Macabre Dreams

So much loss. So much blood shed. As I wake up I feel it all around me. I look down at the blood stained dress I’m wearing and say, “No, not again.”

It’s an occurrence I am far too familiar with. Once upon a time I would be horrified at the sight of me. But that was before I became queen. Before I met him.

After my father died, I became desolate. Hardened with bitterness I took myself to the lake as I often would, looking for solace. As I looked for answers in the stars I heard a rustling. Then another. Then another. Anxiety ensued as the disturbance grew louder and advanced. Once second it’s in the trees, the next in the bushes. Then finally I could make out the silhouette. It was tall, lean and as it walked closer I noticed how it seemed to glide over the fields, not quite touching the ground. I could hear my heartbeat drumming in my ears. Closer, closer it grew until it rested on its feet next to me in front of the water. It was a man to my amazement. He was tall with a generous build, jet black hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to look straight into my soul.

Amazed, I started in awe at this creature. How could something so beautiful and graceful be human? “Who are you?” I asked. As he glazed me over he replied, “I am but an ally, my dear.” I was struck by the silkiness of his voice and his deliberate words. “What do you mean?”, I asked. He gave me a smoldering look as he explained, “I have watched you for many years, my dear. Standing by, seeing the pain you’ve gone through. It’s hardened you in many ways, yet you remain unchanged. Amazing really. What if I told you I could make that pain go away?” I started apprehensively as he advanced. One step, two steps, then three. He sat next to me as I thought his words over. “I highly doubt that.” I said. “ Let me show you.” he replied as he held out his hand toward me. Reluctantly I grasped his soft, pale hand. Almost immediately I could feel the wind on my face as he seemed to glide me to a new place. A short time later we landed in what looked like a kingdom with great, immaculate buildings. Shrines to what seemed like Gods. Pools of water surrounded us as I looked around. “What is this place?”, I asked. “This, my dear, is Xavia. A land once made of beauty and generosity.” he replied.

“Once?”, I asked. He looked back, as if realizing I was still here. His eyes seem pained, that beautiful blue had turned to steely gray. “When we first settled we were a peaceful people. Full of love and light. It lasted a few years but eventually, more people traveled through the land and things began to change. The lightness seemed to dim to nothing, the warmth of everyone seemed to dissipate. One by one, everyone seemed to get colder, grayer, out of touch.” He looked back at me as if preparing himself for his next sentence. “That’s when I met Mirin. He was a stranger turned good friends. We were inseparable as you would naturally expect. We had each lived difficult lives filled lost love and fear. Eventually he began to change. His words more deliberate, his steps became silk. I wasn’t sure what had come over him and I was too afraid to ask. Until one night, after a summer solstice celebration. With the help of liquid courage I questioned him about his new way of life.. “My friend, he replied, don’t you see? I am no longer your human counterpart but something much greater.” I looked at him puzzled as he failed to explain what he was. Seeing my expression he inched closer and replied, “Let me show you.” Quicker than a blink he had me in his grasp, hand at my neck and staring own at me with his bright violet eyes. A searing pain raged through my neck into the rest of my body. Then darkness.” He shuttered. “When I awoke I felt light, lighter than I had ever felt before. “You’re awake. Good.”, said Mirin. “What has happened to me? What have you done?!” I screamed as I looked over my body and saw nothing but paleness and felt my cold skin. Why was I so thirsty? How long had I been asleep? It felt like a thousand years. “Come, my boy. I will show you a new way of life as he stuck his hand out towards me. We glided as he explained, “Awhile ago I met a merchant who told me he could change my life. When I asked how, he explained that it was a matter of trust and to let him guide me. Before I had the chance to say anything else I was on the ground, feeling his fangs in my skin. They were long and gleaming like pearls. Even in pain he was mesmerizing to me. Then darkness ensued. When I awoke he explained to me what he was, what had happened in his life. A young boy in Italy he had been lost in the city, young and scared he found an adult. His name was Casio. Casio lead him to a clearing and bit him. Being such a child he didn’t remember it all. When he awoke Casio took him on his first hunt and showed him how to quench his thirst for blood. They were a unit until Casio disappeared into the night. Alone Mirin wandered the country only stopping to feed as he went. He couldn’t stay in one place too long as it would cause too much suspicion. That’s when he found Xavia. After he explained he showed me how to hunt, how to survive. That is, until he had an even bigger thirst. A thirst for power. Mirin snuck into the palace and feed on all the court. Leaving no one but him to lead. He became mad with greed, someone needed to stop him. That’s when I turned on him. I demanded he step down from the throne as he was not a fit king. He was insulted and infuriated so he turned on me. We battled until he was mangled and weak. He disappeared and he hasn’t been seen since. After his overthrow I became king. While the damned kingdom continued on, I felt hollow. All the riches and blood couldn’t satisfy me. So I went wandering, searching for something to fill the void. That’s when I saw you, laying in the field. So peaceful, so serene. It’s how I wanted to be. As time went by I stayed in the shadows as to not frighten you, I didn’t think you were ready to handle this.

As you grew you went through so much. Life and death, riches and poverty. And now, all on your own with no one to hold. Such a sad life. That’s when I knew it was time.” ’Time for what?”, I asked simply. I wasn’t scared, more intrigued by his amazing story. “To make you my queen.” he replied. I was shocked. I felt my heart drop, me? A queen? How could he see that in such a plain girl? ’Please,” he pleaded, “You are the reason I’m here, I’ve been searching my whole existence for someone like you. Someone who could understand life and loss, someone who has nothing to lose.” He was right, I had nothing to lose. I was still shocked but moving toward flattery. “Be my queen, we can rule over the land. You can have anything your heart desires. What do you say?” He reached out his hand again and this time I faithfully took it. In a swift movement he dipped me and I could feel his cool fangs in my neck. I felt dizzy, tired and then darkness ensued. I awoke in a golden room filled with jewels and crystals. In walked Malen. “How are you, my queen?” he asked. “Tired.” I replied. “Come, let me show you your new home.” He led me through old cobblestone castle walls with etched scenery. Giant towers surround the building along with more shrines dedicated to Gods.

After the transition we lived a happy life for awhile. Feeding at night, living during the day. All was well until Malen became mad. Mad for power and riches and more blood. He started feeding on every towns person, abducting women and children. I tried to turn a blind eye but my judgement couldn’t be ignored. I ordered him to stop but he became enraged. Next it was a battle for the throne. He lunged as I attacked. Over and over we danced this dance until he was nearly destroyed. When he could fight no longer he swore he’d curse us all and sulked on into the night. The land lived peacefully for years. That is, until his return to Xavia.

Looking around you could see the damage that had been down. Temples destroyed, shrines disabled. The very castle was in shambles. He had come back with a vengeance, vengeance for me. Through the night we fought, clawed and tore through each other. Desperate for our rightful place in Xavia. Now conscience I look around at the shambles of my kingdom. Look at the blood on my body, surely his. History was repeating itself and I had to stop it, even if it meant risking my own life. As I got to my feet I heard screams coming from the village. I found my crown as it hadc rolled across the ground and placed it on top of my head. What else is a girl to do when she’s Queen of the Damned?

As I walk through the ruins of Xavia I reflect on my time as queen. I’ve always tried to be fair, but it seems that doesn’t matter. Not when true evil is around. Knowing he was near gave me a chill I couldn’t explain. As if a ghost passed through me. Have I done all I could for my people? Is there something else that could save us all? I’m willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means sacrificing myself.