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Hayden
As Kristina and Akana leave us, Nyall leads both Drake and me into a dining room nearby. Once inside, he asks us to sit around a large, oval shaped table that can seat about ten people. The room is expansive and comfortable, different from Rose’s humble dining area back at her farm house.
Drake and I sit across the table from Nyall. An uncomfortable silence fills the room as we stare at each other. I’m uncertain of the elder vampire’s state of mind and whether or not he will believe what I have risked both Kristina’s life and mine to come here to say.
“Where is my brother? He has been unaccounted for, for over a hundred years now. Not a single vampire I have come across has seen him or heard of him for this lengthy amount of time. How is it that you have cast your eyes upon him? Have you actually seen him?”
“With all due respect, you brought me here for a reason. You must have sensed the sincerity in my statement.”
“I brought you here because when you mentioned Castiel’s name...it became clear I should hear you out. How is it that you are familiar with my brother?”
“Have you heard of Gerard Radcliffe?”
“Maybe,” he says, but judging by his reaction I can tell this is not the first time he has heard the name. “Are you referring to the man who founded the Radcliffe Pharmaceuticals chain and the Radcliffe Institute for Internal Medicine?”
“The same one, yes.”
“What about him?” I can see by the look of interest on his face that I now have his full attention.
“Those places are only a cover-up for what he does at the Institutes.”
“Tell me, what are these Institutes?” His red eyes watch me closely, as if waiting to see any sign of deceit.
“The Institutes are where he takes his prisoners, human and otherwise, to experiment on. He has especially equipped labs, the contents of which I couldn’t begin to describe because I’m unaware of what most of it is, but nothing good goes on there.”
Appalled, Nyall asks, “What do you mean when you say ‘experiment on’?”
“Gerard Radcliffe is obsessed with achieving immortality. He dares not risk a bite from either a werewolf or a vampire, for fear of dying due to his body’s rejection of the change, so he has been trying for over a hundred and fifty years to find a safer alternative.”
“This man, I hear he claims to have found the cure for cancer, and even AIDS. These human diseases kill hundreds of people every year.” Nyall appears to be working through something. Though his eyes mirror anger, I sense uncertainty present, too.
“Gerard has no interest in helping humans be rid of these diseases. His one and only desire is to be a one-of-a kind, immortal being such as us, but more powerful.”
“He may have said this to continue to receive funding for his research. Or in this case, acquiring specialized equipment, paying forth bills, employees, and such,” Drake adds.
Nyall’s gaze focuses on Drake. “How would he hide something like that?”
“It’s no secret that he has many people who work for the government, people desperate enough to make a quick buck. You name it.”
“We have established he uses money and influence to cover up his actions.” Nyall’s gaze lands on me. “How has he hidden the fact that he has lived for so long?”
“Hired help, men taking his place in public for years, avoiding being photographed...so on and so forth. He has employed a series of schemes to keep his real identity, as well as his age, a secret. Gerard Radcliffe is not his real name. I believe he was given the name Theodore Oliver by his birth family. Oliver was his family name. He was later adopted by the Whitmans after being orphaned. Over time, his surname transitioned to Radcliffe. We have yet to confirm why, but we believe he did so to continue covering his tracks.” Drake explains. At the raise of Nyall’s brow, Drake adds, “Gerard is careful to maintain a state of anonymity when it comes to his past, but we have learned things over the course of the years many of us have been imprisoned. As you well know, some vampires can read minds, and as a mortal, he is not good at guarding his thoughts.”
“Common human mistake...leaving the mind opened like a book,” Nyall retorts with an indignant huff.
“How is it that you have all this information?”
With a quick release of air, Drake says, “My name is Drake Vanderweele and I was once a prisoner at an Institute.”
“Where is the connection? What does all this have to do with my brother?” Nyall finally asks what I have both been dreading and anticipating.
“Castiel has been imprisoned in one of these Institutes for the better part of a century,” I reply without hesitation.
Nyall’s blank expression is one what I expected. His unwavering stare one I come to dread as I wait for him to grasp the information I have provided him with.
“You expect me to believe that my twin brother, a vampire well over a millennium in age, has fallen into the clutches of a mere human?”
Understanding how critical it is for me to keep calm yet be assertive, I wait for him to come to terms with what has become of his long-lost brother.
“Castiel is a prisoner, as I was. It was there where we became friends and eventually, partners in crime.”
Slamming one hand on the table in anger, Nyall pushes his chair back as he pops to his feet. “Do you realize what you are saying? My brother a prisoner? How is that possible? Castiel is old and powerful. How could he be restrained and controlled? And by a human, no less?”
“Rather than explain, may I show you?”
Nyall’s anger diminishes somewhat. “Fine. Prove it to me, then.”
Having expected him to make this decision, I stand and walk around the table to him. “I will show you proof you will not be able to refute.”
The elder vampire says nothing as I place my hands on his temples and close my eyes. Anticipating what I have to show him, he opens his mind for mine to transmit the memories of my childhood, filtering in the ones specifically pertaining to Castiel and our friendship. Little by little, they send from my mind to his. Nyall, having opened himself to the act, allows this telepathic message to reach him.
In a matter of moments, Nyall is able to see Castiel for the first time in a century. Witnessing his twin brother dangling from hooks, seeing the wires and tubes that feed into a control panel up in the ceiling, having his blood constantly drained from his body, a tiny drop at a time, over and over again over the course of years, I believe, is hard on him.
Strength eludes Castiel, long since consumed by the physical and mental hardships he has unwillingly endured for years, without measure or consideration for his well-being. Nyall, as I have many times before, is to bear witness to Castiel’s trials, some of which I became a victim of, as well. Occasionally, I had come to Castiel’s defense or vice versa, and as a consequence, we both suffered.
It takes but a few seconds for Nyall to see a glimpse of our lives at the Institute, but it’s enough. He draws back abruptly to end our psychic connection. The way he opens and closes his fist reveals his overall frustration and sense of hopelessness.
“I want this man dead. If I have the opportunity to do so, I will choke the very life out of him myself.” Nyall is on board now. He will help us.
“I escaped with Castiel’s help and it was he who told me to come here.”
Nyall nods. “I saw. My brother’s gift has always come to his aid. I suppose this time is no different. Though his rescue has been long overdue.”
“Castiel insisted the only way to get a message to you, was through me.”
Nyall gestures roughly between us. “Take a seat.”
I do as requested and wait for him to recover from the shock and outrage brought on by the news of his brother’s whereabouts.
“Castiel is the talented one of us. He can see the future accurately, but the only gift I possess is that bestowed on me the night my mother’s path crossed that of a vampire’s.” Nyall pauses at the sound of voices. All three of us turn to the entrance of the room as Akana and Kristina approach.
Kristina’s face is a mask of relief as she walks into the room and sees me. Wasting no time, she hurries to me. I take her hand in mine and motion for her to sit to my right. Sensing the tension in the room, she quietly accommodates herself next to me and squeezes my hand under the table.
Nyall waits until Akana takes a seat to his right before continuing.
“Unlike those that came before and those who preceded me, I was not born of a bite that transcended into a world of darkness, uncontrollable pain, and eventually led to immortality.” His red eyes seek Kristina’s and for a moment he hesitates, as if too self-conscious to reveal his secret. Sensing no condemnation from her, however, he quickly adds, “Our mother was in her eighth month of pregnancy with us when she was attacked by a youngling. Although the villagers came to her aid, there was not much they could do for her. She had been bitten twice and suffered through the trauma of having blood sucked out of her while carrying a set of twins. Due to the stress of the attack, she went into early labor, and was forced to endure paralyzing pain added to that of childbirth, for over twenty-four hours. She survived long enough to bring my brother and me into this world before succumbing to the agony caused by the vampire’s rampage on her body.
“It did not take long for my aunts, who were forced to raise us after our widowed mother passed away, to notice we were unlike the average child. No amount of food consumption satisfied us or our constant hunger, which never abated. We grew and matured faster than normal children did. We hid from the sun during the day and were up all night. They feared us, more so because they could not explain our strange behavior, but our aunts were against abandonment. They tried to cover for us, keeping our secrets as their own, and putting the blame on others. But four years after our birth, we were marked by the one unfortunate day.
“One morning, our mother’s eldest sister cut herself with a knife while she was dicing fresh vegetables in the kitchen. When the scent of that life-giving liquid drifted toward me, I turned into a beast, flying at her, baring my tiny incisors. Castiel managed to hold me back, but not before I had a taste of her blood. It was at this crucial moment in our lives that everyone realized we could not stay. We were a danger to them, as well as to everyone else who lived in the village.
“There was no going back after this event. Our aunts made arrangements to have us taken out of the village and to an orphanage run by nuns, a day’s ride away, hoping that with us being closer to God, our souls could be saved. However, our aunt’s husband, fearing we would turn on him during the trip and end his miserable life, sold us off as slaves to a merchant, instead.
“Though he was harsh and strict, our owner was also just and caring in his own way. He raised and provided for us, and in turn, we lent a helping hand wherever and whenever it was needed. He never mistreated us. Never overworked us. We learned to care for him as if he was a father to us.” Nyall pauses a moment, his eyes focused on the centerpiece on top of the dining room table. “Through self-restraint, I learned how to control my urges, but there was always the fear my actions of previous years would resurface if I came in contact with blood again.
“It was a losing battle, I must say. Eventually, we gave in to our need for blood by taking nips here or there, at the livestock around our property.”
Nyall pauses a moment, his eyes lost as he stares forward. “Something happened to us during those hours after our mother was bitten—something that changed us, made us into abominations. We did not know what at the time, but the answer came later.
“It wasn’t until we had matured into young men that we stumbled upon another vampire, this one of age and with plenty of wisdom to share, at least as far as I could tell. He explained that we were not humans, but vampires. He warned that our best options were to leave before others noted how the passing of the years did not change us. Castiel and I took off soon thereafter, and did not return to our hometown until many years had passed.
“Ignorant to the world outside the safe haven the merchant had provided us, we had no clue how to survive, much less how to control urges neither of us had the power to keep from surfacing every now and again. We managed, somehow. We would take turns hunting. One night Castiel took on the task, whereas other nights, I did.
“Living as immortal creatures was unforgiving, but our lives grew taxing once we realized the severity of what immortality meant. Neither of us aged, and as the years passed, we had to bear witness to how the people around us grew old and died, while we remained virtually young. It was both a blessing and a curse, but all we truly had was each other.
“A hundred years ago, Castiel stepped out into the night and never returned. I have looked for him everywhere, going as far as thinking that he might have fallen victim to one of our many enemies, but not many had heard of him or seen him prior to his disappearance. To this day, everywhere I go, I take to the night at least once a week in the hopes of finding someone who knows what happened to my brother. I have turned back empty-handed every time.
“It wasn’t until a few years ago, when Akana and I stumbled upon a young vampire, wandering the streets aimlessly, mumbling inconsistencies. At first glance, it was obvious his mind was not all there, but Akana and I made the decision to bring him here. He wouldn’t have survived, otherwise. Not in his state. He would have given his nature away in a snap of the fingers. We could not risk being exposed by this broken youngling, so we did what we had to do.
“It took a while for Gabriel to adjust. He was often scared, many times of nothing in particular. Most days he was incoherent, disoriented, confused. We were patient and treated him fairly, provided a safe place for him to stay, did not pry into his affairs. Slowly he began to react, and talk about something along the lines of the Institutes: torture, pain, regret. Being that the boy does not have all his wits about him, we did not take anything he said seriously. He mentioned names often, almost ceremonially. Among those he named were Gerard Radcliffe, and his prized possession, Tiger.
“We did not pay much attention to his ramblings. Until tonight, I had no reason to believe any of Gabriel’s mindless incoherent mumblings was something to be concerned about. But you show up and yet again, I hear that name being mentioned. Should I assume Gerard has succeeded in creating life? In extending his own?”
Nyall’s life story is surprising, even more so because as far as vampires go, he is not as full-blooded as they come. Is he half breed? Like those back at the Institute?
“He has prolonged his life by these means. He has also created life. Back at the Institutes, a handful of half-breeds live. Half vampires, half humans, most of which are young women around my age.”
Keeping his gaze on me, Nyall asks, “What about you? Did he create you as well?”
“He did.”
“What does that make you, then?”
Kristina’s gentle squeeze on my hand gives me the courage to continue.
“I do not know what I am. Whether one, or the other, or neither. My true identity is a mystery, even to me.” I have long since desisted of the idea of uncovering what makes me one-of-a kind specimen. The only thing I care for is to save the ones still holding on to life at the Institute, and to protect Kristina, no matter the cost.
“It seems as if apologies are due Gabriel. He had been warning us from the beginning. However, we mistook his tales for hallucinations.” Nyall pauses for a moment, his expression pensive. “I understand now why you came here. You have my full support. A plan must be formed to put a stop to Gerard’s rule once and for all.”
“Nyall, your kind and mine have never been on the best of terms, but there are packs nearby that might be willing to help, should I warn them of what’s going on. We will need as much assistance as we can gather, so none of us run the risk of being captured ourselves. When we invade his sanctuary, not only will it be in our best interest to have as many supernaturals on our side as possible, but there is power in numbers, too,” Drake speaks up.
“I see the logic behind your plan. As you well said, werewolves and vampires have never been on friendly terms, but this once, we should unite to destroy the one man determined to discover our secrets. Not only is there the danger of exposure, but the fate of many people, and nonhumans alike, rests in our hands. I say we end this for good.”
Drake’s phone begins to ring so he fishes it out of his pocket and takes a moment to eye the tiny screen before rising to his feet. “Kristina.” He walks around the table and offers it to her. “It’s Rose.”
Kristina takes the phone and presses the green button as she exits the room. I can hear her greet Rose in the background, but she soon moves far enough away that I shut her out and focus on the present matter.
“How soon can we get this done? I am anxious to meet this Gerard and fix the damage he has caused to my brother.” Nyall practically reeks of anger and frustration.
“As soon as I am able to have a word with Kristina, I will be on my way. I’ll come to pick them up afterward, if that is okay with you,” Drake offers.
Nyall’s gaze rests on me a moment. “Your mate and you are welcome to stay here. Neither of you has anything to fear and you are both under our protection.”
Taking into consideration Kristina’s exhaustion, I decide to accept Nyall’s offer. “We will welcome your hospitality.”
“Drake, return once your business is finished so that we can share a meal. From this point on, we are partners, and as fighters of the same cause, we should be civil with each other at every turn.”
“Thank you, Nyall. I will make sure to stop by, then.”
For the time being, we have formed a comfortable alliance. All those present now have the same goal in mind. If we succeed, Kristina will be free as well and other than finally being rid of Gerard, and keeping him from hurting anyone else again. I want her to be happy once more and free of worries. For that, I need stick with the plan and hope we do not fail.