Review responses:
bahamut: Um.thanks! I think there's a lot of sides to Kain we haven't seen. Glad you still like the story!
Tom T. Thomson: It is sweet, isn't it? :)
Twilight Tenshi: I'm glad you like the story! Kain really needs a love interest!
Shiwolf: *bows* Next, things are going to get even more confusing for Marina. And thanks for reviewing!
Konoko: Thanks! Here's your update!
porcelain doll: This world is certainly in need of some more romance and peace too. Glad you like!
I was lost. I was near a tavern, that much I knew. Peasants milled around me warily, clutching their wicker baskets close to their sides. Beggars stumbled here and fro. Richly dressed merchants strolled on by in an idyllic manner. No one paid me any notice, I might as well have been a ghost. Maybe I was.
Cobblestone streets spread out before me, branching into two paths. But I couldn't think of that now. The day was too fine. The sky overhead was a glorious sure blue with misty white clouds, just thin enough to let the golden sunlight filter through. A warm breeze stirred the air.
I walked onward completely oblivious to the bustling town around me and found myself into a shadowy alleyway. A place of despair. An area of error. It was a dead-end. I was trapped. In an inky corner, something shifted behind a pile of broken barrels.
I knew who it was. It was always present no matter how hard I tired to deny it. The inky figure moved into view, and darkness spread over the land like a blanket. The sun stopped shining and the melodious birds snapped their beaks shut. The pleasant breeze turned frigid and damp. It was Lucius, wanting to ensnare me in his poisonous grip once again. His eyes shone with that familiar sickly light. Possessed he was; like Mortanius.
Fright took over me. It blinded me. Always scared into compliance by my old master. Hope had abandoned me. Like a white dove flying off into the velvet night. He had won.
"No, he hasn't," a guttural voice said behind me. A voice that I had never heard before, but somehow, was no stranger to me.
I spun around as saw the lean form of a middle-aged man wearing robes of soft, wine velvet. His hood hid his face, but I knew who this being was, nonetheless. Father. He held out a sharp silver sword, with sapphire and amethyst gems studding the glinting hilt. "I believe this belongs to you, Marina Mathis. Use it well." As soon as I took the sword up, he vanished in a plume of lavender-colored smoke and turned viciously on my adversary. Without hesitation, I plunged it into Lucius' heart. Lucius flared up instantly in front of my eyes and promptly disappeared, his face still contorted; poised to scream.
Something else came up behind me and this time I could feel who it was. "You see," Kain purred into my ear. "You're stronger than you think. Now is the time to believe."
And with that, I woke up.
***
I stared up into Kain's glowing eyes, brighter than the candle flames around us, and all the more vibrant in color. He was grinning madly. "How are you feeling now, Marina? Better I hope. What does not destroy us makes us stronger."
And I did feel stronger. I felt powerful bursting with energy, physically and mentally. I felt much more at ease and a part of something larger, no longer standing at the back. His blood ran with mine. How could I describe all that in one simple sentence?
"I feel like me again. Stronger." I licked my fangs.
Kain studied me with carefully. "I didn't give you that strength, Marina. You had it all along. I merely reawakened it. Now, tell me, how do you really feel?"
One word sprang to my lips. "Capable."
My answer seemed to please Kain. He let stroked my cheek gently with one of his talons. I settled back against the mattress, utterly content. Nothing could upset me. I was sure of my own convictions.
"There is to be a coronation, Marina, in your honor. To celebrate your new status. Sadly, only Turel, Rahab, and Melchiah could attend. The others are too busy, but have been informed."
Raziel. I would not have to see Raziel! What a poetic irony! After I had witnessed those awful portents, it seemed that Fate was deliberately keeping me away. And less than a week before, I would have begged for his company.
"Come," Kain whispered. "It's time."
* * *
The silk cape was draped over my shoulders. It was gorgeous turquoise blue, the exact same shade of the sky from my dream in fact. Another coincidence? Perhaps not. The cape complimented my drab brown leather clothing nicely, giving the illusion of sea meeting land. My signature color. No symbol. I had not a clan, but who knew what the future held?
Kain's face was solemn, but his eyes glowed with pride. Turel and Rahab were exchanging pleased smiles as well, but Melchiah seemed caught between the glow of felicity and the crushing blow of sadness. Suspicion lined his face. I decided I would not be a burden on any of them. They would be able to trust me. Soon, every vampire would see.
I was growing accustomed to basking in Kain's approval and affections. The wild fiery attraction between us had melted us both and solidified us together like two trees growing side by side, sharing the same roots. But what would happen if it ever stopped? No. I had made my decision. I could've chosen to stay in Nosgoth's past and "start over", but I hadn't. I wanted to stay with Kain and see where the present took me, so here I was, kneeling in front of him once more. In respect this time, not abject terror.
Kain nodded to me. "Marina, from this day forward, I appoint you as a general. This shall be recognized by one and all. Is that clear, my sons?"
Melchiah gave a half-hearted nod, Rahab inclined his head to me in a respectful manner, and Turel merely beamed, flashing his fangs in the process. I smiled back. At them all. It could've been my imagination, but they all appeared to be more at ease. I only hoped that Kain wouldn't get the wrong idea.
"Good." Kain's voice was as soft as a silk banner unfurling in the wind. "Marina, you may rise."
I got unsteadily to my feet. Kain was smiling almost gently at me. It was a perfect moment. Until Zephon walked through the door.
"Zephon! I thought you were staying at the Cathedral." Rahab's expression was speculative.
He shrugged. "I changed my mind. I wanted to meet the new lieutenant."
"General," I corrected him.
Zephon sneered. "Such a pity. Obviously, Raziel and Dumah weren't training you well enough. Or perhaps you are simply not of the right form. You ought to have more lessons, Marina."
"And you Zephon, are obviously not in your right mind. You still haven't learned your own lesson."
Turel snorted. Zephon visibly bristled. He did remember the humiliation he suffered at the hands of his master-his near brush with the lash-and like a fool, I stopped Kain! Zephon deserved whatever he got. On the other hand, it proved how much more decent I was.
Kain chuckled. "She has wit, my son, and knows her place. A fair match for anyone. Even you. And I don't remember you giving your father any greeting at all."
The Zephonim clan leader bowed. "Forgive me, my lord. I extend to you my most sincere salutations."
"That's better. Unfortunately, you missed the formal ceremony. However, you're just in time for the festivity."
"As usual," mumbled Rahab.
Zephon raised an eyebrow. "Festivities? For her?"
"We've had precious little to celebrate in decades, Zephon. And if you make any more remarks with that sharp tongue of yours, I shall remove it with my bare hands."
Zephon eyes burned with an inner fury, but there was no way, he could endure a battle with Kain. Nor would anyone let him forget it. Kain's fifth lieutenant set his jaw and strode out, flapping his cloak purposefully, as if showing off a possession that would never be mine. But what did he know? No one knew the position of the stars.
* * *
It was a surprisingly cheery affair. With roaring fires that reflected off every burnished surface and made the rose marble of the floor glow. The walls were of smooth cherry wood paneling with red velvet flocking underneath. A sophisticated look.
There was even music. Human servants played the instruments in their own orchestra. Other mortal servants brought platters of "refreshments", and some of it was even wine. The other red drink. I again questioned the morality of the situation, but it quickly escaped me. There was nothing I could do to change the natural order of things. It was either them or us.
There was an abundance of Rahabim and Turelim, although very few Melchahim. I was told the Melchahim were a reclusive bunch and that they were rather shy. I always had to speak to them first, but they were all polite and full of integrity, in spite of how some of the others slighted them. There were even a few Zephonim present. The whole of the clan seemed like a cool, sullen, calculating lot that were overall unpleasant. Zephon's children clustered in their little groups at the fringes. I didn't even bother introducing myself to them. It was clear they were only present for the entertainments.
The Turelim and the Rahabim were a completely different matter. While aloof, Rahab's children were a cultured, cordial gathering with their lofty ideals and intelligent speech. I got along with them quite well, even better than with the Razielim. The Turelim, however, were completely different. In personality, mind, not in their manner towards me. Turel's brood were so amusing, they bordered on boisterous. They guffawed loudly and treated me like one of their own by congratulating me than once and going so far as to pat me on the back. They were not nearly as intelligent as their cousins, the Rahabim, but they made up for it in fortitude.
The lively tune the orchestra was playing dissolved into a slow melody. There were furtive glances and incredulous huffing before a number of brave couples started to form. It was a crucible of humanity, but nonetheless, several spirited ones waltzed together. Vampires were naturally aloof and joined together only for survival and possibly companionship, much like wolves, but sometimes.
Rahab was dancing awkwardly with a young Melchahim girl that was a little ragged around the edges, yet still comely in her own way. Zephon rolled his eyes. Obviously, he wasn't in interested in such sentimental, "human" practices. When Turel drifted in my direction, I was genuinely floored. He held out his hand graciously. "Marina, do you wish to dance?" How could I refuse such a sincere invitation? I nodded. He nervously threw one arm around my waist and clasped my waiting right hand, while my left clumsily sought his shoulder.
Turel swung me from side to side, unsure of himself. He almost appeared embarrassed. Turel's talents apparently shone on the battlefield, not in these graceful formations. I had danced more than share in my sire's ballroom, but there was no use mentioning that.
Suddenly, there came voice that spoke to my very blood. "May I cut in, Turel? If you or Marina does not mind, of course."
Turel secretly looked relieved. "I've had enough dancing, sire. By all means."
I turned and saw him staring at me with those eyes that glowed like harvest moons. I sent him a swift smile. "Yes, Kain. Always."
Kain wrapped both arms my waist, bringing me close enough to touch. Automatically, I wrapped my own arms around his neck, entangling my fingers in his flowing hair. Kain was quite adept and led me around the glistening floor smoothly. A sensual heat was building between us. I was powerless to deny it and let my head fall on his shoulder. Everyone was taking notice now, but I didn't care. No one could prove a thing. I felt like we were the only ones left in the room. He was holding me almost protectively. I felt his lips graze my neck and stiffened immediately and braced myself for that particular stab of pain, but it never came. Instead, he kissed my neck gently.
"I'm sorry I hurt you," he murmured, "but it was entirely necessary."
"I know," I replied as I shut my eyes blissfully.
A slight tremor raced through his body. From pain, anger, or restraint, I could not guess. Kain sighed and seemed to compose himself. And we just held each other until the music stopped.
One hand came up to stroke my raven, curling tresses and the other raised my chin to look into my eyes. His own were sparkling like the chandeliers above us. I looked up at him without fear, silently marveling at his tender behavior. I noticed offhand that he was at least half a foot taller than I, but I no longer felt vulnerable.
Something was going to happen. Something.unforgettable. Either he was going to caress his lips against mine in front of all his children, or he was going to say one simple sentence.a single word.
His honey-gold eyes shone with an unnameable emotion, and all I could do was wait for his reaction.