfit, and people would still distinguish me from the crowd; however it was elegant and fantastical. It was perfect.
I heard my mum call me from downstairs. She'd been unusually accepting when I announced I wanted to wear a cloak to my prom. I think she had begun to understand that I wasn't exactly normal. I tried my best to walk gracefully in my new high heeled shoes. Mum and my Great Aunt Joan were at the bottom of the stairs, and a smile grew on Joan's face as I tried my best to glide down the staircase.
"You look so beautiful!" she remarked, admiring the perfectly fitting dress which I had fetched back from the tailors only the night before. Mum smiled.
"Mum can you take some photos? For Luke?" I asked her as I handed her my camera. Annoyingly, the event was exclusively for our year group. My boyfriend, Luke, wasn't able to come with me.
"Sure" she replied. We went out onto the front lawn and Mum took a photo, just as my Dad pulled up in his burgundy Jaguar to drive me to the Corn Exchange, where our prom was being held. The engine purred as he came to a stop at the end of my driveway. "Have a good time", Mum passed me my camera back and I got into the front seat of the car. I didn't feel I needed to sit in the back like some sort of royal; this was just my Dad, after all.
I was glad I could relax with the air con on full for the long journey to Bedford. One of the good things about Dad was that he never got very emotional. Like me, he was used to coping on his own.
"You look great" he said as he pulled away.
"Thanks," I replied timidly.
After a long pause, things became like any other time I saw my Dad. Things weren't that awkward or special.
"I've got an ongoing contract driving for Marks and Sparks" he informed me.
"Good." I agreed.
Dad talked about work a lot. His work and his car were his two distractions in life.
"I cleaned her, just for you. I'm sorry I've had to leave the 'for sale' sign in the back though, y'know, just in case".
"It's fine" I reassured him, "she looks great".
We didn't talk much more until we pulled into the one way street past the front of the Corn Exchange. I was worried I'd be the first person there, arriving bang on seven-thirty, but I was sorely mistaken. The street was blocked by limos of all shapes and sizes – black, white, pink; Hummers, Land Rovers and Bentleys. Dad managed to pull into the bus stop and I climbed out onto the pavement. I called through the window back to him, "Thanks, I really appreciate it."
"Well it's your special night, enjoy yourself." He hesitated before carrying on, "Could you do something for your Dad? Text me when you're home safe, okay?"
"Yeah, of course" I replied. He blew me a kiss and drove off, and I joined the queue to get inside.
I recognised all the faces around me. It was interesting to see which girls had gone for dresses made of the least material possible, the most revealing, coincidently dresses which flattered their cleavage; on the other hand girls with more modest, elegant outfits. None of them, however, were wearing cloaks. The men had a similar distinction: the lighter shade the suit, the more obnoxious the character. I laughed to myself as I found my ticket in my purse. It was a truly uncomfortably hot day, which must have hit 30 degrees around midday. I was grateful for the shade the towering buildings provided over the entire street, and the draft that my swaying cloak created.
I scanned the crowd for someone, or a group, I could go inside with. I saw everyone standing together in friendship groups, not many people straying from where they 'belonged'. There was only one figure I didn't recognise, and who was stood on his own. He wasn't in a suit, as such, but he was loitering amongst the students as if he was itching to get inside. I could only see the back of him, but I could usually recognise everybody, even from behind. He had a tanned skin tone, which had an odd, pale shimmer. He had black, straightened, flawlessly styled hair. His shirt had a white torso and black arms, which were covered in contrasting motifs, and he wore black tuxedo trousers with smart black shoes. One of his arms swayed by his side aimlessly, and the other, by the looks of it, was partially in the pocket of his trousers, gripping it similar to how a cowboy grips his jeans. His posture was confident and smart, and as he flicked his hair away from his eyes I saw a flash of bright red fringe and a black mask which covered the top half of his face. Without warning, the crowd started moving in towards the doors. The boy blended in perfectly, filing through the entrance without being noticed, and more significantly, not presenting a ticket. I moved forwards through the crowd, trying to keep him in my sight, but once he was through the large double doors I lost him.
It took me a long time to get inside, as more and more people arrived and the queue turned into a large mob, all desperate to get in. The hall was full of black and white decorations, with amazing lights making shapes on the walls and floor. The sheer size of the hall was immense, and it was soon packed with Harlington alumni, teachers and Corn Exchange staff. The music was dreadful, club noise, but that didn't matter to me now. I had to find the elusive, uninvited guest. I scanned the room. I longed to catch a flash of red hair, a glimpse of his mask. People interrupted my search to comment on my outfit, to say goodbye before they left to different colleges, to ask if I was okay... and I got more and more frustrated as the boy who I had seen with my own eyes, who had walked into this hall, had somehow disappeared.
I carefully removed my cloak and draped it over the back of a chair. I scanned the room one last time before I reluctantly sat down. I tried to distract myself, watching teachers dance, the bouncers scowl, and suddenly a rather bouncy Olivia heading in my direction. Olivia had confided in me during some rough times, and had since considered me a very close friend, I assumed because of my ability to predict people's reactions and give effective advice. I was pretty sure, however, than I meant more to her than she meant to me. Her dress was a rather alarming pink, her hair in tight mouse-brown ringlet curls, which flew back from her face as she trotted towards me.
"You made it! I knew you would!" Olivia screeched. Her voice pierced through the music and made me flinch slightly, luckily not enough for her to notice.
"I thought I should. Luke kept going on about how it was an important rite of passage, and all that rubbish." I explained.
"It so IS!" Olivia exclaimed, jumping with slightly too much enthusiasm, "he's the best thing that's happened to you Lizzie, and sometimes I don't even think you realise that".
I became defensive when she mentioned an infeasible lack of appreciation of Luke. "I definitely know that, Olivia, don't be so judgemental. Who's the one here that published she was having an affair on Facebook, hmm?" I snapped.
"That's different, it was a good laugh, you should've seen his face!" Olivia's voice faded out of my head as I spotted the stranger over her left hand shoulder, casually leaning against the wall, looking up through his mask and fringe directly at me. A shiver flew through me, like I'd been dropped in ice cold water. He smirked to himself when I saw him, crossing his arms, and casually tossing his fringe back away from his face, just as he had done outside. He looked almost arrogant as he broke into a chuckle, clearly amused by the effect his appearance had had on me. I had completely zoned out of what Olivia had been saying.
"...Don't you think?" she concluded.
"Erm, yes. Erm, possibly? Well, it depends." I improvised, and continued before she could interject, "I'm sorry hun, I want to say goodbye to some people before we all go our separate ways. I'll call you, at some point. Not tonight, possibly tomorrow - at some point." I stood up and eased Olivia gently out of my personal space, both physically and mentally. I wanted to be completely alone with him, to understand who he was. The stranger's eyes and mine never parted, I wasn't going to let him disappear again.
I heard Olivia strop behind me, "I hardly see you these days Lizzie, it's like, you're changing! Come out of your little antisocial bubble once in a while". I turned away, trying to ignore her scorn, and sighed heavily to compose myself.
The smirk had gone from the stranger's face. It had been replaced with a stern, almost pained expression – it was hard to tell what was behind his plain black mask. I didn't say anything as I stepped slowly closer, examining every feature of his appearance: his stunning outfit; his shimmering skin; the way he stood with such a remarkably good posture so effortlessly. It frustrated me that I couldn't see his eyes properly, behind the black mask.
"I can only apologise," the boy began, "for not making a very good first impression". His face was deadly serious, and my inner desire to correct him was extinguished for this reason alone. "I've never been good with people. I'm considered by many as rather aloof". The boy spoke with a clear English accent, despite his colouring. It rang like gentle piano through my head. The boy pushed himself from against the wall and stepped towards me. He became slightly too close and breathed down onto my face, "I hope I haven't alarmed you".
"Of course not," I added as quickly as I could, "I just didn't recognise you. You're not a Harlington student".
"Observant and beautiful, a miracle" the boy said smoothly. I was sure I blushed uncontrollably. He ran his left hand down the edge of my face. His fingers were ice cold, which made me shiver. "Forgive me, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Kristian..." he hesitated before adding his surname, "...Leach".
I dared to look up into his eyes. I was torn whether they were not clearly visible through the mask, or they truly were as they appeared, completely black. My natural reaction would have been to step backwards; move away from the possible discomfort and danger that this stranger presented, and yet something kept me close to him. I lost all awareness of who was around me, but I wouldn't have been surprised if people gathered around to envy me being so close to such an irresistible force.
The boy stepped backwards abruptly towards the wall he had leaned on, and the tension eased. No one was staring. "I'm also sorry for disappearing," he added. I longed to probe for information, for him to explain where he disappeared to, and why his eyes were black. I wanted to know how he went so unnoticed. I wanted to know everything about him. His smirk reappeared across his face, as if he found my lack of knowledge amusing. "This isn't really my scene," he concluded, gesturing towards the DJ. He walked with so much grace and purpose; he almost glided across the hall, between dozens of tables, towards the main doors. I refastened my cloak around my neck and followed intently.
This wasn't over.
: ProtectorThe night was humid and warm, despite the sun having long gone. I flicked my cloak back off my shoulders, hoping to cool off. The car headlights flew past, dazing me, but Kristian kept moving at his slightly unnaturally fast pace. Before long I was lost, trusting the mesmerising stranger who was leading me upwards, in a staircase, into a multi story car park. A loud bang, something landing heavily on the metal roof of the car park, stopped me and Kristian in our tracks.
"Alistair?" he called upwards, towards the roof, "Alistair?" Kristian turned to face me, a single flight of stairs below him. It would take him just a few seconds to reach me if I decided to run. For the first time that evening, I felt scared. "Elizabeth, for now it is best that you don't understand who we are. However, my brother Alistair was impatient to meet you. I shall let him apologise for his ridiculous entrance".
"And I shall let him apologise for his ridiculous formalities!" Another male voice, lower and more gruff than Kristian, announced from outside of the stairwell. A man, who appeared much older than Kristian, burst in through the window grate, crashing through the metal grid with ease. Once he was stood next to his brother, I could see Alistair was a lot taller than Kristian, and a lot paler. He had messy, wiry, dark brown hair, roughly swept back into a pony tail. His features were much more defined than Kristians' too; Alistair had a sharp nose and chin to match. He obviously cared less for his appearance than his brother. Alistair wore dusty black combat trousers and worn trainers. He wore a leather jacket with motorcycle badges, and a once-white shirt, which was marked with brown dust, probably from his acrobatics on the roof. Lastly, I inspected his face. His eyes too were black, but with a crimson tinted edge. There were dark circles under them, as if he hadn't slept in days.
"It was not the idea to scare her, Alistair." Kristian reminded Alistair coolly.
"This is her?" Alistair sounded unimpressed. He stood confidently, with his shoulders back, which thrust his chest forwards. I noticed his fingers hung like claws.
"Alistair, manners cost nothing, this is Miss Canterbury."
I was frozen in place. Alistair tilted his head expectantly, and took a long breath inwards through his nose. "I thought the Volturi would have better taste," Alistair chuckled.
"Please don't take any notice of my brother's... attitude problem." Kristian apologised.
"Our kind cannot mess with our instincts, Kristian, despite you and your dearest Carlisle's desperate trying. We are built to devour this kind, not befriend them."
"You agreed, Alistair, to combat the injustice!" Kristian sounded concerned. "You know firsthand the cruelty of being turned!"
"Indeed." Alistair was stopped in his tracks. His face tensed. Alistair mimicked me, "Please don't hurt me!" The two brothers were becoming more and more aggressive. "You can't hide from who you are, Kristian. Saving the girl won't change anything!" Alistair laughed hysterically as he perched on the windowsill, clearly ready to leave after my brief introduction.
"I don't want to be a monster. I don't have to be this way." Kristian protested.
"Well I've got news for you kiddo – you're like this forever!" Alistair cackled. He turned back to face me before he left, and his eyes widened. He parted by saying sarcastically, "Oh, and goodnight, my lady."
Neither of us said a word as Alistair elegantly leapt through the window. I waited to hear him land, but the night was filled with silence.
"What are you?" I whispered.
"It was never my intention to scare you." He whimpered. His voice was still beautiful, but quiet and timid.
I felt a lot safer once Alistair had left. Kristian looked genuinely upset by his brother's behaviour, which I guessed included a betrayal. I began to climb the flight of stairs, lifting my dress above my ankles. As I reached half way, the pained expression from the prom swept across his face, which stopped me. He found it hard to be close to me. "I'm going to try my best to protect you, Elizabeth." Kristian explained. His eyes had closed and his nostrils flared. "That is my duty now."
I exploded with questions. "Why? What do I need protecting from? Why me?"
"There are hundreds like us, like my brother and I. Please don't be scared, we are civilised. Or at least, we were." I stayed half way up the stairs and I studied his face. He looked nostalgic, as if he was remembering a better time.
"What has changed?" I whispered, reluctant to interrupt his memories. I was irrationally petrified, because I knew he wouldn't hurt me. He had promised to protect me. Kristian slowly descended the four steps, his eyes still closed. He tilted my chin upwards with his ice cold fingers.
"You will know all you need to, when you need to, Miss Canterbury."
"I want to understand now, Kristian. What is this about?" I demanded.
"A bizarre group of our kind, who call themselves the Cullens, have stood against our equivalent of a Royal family, the Volturi."
"Your kind?" I didn't understand. His eyes flicked open.
"Just listen, please." Kristian pleaded. "Understand, they have never been defied before. Imagine, the Queen of England being overthrown by a committee of protestors."
I contemplated the thought, and the comparison, before Kristian continued. "The Volturi feel threatened, as I'm sure you can imagine. They are now building their ranks, an army, for all intents and purposes." Kristian's hand closed into fists. "In the past, they have tracked humans who may possess useful 'talents', which they have the ability to intensify – but they have never launched an operation this large before."
My head was spinning. Cullens? Volturi? I had no time to understand before he continued. "They have singled you out, Miss Canterbury, but I won't let them hurt you." I was being hunted by a power-hungry Royal family. This was insane. Half an hour ago the biggest of my problems was making a decent entrance at my prom. Suddenly, I was being scouted to join some kind of army.
"What do they want from me?" I stuttered.
"They believe you are special, that's all I know. They will track you and find you if they believe you would be an asset in their forces. My knowledge is vague - I left the Volturi ranks nearly a year ago." Kristian's hands relaxed, obviously remembering his choice to leave as liberation, as being granted his freedom back.
"I was inspired by the Cullen family, especially their leader, Carlisle." Kristian sighed, frustrated. "We are trying to 'live', if you'll excuse the term, a discreet existence." I knew by the sincerity in his voice that Kristian was not a threat to me.
He paused, inhaling through his nose and tossing his head backwards, like Alistair had done before. He sighed and hung his head; his face full of regret as his eyebrows creased together. "I'm only telling you this because you have to understand."
"But I don't understand! What are you?"
There was a long pause where each of us tried to read the other's reaction.
"I'm not the best person to ask that."
"But you can tell me what you are."
"I'm not exactly a conventional..." he stopped. "I don't want to scare you. Please, don't be scared." He looked worried. I said nothing. I wanted him to tell exactly what he was, so I had a chance to understand exactly what was going on. I gazed into his pitch black eyes. "I'm not exactly a conventional vampire."
I felt dizzy and nauseous, this couldn't be happening. I wrapped my arms around my stomach. Kristian tried to explain himself. "It is our creator, who chooses this fate for us. As individuals, we have had no say on our own future. I'm here to stop that choice to be made for you, Elizabeth. You must understand that. I have to be near you for your safety now."
Kristian's posture became hostile and aggressive as he continued to explain about the Volturi. "It's criminal that the Volturi are tracking humans. You shouldn't have to know we exist. It's unnatural; I'm so sorry." Kristian shook his head, his eyes closed again.
"I beg to differ; I appreciate the warning." Kristian's face softened, into a weak smile. He stepped backwards up the steps and stood proudly.
"I'm also sorry I tore you away from such an important night," He apologised sarcastically.
"There's no need to apologise, you aided my escape!"
"But you can't tell me you would prefer to hear you're fate is entwined with vampires than endure a few hours of club music." Kristian's question seemed all too serious. There was another bang on the roof of the car park and I jumped in panic, Kristian moving towards me ridiculously fast and catching me in his ice cold arms. He held me uncomfortably tightly; sparking a thought of the hardship he probably faced, resisting my blood. My head was nestled in his chest.
"It's Alistair, there's nothing to be afraid of. He wants to leave."
"He can't go alone?"
"We tend to... hunt in pairs." Kristian comforted me, stroking the back of my hair.
Hunt.
"Not humans, Elizabeth. Please don't think of us as killers. Although it is rather awkward hunting here; it's not as easy as it is for the Cullens in Washington. No mountain lions or grizzly bears in the centre of Bedford!" He laughed. His laugh was forced, he was evidently upset with himself for having to introduce me to his world.
"I should go back to the Corn Exchange Kristian; people will notice I'm missing," I lied, holding back tears. Kristian broke our embrace.
"Yes, it's safer there. Despite the Volturi's sickening plans, they are still conscious of keeping our existence a secret. They won't act in front of a mortal audience" he explained. "I will remain close by, Elizabeth. I shall explain more when the circumstances are more appropriate." He smiled. "Allow me to escort you back, Miss Canterbury."
"Certainly, Master Leach."
Kristian's surname did not do him justice. He was not the villain, he was my protector. He took my hand and guided me down the staircase and out into the night.
:StalkerI was woken the next morning by Luke calling me from work. I had a stinging headache, probably from the stress of being told I was the centre of a vampire civil war.
"Morning gorgeous; how was your prom?" Luke asked.
"Uneventful," I lied. "The music was awful, I didn't stay long."
"But you're glad you went, right?" He prompted.
"I guess. It's..."
"...An important rite of passage!" We said together, Luke sounding more enthusiastic than me.
"I can't wait to see your photos, I bet you looked amazing. Well, not that you don't look amazing every day anyway." He said.
"I didn't take many, the lighting wasn't very good." I complained.
"You don't sound very awake. I bet you're just secretly hung over." Luke teased.
"I told you, it was pretty uneventful. I've just got a headache from the awful music."
"Well I'll let you go back to sleep, I really only rang to hear your voice, you know it gets me through the day."
"Oh shush," I yawned.
"Right, I should get back to work. I love you,"
"I love you too."
The dialling tone made my head throb and my heart ache. I was going to have to keep Luke out of this for his own safety, and I couldn't bear to lie to him. I pushed that impending situation to the back of my mind and I checked the time; it was half past ten. My eyes moved from my watch on my bedside table, to the silhouette on my curtains, which were swaying softly in the breeze. Kristian couldn't be here! Although, before yesterday, I would have said vampires didn't exist either.
I jumped out of bed, in full cow print pyjamas, and trotted towards the window. I threw back the curtains, expecting to see Kristian clinging to the wall, but there was nobody there. I assumed I'd imagined the shadow and wandered downstairs to get some breakfast. I was alone in the house, since my Mum and Peter had left for work early this morning and my siblings were at their respective schools. I threw my mobile phone casually onto the table. Another thought of Luke's face pierced my memory. The kitchen was unexpectedly breezy, and I was surprised to see that one of the windows was wide open. There was a note left on the table, addressed to Miss Canterbury, in timeless handwriting. It read:
Elizabeth,
I will never be far away; I hope this does not bother you. I will endeavour to be as discreet as possible. When I am away to hunt, I will ensure Alistair is close to you.
Kristian.
I placed the note into my pocket and considered the luxury of having two personal bodyguards. It was both useful and slightly creepy. Kristian, or Alistair, would always be watching me. I wondered how long I would be under surveillance. I was sure the novelty would wear off pretty quickly. My mind wondered back to what had led to all of this; the Volturi, the vampire Royal family, were hunting humans with talents. I had absolutely no idea what my talent was exactly, I especially couldn't pinpoint anything which may make me a valuable asset to a vengeful army of vampires. I made some toast aimlessly; I wasn't hungry.
The BBC news was warning people to stay out of Priory Lake Park and Flitwick Moors due to a series of vicious attacks on the local deer. I wondered who, if anyone would believe that it was actually two testosterone-packed teenage vampires. That thought took me further back, to when Alistair had said that they were vampires – forever.
I dropped the knife on the floor and bolted for the front door. I burst through it, onto the front lawn, into the heat, longing to find Kristian somewhere outside. He could be anywhere, but I had to get an answer.
I yelled into the air, "Kristian! Where are you?! Kristian!" There was no response, apart from the woman opposite peering through her window in disgust. She shook her head and disappeared behind the fabric. "Kristian! I have a question! Where are you?"
"I'm right here." Kristian chuckled, his charming voice coming from inside my front door. I spun around and sure enough, he was leaning against the door frame, like he owned the place. His arrogance was still there, but was not that visible on his face since it was covered with a plain white and silver mask. He wore a long sleeved white and silver shirt and black skinny jeans, with black converse trainers. My initial reaction was how on earth he was coping in the heat of the morning, but then I remembered how cold he felt to touch, which explained it at once. "I told you I would never be far away; you really don't have to disturb your neighbours to summon me." He smirked.
"I have a question, about something that Alistair said last night," I strode back to my front door and Kristian stepped inside without taking his eyes off of my face. "He said you were like this – Vampires – forever."
"Well not... technically." Kristian contemplated his brother's statement. "But we are indeed like this, as long as we would like to be."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"We can be killed, so technically, we are not immortal." I didn't reply; I wanted him to elaborate. "The only way to kill a vampire is to rip them apart and burn the pieces." Kristian stopped, analysing my expression. I tried my best to stay composed as I thought about such a beautiful creature being ripped apart. Should we so wish to escape this existence, the traditional method of escape..." he paused, "is to upset the Volturi."
I shivered. Kristian could die protecting me. Was I really willing to let him die? He sounded casual as he explained that death was sometimes a preferred alternative to vampires who cannot accept feeding on humans, or who cannot satisfy their thirst with the blood of animals. "But the main answer to your question is yes, we have the ability to exist forever. I'm sorry that I can't really use the word 'live' in this context. We don't breathe, we don't sleep, and we don't eat."
Confusion from the sheer volume of information, similar to how I felt last night, swept through me like a strong wind. Vampires didn't breathe, didn't sleep, and didn't eat.
"But at the prom, you breathed down on me. I felt it on my face; it was so cold..." I stumbled over my words.
"We breathe out of habit. It helps us blend in - to act human."
Kristian gestured as if he wanted to explore the rest of the house. "May I?" he asked.
"Well you already know where the kitchen is." I reminded him. Kristian led himself through the hallway and into the kitchen. He immediately picked up my mobile phone and entered a number very quickly.
Before I could stop him, he explained, "My number is saved here as 'A Leach'. It's the first name in your phonebook; easy to access quickly, but please don't confuse it with Alistair." He gently closed my fingers around the phone, and he wrapped his own hands around mine. I shivered on contact with his cool skin; I would never get used to it.
"How long will this last? When will the Volturi get distracted by someone else - someone with a better talent?" I asked.
"A friend of mine, Eleazar, can instantly detect talents, such as the ones the Volturi are searching for. That is his talent. He's travelling all over Europe to track humans... So we can protect them before the Volturi reach them. Unfortunately, his skill is less specific before the victim is turned. I have no idea when or how the Volturi will attack their targets." Kristian tightened his grip around my hands. "But I will be here until I know you are safe."
I looked up into Kristian's eyes through the mask. His eyes had changed colour, they were the colour of honey, a sweet golden brown.
"Your eyes have changed colour."
"Our eyes change depending on how thirsty we are. We hunted just last night." Kristian explained. "Golden eyes usually means a vegetarian vampire; a vampire who feeds on animals. Black eyes is a thirsty vampire, and..." He paused, debating whether to continue, "Red eyes is a vampire who has fed on human fairly recently."
"But Alistair!..." I screeched.
"Ah, yes..." Kristian struggled to explain his brother's deep crimson eyes. "Alistair isn't a vegetarian, just yet. Please Elizabeth – don't judge him. He tries to kill people who deserve it, at least." I choked on how casual he sounded, talking about murder. Quickly I realised that if I was to ally with vampires, their lifestyle was going to be something I would have to cope with.
"Stay away from red eyes, got it." I said as light-heartedly as I could manage. "So last night... you were thirsty?" I hesitated.
"I'd been following you for a few days. I hadn't left to hunt. It was foolish of me to risk meeting you when I was so thirsty..." Kristian lifted our hands to his face. He inhaled my scent from my hand. "But the opportunity was too good to miss. It was easy to lure you away to somewhere private, so I could explain everything to you."
"That's why you were uncomfortable being close to me?" I guessed.
"Yes, today it's much easier." Kristian smiled, letting go of my hands. His smile was short lived. "And I would much prefer to be close to you than have to leave. You take my breath away."
"How can I take your breath away when you don't breathe?" I whispered.
Kristian and I spent the entire day together. We no longer spoke of his world; we acted like lifelong friends. As the clouds drifted away, the sun began to tear through the sky. I moved across the room to open the curtains, to let the light flood the room; but as I outstretched my arm to pull back the fabric Kristian appeared next to me and pulled me away.
"What are you doing?!" I yelled; nursing the wrist he'd grabbed with far too much force.
"You can't – you just can't DO that." He shouted back at me.
"I can't open the curtains in my own house? You don't control me, Kristian!"
"No, that's not what I meant!" Kristian argued.
"Well then what? Why can't I open them? Stop being paranoid!"
"Fine. Do it." Kristian's voice sounded menacing, and he froze still, with a hunched posture, and his eyes closed. His face was screwed up tightly. He'd stopped breathing.
I drew back the curtain and the sunlight poured in. As the rays fell on Kristian's skin, he sparkled like he was covered in millions of tiny diamonds; like he was a work of art. I gasped in amazement.
"This is why we can't go out in the sun, Elizabeth. Look at me! Everything I try to live by – being discreet – going unnoticed – is ruined!" He calmed down, breaking into an angry sob. "It's a curse, Elizabeth. This is what I'm protecting you from."
"But you're beautiful." I whispered, subconsciously brushing his cheek with the side of my hand.
Kristian's golden eyes opened behind his mask, gazing at me. He untied the bow which held his mask to his face. A large crescent shaped scar ran from his left temple to the middle of his cheekbone. The scar shimmered brilliant silver. He had almost identical dark circles under his eyes to his brother, but the scar was what the mask had been hiding. It appeared to be a bite mark, from something larger than a human. I wanted to move towards him, I wanted to comfort him, this beautiful scarred man. He sighed and closed the curtain. His tanned complexion still sprinkled with the pale shimmer that distinguished him and his brother from humans.
"There is a lot about us you hopefully will never have to learn, Elizabeth." Kristian sighed.
"As long as you're here, I need to understand." I argued.
"It's not right for you to know what we are." Kristian said defensively.
"It's too late for that, Kristian. Please, I have to understand everything about you."
"Can you just accept that mythological creatures are just that: Myths? Please Elizabeth; at least pretend to think we're make-believe."
I fell asleep on the sofa in his chilling arms, which were a comfortable escape from the summer heat. I slept deeply, as I had always done, sinking into an uninterruptable slumber. I began to dream. The image was initially hazy, but as I analysed the picture, each feature blossomed into sharp focus.
I saw myself in my mother's full length mirror, dressed as I had been the night before. My dress was perfect, as it had been, and my cloak still sat on my shoulders; but my face was pale and thin. I had dark circles under my eyes. My hair was loose, tumbling over my shoulders, and my eyes were a shocking red. I examined one of my hands, which had very long fingers and sharp claw-like nails. I saw a bloody corpse, lying in a foetal position on the carpet behind me, facing away from me. Blood had poured onto the carpet, creating large stains across the floor. Red handprints and drag marks littered the lilac walls of my mother's bedroom. It wasn't until I examined the body properly, recognising its dark, swept back hair, its tanned skin, its frozen green eyes...
I realised the corpse was Luke.
:InformantI woke up, horrified. I was panting and I'd broken out into a sweat. It was several minutes before I'd calmed down enough to notice I was in bed – not where I'd fallen asleep. I threw my duvet onto the floor, and felt around in the darkness for my phone, or my watch, or something to tell me the time. I gave up and flicked on my bedside lamp. It was dark outside, meaning it was late; I didn't want to wake the others by going downstairs. I booted up my laptop, shock and horror still pulsing through me. The time was three thirty. A storm was thrashing against my window, and I had 15 unread email messages, mostly from Olivia. Great. The most significant of them read:
Lizzie,
Here's some photos from the prom, sorry there's not many of you, I didn't see you much. Where did you go? I'm sorry if I sounded harsh at prom but you really are changing and I don't know why. I'm a bit fed up of you sulking around. You always used to be there for me and now you're so distant. Please call me when you get a chance, there's some important things I need to chat to you about.
Livvie x
She was right, I had become more distant. The shock from my dream was pushed out of my stomach, making room for guilt and loneliness to settle in. I hugged my knees, tucking them under my chin. A crash of thunder made me jump; it sounded scarily familiar to the sound Alistair had made landing on the roof of the car park. I wondered if Kristian was hunting by now, or if he was still here. I wondered if he was watching me fall apart. I wouldn't want him to see me like this.
I lay back down, facing the wall. I stared at the photo blue-tacked to the wall of Luke and I stood in a field of deep snow. We both had rosy faces, wrapped up in warm clothes, and in a tight hug; posing for the camera Luke had held in front of us. My hair was wild, blowing backwards in the wind, and I smiled as I remembered the day well. Luke and I had visited the forest to see it under a pristine blanket of snow. That was only a month or two after we'd started seeing each other. I laughed to myself as memories of our first few dates flashed across my mind. It seemed so long ago now, but I remembered every joke, every kiss, and every silly argument. I curled up and tried to get back to sleep, facing the photo which with any luck would censor what I dreamt about.
I woke again at seven; the weather was dull and cooler than yesterday. I drew back the curtains; on the off chance Kristian was perched on my windowsill again. There was a light breeze when I stuck my arm out of the window to judge the weather. The day seemed tranquil; I appreciated the break in the madness of vampires and murder.
I noticed along the street, a black Mercedes was parked, that I didn't recognise. Behind it stood four men, two of which I knew instantly. Alistair and Kristian were facing away from me, in deep conversation with a tall, platinum blonde man and a slightly shorter, younger man. Alistair looked frustrated, with his arms crossed defensively. Kristian gestured a lot with his hands as he spoke, like he was explaining something in great detail directly to the platinum blonde figure. The stranger was dressed in smart navy pinstriped trousers and a white shirt, with a plain navy jumper thrown over his shoulder. He stood with his weight on his right foot, leaning towards Kristian, intently. Flanking him, the younger man looked just as upper class – although he stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in black trousers and a pale green polo neck tee shirt. His hair was slicked back with wax, brunette at the roots, highlighted blonde at the tips. He never spoke; he just stood there, listening intently to what the more animated pair were discussing. Both strangers had dark circles under their eyes. Both of the strangers were fair skinned, with a familiar faint shimmer. Both strangers had golden eyes. Both strangers were vampires.
My heart skipped a beat when it dawned on me there were four vampires stood at the corner of my street. The fact that they actually existed hadn't quite kicked in yet. At the same moment, the younger stranger looked directly up at me, with a stern, almost disapproving expression. He muttered something to the platinum blonde, who immediately stopped Kristian's comment with a simple hand gesture, and looked up at me. I felt the wind pick up very quickly, Alistair's hair blowing across his face as he bowed his head to the two strangers and strode off onto the high street. Kristian caught the two men's attention back and the platinum blonde nodded courteously. The two strangers sat in the Mercedes but didn't leave. The younger stranger's eyes followed Kristian as he made his way across the street and in a blur of movement, scaled my house, climbing into my bedroom window.
"Tell me what's going on, right now. Are they here for me? Is that the Volturi? Tell me everything!" I begged Kristian. I panicked, tears welling up in my eyes prematurely.
"Shh," he said, soothing me; drawing the curtains behind him and embracing me tightly. "They're not the Volturi," he explained quickly, "It's just some old friends of mine, Carlisle Cullen and Jasper Hale." Cullen. I knew that name.
"Cullen?" I repeated.
"We are working with the Cullens against the Volturi, Elizabeth. Remember?" He pulled away from me, wiping the tears from my cheeks with his cold fingers. "Everything's okay!" He beamed at me. I sobbed and took a deep breath. "Would it be easier if you met them?" He asked. I froze. Would I like to meet two more, completely new vampires? I wasn't sure if I could cope with that. "Would it?" He prompted.
"I guess... I guess I should. But can I at least get changed first? Would you mind?" I agreed, ushering Kristian back out of the window.
Never, in my entire life, had I been taught what to wear when meeting upper class vampires. I decided on a combination of a red top and long black skirt, to match Kristian's black and red outfit. I drew back the curtains and Kristian was there, perched on the windowsill.
"Climb on," He ordered me onto his back to climb down to street level.
Carlisle and Jasper looked more graceful than Kristian, if that was at all possible, as they both climbed out of the car. They both spoke with slight American accents, Carlisle's voice being husky and charismatic; Jasper's being quiet and musical, like Kristian's.
"We're sorry to have woken you, Miss Canterbury," the platinum blonde shook my hand straight away. "I am Carlisle Cullen, and this is my close friend Jasper Hale."
"Good morning," Jasper said, nodding at me politely.
"No no, you didn't wake me. I was just checking the weather when I spotted Kristian and Alistair with you." I explained. My voice sounded rough and gritty compared to the vampires around me. A wave of calm rippled through me, discouraging me from speaking. Carlisle threw a hard look at Jasper as he turned back to me.
"I should explain, before we go any further, Jasper here is a very talented young man." Carlisle began.
"I have the ability to sense and manipulate emotions." Jasper summarised, no emotion running through his sentence. He sounded like a programmed machine.
Kristian added, "Jasper is a good example of an extraordinarily talented individual, just like the Volturi are wishing to create."
Carlisle changed the subject quickly. "I was just informing Kristian and Alistair of a few matters of urgency. There is no cause for alarm."
"The Volturi have not mobilised yet, according to Alistair." Kristian informed us.
"I thought you had no idea what they were planning?" I probed.
Kristian sighed, "Alistair has a talent, just like Jasper. Alistair can sense the location of any living being on the planet." Kristian explained. The wave of tranquility from Jasper hit me more forcefully this time, urging me to listen, not to speak.
"My dear friend Kristian, pass my apologies to your brother. I hope you know I meant no harm by presenting you with this information. I merely wanted to share our experiences to aid you in your survival here." Carlisle tilted his head slightly, appealing for forgiveness.
"I believe my brother is just finding the transition to vegetarianism rather stressful. He is volatile at the moment."
"Should you need us, Esme and Alice can join us here in the UK. I hope you understand Edward and Bella do not wish to be involved due to their new circumstances." Carlisle offered.
"And the Denali Coven? Have they agreed to assist us?" Kristian sounded eager for support.
"I haven't yet bothered Tanya and her coven. I fear our bonds with them are already weakened since they lost Irina to the Volturi after witnessing for Rennesme." Carlisle explained. All of these new names flew around my head. Were all of them vampires? Esme, Alice, Edward, Bella, Tanya, Irina, Rennesme? "Jasper and I will remain here until the targets here are safe." Carlisle finished.
"Your support is much appreciated, Carlisle. Also yours, Jasper." Kristian acknowledged.
"Thank you," Jasper said, "I just hope the Volturi realise soon we are not looking to be a threat to their reign; only our lifestyle choices and morals divide us. We are alike in compassion and nature."
The strangers turned to each other and accepted it was time to leave, but Kristian interrupted them.
"There have already been reports, Carlisle. I will monitor the activity closely and will be in contact once I'm sure."
Carlisle nodded once more, with a more sincere expression on his face, and the Mercedes burst into life. I was sure that last sentence was crucially important, and I needed to know why.
"What was that last sentence about? Monitoring some kind of activity?" I asked Kristian once we were back in my bedroom.
"Certain circumstances need to be monitored, that's all." Kristian said as he closed the window and drew the curtain.
"It's not doing anything useful; hiding things from me." I argued.
"I'm not hiding things from you, Elizabeth. I just don't think you need to know just yet."
I noticed that his eyes were mostly black, with a hint of gold left on the outer edge.
"Since you're not giving me any answers, you may as well go and hunt before things get awkward again." I snapped.
"No. Alistair is... busy."
"I can fend for myself. You said yourself, the Volturi haven't mobilised."
"Elizabeth, since when did you become so stubborn?!" Kristian barked.
Rain began to hammer down on the house in sheets. The noise was incredible. People in other parts of the house started to stir.
"I think it's time for me to leave anyway." Kristian sulked, evidently furious at me, as he climbed out of the window.
I decided to call Olivia. It was half past seven in the morning, but better early than never. It took her a long time to pick up the phone.
"Lizzie?!" She asked, dazed; I had obviously woke her up.
"Wakey wakey, rise 'n shine!" I tried to sound casual.
"I'm so glad you've called – at last!" She screeched. "I need to tell you something I can't tell anyone else."
"Karl's gay? You're pregnant? You've painted your toenails?"
"I'm being serious, Elizabeth." Something was obviously wrong; Olivia very rarely used my full name, although I despised it being shortened.
"I'm all ears." I said.
"Something's happening to me, Lizzie. I'm getting angry and violent very quickly; too quickly; and I just can't calm down until I've hit something – hard! I'm running a constant high temperature, too."
"Sounds like you've hit puberty, Livvy."
Olivia exploded unexpectedly, "Elizabeth, YOU'RE changing too! You can't take ANYTHING seriously anymore! Here I am, having a breakdown because I can't control my anger, and you just crack another joke! Well I've had it Lizzie, I can't cope with this new you anymore. Sod off!"
The dialling tone didn't hurt me half as much as when Luke had hung up. She evidently did have anger issues, after that little display. I decided I could easily move away from Olivia.
Who knows, maybe things would be easier that way.