Aphrodite

On a troubled Monday, Rachel declared herself sick to avoid facing Lindon without her completed pitch. The recent meetings with Vlad and Lindon had left her creatively bankrupt, struggling for inspiration. She spent the morning attempting to cobble together a pitch on her laptop, but it felt like a pale imitation of her initial passion-driven effort.

That afternoon, Rachel was surprised by a message from Darius, whose number she hadn’t saved. He suggested meeting at a nearby coffee shop. Despite the pressing need to avoid delays, especially with Lindon expecting the pitch, Rachel felt a break might clear her mind.

She powered down her laptop, swapping her black pajamas for a light blue pair of denim shorts and a black tank top, a choice suited for the summer’s heat. Grabbing her bag, she stepped out.

The sun was scorching outside, making Rachel feel sticky with sweat. She ducked into the coffee shop, a welcome escape from the heat, finding it alive with chatter, mostly from university students. Darius had snagged a corner table in the busy space, already with two iced coffees waiting.

As Rachel approached, Darius greeted her with a smile, gesturing towards one of the iced coffees. “It’s for you,” he said.

Surprised, Rachel touched her chest, easing into her seat. “Why would you buy me coffee?”

“Who wouldn’t want to buy a smart, beautiful woman like you a coffee?”

Rachel’s brow furrowed. “But how did you know where I live? And, more importantly, how did you get my number?”

Darius clasped his hands together on the table, his demeanour calm. “I understand you have questions,” he began, ready to unravel the mystery.

“That’s a polite way to put it. You might seem like a nice vampire on the surface, but look at it from my angle. You found out where I live without me saying a word, and you bypassed my phone’s security. How do you explain that?”

Darius met her gaze, his expression earnest. “I know it sounds bizarre, but you did tell me where you live. You even added my number to your phone.”

Her response was a scoff, disbelief painting her features. “So, you’re gaslighting me now?”

In response, Darius raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I’ll admit, your memory might not serve you well on this. You were under my influence, not fully aware. You did those things; you just don’t remember because you were so exhausted.”

Rachel’s suspicion didn’t wane. “And Vlad showing up at my exhibition yesterday? Did you orchestrate that too?”

“Oh no, that was all Vlad. He’s got connections.” He nudged the iced coffee closer to her. “And don’t worry, the coffee’s just coffee.”

With a resigned sigh, Rachel decided to take a chance, picking up the coffee and taking tentative sips. Darius mirrored her actions. The tension eased slightly as they both enjoyed their drinks in silence for a moment.

Rachel’s curiosity then got the better of her. “I’m surprised to see you out and about in the afternoon. Doesn’t sunlight hurt you?”

Darius chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Actually, that’s a common misconception. Vampires aren’t harmed by sunlight. It’s more myth than reality.”

“So, how does one become a creature of darkness or light, even though you are obviously the same?”

Darius regarded her with a solemn gaze. “It’s a choice all beings must make, to either embrace the darkness or the light.”

“You still feed off life, do you not? You still bleed your victims dry?”

His expression shifted to one of mild offense. “What a bold accusation. Those who give life to me do so of their own accord. I do not kill for essence. Life, in many aspects, is a two-way street. Vlad is a warrior and he has a dark past. He lives with the consequences of his choices and he lives now to serve, a penance for the darkness he has brought upon this world.”

Rachel, intrigued by his explanation, ventured further. “What does that make me?”

“I don’t know. Like all beings, you’re faced with a choice. When the time comes for you to decide, I only hope you choose wisely.”

Rachel placed her hand on his. Their eyes locked, a silent conversation passing between them. “I feel like you’re tuning into my thoughts, and maybe I’m sensing yours. Are you influencing me somehow?” she asked.

Darius responded with a sheepish smile, a soft admission in his eyes. “A little blood goes a long way,” he confessed, lifting her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss.

“So, we share a connection now? Is it like the bond I have with Vlad?”

“It’s not the same. Ours is temporary,” Darius clarified. “The bond with Vlad, however, has the potential to be permanent unless you find a way to sever it.”

In the comfortable ambiance of the coffee shop, they continued to converse, a sense of friendship blossoming between them. After finishing their drinks, Darius suggested walking her back to her apartment, a gesture Rachel welcomed.

Reaching the secluded lobby of her building, where they found themselves alone, Darius gently cradled her neck, drawing her into a kiss. It started tenderly but quickly deepened, awakening a fervour within Rachel that she hadn’t known before—a potent mix of desire and something far more mysterious.

As Darius’s lips met Rachel’s, time seemed to stand still. Their exploration was unhurried, each kiss deepening their connection, their breaths synchronising in the quiet of the lobby.

The warmth from his body and the subtle fragrance of his cologne wrapped around her, creating an atmosphere of intimacy. Darius, though possessing a naturally dominant aura, treated Rachel with an unexpected tenderness.

“Your light,” he murmured into the space between them, “it’s intoxicating. Being with you, I feel a recognition, as if your essence speaks to me. Your power, it’s unique.”

His touch sparked a vibrancy within her, a feeling of being truly alive. In his embrace, Rachel discovered a desire for closeness, for more of this connection that made her feel both valued and desired.

As Rachel gazed into Darius’s eyes, she noticed them darken. The air between them crackled with an almost tangible passion, igniting a wildfire within. Yet, amidst the passion, a disquiet began to stir in the depths of her soul, a whisper of caution that grew louder with each heartbeat.

Turning her attention inward, Rachel observed a luminous spectacle on her skin—dancing bright lights that seemed to play across her. Among these lights, a stark, white glow emerged, unfurling like a ribbon, wrapping around her in hues of deep purple. It moved with purpose, tightening like a serpent ensnaring its prey, its intensity mounting until it became overwhelming. Reacting to this internal turmoil, she gently pushed Darius away.

“What’s wrong?” Darius asked.

Rachel was consumed by a sense of guilt. The rush of emotions, the quickening pace at which they were moving, felt jarring.

“I can’t do this. I’m not ready for this,” she confessed.

Darius’s sigh was one of disappointment as he momentarily averted his gaze, his eyes shifting back to their usual hue. With a tenderness that seemed to hold the weight of the moment, he placed a soft kiss on Rachel’s forehead. “I hope that helped a bit.”

Rachel was puzzled by his comment. “Are you saying that’s how I feed?”

A gentle chuckle escaped him as he replied, “It’s hard not to adore your innocence.”

“I don’t understand. Are you suggesting I feed off romance?”

“You didn’t feel it?”

“I felt something overwhelming. I’ve been so focused I’ve barely held a steady relationship over the years, and now you’re telling me that I need to do these things to replenish this essence you mentioned?”

Darius acknowledged her confusion with a nod, his lips pressed in a line that suggested he understood the enormity of what he was asking her to comprehend. “The thing about being a young creature is that you’ll need to experiment and learn what works for you. Take your time and do what you need to when you feel ready, but you can’t avoid it. I’ll be here for you. There’s a lot to learn, and yes, there are dangers out there you need to be aware of and prepared to face.”

Rachel’s concern deepened at the mention of dangers, her brows knitting together in worry. “Dangers? You mean there are other creatures out there, ones like you mentioned before, that bond with creatures only to harm them?”

“Yes,” Darius confirmed with a serious look. “But know that I’m here to help you navigate through this. I can offer my protection.”

With a swift motion, he reached into his pocket, retrieving something clasped in his hand. The air between them charged with anticipation as he moved closer, their faces merely inches apart. Rachel’s breath hitched, not just at the closeness but at the intensity in his eyes.

Without warning, Darius bridged the last gap between them with a kiss, a bold move that startled Rachel. It was during this moment, with the distraction of his lips on hers, that he skilfully reached around her neck. She barely registered the soft click amidst the whirlwind of sensations. As he drew back, his eyes lingered on her neck, assessing the placement of whatever he had just fastened there.

Feeling the cool metal against her skin, Rachel’s fingers traced the contours of the dove pendant at her neck. “You bought me a necklace?” she asked, surprised by his thoughtfulness.

Darius’s expression softened, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. “The dove is said to be the bird of the Aphrodite. It’s an animal of purity, and hopefully, it will remind you in uncertain times of what you are.”

“There’s someone who might help us find the answers you’re seeking—an ancient being. Vlad has reservations about this entity and has advised against seeking them out. However, I believe you’re entitled to understand more about your situation.”

“Is it safe?”

“As long as you are with me,” Darius assured her, extending his hand towards her. “I can take you now, if you’re ready?”

She stared at his hand, a gateway to answers and perhaps a chance to find her way back to a semblance of normalcy. Despite the whirlwind of unknowns, there was an undeniable trust she felt towards Darius. With her career and everything she knew on the line, seeking answers seemed like the only path forward.

****

As they ventured away from the city, Rachel was all eyes, soaking in the changing views from the passenger seat. Darius, driving, took them straight into a national park that looked like something out of a storybook, with roads wrapped in trees, mountains stretching wide, and a lake that mirrored the sky above.

Darius steered the car onto an old dirt road. The car bounced on the uneven surface, the dense canopy overhead blocking out most of the sunlight. The trees, towering and sombre, seemed to watch over them, their long shadows stretching across the path like dark fingers. The deeper into the valley they drove, the more the trees appeared to loom, their branches entwining above. Rachel couldn’t shake off the eerie feeling of being watched.

They emerged into a clearing; a quaint cottage nestled within. Darius parked the car and looked at Rachel. “We are here.”

Rachel, apprehension tightening her chest, asked, “What place is this?”

“Trust me,” he replied, with a reassuring nod.

As Rachel stepped out, the front yard came alive with birds perched in the trees. Ahead, an old man stood by the cottage door. Darius had warned her that this old man was a creature, one not to be toyed with.

Together, they made their way up the driveway. The ominous birds perched on either side like sentinels, their beady eyes followed her every move. She clutched onto Darius’ arm, grateful for his reassuring presence.

The aged cottage before them seemed to hold untold secrets. Under the creature’s intense scrutiny, Rachel squirmed, seeking reassurance from Darius. However, he offered no relief, his face unreadable.

The creature motioned towards the entrance, breaking the tension with an invitation, “Come in.”

Darius gently nudged Rachel forward with a hand on her lower back, leading her into the cottage. The creature trailed behind them, the door emitting a creak as it closed.

Curious, Rachel leaned closer to Darius. “Why all the birds?” she whispered.

“They are his spies.”

The creature gave a nod of recognition. “So, this is the girl,” he mused, more to himself than anyone else as he slowly sat on his armchair. “Sit,” he directed, pointing to a worn lounge. Rachel and Darius complied, taking their places on the faded upholstery.

Breaking the silence, Darius leaned in, his tone suddenly stern and earnest. “Is what I’ve said true?”

The creature’s gaze on Darius was calculating, assessing his statement in a prolonged silence. Finally, he responded, “Her essence, her light, it’s discernible. Such purple light was known only to the Aphrodite.”

Rachel regarded the creature with a mixture of fascination and unease. She noticed his odd twitches and movements, and couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye, that he was not entirely what he seemed. Driven by a growing curiosity, she ventured, “Who are you?”

“I am Myus,” he answered with a slow, weighted tone. “Centuries of solitude have passed me by, yet I remain intertwined with the knowledge of creatures that tread this world.”

As Myus extended his hand towards Rachel, she instinctively pulled back, her caution overriding curiosity.

Darius pressed for answers, “Can you elaborate on her nature? She’s in the dark about her own existence.”

“It is a strange case. It is believed the Aphrodites are usually raised in full awareness of what they are. Without knowing more about you, I can’t speculate why you don’t know. The Aphrodites haven’t been seen or heard from in centuries. I thought they had died out after…” His words dwindled into silence. Rachel caught the shadow of untold stories in his pause, sensing the depth of history and sorrow he was hesitant to disclose.

This time, Myus extended his hand again, his eyes conveying a silent plea for trust. Rachel hesitated, glancing at Darius for reassurance. He offered a subtle nod, encouraging her acceptance.

With a deep breath, Rachel allowed Myus to grasp her hand, his touch surprisingly warm. His hands enveloped hers, one above and one below. She watched, fascinated, as purple lights began to emanate and swirl around their joined hands, casting a mesmerising glow.

“How did you do that?” Rachel asked.

After letting go of Rachel, Myus began to pace the lounge, lost in thought. “The Aphrodite, interesting,” he mumbled.

Darius, sensing a shift in the atmosphere, positioned himself more defensively. “She’s not been well. How can we help her replenish her essence?”

Continuing his pacing, Myus seemed caught in his own musings. “Bonded with a creature of darkness, a vampire... that’s the source of his madness.”

Rachel tightened her grip on Darius’s hand. “What? Vlad seemed alright yesterday.”

Myus halted and gave her a sharp look. “Child, I see things. His aura has been radiating an unnatural glow since bonding with you. Your bond means he feels your needs as his own. As your essence craves nourishment, so does his, but he cannot find fulfillment until you do. Right now, he’s trying to satisfy a hunger that’s not his alone. You’re inadvertently starving him. If one of you starves, both with perish,” he explained, his attention briefly shifting to a bird at the window—a silent observer Rachel had overlooked.

“Can I break the bond?”

“Of course, but both of you must break it together.”

“How can we do that?”

Darius interjected with his own concern, “And how does she sustain herself?”

Myus brushed aside the question. “Your bond intrigues me. Do you believe he offers protection against the Abaddon?” At the mention of the name, Darius visibly stiffened. “Ah, it seems even the creature of light harbors fear for him.”

“Don’t say his name,” said Darius. “Rumour has it he has spies everywhere.”

Myus’s reaction was theatrical, his hands thrown up in a gesture of defiance. “The Abaddon holds no sway here. Her value surpasses anything he could propose.”

Rachel, puzzled, seized the moment. “Who or what is this Abaddon?”

With a laugh that sent shivers down Rachel’s spine, Myus was enveloped in a whirl of distorted hues. “The Abaddon is your worst nightmare. The Aphrodite thrives on the essence of love and desire. They taught men plagued by darkness to cherish love, halted wars, united cities, and fostered new beginnings. The more love and life a city had, the stronger the Aphrodite. They also used the cities to protect themselves from the evils that lurked beyond the walls. But an Aphrodite showing fondness for a creature,” he paused, casting a knowing look at Darius, “that’s unheard of. Yet, maybe you’ve uncovered something beyond my grasp.”

“Love and lust? That’s how I feed?”

“I recently heard a new theory. An artifact was found in Italy. A creature living as an aristocrat speculated that there was only one Aphrodite. During the Roman empire, he witnessed the Abaddon destroy the city where she was hiding. She was said to have consumed poison.”

“Clearly, there is more than one is Rachel exists. Do you know his name? Could we seek his help?” Darius asked.

“He died in the great war. Be careful, vampire. You may have the power to compel, but she has the power to make men and women fall in love with her.”

“Can the Abaddon be killed?” Rachel questioned.

Rachel felt uneasy as Myus turned to look at her, his face briefly hidden in a murky haze. His laugh, deep and echoing, seemed to come from a place of shadow, making the air around them feel colder.

“Ask your friend here,” he said, gesturing to Darius. “The creature is dead, yet he cannot truly die. The creature wants one thing. If you give it to him, you will live, but the price you pay is great. None of the Aphrodites up until now has thought it worth it.”

“What is it?”

“That, I cannot say,” Myus responded, his tone final. He inhaled deeply, moving back to his seat, perching on the edge, leaning in towards Rachel. “Now, the time has come for you to pay.”

Rachel turned to Darius, half-expecting him to pull out money or something tangible Myus might want. “Pay?”

“You don’t assume I share knowledge without a price, do you?” The earnest look in Myus’s eyes confirmed he was serious.

“What do you want, then?” Rachel asked, a knot forming in her stomach.

“Your essence,” Myus declared, extending his hands, palms up, signaling for her to place her hands in his.

“What?”

Darius wrapped his arm around her, offering a protective embrace. “It’s okay,” he soothed. “Myus is what’s known as a feeder. He sustains himself on the essence of other beings. While most feeders might drain their targets, Myus opts for a trade—information for a small share of essence. It’s easier than fighting for it, and it allows him a taste of powers he wouldn’t dare confront directly.”

Myus, grinning broadly, added, “And your essence, it’s quite unique—a prize, really. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt. Besides, I have no doubt your protector here wouldn’t hesitate to dismantle me if I caused you any harm. He’s clearly enchanted by you.”

Hesitantly, Rachel reached out her wrists to Myus. His grip was firm, eyes turning into vortexes of dark, captivating colours. Mesmerised by the eerie allure of his gaze, Rachel felt her vitality wane, her usually vivid purple aura dimming under the pull of his touch.

A wave of panic surged through her as her life force ebbed away, Myus drawing it out like a magnet pulls iron. It felt as though an invisible force was compressing her, making each breath a battle.

Struggling to break free proved futile, ensnaring her in a terrifying grip of dominance. As her breaths grew shallow and her vision blurred, Darius faded from her sight, leaving her to confront the darkness alone.

Abruptly, Rachel found herself back in reality, her knees hitting a plush rug as she stumbled forward. Looking up, she saw Myus, now looking pleased, his form shifting into a younger, more attractive version of himself.

Darius quickly moved to her side, wrapping an arm around her to steady her on her feet.

With a self-satisfied smirk, Myus observed her, his smile taking on a cruel twist. “I feel rejuvenated. This must be the effect you have on others. It’s quite captivating.”

“It’s time for us to go,” Darius said, gripping Rachel’s hand and heading for the exit.

But Myus caught Darius’s arm, earning a fierce glare. “Heed my warning. Vlad’s hunger mirrors hers. Without nourishment, he edges toward madness, desperate to fulfill a craving that’s not solely his.”

With a decisive motion, Darius flung the door open. Weakened by the ordeal, Rachel’s knees gave way, causing her to falter. Darius steadied her, wrapping his arm around her, guiding her to the car.

As they departed, Rachel noted the eerie birds—owls, hawks, and crows, their eyes glowing.

Once inside the car, with Darius’s quiet apology as he shut the door, they left Myus’ behind. The whole episode felt like a lingering nightmare, an unsettling glimpse into the world of creatures. It made her question if a return to normalcy was possible.