Chapter 16: A New Era
SEBASTIAN.
My sister’s advice took me out of the abyss into which I had sunk, and at the same time, I realized she was right. But I was a werewolf, a demon from the dark world, and she was a fragile woman, one who would not accept this too easily.
She could end up scared or traumatized if she saw me transform. So, such an approach is out of the question. For now, I would act with caution. I would gain her trust so that I could finally be close to her without her fearing me.
My sister was also going through changes that did not make her happy, and that I insisted so much on getting in touch with her made me feel selfish. But Vicky was just Vicky. I got convinced that her life was not very different from mine. None of us have been with our soul mates and now they both have appeared and we don’t know how to handle it.
A week passed, and I never saw Teresa again. Maybe it was for the better, though her scent still lingered throughout my house. There was no corner in here that didn’t smell like her. I was going crazy when I got home, so I returned to the office and to the lab to perfect the serum. I needed results.
“Hey, Bash, you haven’t been here in a long time.” My cousin’s hoarse voice sounded like a reproach to me. I knew I kind of abandoned them, but I gathered so much in me I didn’t even know how to deal with it.
“Hey, Liam, I’m sorry… I had so much on my mind lately that I’m surprised I even survived!”
“I won’t ask you how you feel, but I’ll give this to you.” Liam handed me an envelope that I unwrapped with total disinterest. I didn’t even know if my condition was now because of Bella’s death or Teresa’s coldness, who left in such a hurry. God, I didn’t even know this girl, and I already got worried that yesterday’s incident could have terrible consequences. What consequences am I thinking about when nothing binds us?
“Okay, now you’re worrying me…”
The truth was that I was concerned too, since I was sitting with the envelope unfolded in my hands, but my eyes were in a completely different place. I regained a little composure and rolled my eyes at the carefully folded piece of paper. It was an invitation to the Annual Conference of Researchers, well, those in our world.
Each time, it had a new guest who presented an innovative idea that we then funded or researched as such. This year it was the turn of Luana Antonov, a Romanian doctor in science, an expert in vampire and werewolf blood research.
It will probably be interesting. In other circumstances, I would have been delighted, but now, when everything fell apart around me and since yesterday, I no longer understand what was happening to me around that girl.
“I understand that your enthusiasm is zero. Let me remind you that this discovery could be our answer to perfecting the serum.” Liam was so determined and sure of himself that it was almost impossible for me to contradict him.
“Hmm, do you think I wouldn’t have asked Erik Von Hagen, an original vampire, if he would lend me some of his blood to see if it really works? It’s very tempting to go, but I’m almost convinced it will be a waste of time!”
“My God, Bash, I think you have another problem, and no, it’s not Bella’s death,” even Liam could smell her scent, I knew that for sure. “It has entered my nostrils since you set foot in the building. Who is she?” His commanding tone was more of an attempt to protect me. Was it really that obvious from my changing mood?
“There is no point in going into details. All I can tell you is that she threw me even deeper into the abyss!”
“Oh, believe me, Bash, it is obvious. Anyway, I say you need some distraction, and what better distraction than tonight’s conference?” Liam’s gaze suddenly darkened when he probably realized I hadn’t even looked when and where the meeting would take place. And how I had no alternatives. I lowered my gaze just to please him.
“See you at 8 PM sharp in front of the theater”
It seemed that I delighted him with this confirmation. And although I wasn’t that thrilled, Liam was right. The topic was going to be an interesting one. And besides, our latest research had stalled. Healing did not happen as fast as I expected.
As tonight’s dress code had to be a formal one, I chose a black suit, sober, and the blood-red tie applied to an impeccably white shirt, with no flaws. A fleeting thought just crossed my mind. If this conference wasn’t so secret, certainly Teresa would have been already there covering the story. This thought was making me go insane.
The enormous hall was already crowded, but it was an organized one. Liam greeted me from the entrance as he had promised. I got really impressed by the deployment of these masses of people, werewolves and vampires alike.
“Do I have to conclude that you know this doctor, Luana Antonov?” her name once again drew my attention to the invitation.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t have the honor, but if what we will hear here will be music for my ears, I will introduce myself to her. Moreover, it would be good to have her in our team. "
“Hey, let’s not rush. We know nothing about her background. Let’s see first her theories and if they apply, we will discuss this at another level “
“Fair enough. Shall we go inside?”
The crowd was already heading to the seats in the enormous room. For some reason, Liam and I had privileged seats right in front of the stage. Oh well, whatever the reasons were, at least we had an excellent view. At one point, the crowd fell silent, and the light dimmed considerably.
A projector lit up with a conference slide, a microscope, and several blood cells. So far, nothing new. I couldn’t explain this anxiety, though, and neither was the impatience to see what it was all about. I finally admitted that this gathering was intriguing to me.
And then she came in, looking so familiar and yet so strange. A lady in her early thirties, with a nonchalant and determined air, constant in movements. Her blond hair fell in waves on her shoulders and a pair of glasses framed her face. Her mischievous smile to all those in the room did not betray even the slightest emotion. Maybe she was very confident in her area of expertise. Petite in stature, she appeared before us at the desk, already prepared. Then, with elegant movements, she brought her hair into a ponytail and arranged her glasses. Everything was perfect with her. I watched her set the papers and prepare to support her theories. Immediately after checking the microphone, she cleared her throat. And that’s how it all started.
“Good evening, my dear guests. Let me introduce myself. My name is Luana Antonov, Ph.D. Doctor, and researcher. I am convinced that many of you are curious about why I gathered you here, and I am also convinced that many of you do not know me. I have been active in this field for over ten years, which means from the age of twenty. The Creator endowed me with a brilliant mind, and I advanced quickly in the research of vampire blood, and I can tell you with certainty that I discovered some stunning properties of it, which I did not think it had. With the help of my assistants in my laboratory, I developed the foundations of a theory as daring as it is achievable. “
Listening to her, I realized she was struggling with the same theory as we did; could this be a coincidence? I noticed Liam was so interested in her and he was catching every one of her words. Could Luana Antonov be the answer to all our questions?
“Liam, do you hear what I hear? Dr. Antonov is actually giving us a brief introduction connected to our own research. “
“I told you it would interest you, but I admit I didn’t think it was that interesting. I know how much we have tried to perfect the serum and if Dr. Antonov has these answers that we don’t, then I would say we should listen carefully about what this woman has to say. “
“Ladies and gentlemen, with us a new era will begin, the era of immortality. The human species is not yet aware of our existence here in Bellingham, nor do we know its reaction to the news that demons live among them. We will have to prepare ourselves for absolutely anything. We do not know to what extent they will resort to retaliation if they feel threatened. Although we are peaceful, human nature is unpredictable. Therefore, I invite all of you to a thinking exercise. How about never being afraid of silver again? We, the werewolves, and the vampires alike, will never have to die. How about we combine our tremendous power with the certainty that nothing can touch us or bring us death?”