Josiah shut the front door. He looked at Miller, who was facing them, then at Frederic. “Well, what did you see?” he asked.
“Some random-ass lady.” Frederic shook his head. “No idea who she was. She apparently gave the dude on the plane Dragon Spawn after healing this other guy with it in front of him. She was just out there smoking it with these people.”
Josiah raised his eyebrows. “You’re certain it was Dragon Spawn?” He looked at Miller again, licking his lips. His mouth watered.
Frederic nodded. “She told me it was. Before she kicked me out of her head.”
Josiah furrowed his brow. “She did what?”
Frederic looked at him regretfully. “She overpowered my Puppeting.”
Josiah looked away, pondering at the floor. “How? How is that even possible?” he asked in surprise.
Frederic shrugged, raising his hands. “Beats the hell out of me. Only way to know for sure is to go find her.” He looked at Miller and back at his brother. “So let’s go,” he said casually. “How long’s it been since you fed anywa—“
“Two weeks, three days,” Josiah answered sharply. He got closer to Miller. His face turned serious and his eyes grew malevolent. His lips quivered. He inhaled deeply through his nose, taking another step closer. He opened his mouth and his fangs silently curled out of their gums, revealing their length.
Frederic made Miller expose his neck, leaning his head toward one side.
Josiah’s eyes glared red, hungrily.
He impeccably sank his fangs into Miller’s jugular.
And drank his blood.
It was warm and sweet with a hint of bitterness.
The blood quickly drained from Miller’s body.
His warm red skin turned pale and cold as he was consumed.
His face was visibly half red and half white.
Then, his blood was gone.
Josiah took a step back and licked his bloody lips, wiping the excess off on his fingers. His eyes returned to a normal white.
Miller would be completely dead within the next minute.
Frederic kept him standing but could only find a fading subconscious.
Josiah sighed with satisfaction, closing his eyes. He looked healthier and younger. He felt stronger and faster.
Completely rejuvenated from his meal. He nodded at Frederic.
“Expertly done, as always,” Frederic said kindly. “Back in a sec.”
He grabbed Miller’s arm and Rifted.
Josiah watched them disappear, like a bubble popping in the air, vanishing without a sound.
A hearty gust of air made the surroundings shift, including Josiah’s suit. He could smell Frederic’s cologne.
No matter how many times he’s seen it, Josiah was always impressed by his brother’s abilities.
Frederic had been able to Rift, or teleport, since he was a younger man.
The first time he did it, he vomited and his bowels evacuated.
That happened a few more times before he got the hang of it.
They’ve tested out quite a few things with this ability.
The most notable conclusions are that:
Frederic can’t Rift with a human, he’s tried and they end up dying every time. It’s as if their organs are scrambled irreparably and heavy internal bleeding is what kills them.
The only people capable of withstanding Rifting with him are Josiah and his mom, Magdalena, so only other immortals.
He can rift with objects whether big or small.
He can rift anywhere that is in his view, including the sky, or any place that he can remember.
He tried mapping the world once. So that he could Rift anywhere.
His mind was a steel trap if he tried hard enough.
That was back in their pirating days.
Frederic even dived to the deepest parts of the sea, just so he could say that he mapped it.
He said the experience was dreadfully wet and would make for the absolute best place to hide something.
Frederic, appearing in the air, landed on his feet. He stumbled and composed himself. “That wine is fucking fine.” He smiled.
Josiah smirked. “How many bottles did you drink?”
“Just two,” Frederic answered. He put out his fist.
Josiah bumped it with his fist.
They Rifted.
A group of people stood in the arbor tunnel in Queen Eleanor’s Garden.
Four women and two men.
The sky was gray, filled with clouds. An earthy smell of greenery coated the air.
They watched Frederic and Josiah appear from nothing.
They gasped, jumped, and moved away.
“What in the fuck?” one of the men asked confused.
Frederic looked into all of their eyes with a gaze from left to right. “Whoops. Forget you saw us appear. We were here before you, now scoot,” he said calmly, pointing away.
The group of people looked away, minding their own business once again.
Josiah looked out of the arbor tunnel. “Winchester?” he asked.
Frederic nodded. “The lady was in this tunnel.”
Josiah, waiting for more information, realized he wouldn’t be receiving any. “Is that all you know?” he asked, a bit disappointed. “She could be anywhere by now, Frederic.”
Frederic shook his head. “Such despair, brother. I got us this far,” he said calmly. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Josiah chewed the inside of his lip and nodded. “Show me her face.” He stared at him.
Frederic remembered the woman.
Josiah saw his memory. He pulled out a dark green pack of cigarettes. Lighting one up while puffing on it. He pursed his lips. “I recognize her.”
Frederic waited for more. “Who the hell is she?”
Josiah glanced away. “Well, I don’t know who she is exactly, but I do recognize her. I’ve seen her with my mum.” He shook his head. “Shit.” He smacked his lips. “All I remember is her face.”
Frederic raised his eyebrows and glanced away. “Let’s go see mom then, huh?”
Josiah nodded, blowing out smoke. He put out his fist; Frederic gave him knuckles.
They Rifted. Some smoke traveled with them.
They stood in the same position. Now in a circular driveway, on an estate in Jersey, overlooking the French coast. The main residence was faced with granite stone. Two large wooden doors served as the entrance with glass looking through the top half and into the grand hall. Along with 13 arched cottage windows that greeted them.
“Let me finish first,” Josiah said, raising his cigarette.
Frederic nodded but didn’t wait for him.
Josiah watched him ignore his request.
Frederic walked up to the entrance and knocked on the wooden area of one of the doors. He looked back at Josiah.
A man in his early sixties answered the door. He was wearing a butler’s uniform. He had a clean mustache with a bald spot on the top of his head. His eyes were demanding and courteous. “Good afternoon. May I help you?” he asked kindly in a sophisticated English accent.
Frederic looked at him. He smiled, looking into his eyes. He remembered the man from decades ago. He had served Magdalena for over 30 years.
“Archibald Flanagan,” Frederic said happily. “I hope you fucking own this place by now.”
The man, Archibald, turned his head in confusion. “Come again?” he asked.
Frederic raised his head. “You don’t remember me?” he asked, concerned.
Archibald regretfully shook his head. “I’m sorry, I do not.”
Frederic’s face warped in confusion.
Archibald burst into laughter.
Frederic leaned back, rolling his eyes with an embarrassed smile. “Damnit,” he said, jolting his head forward. “You got me.”
“Ah…” Archibald sighed. “You should have seen your face. How are you, my boy?” he said heartily, giving him a hug.
They patted each other’s backs, Frederic let him go with a smile. “Good. I guess, I dunno.” He nodded. “Good. I’m good.”
Archibald raised an eyebrow. “Quite an unsure answer from such a confident man,” he stated.
Frederic shrugged. “We’ll see where the day takes us. How are you, Flanagan?”
Archibald nodded in agreement. “I’m well, I have some things for y—”
“Is that Frederic?” Magdalena asked aloud with the slightest English accent, coming to the door. Her face lit up as they locked eyes.
Archibald kindly moved aside so they could see each other.
Magdalena had long brown hair with a soft face and friendly eyes. A few smile lines here and there with fair skin in the sunlight. But don’t let her pretty looks and kind demeanor fool you, she could be downright deadly. She wore a colorful blouse and gray suit pants with expensive bracelets and rings.
“Hey, Mag,” Frederic said with a smile, waving a hand at her.
“Oh my goodness,” Magdalena said with love. “Get over here.” She put her arms out for him.
Frederic took a step forward, embracing her, she smelled like perfume and lotion. “How are things?” he asked.
Magdalena let him go, examining his face adoringly. “Great,” she said happily. “I just bought a vineyard. I’m going to try running the wine game again.” She nodded.
“Ooh…” Frederic sounded. “You better sign me up for tastings.”
Magdalena smiled, but it faded. “Now, what is this shit that I’m hearing that you’re in trouble with the FBI?” She shook her head.
Frederic smacked his lips. “Fucking really?” He stepped back and looked out at Josiah. “You told on me?”
Josiah was looking at his phone while smoking. He side-eyed Frederic, taking another drag.
Magdalena poked her head out of the entrance. “Josiah, put that out. Come inside.”
“It’s almost gone,” Josiah stated.
Magdalena looked at Frederic. “Well?”
“We fixed it,” Frederic answered assuredly. “We’re good.”
Magdalena nodded, she trusted her boys. “Very well,” she said calmly. “I was just about to go shopping if you want to go. Or you can stay here, and I can pick something up for dinner.” She stepped back, letting Frederic enter. She turned around and grabbed a coat.
Archibald shut the door.
“Actually…” Frederic replied. “I need to ask you something.”
“Okay…” Magdalena said, curiously looking back at him.
“Look at my memory,” Frederic said. “Do you know this lady?”
Archibald watched them.
Frederic remembered.
Magdalena smiled and looked for his thoughts, happy to help.
She saw the woman.
Magdalena’s smile instantly disappeared. Her eyes became very serious and worried. Her whole face frowned and her brow furrowed. She started breathing heavier.
“Where did you see her?” Magdalena questioned seriously. Her whole demeanor changed. She wasn’t welcoming anymore, she was on high alert.
“Some guy’s memory,” Frederic answered softly, feeling her fear. He watched her thoughts carefully.
Magdalena shook her head. Her eyes were busy running through flashbacks.
Then, the memories stopped completely.
Magdalena glared at Frederic, she knew he was reading her mind. She tried to completely forget about all of what he just brought up.
Drop it entirely.
“Do not seek that woman out, Frederic,” she commanded harshly.
Josiah walked through the front door, shutting it behind him. He and Archibald exchanged a happy glance.
Magdalena looked at him and snapped her finger, pointing at him. “You too,” she scolded. “Come here. Now.” She pointed down next to Frederic.
Josiah curled his face in confusion, walking over. “What did you say to her, Frederic?”
“I’m not sure what’s happening right now,” Frederic said, staring at Magdalena attentively.
Magdalena looked at both of them intensely.
“Under no circumstances, are you to have anything to do with that woman,” she ordered fervently. “Do not look for her, do not think about her again. She is off-limits. Do you understand me?”
Frederic and Josiah glanced at each other.
“Why not?” Frederic argued.
Magdalena darted her eyes at him. “Do not fucking question me,” she said, starting to walk away. Trying to leave the conversation as far behind as she could.
“She has Dragon Spawn,” Frederic stated firmly.
“It doesn’t matter, Frederic,” Magdalena refuted sternly, looking back at him. “I’m going shopping. Don’t bring it up again.” She kept walking away.
Frederic shook his head angrily. “Stop!” he shouted, looking at the back of her head. He Puppeted her.
Magdalena stood frozen.
Archibald couldn’t do anything but stand by solemnly. He carefully moved a step closer to them.
“Frederic, don’t,” Josiah demanded, he looked right at him. He knew this was a huge invasion of privacy.
Frederic looked at Josiah. “You wanna know too. I know you do.”
Josiah looked down, thinking about it. He agreed with him more than not. He didn’t say another word.
Frederic looked at Magdalena, who still wasn’t facing them. “I’m sorry, mom,” he said regretfully. “Tell us who she is.”
Magdalena turned around. She looked at both of them cautiously. “Her name is Tabitha Grind,” she said. “I almost died because of her, Frederic. Don’t make me say any more.”
Frederic had a look of worry. He could see violent blurs of utter fright surrounding her.
Magdalena was terrified.
Josiah furrowed his brow seriously. “Ask her when, Freder—”
“When did this happen?” Frederic questioned.
Her subconscious found the answer. “Eight years, seven months, three days, and ten hours.”
“Tell us what happened,” Frederic said softly. He did feel bad for Puppeting her.
“She runs an empire.” Magdalena remembered. “And she is evil.”
It was eight years ago…
Magdalena washed the shampoo out of her hair in the shower.
She was in her beach house in California.
Her love at the time—Henry, whom she met ten months earlier in France, had just left to get them breakfast. The day before, she read his mind when she normally wouldn’t, because he had been acting suspicious. It turns out, his intentions were good.
He was going to propose to her today.
She couldn’t fight the excitement, so she decided to get all dolled up for him.
Her eyes were closed as the soap ran down her face.
The bathroom door slowly opened.
She couldn’t hear it.
They crept in.
Three men…in full military gear, carrying rifles with ultraviolet lights attached to them.
Magdalena heard them. She checked the curtain.
They rushed her at her most vulnerable.
Shining their UV beams on her skin.
Wherever the light touched, turned her human.
She tried to grab the curtain to cover herself but they ripped it from her.
One soldier pulled out a tranquilizer that was primed for an elephant.
He aimed at her and pulled the trigger.
The world went dark.
She awoke to the sound of powerful UV spotlights being powered on.
She was still naked. Restrained with time locks around her wrists and ankles fused to a steel chair that was bolted into the ground.
She squinted through the bright rays.
They were in a warehouse of some kind.
Tabitha stood directly in front of her.
She got in her face angrily and spat in her eyes. “Disgusting,” she said fiercely.
Magdalena shook her head and glared at Tabitha bitterly.
Tabitha moved aside, revealing a man. He was locked in the same kind of chair five feet away from her.
It was Henry. Unconscious.
Magdalena’s heart started racing, her eyes opened wide. “What the fuck do you want?!” She shouted. “Who are you?!”
“I know what you did, vampire,” Tabitha stated. “To my son. You tainted my son! You rotten devil.”
“We did nothing! Please let him go!” Magdalena begged.
“Is that what you want?!” Tabitha exploded with anger. “To cause him no harm?” She shook her head with hate. “Then I will make you suffer.” She looked at one of the soldiers and nodded.
The soldier nodded back and tased Henry.
He woke up violently. He looked around and locked eyes with Magdalena, then he looked at Tabitha. “No,” he pleaded. “No! Please, mother! I’m sorry!”
Tabitha quickly went over and slapped his face. “Shut your mouth!” she yelled. “How stupid could you be? Falling for this vampire whore. It was your duty to capture her. I was even more foolish to believe she had been evading you all this time as you told me so.”
Henry started crying. He feared for their lives. “Please, stop this.”
Tabitha looked at Henry. “My son died when you fell in love with her. You are nothing to me. You betrayed me. You betrayed us.” She motioned to the dozens of soldiers standing around them.
“I’m sorry,” Henry sobbed. “Please, mother.”
“I am not your mother anymore!” Tabitha shouted. She walked behind Henry and stared at Magdalena. “See what you have done?!” she asked furiously. “You killed my son. You will lose your love by your own fault.”
Tabitha pulled out a knife and slit Henry’s throat.
Magdalena’s heart dropped. Her breath disappeared. She watched the blood escape from Henry’s throat. She couldn’t bring herself to speak anymore as tears filled her eyes.
Tabitha walked over to her.
Magdalena stared at the floor.
“Look at him,” Tabitha said.
Magdalena didn’t move her gaze.
“Look at him!” Tabitha demanded. She put her knife to Magdalena’s neck.
Magdalena obeyed. Staring at her dead love.
“He is dead because of you,” Tabitha said ferociously, forcefully grabbing her face. “You are an abomination, vampire. May you suffer forever.”
Tabitha released Magdalena’s face and walked away.
The rest of her men followed.
Leaving the warehouse empty and bright with their artificial sunlight.
Magdalena sobbed, and all she could see was the blood that covered Henry.
Sadly, it smelled sweet to her.
Maybe she was a monster.
Maybe she did deserve to die.
About an hour later, the time locks disengaged on the chair. She was set free.
She went over to Henry and caressed his cold pale face.
She cried again, taking his blood-soaked clothes so she could cover herself.
Then, she left.
She wasted no time. Finding a woman sometime later and making her forget that she gave her some fresh clothing.
She left California.
She left the US, and flew back to Jersey, repeatedly Puppeting people along the way to get back to the estate.
Magdalena eventually arrived home, she now sat in the drawing room. Still engaged in the terror she endured just hours ago. She heard a knock at the front door, her eyes darted toward the sound.
Archibald was out running errands.
She sniffled and rubbed her face, letting out a sigh.
She answered the door.
It was Tabitha.
Magdalena had a face of rage.
“Don’t do anything stupid, vampire,” Tabitha said. “We have you surrounded.”
Josiah walked by the grand hall. “Who is it, mum?” he asked, glancing at the woman from afar. He had just consoled Magdalena and decided to take her out to cheer her up since she hid what was the matter. He just came down from getting ready.
“Just a solicitor,” Magdalena lied calmly, glaring at her.
Josiah nodded and continued into the drawing room.
Tabitha slowly stood closer. She whispered. “For taking my son from me, I will make your punishment worse than death. You are not safe anymore. You will never be safe again. I will always know where you are. You and your family are marked. I am your curse, vampire. Your atrocious cancer that won’t let you live a full life. Remember my face, so that you live in fear forever. That is your punishment. Best watch your back.” She smiled sinisterly, feeling victorious.
Magdalena stood her ground and scowled at her.
Tabitha calmly left.
She watched Tabitha walk away…
Magdalena looked at Frederic and Josiah regretfully. “I haven’t seen her since,” she said.
Archibald went over to Magdalena and put an arm around her to console her. He didn’t even know about this. “That is quite enough, my boy,” he said to Frederic.
Crawford put his hand up in a way to disregard him. He looked at Magdalena. “You should have told us a long fucking time ago, Mag.” He was enraged by Tabitha and her people.
“I agree,” Josiah said. “Why would you keep this from us? We could have helped you.”
Archibald let her go as she stepped forward.
“I was trying to protect you, Josiah,” Magdalena argued. “She could have killed me, so she could have killed you. And now you say she has Dragon Spawn? Even fucking worse. Just…drop it, please, boys. I haven’t seen her in all this time. It’s over.”
Josiah and Crawford glanced at each other, it was unspoken, but they decided to keep Puppeting her.
Crawford looked at Magdalena. “This is far from over,” he said, looking into her eyes. “Those people can’t hurt you again. I’ll kill every single one of them.”
Archibald looked at Josiah with pleading eyes.
Josiah touched his brother’s arm. “Calm down, Frederic,” he said softly. “Before you go further. Be gentle with our mum.”
Frederic sighed, looking at him and Archibald kindly. He nodded at Josiah. “I’m good,” he said. He looked back at Magdalena. “Remember when you first met Henry.”
Magdalena stared at Frederic and tried to remember, her subconscious found the memory.
Frederic looked into her mind and closed his eyes.
Josiah looked at Archibald. He walked next to him and watched his mom and brother stand still.
Archibald shook his head. “You know your mother hates it when he controls her like that.”
Josiah nodded. “She shouldn’t carry this burden any longer, Archie.”
Archibald nodded. “I agree, I just wish they would talk and he wouldn’t control her.”
Josiah glanced at Frederic. “He yields results, though.”
Archibald smirked. “But I know how it feels to be controlled by your brother. It’s bloody horrific, Josiah.” He shook his head. “You told me once that he’s never done it to you. Is that still true?”
Josiah nodded. He looked at Frederic, it was true. “Yes,” he answered. He had never been Puppeted by him. Frederic has been in his head and has seen his thoughts. He always does that…but he has never forced Josiah to do anything he didn’t want to.
He has never controlled his mind.
Not once.
Frederic was most loyal to Josiah and had always looked up to him.
“He has fought me,” Josiah mentioned. “Thrown me in the air, beat the shit out of me, he’s even tried to kill me. And I, him.”
“Sounds like brothers,” Archibald chuckled. “Talk with them about it, will you please? They require a lesson in communicating with each other, even after all these years, and you’re well versed in both of their languages.”
Josiah nodded. “I’ll try,” he said. “They are rather stubborn, as you know.”
Archibald agreed with a hearty nod and a smile.
Magdalena was released. She turned around and looked at Josiah and Archibald. She shook her head. “I hate it when he does that,” she muttered. “I’m not buying him a damned thing when I go shopping.”
“You’re going to leave?” Josiah asked.
“Yes,” Magdalena said assuredly. “Not even Tabitha Grind can stop me from shopping, my son. I have a life, Josiah.”
Josiah smiled. He admired her ability to move on.
Frederic opened his eyes. He looked at them, then directly at Magdalena. “I’m sorry I had to do that, mom. I know you don’t like it.”
“You’re fucking right I don’t,” Magdalena said sternly. “Don’t do it again.”
Frederic looked down with the slightest bit of shame.
Magdalena sighed, forgiving him. She shook her head. “It’s okay, Frederic. I’ve missed you too much to let this ruin your visit.”
Frederic smiled. “I love you too, Mag,” he said. “Thanks for the help.”
Magdalena smirked. “Yeah.” She rolled her eyes. “Was it worth it?”
Frederic nodded confidently. “I know where she is.”
Crawford 