Half Blood Rising

I was a little surprised that I managed to drift off while we were driving. It was probably the warlock's magic. He kept staring at me from the rear-view mirror, and my lids began closing. The vampire who'd waited for me inside the chapel had never told me his name, but I remembered it from that unfortunate meeting in the basement. He must have been born and raised in Scotland. I was curious about him, more than I should have been.

I quickly became bored when Lachlan began talking to the warlock about some sort of paperwork, completely dismissing my presence. However, my inner voice kept telling me that I needed to be careful around him. He was obviously connected to some extremely dark individuals, and he most likely had more of a chance than anyone to get into the Elite.

Besides, I really didn't know why Oldman had trusted him in the first place. I didn't want to think about it too much.

Later when I woke up, my stomach growled with hunger. We were driving through the motorway, passing mostly fields and small villages.

I must have slept for a good few hours because my neck was stiff as hell. It was already brighter outside, and I hoped we wouldn't have to be stuck in the car for much longer. I rubbed my eyes and yawned loudly, thinking about Melody once again. Lachlan was fast asleep, and, luckily, he was leaning on the other side.

Surely the warlock was undoubtedly exhausted by now, driving six hours straight without a break. He was still silent and focused as we entered the capital of Ukraine. I'd never been to Kiev, only read about the city in a few guidebooks, but I knew it was definitely much larger and more developed than Lviv. Who knew, maybe it was one of the places I'd lived before I became a vampire?

"Did you stop, or have you been driving continuously?" I asked the warlock, finally breaking the silence.

His wide dark eyes found mine in the mirror, and he smiled. "Mistress, I don't need rest, trust me. Would you like something to eat? There is a small compartment by your feet, and I stocked it up with some snacks for our journey."

"Sweet," I said, glad someone had thought about my half-human needs. After a click, the compartment opened up, and I picked out a tuna sandwich with some crisps. I was starving again.

The warlock appeared content with my appetite, and once I reached out for a packet of jelly babies, Lachlan woke up. Vampires really didn't need to sleep, but he probably didn't want to interact with me, so he closed his eyes again, most likely thinking I hadn't noticed, and pretended to be asleep.

"Taking advantage of our good nature already, huh? Good thing I don't need any food in order to survive," he said, looking at me as I took a huge bite of another sandwich. Food had always been a luxury for me, but I really needed to try and act like a normal person, not someone who had to survive on the street day by day. I was trying to eat it slowly.

"Just ignore Master Lachlan, Mistress. He fed well before the journey." The voice of the warlock reached me, and I started choking on my food. Blood, he must have had a donor, or even better-a lover. I'd only ever tasted the tainted blood of a convict, so I had nothing to compare it to.

I'd heard vampire's mated with blood, and they drank from humans because it gave them pleasure. Seconds later, I instantly shuddered with repulsion. This wasn't something I wanted to hear while I was eating, and that idiot started to laugh at me.

"Sensitive, aren't we?" he teased, and I showed him my middle finger.

God damn it, why did he have to be so good looking? My hair was sticky and greasy, and his was perfectly styled, shining nicely, as well. I probably stunk, too, and that made me even more self-conscious. He was so pale, but he still looked good.

Stupid, stupid girl, don't even go there, I told myself. Pure breeds didn't get involved with half-vampire freaks like me. Besides, I still wasn't even sure of what I was exactly. Half-vampire, yes. But something else I had no idea... It truly bothered me, the unknown, and the possible ramifications of what it could mean.

"Shut up, Pretty Boy," I snapped at him again and tried to enjoy the rest of my second sandwich. He kept staring and I was nervous, apprehensive about meeting other students at this fancy school. "So, are you going to tell us what are you? Jeremy is curious, and normally nothing and no one fazes him," the vampire continued as I stared out the window. At least my stomach wasn't growling, but I needed to remember that I couldn't get used to it. What if things didn't work out? I needed to be realistic about my situation.

That faery, Oldman, had mentioned that some students took part in missions-that sounded interesting. I read that the national council had founded Moonlight Academy, and I wasn't planning to take anything for free.

"If I knew, I wouldn't tell you, anyway, because it's none of your damn business. Around four years ago, I awoke as a half-vampire on the street with no memories," I answered, thinking about the past. "And that's the end of it. That's all I know, so you can stop with your inquiries." Sometimes I tried to remember. I'd found that note inside my pocket with the name, Jaymin, so I presumed that's what I'd been called in my previous life-and that was all the information I had to go on, if the name was mine at all. It was a pathetic story, and the vampire who'd turned me must have done it for a reason. I suspected that sooner rather than later, he would turn up in my life again.

I still wanted to find him-there were too many unanswered questions about my past. They were my memories, and I had every right to get them back. Besides, I believed I had family, people who cared about

me.

The grave silence continued in the car for a little while after my revelation. Lachlan appeared shocked, stripping me down with his gaze. The warlock, too, seemed baffled, still driving the same speed as before Maybe I shouldn't have said anything; now I was sure they both labelled me as a freak of nature.

"Someone turned you and then left you on the street?" Lachlan repeated, and I rolled my eyes. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it.

"Yes, I just said that, numpty," I told him, trying not to focus too much on his incredible eyes. That was the main reason I'd become a rogue and did everything that I could on the streets. The bloodlust it was the only thing that put me off becoming a full-blooded vampire. Someone once said that such a transformation was possible. I didn't like the act of drinking blood from a human or a donor.

"Your maker must have been an ancient vampire or another creature. I sense magic in you, but I cannot detect where it is from. You mustn't fear, Mistress. Madame Oldman could run certain tests to determined what you are," the warlock, Jerry said, but that didn't make me feel any more confident about my decision. I didn't want anyone running tests on me.

"That's interesting, very interesting," Lachlan muttered, more to himself.

Luckily, that was the end of the discussion about my origin, because a minute later, the warlock parked the car in front of an old large two-story house. The area seemed to be pretty decent. I still couldn't believe that Jeremy had driven for six straight hours without a break.

It looked like we were on the outskirts of the city. Jerry opened the door and climbed out of the car. He let the vampire out first.

It was already extremely humid, and it was only around seven in the morning. The streets seemed empty, but a few humans were staring out the window at us. Well, this wasn't at all what I'd expected. "Right now, I am taking you to class to meet a few other students," Lachlan said, showing me towards the door. "At Moonlight, you will work and study in a group. I believe Madame Oldman has already decided on the numbers."

I hoped they were going to give me a chance to change, or at least make myself look a bit more presentable. Well, I really didn't have any other clothes with me but silently hoped they might supply some. "Mistress needs to be shown to her room first, Master Lachlan," Jerry interrupted.

"Fine, just take her then. I need to sort something out, anyway," the vampire responded, sounding irritated and then crossed the road. "Lachlan, I damn missed you!" someone screamed, and when I glanced back, I saw a very tall and skinny girl jumping on the Scot.

There was no doubt she was a vampire, and she was beautiful with long black hair, and even longer legs.

My stomach made a funny jolt when she kissed him hard. He embraced her, and they were snogging each other passionately. I felt uncomfortable staring.

"This is Mistress Ramona, Master Lachlan's partner," Jerry explained. I quickly turned around, not wanting to look like I was spying on them from the distance.

A wave of discomfort ran down my spine. Of course a pure breed like him had a girlfriend. What else did I expect?

Nothing, I told myself. I wasn't supposed to expect anything at all. He was an arrogant prick and I hated his guts, and that was that.

Deep down, I hoped I wouldn't have to see him often. Jeremy cleared his throat, and we walked inside the building that seemed completely empty. I still felt a little apprehensive being here.

Moments later, I found myself in a long dark corridor filled with magic. Yeah, I could sense it, but it was too early to tell if this was positive or negative energy.

"This way, Mistress, this house was converted into an academy around twenty years ago. Most of the students are from all different parts of the world, so that's why they stay in dorms," Jerry explained. The atmosphere was enigmatic, silence filled the halls. I thought that if we were going to the dorms, this place would be thriving with young students.

"Where is everyone? I mean, it's a bit strange that it's so quiet in here," I pointed out, sensing magic everywhere. It was strong, and I figured that all sorts of creatures must be staying in the academy. "Classes don't start until around nine a.m. Most students are still sleeping. It's still pretty early, and we have been driving all night," Jerry answered, giving me a warm smile. He was the first supernatural who'd ever made me feel safe. Most of the time I avoided others, in case they sensed I was different. A lot of them had, and that was the main reason I never asked anyone for help.

We began climbing the stairs, heading to the top floor. Several minutes later, Jeremy stopped by an old wooden door. I suspected that this was going to be my dorm. He took a key out of his pocket and opened it. My excitement was at its peak. I didn't expect anything fancy, but for the first time in four years, I felt that I finally had a place to go. It was then that I began to realise I'd made the right decision. "Come on in, this will be your room at the academy."

The space was small, to say the least, but the room was equipped with two beds, desks, and there was also a sofa in the middle. Overall, I didn't care about how much space I had; it was important that this room was designated to me.

There was also a large window with a view of the courtyard. I walked around the room slowly, trying to savour this moment, thinking that this appeared to be too good to be true.

Oldman had found me on the streets of Lviv, it was a miracle that I'd gotten this chance. Tears forced their way to my eyes as these new emotions overwhelmed me. This was the place where I could return to after dark. It looked like I would probably have to share with someone, but it didn't matter. I was so happy that I was no longer homeless and hungry.

"I don't know what to say," I told him, trying to pull myself together. I hated being the "emotional" me. I preferred the other me: the rogue who never complained or cried. Maybe she'd been a bit too mouthy at times, but I liked her.

"I was going to suggest that you leave your belongings in here," Jerry said, "but since you have none, we may head over to the meeting arranged by Madame Oldman. I believe everyone is already there." I looked down at the clothes I was wearing. Yeah, they were worn out. Other creatures were going to be judging me, but whatever. This was all I had, and it would have to do for now.

"Let's go, then," I agreed.

We went back to the main building, passing a few vampires. No one stared at me, everyone was going about their own business. Soon after, we reached another corridor. My stomach contracted when Jerry opened the door to another classroom that was filled with people. Several creatures turned their heads to look at me. Principal Oldman rose to her feet and gave me a warm smile. The pretty boy was there, too. I also sensed a handsome fae, warlock, and some other creatures that were probably students of Moonlight.

"There she is, our newest student," she said, looking even better than before and wearing a white jumpsuit. "Come on, Jaymin, sit down and let me introduce you to everyone."

"Jaymin." Someone snorted. It was the tall and skinny vampire who'd greeted Lachlan outside. She was staring at me with a mock expression on her face, and I was ready to scratch her eyes out. The tiny voice inside my head told me that this was it, the place where I would spend the next several months of my life. My old life was over, no longer leaving me empty and unfulfilled. The future finally seemed brighter than ever before.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐