Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:39:31 +0530
From: Ethan Sean <eternal.ivan@gmail.com>
Subject: Blood and Love: Chapter 19.

Hi everyone. Great to be back. I had taken the season break to think about
the story and to shape it better. Season 2 begins with Ch.19. I have added
a recap of Season 1 to refresh the events for old readers and to acquaint
the new readers with the story till now. This will be the longest chapter
so far. Considering I was asked a lot to write longer chapters, I will now
be posting chapters of 5000+ words. Hoping that you guys like the story.
Also, I've tried to brush the style of writing a bit. All reviews,
suggestions are welcome and desired. Also, Season 2 will mark the end of
the novel. Also, Should i include a list of characters in the next chapter,
so that you don't feel lost when they come up? Thank you. :)

Season 1: RECAP
***************
Sean Geller lives in the town of Mystical Domus with his brother Aaron and
aunt Amanda. His parents died in an accident last summer. His life has been
disappointing since then with Aaron blaming him for their parent's death.
But, fate has something else in store for him. Evan Damien has come to
town. This new student/ stranger soon becomes his love interest, helps
solve his life's issues, esp with Aaron. It is soon revealed that he is a
vampire. Evan's brother Daniel, also a vampire, is interested in Aaron. But
his complicated past and inability to move over Alex, his dead boyfriend
hasn't helped matters.
It is soon revealed that Sean's friend Rebecca is a witch and is assisting
the Damien brothers in protecting Sean from 'Someone'. Sean is attacked
thrice. In the first attack by Ruth, Sean discovers the brothers' identity.
In the second attack, Sean's best friend Stephan, who happens to love him
too, becomes a vampire. In the third attack, Sean is abducted but rescued
by Evan and Stephan, only to find that Alex is alive. Meanwhile Daniel and
Aaron have resolved their complications and are now lovers.
What will happen now begins...

*Season 2*

************

*Chapter 19*

***************

*Excerpts from the journal of Daniel Damien...*

***********************************************

*1855, 5th January.*

* *

Today has marked the end of the bond closest to my heart. Arthur has gone.
The promises of a lifetime of bliss and love have gone with him. I have
nothing left to cherish. My life has come to a standstill. The entire
Damien estate around me is bustling with activity: rigorous cleaning and
preparations. A serene chaotic atmosphere is pervasive in the mansion. I
enquired and was informed by our bubbling butler that my father's closest
friend of years Mr. Askern and his son Alexander are coming to stay with
us. While the butler was providing me with the information, I heard my
father's commanding voice from the top of the spiral marble staircase.

"Daniel, I would like to talk to you in my study. Now."

I looked up at the frame of the decisive man, his hand clutching his sturdy
walking stick, standing against a large portrait of the smiling visages of
my brother, my father and me. I noticed the differences between the art and
the muse. The thick bushy eyebrows and moustache set on a hard, lined and
impassive face. While the art showed a smiling benevolent father, the muse
was a decisive, firm, strict and dominating authoritarian. I had no
inclination to speak with anyone, let alone him. However, I was in no mood
to direct another argument and decided to do as directed.

The study was a huge room with shelves of books, maps and artifacts, some
family heirlooms while others mere decorations. The ensemble boasted of
generations of royal education, the Damien lineage and bloodline. My father
was sitting in the ornate chair behind his huge ebony desk covered with
papers, few books, quills, ink et al. Perhaps, matters regarding the city's
governance and development. Being the Mayor, my father exhibited the
grandeur of the position and the associated responsibilities.

"Yes father. You wished to speak with me."

He looked at me with his piercing grey eyes from below the bushy eyebrows.
After analyzing me for a minute, he spoke.

"How are you?"

I bit back the retort and answered in a restrained tone. "Let us not
discuss my well- being father. I do not wish to talk about ...that."

He narrowed his eyes but spoke softly. "You know whatever I did was for
your good. Your association with that young man was most unnatural and
unacceptable. The prestige of the estate, the family and the honor of our
lineage was at stake."

"For my good! Unnatural and unacceptable! I'm sorry father but you were,
you are and will always be incapable of understanding your children. After
mother's death, you may have given us wealth, name, education but the one
thing, the most important one: love; Father, you failed to provide us!" I
hissed in frenzy.

"Daniel Damien! That's enough!" He bellowed. I could see anger building in
his shivering frame and hurt pride in his eyes. "I will not tolerate an
argument from my sons. Behave and be in control of your tongue! You will
not indulge in your unnatural whims till I breathe. Arthur Ray was a
abomination and you will forget him! You will do as I say!"

I looked at him in sheer anger but could not utter another argument. I
couldn't argue any further. Seeing me quiet he continued.

"My friend Askern is coming tomorrow. His son Alexander will accompany him.
Remember Daniel, I have known Askern since my Wittenberg university and
militia days and I shall not tolerate any misdemeanor. Moreover, Alexander
is nineteen now and wishes to enroll in the University. You have been an
eminent scholar there and with your twenty-first birthday next week, you
will have earned your degree. Askern expects you to help Alexander with the
University enrollment procedure. And I have promised that you will. Is that
understood?"

I looked straight into his eyes. I had a lot to say. I wanted to refuse. I
wanted to do anything to thwart the man.

"Yes."

"Then we are settled. You may leave." He said and returned to his documents.

I turned and walked out to the roof. As I stood looking into the distant
orange horizon and the vast landscape of slowly darkening greenery, a tear
made its way down my cheek.

"Was I going to suffer forever?"

*1885, 6th January.*

* *

The Askerns arrived today. A certain feeling has emanated in my being. I
can't make sense of it. The more I try to fathom the depths of this alien
feeling, the more elusive it seems to comprehension. My existence appears
to be a paradox. Perhaps, I'll narrate the entire episode in this journal.
Maybe then I shall receive some clarity about this issue.

We stood at the ornate, majestic oak door waiting for the Askerns. My
father stood leaning on his stick looking into the distance. I stood near
the entrance away from him. Evan was not back from the trip to a relative.
The other officials and servants stood according to the decrees and status.
As the receiving party stood patiently I started taking in the weather. It
was a gloomy day. The January sun was veiled by slightly dark clouds
promising rain. The wind had gathered momentum and was cool, slightly
strong. The clouds cast their shadows on the earth below and the ambiance
was that of a dusk scene at noon. Birds were flying towards their nests
perhaps; the rain was to come soon. The scent in the air indicated that the
clouds had landed somewhere.

Suddenly, the call of the watchman brought me back to my company and I saw
the iron gates being thrown open to let in a carriage drawn by two handsome
white horses of superior breed. The black but lavish carriage traversed the
path leading up to the house and halted in front of us. The valet got off
the ride and handsomely, with the grace of a noble's official, opened the
carriage entrance. An old man in his sixties, clad in a traveling coat on
top of a handsome suit, with a stick and an eye-glass, got out. With a
beaming face he walked towards my father and the men embraced.

"It's been so long, Damien." Mr. Askern spoke in a cheery booming voice.

"Sure it has. There is a lot to talk about. Let's proceed to the hall." My
father stopped for a second and looked around puzzled. "Where is Alexander?"

"Oh! Alexander was behind us. You are aware how charged a youth my son is.
He decided to ride on his horse to the place. He will be here in another
minute. Ah! There he is." Askern pointed towards the gate from where the
neighing sound had come.

I turned to look and time stopped.

A handsome black horse was galloping on the stony gravel path that led up
to us. But the rider, Alexander was a rarity. Young man, the look of an
eighteen year old, an innocent face with a cute grin rode the horse. The
wind was flirting with his medium length blonde hair. His coat flying with
the wind as the horse gained speed. He stopped at the door and dismounted.
He wasn't that tall. In fact he came up to my shoulders.

"Alexander! How are you, my boy?" My father cheered and embraced him.

"I'm fine, sir." Alexander curtseyed and flashed a shy charming smile.

I found my self gaping at Alexander. His face was flushed with the ride and
a rosy complexion arose on his pale cheeks. His lips were light pink and
his eyes the color of the emerald green. They twinkled like a diamond and
had an intensity that could seer through you. His physique was impressive.
He appeared to be athletic.

"Meet Daniel. He will be helping you in the admissions." My father suddenly
said.

Alexander turned to look at me and flashed another charming smile and
lifted his hand.

"Good morning, Mr. Damien."

I hesitated for a second as his words got me out of my reverie. Slowly, I
took his hand. It was very soft and cold. My hand was cold and sweaty. At
the touch he politely frowned for a split second before smiling cheerfully.

"Call me Daniel." That was all I managed.

"Only if you call me Alex." Alexander answered softly and winked.

I simply shook my head and smiled confused.

"Let's get going. It's time for dinner. I'd suggest that you both get ready
for the dinner. It'd have been a long journey." My father announced and
everyone entered the mansion.

Alex stopped and turned to look at me. There was something in his eyes that
I couldn't read. A soft smile on his face as if he was amusing himself on a
private joke. With that he turned and entered.

I stood watching him go. I walked outside the portico and stood staring
into the mansion. I could see Alex smiling. Laughing and talking to my
father, acting a perfect gentleman. I could see my father being impressed.
I felt a rush of warmth in me. But, this warmth had a tinge of fear to it.
I was soaring into unnamed territory. I had no idea. Was this right?

Suddenly, the sky burst open and thunder and lightning filled the
atmosphere. Rain made its way to the earth. I stood in the rain letting it
wash over me. I needed answers. But for now tranquility was what I desired.

*1885, 10th January*

* *

Alex. The mere mentioning of the name sends shivers throughout my being. An
unfamiliar nervousness coupled with ecstasy, a fluttery feeling in the
heart and an immediate smile are the results of his name. I can only
imagine how I look when he is actually present.

It's been a few days yet I feel drawn towards him. His charm is magnetic.
Whenever we sit for the meals or during the conversation sessions in my
father's study, I can't stop myself from looking at him and losing track of
time and space. But, the best feeling of bliss comes when I see him subtly
looking at me and smiling softly. Often he winks at me while taking a sip
of wine. Whenever we run into each other in the corridors, he smiles his
charming smile while I stand with my hat in my hands, staring at him and
smiling foolishly. Often he arms brushes mine while passing in the
corridors and I can't help getting shivers of anticipation running all over
me.

Today, he spent the afternoon with me writing his applications for the
university. We were seated in my room. While he sat at my table writing a
letter, I sat across from him feigning to read a novel. Often I tried to
sneak a glance at him. Heaven knows he was innocent and beautiful as he sat
nibbling at the end of the quill, slightly frowning at the contents of his
letter, thinking deeply. He then looked up and our eyes met. I hastily
returned to my novel.

After a few minutes I heard his soft boyish voice addressed to me.

"What are you so engrossed in Daniel?"

I looked up aghast. Perhaps, the look on my face showed some mortification,
for he instantly said.

"Did I disturb you? I'm sorry I had no idea you were busy."

"Oh! No, not at all." I immediately spoke. "I was just lost in these lines
here. It took me time to take in what you were saying." I tried to smile.

"What lines have enamored you so much? Can you read them to me?" He
suggested and leaned on the table to listen.

I was trapped. I looked down at the random page that was open. What
impressive lines would I talk about? My nervousness was getting paramount
when I noticed a line which explained my predicament well. I cleared my
throat and in an almost steady voice read.

"He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun,
yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking."

That was all I read. It hardly took a few seconds. I looked up at the
reaction of my listener.

Alex was smiling softly. There was a twinkle in his dark brown eyes.

"You seem to be of a very romantic disposition."

"Uhm...Well...I can't really say." I tried to formulate an answer. "It's just
that the lover's predicament is so universal."

"This predicament has been the bane of several unrequited relationships."
He said.

"True. But it's not his fault. Love is an over-whelming emotion. We tend to
transgress all boundaries, all social and even moral codes for love. Love
is like the raging waves of the oceans. Once they cross the limits of the
shore and enter lives, they wash everything away that comes in their path.
Love over-whelms everything. Hence, this predicament is natural and
justified. It prevents any crossing of lines." I answered thinking about
Arthur and my failed relationship and my swaying aside the feelings for
Alex.

Alex got up and walked towards the window. He cast the curtains aside and
threw them open. It was raining outside. Cold strong winds made their way
into the chamber. He stood looking into the night without speaking. I felt
uncertain about what to do so I sat still looking at his back. Finally, he
spoke.

"Do you see the rain, Daniel? It's another form of the waves you talk
about; another form of water's existence. You say love is like the raging
waves. It encompasses and over-whelms. Love is also like this rain. It
sooths, it washes away the mundane, the dust, the weariness of the summer
sun. It liberates and rejuvenates. True love breathes life into you. You
look at the destructive side only. Yes, love over-whelms. But that's the
nature of love. The thirst for love...the pining for affection. Unrequited
love gives a lot of pain. But, the worst is the regret of not confessing
your love. It stays there forever like a thorn stuck in your heart."

He turned to look at me. He was smiling. I sat transfixed, staring at him.
I had been swept away by what he had said. Lightning and thunder appeared
outside and I woke from my trance. I looked at him framed against the rain
enveloped landscape. I don't remember how it happened. I threw the book
aside, crossed the distance between us in three strides and came face to
face with him. He was a head shorter and looked up into my eyes. I looked
into the deep twinkling brown eyes.

"Then, I don't want to live with this regret forever. I love you, Alexander
Askern."

With that I took his face in my hand and kissed him on the lips. He
reciprocated and our lips united in a passionate confession of love. The
rain intensified, the winds blew harder and thunder filled the air. Love
had prevailed.

*1885, 17th January*

It has been the most exhilarating one week of my life. Alex and I are
gradually coming to terms with this new found intimacy and platonic love
between us. Ever since the first kiss and declaration of love, I have
started feeling the familiar warmth and deep connection with Alex. I become
uneasy if he's away from me for more than an hour. The desire to hold him
to me and never let go is gradually gaining strong hold in my heart. I feel
a yearning for him whenever he's away from me. Our physical intimacy is
restricted to kissing and lying together. The consummation of our
relationship may happen tomorrow night.

Evan is back and I immediately told him everything. Evan and I are very
close and never keep secrets from each other. He was extremely happy for me
and congratulated me while embracing me. I was at peace. As long as I had
Evan with me, I felt the sense of right being there and my conscience
wouldn't prick. But, the moment of truth remained. My father was unaware of
what was budding under his very roof. What he had banished in the form of
Arthur from the door step had crept in and pervaded his entire realm as
Alex.

*1885, 19th January.*

What has happened? The sole question has been gnawing at the edges of my
existence as I'm trying to comprehend the events that have happened in the
last 36 hours. Where has everything suddenly come to? Everything that has
happened since the eve of 18th January is now a blur for me. I need a clear
memory to envision my next step. I need to get rid of the frenzy. I'll
write down everything that has happened chronologically and decide my
stratagem.

It was the town's establishment day. The elite members of the society of
Mysticus Domus were to sign the document of the town's establishment and
establish governance comprising of the elite families. The historic event
was to happen during the grand gala ball in the evening. Our family was the
oldest and most respected, hence the Damiens were hosting the event.
Needless to say, my father had gone all out to ensure the grandeur of the
historic event that would mark the prestige of our lineage.

The guests had gathered in the atrium of the Town Hall. The Town hall was
at a convenient distance from the Damien estate and hence the management of
the event had been easy. Amidst the huge gathering that had turned up for
the event, the proletariats staid outside, waiting for the announcement.
Inside were the rich and wealthy upper middle class and aristocrats. The
inner circle of the governance, the core of the establishment comprised of
the Damiens, the Rochesters, the Gellars, The Brontes, the Keats and the
Oakwoods. The atrium was huge and could accommodate about five hundred
people. Ornate, grand with beautiful and expensive portraits, velvet
curtains and intricate designs, the Town hall was a symbol of power,
position and the town's history.

The evening commenced with the signing of the documents by the core members
at a table in the centre of the hall, designed for the specific purpose. My
father was made the Mayor while the legal authority went to the Brontes.
Oakwoods took the economic departments while Keats the public concerns. The
Gellars held the law and justice departments while Rochester became the
deputy Mayor. Hereafter the Mayor declared the celebrations to commence.

An exquisite night of fireworks and carnivals! The entire town was
rejoicing its new status as a developing place. Development was knocking at
the doors. The elite celebrations moved from the atrium to the Damien'
estate. Wine, music and dance- a lavish feast and ball had been thrown for
the rich. I stood with a glass of wine looking at the party. My father was
busy socializing while Evan was dancing with the Ms, Rochester-s and the
Ms. Bronte-s. As I turned towards the staircase I saw Alex and my heart
stopped due to the breathtaking view. He looked exceptionally handsome, in
fact gorgeous. The suit he wore fit his form perfectly and accentuated his
physique. His hair was done neatly and he glowed. At that moment I just
wanted to rush to him and make him mine.

He came down and socialized with the other families. After some time he
walked towards me with a glass of champagne.

"You look amazing." I whispered to him.

"And we're still in this boring party." He looked straight into my eyes and
said. That was one of the most wonderful things about him. His
straight-forwardness, his defiance, his unabashed manner gave me strength.
I felt a new person around him. I felt I could take the world with him. I
took his hand and we sneaked to my bedroom. Once in our lips met
passionately. Passion and lust over-whelmed me as his scent and ardor
filled my senses, switching all off except the need for contact, for
pleasure, for love. Our clothes were gone in a jiffy and I was on top of
him kissing every part of his beautiful body. Pinning him to the bed,
rubbing myself against him, getting every contact I could to satiate the
yearning in my skin to feel him, to touch him. Our love-making became
intense and soon I was in him. Our bodies swayed rhythmically as he moaned
in pleasure while I became passionate with the strong sensations of
thrusting, of control, of making him moan. We climaxed in our arms. Sweaty,
heavy breathing, glassy-eyed we kissed. Our relationship was consummated. I
declared I would love him till the end of my days. Before he could reply
the door opened and my father walked in.

In my lust, I had forgotten to lock it. One look at us and rage, shock
scarred his face. He walked to the bed and pulled Alex away from me and
onto the floor. I growled in anger and pushed him away. I went to help Alex
and turned around to face the even shocked, disheveled and angry old man.
My father's aura and power had diminished with my act of defiance.

"What the hell is happening here? In my house, under the very roof of your
lineage, you are defiling the family name and honor with this most
unnatural, desecrating act of -"

 "That's enough!" I interrupted. "I've had enough of your worthless rants
for honor and the pretence that enthralls every little happiness of my
life. I defy every protocol, every belief, and every pretence of hollow
honor that you talk about. I couldn't do anything in Arthur's case."

At this moment Evan walked in and stood shocked on witnessing the scene.
Alex took my hand and I continued.

"I love Alex. And whoever comes in between us. I swear to God, I'll destroy
him."

My father looked at me in rage and opened his mouth to speak when a
chilling scream of a woman filled the room. It had echoed throughout the
mansion, having emanated from the hall. We rushed towards the scene. The
guests were huddled at one side while the leading family heads and sons
were looking upon something.

"What is the scream about? What happened?"

Rochester and Gellar cleared the way and our eyes met the most horrifying
of sights. There lay on stretchers, four almost mangled blood-drained
bodies of humans. My father froze and looked at the others with an
incredulous and puzzled look. I turned to look at Alex. His face was
impassive and showed no sign of emotion. He simply looked ahead at the
remains.

"The police just walked in. One of the carnival processions in the east of
town, towards the woods was attacked. This is a small example of the
bloodshed that has happened there. No one knows what or who attacked. No
witnesses or survivors. It looks like a savage animal attack." Rochester
spoke.

"We shall intensify the search. Look again. Any witness or survivors who
saw what happened." Ms. Bronte spoke to the officers.

"This is most unfortunate. I think we all should meet and discuss what
security measures are needed." Oakwood suggested.

"As well as get a high alert in town and ask people to stay safe and
indoors. At least till the time the attack has been seen into." Keats added.

"Yes. That would be best." My father said and turned to the others. "The
celebrations have to be ended. This is a matter of great chaos and obloquy.
It has to be dealt with. The men of the families are requested to stay. We
need to figure out what has happened and how should it be dealt with. Good
night the rest."

All dispersed except the men from the families of the town. The hall was
arranged for a conference and chairs were set up according to hierarchies
for people to sit. The hall was buzzing with whispers. Everyone present was
speculating about the incident that had happened. Finally, my father got up
and silence followed.

"We have a major issue at hand. Mutilated bodies of our kin have been found
and there is no idea whatsoever of who is responsible for this horrendous
crime. What do the police have to say about it? Sherriff Bronte?"

Mr. Bronte cleared his throat and spoke. "The mishap tonight has not been
the first in town." A collective gasp and rising whispers followed but were
immediately silenced by my father's look. Bronte continued, "There have
been individual deaths in the past one month and we have been attributing
them to that of animal attacks. But, an event of such magnitude has
dismissed our conviction and we are forced to believe the hand of a more
lethal agency."

"Why was this hushed up?" A man spoke and others agreed.

"It wasn't hushed. The event did not seem significant enough to raise panic
and disturb the town's peace." Bronte answered in defense.

"What has happened is done. We need to make plans to deal with this
threat." Oakwood added.

"The citizens will work with the police and organize themselves into groups
to patrol the streets and ensure the town's security at nights. The council
will have a meeting after this. The gathering is now dismissed." My father
announced.

As the people exited to perform their respective duties, the members of the
council set forth to their meeting. Evan, Alex and I decided to leave,
considering we were not the members of the order. However, father stopped
me. He said that it was time for me to be a part of the council. I looked
at Alex who showed signs of wanting to stay but I pressed his hand slightly
and gave him a meaningful look. He left with Evan.

For the next hour the council debated over the possible causes of the
event. The policies of governance and the collateral damage were discussed
for the search of alternatives. It was at the moment when the council
decided to end the meeting that our butler walked in and announced a
visitor. The visitor had refused to send his name but had emphasized that
the council was in dire need of his help regarding the happening
casualties. He was allowed entry amidst whispers of curiosity and
speculation. The stranger was dressed in black. A huge black overcoat
covered his attire which showed a sturdy frame. His face was half-hidden by
a hat. His almost white chin, blood red lips and slightly sharp canines
were noticeable when he spoke. His presence had brought sheer silence and a
certain chill in the room. His aura was intimidating and slightly
hypnotizing. He spoke in a low but clear cold voice.

"My details are not important. And I do not have much time at hand. I have
come to inform you of the dire danger that surrounds this town. Death and
destruction is on its way. It will be a massacre you have never seen
before. Every night will bring death. In the darkness lurk the shadows of
the horrifying nightmares."

"What do you mean?" My father spoke. Everyone present was looking intently
at the stranger.

"Ever heard about the creatures of the night, the drinkers of blood, Mr.
Damien?"

My father stood up angrily as everyone else. "What rubbish do you talk
about? There is no such thing. Mere foolery! Fables!"

"Bodies ripped limb to limb, bloodless, and you call it the work of beasts?
Perhaps, you'd like a demonstration." With that he suddenly moved, grabbed
a man from the other end of the table and buried his face in his neck.
There was a splash of blood while the man screamed in agony. All watched in
horror, transfixed. The man crumpled in a heap on the floor. The stranger
removed his hat. Red eyes with black slits, protruding canines and blood
dripping from his lips, shining against the alabaster skin.

"Don't worry about that. He was a spy. Appointed by the Noctimonstra to
report your moves." The stranger answered casually as he wiped his face
with a handkerchief.

In the next fifteen minutes the stranger informed us of the events
happening around us. Apparently, there were two clans of vampires: the
sun-walking Sanguinatus and the night-creatures Noctimonstra. The feud
between the clans had been centuries old but now the Nocti had involved the
humans in it. One of the witches of the ancient order had prophesized that
in one of the bloodlines of the town would be born those that shall either
end the Nocti or provide it unimaginable power. Hence, the Nocti were
determined to destroy the town and capture the family. But, that couldn't
be allowed by the Sanguinatus. If the bloodline fell into the hands of the
Nocti, the Sanguinatus would be doomed. It was a political pandemonium for
them.

We listened, rapt in attention, horror and incredulity. My father stepped
forth.

"We will work with you."

*****

"What happened at the meeting? You have to tell me everything. You don't
look well." Alex spoke earnestly as I entered the room. Evan came forward
too. I looked into Alex's eyes and saw frenzy. He really cared about me. My
heart filled with warmth at the thought.

Over the next ten minutes I informed them of the vampire Oblonsky's arrival
and the information he had related.

"But, did he tell us which family is threatened?" Alex asked.

"Yes, he did. He says the Oracle has told them that the Gellar bloodline is
the one. The Nocti are not aware yet. The Sanguinatus' witches have
performed charms that have prevented Nocti from deducing the identity of
the bloodline. But, promise me Alex, you can't tell this to anyone. This
information is shared only by the top order of the Council."

"I love you, Daniel. Why would I possibly betray you?"

I looked into his deep emerald green eyes and saw sincerity there. I kissed
his softly. The time ahead was sure to test our love.

*1885, 20th January.*

It is over. My life, my dreams, and my love, my family: it is all over.
Alex is gone. And I... I am no longer who I was. Evan is lying next to me.
He's dead. But, he'll wake up. I know he will. And then he'll be like me.

The Nocti attacked in full swing last night. The Sanguinatus were there to
help us. The battle raged at midnight. But the beings were ferocious
monsters. So much bloodshed, so many lives lost. Battle was fought
everywhere. Troupes of men with guns and stakes accompanied with
Sanguinatus stationed themselves at different location of the town, to
battle. The Gellars were hidden in the cellar at our mansion. A number of
Sanguinatus supporters and the men of the Council were guarding them.

The attack was vicious and sudden. We were betrayed by someone. They knew
that the Gellers were the bloodline they sought. I saw my father ripped
limb to limb by a monster. I screamed and buried the stake in him. Every
single man around me was dying. But the Sanguinatus were powerful. Victory
seemed to be coming. Dawn was nearing. Sun break was to happen any moment.
I ran to check on Evan and Alex. The room was in a huge mess. And there was
blood splattered on the walls. Horrified I rushed out of the door that led
into the woods.  As I approached a grove, I saw Alex fallen on the ground.
A Noctimonstra was pinned to the tree by a stake through his arm while a
Sanguinatus grabbed Alex and buried his teeth into his neck. I screamed in
horror and anger, and rushed at him with my axe. The vampire released Alex
who fell to the ground and lay still. He grabbed me and bit me in the neck.
As he began sucking blood, I felt life draining out of me. But, suddenly, a
stake surfaced from his chest. Evan had rescued me.

But he staggered, swayed and fell to the ground. I saw blood gushing out of
his throat too. The Nocti got rid of the stake that pinned him to the tree
and moved towards Alex. I saw him bend and look at Alex's dead body.

That was the last I saw before the world faded out... forever.

*************************************************

*Aaron's Story VIII*

******************

I finished reading and kept the journal aside. The mist shifted a little.
It was a cold, gloomy day, much like my mood after I had finished reading
Daniel's journal. I finally knew his life's story. I saw how much he had
been hurt. The pain he had felt when he had lost Alex. No wonder he was so
unwilling to commit to our relationship, any relationship.

I looked up from my spot under the tree and saw Daniel smiling sadly,
sitting under the huge oak opposite to me. I got up and walked slowly
towards him. The twigs and dried leaves crushed and broke under my feet as
I headed towards him. Apart from the chirping of a few birds and the
occasional wind that swayed the mist, everything was silent in the woods.
This was the spot where he had lost Alex, his love, his humanity... his life.
As I reached near him, he let out his left hand for mine. I gave him my
right hand and he pulled me close to him. I sat between his legs, resting
on his chest. His strong arms surrounded me in a tight embrace and I softly
kissed the nape of his neck.

"So, how did you find my love story?" He asked with a slight smile.

"I never thought you could be so romantic." I answered with a wink.

A wide grin appeared on his handsome face.

"You still don't know a lot about me."

"And what could that be? I thought I pretty much saw everything last
night." I winked and laughed.

"One hell of a smart ass, aren't you?" He retorted before tickling my sides.

I giggled and tried to get away from him. But, he grabbed my arms and
pushed me toward himself. I crashed into his chest and he wrapped his left
arm around my waist while tickling me with the right hand.  Our combined
laughter echoed throughout the woods.

"Ok! Stop. Come on, stop!" I insisted out of breath with laughter.

He stopped and looked at me with an affectionate smile.

"You know why you're so special for me?"

"Cuz' I'm super hot and you can't get a better guy." I joked.

He laughed. "That and the fact that you make me feel. All these years, I
never felt anything. After Alex I just couldn't feel for anyone, anything.
But when you came, I don't know. Everything just changed. Even in the
frequent arguments with you, there was this passion, this feeling of being
alive. Yeah, that's it. You make me feel alive."

I leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

"You really need to stop complimenting me so much. It'd be bad for you if I
became a snob due to all that praise." I added to the kiss.

"Excuse me? If you became a snob? Really now? So, you are saying that
you're not a snob?" He replied sarcastically.

I narrowed my eyes. "You know dude, that attitude won't get you any from
me."

"Really?" He questioned wickedly and pulled me closer. He breathed on the
nape of my neck. A strong tingling sensation ran through my body. I felt my
member stirring. His hand moved from my shoulders, travelling the length of
my body and coming towards my waist. I shifted in his embrace and my hand
travelled to unzip his jacket. I slipped my hand under his shirt and
caressed his chest. The feeling of the strong pecks with a little hair on
the chest made me crave for more. My member was throbbing and leaking now.
He pulled me for a kiss and his tongue began to ravish my mouth. I caressed
his chest with my right and grabbed his member through his jeans with my
left. I felt him grunting as he kissed me with increased intensity. He
pulled me closer as if he wanted every part of me. The feeling of being
desired so much filled me with great ecstasy.

But the moment of bliss and love was not to last. Daniel suddenly pulled
away.

"Someone's coming." He said with alertness. It was amazing how he could get
out of the making out so soon. My brain was still fuzzy with all the
testosterone.

We got up and I turned to look in the direction Dan was looking. Within a
minute I heaved a sigh of relief. It was Evan with Sean.

"It's you guys! Dan here freaked me out." I said jovially.

"What's wrong?" Dan said and then I noticed the tense looks on their faces.

"You guys are together now?" Sean looked at us holding hands.

"Yeah!" I smiled and Dan put his hand around my waist.

Sean and Evan exchanged crestfallen looks.

"Okay! Seriously, what is wrong?" Dan questioned noticing them.

"Daniel..."

I looked around. Evan had opened his mouth to speak but it wasn't his
voice. Sean stood frozen. I turned to look at Dan. His face registered
nothing but shock. He was numb and pale. I followed his gaze and saw a
young blond guy step forward. He looked pale and slightly weak. He walked
towards us. He stopped a foot away from us. Dan was staring at him
incessantly. His hand fell from my waist and he staggered. I started to
realize, the description I'd just read... the innocent face, the blonde guy,
and the emerald green eyes. No! It couldn't be. This wasn't him. How could
it be? But my fears were realized. I had nothing left to say when I heard
my lover's voice.

 "Alex...!"