Chapter 10: 9. Tricking the Fool

I spent the time searching for any kind of information or secret on the dark web where it could show me any signs of humans alive, living for themselves and fighting the vampires somehow.

Until now I’ve found news of how humans have been living since the bloodlines took control of the world. Darcy and Adonis had completely seized Europe, while Asian countries were under Callisto’s control with half of North America territories who he controlled with Seth. Central and South America were also under control by two other bloodlines, but it had become a mess since the countries were being fought back by the humans.

North America had also become hard to control with groups of rebels who have gained control over military bases, meaning that there were humans still fighting against the bloodlines.

I didn’t dare ask for any of this information. It would seem like I’m planning something. So it’s best I keep my mouth shut for now.

With a sigh, I leaned on the desk. It was already past midnight, and I hadn’t had dinner. And not seeing a servant in my room meant Callisto hadn’t ordered anything for me.

I really wasn’t hungry. Well, not until my stomach groaned in the most unpleasant way. Shutting my laptop, I stood and grabbed a hairband. Once ready, I head down. There were two servants who ignored me as I made my way down to the dining area.

I wasn’t sure I was pleased with being alone, but it was for the best.

Maybe because of what happened earlier with Adonis, but now I don’t feel that bother.

Was it because we were back in the house, away from everyone, or was I comfortable here?

No idea what it was. Yet I felt better being stuck here than in a building. I knew things were happening every minute. Just the thought about what happens behind doors sickened me.

I’ve taken a seat when I flickered my attention to someone entering the room.

“Darcy?”

“How are you feeling?” This was not what I was expecting. I glanced at him.

For once, Darcy seemed not that interested in me. After that mess back in the lab, I expected them to leave me be.

“You shouldn’t be eating at this time. It’s best you eat early so your stomach can digest. Early naps or going to bed will also help. I will ask for some vitamins so you can have them during meals, maybe add some to the food. You need to take care of yourself as well.” What was he ranting about? “You almost died a few weeks ago. So, you will need care.”

“Darcy, shut up.” I flinch, realizing what I just spewed.

Damn it, for once, can’t I measure my words when I speak?

“We’ll talk about it later. Right now, have dinner, then go to bed.” Darcy stands, chair scratching the floor.

I consider saying something, but I also don’t have the strength to deal with a conversation right now. Talking means giving him my individual attention.

Darcy just turns, leaving the room. Just like that, I’m back to being alone.

After eating, I don’t head to my room. I wasn’t sleepy at all so I headed to the library where I knew something interesting would keep me up for at least two more hours.

“This won’t do and you know it. Not when Adonis is being an arse.”

I frown.

“At least we should tell her this much. Maybe that will help her understand what we are trying to do. Why keep it a secret any longer?” That was Hector speaking. “Keeping more secrets will only make things harder, Callisto. You saw how things went, what happened. What you did.”

“You don't need to remind me, Hector. I suggest you refrain from repeating unnecessary things.” Callisto sounded angry.

“Yet, you keep pushing her.” That had me leaning closer to the door. “Nothing stays hidden. The truth will come out, anyway. So let’s not keep going around and just tell her.”

The only voices I could pick up until now were Hector, Callisto, and Darcy. I wonder if the rest were there.

“This is the only road we have. It won’t kill us speaking the truth, right, Adonis?” Darcy hissed.

I felt the same tingling sensation. It itched on my neck.

“Will you keep faulting me for speaking the truth? I have no obligations to her and can’t you be a little more honest with yourselves? You know, she looks repugnant with her scarred skin and awful face. There’s nothing appealing to her.”

I didn’t need to wonder who that was. Adonis voice was engraved on me like a tattoo.

“This is a mess…” Hector sighs.

“You’ve been quiet Seth.” Adds Callisto. “Do you also feel like Adonis?”

There’s a pause.

I got closer to the library door. Then squint my eyes trying to see where they were.

There are a handful of stands blocking my view. It’s difficult to get a glimpse without getting caught.

“She may look the way she looks, but nothing stops me from craving her.” I clutch the door handle and halt. “Admit it, Adonis, although you loath her, you still crave her. It’s not like you have to spend every minute with her, unless you feel like the rest. Staying away will only make things worse. So let it go and just get close to her. Nothing good will come out if you force otherwise.”

“Not a bad suggestion from Seth.”

It was the first time I heard him speak that much. From what I saw earlier, he seemed so reserved and quiet.

“True, Mi Princesa is quite a thing once you know her. I don’t regret the choice we made when we chose her that day a year and two months ago,” Hector chuckles. “Callisto made a wise decision.”

“The best after conquering this damned world,” Darcy laughs. “For that I’m grateful.”

Hector’s answer isn’t something I foresaw. The thought about what he just said, pulls me back to one year ago.

With a gasp, I stumbled back. My chest heaving, I stared through the door crack.

A year ago…

“Yophiel?” My head snaps up to find Darcy standing with eyes wide in front of the now opened door. Callisto and the rest followed, except for Adonis, who remained on the far end near the fireplace.

Callisto pushed Darcy out of his way and crouched down, reaching for my face, but before he could even touch a hair strand. I had slapped his hand away, feeling disgusted with him.

Another long pause before I stood this time and fixed my clothes. I can see the way all of them are standing still, their faces giving away what they felt.

Hector is the first to straighten up, clear his throat, and move to the other side of Callisto. “Mi Princesa.” He glances at me.

I braced myself and ran away.

“Yophiel!” Callisto calls.

I almost made it to the stairs when Callisto’s arm snaked around my waist, lifting me in the air and turning me around so I could face him.

“Callisto—” The words barely made it out of my lips before he kisses me. Silencing any word, I was about to say.

It took me by surprise.

He keeps going before he speaks. “Phi. My Phi.” He leans back enough that he can hold my gaze. “Don’t run away from me. Just listen to what I have to say.”

He clearly seems worried, panicked, if I can add something else to the way he is looking at me.

From the moment we met, Callisto has showed me he somehow cares for me. That he feels something for me. Again and again, he shows me all that with every opportunity he has. The way he protects me, and keeps me away from things, also when he hurts me.

I allow myself to lean on him for five long breaths. When I lean back, he places his hand on my face. I don’t feel that fear from before. I’m not even surprised I’m not trembling because of what he did to me.

It was driving me crazy. All of them.

Hector and the rest appear, looking both stricken and relieved. I saw Adonis quickly glance at me from the shadows, just watching.

“I know we are keeping things from you.” Callisto speaks. My attention is on him. “I don’t say it’s right, but I’m. We are protecting you.”

Hector stretches, his spine cracking loudly. “Slow it down there, Callisto. We agreed to tell her the truth now that we all are here.”

Here?

Does that mean they were all kept silent because not all of them were here with me?

Callisto shakes his head, then carefully sets me down. He hooks an arm around my waist and guides me back to the room I was staying in.

Darcy, Hector, and Seth are the first to follow with Adonis keeping a safe distance from us.

When we are all inside, Darcy shuts the doors and takes a seat. While Seth and Hector move each to a window, leaving Adonis standing near the bedroom door.

As much as I want to run away from this room filled with vampires, I also feel curious. Too much for my own good.

Callisto pulls a chair and offers it for me to take. My hands clutch hard on the chair frame as I take a sit. Surely, I can keep it together for the time being.

“Um.”

I arch a brow, watching all of them before Hector clears his throat.

I flex my hands in the armchair. They all shift. Which means they are uncomfortable with all this.

I swallow hard.

“She looks beautiful when she’s nervous.” I dart my eyes at Darcy, who gives me a mischievous smile. “Cute.”

Callisto shifts and brings a stool closer to me. I silence the thought that crosses my mind. Right now, wasn’t the time to act like a coward. I had to get myself together and push forward with a thread of hope.

“So?” I asked.

“Let’s make an introduction with what we were and did for her,” Callisto orders.

With that, Hector stands from his spot and walks over, crouching close to me. He isn’t touching me, but keeping his eyes level with mine.

“I’m Hector Bautista, born in Mexico, age 30. One of the most dangerous gangs in Mexico and Central America used to be ruled by me. I collect cars. My Bloodline is Mind Control. I died on October 10th, 2036. It's a pleasure to meet you finally, Mi Princesa Yophiel.” Hector slowly stands.

“I’m Seth Ravenscar, born and raised here in North America. I’m 30 and used to be owner of the biggest petroleum company in America until I got poisoned and died on October 1st, 2034. My Bloodline is Fire, I hate talking. Nice to meet you, Phiphi.”

“I’m Darcy Tudor, born in England. I stopped aging when I turned 30. And as you know, I am a scientist and I am the owner and CEO of Medtek. You must have heard about us from your father.” He gives me a smile. “My Bloodline is water. Seth’s enemy and I died on October 5th, 2035. I collect specimens and love experimenting. Happy to have met you, Yophiel.”

“You forgot to add how much of a pervert you are,” Hector chuckles. He only smirks.

There’s a pause before someone blurs to the window where Hector was before.

“Adonis Billiot, French, age 30. Owned half Europe long ago and now as well. My Bloodline is Time. If you don’t know, then I can show you what I can do. I died October 20th, 2030, in a car crash.”

I clasped my hands in my lap. The only one missing is Callisto.

“Callisto Ashide, age 20, born in South Korea. I used to be a normal student.” A pause. “My father sold me to a lab in Europe. I died October 31st, 2026. Woke up as a monster on February 8th, 2028. My Bloodline is Blood Manipulation. I’m happy to finally meet you, Phi.”

I sat still. Did he just say he got sold by his own father?

My eyes slowly dragged to each vampire present around me. None of them were looking my way. Their faces shielded from any emotions.

As tempted as I am to ask more, I refrain from unnecessary stuff.

I shift in my chair.

“Do I have to introduce myself?” I asked, feeling like an idiot.

Hector is the first to chuckle, then Seth smiles and Darcy and Callisto follow. Adonis still had his back to me.

“You don’t need to, because we know everything about you,” Darcy gives me a lazy smile.

“Yes, unless you wish to share something with us, Mi Princesa,” Hector adds.

I look at Callisto, who was staring at me with those dark eyes of his that seemed so distant.

“Let’s see, Drusilla Yophiel Swan. Born here in America, age 28, used to be engaged, but your fiancée left you once he saw you. Don’t worry, I have his head on my lab,” Darcy laughs darkly. I shivered.

“There was no need to say that.” Seth hisses.

“What?” Darcy shrugs. “I’m just giving her some peace of mind.”

I sigh.

“You love sports, used to be a model and was studying to be a businesswoman like your father. Your favorite color is royal blue, you love eating caviar and love an excellent wine. You despise people who are rude and not caring. Donating and working on charity was your hobby.” Seth says, surprising me. I smiled.

“Your sister locked you in the adjacent house from your parent’s mansion, because she was jealous of your fiancée who was going to marry you and all the attention you pulled to yourself without knowing or doing anything. Just smiling did the work. Yet your family did nothing when it happened and let your sister off. The same sister Callisto killed and drank her blood from.”

“That’s an unnecessary comment, Adonis,” Hector snarled, pushing himself from the table he was leaning on.

“The truth,” Adonis barks back, fangs long against his chin. “If we are going to speak, let’s say things how they are. You, like the coward you are, you let your sister off, while you only cried and hid away from your parents that looked down on you. They never cared for you, not even when you were dying in the hospital where you got treated with the best doctors. You loath mirrors and even though you don’t say it, often you despise your looks. Still, there are good things about you, like your love for books, and old romantic movies. You are scared of us and desire to die.”

They knew plenty about me…

“Now let’s move to how we came to meet you,” Darcy smiles. His eyes were on Callisto, who gave him one of those sharp stares.

He doesn’t need to say more to silence Darcy, who grumbled, annoyed.

“How did you know about me?” I asked, eyeing them all.

“We met,” Adonis speaks.

“Met?”

“Yes,” Seth shrugs.

I don’t know what to think. There was no memory or recollection of ever meeting any of them.

If anyone asked me if I knew them long ago, it wouldn’t be hard to remember. All their handsome faces were impossible to forget, no matter how long time passed.

I press my hand to my forehead, feeling the usual ache. Breathing slowly, I count to ten, then feel it at ease. Darcy’s cool hand rests on my face.

A sound cuts through the room. I turn to find Seth turning the fire on. A small snap from his fingers has the entire place in a flare. I watch in awe, both stricken and amazed by his power.

Not that I wanted to be close, but still made me curious.

“Phi?” I turn to Callisto’s voice. In a second, I’m in his arms and on the bed, where everyone slowly moves and takes a spot around me. Even Adonis, who seemed displeased with my presence, now seemed a bit more at ease. “When we tell you we met you, they mean me. Then everyone else met you, one by one. You just don’t recall.”

“What do you mean, I can’t recall?” I asked, feeling the same itch on my neck. A hand clasps around my knee, making me yelp.

Adonis hold was cold and strong. I was startled at the way he was holding me.

“Let me go.”

“Is that what you want?” He speaks with annoyance. “I swear she pisses me.”

Rude!

“Let’s get over this. We don’t want her to get overwhelmed and to shock.” Darcy sighs and he places his hand on my thigh.

Okay, what in the peaches was happening?

Hector follows with my left arm, then Seth’s rough hands grab my other arm and Callisto wraps an arm around my shoulders.

I swallow hard; the movement pressing my throat.

“Relax Phi, we won’t do you anything. Just breath and count to ten like you always do.” Callisto encourages. “You will feel a small sting around your head, so don’t panic.”

The men’s surrounding me slowly shut their eyes as silence fills the room. I could ignore their touch, but not the next words Callisto spoke in a language I barely understood.

The itch started on my neck again. But this time it burns until I jerk away, and they all release me. The feeling doesn’t get better. Feeling panic, I stand when my vision blackened.

A room with lights and the sound of machines. My heart hammered fast against my chest. I can’t move, but I can see shadows moving around me, speaking, but I don’t understand a single word they say.

I force myself to listen, to understand, but the more I do, the worse my head aches. A defying sound makes me scream, and a shadow hovers over me, calling my name, but all I can feel is the ache, the searing pain that burned through my body.

Nothing makes it go away, not even his voice. All I want is for it to go away. I screamed, twisted on the bed, yanking whatever was against my skin. Hands keep me down and I cry, begging for it to stop and then there’s relief.

My breathing labors, my head stops aching and my vision clears and I see him staring down at me with a painful look that tightens my throat.

His hand caresses my face before he speaks. The movement of his lips is all I can see.

Another shadow hovers and I don’t see his face, then another and another until I feel dizzy.

My consciousness comes and goes and I don’t hear nor feel a thing. But he is still there, his eyes always on me while he speaks. Occasionally, he smiles, making my heart flutter. I try to reach and touch him, but I can’t move. Just the flick of a finger makes me cry and then I close my eyes.

I blink. What was that?

“Do you hear me, Yophiel?” Darcy asked, leaning close to my face. There was a long object in his hand.

I pushed him out of my way. Not sure what happened, but it feels like I just found respite on something heavy that weighed on my shoulders.

Callisto arches a brow. His eyes searching my face before mine go wide.

“You were there that day…” The words are soft and strangely awkward.

Callisto moves closer, smiling down at me. “Yes. The day you arrived to be saved from your burns, I crossed paths with you.”

“Your father sent you to us.” Darcy smiles, making me shudder.

What was he talking about?

“Watch it Darcy Tudor,” Adonis speaks. His voice dripping in anger.

“Yes, be careful if you don’t want your throat ripped off,” Callisto growls. Then turns to face me. He helps me sit up, back on soft, cozy pillows. “It’s true what Darcy just said. Your father sent you to us the day you got saved from the fire. He thought you would die and decided on something only a few knew of.”

“You?” I choke in disbelief.

My father sent me to Darcy’s lab. I startle.

“Yophiel,” Darcy calls. His hands over my pulse. “Breathe.”

Callisto leans down until he’s looking directly into my eyes. His eyes are wavering. So human.

“Why?” My voice comes out hoarse.

The same tingling is back on my neck. I shake my head, seeing dots in my eyes.

Callisto gives me an apologetic smile. “He wanted you to survive somehow, but no other place could save someone who was dying from the kind of burns you had. When he brought you to us, humans were getting accepted just to be experimented on, so when I crossed paths with you, I decided not to give you that choice…” I clutch his shirt. Urging him. He sighs. “Phi…”

“Tell me!” I begged, tugging on his shirt. “Just tell me!”

He looked at the rest before locking eyes with me.

“Because you carry our gene. The same mutation that makes us who we are is inside you. Your father experimented on you without you knowing. He was slowly turning you into one of us. Except,” he gives me a sorry smile. Then look at the rest. Slow approvals encourage Callisto to continue. “Except you can’t turn like us unless…”

“Unless what?” I snapped angrily. “Just tell me already!”

“Unless you accept our bond.” My head jerks to Adonis. “For it to happen, you will need to accept us. The same monster you loath and are so afraid of. You won’t be one of us until you willingly decide to take us as who we are and become the monster as well.”

My hold on Callisto’s shirt loosens.

“What nonsense are you saying?” I nervously chuckled. I could feel tears falling.

“Yophiel,” Callisto’s hands frame my face, dragging it close to his. “You are human, but inside you live our mutation. Unless you want us, you won’t become like us. That’s why we’ve been telling you, you will become one of us in your own will. We won’t force you. But our desires, our cravings, the ones we feel are tipping. You will need to decide when the time comes.” He looks at Adonis. “And until we all accept what we have, things will never work.”