Patches' POV
I couldn't stop myself from hyperventilating. The possibility of being discarded to make room for a more promising vampire all seemed too real. It was bad enough that I had to throw away all of the travel pamphlets I saved up in my room—now I had to override my competition too?! Ethan took me to the garden bench and tried his best to calm me down. "For goodness's sake, take it easy!" he exclaimed, half laughing. My hands flew to the sides of my head, locking down protectively over my hair.
"I don't want to die, Ethan! I'm too young; I haven't seen an active volcano yet!" Yet…Oops. "N-No, I-I didn't mean—"I began to rephrase when Ethan put a finger to my lips.
"If I see a painting of a volcano to add to our art gallery, I can buy it for you," he said with a warning glare in his eyes. There was no way to avoid the consequences; these exploratory thoughts would have to stop. My breathing rate remained sky high; there didn't seem to be enough air getting in my lungs between breaths. "Will you calm down already? You just received a promotion! You'll be expected to start your rounds in a couple hours." I leapt off the bench.
"A couple of hours?!" I shrieked. "That's not enough time. I don't even know the first thing about patrol!" Ethan stood up as well to be more or less eyelevel. His voice stayed cool and confident.
"It's easy. All you have to do is walk along the border of the city, go down some streets, and look for suspicious activity that goes against our laws."
"A-And if I do see anything?" I prompted. Ethan laughed.
"Well, then you're going to have to kill the bastard, or bring him here for a more formal execution." My face fell. Ethan knew with absolute certainty that I couldn't fight someone if I tried. More likely than not, I'd die first, and then I would be a disgrace to the coven name. His hand came up and playfully pressed itself against my cheek. "But I'm sure that won't happen. No decent or experienced vampire would dare cross this city unless they want to die. Stupid, ignorant newborns—if anything—and we haven't had one of those in years." That statistic made me feel a lot better. Somehow, Ethan always knew exactly what to say.
"Thanks." He patted my head.
"You'll be just fine," he assured me.
"I hope so."
"I have faith in you, Patches."
"I know, Ethan." There was nothing more to be said, so I returned to my room to listen to some music on my phonograph to pass the time. I sifted through my records until I came across one I haven't heard in a while and put it on the track: "St. Elmo's Fire" by John Parr. I wanted it to distract my mind, but listening to the lyrics only made it worse.
"Growin' up, you don't see the writin' on the wall," the husky voice sang. "Passin' by, movin' straight ahead you knew it all." I moved to the window beside my bed and looked out, smiling at the people below me. "But maybe sometime if you feel the pain, you'll find you're all alone; everything has changed." I did feel alone, just a little bit. Ethan said he loved me but didn't even support me when I told him what I wanted for myself. The cloak he gave me made me feel a little better since I didn't have to do all the housework anymore. Still, it felt foreign—like it wasn't for me.
"Play the game. You know you can't quit until it's won," the music continued. "Soldier on. Only you can do what must be done. You know in some way you're a lot like me. You're just a prisoner and you're tryin' to break free!" Looking out from the inside, I couldn't face the music for it was all too true. No matter what, I did dream of exploring the rest of the planet; I would dream and fantasize to the madness! But that would kill you, my inner voice warned. A small whimper escaped my throat, arising from the constant reminder that I was under a direct order.
"I can see a new horizon underneath the blazin' sky. I'll be where the eagle's flyin' higher and higher. Gonna be your man in motion. All I need is a pair of wheels. Take me where my future's lyin': St. Elmo's Fire!" Oh, I'd be in fire, all right. I've seen what becomes of a vampire that breaks the law—they always end up in flames. There was a sudden rapping on my chamber door. I turned off the music and opened it to reveal an unexpressive Alec.
"This is your route," he said gruffly, pushing a marked map to my chest, urging that I take it. I opened it up and saw a dark blue marker line sketch around the perimeter of the city and down a couple streets; both ends leading back to the castle. "Follow it and keep to yourself. I suggest you start early since this is your first time." I thanked him and followed him out, taking another look at my map before tucking it in my overcoat for safekeeping.
Passing through the castle to the main doors, I heard a male scream from the corridor that set my teeth on edge. I wasn't sure why, but I had to see what was going on. This wasn't a scheduled execution—I always got a message in advance when there was to be a killing so that I could plan ahead to stay out of earshot. I traced the echo to the throne room and peeked inside. Master Caius stood on the steps directing a punishment for a lower guard I recognized as one of the errand-runners that conduct business outside the castle grounds. He was on his knees with his hands bound behind his back, clenched into tight fists. The torturer was…Carly. She looked different—darker, colder—but it was her. Her eyes burned with an intense red flame; her mouth aggressively bared two rows of sharp teeth; her hair was bunched behind her shoulders as if it was afraid to dare get in her face. She was frightening, but twice as beautiful as before when she was human. She had her hands on the guard's cheeks, scorching them with her intense power. He screamed for her to stop, but there was no pity or remorse in her stony eyes. "That'll do," Master Caius ordered in a satisfied tone. "Perhaps next time you will think before using the coven's money for your personal expenses."
I couldn't look anymore and hurried out the double doors before anyone saw me. I pulled out the map and quickly headed left as the line indicated. I had to get out of there and into the fresh outside that bloomed with life. My hand pulled up my cloak hood before the sun came out, the material sitting nicely on my head. Walking to the very border of the city, I passed rows of houses neatly lined side by side and small children playing in the empty streets and their backyards. A small family in a window hugged as one group, each wishing the others a good day at school or work. I had to stop and stare for just a moment at the identical smiling faces full of love and support. Maybe that's what real families do.
As the streets began to fill with the regular hustle and bustle of the day, I took off jogging to the countryside away from the city life. Here were the open fields Ethan introduced me to: green grass, lush foliage, wide open blue sky, peace. I felt at peace here with no rules or noise to limit my imagination. In fact, the grass looked so inviting that I took pleasure in rolling down a few hills, not caring who saw if anybody. A new confidence rose inside of me, filling me with pride and bliss. I gradually continued curbing my path to the right all day long without a single vampire in sight. No trouble, just a long walk around town. I could get used to this. By evening, it was time to return home. I was in the alleyway by sundown, sighing with relief at the end of an easy day.
The humans were settling in for the night, rejoining their families and eating supper together around one table—the way it should be. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I picked up the warm aromas of barbeque ribs, grilled chicken, marinara sauces, and freshly baked baguettes, and—my eyes popped open. There was another smell around this area that shouldn't be here. It had a musty, earthy scent that could only belong to a nomad vampire. I looked this way and that for the intruder's face while simultaneously piecing together what would I say when I found it. Other guards had to be around somewhere; maybe I could scare it to move on and fall into someone else's territory and let them handle the kill. Following the scent to a dark strip of pavement, the unwelcome figure came into view. It sat on top of a building, and there was fresh blood upon its face. Catching my stare, it turned its head in my direction and jumped down to my level. "Ahhh…" it moaned, satisfied with its kill. It was a full grown male with black hair, toned arms, and burgundy eyes. I bared my teeth and emitted a low, rumbling growl, clenching my fists and standing tall.
"Did you just kill in this city?" I inquired in my most demanding voice, trying to imitate Master Caius who had the scariest voice I know. The stranger wasn't afraid in the least of me and actually smiled!
"I might have. Why?" He looked me over with that same confident smile.
"You just committed a serious crime," I growled, showing my teeth. "And you'll pay for it with your demise." The vampire raised a quizzical eyebrow.
"Really? How do you plan to kill me if you're afraid?" I pressed my lips together. He knew something, and it was not good. Unabashed, I stared him down in defiance.
"I'm not afraid of you. You should be feeling afraid of me." To my annoyance, the man just scoffed, showing his very white teeth.
"Please, I smell the fear in you. You give me no reason to be afraid." I wasn't about to back down, so I leapt behind him and secured his hands behind his back, the first step of most executions. The next thing, I knew, he shook me off and I fell flat on my stomach too weak to get up. I lifted my gaze to see the man's chuckling smile as he held up a small white orb balancing in his palm. "You see this?" he asked. "This is you. If I decide to crush this, you'll lose half of your soul." What?! He had to be bluffing…but he couldn't be. My physical strength had been drained and the white ghost-like entity didn't appear to be like anything else in the world but a soul. "I don't want to destroy it, but I will if you obligate me." I hated feeling helpless, but at this point, I had no other option. Whimpering for mercy, I dropped my head.
His footsteps circled my body, still carrying the orb with him. I could feel the satisfaction radiating off his grin, but when he spoke, no pride could be found in his voice. "So this is the real you, the one behind the threats." His hand grabbed the collar of my cloak from behind and lifted my chest off the ground, his other hand pushing the orb into where my heart was. I felt my strength return to me but the shame of my defeat kept me flat on the ground. I already knew I couldn't fight for my life; why did I think it would be of any use to me to try? The other vampire lifted me into a sitting position and whispered in my ear, "I'll tell you a secret: having pride as your only guide is the worst thing if you're blinded by it. There's no need to feel shame." I said nothing, not in the mood to talk to him. I refused to even look him in the eye. "If it makes you feel any better, I just fed from the next town over, not this one. I know your laws." I glanced at him with a perplexed expression. This guy was unbelievable. He took something from his pocket and held it in front of my eyes. I recognized it as an official invitation to Volterra signed by Master Aro. This vampire was no intruder; he came as a guest. "I had been hoping to reach the address here by this afternoon with my wife, but we split up to hunt and I had no luck finding her." I sighed, knowing what I had to do next. When it came to special visitors, the Masters never liked to be kept waiting.
"She'll most likely already be waiting for you at the castle," I guessed, standing up. "I'm going there now; I can escort you." He smiled and stood up to his full height.
"Thank you," he said with appreciation. "My name is Angel, by the way. Rose is my wife, when you meet her." I said nothing, merely gesturing for him to follow me. Please don't ask it. "What is your name?" There it is. I heaved a sigh and started walking so that I wouldn't have to face him.
"I'm called Patches," I murmured. "It's a nickname." I heard his light chuckle from behind me.
"Well, Patch, I'm sure the Volturi are lucky to have you." I couldn't tell whether he was sarcastic or genuine.
"What do you mean?"
"Souls have colors or shades to them that reflect the characteristics of their owners. Black is evil, red is fury and anger…but yours, yours is as white as the purest cloud in the sky. You're a good vampire—unadulterated in heart and soul." His words repeated over and over in my head as we made our way back to the castle. I saw the hulking form of Felix at the front just inside the door. The mission party came back. I led Angel to the throne room where I was sure Master Aro would be. Sure enough, he was in the room standing next to an unfamiliar woman with shoulder-length ebony hair and a tall curvy figure. "Rose," Angel whispered, indicating the woman.
"What a happy surprise," Master Aro smiled, nodding his approval to me and then to Angel in welcome. "We have recovered our missing guest at last." Angel crossed over to Rose's side and whispered something in her ear. I caught her eyes on me and felt small in her gaze given her height. A small smile appeared on her lips, casting her silent appreciation. "Thank you, Patches. You are dismissed for the night." My attention snapped back to Master Aro. By the tone in his voice, I could tell he had plans for our guests that would cover well into morning. I bowed myself out and left to retire to my bedroom. I couldn't wait to tell Ethan about how much I loved my new promotion. If he knew that I was happy just being outside during the day, he'd stop worrying about my traveling wish and we could have fun times again. I reached the top of the stairs and looked inside my room and down the hallways; he wasn't there. At this time of the day, he would be in his own room anyway. I knocked twice on the door.
"Ethan?" There was no answer. I gingerly turned the handle and peeked inside. His room was gone. The television set, all of his decorations, his bed coverings, and any inkling of personality he put into this room…was gone. I began to hyperventilate again, my breathing spiking heart attack speeds, fearing the worst. He was gone.
Author's Note: Hello, all! I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, because No. Fifteen is already underway! I'd like to thank Luis Alfredo Campos Sylvester (Luis) for permitting me to use his characters in this story. Both Angel and Rose are entirely of Luis's creation and I give him all due credit. The song referenced to in this chapter is "St. Elmo's Fire" sung by John Parr. If you're excited for the next chapter or want to let me know how I am doing, leave me a review at the bottom and have an awesome day!