Chapter 4

I was watering the plants when I heard a scream. I didn't have to be indoors to hear Myra talking to someone about her daughter Sonja's kidnapping. I was so surprised that I dropped the hose. The kidnapper made it clear that they will return her if Anya obeys his orders. I walked in and asked her to stall him as I tracked Sonja. A simple echolocation and her silhouette appeared before my eyes. She was in an abandoned building not far from where we were. I gave Anya a wink to reassure her that I found her. When the kidnapper hung up I made it clear that I will be back with her safe and sound in five minutes. There were those who were skeptical. They watched as I opened a window and climbed out. I took a deep breath and I made myself invisible. I heard a sharp gasp but I didn't bother to find out who it was. Then I flew till I reached where she was. The kidnapper and his assistant was outside trying to come up with an obscene amount. Each time the helper gave an amount the other guy made it clear that it wasn't enough. That they should aim higher. Unbeknown to them I stood there shaking my head. When I had enough I quietly walked in and found her tied to a chair. I whispered into her what i was doing and she behaved nicely. When she was lose I held her hand and she became invisible. Then we both quietly walked out and when the coast was clear I flew her home.

Anya stood by the window shocked as Sonja materialized in front of her. We climbed through the window and everybody hugged her tightly. Then before they started to thank me, I went back to get her things. I was surprised that I managed to do so diligently. I mean so many ideas were swimming in head. One of my concern was that they will catch me and I will have to go monster on them. This means I came here for nothing. When I got back the family was waiting with questions. I remained silent. After a few round of questions they wanted to know if other vampires can do what I can do. Before I can give a definitive answer Anya made it clear that I only tell my secrets to those who deserve it. She took my hand and we walked to the study.

Anya wanted to know if it was possible for her to be a vampire or a werewolf. I asked her why she has taken an interest in changing. She just mentioned that she wants to live a healthy life and being one of them can facilitate that. I reminded her that the current regime is looking for nocturnals. They will dissect her without hesitation. She brushed it off saying that she will find a way. I just need to point her in the right direction. I explained that the venom is poisonous to certain people. If she is one of them she will be dead in an instant. If she is lucky she will have excruciating pain for a few minutes and then she will be one of them till the moment death is written for her. She gave it some thought and asked me what qualified a person to become either. I honestly told her that I don't know. First people would volunteer to become a nocturnal. They find their strengths and then select a mentor or a leader. The council chooses who bites them. They are taken to an antechamber where they are bitten they remain there till they change. Only a few change while the other die. This made her a little apprehensive. She brushed off the entire conversation as her granddaughters started to ask for her.

We came out to see Daryna and her twin Liliya with their kids waiting to talk to Anya about a few things. They smiled at me as I walked past them. The youngest of Liliya's daughter was Lyudmyla. Liliya was carrying her since she was too small to walk. The next oldest Tetyana and the oldest Antonina were staring at me. They were hiding behind their mother's skirt. I winked at them before I caressed the baby. I left them to their chitchat as I diverted my attention to the library. The library was bigger in size than the hall Anya entertained her guests. There was wall to wall books from every era, every genre. I was like a kid at a candy store. I couldn't decide which book to read. After much contemplate I chose a contemporary book by an unknown author from Poland.

A few minutes later Dasha came to tell me that it was lunch time. I was surprised at how time flies. The entire family was present as per Anya's orders. We ate a roast turkey and a few other delicacies. A police officer arrived as we were enjoying dessert. He came to inform us about a lunatic was found in the woods. He was arrested after he had declared to have kidnapped Sonja. He wanted to know if there is any truth to that claim. Sonja got up and claimed that she has not left the house since last night. The officer stayed for a few more minutes to question her. He stared at the women enjoying their lunch oblivious to the conversation. He gave out a sigh and walked off. I asked them what was going on. Anya explained that he used to date Anya's niece Zoya before Ken married her. So this is just a matter of sour grapes. He is married to Dae's cousin Bo-Bae. I was promised a formal introduction to close family friends and enemies so it will be easier for me to protect her family till it is time for me to go and live the Nocturnals again. I detected a hint of sour grapes from Anya's tone but kept it to myself.

We left for a shopping trip. We arrived at the Torgovyy tsentr a Megamall in the city center. We bought clothes and jewelry for me. After a few shops later we arrived at the food court. One of them was a Georgian restaurant Bebia. We had Khinkali and Karcho and for dessert we had Medoki, Korkoti and Kaklucha. We were walking to the next floor when I heard a gun being loaded so I asked that we leave now. I explained that I sensed that there is going to be a shootout so we are leaving. We managed to get out when some mad man with a gun started to shooting up the place. When we were clear of the building we called law enforcement. They promised to take care of it. They adviced us to go home so we did. We made it back to Valentina as quickly as possible.

Myra was waiting by the door for us. She hugged all of us before she ushered us in. Anya was watching the latest news about the shootout. Anya hugged all of us. But the hug she gave me lasted a little bit longer. She sat us and down and the inquiry began. When she was satisfied with the answer we walked upstairs with our shopping and I took a quick shower.

We got an invitation to attend a party arranged by the Mayor. I didn't get to buy party outfits so Myra called the family tailor. He arrived and with an assortment of fabric and designs. The label said Magchumhyeong. I was told it means bespoke in Korean. He took my measurements and asked which fabrics he should focus on. He promised that the dress will be done by the next day.

Without warning the city was placed on lockdown. The residents were told to go home. We were all given three hours to go back indoors after which the rebels will shoot those who are out without a official documents. I heard bangs and screaming so I looked out the window. I saw fighter planes shooting missiles at the tanks that were hovering below. They missed their mark. The tank retaliated by firing back. They didn't miss their target. The plane came crashing outside our property so I ran to help the pilot as he came down with the help of the parachute.