Chapter 31: Soul.

The 2 days spent in recovery were the most peace I'd had in months. I looked at my comfy bed a bit downtrodden; today I started work again. I sighed sadly; but the next moment I felt excited to be back. Lilly had said that master called for me to come to his private chamber; and that was exactly what I did. Feeling refreshed I quickly made my way to him. The catacomb's eroded walls were like a maze of endless tunnels. Many people had lost their way in them; but many more had come to make it into a home. Master managed to block off a good portion of its entrances and connecting pathways to make a large underground base. I hadn't thought of half the things he had since he became the leader of my group.

Could I really call myself a leader after seeing all that he has achieved in the short time he has been here? It was almost a joke to say I ever was. I needed to prove my worth if not for my master than for myself. I was in front of the master's room now. It floored me every time I got into close proximity to him. His presence was like a magnet that sucked me in; I wanted to run away from him and grovel at his feet all at once.

Praying for his benevolence I opened the door to see Betty and Sue feeding and messaging Master. The 4 girls that had come here had proven themselves to be fast learners and fairly skilled. The orange haired girl was named Sue, the green haired girl was named Betty, the blond girl was named Lilly, and lastly was Andorra; Master had explained she was the spy to look out for. I resented her greatly; She was the reason for my near death experience.

The room was dimly lit by candles; and in the center was a large magic circle. I looked over at Master who lounged leisurely on his coffin as if it was a throne. He smiled a twisted smile and waved the 2 girls away; They pouted but left swiftly.

"Gail it's time to fulfill that promise you made me." He said; The hint of excitement in his voice was harrowing. My mind was telling me nothing good could come of this; but I still wanted to fulfill my promise if not just to keep some form of pride.

Following his instructions I placed myself in the center of the circle; after which he and I began to recite a chant at the same time. The chant was something he taught to me during my time on sick leave. I knew it meant nothing to him but the time he spent with me was a pleasant memory for myself. I was showered with his complete attention and he was so patient with me; thinking about it I began to smile.

As our voices rose higher the candle fire did too, the feeling of something invisible but tangible seemed to fill the air. The taste, and smell of ozone was nauseating; I cut my wrist as instructed and watched as the droplets fell. a light flashed from the magic circle as if the blood was the key to activate it; It came to life. the light grew hotter until I felt like I was being engulfed in flames; I screamed the sound of my own piercing voice filled my ears. The next thing I knew I was opening my eyes; I stared up at Master and the weight of his gaze floored me. I came to my senses immediately and sat up.

"How do you feel Gail?" His voice was empty of any concern; but I was happy he asked even if it was just out of courtesy. I stopped to check myself; I looked at every part of my body before I realized there was a strange emptiness inside me. Alarmed I looked up at Master, and instantly I felt a strange tug that seemed to pull at me in an incomprehensible way. Fear and insecurity took hold of me and I held myself; the emptiness inside me brought on a wave of anxiety. I suddenly felt incomplete.

"Worry not Gail, I will take good care of you." His bemused face was now in front of me. His tone was mocking and I knew I should be angry; but the sudden action of him holding me brought a cool and calming sensation. Was it because he had my soul? After a while Master pulled away and said.

" You've work to do; Be good and teach the girls well. A cartographer needs to be located; use force if you have to. update me on any news you find out; I still have some unfinished business to attend to so I won't be back until later. PIck up this room." he said the last words as he headed out the door; I had my orders and was extremely grateful for the light work given to me; Now that I had assistance it would be a piece of cake. I began cleaning the candles and left to grab a rag and bucket.

Meanwhile in the back room of a certain Inn, a young man was being stared down by a very angry Vampire.

"Who are you?" Said the young man fearfully. the woman gazed down at him before she gave a swift kick to his knee. the sound of bone cracking resounded in the room and the man let out an involuntary scream.

"Jara... But That doesn't matter; you wont even remember how you came to be after I'm done with you." She smiled knowingly and the man shook with fear. desperate he began to plead for his life; offering information and secrets from the highest of nobility. Jara listened until he had nothing more to offer and then began to laugh a melodious and haunting cortile.

"It astounds me how stupid you humans can be. you'd think you wouldn't use the reason you got into this mess in the first place as a leverage. I figured you were the leaker but to think you'd confirm it so easily and with little coercion; How disappointing and boring..for a bartender you aren't very tactful." Jara had already begun slicing off small bits of the poor boy. It was his toes and fingers first, then his hands and his feet; she made her way up until he was little more than a body and a head.

"If you kill him so quickly how am I to get information from him?" A dull voice drawled. he wasn't in the mood to try and save a life but it looked like he would have to. Amos stared down at the once unfamiliar bartender named Philip.

"Hi I'm your boss; and if you do as I say you may survive long enough to bare children." he flashed his fangs at Philip and as if on cue the young man passed out.