Unmarked Vampire

To you, the reader

Prologue

Julian opened his eyes and realized that he was lying down in the dark. He blinked into the dimness that cloaked him, unable to make out even a glimmer of light.

He immediately realized that his pain had disappeared completely. His guts were no longer burning and his head had stopped pounding. The aching in his bones was gone and it no longer felt as though they may shatter at any moment.

Maybe he was dead. Or maybe he was just dreaming and the physical pain would be back shortly.

He closed his eyes for a moment, and then opened them wide again. Nothing had changed. Darkness still surrounded him and the gloom was not helping him work out where he was.

Anguish struck him like a tsunami.

The last thing he could remember was the mirror shattering as it hit the floor. The sound of broken glass still echoed in his ears, loud and deafening.

Now it seemed as though an oppressive obscurity was trying to crush him. He tried to stay calm, taking a deep breath and relaxing his fingers from where they lay entwined on his chest. He let his hands fall to his sides and found that the simple act of moving his fingers didn’t stab at him or make him writhe in pain, as it would have done only moments earlier. Probably getting up and walking around would not be a torture any longer either. He tried to sit up, but he couldn’t move. It was as if he was... trapped.

He chewed his lip, unable to work out why he couldn’t raise himself up.

Panic grew and his heart started to hammer in his chest. His accelerated heartbeat confirmed that he was still alive.

Julian smiled with relief. A momentary joy flowed through him, but disappeared rapidly when he raised one arm and felt something soft and smooth above him.

What the hell... he murmured horrified. No, this couldn’t be happening.

A terrible thought flashed into his mind and he tried to dismiss it, but his fear continued to grow. He let out a strangled groan and his hands began trembling uncontrollably.

No, no and still no. This couldn’t really be happening to him.

He blinked into the darkness and shivered. Calm down, you’re alive, he told himself, but his panic continued unabated.

As he lowered his hand again, his fingers brushed the soft fabric that surrounded him and his breath caught. This can’t be right, he whispered in a thin voice, unable to continue.

I’m stuck in a coffin!

He began shouting at the top of his lungs. Nothing. There was no answering noise from outside. No one had heard him.

He yelled out again, even though he knew as he did so that the available air would eventually run out.

Then, with horror, he remembered the sounds of his parents crying and the servants sobbing. He remembered not having the energy to open his eyes and tell them that he had only passed out. And now, it was highly likely that he was below ground already. Right then he hated them, he detested everyone. They had thought he was dead and had buried him in a coffin. Idiots! How could they have been so stupid?

And now, because of their stupidity, he truly was going to pass over to the other side, caught in a trap with no way out. Julian was beside himself with fear and rage.

Get me out of here! he snarled. He started pounding his fists against the shell that loomed above him. Once more he tried to move his legs in the tight and confined space, but he failed.

Maybe the coffin would never be opened.

He started shouting again, shouting until his throat was dry and his strength deserted him. His eyes filled with tears. Get me out of here, he begged chokingly.

The whole thing was a waste of time. No one was coming to help him, not ever.

He closed his eyes and waited to die. Properly die, this time. His heart was still beating like crazy, refusing to stop.

It wasn’t long before a noise reached his ears. It was the faint sound of footsteps, almost drowned out by the beating of his heart. But encouraged by this small flame of hope he opened his eyes again and started to shout.

1

––––––––

Hey there, wake up.

The sound of an unknown voice, sweet and clear, reached his ears like a distant echo. Julian didn’t dare open his eyes. He couldn’t stand the thought of being surrounded by that suffocating darkness again, stealing his breath away. His legs were stretched out in front of him and he was leaning back against something that felt icy hard. He lifted his head slowly and felt a cold droplet of water land on his hair. A shiver ran through him. Voices and whispers surrounded him, but they were probably just the fruit of his fervid imagination. Just like the stench of mould in the air.

I am actually trapped in a coffin...

Another drop of water landed on his forehead and ran down his cheek, tickling him. Something or someone was bushing up against his leg.

Julian squeezed his eyes shut as laughter rose around him. Ghosts!

He began to think that he would be trapped in that accursed coffin for eternity, haunted by spirits in the dark. He could imagine nothing worse. His hands, lying abandoned in his lap, were tingling with pins and needles. He gently moved his numb fingers and a groan of protest broke from his lips. Those ghosts were quite loud.

Wake up, sleeping beauty. Open your eyes. A kind-sounding spirit with a crystal clear voice was approaching him, accompanied by the sound of light footsteps. Julian kept his eyes shut so that he wouldn’t have to face the ghost’s ephemeral form.

I reckon someone’s been smoking something strong. said a different spirit with conviction.

I’d say sleeping pills a third voice sniggered in agreement.

Three different voices — that meant three ghosts. He wanted to shout at them to go away and torment someone else, to leave him in peace. But that would be useless. Now that he was dead, he was stuck here with these spirits for eternity. Panic gripped his throat like an invisible hand about to strangle him. Go away he whispered in a voice that was both parched and exhausted.

A new voice snorted unashamedly. Hunter, it’s a waste of time watching over him as if you’re his guardian angel. You’ve been trying to wake him up for almost fifteen minutes already. I say to hell with him. Haven’t you realized yet that he wants to keep sleeping? Maybe Snow White here would deign to open his eyes if one of the girls offered to kiss him.

New chuckles besieged him and Julian chewed his lip angrily.

From the arrogant tone, and the way that he was being teased, this fourth ghost seemed like he would be the most annoying one of the group. It would not be easy having that guy prattling in his ear for all eternity, and Julian cursed his misfortune.

Honestly, wake up. Or everyone here will think you’re a bit slow, the first ghost whispered advice in his ear with a hint of humor. You know, it’s not particularly smart taking a nap at a time like this... and for the blood of all demons I’m ready to bet you’re the first person who has ever tried.

This time Julian felt the ghost’s breath on his face. While his brain tried to work out how a spirit could breathe — and how it was that he himself was breathing — he felt the ghost’s warm fingers against his face. He was so surprised at the reality of the touch that his eyes jerked open with a start. Right in front of him were two big blue eyes, staring straight back at him with curiosity. Julian’s heart leapt into his throat with shock. He had never expected ghosts to have bodies, but apparently he’d been wrong. The young, male ghost who had awoken him seemed to be not only alive, but he had a pale complexion and very fair hair. In fact, he looked more like an angel than a ghost. The unfamiliar spirit smiled warmly in his direction, but Julian did not reciprocate the greeting. Are you feeling ok?

Julian glowered and refused to respond, roughly pushing the boy’s hands away from his face. He let out a huge sigh and put a hand to his chest, listening to the frenetic beating of his heart. I’m still alive... he whispered with relief. Someone burst out laughing.

The kind young ghost moved away from him.

Julian’s head was throbbing unbearably, as if he had just woken up from a nightmare. And that could be true. His thoughts went back to the coffin and a shiver of fear ran through him, from head to toe.

He gazed around in confusion, eyes exploring the place where he found himself. He was sitting up, propped against a stone wall in a long, straight corridor. The area was illuminated by a faint light. A group of people who looked to be in their late teens were hanging out in this dimly lit place; standing around and talking to one another animatedly. They seemed to be waiting for something. Amongst the many attractive people there was not a single face that seemed familiar, and while some of the strangers were staring at him with curiosity, others didn’t bother to so much as glance at him.

Hey, check it out. Snow White is awake. Anyone know this nutcase?

Julian recognized the arrogant voice of the ghost who had been ridiculing him only moments earlier, and worked out which one he was straight away. The boy was standing by the other wall, scrutinizing him with bottle green eyes. His arms were crossed and he had a look of fake concentration stamped across his insulting face. Since it seems no one has raised their hand, the polite thing would be for you to introduce yourself, the arrogant ghost added, addressing Julian with a smirk.

Julian decided to ignore him, bringing his knees up to his chest and resting his chin on them, lost in thought. He tried vainly to remember how he had arrived in this strange place, where he was surrounded by so many unfamiliar people. His fingers brushed against the cold stone floor. He had been standing by the mirror when an excruciating pain had stabbed through him and stolen his breath away. The mirror had fallen to the ground, his eyes had closed, and then there had been only darkness... and the coffin. He shook his head, trying to dispel the horrible feelings brought up by those memories.

One of the girls from the group approached him. Where are you from? she asked curiously, bringing him back down to earth.

Julian raised his head and looked at her warily. He wasn’t accustomed to trusting strangers.

To tell the truth, he wasn’t in the habit of speaking to anyone who wasn’t either a house-servant or his parents.

He couldn’t even remember the last time that he had talked to someone who was his peer — it must have been at least three years ago. He had never met his on-line friends in person and his only interaction with them had been via web chats when his pain had ebbed enough for him to sit at a computer. His real friends had abandoned him as soon as he moved town and they had never contacted him again. He struggled to even picture their faces now. Somehow, their telephone numbers had magically disappeared from his mobile phone, and their names had vanished from his memory.

Don’t be shy. At least tell us your name. The girl smiled encouragingly and waited for a response that did not come. Exasperated by his silence she turned back towards the rest of the group. I don’t know about you, but I’d swear I’ve never seen him at any of our parties before.

Another of the girls bent to examine him as if she were studying some sort of circus animal. Finally, she shook her head as well, setting her short brown hair bobbing. I’ve never seen him before, she agreed. And I would definitely remember someone like him. In fact, girls, I’ve just decided who will have the honor of taking me to the first ball.

Amused laughter rose at this declaration and the sound ran down the cold corridor and echoed back to Julian’s ears. He looked daggers at the brunette as he climbed to his feet.

Still confused, he looked around and massaged his brow, trying to organize his thoughts. He couldn’t work out how he had come to be in this place. The stale odors were making his stomach churn, and being surrounded by so many of his own age group was nerve-wracking. Standing there in the middle of the group he forgot what he had intended to say. Where are we? he asked with a note of panic. No one answered him. It seemed like he was suddenly invisible to the crowd. The blonde boy who had first woken him was busy talking to the taunting green-eyed ghost, and the two girls who had spoken to him a moment ago were now chatting and laughing with one another. The rest of the group was watching a shut door at the end of the narrow run-down corridor. They all seemed quite calm, as if finding themselves imprisoned was perfectly normal for them.

Putting his clenched fists by his sides, he cleared his throat to get their attention. Ok. Since you asked, I’ll introduce myself. My name is Julian Laurent. And who the hell are you? He tried to hide the panic in his voice with little success.

So you can talk when you want to, jeered the girl who had tried interacting with him earlier, her amber eyes shining in the dim light. Laurent... I don’t know any vampires with that surname, she asserted thoughtfully.

Julian stared at her speechless. He must have misunderstood, there was no way she could have said vampires!

He frowned pensively and ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. Maybe he had misheard her because he was still half-woozy. My father is French, he declared after a moment. I moved to London with my parents because... he froze midsentence and looked at the group surrounding him. They had stopped talking to one another and were now watching him, waiting to see how he finished his sentence. The arrogant boy had an ironic half-smile on his lips, and his eyes, which were glowing like a cat, were staring him down.

Why? someone prompted, when Julian remained silent and lost in his own thoughts.

His perfect life had ended when he fell sick three years ago. He had been forced to abandon his school, and eventually even abandon his friends as well. He and his parents had moved to London to live with his grandparents, and since then he had been alone and isolated from everything. His only contact with the outside world had been thanks to the internet, up until just recently, when he had been unable to open his eyes and had, god knows how, found himself here in this damp, unsettling place surrounded by people he had never seen before.

Julian decided that he wouldn’t tell these strangers about the pathetic half-life he had lived at his grandparents. He might finally be free of that prison, although as he looked around it seemed he might now be in an even worse prison than before. Doesn’t matter, he cut short. As he leaned back against the wall he saw disappointment settle rapidly on unfamiliar faces.

I met some French vampires when I was on holidays last year, offered one boy, capturing the attention of many. Julian froze. Vampires. Again. Then he hadn’t been mistaken the first time.

That was the second time the word had been uttered in the space of only a few minutes.

He frowned and thought about vampires — those dead beings who occupied the pages of books and who were currently so popular in film and television. Vampires. They were useless creatures that hid in coffins by day and went around drinking people’s blood at night. He had never liked them. They were a stupid human invention, nothing more.

Three of the group settled in to discuss a particular ‘Immortal Feast’ and he approached them curiously, before deciding to put an end to their mad conversation. I bet Dracula had a bit of fun, he interjected, and they suddenly fell quiet.

Dracula? one of them responded, looking troubled, as Julian smiled back at him mockingly.

Yes, Dracula. Your drinking companion... blood drinking companion, I mean, he continued arrogantly. He got a nasty look from the trio in return and they proceeded to exclude him from the rest of their conversation. Still, after overhearing the word ‘vampire’ for the umpteenth time Julian could no longer restrain himself, as a wave of nerves flooded through him. I’ve got news for you. Vampires don’t exist, he interrupted them again, eyeing off the trio scornfully. The whole situation was annoying. He felt like he was a parent telling small children the truth about Santa Claus for the first time.

None of the three managed to retort because piercing screams suddenly rang out and everyone fell silent. Julian broke out in goose bumps as shouts of pain pierced his ears like invisible needles. He immediately began panicking and fear took his breath away. Once again, the terrible doubts that had assailed him inside the coffin came back, and he felt as though his heart was going to jump out of his chest. The screams grew in intensity. He could sense the pain of those unlucky souls coming from behind one of the doors off the corridor. All of a sudden he realized what had really happened to him: no one had helped him out of the coffin. He was actually dead, and now he was going to be forced to spend eternity being tortured and screaming his head off. His heart wasn’t really beating; it was just an illusion.

He scuttled backwards until his shoulders hit the wall, while new cries broke the silence in the corridor. Startled, he tried to calm his breathing. I am dead and I am in hell, he decided, terrified. Before today he hadn’t thought that hell existed, and now he found himself somehow catapulted inside it. Someone laughed out loud, and he covered his face with trembling hands.

What the hell did I do to be sent to the underworld? he asked himself, perturbed. I haven’t killed anyone, apart from the occasional insect. And yeah, I guess sometimes I might have thought about murdering the servants or my parents, but that’s only because they wouldn’t let me suffer in peace. And ok, so I’ve watched a couple of porn films as well. But that’s still not enough to merit being sent to hell is it? Maybe this is some kind of divine punishment because I never really believed in god; maybe I ended up here because I never even went to church. He continued talking to himself, not caring if the other dead teenagers were listening to him. Laughter resounded along the infernal corridor, louder this time. The strangers were ridiculing him, and it just increased his frustration. How could they be laughing at him when they were about to be tortured?

Hell? No, I wouldn’t call it that. These are just the dungeons of the Damned Academy.

Julian recognized the clear voice of the boy who had first woken him. He uncovered his face in confusion and looked up into a pair of crystal eyes.

You know what the Damned Academy is, don’t you? The boy looked at him as if he was talking to someone who had suffered brain damage.

Damned Academy... Julian rubbed his chin. Nope, he’d never heard that name before. He gave a quick look over at the windows on the other wall, the ones that were letting in the night air, and the faint light of the moon. They were small rectangles that would be impossible to climb through. He moved over to the closest one and raised a hand, allowing his fingers to escape from the prison where the rest of his body was trapped. A fresh, light breeze caressed his fingertips. I’m fucked. Dead and fucked, he murmured, pulling back his hand with a jerk.

Calm down, none of us is dead. My name is Hunter Cross. I’m a vampire, like you and the others, continued the boy, indicating himself and the rest of the group.

Fear immediately gave way to relief, and then to irritation. Julian couldn’t stand the way everyone kept talking about vampires. So he wasn’t dead, but had finished up in the dungeons of some kind of academy. That was the only real information he had so far. I don’t like repeating myself over and over again. Vampires. Don’t. Exist. His last words were full of anger and they made the air seethe. Some of the others looked at him threateningly.

Hunter shrugged his shoulders, smiling at him. Fairies don’t exist. Nor do elves or trolls. But as you can see, we’re here, we’re real. You’re real too, in case you hadn’t noticed.

Julian didn’t reply.

You know something? I think I find you somewhat entertaining, commented Hunter, studying him at length with his gaze. Seriously, the wait is much more tolerable now that you’re here.

I find him annoying. Being told that I don’t exist certainly doesn’t entertain me, someone else interjected drily.

Julian crossed his arms, and pressed his back against the cold stone wall. His lips tightened in a thin line. He couldn’t believe his ears; these people could not possibly believe that they really were vampires!

Where are your fangs then? he challenged them, unable to stop himself. He gazed at the faces around him. Lifting the sleeve of his sweater he showed them a bare wrist. I want to see them, now. Go on. I’m ready for someone to bite me.

Even immortals from the other races know that our fangs only come out when we’re hungry. And despite the veins in your wrist being quite inviting, we’re not allowed to drink human blood yet. You should know that already, one of the girls responded, a provocative smile ghosting her lips. But come see me in a few days time. I’ll make you happy then, without getting us into trouble.

Yeah, why not. You probably left your fake teeth at home, Julian observed sarcastically. She seemed offended and looked at him as though he had just threatened to kill her.

Someone else suggested that maybe the best place for him wasn’t actually the academy, but the nuthouse nearby.

Julian opened his mouth to tell them all where to go, but the words died on his lips. He was interrupted by a new scream that chilled him to the bone, and this time he could tell exactly which door it came from. It was a bit further away from where they waited. He stared at the door and held his breath. What’s going on? he asked, terrified and wide-eyed.

Nothing much. That’s just the demons, explained Hunter calmly.

Vampires and Demons. Does he truly think I’m idiot enough to believe that?

Julian gave him another hostile glare. Someone was suffering behind that door and this blonde guy had the nerve to joke about it. Julian tucked his hands behind his back while mentally imagining himself pummeling Hunter. Demons, he repeated angrily and Hunter nodded, not in the least bit intimidated by Julian’s anger.

Check those guys out as well, the boy said, as he approached him. Julian reluctantly turned his head to look where Hunter was indicating. He squinted and realized that there was another group of people at the other end of the corridor, quite a distance away from where they now stood. This second group had hair that sparkled with many colors, and which almost seemed to glow in the faint light of that sinister place. Great. Another group of freaks that I hadn’t noticed yet. What is it this time, an Eccentrics Feast? Or have they just returned from a comic convention? he commented sourly, still watching these new strangers with their bizarre features. That group seemed to be taking their ease in the dungeons as well, unlike him. None of them looked as though they wanted to leave, or appeared worried by what was happening in the torture chamber. He noted that this new group was waiting beside two doors that were both shut.

Hunter snickered. No, they haven’t been to comic-con. They’re just angels, he said.

Julian looked at him in confusion and Hunter raised an eyebrow, visibly skeptical. I can’t believe you’ve never seen an angel before! Where have you been living before now?

"In the normal world," Julian replied through clenched teeth.

Hunter gave him an annoyed look. For your information, that’s where I live too. I met a few of them at St Paul’s, and various others at the Immortal Feasts. I know everyone in that group by sight — some of them even studied the same subjects as me.

Julian shook his head and went back to watching the flashy and colorful group who were laughing and joking amongst themselves. One of the girls, with long purple hair, tilted her head towards Julian, and her companion turned to look at him. Their smiles disappeared as they watched him with eyes that flashed with challenge.

Don’t stare at them as if they’re freaks of nature or they’ll get pissed off. Hey, since you’re from France, which of the French vampires do you know? What are the Immortal Feasts like over there? I went to Germany with my father two years ago, and we were there for three super boring months. He was doing a training course for some rusty old immortals and I had to hang out with the sons of two of his friends. They refused to speak to me in English when we were alone, and acted like assholes. Can you even begin to imagine how hard it was to communicate with those two vampires? Anyway, we’re still friends on Facebook, but I never hear from them. It was my father who wanted me to friend them.

Julian tore his gaze away from the group and brought his attention back to Hunter. For whatever bizarre reason this guy thought that he was a vampire.

He avoided answering the boy’s stupid questions. All right then. Angels, demons, vampires and what else? Who else is down here, a pack of orcs and werewolves? he asked cuttingly, wanting to see how far he could push the blonde idiot.

Hunter scowled. Human half-bloods, he finally replied, pointing at one of the two doors by the so-called ‘angels’. But I’m not sure if they are still down here. They were the first to arrive and they’ve probably finished and gone upstairs already.

Gripped with disbelief, Julian burst out laughing. The pure noise silenced the murmurings in the corridor for only a moment, before everyone went back to watching him and whispering to one another. Half-bloods, sure. I should have guessed, he commented mockingly. Hunter said nothing and leaned back against the wall at his side.

Why don’t you tell me a bit about the Immortal Feasts in France? the boy persisted.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but I prefer staying home. Let’s just say that I’m allergic to feasts, especially immortal ones."

Ok, so you’re not particularly sociable. No offence, but I’d already worked that out. Personally, I hate hanging out at home. I’d rather be there as little as possible. It reminds me of a few unpleasant things and I find it depressing, replied Hunter, frozen in place like a statue. He stared across at the other wall, seemingly lost in some memory. After a while he shook his head, as though he was trying to dispel those thoughts. I can’t wait to see the rest of the university, he declared, becoming lively again. He stood up and bent one foot against the wall before starting to talk non-stop again.

Julian pictured a strong gag between his hands and imagined himself using it to cover Hunter’s mouth and force him to shut up.

This place looks as though it comes from the set of a horror film. To hear my father speak this is the worst bit, luckily. Especially considering he attended the university almost three centuries ago, around the same time it was established. The academy here in London was the first of the immortal academies; all the others came after. I read about it in a book a while back, don’t ask me which one it was. I can’t wait to see the lord. How about you? Even if he’s going round every school in existence tonight, checking out the new students, he’ll be back with us again tomorrow morning.

Julian snorted grumpily. Hunter honestly believed that his father was centuries old, and that some other guy was able to circumnavigate the world in a single night. Incredible. He bit his tongue to hold back an insult. Since he didn’t want to listen to any more of Hunter’s absurdities, he patted the pocket of his sweater looking for his mp3 player, and when that failed he tried his jeans. Unfortunately, it wasn’t there either and he cursed under his breath, drawing a few reproachful looks.

Back when the academies were first established the various racial marks didn’t exist yet. They’re new, since they were introduced by the current lord, Hunter smiled and indicated the corridor and doors, And in the past they didn’t do any rituals here. Every vampire completed his transformation by himself, drinking the blood of humans or other immortals...

Where is the switch to turn you off?

The boy fell silent on seeing Julian’s annoyed expression, and the sour tone had its intended effect. Hunter seemed embarrassed now. I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ve already read about the history of the university and the racial marks in various books.

Julian made a face. Yes, of course. Who doesn’t know those ones? I read immortal history books all the time. The most interesting one was written by a Swedish elf who was living in the Himalayas. After thousands of years of immortal feasts, he decided that he had had enough of forests and vampires. So he moved away to live as a hermit and write the coolest book on immortal history ever, he commented sarcastically.

Hunter appeared offended by Julian’s reaction, crossing his arms and not saying anything.

Enough joking around. According to my mother, up until a century ago some of the students would sneak down to the dungeons so they could steal out of the university without getting in trouble. It’s said that there are a number of secret passages behind these walls, offered one of the other boys, brushing his fingers along the cold stone.

Julian rolled his eyes with exasperation. The ceiling was covered with cracks and mould, and he stared at it in disgust. I have been magically transported into this dump, where I am surrounded by crazy people. With no music.

Fantastic, he muttered drily, digging his nails into his palms. Absolutely fantastic.

The only good thing about this strange situation was that his eyesight was perfect again, and the headache he had felt upon waking was now gone. He saw a drop of water fall from the humid ceiling and he moved his head just in time; watching it land on the ground instead.

Others were sent down here for punishment. Maybe there’s a torture chamber behind one of these doors...

Julian clenched his teeth in rage, his cheeks and eyes burning. The boy who had just spoken cringed at his expression and stepped backwards, moving away from him.

Are you deaf or something? It’s obvious that there’s a damn torture chamber here, and that we’re all going to end up in it very shortly. You’ve heard the screams, haven’t you? Why the hell are we not trying to find a way to get out of here?

His loud and accusatory tone silenced everyone, even the group that Hunter had called ‘angels’. Julian turned to look at the boy who had spoken of secret passages. You said that there are secret passages. Why not see if you can find one of them? I don’t want to be skinned alive. I have other plans for my immediate future and not one of those plans includes torture... Vampires, demons, centuries old parents, and you call me the crazy one. Why don’t you try looking around yourself and listening to what you’re saying, damn it!

Tortured... if it were up to me I’d flay you right now. I’d cut out your tongue and make you eat it, if I thought that it would stop you from saying more bullshit like that. What planet are you from anyway, idiot? The green-eyed boy seemed as angry as he was, and Julian gave him an icy look.

We’re here to get our racial marks, same as the rest of the first-years. It won’t be long now. And once the ritual is over, I won’t have to look at your face again until tomorrow morning. You’re shitting yourself. I can’t believe it! A vampire that’s scared of the mark, the arrogant boy continued scornfully. He had long, sleek hair and his brown fringe fell over his left ear. You’re lucky it won’t hurt us, although I wouldn’t mind watching you scream, the boy added with a traitorous grin.

Marks, hey? retorted Julian sarcastically, refusing to respond to the final insult. He lounged against the wall belligerently, leaning on one elbow and crossing his ankles. He stared at the irritating boy who was so easily angered. "If you think that I’m going to let someone damage my skin you’re making a big mistake. I’ve never liked tattoos and I have no intention of getting any fucked up mark on my skin."

Careful what you say, the other boy warned, shaking a finger at him. Julian opened his mouth to get yet another rise out of him, when there was a jarring noise and the door to the room of screams opened. Everyone turned in the direction of the sound and the corridor fell silent. A number of young adults came out through the door, following a hooded figure whose face was hidden behind a gilded mask. They were led away along the corridor towards them.

This way. A man’s cold voice broke the tension-laden silence that had fallen. Julian watched the small group pass by them with quick, silent footsteps. Some of them met his curious gaze with glances that were menacing, to say the least.

The thing that struck him most about the group was the color of their eyes: Orange, green, pink, red. All of them glowing and disturbing. They were eyes that would have scared anyone in the dark and Julian shook his head disapprovingly. How childish of them to be messing around with colored contact lenses at their age.

He noticed that almost everyone in the group following the hooded man was holding their right arm as though it hurt them. Their short-sleeved t-shirts allowed him to see that they all had identical tattoos of a black snake coiling around their right biceps. The snakes’ eyes seemed to be looking directly at him. Julian stared at the tattoos with fascination and fear. They didn’t seem to be the ordinary type of tattoo, it was as if in some way they were warning him that they were... alive. He even thought that some of the tattoos hissed at him as the group passed by.

The demons have been marked already. Hunter’s whispering distracted him from his ridiculous thoughts. Julian held back a shiver of fear and watched the group until they disappeared around a corner. He was tempted to run after them and escape this place, when a new noise suddenly startled him. He immediately turned to look in the other direction. The ‘angels’ with their sparkling hair were passing through the still open doorway, and yet another masked individual was silently closing the door behind them. Hardly anyone was left in the long corridor now; only about a dozen of them remained. Just Julian and the kids who thought they were vampires.

They say that the snake mark is the most painful, green-eyes asserted and Julian turned to look at him skeptically. Do you want to know why they screamed? the boy asked Julian, his eyes shining with amusement. Without waiting for a response he started talking again, As soon as the lord marks them, it’s like they’re engulfed in an invisible flame that burns every muscle. The pain only lasts a few minutes, but in those moments they would rather die. The boy gave a fleeting look at the others to see if they were watching him as well. That’s what some demons told me anyway, friends of my brother. Normally demons don’t like talking about receiving their mark, or at least they don’t like to talk to vampires about it. We can’t even begin to understand what it’s like for them, nor can the half-bloods. Being marked is a walk in the park for us by comparison, he finished with a shrug.

One of the others had wandered off for a moment, and he now returned to the group. I bet the half-bloods have got their marks already. I haven’t heard anything coming from that door they went in. I reckon they’ve already headed upstairs. One thing’s for sure, it won’t be long before the angels are the ones who are screaming, he said flatly.

Julian snorted with irritation. Bullshit, he bitched to himself. Bottle-green eyes smirked on with an air of superiority.

The wing cuts must be quite horrible, commented Hunter in the meantime. Seeing Julian’s bewilderment, the blonde turned to address him directly. Their mark is the eagle. And in addition to being given the racial mark, they have two cuts made on their shoulder blades. Their wings don’t sprout all at once you know, they take time to grow. And when they do come out the feathers are the same color as their hair. During the transformation, their hair changes color constantly depending on their mood and emotions. You should have seen some of the shades they turned, especially during maths tests. Right in front of ignorant human students and the teacher...

Why don’t you stop telling him about it? the annoying green-eyed boy interrupted grumpily. Check out the look he’s got on his face when you’re talking. He looks as if you were suggesting that we colonize Pluto. Save your breath. Idiots like that don’t deserve so much consideration. Damn it, what the hell are we waiting for anyway? the boy added, looking around impatiently.

Julian stared around at everyone in disgust. He had never heard so many idiotic things said in a single day before. He began to wonder if the rest of the world had gone crazy during his last three years of isolation.

He leaned his head against the wall, once more lifting his gaze to the humid ceiling and trying not to let himself become nervous. The sound of his accelerated heartbeat reached his ears.

Silence had fallen in the dungeons again, with no new cries of pain arriving to shatter the peace. Julian felt his limbs go cold and couldn’t help but remember what the last three years had been like. He had screamed then. He had lived through those years feeling as if he might die at any moment; as if a disembodied hand was trying to pull his beating heart right out of his chest. It had felt as though venom had been injected to make his blood boil, and it had caused terrible stabbing pains through his entire body. Constantly. It had hurt to breath, talk, and even walk. He didn’t plan on living like that ever again.

I’m leaving now, he announced, and got dirty looks in return. Anyone coming with me? he chanced. Everyone stayed where they were, up against the wall. It seemed no one intended to follow him, and one person even snickered. All the worse for them.

You’re not going anywhere. Try and run away and I’ll drag you to the lord and make you grovel on the ground. Green-eyes again. Julian pretended that he hadn’t heard him. There were more important things to do just now than argue with that idiot. Another chilling shout echoed down the corridor. Does someone want to tell me what the fuck is really happening? he snarled, even more annoyed than before.

Try and relax, Hunter suggested calmly as Julian looked him up and down with rage. We’ve all been waiting for exactly this moment, and it must have been the same for you. Ever since we were young we couldn’t wait to get the vampire mark.

You’re no more a vampire than I am. Why the hell do you keep persisting with this stupid fantasy all the time? Julian shouted, grabbing Hunter’s arm and shaking it a bit to bring him to his senses. Hunter’s eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open in surprise.

Get your hands off him. Right now. I will count to three, and after that I will make you wish that you never touched him. The irritating guy’s voice was now full of rage, and his narrowed eyes burned as though they were on fire. He looked like a lion ready to do anything to defend a cub from danger.

Alright, you’ve got our attention. What exactly do you want to do to me? Julian provoked the green-eyed boy, not in the least bit intimidated. I’ve already counted to five. You’re a bit slow if you haven’t got to three yet.

I can defend myself, Logan. I don’t need your help. He’s not doing anything to me. If he had intended to harm me I would have already cut him to pieces by now, said Hunter peevishly, pulling his arm out of Julian’s grip. Green-eyed Logan gave them an exasperated grimace and moved away, grumbling to himself.

A door creaked open, revealing another hooded figure with his face covered by a mask. Enter, he told them.

Julian watched his companions obey with a rush. And what new disaster will befall us now? he muttered, staying where he was without moving.

No one paid him any attention. Hunter was the only one who gestured at him to follow, and then even the blonde boy disappeared through the open door just like everyone else. Julian stared at the long, empty corridor in front of him, and let out a curse, feeling trapped. He considered the alternatives that were available to him: he could run down the corridor and turn the corner blindly, hoping to find some kind of door, hidden passage, or another corridor that might take him outside, towards freedom. Or he could follow his crazy colleagues into that room, where at least no one was screaming right now. Exactly what was behind that door?

Somewhere inside him, he was curious to know what would happen to Hunter and the rest of the crazies, but that curiosity was fighting a fear that he would be tortured along with them. A strange fragrance was coming from the room on the other side of the door, a delicious aroma which was luring him in. His eyes narrowed as he listened, waiting to detect cries of some kind, but he heard nothing. He still couldn’t decide what to do. Then the delicious fragrance engulfed him for a fraction of a second, overpowering the stench of mould and damp dungeons. And in that moment, when the foulness disappeared, Julian’s decision was made. He had to know what it was that he could smell; he had to follow that fragrance.

With slow steps, he approached the waiting man and passed through the door.

2

––––––––

The hooded man closed the door behind him with a thud.

Julian’s legs suddenly went weak. The minute his foot left the threshold fear washed over him and he started trembling. He felt as though the earth was dropping away beneath his feet with every tiny step he took. He caught up to the rest of the group — who appeared quite calm — and joined them. They were waiting for something. Now he might find out that following them, and that strange fragrance, had been a dreadful decision.

His blue eyes explored the room with misgiving. The area was rectangular and quite large, illuminated by wall lamps. The magnificent fragrance that had drawn him in from the corridor filled every corner of the available space. It was stronger inside the room, strong enough to mask the stench that he had been forced to breathe until so recently. He blinked and filled his lungs with the amazing fragrance. The more he inhaled, the more he felt as though he recognized the scent.

The pale floor was made of ancient stones and was as dusty as the corridor had been. It gave the impression that it was rarely trodden. In some places old spider webs even hung from the ceiling.

Julian’s lips twisted in a grimace. He may as well be in a Chamber of Horrors like the sort they had at Luna Park — though he had only ever seen such things on TV, never in person. But to his untrained eye the only thing missing was a few skeletons scattered about and the macabre atmosphere would be complete. Well at least it didn’t look as though there were any torture devices lying around, although their absence wasn’t quite enough to dismiss the fear that gripped him.

An icy shiver ran through him. He tried to think about something other than the lack of windows in an effort to avoid becoming claustrophobic. He hated enclosed places, and he hated finding himself in a dungeon with so many strangers. Maybe he’d find a way to go home soon, back to the safety of his comfortable bedroom. And maybe he could even start having a normal life again, now that he was feeling better than he could ever remember feeling in the last three years. He would be like everyone else his age. He could finally have friends again, and his parents would take back their edict forbidding him to go outside. Or, alternatively, he might never escape this sinister place and he would die here, like the fools who surrounded him. Killed by his own curiosity and that hint of fragrance that he had followed.

As the last thought crossed his mind, his fingers went cold and his breathing became muffled.

While he’d been distracted by his thoughts the tantalizing and seductive fragrance had been filling the air around him.

When he managed to work out where the smell was coming from Julian’s jaw dropped in surprise. Its source was a young man who was quite possibly the most stunning person he had ever seen in his life. The man was seated on a stone altar in the middle of the room, with his legs crossed and his hands lying loose in his lap. A lock of hair had fallen in front of his face and as the man pushed it back behind his ear, you could see that he was wearing an earring shaped like a snake. His long lashes emphasized his high and delicate cheekbones and his alabaster skin was like porcelain. Dark chocolate hair framed his face. The man scrutinized each new arrival with eyes that were like two dark wells. When he came to Julian, his roving gaze stopped, fixing on the boy. The strange man’s soft lips curled in a gentle smile, and something strange snapped inside Julian. Emotions began bombarding him. He was completely mesmerized, unable to tear his eyes away from the intoxicating man. His heart skipped a beat. It was as though Julian had known him his entire life, even though that was impossible. Without understanding why, Julian wanted to run to the stranger and embrace him. He wanted to nestle his face and fingers in the man’s sleek hair and breathe deeply of his perfume.

Reddening, he felt suddenly ashamed of where his thoughts had led him.

He had left Paris three years ago, and had never met anyone in London. He had passed three long and accursed years shut behind the walls of his grandparents’ home, alone and friendless thanks to the strange illness that had struck him down so unexpectedly. It had prevented him from leaving the house and there had been entire days when he couldn’t even bear the light of the sun, and other times when even the slightest noise had caused him horrendous suffering. Not to mention the stabbing pains that had knocked him over and left him doubled up in misery, forcing him to his bed where he could bury his face in the pillows and cry.

Julian arched one eyebrow and met the man’s gaze, wondering who he could be. Those black eyes attracted him like a magnet and sent his thoughts into confusion. He hoped with all his heart that this man was sane of mind, unlike everyone else that he’d met in the corridor so far.

The young man’s smooth and angelic face clouded over briefly, before returning to his previous calm composure. He ran one hand through his hair thoughtfully and turned his attention back to examining the rest of the so-called ‘vampires’ as they arrived.

Julian forced himself to do the same. Worry coursed through him as he considered the group who shared the dungeon with him. Each of them was genuflecting slightly in the direction of the young man seated on the altar. Julian stared at them nervously, unable to guess why they would offer such an obeisance.

You may now raise your heads.

For a moment the man’s unexpected voice took his breath away. It was a voice that could enchant anyone, velvety soft like flower petals. It was dangerously beautiful and seemed to pierce Julian’s skin to the depths of his soul, and deep down it woke something in him that had been asleep until now. An icy shiver ran through him.

Julian noticed that the entire room was following the captivating man with their eyes and expressions of pure adulation. Out of the corner of his eye Julian saw him slide down from the altar and lean back against it. Julian immediately returned to studying the man curiously.