Lestat
The Nightmares… they are back.
I took a backseat in my mind and watched that night play itself out. Dragon wings covered the sky, blocking the evening sun. I watched them as they desperately tried to breath fire to fight whatever enemy was in front of them.
I and a few companions were trailing the woods when we had the scream. I was only a few years old then. barely fifty as a vampire. Someone had set fires to their little clan. The flames licked every surface turning every thing to ash in its wake.
One of them saw us and drew the attention of the others, and soon we were being attacked with spears, rods and claws. I watched the hearts of my family pulled out of their chest with such hatred unable to stop it.
Sir Jamal, lord Martin, sir Gerald… all of them… they all died. They died trying to save a dying clan. And it was all my fault.
I had convinced them to help. Convinced them with the last shred of humanity I still had in me. And they all paid the price for my recklessness.
But above all, the cries of the children seared into my brain as they burned to death unable to fly with their little dragon bodies. Back then I wasn't a monster. Not yet at least.
The last thing I see is a pair of hands pushing me out of the way before fire took me too. And that's when I wake. Assuming I was ever asleep to begin with.
They consume my waking moment, and haunt me in my sleep. It takes a lot for a vampire to look tired, but right now, I look like one.
I sighed, getting off my bed, and made my way to the bathroom for a quick shower.
It's been two days since Daphne had brought up dragons. Two days of my endless torture. My only reprieve is when I feed. The blood puts me in a state of euphoria for a few seconds before reality crashes back in.
The same can't be said for the sick. The poison is spreading faster than we can control. And the effects of the poison differ for each vamp. I had watched their vitality drain slowly out of them two days ago.
The infected are weak, unable to feed and slowly turning to dust. And the blood does nothing to quell their hunger anymore even when they try to feed. I hated to admit it, but we might have no choice but to turn more humans like Viktor said.
We leave for London in a few hours. Viktor and I. He's decided to come with me. Not only to keep me safe from any potential trouble from the other clan, but also to find evidence to prove Daphne wrong.
Whatever his reasons were, I didn't mind the company one bit. Misery loves company. Daphne and Viktor are an item, and their little tryst at the meeting had cost him no sex.
If anything, he was more determined than I to get things done.
I made my way to the feeding room for breakfast.
"We should make our way to the airport," Viktor said. Entering after me. "Simon's already waiting out front for us."
"A few more minutes wouldn't hurt him," I shrugged and bit into the waiting neck in front of me.
I draw blood. After a few seconds, my body began to feel lighter and the tiredness washed away. "You should eat too."
He stared at me. I shrugged and bit into the pretty neck again, drawing a little more before stopping.
"I'll be down," he said and walked away. But not before taking a blood bag for the road.
I vamped back to my room to grab my bag before heading down.
The ride to the airport is a silent one with each to their own thoughts. The flight to London is a smooth one. The dull skies felt welcoming compared to the harsh New York sun.
We made our way to our hotel relatively smoothly. Something about London air felt different. Though I'm not sure what it was. Yet.
"Simon was able to grab us last minute invites to the museum's gala tomorrow night," Viktor said, handing me said tickets. "It should give us enough time to find the scale and use it to track the owner."
I nodded.
"Try not to indulge in one of your tendencies while we are here," he warned.
"I don't indulge."
Viktor rolled his eyes. "Where have I heard that before?"
"Fine. Then you're in-charge of getting us food."
"Sure. If that's what it takes to not stir up bad blood between us and the London clan, then mind," he shrugged.
"I still need a distraction for the rest of the day so I don't lose my mind," I sighed, dragging my hands across my face.
"What you need is sleep. You look like shit."
"And you look blue," I grinned. I was referring to his current state of blue balls.
"Dick."
He made his way to the adjoining door and disappeared behind it.
I looked up what was fun to do while visiting London and a few tourist spots popped up. Looking at the boring list, I ultimately decided it wasn't worth losing my sleep over. The shining gold of the invitation calls my attention. I reached for it, pulling the little ribbon attached to the front paper.
"You are cordially invited to the museum of obscure antiquities' and gallery gala night. Celebrating the unveiling of our newest acquisition: a collection of personal relics. Join us for an evening of mystery, intrigue, art, and the darker side of antiquity. We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable night.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah Vance.
Curator."
I read it twice more and resealed the invite. If the curator was willing to show dragon scales to the public that meant she was probably human. A clueless one.
My eyes were barely closed when the sweetest scent drifted in with the wind. But just as quickly as it appeared, it faded too.
"Seems London has gotten interesting since the last time I was here."