Chapter Seven

Chapter 8

After school, Cara had band practise, so I felt perfectly comfortable in the school library. A part of me felt secure within the maze of human writing. Like me, many of these works belong in another time. The humans of the modern day don’t really understand their complexities, they only try to. The true nature of these tales will always be misunderstood by at least a few.

One thing was certain though: it was one hell of a day.  I was glad for the short break from my guardian duties. There was so much I had to process. I knew Seth was different. He has been for ages. I have no idea why it shocks me so. Maybe it’s because some big part of me truly misses the old him, the ways things used to be.

You see, centuries ago, there was no Circle of Protection. The Protector mainly worked alone and tried to save humanity by himself, but the curse of the Fallen was getting out of hand. All the way from 3300BC when the first pharaoh took myth and lore seriously and banished all Moloch from his lands to 753BC when the Belial Romulus founded the city of Rome, vampire numbers have increased tremendously. The effect of this was clearly seen in the years after that. In 1533AD the Spanish conquistadores, under the leadership of Ba’al Pizarro, brought about the fall of Incan civilisation. During that same time, from 1467AD to 1603AD, the Moloch incited perpetual conflict in Japan during the Sengoku period, a time of great social upheaval and constant warfare.

It was thus no surprise that when the human Protector of that time heard the legend of a Belial who gave up her ways, he set out to seek her help. That is when Seth and I met for the first time. Combining our skills made us nearly unstoppable. Yet, it wasn’t enough for him. Seth turned his back on our alliance and our friendship, and started working for Death himself as a reaper of souls.

Whether it was simply because he craved the power and immortality, I do not know.

As if on cue, Seth came to sit down beside me. I knew I wouldn’t be alone for long.

“Cara has rehearsal,” he pointed out as he sat down.

“I know.” I replied coldly. I was not in the mood for pleasantries. I continued reading the book I was busy with.

"I hear she's quite skilled on the clarinet. Second chair? Or was it third?" he asked.

I closed the book, still refusing to look at him.

"Why are you here, Seth?" I demanded softly. "You haven't made a single move to capture her yet."

He raised an eyebrow. "It sounds as if you want me to capture her."

"I'd rather you try to than watch you get comfortable with the humans."

"Getting a bit nervous, Aralynne, dear?"

I finally looked up to glare at him. "You're planning something. I'll figure it out, Seth. I will."

"Perhaps," he allowed. "But maybe I've settled down of my own accord. Would it be so surprising if I was here on a personal mission?"

"You're bluffing," I said fiercely. "Hell will freeze over before you grow the heart to do something personal."

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong, dear," he said, lying back and gazing at the musty ceiling. "There is no Hell. There is only Death."

We were both quiet for a while.

“The new life of mine isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I guess that I will never be able to escape a life of killing, no matter who I work for. It’s quite sad, actually.”

"That's bullshit, Seth," I said sharply. "Stop acting like this is torture for you. You enjoy killing for that Master of yours. After all, it was your choice to switch sides."

He sat up from the table and looked down at my face. Ardent eyes stared back at him, a fire of hatred and power burning in these dark, dark centres. If the girl he knew from so long ago still existed, she was a very small existence in this new, menacing entity before him. Yes, little naive Aralynne grew up.

“No one said that you can’t regret your choices,” he said, leaving my side, leaving me alone like he did once before. His comment startled me, I couldn’t think of any reply. I simply watched him go.

Just around that time, my cellphone vibrated, displaying a text from Cara.

“Hey, Tamz and I are going shopping- and you have to hunt. I will catch up with you tonight. Lots of love!”

I smiled as I read the message. I was supposed to be the one taking care of her, but at times, it’s as if our roles switch. Though, she did give me a good idea- maybe I will feel less cranky once I got to feed again. I started typing a text of my own.

“Hey Zayden. Long time no see. How about the two of us go and grab lunch?” I couldn’t help but giggle at the seemingly innocent text with the deeper meaning.  His reply was almost immediate.

“Sure thing! I’ll pick you up in roughly 15min. I know the perfect little place, you’ll love it!”

Knowing that I will soon be spending time with someone else put me at ease. I needed to get away. If I don’t get a break, I will go completely insane.

With a lighter heart I made my way out of the large building, heading toward the front gate, knowing that my friend will be waiting when I arrive.