After a few days of exploring, I decided to find her again.
***
Mercedes
I let Shadow break our kiss, but didn’t let him go.
“Will you tell me about yourself now?” he asked.
I bit my lip and looked down.
“Mercedes?”
I tried my hardest to ignore a wave of shame as I answered his question.
“I was born to two loving parents,” I began. “Before I was born, my father was a huge star in the business world. He’s invested in a ton of stuff; clean energy, the Internet, jewelry, fashion, you name it. He met my mother when they were only a few years older than me. She was a new fashion designer too, but she was already making a name for herself. They fell in love and got married a couple of years later. Then I was born.” I sighed. “When I was growing up, I was basically living every child’s dream. I had plenty of neighborhood kids to play with, and I never wanted for anything in my life. But as I grew older, I began to realize that not everyone was as fortunate as me. I felt…not guilty, but I had so much more than I would ever need and it seemed wrong to not give back. So, I did. I started working with my father on building charities, but my focus became Women’s Aid. Thanks to my father, that once run-down, starving building is now a haven for abused women. I spend so much time there, but it never feels like volunteer work. Women’s Aid is like a second home to me, and everyone there is family.”
“What of your hacking skills?”
“I mostly use those to help abused women, too. The legal system can be really unfair a lot of times. For example, if a woman is being stalked by her husband, the police need hardcore evidence before they can act. I use my hacking skills to help those women build new lives. I know how to forge identity papers and social security cards, so they can start anew. I don’t harbor any regrets for breaking the law in cases where it’s that unfair.”
“You truly are amazing, Mercedes,” Shadow said in a low voice. “I saw the home you lived in. I have rarely seen a mortal home so affluent before. You have every material comfort any human could ask for, and yet your altruism protects you from narcissism and greed.”
“That’s the main thing I’m grateful for,” I said. “I don’t want to be…like that.”
“And you never will be,” Shadow said firmly.
Before I could reply, I heard a low growl emit from the closed door to my left.
“There is no need to be alarmed,” Shadow assured me, looking exasperated and affectionate at the same time. “Forgive me, but a friend of mine has been dying to meet you for a while. May I call him in?”
“Of course,” I said immediately.
“Do not be afraid,” Shadow said. “Come out, Blackhole.”
The door opened, and I gasped, unable to help myself. The creature that emerged was something out of a science fiction/horror movie. It moved on many thin, graceful legs like a spider, and its armor-like black skin gleamed in the faint lights in the apartment. A thick, leathery mouth opened to reveal impossibly long, sharp teeth. But what stunned me the most was that it…whatever it was…it was grinning at me!
“Mercedes, this is Blackhole,” Shadow introduced. “He is an Evanescence. Many generations ago, my people enslaved his kind.”
“Enslaved,” I whispered.
“But Blackhole is not my slave,” Shadow said firmly. “He is my friend, companion, and hunting partner. He stays with me because he chooses to.”
I stared at the Evanescence, Blackhole, who was cautiously approaching me.
Shadow smiled. “He loves to be held and petted, but he is also afraid of frightening you.”
Still nervous, but utterly fascinated, I slowly held out my hand. He eagerly approached it and began to nuzzle it gently. I smiled and held out my arms. He immediately jumped into my lap with an almost dog-like yip and settled comfortably right away. I began to stroke him. His skin was as hard as it looked, but judging by the way he shivered in delight, I knew it had to be quite sensitive.
“He’s…he’s amazing,” I breathed.
The growl that emitted from him held a definite edge of smugness. His leathery mouth nuzzled my hand again.
I like you.
I froze, dumbstruck.
“Mercedes?”
“I…I heard…in my head…”
“He spoke to you in your mind?” Shadow said sharply.
“Yes.” My voice came out barely above a whisper.
Shadow was staring at Blackhole with a mixture of confusion and suspicion.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
Shadow put a hand on Blackhole’s head and closed his eyes. When he pulled away, he was frowning slightly.
“As far as I knew, you were required to create a mental bond with an Evanescence before you could hear its voice,” he said. “But Blackhole has just informed me that you are an exception.”
“Why is that?” I asked, but directed the question at Blackhole.
Because you are special. You’re not like other humans.
“Mercedes?”
“He…he said I’m special. I’m not like other humans.”
Shadow put his hand on Blackhole’s head again. “I believe you are correct, my friend.”
I was still weirded out, yet I couldn’t stop petting the magnificent creature in my arms.
“He seems very nice now,” I said. “But something tells me those teeth aren’t for eating vegetables.”
“He is extremely dangerous,” Shadow said. “If we ever battled, he could cause me permanent damage even if I emerged the victor. My people call his kind the Evanescence because they are capable of devouring anything and leaving no trace behind. Blackhole alone could eat every atom of your entire home in less than five minutes.”
“Wow,” I whispered.
My hand began to stroke his tail. It had a leathery feel like his mouth and was covered in scales. I peered closer when I saw that said scales looked rather unusual.
“His scales,” I said. “They look like feathers.”
“Perhaps he had a feathered ancestor,” Shadow said with a shrug. “I believe only the royal family possesses the knowledge of the Evanescence’s origins.”
“Blackhole hasn’t told you?”
“He was born into slavery, Mercedes. The Evanescence are immortal, but his ancestors were killed long ago thanks to the vampires.”
Shadow’s voice grew bitter. Almost self-recriminating. Blackhole seemed to notice and gently wrapped the end of his tail around Shadow’s hand.
“He doesn’t blame you,” I said. “He loves you.”
Blackhole barked an agreement and nuzzled me again.
Family.
“What did he say?” Shadow asked when I smiled.
“He said ‘family’.”
And he was right. This was my family. One of my many families.
***
Shadow
My free hand gripped Mercedes’. I glanced at Blackhole nestled comfortably in her arms before staring into her beautiful eyes. For the first time in centuries, I felt a strong, familial sense sweep through me. I was no longer alone. If my torment by the elite’s hands was the price I had to pay to gain this, then every single moment was worth it. More than worth it. If I had to suffer it all a hundred more times, I would gladly do so in order to keep this.
I wanted to kiss her. Blackhole obviously sensed my desire, for he huffed in disappointment, but leaped from Mercedes’ lap and stalked away.
“He likes you.” I told Mercedes.
“He’s very sweet,” she replied.
I kissed her, but when she pulled away, her eyes were troubled.
“Shadow…please don’t take this the wrong way, but…”
“You need not ever worry about offending me,” I assured her. “Ask me whatever you wish.”
Despite my words, she couldn’t meet my eyes. “Shadow…do Chaos and Order…Of course, I don’t mean…”
She trailed off. My lips curled into a smile.
?
??They exist, Mercedes, I assure you of that. Please do not be embarrassed for asking such a question. Your skepticism is more than understandable. My belief in gods was nonexistent during my years as a human. Europeans were extremely adamant about their Christian faith during such a time. I’m sure you know that is one of the reasons they feared Muslim Turkish rule. But I believed in no god. The only thing I had any faith in was my desire to survive. However, I changed after I became a vampire. My maker taught me meditation techniques if I ever wished to directly speak to Quetzalcoatl.”
“Did you ever hear his voice?” she asked in a hushed whisper.
“I did,” I said. “I believed I was going mad at first. I scoffed at his existence. My maker was somewhat understanding, but he was very firm in wishing for me to believe in something other than myself. I did as he asked, and eventually I spoke to Quetzalcoatl. It was…an indescribable experience.”
I fell silent, lost in memories. Memories I had wanted to abandon ever since realizing our lord abandoned us. But despite my everlasting anger, I could still feel a sliver of peace listening to his voice, his words…
“And Chaos and Order?” Mercedes asked after a while.
My mood darkened. “When I and my fellows were indoctrinated into Duality, we knelt at the altar of the brothers. All of us heard Lord Chaos immediately. I will just say speaking to him was a far different experience than speaking to Quetzalcoatl.”
“What about Order?”
“I have never spoken to Order. He is far more secretive than his brother. I would not be surprised if he speaks only to the priests. There are times when I have felt a presence different than Lord Chaos, but Lord Order keeps mostly to himself. Mercedes…” I gripped her other hand. “The priests are now questioning the gods. The royal family believes they may favor you, that it was their interference that enabled you to find Abraham’s true murderer.”
Mercedes paled slightly. “What exactly does that mean for me? As far as the royal family goes?”
“I do not know for certain, but if they discover you are favored by the gods, you can be rest assured they will never harm you or those you care about.”
Unfortunately, my words did not seem to mollify her.
“Shadow, I don’t know what to make of this,” she said with pure honesty. “Of course, this is far better than having Xavier breathing down our necks, but still…”
“I understand,” I assured her. “And I swear to you that I will do everything in my power to protect you, whatever the royal family decides. Whatever the gods themselves decide.”
She touched myself and smiled. “Don’t get in over your head, my love. You know how devastated I would be if something ever happened to you.”
“If something ever happened to you, I would cease to exist,” I said firmly.
“You know I would never want that for you,” she said, pain evident in her voice.
“I can do no other than to speak the truth to you,” I said. “I cannot be without you. Perhaps…with time…but Mercedes, as deep as my respect for you is, you do not know what it is like to have nothing to live for, to feel as though you possess as much substance as the wind. To barely feel any positive emotion. I lived for hatred, Mercedes.”
“And for your dream,” she pointed out softly. “But I know what you mean. I would never judge you, Shadow.”
She embraced me. I pressed her against me, savoring her warmth, her beautiful smell.
“You have made me whole, Mercedes,” I said fervently. “I cannot go back to emptiness. I cannot.”
“You won’t have to,” she promised. “I will never leave you. Never.”
For what seemed like an eternity, I bathed in the presence of my love. When we pulled away, I could clearly see how tired she was.
“You need rest,” I said softly, brushing her cheek. “Shall I return you home?”
She smiled a knowing smile. “Do you want me to return home?”
On impulse, I looked down at her body and saw that she was wearing rather light garments that seemed ideal for slumber.
“Why you mischievous little minx,” I drawled, and she laughed.
She waited in my bedroom as I bathed. I made sure the water was extra cold. It helped to distract my mind from thoughts that could not be labeled as virtuous. Not that I was ashamed. I loved Mercedes, and I desired for us to share a physical union. But I also acknowledged that now was not the right time. Someday, though. Someday soon.
I put on a pair of trousers and went into the bedroom. Mercedes was on my bed. She stared at me, and her eyes went wide as she took in my state of undress. I felt slightly embarrassed at her reaction. Modesty was irrelevant to me, but the same could not be said for humans. Mercedes was very young and innocent, and we had already agreed we would not take things too far as of yet. I cursed my lack of consideration.
“Forgive me,” I said, attempting to hide my nervousness. “I will put on a shirt—”
“You’d better not.”
Now it was my turn to be surprised. Mercedes blushed at her own boldness, but her resolve could not be more apparent. She desired this form of intimacy. And so did I.
However, I was cautious as I climbed onto the bed. Mercedes’ eyes roamed over me, and I felt yet another wave of nervousness, similar to the one I felt but would never admit to the first time we were together in my bedroom. Her gaze was incredibly intense, as if she were staring straight into my soul. Knowing how battered and scarred my soul was, I felt modesty for the first time in centuries. But I could only cover my body, not my soul. I broke Mercedes’ gaze, and she put a hand on my cheek.
“Shadow…”
I forced myself to look up.
“I love you.”
My love. My miracle. My angel.
I kissed her hard. When I regained myself, we both laid down to sleep. Mercedes curled up against my chest. I pressed her warmth to mine. For several moments, we stroked each other’s hair and back. It was not long before the warmth and comfort of my love lulled me into a deep slumber.
***
Mercedes
I couldn’t help the visible spring in my step as I walked to school on Monday for the memory of Friday night was still so fresh in my mind. Feeling Shadow next to me while I was sleeping was a completely new indescribable experience. His body felt so cold, yet it was a soothing kind of cold, one that was perfectly compatible with my human heat. I could tell he greatly appreciated my warmth and it made me blush with pleasure. Natalie noticed and so did several servants, and all of them suspected it was a boyfriend. I was incredibly grateful that they didn’t pry or even try to tell me to be extra cautious. They all trusted me as much as they cared for me. They knew I would never choose someone who would take advantage of me.
When Daniel dropped me off at Harvard Lane, I relied on pure instinct to take me to school. My mind was in a realm of perfect love complete with a beautiful god of darkness with eyes of volcanic glass, ebony hair that reflected fiery red highlights, and skin as pale as moonlight over rippling muscles.
“Mercedes Strand.”
I came to an abrupt halt. In front of me was the man I had encountered before. I would recognize that classic, handsome face anywhere with those brilliant emerald eyes.
“Thomas,” I said without thinking.
There was a seriousness about him that I hadn’t seen the last time. He approached me with an inhuman grace that made me think of Shadow. When he stopped in front of me, I began to feel uncomfortable. His distance was barely enough to be considered respectful of my personal space.
“We meet again,” he uttered.
His voice sounded different, too. I could sense power underneath it. Power that I never sensed from any vampire, not even the members of the royal family.
“Have you been following me?” I asked, trying to keep my anger under control at the thought.
“I have been exploring,” he stated. “But I have not been following you. I simply remembered the area where I first encountered y
ou.”
If he was lying, he was doing a flawless job of it.
“What do you want?” I asked.
He took another step forward. I managed to resist the urge to take another step back.
“I have had many encounters with humans so far. Many conversations. But none of them have told me anything new.”
I really didn’t like the way this guy was talking, and I suddenly wanted to get as far away from him as possible.
“Thomas, I need to go to school. I can’t talk right now. I’m sorry.” I made to go around him, but he grabbed my arm.
“Why are you different?” he demanded.
I struggled. “Let me go!”
He grabbed my other arm. His emerald eyes were burning with anger at my defiance and a determination to get the answers he wanted.
“You will answer me, human!”
“HEY! LET HER GO, NOW!”
Never in my life had I ever been so grateful to hear Sam Kimball’s voice. He was running down the path toward us, and he looked absolutely furious.
“Let her go, you bastard!” he snarled at Thomas. “I’ve already called the cops. They’re on their way.”
This caused Thomas to freeze and then release me. I backed away as quickly as I could. Sam immediately placed his body in front of me and I knew he was glaring at Thomas.
“Get out of here.”
I was amazed. Sam was always such a gentle guy, but now he sounded downright scary.
It’s because he cares for you so much, my inner voice whispered. Yes. I knew how much he cared for me.
Thomas didn’t look the slightest bit impressed or intimidated, but the fact that he backed off showed that he wasn’t at all interested in provoking the wrath of the police.
“This isn’t over, Mercedes,” he said and proceeded to walk away.
Sam looked as if he dearly wanted to chase after him and do something drastic, but I put a hand on his arm.
“Don’t. It’s not worth it,” I pleaded. “He didn’t hurt me.”
Sam clenched his fists until his knuckles popped, but he eventually relaxed. “You’re too compassionate for your own good, Mercedes.”
I glared at him. “Sam, if I thought he truly meant to hurt me, I would have signaled for the police on my comm myself.”
He stared at me incredulously. “He was grabbing you by the arms!”
“But he didn’t want to hurt me. I…” I shook my head. “I can’t explain it. I just trusted my instincts.”