Chereads / Van Helsing (dracula's son) / Chapter 18 - Shadows of Destiny

Chapter 18 - Shadows of Destiny

Sunday

October 11

3:23 am

Sebastian

As the night wore on, the eerie glow from the TV screen flickered, casting shadows across the room. Aiden and I delved deeper into the horror movie marathon, each film intensifying the suspense. Our laughter echoed through the house, momentarily masking the underlying tension that lingered within us.

Amid the jump scares and twisted plots, I couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts about the recent events.

As the credits rolled on the last movie, Aiden let out a contented sigh. "That was intense, Sebby. Good choice on the movie selection."

I nodded in agreement, though my mind was still wandering into the realms of the unknown. "Yeah, horror movies have a way of making our problems seem trivial."

Aiden chuckled. "True that. So, any updates on your mom? Is she heading back soon?"

I hesitated for a moment, contemplating how much to reveal. "Uh, she's still sorting out some family matters. You know how it is, complicated stuff."

Aiden frowned, concern etching his features. "Sebby, you can talk to me. Is everything really okay?"

I appreciated his genuine concern but opted to keep certain details vague. "It's just some personal stuff. She'll be back soon, I'm sure."

~~~~~

6:12 am

The clock ticked away the hours, and the dim light of dawn began to seep through the windows, dispelling the darkness of the night. Aiden yawned, stretching his arms. "Man, time flies when you're escaping into horror movies. But, hey, thanks for having me over, Sebby. It helped take my mind off things."

"Anytime, Aiden. Friends got each other's backs, especially in the face of chaos," I quipped, attempting to inject a light-hearted tone.

Aiden grinned. "True that. Well, I should head home before my parents wake up and realize I sneaked out. They'd kill me."

We shared a laugh as we walked to the front door. As Aiden stepped out, he turned to me with a playful smirk. "Next time, let's tackle some lighter genres. My heart can only handle so much horror in one night."

I nodded, promising a change of genre for our next movie night. As he disappeared into the early morning light, I closed the door behind him, the weight of the night settling back onto my shoulders.

Aiden

The morning sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink as I made my way back home, my mind swirling with thoughts about the night's events. The adrenaline from the encounter with the wild dog and the escapade at Sebastian's house had left me both exhilarated and unnerved. Something strange was happening in our city, something beyond the ordinary.

I reached home, hoping to sneak back in without alerting my parents to my late-night adventure. As I tiptoed through the front door, I was met with an unexpected sight. My parents were sitting in the living room, worry etched on their faces.

"Where have you been, Aiden?" My mom's voice cut through the air, a mix of relief and concern.

Caught off guard, I stammered, "Uh, I just went for a walk. Couldn't sleep, you know?"

Dad's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing me. "A walk at this hour? Something's not right. We've been worried sick."

I sighed, realizing that attempting to conceal the truth wouldn't be easy. "Okay, fine. I went over to Sebastian's house to make sure he was okay."

My mom's eyes widened. "Is everyone alright?"

"Yeah, we're fine. Sebastian was a lonely and told me to spent the night," I reassured them, omitting the more supernatural elements of the encounter. "It was just a crazy night."

My parents exchanged a glance, their concern deepening. "You need to be more careful, Aiden," Dad cautioned. "Now, go get some rest. We'll talk about this later."

~~~~~

Simon

Nicholas, one of our operatives, had briefed the church about the peculiar events involving Quinn, the werewolf. It wasn't our doing, and I felt a ripple of concern at the unpredictability of the situation. Our mission was to ensure the stability of the supernatural world, not to disrupt it.

I approached Maria, our resident scientist, in her well-equipped laboratory. The air was filled with the scent of various herbs and concoctions, a testament to her tireless efforts in understanding and controlling supernatural phenomena.

"Maria, we need to find out who captured Quinn. This interference wasn't sanctioned by the Holy Order, and we can't afford any disruptions in the delicate balance," i stated, my tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.

She looked up from her work, her eyes bearing the weight of knowledge and responsibility. "simon, I'm already analyzing the traces left behind. There's an unusual energy signature associated with the capture, something I've never encountered before."

I frowned, the mystery deepening. "Unusual how?"

"It's a fusion of both governmental and CIA energies. It's as if two opposing forces collaborated to capture Quinn," Maria explained, her expression marked by a mix of fascination and concern.

I mulled over her words. The collaboration of governmental and CIA energies was an anomaly, a convergence that defied the usual order of things. "This goes beyond the typical interventions we encounter. We need to tread carefully."

Maria nodded in agreement. "I'll continue my analysis and see if I can trace the origin of these energies. It might lead us to the culprits behind Quinn's capture."

Myra

The scent of incense hung in the air as I took a seat in one of the wooden pews, the rhythmic creaking beneath me a familiar sound. The dim light created a serene atmosphere within the church, and I found solace in its quiet embrace. My mind, however, refused to find peace.

I tried to focus on the prayers, the murmurs of fellow worshipers, but the events of the last night lingered in my thoughts like unwelcome ghosts. The wild dog, the mysterious encounter in my home, and the unsettling revelation had left me on edge.

As I bowed my head, attempting to connect with the spiritual refuge the church offered, my gaze wandered involuntarily. That's when I noticed a boy. He stood a few pews away, his silhouette partially illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. His expression bore the weight of the recent turmoil, a mix of contemplation and weariness.

A part of me tried to rein in my wandering thoughts, to refocus on the solemnity of the moment. Yet, my eyes kept drifting back to him. There was an undeniable connection between us, one that went beyond the bounds of our longstanding friendship. The mysteries that surrounded him only deepened this connection, creating an unspoken understanding that transcended the ordinary.

His eyes met mine briefly, and I felt a jolt of recognition. It was as if he understood the turmoil within me, the fear and uncertainty that gripped my heart. In that fleeting moment, our connection bridged the gap between the supernatural and the mundane.

The priest's voice brought me back to the present, urging me to participate in the collective prayer. I closed my eyes, trying to set aside the distractions and immerse myself in the spiritual unity of the church. Yet, the presence of this boy lingered in my thoughts, an undercurrent that added complexity to my emotions.

~~~~~~

My breath caught as i collided with the same boy in the cramped church restroom. The hushed ambiance of the sacred space seemed to intensify the proximity between us, adding an unexpected layer of tension. Before i could muster an apology or a simple greeting, his gaze fixated on my forearm.

"Did you cut yourself?" he inquired, concern etched across his features. I glanced down, realizing the faint scratch on my skin, a remnant from an unnoticed encounter with a thorn from last night.

"It's nothing, just a scratch," i replied, attempting to downplay its significance. However, he grips on my hand tightened, and his touch felt unusually cold against my skin.

Before i could process the sudden shift in atmosphere, he surprised me by placing a gentle kiss on the scratch. A shiver ran down my spine as his lips made contact with my skin, and I couldn't help but feel an unexplainable connection in that moment.

The sensation escalated when his tongue lightly grazed the scratch. My eyes widened in bewilderment, unsure how to interpret this unexpected act. As he lingered for a brief second, a subtle change occurred-his eyes,once a cool shade of blue, seemed to transform into a fleeting hue of orange. It happened so quickly that i questioned if my eyes were playing tricks on me.

He released my hand, and a flush of confusion and overwhelm washed over me. Without saying a word, i stepped back, leaving the restroom in a state of disarray-emotions tangled and thoughts racing.

Janet

As Luke drove me back to my house, a gentle silence settled between us, broken only by the rhythmic hum of the car engine. The tension from our previous conversation still lingered, and Luke decided it was time to address it.

"Janet," he began, his eyes focused on the road, "I want to apologize. I shouldn't have pressured you into thinking you'd become a werewolf. I understand that this situation is confusing and overwhelming, and I didn't handle it well."

looking out the window, I took a deep breath. "Thank you for apologizing, Luke. I appreciate it. This whole situation is just a lot to take in, and I need some time to process everything."

Luke nodded, respecting my need for space. "I understand. Take all the time you need. And if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to talk to me. I'm here for you."

As the car continued its journey through the quiet sunny day, i decided to open up to Luke about a chapter from my past that i had kept hidden for a long time.

"Luke, there's something I haven't shared with many people," i began hesitantly. "It's about the night in Romania, in Transylvania, to be exact. My uncle Gary, Quinn and I were traveling, and we stopped at a gas station."

Luke's attention shifted from the road to me, sensing the gravity of my words. "Go on," he encouraged gently.

"They were attacked by a werewolf," I continued, my voice carrying the weight of the memories. "It was a cold night, and the gas station seemed like the only source of warmth. But then it happened. The creature came out of nowhere, and my uncle and Quinn had to fight for their lives."

Luke's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his concern growing. "That sounds terrifying. What happened next?"

"I managed to escape, without injuries. My uncle and Quinn didn't make it. The experience haunted me for a weeks, and it's part of why I'm so cautious about anything related to werewolves," i confessed, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery.

Luke's expression softened, realizing the depth of pain and loss i had endured. "I'm so sorry, Janet. I had no idea you went through something like that. Thank you for trusting me enough to share."

I nodded, a mixture of emotions playing on her face. "It's not something I talk about often. But with everything that's happening now, I thought you should know."

As the car pulled up to my house, Luke offered a supportive smile. "If you ever need to talk or if there's anything I can do, I'm here for you. We're in this together, Janet."

I appreciated the genuine concern in Luke's words, and with a nod, i exited the car, carrying the weight of my past experiences into the quiet solitude of my home.

"Finally." Simon greeted me at my first door. Luke had already left and thank Goodness too. "Where's Gabriel." I asked closing the door. Simon face dropped and he stepped back. "By the looks of it he might've flew into the Bermuda triangle but I don't know why he'd want to take that risk even though the church pledged to avoid flying through that specific part."

"What about Quinn being captured thing did you find anything about that?" We sat down on my couch.

"Yes, in fact it was the CIA and I know where area 51 is located." He smirked deviously.

"Everyone knows that." I say in a 'duh' way.

"That's what they want you to think Janet but i know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy that knows where the real location is."

Quinn

My consciousness flickered like a dim light struggling against the encroaching darkness. As I gradually regained awareness, the harsh reality of my surroundings unfolded.

My eyes opened to a sterile, brightly lit room adorned with stainless steel and the low hum of machinery. I attempted to move, but the restraints held me firmly in place on the unforgiving metal table. Panic set in as i realized I had no recollection of how i ended up in this clinical nightmare.

Lab-coated figures moved around me, discussing complex and top-secret matters that i strained to comprehend. Their words echoed in my disoriented mind, leaving me grasping at fragments of information. The more i struggled to piece together the puzzle, the hazier the details became.

In and out of consciousness, i glimpsed glimpses of charts, graphs, and images projected onto screens, all of which seemed to revolve around him. The air was thick with an undercurrent of urgency, as if the stakes were impossibly high.

A fleeting memory teased the edges of my mind-a glimpse of the night, the wild dog, and then... nothing. I attempt to recall the events leading to my current predicament were met with a disconcerting void.

The lab-coated individuals continued their discussions, oblivious to my internal turmoil. I strained against the restraints, my muscles protesting the confinement. The room blurred as I slipped back into unconsciousness, leaving me trapped in a disorienting loop of glimpses and fragments, desperately searching for answers in the enigma of my memory.

Scott

As Aiden and I stood in the church, the air seemed to thicken with the weight of our shared history. January's bad breakup lingered in the unspoken tension between us. With a determined expression, approached Aiden with an earnest attempt to reignite what we once had.

"Aiden," my voice was soft, almost pleading. "I've been thinking a lot about us. Can we talk?"

"Talk, what is there to Talk about scott." he said in a hushed tone. I sighed and bite my lip. "I was wrong for cheating and not being there for you."

The air grew thicker as i attempted to lean in for a moment that could either rekindle old flames or douse the remaining embers.

However, fate had other plans. The entrance disrupted the fragile moment, and the near-kiss was averted. Aiden and I pulled away from each other, a shared awkwardness settling in.

His new friend that happens to be a guy with observant eyes darted between Aiden and i, sensing the unresolved tension. Aiden, taking a deep breath, decided to break the silence.

"Seb, this is Scott. Scott, meet Sebastian," he introduced us, his voice carrying a hint of both nostalgia and hesitation.

I extended a hand, attempting to put on a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, Sebastian."

Sebastian reciprocated the handshake, his gaze briefly flickering over Aiden's uncertain expression. "Likewise. Aiden's talked about you," he said, a subtle emphasis on the word 'talked.'

Sebastian

4:34 pm

The grand hall of our shared residence echoed with the timeless elegance that befit the dwelling of supernatural beings. The dimly lit room bore witness to countless conversations that spanned centuries, but tonight's discussion carried a different tone. I stood among my newfound family-Haitia, Lucius, and Lucifer-each of them exuding a unique aura that spoke of their respective supernatural origins.

"Haitia, Lucius, Lucifer, there's something I need to share with you," I began, my voice carrying a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. "I've been granted a second chance at life, free from the constraints of servitude. I am now a free vampire."

Haitia's expression shifted, her gaze meeting mine with a flicker of surprise. As my step-sister, she had witnessed the trials that led to my liberation, yet this newfound freedom seemed to raise unspoken questions within her.

"Free vampire," Lucius mused, his crimson eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Sebastian, you've entered a realm where choices are your own. It's a fascinating journey you've embarked upon."

Lucifer, lounging in an ornate chair, raised an eyebrow. "And what choices have you made, my dear Sebastian?"

A flush colored my cheeks as I hesitated, contemplating how to articulate the emotions that had taken root within me. "I've grown fond of a human girl. There's an inexplicable connection, and I find myself drawn to her in ways I never anticipated."

Haitia's eyes narrowed slightly, a subtle shift in her demeanor that betrayed a hint of jealousy. Though we shared no blood ties, the complexities of familial relationships extended beyond mere biology.

"Sebastian, be cautious with matters of the heart. Mortals are delicate, and emotions can cloud judgment," Haitia warned, her voice carrying a note of concern.

Lucius, ever the provocateur, leaned forward. "Ah, love. It has the power to enchant even the most steadfast of beings. Tell me, does this human girl know of your supernatural existence?"

I shook my head. "Not yet. I've been navigating this newfound freedom carefully, trying to understand the boundaries of my existence."

Lucifer's gaze shifted to Aiden's house. "And what of your mortal friend, Aiden? Is he aware of your affections?"

A protective instinct surged within me at the mention of Aiden. "Aiden is my best friend. He doesn't know about the complexities of the supernatural world, and I aim to keep it that way. I won't endanger him."

Lucifer, ever the enigmatic presence, spoke with a hint of amusement. "Protective of the mortal, are we? Lucius, it seems Sebastian has found himself entangled in matters of the heart. Do you think Aiden is single?"

Lucius's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Why, Lucius, are you planning to make a move on Aiden?"

A predatory smile played on Lucius's lips. "Why not? The heart wants what it wants, and I'm not one to shy away from desire."

My protective instincts flared, and I interjected, "Aiden is not a pawn in your games, Lucius. He's off-limits."

Lucius chuckled, unfazed by my resistance. "We'll see about that, Sebastian. Love has a way of defying even the strongest of wills."

As the conversation veered into unpredictable territory, I couldn't help but wonder about the complexities of my newfound freedom and the unforeseen challenges that lay ahead. The supernatural world, it seemed, held more twists and turns than I could have ever imagined.