Page 88 of The Diary of the Vam'pir Jacques

“You do not know? You have travelled this way to save them, and you’re unaware of what the twins are?”

Ramedes laughed, and I hated her. Loathed Ramedes for her perfect golden skin, deep amber eyes and beautiful white hair.

“Kit and Rahmon are loved, and I am taking them home. Marked means nothing to me.”

“You cannot. The ritual has already begun. Jacques, you are too late.”

“No, I’ll save them,” I whispered, looking down at Kit.

Kit’s head hung limply, and my eyesight picked up minute changes.

“The transformation has started. It’s unstoppable. Marked means, Vam’pir, that they’ll become mine. Rarely into the mortal world is born the soul of my race. These two possess the spirits of my ancestors. By completing the ritual, two Viscerovs will take back their rightful place in this world. Kit and Rahmon are of my kind.”

I stumbled backwards.

The children were meant to be immortals!

I understood what Ramedes was saying, for we, too, believed that souls could be reborn. Yet something didn’t quite ring true, but I couldn’t work out what it was.

“They are mortal, and I’ll ensure that they remain that way. They are entitled to have a life. Whether a mortal one or not, and you have no right to force a choice,” I argued.

“Vam’pir, I have already begun the change. If you leave with Kit and Rahmon, they will die,” Ramedes said.

I hesitated, then retreated. “Then that’s will what happen, but they’ll die free.”

I leapt from the pyramid and landed, still holding the children.

Ramedes’ scream echoed, and shouts abounded. I ran as fast as I could. I couldn’t transport for I didn’t know if it would harm them. Ducking behind a house as footsteps neared, I hid.

I didn’t want to have to fight my way out, especially with the children possibly drugged or in some other altered state. Ramedes shouted for the gates to be shut, and I cursed. Trapped! But then I remembered that the ritual had to befinished tonight. If it wasn’t, then Ramedes couldn’t change them.

I smothered Rahmon’s mouth as he groaned and footsteps paused. My skin crawled as someone looked in my direction.

Thankfully, they continued onwards. I was scared. Undoubtedly, I had walked into the lion’s den with no support.

“Over there! Vam’pir!” a voice yelled.

I froze, and people run past my hiding place.

Nathan!

I expressed gratitude to all the Gods being worshipped and stood up smoothly. I carried the youth to what seemed to be a vacant house and, kicking open the door, I searched quickly. The home was empty, and I hastily kicked the door shut and laid the children down.

Kit’s breathing was ragged, and her skin had started to take on a golden glow. I touched Kit’s skin, discovering it was cool, although she was sweating freely.

Pursing my mouth, I checked Rahmon and found him in an identical condition.

I was clueless about what to do, so I just waited. Daybreak must be near. I heard sounds of fighting, and I hoped against hope that Nathan would be all right. Screams and shouts punctuated quiet spells.

I didn’t want to extend my senses in case Ramedes found me. Considering the chaos, I did not believe Nathan was alone.

Kit suddenly gasped for breath, and her hands clutched the air. The door flew open, I spun quickly, and my heart sank.

Ramedes silently crossed over the threshold.

“This is doing no good, Vam’pir. All you are succeeding in doing is killing them. Give them up, Vam’pir,” she said, gliding towards Rahmon.

Ramedes reached down and gently touched his face.

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