Aphrodite

Rachel steered away from the supernatural chaos and the unresolved matters with Vlad, directing her steps towards the refuge of her workplace. Craving the steadiness of her everyday routine, she aimed to distance herself from the turmoil that gnawed at her conscience. The notion that she might have been responsible for Myus’s demise troubled her deeply. She had always seen herself as virtuous, and wrestling with the realisation that her essence might be corrupted proved challenging. Opting to temporarily shelve the bewildering experiences of her otherworldly encounters, she sought solace in the familiarity and structure of her human job.

As she entered the building, the automatic doors parted, welcoming her with the glow of the afternoon sun that filled the spacious lobby. Receptionists manned the sleek desk, busy with calls, as people bustled about, some heading out for lunch while others prepared for a workout. It was bizarre how mundane life continued after what she had experienced. Behind the routines, the supernatural world lingered, waging wars for dominance while humans sipped their coffee and exercised.

“Rachel!” Beth’s voice cut through the air, her greeting enthusiastic as she stood and waved. Rachel slid her sunglasses off, placing them in her bag, and managed a small, comforting smile towards her friend. “Where have you been? Lindon’s been looking for you. I’ve been trying to call you, but your phone...”

“It ran out of battery. Had to attend an offsite meeting,” Rachel improvised.

“Oh. Well, that’s a nice dress. Is it new?”

In reality, she had shelved the dress following an incident with a manager whose advances were far from welcome. The sleek, black pencil dress was indeed eye-catching, perhaps too much so in the past. But now, armed with her newfound abilities, Rachel felt a surge of confidence; anyone with ill intentions would swiftly learn their lesson.

“Just an old find from my closet,” Rachel deflected.

Beth took off her headset, stepping around the counter with a look of concern. “What’s been happening? Lindon mentioned he’s been working on a new pitch for you, and then you come in late, which isn’t like you at all.”

Rachel shifted the focus. “I love your shoes,” she complimented, admiring Beth’s stylish pale pink heels. “Actually, your whole look today—those black pants with the pink turtleneck—really works for you.”

However, Rachel’s eyes drifted to a vein pulsing near Beth’s neck, hidden just under the fabric of her turtleneck. A memory of Darius’s blood flashed in her mind, her lips parting slightly as an involuntary hunger intensified. Her grip tightened as she fought the growing craving.

“What’s going on with you?”

Rachel forced the dark thought away, reminding herself of the need for normalcy, for control over her darker impulses. “Since when can’t I give a friend a compliment?”

“But Rach, you’re always all business here, always on the move. And now, you seem... different. Did something happen?” Beth leaned closer. “Did you and Lindon...?”

Rachel’s laughter burst out, robust enough to startle Beth. “Please, I do have some standards. I thought you knew me better than that.”

“Beth, the phone!” came the sharp call from Cynthia, Beth’s manager.

“Sorry, Rach,” Beth quickly apologised, slipping back into her professional role. “Good afternoon, this is...”

Watching Beth scramble, Rachel’s smile widened as she headed for the elevator. The daily work stress that used to weigh on her seemed to have evaporated. The office environment felt refreshingly new, freed from Lindon’s dominating presence. Embracing this newfound liberty, Rachel felt this was exactly how her late twenties should unfold—free-spirited and utterly in command.

Settling at her desk, Rachel dropped her bag and took in the office scene. Everyone around her seemed stuck in a loop, performing the same tasks repetitively, all in service to their human obligations. She couldn’t help but wonder if Vlad and Darius had a point—maybe it was indeed time to break free from the human world, spread her wings, and soar.

“Rachel?” Lindon asked, appearing behind her.

“That was quick,” she responded, booting up her computer.

“Where have you been? Showing up past noon isn’t acceptable.”

With a teasing smile, she turned to face him. “And why is that a problem?”

Lindon seemed worn, his usual polished appearance replaced by a dishevelled look; his hair was unkempt, and his face bore the evidence of sleepless nights. Notably missing was his tie, and his shirt hung loosely, wrinkled from neglect. “Should I really have to spell it out for you?”

Ignoring his question, she asked, “How did that pitch go?”

He shifted the topic. “Rachel, we need to discuss your responsibilities and what the company expects from you.”

She leaned in closer, her tone sultry as she suggested, “Perhaps we should continue this in your office?”

At that moment, a female voice cut through the air. “Excuse me,” she said, clearing her throat. “Am I interrupting something?”

Cecilia appeared, flanked by two women in suits, each carrying a sense of authority—and unmistakably armed.

“What can we do for you, Cecilia?” Lindon inquired, his tone shifting to professional curiosity.

“Rachel, these two detectives need a word with you. I’ve arranged for a meeting room. Please, follow me,” Cecilia directed.

Puzzled and tracing through recent events in her mind, Rachel couldn’t fathom why detectives would seek her out. Standing, she ventured cautiously, “May I know what this is regarding?”

“We just have a few questions for you,” one of the detectives responded evenly.

Rachel trailed Cecilia along the corridor, aware of the detectives’ presence right behind her. Cecilia led them into a compact meeting room adorned with a view of the cityscape. After making sure everyone was seated, she excused herself, softly closing the door as she exited.

The detectives introduced themselves through their demeanour. One, with her dark hair pulled back into a tight bun, appeared to be in her late forties, exuding an air of seasoned experience. Her partner, a younger Asian woman with neatly trimmed black hair, seemed to be in her late thirties, her gaze equally serious.

Wasting no time, the older detective initiated the interrogation. “You are Rachel Costa?” she asked, her voice carrying a weight of authority and expectation.

“Yes.”

“Tell us, where were you born?”

Rachel was taken aback. “What does that have to do with anything? Why are you here?”

The younger detective then slid a photograph across the table towards Rachel. “We’re trying to find this man. Can you tell us how you know him?”

Glancing at the photo, Rachel recognised the leech, captured in his human form by what seemed to be a traffic camera, likely during the drive home in Vlad’s car. “I don’t know him well. It was just a ride share.”

The younger detective didn’t miss a beat, presenting another photograph. “What about this one? Can you explain what’s happening here?”

Rachel leaned in for a closer look. This photo seemed to have been taken from a nearby building. It showed her standing on the pavement while the leech, in his serpent form, slithered toward a storm drain. Rachel felt a rush of anxiety, curious about their interpretation of the scene.

Feigning shock, she clasped her hand over her chest. “Oh my, I had no idea there was a snake close by! That’s terrifying!” She hoped her act would deflect their suspicions.

The older detective leaned in, her focus shifting towards Rachel’s arm. “Tell me about this tattoo,” she said, extending her hand.

Feeling the pressure mount, Rachel instinctively pulled back. It was clear now that their presence wasn’t linked to Myus’s demise. Seizing the moment to create a diversion, she subtly offered her tattooed arm, lightly brushing the detective’s hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?” Rachel inquired, subtly channelling her essence into the detective as a means of distraction.

“Detective Garrett,” the woman introduced herself, momentarily caught off guard by the contact.

“What was that?” The younger detective reacted, pulling Detective Garrett’s hand back, suspicion flashing in her eyes. Rachel could see they were starting to piece things together, perhaps even considering the possibility she was a creature.

This might be the threat Vlad had warned her about, a human danger she hadn’t fully appreciated until now. Realising the precariousness of her situation, Rachel made a quick decision to act. She leaned across the table, extending her hand towards the younger detective. Despite the detective’s attempt to avoid contact, Rachel managed to transfer a burst of her essence.

Both detectives seemed momentarily disoriented, their expressions clouded with confusion. Just as Rachel prepared to turn the tables with her own questions, a knock interrupted the tense atmosphere. Standing and moving to the door, she was surprised to find Gabriel waiting on the other side.

Gabriel glanced at the detectives. “Just for the record, I don’t condone this type of behaviour, but we’ll have to address this another time. Tell them you need a bathroom break and come with me,” he instructed in a hushed tone.

Feeling confused but sensing it was best to follow his lead, she nodded. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back,” she informed the detectives, then stepped out, closing the meeting room door behind her.

Gabriel, a company executive whom Rachel knew only in passing, somehow seemed aware of her interrogation. Clad in a sharp dark blue suit, he projected a commanding presence. His appearance was meticulous, from his clean-shaven face to his neatly slicked-back hair.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“It seems you’ve carelessly drawn the kind of attention we strive to avoid. If they’re here, it means they suspect you’re not entirely human but lack concrete proof,” he explained with a hint of frustration.

Intrigued and now closer to him, she lowered her voice, “Are you... one of us?” She remembered the peculiar gleam in his eyes upon their initial encounter.

He confirmed with a nod. “Yes, I’ve sensed you are too. Whatever you’ve done to catch their eye is your business, but understand this—human authorities, police or otherwise, are not allies to our kind. Using your essence in their presence was reckless. Now, they’re alerted to your true nature. I suggest you leave quickly before the effects of your influence fade.”

The knowledge that another creature was in her corner, especially in such a moment, brought Rachel a sense of unexpected comfort.

“Why are creatures so scared of police? What do they do?”

“You haven’t been told? The government doesn’t just pursue us; they experiment on creatures,” he revealed, his tone grave.

As they approached her cubicle, Rachel grabbed her bag and ventured another question, “Have you heard about the Abaddon?”

Gabriel’s reaction was immediate; his eyes widened in alarm. “I’m here trying to protect you from human threats, and you’re caught up asking about the Abaddon?” His touch was light but firm on her back, steering her through the hallway. ” You need to get your priorities straight.”

“Sorry,” she murmured as she hurried along, nearly tripping in her haste.

Gabriel caught her, steadying her to prevent a fall. “Careful,” he advised, guiding her to the fire exit. With a gentle nudge, he opened the door for her, then closed it once she was through. “Now, hurry.”

Pausing at the stairwell’s entrance, she glanced back. “Aren’t you coming?”

His expression was one of mild frustration. “I’m beginning to question my impulse to assist you. Understand, the risk posed by humans is far greater for us. Being discovered by them could be dire, far worse than facing the Abaddon. Please, you must leave now.”

As she descended the stairs, her shoes echoed against the concrete. “The Abaddon, what do you know?”

“He thrives on chaos and destruction. While I’ve never encountered him directly, rumours suggest he’s been confined to the underworld for over a century, last seen in Scotland,” Gabriel shared, his voice carrying a note of caution.

Her mind wandered back to her vivid dreams, wondering if Vlad’s insights at the exhibition held more truth than she’d initially realised. The locations in her dreams had felt unsettlingly authentic.

“Let’s keep moving,” Gabriel insisted, pushing open the exit. “The Abaddon shouldn’t be your concern right now. According to legend, his only pursuit is the Aphrodite.”

Stepping into the daylight, Rachel was greeted by the harsh reality of a deserted alley, the stench of garbage hanging in the warm air. As she turned towards the main street, Gabriel’s grip redirected her the opposite way.

“Have you heard of the creature of the light that destroyed him?”

Gabriel, focused on the immediate danger, responded, “Right now, human pursuers pose a greater threat to you. Weren’t you ever cautioned about them?” As they arrived at another crossroads, he paused to survey their surroundings. “You might want to steer clear of your home for a while. Whatever you’ve gotten yourself into, consider changing your identity.”

Rachel still seemed to struggle with grasping the full gravity of her situation. “My parents never discussed the world of creatures with me,” she admitted. “I didn’t know I was one until recently.”

“Then it’s time you learned. In our world, humans can be our greatest threat.”

Navigating the alleys at a quick pace, Rachel’s curiosity wasn’t quelled. “But why are they after me specifically?”

“You’re not human, and you can’t keep pretending that you are. Something has drawn their attention to you, and now your life is in danger. I’m trying to help you, but you need to be cautious and listen to what I’m saying.”

Approaching the alley’s exit, Rachel stalled, torn. “What about my work, my friends? I can’t just leave my life behind.”

With a look of genuine empathy, Gabriel responded, “There’s no other option for you now. Survival means embracing change, letting go of the past. It’s hard, yes, but it’s necessary for your safety.”

“Thank you for everything, Gabriel. I truly appreciate your help,” Rachel expressed, her genuine gratitude.

Gabriel offered her a slight, comforting smile in return. “Just bear in mind, you’re not in this by yourself. There are more like you, hidden in the shadows. Seek them out, learn what you can. It’s crucial for your survival.”

As Rachel took her first steps away from everything familiar, the gravity of her situation sank in. The sudden appearance of detectives, their probing questions hinting at a deeper knowledge of her true nature, left her reeling with fear and uncertainty. Now, forced to sever ties with her human life, she faced the overwhelming task of forging a new path.