The Howling

Lena let the towel fall to the floor. With a steady hand, Vlad carefully wrapped the bandage around her ribs. When he had finished and it was secure he passed her the dress and helped her slip into it. She leaned on him to steady herself, unsure of why she was trembling at all.

Vlad brushed Lena’s hair away from her face. She watched him as he silently reached for the black paste and gently reapplied it to her forehead. Their eyes met. She realized then that they were a deep blue. Neither one of them wanted to look away. They just stood there, her hands on his shoulders, and their eyes gazing into each other. At last, she smiled and broke away.

“Thank you.” She whispered as she turned away.

“You’re welcome.” He replied. “Are you hungry?”

“A little,” She replied.

“Can you make it downstairs or would you rather I bring it up here for you?”

“I can make it.” She smiled. “I might even cook if you want.”

“That would be nice.” He smiled and put his arm around her.

“What would you like to eat?” He asked as he led her downstairs.

“What sounds good to you?” She asked as she nearly lost her footing, thankful for his strong arm supporting her.

“Maybe you’re not quite as ready to cook as you thought you were.” He smiled.

“Perhaps not, I just wanted some level of normality.” She chuckled.

“In this place?” His eyes lit up. “Magic is normal just watch and see.”

Vlad took Lena’s hand and walked her into the dining room. The candles flickered and came to life in the candelabras that lined the room. He turned to her and smiled.

“Tell me what you would like to eat.”

She thought hard, “Blueberry pancakes with fresh maple syrup and hash browns. You know the lightly crispy kind that practically melts in your mouth? Oh can they be smothered in cheese?” She grinned.

“Whatever you imagine them to be my darling.” He smiled back at her as it appeared on plates before them.

Lena gasped, “Amazing.”

“Yes you are.” He replied.

She looked at him confused when he continued.

“So, does it taste anything like you imagined?”

“Let’s find out shall we?” She smiled and took her seat.

Vlad sat down in his chair and watched as Lena dug right in. When he could see that she was satisfied he too began to eat. He instantly could not restrain his excitement.

“Wow.”

“What is it?” She asked curiously.

“You have a very powerful mind Lena. I created this from your thoughts. I could not imagine things with such detail.” He admitted.

“I did this?” She asked sounding more surprised than she had intended to be.

“Indeed,” He smiled. “I linked my mind with yours and this is what we created together.”

“If you have that much power, what is stopping you from healing me?” She asked knowing it sounded selfish.

He laughed, “I took your pain away. That’s all you would allow me to do. It’s not just my mind that holds limitation.”

“Oh,” She thought about it for a moment.

“So if I believed in it then it would happen?”

“I would make anything you want happen.” He reached across the table and took her hand.

You’ll want for nothing… a voice whispered in her mind. She reached up and rubbed her temples to make it go away.

“What is it?” He asked looking concerned.

“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” She replied with a weak smile.

“Come here,” He stood and took both her hands in his. “Trust me.”

“Completely,” She replied as they stood face to face.

“Close your eyes.”

Lena closed her eyes. Her hands fell to her sides as Vlad let them go. He reached up and gently caressed her face. She felt a cold tingling sensation course through her as his hands moved from her face and slid down her shoulders. When his hands reached her ribs she heard a loud popping sound but there was no pain associated with it. She just felt warm and calm as his strong arms wrapped around her.

In that moment Lena felt herself let go. She had no idea that she was even moving. As she stood on the tips of her toes she pressed her lips to Vlad’s lips. He responded holding her tightly to him as he kissed her back softly. When their lips parted his hands fell away from her and he took a step back.

“Oh Lena,” He whispered.

“I’m sorry.” She replied as she reached up and touched her lips.

“Did you mean it?” He asked.

“Yes,” She replied without hesitation.

“Then don’t be sorry.” He smiled.

She blushed, “Alright.”

“Come with me.” He said as he took her hand.

Vlad led her back upstairs and into her bedroom. He sat her down at the desk in front of the pen and paper.

“This is where you need to be. Let the demons out so your mind can be free. Only then will your heart truly soar.” He kissed the top of her head and left her alone.

It had been a long time since Lena had felt the flow of words through a pen in her hand. It came to her almost too naturally. She became consumed by it as she wrote the night away. There was no beginning or end for her this time, no pre-planned well thought out plot lines; all it was now were words, without the pain of feeling them. She found peace at last.

Vlad just watched Lena for a while. He could see as her tension melted away and she gave into her calling, that she was indeed was right where she belonged. He hated to interrupt her but she needed to eat. He silently set the plate down beside her and went to sit on the bed.

“Thank you,” She said as she finally laid the pen down.

“You’re quite welcome.” He replied.

“You look like you’re feeling better.” He said as she finished the sandwich.

“Very much so.” She smiled.

“Enough to help me with something?” He asked.

“Like what?”

“Well, I’ve been creating your clothes day to day. I thought with your mind we could create a whole wardrobe.” He stated.

“Really?” She perked right up.

“My power is as limitless as your imagination so let’s give it a try.” He smiled.

“Alright, tell me what to do.” She smiled.

“Take my hands and close your eyes. Picture what you want in your mind and open it up to me.” He spoke softly.

Lena did as Vlad requested. Her mind raced through colors, shades and designs for clothes and accessories. As she continued to detail it out in her mind, a feeling of warmth possessed her. A wave of dizzy pleasure coursed through her as she felt him there within her mind. She swooned, fainted, and fell into his arms. When she opened her eyes he smiled at her kindly.

“Look,” He said as he pointed at the closet. “You did it.”

She threw open the doors, “Wow.”

It was all there just as she had pictured it. There were shirts, skirts, jeans and shoes lining the closet. Jewelry hung on hooks that lined the wall. There were fancy dresses, and every day causal dresses. She laughed wondering if she over thought it.

“It’s perfect,” She smiled.

“It really is.” He sighed contently. “You should rest now. It’s getting late.”

“But you’ll leave and I don’t want you to go.” She pouted.

“Really, you know, all you have to do is ask.” He replied.

“Stay with me.” She took his hand.

“Anything for you,” He pulled her close and kissed her head.

Lena stepped free from her clothes and pulled the bandage off her chest. She snuggled up under the covers as Vlad’s clothes hit the floor beside hers. He lay down beside her and opened his arms. She snuggled up to his chest with a sigh. They held each other for a long time silently soaking up the warmth of their combined skin. Finally, their eyes closed and they gave into sleep.

Lena opened her eyes as the first hints of light filtered through the curtains. She snuggled up to Vlad’s chest, holding him tightly as he kissed the top of her head.

“I don’t want this to end.” She whispered.

“It doesn’t have to.” He replied as he smiled into her hair.

“Really?” She asked hopefully.

“You can stay as long as you wish.” He spoke as she looked up into his eyes.

“This world holds many things Lena. But, as I hold you I see nothing of it. I want to be in your world where nothing exists but us.” He spoke softly.

“Is that possible?”

“Everything is possible when I’m here with you.” He kissed her so tenderly she trembled in his arms.

“I believe you.” She replied breathlessly.

“I’m glad.” He smiled.

“Give me some time to gather some things and then we can make you as much of a part of this place as I.” He slipped out of bed gently.

“Alright,” She smiled. “Will you come for me when you’re ready?”

“You know I will.” He kissed her once again and quickly walked away.

Lena stretched out and hugged the pillow. It smelled like Vlad and was still warm on her cheek. She smiled, crawled out of bed, and made her way over to the closet. As she looked for something simple to wear she laughed aloud at herself. She had let her imagination run away with her and was overwhelmed by all the choices.

Lena settled on the blue and white sundress. She pulled it off the hanger and slipped it over her head. Once she was dressed she went back to the desk contently working away the morning hours as she awaited Vlad’s return.

Kyle Dagwood paced behind the thick red curtain. He checked his watch, played with his tie, and smoothed out his pale gray jacket. Lena was still missing after their argument, and she had left him standing alone yet again. He saw no further reason to delay the inevitable. So he ran his fingers through his long brown hair, put on his most charming smile, and stepped through the curtain. Only his blue eyes betrayed his calm features as his anger threatened to boil over.

With grace and dignity, Kyle accepted the award for Lena. When all was said and done he walked off stage and threw the glass award against the wall. As it shattered, he walked past it, climbed into his car, and dialed her number again. It went straight to voice mail as it had done for the past few days. He cursed aloud and made his way home.

Another three days passed without a word. Kyle sat in his office going through pages of pitches from people begging to be noticed. He didn’t bother reading half of the words. He just couldn’t get Lena off his mind. She had been gone too long, chasing shadows and hunting the demons that were left in her mind. He blamed himself for chasing her off as he stared at the pages with a blank expression on his face.

Each moment was important to Lena, all but the ones that were important to Kyle. He had flown half way across the world to see her when she had moved to North Beach, Maryland. She had pushed him away. He rushed her vampire novel through printing just to see her smile at the signing, and she walked away with a complete stranger. Her head was so full of fantasy she failed to see the reality in front of her. He was in love with her and she wanted nothing to do with him.

Kyle was certain of that fact now. Lena wasn’t calling and there were no excuses. She was just gone and he was left with nothing yet again. He gave up trying to work and stormed out of the office. He walked down the block and into the bar where he ordered a glass of whiskey and parked himself on the bar stool. A bottle and a half later he was no closer to drowning her memory away and the barkeeper cut him off. So he paid his tab, climbed into the cab, and made his way home alone.

Kyle’s head was pounding. The phone was ringing and he had no idea what day or time it was. He reached for the phone, saw the unfamiliar number on the caller ID and hesitantly answered it.

“Hello, I’m looking for Lena Crawford.” The chipper woman stated.

“That makes two of us.” Kyle muttered.

“This is the secondary contact number she registered with us.” The woman continued.

“You see, she’s not answering her other number and the rental car was never returned. The credit card number we have has been rejected.”

“Wait, what?” Kyle stuttered.

“We’ve reported the car as stolen to the police. So if you know any way to contact her I suggest you inform me now.” The lady stated.

“Lena only has the one number.” He replied baffled.

“I’m not sure I understand you correctly, miss. You’re telling me that Lena is missing?” He asked.

“I’m telling you that the car is missing, Miss Crawford isn’t returning our calls and the credit card she gave us is invalid.” The lady replied with a hint of annoyance.

“Something is very wrong.” Kyle muttered as he put the lady on speaker phone and opened his calendar.

“Sir, do you know where she can be reached?” The lady asked again.

Kyle was no longer listening. He stared numbly at the phone. A month had gone by since Lena had last talked to him. He had been too busy being angry with her to notice. Now he knew that it wasn’t one of her irresponsible side trips that kept her away. Something had gone wrong on her trip and she really was missing. He hung up the phone grabbed his car keys and raced off to the police station to report her missing. He closed his eyes for a moment and said a silent prayer that she would turn up and be alright.

It was almost sun set. Lena’s hand began to cramp from writing all day. As she put the pen down on the paper the door opened behind her. Vlad smiled as he held a bowl in his hand.

“Are you ready?” He asked.

“I’ve been ready all day.” She chuckled as she walked across the room and kissed his cheek.

“As have I,” He smiled. “Come outside with me before the anticipation stops us where we stand.”

“Alright,” She replied. “Explain to me what we are going to do as we walk.”

“Well, sure since it took all day to prepare, it would only be fair to explain.” He chuckled.

“Once we’re outside, in the center of the island, we’re going to do a ceremony. This particular one will join us together so the island will be your home and protect you like it does with me.” He explained.

“So, when you said it didn’t have to end you meant it.” She replied as the cool grass squished between her toes.

“Very much so.” He replied.

“What does the ceremony do exactly and what are we using to do it?” She asked.

“You are curiously perceptive.” He laughed.

“I’m a sucker for detail.” She grinned.

“Ah, so I see.” He continued to smile as he stopped walking.

“This is the place.” He said as they entered a clearing surrounded by trees.

Vlad sat down and placed the bowl in front of him. Lena sat across from him and watched intensely as he continued. He pulled a small ornate dagger from the sheath attached to his belt. She thought it odd that she hadn’t noticed it before as he handed her a folded piece of paper.

“I thought it would be easier for you if I wrote the incantation we speak out for you.” He watched as she read it.

“It sounds self-explanatory.” She chuckled.

“Yes, it does what it says. All I had to do was mix the salt and sage and prepare myself to be joined. The last thing to do is we both have to cut our hands and hold them above the bowl as we chant together.” He lightly blushed.

“I gather this is a first time for both of us.” She smiled.

“Yes,” He replied. “Are you sure this is what you want? Once this is done, nothing but divine intervention can change it.” He explained.

Divinity redefined… sent to redeem the fallen… the words flashed through Lena’s mind. She pushed them away.

“I’m sure.” She nodded. “I’m ready when you are.”

Vlad nodded, took the dagger in his right hand and placed it to his left palm. His fingers wrapped around the blade as he slid it free and handed it hilt first to Lena. She took it, and with a steady hand followed his example. The blade slid free of her grasp as the blood welled to the surface. She laid it down next to the bowl as their blood ran down to mix with the herbs.

“Blood of my blood,” They chanted together.

“Soul of my soul, we give you this offering, to make us whole. Two become one, infinite as thee, joined together, forever, so mote it be.”

As they repeated it again Vlad took Lena’s hand. Their blood mixed in their soaked palms as it dripped down. For a moment, they were lost in each others’ eyes. The chant ended as he reached into the bowl and picked up a handful, motioning for her to do the same.

“Just toss it over my shoulder.” He whispered as he let his fly over her shoulder.

“Alright,” She smiled as she let hers go.

Vlad reached in again and cast the excess to his right. Lena did the same in the opposite direction. The bowl sat empty. Their hands healed over, and for a time they just sat together as the sun disappeared from the sky.

When there was no light left Vlad took Lena by the hand. They walked slowly through the yard with only fireflies to light the way. Once they reached the house candles flared to life and extinguished as they were no longer needed. As they neared the end of the hallway the doors to his bedroom opened. She could feel her skin tingle as he lifted her up and carried her inside.

“What have you done to me, my darling Vlad?” She chuckled as he lay her down on the soft bed.

“I have made us complete. No more chasing shadows, my precious Lena. From now on, they will have to chase us.” He replied.

Lena pressed her lips to his. Vlad gave in ever so lightly brushing his lips against hers. He could feel her heart, understand her unspoken words, and feed her desires; all things that she could do as well with him. Their souls were already one. Without another word their bodies followed giving solidity to the unified bliss.

Lena opened her eyes and for an instant, she thought, seems a bit dark for morning. She jumped as the black curtains slid open. Vlad chuckled into her hair.

“Good morning love.” He kissed her softly.

“Good morning.” She laughed and kissed him back.

“You’re pleased.” He smiled.

“So are you.” She noted.

“If it’s that uncomfortable I can ease up on you a little.” He replied.

No… her mind shouted. “I’ll get use to it.” She blushed.

“Of course you will.” He smiled. “Off with you, the bath is ready.”