It must have been years, Helen's mind supplied as she crouched in the corner once more. All she could hear beyond the sound of her own laboured breath was the dull voices of those standing by the locked door. They were calm, professional. Apparently years of torturing Helen into submission had no effect on their conscious.
Probably because they didn't have one, she seethed silently.
But today was going to be different, she decided. She was going to get out. She couldn't recall if she'd ever tried to do so before but today was going to be different, it had to be.
Slowly, the blonde woman turned, walking calmly until she stood directly before Helen.
"Tell me about Source Blood," she said, drawing out the words as she glared down at Helen. The woman's eyes were burning with something positively dangerous and Helen almost recoiled.
"Tell me about what you did with the pure sample of Sanguine Vampiris blood back in the late 1800's."
Helen half growled, baring her teeth as a sudden wave of nausea shuddered through her again. Her brain felt like it was on fire, suddenly the dull throb rising to unimaginable levels.
As Helen blacked out, the last thing she saw was the smug smile of satisfaction on her captors face.
Helen
I am not ashamed to say that it hurt.
James
My heart was in my throat as I watched but, no matter how hard I tried, I could not make myself go to her to help. Not even the thought of what Gregory would do to me if I allowed her to die like this could get me to move. Much like when she was settling herself, I was transfixed. It felt as if the entire room was holding its breath. And, to an extent, I assume we probably all were. She was out leader, our fearless and often reckless leader and we couldn't help but love her for it. To watch her like this, though, was unavoidable. Helen had always had the ability to make those around her stare without so much as blinking. It was just her way.
John
I didn't breath until she managed to look me in the eye. In fact, even then, I was not entirely sure if we were out of the woods. After all, what we were doing had no precedent. We had not practice the method and there had been no discussion of what was to happen afterwards. How were we to take care of her? How were we to know what was a sign of good and what meant we ought to send for a carriage to take her to a hospital? We had no plan and, I think, no idea of what we were to unleash.
Nikola
My heart was beating a mile a minute. To be honest, I don't quite understand that turn of phrase but, being one I'd heard from Helen on occasion, I thought it to be fitting. But yes, either way, my heart rate was elevated, probably to dangerous levels. I think it was a even mix of fear and elation. Mostly elation, of course. And I could see the same mix in Helen. Her grip on my hand was tight and I could tell she would have been trembling otherwise. I liked to think that it meant she needed me more than the others though I didn't let myself dwell on the idea. After all, there were more important things to worry about. For example, how long Helen would make us wait for our turns.
Nigel
She was bonkers. Actually cracked. Probably a genius too, I was smart enough to realise that but... God. I don't know why it took me so long to realise it, considering some of the things she'd suggested over time but it sort of hit me, I suppose. But the even stranger thing was, I loved it. It was Helen's way, I guess. She made things that rational people would consider foolish seem like the most natural thing in the world to do. Just watching her as she processed what had happened to her, made me eager to continue, to take my place where she now sat. This plunge was one that I again wanted to take, regardless of the fact that we had no idea what was actually happening to her.
Helen
By the time the cold passed, I remembered to breathe once more. I knew my hand was clutching a little too tightly to Nikola's but, from the look in his eye, I could tell he understood why I subconsciously anchored myself to a piece of reality. In many ways, it was a half magical experience, if not slightly... unpleasant. Not that I had experienced any serious discomfort. The best comparison I could manage is that it felt as if I was in a blizzard, with nothing more than a cotton slip to protect me though it lasted for barely a second. For such a short period of time, it felt rather monumental. It was as if the world changed in that fleeting moment and my eyes were closed as it happened. Something intangible and beautiful had happened to me, around me, and I had just about missed the moment itself.
Nigel
I was not surprised when I half had to fight Nikola for the next go.
Helen
I should have known poor Nigel never stood a chance against Nikola's enthusiasm
James
I knew the other two would want to just jump straight in, without stepping back to watch Helen for any signs of danger. And I knew Helen would support their want wholeheartedly. After all, where there was trouble to be had, Helen was not far behind.
John
To my mind, it was too late for all of them now. I didn't really care whether Tesla and Griffin went through with it at that point. All I could focus on was Helen.
James
After Helen, the act seemed to lose its sense of importance somewhat. Well, almost. I still feared for the others, there was no change in that.
Nikola
To be honest, I barely felt the prick. It was after that was of particular note, even if it lasted only a few moments.
Nigel
Watching Tesla made me anxious all over again but, as Helen ushered my into the seat and readied the final syringe, I took comfort in her... normalcy. Not that Helen is ever particularly normal, but she didn't seem any worse for wear. In fact, there was a glow about her that I guessed came from the residual excitement. A less intelligent man would have said she was in love with a man but I knew it was the work that had her heart.
Nikola
I think we were all a little unsure of what to do once it was all finished with.
And our week is done! Tomorrow I'll post again but then things might slow down a bit so I can work on some other stories...
xx
