Origin of Darkness (Daeva, #2)

Origin of Darkness

by

Daniel A. Kaine

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Daniel A. Kaine

Cover Design by Keary Taylor

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

I've had my fair share of hangovers before, but this one topped them all. It had all the usual components, from the banging headache to the uneasy stomach and throbbing ache of every muscle in my body. However, this time there was something more; something I pray to God I'll never have to experience ever again.

I opened my eyes, groaning as the hanging light bulb stabbed at them with a fierce intensity. With one hand blocking the light, I took in my unfamiliar surroundings. Bare stone walls surrounded me with not a window in sight. A wooden door barred the only exit, its frame cracked and splintered. A damp, mouldy smell permeated the air, and beneath it was something sickly and sweet.

The fine hairs on my forearms stood to attention and a violent shiver ran down my body. I sat up and wrapped my arms around myself. Naked from the waist up, I noticed. A dark brown stain on my jeans caught my attention. I reached down to brush my fingers against the stain, only to find it dried and hardened. Maybe the strong odour of wine had something to do with it, I thought.

Another shiver racked my body, and I wrapped the blanket on the bed tight around me. It did little to abate the tremors coursing through my muscles. In fact, they only seemed to be getting worse. I debated trying to sneak out of the room, to find out where I was, but decided against it on account of being too weak to push myself to my feet.

Where the hell had I ended up? How did I get there? What had I drank to make me so ill? I attempted to recall any details from the previous night, but no matter how hard I tried I found nothing. Never once had I been so drunk that I couldn't remember a single thing!

A jolt of pain struck my head, spreading like fire through my entire body, accompanied by an agonising ringing. I screamed and threw myself back on the bed, covering my ears as though I could somehow block out the noise. My head was on the verge of splitting in two, my body ready to burst into flames from the searing pain flowing through every nerve ending, sparking them to life.

Then there was the thudding, like drums, getting faster and louder. A single bang echoed through the room, followed by several softer ones. I sensed rather than saw someone next to me. A hand grabbed a fistful of my hair, holding my head still as something was thrust against my lips. A warm, metallic scent overcame my senses. My lips locked around the object, sucking desperately at the sweet liquid that passed my lips as though it was water and I had been deprived for days. The more I drank, the more I wanted. My mind was no longer my own—taken over by something instinctual and insatiable. I gripped the source of the liquid, pressing it harder against my mouth until the hand on the back of my head yanked me away. A single hand pressed against my chest, pinning me to the bed. I struggled to break free until the second hand came down, holding me fast with a strength unlike anything I had encountered before.

My, you're certainly a feisty one, said the feminine voice.

My body stilled, eyes opening to meet a familiar set of green irises, framed by long, midnight-black hair.

You're... Violet, I said, my voice cracked and hoarse.

She nodded and released her hold on me, allowing me to sit up. My memories started to return. Violet. I had met her for the first time the other day. At least, it only seemed like the night before. I couldn't be sure how much time had passed since then. The events after my reunion with Mik remained obscured from my mind.

Mikhail, or Mik as he preferred to be called, had become my best friend during the year we spent as room-mates at the military academy. Our relationship had moved to the next level following a drunken night of fun neither of us had been expecting. Shortly after we began to admit our feelings to each other Mik disappeared during a routine mission. I believed the enemy had taken him, as General Marsten had reported to us. However, several days later our paths crossed outside the city and Mik tried to convince me the General had betrayed him. I didn't believe him at the time. My mind tried to rationalise the situation, coming to the conclusion he had been hypnotised by a vampire. I attempted to capture him with the intent of saving him, and I failed.

Over time I started to doubt myself. I wondered if perhaps Mik's words held any truth, and so I began to search for information in secret, not wanting to endanger the rest of our squad. Then Lucas caught me in the act. I was desperate, and everything I tried was coming up empty-handed. My decision to yield to his offer of help led to Lucas being arrested for interrogation. The same night I went to rescue Lucas, Mik reappeared in the city with the vampire who now sat beside me.

How are you feeling? she asked.

Like I'm dying, I replied. The shivering had subsided, and the headache receded to a dull ache. My entire body felt weak and somewhat numb, drained of energy. On the upside, my stomach was feeling much better.

Violet snickered to herself. My brow furrowed, eyes narrowing at her. Had I said something funny? I bit my bottom lip, tasting the strange liquid I had been fed earlier. I wiped the back of my right hand across my mouth, leaving a streak of crimson along the back of my hand. My eyes widened as flashes of red began to fill my vision, images of blood flooding my mind.

I was lying in a pool of blood. My blood. I remembered claws tearing into my stomach. My hands trembled and went to my stomach, where I found not even a scratch. I remembered Mik knelt over me as everything faded to black. He had cried and begged for me to be all right. I shook my head, trying to dislodge the thoughts from my mind. I would be dead if it were true.

I sat in silence for a moment, my eyes cast down as the truth began to sink in. It was as though this one simple fact were something that no brain was designed to handle.

I'm dead, aren't I? I said, breaking the awkward silence that hung between us. I knew the answer before she spoke. I didn't want to believe, but deep down I couldn’t deny what now seemed so obvious.

Yes, Violet said, resting her hand on my shoulder.

Just like that, everything seemed to slot into place. That night at the church Mik explained to me about the pure-bloods—the born vampires. I wouldn't have believed him, had I not seen one with my own eyes. Verloren. I provoked him in an attempt to draw his attention away from Mik, only to end up bleeding to death in one corner as Violet and a werewolf took down the bastard. Talk about being useful!

Why'd you do it? I asked.

Violet let out a long, weary sigh. Mik went through so much to be reunited with you. I couldn't bear to watch him lose you for good.

It was my turn to sigh. My only intention had been to protect him. I hadn't given a single thought as to how he would be affected if I ended up dead, which is exactly what happened. Selfish. Brash. I was sure Mik would be able to come up with an arsenal of choice words to describe my actions.

How is he?

A little shaken up, but physically he's fine.

Does he know I'm... Well, you know?

Violet nodded. He knows.

I smiled, taking comfort in the fact that Mik at least came out of it okay, all things considered. Though come to think of it, I didn't even know half of what he had been through during his month of exile from Rachat. I had so much to ask him about the outside world and the vampires. But more importantly I wanted to ask about him. He had only been gone from the city for a few weeks, but even in the short time we were reunited I could tell he was different. He had grown.

Deciding we were long overdue a proper reunion, I jumped up off the bed and landed uneasily on both feet. My knees shook beneath my weight, but soon steadied. I started toward the door when a hand caught my wrist and yanked me back. My feet left the floor and my back slammed into the cold, stone wall, knocking the wind out of me.

What was that for? I snapped, glaring at Violet who stood with her arms folded, barring my path. A sharp pain shot through my gums, followed by the faint taste of blood. I ran my tongue along my gums, surprised to find two sharp fangs protruding from them. Though they were only small, they felt bulky and uncomfortable in my mouth, like huge swellings against my upper lips.

You want to go to him, don't you? Violet asked, her gaze drifting away from me.

Of course I do.

You can't. At least, not yet.

Why?

For starters, it's the middle of the day, she said bluntly. We have no idea whether or not you've inherited my day-walking yet. If you possess the bloodline then sunlight will weaken you, but it won't be fatal as it is for other vampires.

Day-walking, I repeated, my mind replaying her last sentence. Such a thing exists?

Violet nodded.

Then let's go test it, I suggested. The sooner we found out if I was going to burst into flames, the sooner I could go visit Mik. I started to push myself up off the bed.

There's more, she said, her hand pressing against my shoulder and forcing me to sit back down. Your body is weak from the transition and needs blood now more than ever. It would take only one moment of weakness and you could rip his throat out before you even realise what you're doing.

I looked down at the floor, a sense of shame washing over me. Of course it wouldn't be that easy to return to being amongst humans after dying. I had to wonder though, would I ever be able to look at Mik—at any human—and not think of food? My fangs retracted, causing me to wince.

You see? Violet asked, prodding my mouth with her finger. Your fangs are tied to your emotions, as is the hunger. Heightened emotions have caused many new vampires to lose control. You'll need to learn to resist your hunger when it surfaces before you can see him. We'll have to teach you to feed properly as well. After all, you're going to need more than second-hand blood while you transition.

In life I was a Daeva—a human with supernatural abilities—so I knew all about losing control of a newfound ability. I wondered if perhaps I still retained those powers now I was no longer living. With one arm outstretched, palm up, I focused my energy into my hand. A cold chill ran down the length of my arm, the air around me growing colder. Slowly, a small sphere of ice began to form in my palm. After years of practice controlling the ice was like second nature, but it hadn't always been so easy to keep my magic in check.

Nice trick, Violet said, lifting the ice to roll it about in her hand.

The first time I did that… I said, avoiding her gaze. I couldn't control it. A guy froze to death because of me.

Then you understand why you need to wait?

I nodded, my head still hung. The last thing I want to do is hurt him.

Good. Then we're agreed?

Again, I nodded.

Violet smiled and pulled a small stool from the corner of the room up to the bed. She sat down and lifted the orb of ice up to the light, turning it around between her forefinger and thumb.

I wasn't sure if you would retain your Daeva abilities or not, she said. This is new territory. I mean, you were more than human before you died. Who knows what surprises we have in store?

I've already had enough surprises to last a lifetime, I wearied. And what's worrying is waking up to find I'm dead probably isn't the worst of them.

Do you hate me for turning you? Violet asked.

I opened my mouth to say no, but paused. Amidst the torrent of emotions flowing through me, there was a part of me that wanted to lash out—the same part that had lived life believing all vampires were evil and it was our duty to kill as many as possible. Now I was one of them. The enemy. But what if vampires weren't the real threat? The Silver Dawn had lied to us for so long.

Yes, I answered, "and no. I don't know what to think of vampires anymore. I mean, you don't exactly live up to the image the Silver Dawn painted of you guys. I want to trust you, but it's not that easy. And then there's a part of me that's happy I'm not dead dead. Because of you, I have another chance with Mik."

I don't blame your reluctance, she said. Trust isn't something you should give out readily, for it is easily misplaced as I have come to realise.

Violet looked away. Her jaw clenched, the tension in her face visible even from behind. She caught me watching and forced a smile.

You're an empath, right? Tell me, can you sense my emotions?

I shook my head. It doesn't work on vampires. At least, it didn't when I was still alive.

I was only nine when my empathy first manifested, and without a clue as to what was happening to me. My parents had me diagnosed as schizophrenic, but with the outing of the first Daeva, I came to understand my condition and learned to control it.

I assumed since I retained the one ability, it would be the same with the other. To be sure, I reached out with my mind, listening for the whispers of emotions that had become so familiar. Nothing. Silence. I wasn't sure whether I should be happy or sad. On the one hand, not having to shield myself around others would be a massive relief. Sometimes the emotions of everyone around me would prove to be too much, and I hated the side of me it brought out—quick-tempered and grumpy. But on the other hand, I had lived with empathy most of my life, and to have it gone would be like a void inside of me.

No sooner had the thought crossed my mind, I began to sense something. A heavy weight. Was it coming from Violet? I shook my head. It couldn't be. From my limited experience of vampires, they had always felt like empty spaces—devoid of any feeling. I reached out further, grasping for the source, but as I did so a barrage of emotions bombarded me. Fear. Happiness. Guilt. Sorrow. Anxiety. Anger, and many more. They crashed into me, wave after endless wave. My mind was touched by hundreds of people, more than I had ever experienced before, and I could only assume the sudden growth in my ability had something to do with my recent bodily changes. All of them slammed into me, my body convulsing under the sheer weight of such energy. I screwed my eyes shut and cried out as I tried to pull up a psychic wall. My efforts were in vain. It was like trying to repair a dam as it crumbled piece by piece under the force of the water gushing out, sweeping away everything in its path.

Above it all was a faint whisper. 'Open your eyes,' the voice said. I did as the mysterious voice asked, though not by choice. I was compelled me to obey. Violet's eyes loomed above me, burning with an emerald fire that held my gaze and blocked out all other thought. For a moment, nothing existed to me save for her eyes and voice.

Now, sleep, she whispered. Your body and mind needs to rest.

The sound of the door opening and closing jerked me from my sleep. I sensed movement to my left and a musky, unfamiliar scent filled the air. I jumped to my hands and feet, crouching low on the bed.

Hey, take it easy, said the deep, male voice.

He was a little shy of six foot, but well built, with shoulder-length hair that was silvery-white with black undertones. His eyes stood out against the tanned skin, part green, part yellow—a combination I would never have expected to see anywhere other than an animal. That, along with the crackling, fiery aura that seemed to envelop him, suggested to me he was a shifter.

You remember me? he asked, holding his hands up, as if to show me he was unarmed. The gesture seemed redundant to me, considering his body would be the only weapon he needed. I stayed on alert, my arms and legs ready to spring into action if the need arose. The more I watched him, the more I saw something familiar about him. He had been with Mik and Violet at the church.

What's your name? I asked.

Daniel, he replied. He moved slow and calculated, like a predator, his body ready for a fight. I wasn't sure if he was on the attack, or merely preparing to defend himself. Either way, if his aura was anything to go by, I wouldn't be on the winning side.

Where's Violet? I asked.

On her way. She wanted me to make a donation to help you get back on your feet quicker.

The mere mention of feeding was enough to fixate my gaze on the blood vessel in his neck, my fangs sliding from wherever it is they usually hide. His heart beat slow and steady, the scent of blood coursing beneath his skin. Even as a newborn vampire, I knew his blood would be something else compared to Violet’s. The smell was different, like fresh meat as it hits the frying pan.

I licked my lips and Daniel tensed, as though he expected me to pounce on him at any moment. The thought was tempting, and were it not for the disgust that washed over me, I might have done it. I would have jumped him then and there, tearing at his throat to have the warm blood gush out into my mouth. The human part of my mind was almost horrified upon realising I would have to drink it. And meanwhile, the vampire half was urging me on, promising it would feel good.

Despite accepting the fact I was now dead, I hadn’t stopped to consider what it would mean for me. I would have to live on blood for the rest of my 'life'. Would I be able to eat real food ever again, even if it did nothing for me? And there was still the question of whether or not I had inherited the day-walker bloodline. If I hadn't, I'd be damned to walk the Earth at night, forever cowering away from the sun. No more sunsets or sunrises, only the eerie pale glow of the moon when most people would be tucked away in bed.

You all right? Daniel asked.

I looked into his eyes, noting that the blood lust had receded for now. Just a little overwhelmed, I guess.

Yeah, I hear you man, he said, moving closer toward me. His hand lifted slowly and came to rest on my shoulder. I went through something similar sixteen years ago. It'll take some time, but you'll adjust. You'll see.

Footsteps came from outside the room, followed by the door opening.

I told you to wait for me, Violet snapped. She blinked once, taking in the sight of Daniel comforting me and her shoulders relaxed, as though she had expected us to be at each other’s throats. I assume Daniel explained why he's here. Are you ready to get started?

I don't know if I can do it, I replied. Drinking someone else's blood—

It's not a question of can or can't. You must, Violet said. She walked toward the bed and sat down next to me. Do you know what will happen if you don't drink human blood?

Is that a trick question? I asked, raising an eyebrow. I'd die, right?

Violet shook her head. The longer you resist the hunger, the stronger it will become. Over time the urge will consume you until all that remains is the need to feed. You would lose yourself.

You'd become a revenant, Daniel added. A vampire driven insane by blood lust. They know nothing but a never-ending thirst for blood, and once the threshold is crossed, there’s no coming back. Our only option would be to kill you before you go on a rampage.

Think of Mik, Violet said. Think of what it would do to him to have to see you like that... to lose you again. He already blames himself for what happened to both you and Lucas.

That was my fault, I said, letting out a dejected sigh. If I hadn't been so selfish and desperate, I never would have let Lucas help me.

He made his own choice, Daniel said. He chose to help you.

And things may have turned out quite differently had you not been in the church, said Violet. Mik would have been no match for Nate. He would have tried to save him. You did what was necessary, and now you must do so again.

They made it sound so simple. It wasn't just the thought of drinking blood that made me feel disgusted. It also terrified me that I might enjoy it. No, scratch that. I knew I would enjoy it. A part of me wanted badly to sink my fangs into someone's neck and drink them dry. That part whispered at the back of my mind, promising me a high like no other I had experienced before. I could give in to the sensation and lose myself in bliss. That scared me too. But if the option was to resist the urge completely and become a bloodthirsty monster, or to feed and risk the chance of losing myself that way, then I didn't have a choice at all. The pulsing vein in Daniel's neck caught my attention once more. My fangs extended, eager to pierce the soft flesh and get my first taste of werewolf blood.

Looks like he's ready, Violet said.

Daniel nodded and turned his back to me. He knelt down on both knees and brushed his hair to one side, exposing the line of his neck. I leaned in closer, nostrils flaring. He smelled of trees and musk, like the overgrown wilderness that had taken over many of France's abandoned towns. And also there was the sharp, spicy scent of hot blood flowing beneath the surface.

Don't worry, he said. I heal fast, so you don't have to get it right the first time.

I moved in closer, pushing past the jolting aura that enveloped him, sending an electric shiver through my body. I lunged forward, driving my fangs through the skin that gave way so easily. Daniel cried out and I jerked away, almost pushing him to the ground.

Sorry, I said hurriedly, noting the two ragged wounds on his neck. Did I hurt you?

You just bit me, Daniel said, almost growling. What do you think?

Violet laughed. I think you missed.

Only a faint blemish remained on Daniel's neck, and sure enough I had missed the vein by a fair margin.

You should tilt your head a bit more, Violet suggested.

And for the love of God, don't move your head once you start sinking your fangs in, Daniel said. It's bad enough without you almost tearing a chunk out of me!

I licked my fangs, tasting what little blood I had come away with. It was warm and sweet, but it wasn't enough. My body wanted more. I wanted more. I placed my hand on Daniel's shoulder and leaned in close, running my tongue along his neck. His body shuddered, the vein beating faster beneath my touch. Without warning, I tilted my head to one side and bit down.

Warmth flooded into my mouth and began to spill over, trickling down my lips and chin. I sucked and swallowed, not wanting to waste a drop. The blood slid down my throat with a fiery warmth that spread throughout my entire body. The world around us ceased to exist. There was only Daniel in my arms, his blood flowing freely into me. He started to pull away and I held on tighter until a hand caught my jaw, forcing me to release my grip on him.

I collapsed back against the bed, as light-headed as though I had been drinking a strong spirit and not a werewolf's blood. The fire still burned within me, making me feel stronger and more alive than ever.

Daniel looked back at me, and then at Violet. Did you know that would happen? he snapped, inclining his head toward me.

It's not uncommon, Violet replied with a shrug.

Don't you think you should have mentioned it to me beforehand? he asked, his lips curling.

It didn't occur to me, Violet said. It never crossed my mind that you've never fed a newly risen male before.

What are you talking about? I asked, wiping the blood from my chin before cleaning it off the back of my hand with my tongue. It seemed a shame to waste it. Violet crouched down next to me and pulled my hand away from my face. I narrowed my eyes at her, which only served to make her chuckle and shake her head.

You haven't noticed, have you? she said, releasing my wrist. Feeding can awaken other hungers within you, especially for young males. And, well… Violet indicated downward with her eyes. I followed her gaze, quickly becoming aware of the suffocating tightness in my pants. I jumped onto the bed, pulling the thin blanket over me.

How had I not noticed it before? Daniel was no ugly duckling, but sex had to have been one of the last things on my mind. The fact that it had happened without my even noticing it was embarrassing. But more than that, it scared me. Things were happening to my body and I had no control over them. I had been so immersed in the feeding and the taste of blood that I could have been dry humping Daniel without realising it. If the hunger was that strong, then what else might I do without knowing until it was too late? Hurt someone? Kill them?

I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. With my head hung, resting on my arms, I looked over at Violet. She sat on the bed and placed a hand on my head.

"Oh,