First Lesson
Pain. That's all there was. For the second time in my life, I felt the chilling desire for death. I fought against that instinct for a measureless length of time. It was really all one moment of agony as if someone had pressed the pause button and left me hanging somewhere between time and space.
After an eternity of nothing but the constant wrenching, burning torment, I began to be aware of my surroundings once more but only on the outmost edges of my consciousness. Slowly I realized I was gaining room for thought. Glorious day.
An achingly slow process began then as the tortuous flame lifted away. When it had left my digits, I noticed the building fire in my chest and despaired. The idea of a situation getting worse before it got better was not exactly a thrilling concept. At least it was speeding up. I could feel my back arching as the fire tore its way through my system once more.
Everything within me screamed out in protest as my heart flung itself against my chest in an attempt to break free of its prison and the fire that accosted it. It all accumulated into one last herculean thump then—nothing. All was still. I opened my eyes to see the blond standing over me with the same cold smile on his face. At first I simply felt relief at my release from my anguish but a moment later I felt the burning thirst.
"Water." My eyes widened in surprise at the sound. My voice was… strange. What had they done to me?
"I am afraid it will take something a bit stronger than water to sate your thirst." He glanced casually towards the only door in the room.
I could smell it now. I suppose the scent would be comparable to that of Chinese food after spending a month in the desert with naught but the sand to keep your stomach occupied. Before I knew what I was doing, I was through the door and my jaw was clamped down on her throat. In a complete delirium, I tore into the sweet tasting flesh and fed. Only when the limp body fell from my hands did I understand what I had done.
"Oh… oh God." My voice was too beautiful for the emotion. I felt a hand on my shoulder, cool though not uncomfortably so.
"In time you will gain control; I shall teach you that. For now, we shall keep you well fed to avoid any accidents." He left me in the dark room with the body. Though fast cooling, her skin was warm against mine. No, net her, it. Just a corpse now. Letting the body fall back to the floor, I blinked once, slowly, though my eyes did not need it.
I realized then in a sort of dream-like fashion that I had not breathed once since I had fed. I breathed in then and reveled in the collection of scents that was now available to me. I waited for the revulsion from the killing. It never came.
Time passed in its usual inexorable manner and the sun soon peeked through the cracks in the shades. Morning already. I rose from the ground, my mind present and yet far away. The horror would come after I had figured out what was wrong with me. I refused to even consider the nagging suspicion that was currently dogging my thoughts.
I crossed the floor to the eastern window and with one swift movement, I pulled up the shades.
It was beautiful, this new world. Even with the sickening cold feeling growing steadily within me, I could not help but stare in awe at the rising sun. The city was alight with color and sound that my ears had registered earlier but only now had I paid any mind. For a moment the cold feeling was forgotten.
Then the shades were pulled down and I was forced around by Captain Obvious himself.
"You may be Gabriel's pet, but I will not—"
"Calm yourself, Michael, she did not know."
Blondie glided into the room to pat Michael daintily on the shoulder. I guess I wasn't the only 'pet'. Michael growled softly but moved aside all the same. Gabriel went to touch my cheek but I easily fended him off. I grinned as I did, taking full appreciation of the silver lining to this particular cloud. He only smiled at my reaction and gestured to the window.
"Sunlight will not harm us, nor holy water, nor crosses. Garlic tastes disgusting as all cattle food does but has no other side effect. However," he said as he flung open the shades with a flourish and held his hand out in the light with equal dramatic effect. "The light shows us for what we are."
It was as if a crystal had shattered over his skin. Unconsciously, I went to brush the shards away when my own hand caught the sunlight. After a moment he let the shades fall once again.
"There is little that can destroy us and only one rule."
His cold eyes followed my movements as I shifted my hand from front to back with inhuman speed. I met his gaze after a long moment. "Don't get caught?"
"Precisely." So ended my first lesson.
AN: So here's chapter two. I appreciate any heads up on spelling/grammar errors. I do my best! If you like it so far, please say so. I can always use a little encouragement. Thanks!
