Aphrodite

Rachel bolted down the hallway, her footsteps echoing, with Estella close behind.

“Rachel! Tell me what happened!” Estella pleaded, reaching out to grasp Rachel’s arm in an attempt to stop her.

Rachel shook her head, her expression haunted as she struggled to make sense of her experience. Her skin was clammy with cold sweat, and her heart pounded against her chest with an intensity that frightened her. “I can’t, Estella, I’m still processing,” she gasped out, barely able to articulate the fear that gripped her.

“Rachel, you collapsed, and then your heart stopped! You were out cold for ages. I don’t know how you could have survived…”

Estella’s words were abruptly swallowed by a chilling noise that resonated through the hallway. It was a screech, almost demonic, emanating from behind one of the walls near the bottom of the staircase. Rachel halted, her senses focused on pinpointing the source of the sound. She raised her hand to silence Estella, her voice a whisper, “Do you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Estella responded, looking around, puzzled.

The fact that only Rachel could hear these unsettling sounds made her pause. It was becoming increasingly clear that these bizarre occurrences were linked to her, possibly because of her mysterious connection to the underworld. This realisation only deepened the unease settling in her chest.

Rachel pressed her ear against the wall, her breath held as she discerned the faint sounds emanating from behind it. “There’s something behind this wall.”

Estella shook her head firmly, signalling disapproval. However, her eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity, conflicting with her outward denial.

Rachel turned to face her, her determination growing. “How do you open it?”

“Vlad would banish us both if we went in there.” Estella’s words carried a weight of genuine fear, hinting at the gravity of what lay hidden behind the wall.

Rachel’s heart skipped a beat as Vlad’s voice suddenly filled the air, causing her to jump. Beside her, Estella gasped and took a step back, equally startled.

“Vlad, you’re back!” Estella exclaimed.

Vlad’s presence was imposing as he fixed them with a stern look. “What are you doing down here? I thought I made it clear, Estella, that no one was to come down here.”

Vlad’s anger was evident; his nostrils flared, and he crossed his arms. Rachel, quickly interjected, “There is something behind this door.” Her voice was firm, hoping to shift his focus to the mysterious sounds rather than their disobedience.

“It is a wall, Rachel,” Vlad stated flatly.

Feeling the edge of hysteria and wondering if she was losing touch with reality, Rachel pressed, “Neither of you can hear the demon?”

Vlad exchanged a brief look with Estella before responding. “There is no sound, no demon, Rachel. Perhaps you need to rest. It seems the Abaddon’s growing influence might be taking a toll on you.” His tone was softer now, concerned. Placing a supportive hand on her back, he gently guided her towards the stairs.

As they moved away, Rachel glanced back at the wall, the eerie sounds persisting, as if beckoning her. Doubt gnawed at her, but the physical toll of her recent experiences was undeniable. Her legs suddenly gave way as they ascended the stairs, her strength failing. Instantly, Vlad’s arms were around her, steadying her.

Vlad helped her into an adjacent drawing room, which was bathed in natural light from a large, curved window. The room was tastefully decorated, featuring a coffee table surrounded by plush beige lounges. Vlad assisted Rachel onto one of the lounges, while Estella took a seat directly across from them.

“Vlad, I’m so sorry. We didn’t do it to anger you,” Estella began, her voice filled with remorse. However, her apology seemed to go unnoticed as Vlad’s attention remained fixed on Rachel.

Vlad’s tone was serious, a hint of urgency in his voice as he addressed Rachel. “Something happened, I felt it. Darkness overcame you. Tell me, what happened?”

Rachel met his intense stare, her fear reflected in her eyes. She hesitated, her words stumbling as she tried to respond. “No-thing.”

“Do not force me to compel you. I have put my trust in you, Rachel, and now is the time to show me that you trust me.” Vlad’s insistence nudged Rachel closer to opening up; his words, though stern, were edged with concern, urging her to trust him in return. Despite her apprehensions about his potential reaction, she knew she needed to confide in him.

As she gathered her thoughts, Rachel’s eyes drifted to the clock, noting with surprise that dusk was already setting in. “What time is it?” she asked.

“Just after five.”

She turned her attention to Estella. “How long was I out?” Rachel asked, trying to piece together the lost moments.

“A while,” Estella responded vaguely.

Vlad’s expression shifted from concern to confusion. “What do you mean you were out?”

“I think I,” Rachel paused, grappling with how to explain the surreal experience, “discovered a new ability.”

Vlad’s reaction was immediate and intense. His voice rose, a vein throbbing visibly at his neck as he struggled to contain his emotions. “Go on,” he demanded, his words clipped.

“I believe I may have entered the underworld via one of your paintings.”

His eyes widened, disbelief etching his features. “That’s impossible. You still have a human body.”

“Violet did something.”

“Violet! You went into the library!” Vlad’s realisation came with a sharp edge of accusation, and he turned his glare toward Estella, who immediately cast her eyes downward, wilting under his fury.

“Vlad,” Rachel interjected, taking his hand to try and soothe him. “It is difficult to be open with you when it angers you so much. Please, listen.” Her voice was gentle yet firm, pleading for understanding rather than confrontation.

His jaw clenched as he absorbed her words, the muscles in his face working as he fought to control his emotions. After a tense moment, he exhaled and his expression softened. “You are right. I am sorry,” he admitted, his voice lowering as he acknowledged his overreaction.

“I touched the painting, and I was transported to a jazz club where I met Violet.”

“It isn’t possible. Only the dead can enter the underworld,” he protested, trying to rationalise the situation within the bounds of what he knew to be true.

“Her heart stopped, Vlad,” Estella said softly.

Vlad’s reaction was immediate; he attempted to pull his hand away, his body tensing. But Rachel held his hand firmly, not allowing him to retreat. “There was a creature, he sent me back. I tried to defend myself from him, and I cut him but there was no blood,” she continued, her grip tightening as she delivered each detail, compelling him to accept the harsh realities of her encounter.

Vlad remained adamant, his voice firm as he reiterated his disbelief. “It is not possible. You can return from Inanis, but the underworld is different—it’s a one-way ticket.”

“How do you explain the Abaddon? The leech?”

“They are different,” Vlad stated simply, as if that settled the matter.

“Why don’t you believe me? I would not make this up.”

“Because it would mean you are a shadow creature like the Abaddon. Only a few creatures can move between realms. In the realm of the living, they inhabit mortal bodies, and if those bodies die, they return to the underworld.”

“I have dreams, memories. This creature in the underworld knew me,” she said, clinging to the fragments of her experience that seemed too real to dismiss.

Vlad sighed, recognising the toll the conversation was taking on her. “Whatever happened, you are not well. You need to rest, gather your strength.” He stood up, extending his hand to her. “I’ll help you to your room. We can finish this conversation later.”

****

Rachel spent the entire afternoon asleep, her slumber only disturbed briefly when Estella appeared with a bowl of chicken soup. Despite having little appetite, Estella insisted she eat, refusing to leave until Rachel had consumed some of the soup. Rachel knew she wasn’t physically ill and that chicken soup wasn’t a remedy for death. However, recognising the gesture for what it was—a sign of care and concern—Rachel forced herself to eat, wanting to provide Estella some peace of mind.

Once alone again, Rachel closed her eyes, but rest did not bring relief. Her mind churned with turmoil; the term ‘shadow creature’ echoed in her thoughts. In her short existence as a creature, she had already made grave errors. She had allowed darkness to taint her essence. She had killed Myus and hurt Darius. Though neither act was intentional, the lack of control only compounded her guilt, reinforcing her perception of herself as a danger to those around her.

Plagued by these thoughts, she eventually drifted into a troubled sleep, with visions of Inanis and the Abaddon tormenting her through the night. When she awoke, it was to an empty bed. Vlad had maintained his distance, likely still upset about her intrusion into his library—a transgression she feared might have breached a boundary not easily mended.

Rachel headed to the kitchen, hoping to find some company or at least some sign of life, but the house was quiet; neither Estella nor Vlad were anywhere to be seen.

Feeling a bit isolated but not discouraged, she decided to make the best of the morning. She gathered some fruit and a picnic blanket, heading out to the river. When she arrived at her favourite spot, she spread out a red-checkered picnic blanket on a small patch of bare earth near the water’s edge. Settling herself, she turned to face the flow of the river.

Reaching into her basket, Rachel selected a pear and took a bite. The crisp, sweet taste of the fruit, coupled with the tranquil sounds of flowing water and the whisper of the breeze through the leaves, allowed her a moment of simple pleasure.

Despite the changing weather, the river remained a constant presence—chilly and often shrouded in fog. Rachel occasionally entertained the thought of diving in and letting the current guide her. Yet, as her fingers grazed its icy surface, the cold reality deterred her. It was an unwise idea, especially with the Abaddon lurking within his frozen prison.

Determined to find a solution, Rachel contemplated her life with Vlad and Estella. It was becoming a place where she felt a sense of belonging. She cared deeply for Vlad, and her burgeoning feelings spurred a resolve to master her abilities. If she could control her powers and banish the Abaddon back to the underworld, perhaps she and Vlad could forge a future together, free from threats. Together, they might even stop the humans from inflicting harm on more creatures, creating a safer world for all like them.

The possibility that the Phoenix might once have resided in the Italian mountains sparked a flicker of hope in her heart. However, the frustrating reality that she couldn’t travel there to investigate weighed heavily on her. Estella had promised to contact someone who might persuade a local to help.

After finishing her pear, Rachel tossed the core into the river and closed her eyes, seeking a brief respite. She took a deep breath, trying to find peace in the gentle sounds of the river. Suddenly, a hand touched her shoulder. Startled, Rachel spun around.

“I’m surprised you didn’t hear my footsteps,” Vlad said as he settled beside her on the blanket.

Rachel turned to him, a flicker of relief passing through her eyes. “I was beginning to think you’d left.” Embracing him, she welcomed the comfort his presence brought. “I didn’t get a chance to ask earlier, was everything okay with the creature you were helping?”

Vlad offered a small, reassuring smile and nodded. “The creature has been relocated and is out of danger for now.” He paused, looking at her thoughtfully. “Estella mentioned you’ve been trying to find a solution to our problem, and she’s been making inquiries with her contacts. Have you found anything?”

Holding an apple to her lips, Rachel hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. The crisp sound broke the brief silence. “We need more help, Vlad. We can’t continue living like this. You grow tired, and to be honest, so do I.”

“Perhaps something can be done in Inanis,” Vlad suggested.

His idea took her aback. “What could we possibly do in Inanis? You don’t know if I could stop him.” In a sudden burst of frustration, Rachel threw her apple into the river. As it floated downstream, it froze, encapsulated in ice. “What about the Phoenix? We can find him.”

Vlad touched her cheek, his gesture tender, causing her to blush under his earnest gaze. “I do not want to give you false hope.”

His words stung a little, as hope was what Rachel clung to most these days. “Please don’t be angry. But we found a book in your library. We have a lead.”

He glanced down at the water’s edge, his expression thoughtful. “The Phoenix will not have anything to do with you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I have been making inquiries as well. There are stories that the Aphrodite was involved in the death of his mate.”

Rachel’s confusion deepened as tears welled in her eyes. “But I thought the Abaddon was responsible for killing his mate?” she questioned, overwhelmed by the implication that she may have been involved. “Am I really this horrible? Darius, Myus, and now this. Maybe I should be alone; everyone around me gets hurt.”

Vlad wrapped his arms around her in a comforting embrace, his warmth enveloping her as he tried to soothe her pain. “History is complex, Rachel. I’ve been told the Abaddon targeted her because she was aiding you. I’m sorry, I don’t know more than that yet.”

In Vlad’s arms, Rachel felt comfort in knowing that she was not alone in facing the shadows of her past. Drawing strength from his support, she spoke up. “I think we should still continue our search. We don’t know exactly what happened, and the Phoenix is our only hope right now. The book we found suggested he could be found in a small town in Italy,” she insisted, feeling that Vlad was receptive to her ideas.

Vlad’s response carried a protective edge that tugged at Rachel’s heart. “I cannot leave, Rachel, and I cannot risk letting you go.”

“We have to try. There are more dangers than we know, and I think my abilities are greater than we realise.”

“You still need to learn how to harness and control those abilities.”

Rachel nodded. “You’re right. If only we had more time,” she sighed, her eyes fixed on the gentle flow of the river. Without the luxury of time to gradually master her powers, the pressure was immense. Seeking a moment of comfort, she leaned her head on Vlad’s shoulder.

“Perhaps we could connect with a creature in Italy who can help us,” Rachel suggested. “You have all those journals, right?”

Vlad’s response carried a tone of resignation. “We had to stop the initiative to collect information on creatures of the world when the humans advanced. The humans spied on us, and creatures started disappearing. I have no more contacts; all I have is what’s in those journals.”

“But surely some of those creatures are still alive?”

“It is possible,” Vlad admitted, his expression clouded with concern as he contemplated the potential risks. “It is dangerous to start making contact again with other creatures. We do not know if they are being followed, but we will go through the journals tomorrow and start reaching out.” Vlad gave her a small, reassuring smile and gently wrapped his hand around hers.

“Thank you, Vlad, for supporting me. I know I have been difficult at times, and I have acted stupidly. But, I’m thankful you have accepted me in your home, and your heart.”A playful glint sparkled in her eyes as a soft purple light danced over their intertwined hands. She added teasingly, “And I’ll keep surprising you with my secrets.”

Rachel’s heart fluttered under Vlad’s tender gaze as he brought his fingers to her cheek, caressing her gently. “And I cherish every secret of yours I unlock, Aphrodite.”

He leaned in and captured her lips in a tender kiss that sent a thrill through her. The kiss sparked a connection that resonated deep within her soul. As they parted slightly, Vlad whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin, “Did I mention how beautiful you are today?”

Her pulse quickened as Vlad’s hand touched her leg, slowly moving up toward her thigh. His lips found her neck, pressing soft, passionate kisses that left a trail of warmth. He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, guiding her lips back to his.

The atmosphere between Rachel and Vlad was electric, charged with the intensity and depth of their shared feelings. Rachel felt enveloped by a profound sense of security, love, and belonging, emotions that seemed to solidify the ground beneath her feet.

Vlad’s eyes sparkled with affection and a hint of something more profound as he offered her a tender smile. With a gentle touch, he brushed a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his actions tender and thoughtful. “You are truly special, Rachel.”

Rachel’s heart swelled with happiness, and her cheeks flushed with warmth at his sweet words. As Vlad’s fingers traced the edge of her underwear, Rachel’s desire for him intensified. She allowed herself to become lost in the sensation, her body responding to his every touch. Her heart raced, and her breaths grew shallow, her focus drawn irresistibly to his fingers as they continued to explore.

The intimacy of their encounter bridged their hearts even closer, wrapping them in a warmth that transcended the physical. For Rachel, this was not merely physical intimacy; it was a journey of emotional discovery, of deepening trust and vulnerability with the man she loved.

Vlad’s heated kisses trailed up her neck, each touch sparking tiny fires within her. As he teased her earlobe, a soft moan escaped her lips.

“You are mine,” Vlad whispered hotly into her ear. “Say it,” he demanded gently, pulling her closer still. Their bodies melded together, the passion between them mounting.

“I am yours,” she breathed.

“You are mine,” Vlad repeated, his voice deep and seductive. His fangs grazed her neck, the sensation both terrifying and exhilarating. Rachel tensed, but as his fangs finally pierced her skin, she let out a soft moan. The pain was fleeting, quickly replaced by an intense rush of sensations that flooded her system.

As Vlad gently drew her essence, a surge of energy pulsated through her veins, electrifying every fibre of her being and blurring the line between pleasure and euphoria.

Surrendering to Vlad evoked intense emotions in Rachel, emotions she never wanted to lose. She knew the only way to keep him by her side was to fight for their love. Although Vlad’s protection was strong, they both knew it couldn’t last forever. Rachel realised that mastering her powers was crucial not just for preserving their bond but also for safeguarding their future together.