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“No, but I gathered that tree’s acorns and made a small forest here. This one is the first one to catch root. Let’s sit under it, like the old times,” Gabriel said.
Once seated, he took a champagne bottle, two glasses, and two plates filled with mini sandwiches out of the basket. Gabriel opened the bottle, poured some champagne into the glasses, and handed one to me. “Cheers! To my beloved wife.”
While basking in the sun in the arms of the love of my life, I couldn’t help but ask, “Tell me more about the life you had all these years?”
“What is there to tell? Many things have been great, though some have made me grasp the edge of a cliff. After becoming a vampire and claiming all my powers, my longing for you intensified ten folds. There were times I wandered for days trying to find consolation in the Wallachian woods. Then I realized the powers I had within, and with such a vast world, there had to be someone who had answers. Thus, I began my worldwide travels. I’ve visited every corner of this planet and found numerous supernatural beings just like me. From the Japanese Kyuuketsuki, Indian Vetala, and Indonesian Pocong to the Turkish Mhachkaya, the Brazilian Asema, and the Caribbean Loogaroo, all told me the same. Time could never be applied to those who wielded otherworldly powers. Dejected, I returned to my lands and returned to the same routine, wandering and consoling myself that even though I was going through this anguish, at least you would be spared of it. I fed mostly on animals or on those lost in the woods.
One time, I fed on a man who was so drunk he couldn’t stand up. The rush of alcohol running through my vein sent me on a different level of escapism. For several hours I could enjoy some peace. Then I discovered I could taste whatever humans consumed before I fed on them. The first time I tasted drug-infused blood, it was indescribable. Unfortunately, just like regular people, vampires can become addicted. But no drug or alcohol could extinguish the burning desire to see your face again and, for sure, wouldn’t change the course of time. I still had to live through it and might as well make the best of my exceptional abilities, for I was the strongest being in The Other Realm.
So I began learning about the human world. I studied art, literature, philosophy, business, medicine, and any science book I could get my hands on. I traveled across Europe and entered elite circles, learning about some of the greatest inventions of those times from some of the smartest people to exist. Then something happened, and I had to return to Transylvania. At first, I lived at Bran castle and later, here, where I established our vampire kingdom and began trading antique pieces I collected around the world. The longer I lived, the more expensive they became. Thus, my subjects and I built what you see today. But do not get me wrong, the garnered wealth and prosperity wasn’t done only for me but for you or, better said, for our family.”
I rushed to hug him, hoping to ease some of the pain he had suffered throughout the years.
“Now that we touched on the family subject. I must tell you something that might disappoint you,” Gabriel said.
“After you told me how much hardship you went through, I don’t believe I could ever be disappointed in you,” I said.
“You see, once I became a vampire, I could no longer have kids.”
His words hit me harder than I imagined. Though I never gave it much thought, I never imagined myself not having kids in the future. But if this meant I could be with Gabriel, then it was something I was willing to sacrifice. “I always assumed I would have at least one child, but being with you is far more important. We can always adopt.”
He beamed at me with his signature smile and hugged me so tight I began gasping for air. “You are indeed the perfect woman,” Gabriel said.
“I wouldn’t go as far as perfect. But you kind of are, though, given your abilities. Which reminds me, how come you are able to sit in the sun so comfortably? And why do so many legends say vampires burn in the sun? Are they wrong in their assumptions?”
“Yes and no,” answered Gabriel. “It depends on their blood dilution.”
“Blood dilution? What does that mean?”
“If a human becomes a vampire through the help of The Source, then they are considered Once Diluted. If a human is bitten by a Once Diluted vampire, they become Twice Diluted. The dilution process could’ve gone forever, but Twice Diluted vampires cannot turn humans. So it stops there. But Twice Diluted will always be stronger than astrigoias they were turned while still alive.
“The more a vampire’s blood is diluted, the weaker they are. Thus a Once Diluted can stay in the sun for an hour before burning, while a Twice Diluted will burn to ash immediately. The same with sleep. A Once Diluted vampire might not need to sleep for a few days, but a Twice Diluted will need it every day. The weaker the blood, the more they will need to feed and will be easier to kill.”
“Then who is The Source?”
Gabriel smiled and said, “You’re looking at him.”
Chapter 7
Icouldn’t believe my ears. “What? You mean you turned every vampire ever?” I asked.
“Only the Once Diluted,” Gabriel said.
“And you don’t need to sleep at all?”
“I need sleep sometimes. Usually, during times of battle or after I turn someone into a vampire.”
“I’ve seen so many staff members in the castle. Why did you turn so many? To not feel lonely?”
“There were many factors. Many of them wished to escape political persecution or a violent husband. Never once did I turn an unwilling subject.”
“Do you feed often?”
“Not so much right now. I usually pick several of the healthiest individuals and drink a bit from each. That lasts me months.”
“Do you hypnotize them?”
“I do. I cannot risk being found. My subjects usually take care of such trivial matters.”
