Evolution

Amy closed her eyes and felt the sun’s rays sinking into her skin, relaxing her muscles and she exhaled in pure contentment. She opened them to see the waiter had placed the two drinks on the table, ice cubes sparking and moisture forming against the cold glasses. “Grazie” Magnus said. She ran a finger gently down the glass as she smiled to acknowledge the delivery. His mouth turned up in response, “What do you think?”

“I love it,” Amy said looking out to the blue waters of the lake contrasted against the green hillside rising alongside, “it’s so beautiful, peaceful.”

“Yes, indeed it is, and I think it’s fair to say you deserve peaceful elskling.”

She sipped the drink feeling the sweet coldness slipping all the way down her throat, “I feel a bit bad to be honest Magnus. I know you have business here, but I’m just lying around enjoying the view, and I don’t just mean the lake,” she nodded at him with a smile, “while Astrid and Alek are over in the US dealing with God knows what.”

Magnus shook his head, but his mouth turned up on one side, “They’ll deal with whatever is required, and my presence in southern Europe will reinforce our authority.” He reached over to plant a kiss on her lips, “But you my precious one do enough, and all I require is that you rest,” his lips twitched with amusement, “and continue to enjoy the view.”

Amy laughed and took full advantage of the invitation. “I’m not used to seeing you so casual.” She ran her eyes over the t shirt that was tight enough to reveal the outline of his muscles, and reached to stroke the dark hair exposed on his bare forearms. Under the table her flip flop had fallen from her foot, and she moved her bare toes along his uncovered lower leg, her actions rewarded with a groan.

“I think it best we finish these drinks, let me show you the little town and then we can retreat to our room before it gets too hot” he said pointedly.

After lunch in a small lakeside café, Magnus drove them the short distance back to the hotel, and just as she entered the lobby Amy felt the dreaded faintness begin to overtake her. She tried to shake it away despite knowing in her heart it was futile, and managed to gasp his name before the vision overwhelmed her, obliterating Garda, the sunshine and Magnus.

Amy found herself smelling the sickly-sweet aroma of confectionary, and she looked around at the people nearby who were browsing the old-fashioned style sweetshop. She stepped outside where the evening air felt less intoxicating and looked along the beautifully rustic street to see majestic mountains rising behind it wearing white caps of snow or ice. She was about to walk towards them when it hit her, the scent of vampires mingling with the sugar wafting through the shop door. She followed as it grew in intensity, and eventually saw them, a group of four, grabbing provisions in what appeared to be a general store. With no warning the door clunked shut just behind her, and electric shutters came down. Amy knew immediately it was an ambush and flinched back into a corner as figures appeared from all sides with knives, attacking, slicing flesh. Amid guttural grunts and screams the vampires fought back, their teeth ripping into at least two of the attackers, managing to initially move like lightning. But they were hopelessly outnumbered, and nowhere near as powerful and fast as the Herskers.

Amy repeated in her mind the mantra that it hadn’t yet happened until the slaughter was over. She moved to escape through the back door the attackers had opened as they completed the grim task of severing heads and cleaning up the carnage. A bolt of sheer terror ran through her body as she recognised the man directing the operation. She froze as he stared directly at her, and for a second, she believed fear might actually stop her heart. Despite experience telling her it couldn’t be true; dread wrapped a cold hand around her throat as he appeared to make eye contact. She could smell his body odour as he paused the physical work of throwing bloodied bodies into tarpaulins so they could be heaved into a large truck positioned by the back door. When he resumed his brutal work Amy darted through the door, making her way back to the front. She looked around, desperately searching for details that would help despite her limbs shaking so hard she was struggling to stay upright. Just as the dizziness returned, she spotted the sign, Banff Sweet Shoppe, and gave in to the darkness which engulfed her.

Magnus reached for her as she whispered his name, seeing her desperately trying to resist the incoming vision. He caught her easily as her body wilted and carried her into the reception area. He took little notice of the woman who ran from behind the large desk babbling in Italian and sat on the soft couch, cradling his Amy and gently stroking her face as he waited for her to come back to him. He felt a pang of sadness knowing this exact situation was one she dreaded, not only a distressing vision, but also a public collapse.

The woman reached them and switched to English, “Meester Broadchurch, shall I call for ambulanza?”

Magnus sighed and reluctantly tore his gaze from Amy to lock eyes with the dark woman who was becoming increasingly animated, “There is no need to call for help. My wife is unused to the heat and prone to fainting. She will be perfectly well in a minute.”

“Oh I see,” the woman said more quietly, “I bring her water.”

Amy had begun to open her eyes, and Magnus turned his attention back to her, “I’m right here elskling.” He saw the look of pain and anguish as she became fully awake, “Let’s get you up to the room and you can tell me about it, yes?” She sat up and clutched the side of her head with one hand. She nodded before sliding down. He effortlessly helped her stand and grabbed the bottle of water proffered by the returning receptionist. “Thank you,” he said, “As you see, she’s absolutely fine now.”

They reached their room, and Amy grasped his arms, “Magnus, it’s another attack, in a place called Banff, at least that was the name above the shop I saw, Banff Sweet Shoppe. There were mountains, huge snow-covered mountains.”

He sat her on the bed crouched in front of her, “Banff in Canada, good, tell me everything you can.” When she’d finished, he grabbed the laptop from the safe inside the wardrobe and swiftly joined Styrke. His fingers moved over the keyboard, and he turned back to Amy, “You should lie down elskling. I’ll get you some pills. You did well. Sylvain and Cabot have the information, they've confirmed the name of the shop you saw and will ensure no one is in Banff.” When she’d swilled the pills down with the bottle of water he narrowed his eyes, “There’s something else, tell me.”

“I-I-I recognised one of them,” she whispered.

Magnus took her hands as he watched tears spill over and roll down her cheeks. “Who? One of us?” he asked.

“No, a jägerin. The one in charge. He was there the day they took me. He was the one with Kathleen, the one who...” she hesitated and Magnus cupped her face with one hand.

“What did he do Amy?”

“He was the one who held me down while they stripped me.”

Magnus pulled her into his arms and lifted her to lie on the bed, curling his body around her. “I will never let any of them hurt you ever again precious one.”

“Magnus,” her body heaved fear at the memory, “it was like he saw me.”

He pulled her closer, “What do you mean?”

“He looked right at me, and for a minute I thought he saw me watching. His name is Lomax and he’s every bit as bad as her, cruel, ruthless...”

Magnus turned her slightly so he could kiss her damp cheek, “Vennen min don’t be afraid, I’m here. The attack is thwarted, and this Lomax could not have seen you.” Rewarded by a nod he kissed her again, “Close your eyes and sleep. You’ll feel better when you wake up.”

The following day Magnus ran his eyes carefully over her as she lay on the lounger next to the pool. There was only a scattering of people this early in the morning and no one in the water. She had a light cardigan over her cotton dress as her hands cupped the steaming cup and he smiled, relieved to see her looking so content. “Are the pills helping elskling?”

“Yes, it’s not so bad now, but they make me a bit drowsy.”

“No matter, we have nowhere to be until tomorrow.” He paused as she reached and grabbed his hand wrapping it with the soft skin of her own. Squeezing he said, “I’m sorry you have to endure these visions Amy, truly I am.”

“They have a purpose,” she sighed, “but I dread having one. I hate the lack of control.”

Magnus sat up and swivelled to face her still holding her hand, “I’ve noticed you seem to try and fight them off. Do you, try and resist?”

She drank some coffee considering, “Yes, I know there’s no stopping it, but particularly when I’m not alone at home, I try and at least delay it happening so I can let you know or get somewhere less public.”

“I only ask,” he said, “because I was wondering if the headaches would be easier, less severe if you just gave into it.” He saw her wrinkle her nose, “I mean it may not make a difference, but maybe if instead of resisting you lean into the vision, it may affect you less.”

She sipped from the cup again, “I could try. I suppose whatever these visions are they want my attention, and it’s going to happen anyway. They just scare me Magnus.”

“I know,” he sighed, “and despite the protection they give so many, I’d do anything to release you from them.” He pointed to her cup and lifted the silver pot, “Here, let me refill that and try and eat something. Tomorrow you’ll be recovered and I’ll show you Venice.”