aquaticibex

[aquaticibex]

— » Compact Ship Template [ download ]

A single-page template to introduce or showcase your ship. The bottom part consists of different modules you can mix and match as depicted in the gif above. The modules include; History (length of relationship), Tropes, One Song Player (long or short), Text Box, Contacts, Kids or Pets, Statistics (2 different types), and Images.

Example can be found here.

—  RULES

Like or Reblog if you plan on using.

You may edit as much as you like, it is fully customizable.

Do not use as a base and/or claim as your own.

This is a free template, do not use this for profit.

Credit is very much appreciated but not necessary.

—  NOTES

Font used is Montserrat.

Added guides specifically for version 1 of the Statistics. You can turn them off with Ctrl + H or under 'View' -> 'Show Extras' -> 'Guides'.

Easy to navigate, all layers are labeled.

Requires basic Photoshop knowledge. 

Photopea friendly.

[aquaticibex]

Crash

[aquaticibex]

-The Vow-

Alex, in all of his observational prowess, still somehow got separated from Valarian as they passed through the large cave system. His mother's lab was elusive, and she wanted it that way. He pressed on through the dark, and began to feel a peculiar odor infiltrate his senses. Everything grew fuzzy as he stumbled through the blackened corridors, moving forward on will and instinct alone. At last, he found that he had arrived in the familiar, empty tiled room.

The same room he had seen once a week since was a boy. It made him shiver to hear how silent it had become. In his memory, there were faint voices in the distance, guards at the dyoors, the brewing of concoctions and dull humming of devices, but now... now there was nothing. Dead. Still. Empty. Not even equipment remained in the room.

He couldn't wait for Valarian here, but after locking eyes with the cold golden orb that had appeared before him, he knew it wouldn't matter. “Mother...” he growled, “...what have you done?”

She shifted from the familiar throne-like chair that he was often chained to. The low scent of blood making him dizzy. He shouldn't be here like this, he knew this. Yet he couldn't move.

“My dearest son, I knew my husband was going to tell you, and yet you are too late,” she sneered. A sinking feeling rose in his gut as she stood over him. She held a chalice in one hand and a syringe in the other. “Your father had a good reign, but I fear its time for one of my own beautiful creations to take over, don't you agree!” Her voice was as chill as a desolate, frozen cavern; lifeless and hollow. “You two were always meant for this, destined for it. To fight to the death.” She ran her fingers along the rim of the chalice. “I raised you both so well, so methodically, so carefully, and this, my son, will be my greatest achievement.”

Suddenly, Cigfran swooped in, breaking her concentration, clawing and pecking before being struck away. She fell to the ground, breaking one of her delicate wings on impact. She slinked away in pain as Alex used this chance to free himself of her grip, readying his magic. His glare was met with a soured expression from his mother. “You are an insult to our family name and have betrayed all that our house stands for,” Alex cursed. “This marks the end of your wicked farce! Face me!”

With that they took into a clash of blades, ultimately ending in his sword driving deep into her side as her fist made sharp contact with his chest, knocking him back with surprising strength and precision. Everything ached, and she began to reach once again into the recesses of Alex’s mind.

“So you've bested me...” she huffed, blood dripping from her lips, “I’ll not die here. No. You will wait here and act to my will. You can hear me, you are bound as my fledgling, duty bound to my word and whim. I have won my child. Relax, embrace me, you can see me, I am family.”

Worn from the fight, Alex found it harder this time to resist her influence. He winced as he felt her voice creeping into his thoughts.

“I must say it took a lot of work to learn how to manipulate such an ancient bond... but I've finally done it. And it only took driving you deeper into your vampire nature.” She readied the syringe as Alex dropped helplessly to the ground. “A fair trade that I hold all the cards in.”

He couldn't think as a fire consumed his mind. Everything hurt, but he couldn't scream. He felt the needle pierce his skin, and the dreadful sensation of losing to the dreadfully familiar beast looming in his mind. The last remaining strings of rebellion cut, Alex dropped into unconsciousness while his body moved completely under her will. He stood, and sat in the throne to wait, much as a puppet on a string would, drinking from the cup in his hand. His mother slid away into the long dark caverns, leaving the room once again silent. Alex, or what was left of him, sat, silently waiting.

Beneath the foundations of the castle, Valarian waited patiently for Alexander’s return. He had told him that he would scout ahead, and would only be a moment, but that moment had come and gone five times over, and uneasiness was beginning to brew in Valarian’s heart.

His eyes, now gilded with dhampir sight, were not burdened by the darkness. He could make out every shape and shadow, and realistically knew he would detect anything that approached him, but just the knowledge that he was sitting in pitch darkness roused a kind of primal fear his humanity left in him.

“I should search for him...” he reasoned to himself. “If everything is truly alright, he’ll be able to find his way back to me.” Valarain ran his fingers tenderly over the ring that adorned his finger. “He always does.”

He stood up and began tailing Alex, following the twisting tunnels and caverns, searching for their conclusion, but it seemed the deeper he delved, the more they opened and sprawled.

He wandered awhile longer, beginning to worry they’d truly been separated when he felt a tingling sensation crawl through his senses, familiar and fond.

“Alex!” he whispered, detecting his scent.

Then it was like a trail had been laid for him, the scent in his mind manifesting into a whispy path that pointed directly through the caverns. He turned and followed, his pace quickening.

At long last the path led him to a narrow corridor, at the end of which stood an ancient iron door. Valarian braced himself against it and pushed it open, the harrowing creak echoing down the tunnel behind him.

He recognized what lay inside immediately. It had been rifled, the strange equipment had been all but stripped bare, but he knew it.

This was the queen’s laboratory, and in the grand seat opposite him, sat Alexander, appearing limp and unconscious.

“Alex..?” he whispered, approaching him cautiously. “Alex... can you hear me?”

Alex raised his head slowly at the sound. A voice. It grated on his senses and made him grit his teeth. He held his hand up to stop whoever had been approaching from coming closer. How long had he been there?

"Who are you?” Alex glowered, disdain crossed his features as he sat up. There was so much pain. Everything hurt, and did nothing for his mood. Something whispered to him that he hated this being before him.

Valarian halted in his tracks, perplexed at the question and visible hostility in Alexander’s stare.

“It’s me, Alex, it’s-“

He felt a chill through his body as his senses picked up another scent. A cold one, icy and forsaken. The scent of the queen. She was near... or rather, she had been until very recently. Valarian put together the pieces and looked into Alexander’s eyes, now burning with hatred.

“Alex... whatever she’s done to you...” he said, gentleness in all his tone, “...I know you’re still in there.”

This thing knew him, Alex thought. How? Had it always been this way? He wanted to stand, but when he tried, he stumbled down to his knees, pain ripping through him. His head was aching. He still couldn't push through this fog. Talking seemed to help. “Just tell me who you are!" He was frustrated. Don’t let him get close.

The sight of Alexander as he was now was ghastly. But the way he stumbled. The way he convulsed, the way he struggled to breathe and speak... this was a transformation. He’d felt that way before when Alex turned him all those years ago... but this was far more sinister. Alex had been there for him while he struggled to regain control. Valarian could barely remember the transformation itself, but he remembered Alex. He remembered his voice calling to him, telling him to hold on, to come back to him, and had it not been for that voice, he would have gotten lost in the void.

And as little experience as Valarian had with vampiric ailments and transformation, if he had to be that voice for Alexander, calling him back from the void, he would do it gladly. Without hesitation.

His resolve strengthened as he approached him.

“Come now. You know me, Alex,” he coaxed, laughing gently, “After all we’ve been through together, I don’t think you could forget me...” Slowly, he reached a hand out to him. “...and I certainly couldn’t forget you. Even after five years of trying, I couldn’t forget you.”

Alex charged forward, whipping his arm across Valarian’s body, digging his nails into his skin with a deadly grip. The force from his blow pushed Valarian backward, almost toppling him to the ground. He gasped in agony as the claws sank through his skin, but the pain only fueled his determination to burn brighter.

“Do you remember when we first met?” he asked, regaining his breath. “When we crafted that salve together, and I doubted the recipe, you told me to trust my heart.” His flesh quivered under the stabbing pain of Alexander’s grip. “You told me... to trust my heart then, and I’m trusting my heart now when it’s telling me that you aren’t a monster, Alex.”

He brought his hands to where Alex latched onto him, trying to ease his grip.

“Do you... do you remember when we went scavenging for pearl agates along the riverside?” Valarian winced, focusing completely on Alex, “It was in the heart of winter, and it was frigid. When I slipped on the rocks and fell into the water? And you-you dove in after me... and you brought me back... and that was the first time I felt your lips on mine, breathing life back into me, and I didn’t even notice how cold they were because I was nearly frozen myself... but you warmed me... you saved me Alex. You brought me back. And I think I fell for you that night, Alex. Beside that fire, warmth coming back to my bones... do you remember?”

Alex let go, his throat burning being so close, fangs aching as his....(his mind?) pushed him.

“Drain him. Let him lay.”

Releasing his claws, he laced a hand forcefully around Valarian’s neck, drawing his head back in one motion. His other hand wove into Valarian’s hand and held it tightly.

"Val....Please help me... I can’t get her out."

His words slurred, dizzy and desperate. His memories came and went as brief, incomprehensible flashes. This person was his friend? His name was Valarian. They've know each other a long time. He seemed to know him... to love him. And perhaps... he loved Valarian too?

She wanted him gone. His mother would get rid of him. His master. Her commanding voice flooded his thoughts once more:

“Do as I say. End it. Don’t push for him to kill you here and now. Do not give him that chance.”

His face drew closer, breath dancing over his long hair as deadly daggers threatened to rip every ounce of life from his prey. His scent was like home, each ragged breath pulling in the intoxicating smell. In the brief moment the voice in the back of his head was silent, Alex’s eyes caught sight of the face he had pulled back. Gold eyes met brown as they locked on to one another.

Valarian’s eyes widened with terror as Alexander grabbed his hair and pulled back his head, exposing his neck. One of his hands gripped predatorily in his hair, the other clinging desperately, pleadingly to his hand. He whimpered, gripping Alex’s hand back with all his strength, gathering all his courage to continue.

“S-see?” Valarian assured him between breaths, “you-you do remember me.... I knew you would,” he trembled, chuckling lightly. He continued:

“Alex, do you remember when-when you told me... you loved me?” Valarian could feel Alex’s fangs nearing his throat. “And you tried so hard to hide, but I knew what you were going to say before you said it... and I know... even though... even now, you’re hiding in there, I know you’re not-I know you’re not going to hurt me. I know...”

Valarain brought his other hand up and caressed Alex’s face.

“Alex...” he swallowed, “You always came back to me... even after I ran... like an idiot, I ran from you, and I hid for years and years and you still found me...” He sighed remorsefully. “Oh Alex... my Alex, such pain you must have been in, but you found me, Alex... you fought and fought and you found me... and you brought me back. You always brought me back. Just like you vowed you would.” Valarian stroked his face tenderly with the edge of his fingers, feeling the hunger and heat of the breath on his neck. “Our vows Alex? Do you remember? That day on the bridge... we took shelter from the rain, and you-you promised... I remember.” He traced Alex’s face with the back of his hand, running the solid texture of the ring across his skin. “I remember our vows, Alex.”

Alex grasped his hair threateningly tight. Valarian covered his hand with his own and squeezed it. He took a deep breath, grounding his voice, and ceasing the trembling.

"I say these words...” he recited, “...with the hope that one day... we may be bound forever in a complete union of souls...”

A growl came from Alex’s throat, but Valarian continued.

“In this most sincere vow one heart can make to another. Should we ever be parted, I will seek you with every part of my being.”

He closed his eyes tightly.

“You... shall never... be left to suffer the lasting pang of loneliness, nor the ever-flowing passage of time. I will be your sword and sheild, call and I will answer. This is a vow by lifelong devotion....”

He gripped Alex’s hand tighter, feeling his fangs graze his neck.

“My love is true, by my blood do I swear this to you... Alexander Vallentyne...”

His recitation closed with devoted finality. Under the deadly besiege of Alex’s grip, Valarian’s face was a picture of absolute peace.

“...I love you...”

A beat, a breath, Valarian felt the fangs lift from his throat.

"By this vow I am bound..." Alex mumbled closing his eyes. He rested his forehead against Valarian. The voice was purged from his mind, and he knew he only had moments before he was released back to the troughs of agony.

Lifting his head from his shoulder he caught the other’s lips in deep but short kiss, having to tear himself away lest his control faltered again.

"My love,” he gasped, “I’m so sorry... I... Have I hurt you?" His voice was still shaking. Never had he felt so out of his own control. So entrapped. So Defeated. He was tired and could no longer stand, and expending the last of his strength, he dropped to his knees. Valarian hurried to his side, shifting his weight to support him.

“No... of course you didn’t! Alex, I’m fine! I’m here!” He cradled him, burying his face in the crook of his shoulder. “I’m here...”

He held him like that, shielding him, sheltering him, as Alex had done for him so many times before.

Alex leaned into him. A light, pained laugh slipped through his clenched teeth. "I didn't realize... how much it hurts to die."

Valarian felt a lump forming in his throat. He knew he wasn’t losing Alex, but the grief was swallowing him all the same. It hurt, but nonetheless, he held him tightly, squeezing his hand through his spasms and convulsions. Every time Alexander winced or gasped in pain, Valarian would grip his hand, and whisper gentle words to him, assuring him, staying with him till the very end.

After awhile, the pain began to subside. Alex fell limp with an expended numbness allowing him to relax his body. "I am... I am so glad you are alright,” he trembled. “I don't even want to think... where I’d be without you.” His eyes fluttered, too exhausted to focus. “You've done so much... driven me to be so much better. To do what for years I hadn’t strength to do. Valarian...” His hands traced along his lover’s face. “Thank you for staying beside me."

Valarian continued to hold him, bringing a hand up to his face to meet Alex’s. He laughed sweetly.

“I told you when you found me, Alex, after I ran, after I hid, after I made it so very difficult for you...”

He pressed a kiss against the prince’s hand.

“I’m never leaving your side again.”

[aquaticibex]

The Letter

—————-

My dearest mother and father,

I’m writing you now as a proud graduate of the Elayan Alchemic Academy. All of my hard work and headaches paid off, it would seem, and it is with most elated joy I share their fruits.

Of course I had initially planned to return home straight away to celebrate with you, but another matter has presented itself unexpectedly, which I must relay to you.

I’ve met someone, at the academy, who stirred my heart in the very way you predicted they would. I know you would regularly prod me about these matters in your letters, and never once did I entertain them, but, well, here we are. I suppose a parent would know these things, but I neglected to believe you, and I apologize for that now. I suspect you both have the most damnable smug expressions on your faces reading this letter, I can imagine them so clearly, and I imagine you want to know every detail.

His name is Alexander, and he specializes in investigative work, using alchemy to track and detect. His mind is as sharp as his tongue, and his every feature exudes an unfathomable depth to his emotions and experiences. He is courteous, gently, and we’ve found ourselves remaining awake at all hours of the night, speaking feverishly into the dawn of our passions, our hopes, our fears, and our dreams. He is so kind, and so earnest, and I know you will both welcome him with open hearts once you’ve met him. He can be overly pensive at times, but then again, so can I. Even so, I am certain of his love.

He is very dear to me, and we’ve grown so fond of each other these last four years that when matters of urgency came up in his family, I felt it was best to remain at his side and support him however I could.

I assure you both, it was no easy decision for me, and I will send word as soon as I can when we’re able to meet you. I miss you both terribly, and I cannot imagine how to ever repay you for all of the kindness and support you’ve shown me throughout my life. I hope to at least begin to return these gestures one day, but until then, know that I love you and that I am grateful. For everything. I’m truly happy, and cannot wait to “begin the next chapter”, as you both would phrase it so often.

So until next we meet, be well, and give the village my love.

Your son,

Valarian

[aquaticibex]

The Arrival

——————

Traveling to Fêl Cigfran went by in a blink for Valarian. He had slept through the entirety of the journey, only waking a couple of times when the road was particularly bumpy, but had been immediately pacified thereafter by Alexander gently stroking his hair. The touch put him right back under.

When they at last pulled into the palace courtyards, Valarian was woken by gentle nudges and the sound of Alexander’s voice telling him they had arrived. His eyes fluttered open and he blinked sleepily back into consciousness.

Disdain was the only word Alexander had for seeing his home again so soon. Turning back to Valarian, he gently nudged him again. “They will retrieve us and escort us to the staging room outside the audience chamber... where we will meet with my family.” He was tense as his nerves battled to get the better of him, helping Valarian out of the stagecoach.

The palace loomed before them, sovereign and resplendent in all its features. A large, verdant courtyard decorated the front, and the area surrounding it was blanketed in thick, primeval forest that seemed to tangle and spread for miles.

Valarian took Alexander’s hand and steadied himself as he exited the carriage.

“What should I do?” Valarian asked, pulling at his gloves. “When we’re inside, I mean. I’ve never been before a royal court before in my life. I’ve only ever met with villagers and the occasional town official or school headmaster. This is...” He felt his composure wavering.

“...a little daunting.”

A smirk crossed Alexander’s face. He remembered being nervous when he was finally of age to join such meetings.

He carried himself differently as they got closer while under the view of his father's knights.

"I was born in it and still find it daunting,” he laughed. “As far as I know, they will likely be speaking to me for the duration of the meeting, but in case they do address you, just respond respectfully. It will only be the king, the queen, and my brother in attendance. Don’t be too overwhelmed by them. They’re just like any other authority figure you might have spoken to in the past,” Alexander assured him.

The tension in Valarian’s expression didn’t relent, and Alexander walked a little closer beside him and brushed their fingers together.

"What bothers you most? Perhaps I can assuage some of your fears."

Alexander removed his hat and turned to face him a bit better as they walked.

Valarian watched layers of feathering black hair fall around Alexander’s face, framing his eyes so perfectly when he looked at him. He wondered if Alexander knew how handsome he really was. He must. Even apart from his looks, the way he spoke and commanded attention, his directness and his steadfastness, it was everything a prince should be.

“I just know my presence wasn’t expected. I’d hate to cause a stir.” He fiddled with the hem of his gloves. “I just know, or at least I’ve heard, that royal audiences have a lot of protocol, and I would hate to offend anyone or say the wrong thing... or embarrass you.”

Valarian didn’t want to be so hard on himself, but what was truly eating his nerves, even moreso than having audience with a royal family, was that he was meeting the family of the man he had fallen for, whom he trusted, and knew so intimately. An extension of this man, who shaped and raised him. It felt inexplicably personal to him.

The door opened, and he lead them into a small room outside of the chamber. Alexander sent the servant that had followed them in away to alert his father. Turning to Valarian, he leaned on a desk and crossed his arms, looking over the man he had brought before his family. Valarian looked very regal in his own wild way; something he often admired about his curious nature. That said, he was a shy individual, and this was likely well out of his realm of comfort.

"I have notified my family of my bringing a guest,” he assured. “Valarian, I’m quite proud to present you before them. You do yourself no credit by putting yourself down so readily.” His expression warmed. “Treat them as you would a client, perhaps? Be respectful, but do not be intimidated.”

Valarian considered this. “You didn’t speak of them. At the academy, you never mentioned them.” They approached the large, imposing door leading into the palace. “I understand why, but... there wasn’t even a hint. Are they anything like you, Alex?”

A deep pause carried from him as he rubbed his neck and looked up, not wanting to elaborate on his family. Hesitantly, he kept his gaze on the lights above. He did not wish to keep Valarian on the edge of answers.

"My father is what you expect of a good king; regal and lawful. My mother is cold and calculating, though I doubt you will see that from her here today. She will seem warm, but her eyes will always tell you. My brother is a glory-seeking, bull- headed sycophant. He will likely show his cruel nature a bit today, so don’t give him an ounce of your time if he should say something you find distasteful. Just look to me, and I’ll turn him away. Even as crowned prince, he should still know where his boundaries lie.”

His explaination gave him mind to explain the ranks and genral titles, as well as names and information on his house, passing it to Valarian.

"It’s not comprehensive, but should work for the little time we have.”

Valarian listened intently to what Alexander told him. His nerves weren’t completely quelled, but some excitement managed to work its way through his heart and trade places with his anxiety.

When he had finished his summary of titles and such, he heard the door creak open, and the sound of approaching footsteps. He gave Alexander’s hand a quick squeeze.

“Well... here goes nothing, I suppose,” he sighed, posturing himself to greet their hosts.

"Anything you’re unsure about, just follow my lead." With that, Alexander walked out slowly, making sure Valarian followed close to his side. Just outside the large double doors, a thought struck him. He stopped and quickly turned to Valarian.

"What would you like me to introduce you as?” In a controlled panic, he hadn’t quite thought about it. Valarian wasn’t his husband, but introducing him as his “boyfriend” felt a bit silly to say in this setting.

“Oh!” Valarian gasped, feeling a flush spreading over his face. He knew now that Alexander had told his family of his arrival, but apparently he hadn’t told them about their relationship.

This complicated things quite a bit now.

“Ah... well...” he mumbled, glancing quickly around the room. “...lab partner?” he tried helplessly, the royal family now coming into view.

Alexander felt a blush lightly dusting his face as his thoughts raced through the options. He snapped back forward, and when they approached the thrones, he bowed lightly.

"Prince Alexander and his... partner, Valarian Bougaitelet, answer the immortal king’s summons."

At this, the King stood and motioned them all to a table, looking over the man his son had brought with him. Valarian bowed respectfully at his introduction, and followed Alexander to the table.

He could immediately see the resemblance. The king, while broader-shouldered and bearded, shared Valarian’s ravenlike hair and commanding presence. The cool, sharp eyes, however, were definitely his mother’s. She looked him over, and her stare seemed to pierce right through him.

The brother, Erillin, was of similar height and build to Alexander, but there was something about his aura that contrasted them distinctly. He seemed to be sizing him up, not as a potential ally, but as a potential challenge. Valarian had not yet spoken, and he hoped this assessment was nothing more than the projections of his own imagination.

He waited for Alexander to make the next move.

"I believe a congratulations is in order on graduating from the academy,” The King said, nodding to Alexander. His tone was proud, but carried a business-like quality with it, and he went straight to the matter at hand. “We have received a request for you from the kingdom to the North. In two weeks’ time, you will be required to assist them in the grave matter listed in the note I left within your quarters. For now, I'll go over some of the lesser details with you."  

The Queen in her seat seemed extremely interested in Valarian, and attempted to speak with him as the King led Alexander to a small map to explain the matter of travel. Alex, however, made sure not to move far, keeping the group in easy view.

"You are quite a young one aren't you?” she observed, “No more than a week. Tell me, were you human before? I can smell them on you.” Her voice, while soothing in tone, did nothing to hide her needling.

Erillin remained silent, eyeing his brother from his seat.

Valarian breathed, suppressing any telltale signs of uneasiness.

“Yes, your Sanguincy,” he bowed politely.

A gentle hum issued from her lips.

"You attended the same academy I assume, as you came in the same carriage... but strange, I know of no other vampires at the academy...” Her curious eyes pierced him. “Tell me, who sired you, then? No doubt you surrendered your mortality in choosing to stay with my son?" She laced her fingers together while his brother pretended to gag.

"What does it matter, mother?” Erillin spat. “I don't see why he was even worth carrying here. He’s probably a phase that’s already served his purpose.”

With that, the brother paced a bit closer toward Valarian, looking him over and lowering his voice. “He certainly won't bring anything of use to our family... not that it matters since Xander is already a waste of space."

At Erillin’s words, momentary anger flashed in Valarain’s eyes, but he retained his composure. He kept his focus instead on the queen, trusting Alexander’s prior warnings about his brother.

“I was-“ his words hitched in his throat. He remembered suddenly what Alex had said about there never being a successful case of a dhampir siring another person before, and he wondered if his word would be believed if he told them, but he also remembered they came here for answers, and glazing over the truth wasn’t going to get them any sooner.

“It was his highness... Prince Alexander,” he confessed to her, trying not to look at the expression on anyone else’s face. “I was turned only a night ago, and came seeking guidance as well as to offer my services as an alchemist, should you require them. I would be humbled to assist in any way I can.”

Erillin scoffed and looked as if he was trying to work out a better way to provoke him. A fire lit within the queen as she smiled and spoke excitedly.  

"You really must tell me all about it! Describe it to me. How it felt. The taste of his blood. How long it took. This is all quite fascinating.” She circled Valarain, examining his features. “You look of good health," she leaned over, taking each side of his face in her delicate soft hands, studying him closer. "Do you have cravings or desirous impulses? Do you two share a bond? Do you spark instincts in him as his mate or his kin? Or just as his fledgling? Or perhaps nothing at all?”

Valarian almost choked on his breath he had inhaled so suddenly. The queen showed not an ounce of restraint with these very specific, and very intimate, questions. Was there a diplomatic protocol for this? What was he supposed to tell her? That he wasn’t even conscious for the lion’s share of it? That what he was awake for was the most profound terror he’d ever felt in his life? That the entire ordeal was an accident to begin with and he didn’t even know Alexander was a dhampir until it was all over? Her eyes burned with curiosity and anticipation.

“It was...” he began, trying to find his words without becoming unsalvageably flustered, “...sudden.” He took a deep breath. “It happened very quickly, and... I don’t believe it was entirely intentional, but... it was like being pulled into a vacuum. A deep, endless void, and I could feel myself being lost in it... it was like death.”

The queen listened with increasing fascination in expression as Valarian told his story.

“...but then, in the void, I heard his voice calling out to me, calling me back, and I went to him. I apologize, but I don’t actually remember... drinking. I just remember coming out of that void, and then unimaginable pain, and then nothing.” He thought really hard about what he could remember about that night, but it was all a haze. “I don’t remember much after that. I woke up the next morning in a dried pool of... blood. I felt completely exhausted, but... also very alive. It’s difficult to describe.”

She turned pensive for a moment.

"Ahhhh, so his thirst got the better of him and he slipped into his instincts... and yet he was able to overcome it and bring you into the blood...” she smiled, “...he must really like you.”

Valarian swallowed, feeling very flustered and hoping the queen wouldn’t ask for more details on the matter.

“This experience seems to have been turbulent, but a normal experience overall. I must say I was hoping you remembered more." Her eyes locked on his, causing a sensation of her almost reaching in. Valarian felt his focus swaying, but the feeling was abruptly cut off by a tap from Alex's cane on the table. He looked over his shoulder warningly before turning back to his father.

"Well,” the queen continued conclusively, “should you ever wish to try some blood without the worry of finding a donor, I can send some your way. It is delightful, and while you might not need it to survive as the fullblood vampires do, you may find it... cathartic.” The suggestion in her tone unsettled Valarian, but he kept his expression as unreadable as he could manage. “As for your situation, I’m afraid I can't provide you much information on how you operate. You are a unique case, as Alexander has no doubt told you.... but if you'd like, I could run some tests on your blood... and a few other facets that may prove enlightening.” Her gaze shifted to Alexander, who was still receiving instructions from his father. “As for the two of you... I encourage you to explore the bond you share. It may be important in further developing your new abilities.” She gestured to a long corridor on the right side of the room. “Some books in the library may be helpful. Feel free to peruse the collection, and send word to me if you'd like to talk further.” Her unblinking gaze met Valarian’s eyes once more. “I’m afraid I must take my leave for a moment.”

The queen dismissed herself and proceeded gracefully out of the room, leaving Valarian with Erillin, who took the seat across from him.

 "You've got her all worked up,” he sneered. “I haven't seen her like this in months. You’d better keep on her good side or she might just dissect you.” The cruelty on his lips curled up into a wicked smile.

Valarian could taste the venom in his words, and he hadn’t yet said a word to him. Alexander wasn’t exaggerating when he said his brother was a sycophant.

He cleared his throat. “She’s certainly... passionate about her research, but as a scholar myself, I can’t say I don’t understand her enthusiasm. At least a bit.”  He focused on remaining civil before the crown prince, hoping he would warm up to him eventually. “Do you have any passions of your own, your highness?” he offered, trying to find something they might have in common.

Erillin’s eyes widened in surprise and annoyance. People never usually asked him things. Did he play along, or just crush the potential question where it stood? He looked away, furrowing his brow.

"I hunt and occasionally assist my mother, not that I have any idea how her craft works. I'm just the muscles anyway. I find running my small group of elite forces to be a great investment of my time. "

“You must have a talent for strategy then!” Valarian smiled. “A very useful and very important quality to have in a leader. Have you led any memorable adventures of note?”

Valarian glanced across the room at Alex and his father. The two seemed engrossed in whatever plans they were discussing. He silently hoped they wouldn’t be too long.

"I doubt you would understand the complexities of kingdom affairs, but yes, I am skilled in strategic operations when I'm allowed to plan them out." A low growl of frustration issued from him, and he narrowed his eyes. “I don't know why you’re here, but you shouldn't be. I don't make pleasantries "  

Valarian found that in his work as a healer, he’d come across the occasional difficult case: a stubborn elder refusing to take their medicine, a terrified child that struggled and hid from him during diagnosis, a pompous novice questioning his abilities and parroting medical facts and procedure information he was already well aware of, but it was never anything personal.

Erillin’s words hit differently. They stung. He didn’t want to let it get to him, but it hurt.

“Perhaps you will make a good pet for Xander,” he remarked, “...keep him in line and out of my way.”

Concluding their buisness, the king and Alexander made their way over to them, Alexander locking eyes forewarningly with Erillian before the king dismissed him. He bowed to his father before leaving the room, apparently eager to do so.

Following Erillian’s departure, the king turned toward Valarian, his expression was full of warmth, and contrasted drastically from the queen’s cold, calculating gaze and Erillian’s spiteful glare.

"I have heard pleasant things about you from my son,” he said. “You are welcome to stay here within these walls for as long as you need, but I’m afraid you will be entrusted to Alexander’s care until you reach at least three months, as is the customary period of development for fledglings. Does this sound amicable to you?”

“Three months?” he replied to the king’s query. “I suppose that’s fine as long as I’m truly welcome.” He dipped his head graciously. “I thank you for your kindness and hospitality, your majesty.”

Three months. Three months in this labyrinthine palace with this strange and intimidating family.

But also three months in Alexander’s care. No academic obligations or exams to study for. Just time to spend together. To learn together. To explore together. To talk and share and his heart burned to only imagine what else.

“I humbly accept your invitation.”

"Very well,” the king nodded. “then this meeting is dismissed. May you both find the answers you seek."

With that, Alex took his cue to move forward, laying a hand gently on Valarian's shoulder. He felt bad for leaving him at his family's mercy for so long, but he seemed to handle himself well.

"Thank you Father." A low bow marked the conversion, and he motioned for Valarian to do the same before leading them to the hallway outside.

"How are you holding up?” he asked quietly. “I wasn't expecting them to be so... forthcoming." His expression was apologetic.

“It was... enlightening?” Valarian replied.

Now that he no longer had to behave performatively, his facade dropped, and he began to laugh deeply, the tension leaving him.

“If that doesn’t speak volumes on the endurance of my professionalism, I don’t know what will.” He covered his eyes with one hand, still laughing. “They May make a doctor out of me yet, Alex.”

The laugher warmed Alexander’s heart with relief. He didn't realize how tense he was. Not for the meeting or for facing his father, but that he would receive Valarian’s approval.

A genuine smile came through at the remark.

"You certainly have a charm about you that made it very hard for them to push you away,” he said thoughtfully, “You did very well.”

Thinking of what options they had at the moment, Alexander checked his watch. “We could go and unpack your things... get situated for the evening... unless you wish to walk with me and explore the grounds?”

Valarian stretched out his back and took in the over sweeping architecture of the palace around him. The ceilings were quite high, arching and intersecting in symmetrical patterns above him. Tall and heroic looking pillars lined the halls on both sides creating an air of classical grace and nobility. The floor beneath their feet was tiled and arranged in intricate, tessellating patterns that wound down the expansive corridor.

“There’s so much to behold I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” he replied. “What is your most beloved feature of this palace? Tell me. Let’s start there.”

Mischief slipped into Alex’s eyes.

"We may still have time before the sun rises.” he said wistfully. “How are you with heights?"

Changing their direction, Alexander led them to a narrow corridor that gradually began to ascend into a carved stone staircase, spiraling upward into an abyssal and undetectable destination above.

"Would you like to take any guesses as we climb?”

“Hm,” mused Valarain, following Alexander up the winding staircase, “-well knowing you, it’s likely something terribly unkempt, but still fascinating regardless.” He peered across to him, letting his body playfully brush up against Alexander’s as they walked. “Someplace with a view, perhaps?”

"You wound me,” Alex feigned pain and clapped his hand to his heart, laughing. He turned back to the staircase and looked ahead. “As for a view... well you'll just have to wait and see."

His heart was bursting with excitement. He had waited for a long time to share this retreat with someone.

Climbing up the last story of stairs, the steps dusty with lack of use, they came to a makeshift ladder lashed haphazardly to the wall. The wooden hatch was quick work as he slid it to the side offering to help Valarian up.

 "This is the tallest spire we have,” Alexander explained. “The bell fell from it long ago, so it's no longer in use, but you can see every waterway, every star as the breeze flies through, and if you stand just right on the gargoyles ledge, it feels like you're flying in the moonlight.” Catching his excitement, Alex moved to reign it in a bit, blushing deeply, and feeling as if he got carried away in his whimsy.

Valarian emerged from the hatch. The night breeze teased him, but did not chill him as it normally would have. Valarian wasn’t sure if this was because of his new form, or because he was a little flush from the present company, but either way, a pleasant warmness glowed inside of him beating back the cold.

Following Alexander’s suggestion, he slipped out onto the ledge and looked out over the landscape. He gasped. The castle was expansive! And it was even more apparent from this height. The jagged peaks and stone spires silhouetted the sky, and the pale light of the moon illuminated and highlighted every surface. The forest grew out every which way around the castle, and Valarian couldn’t even  tell where the road they came in on was. It was just one large gnarled and wild canopy. He perched himself on the edge, letting his legs hang over the side.

At this movement, a small colony of bats flew out from beneath the overhang and took off into the night sky, flitting about in untraceable patterns until they disappeared from view.

“It’s... bewitching, Alex,” he breathed, pushing his long, twisting hair out of his face with his hand as he took in the view. “I’ve never seen anything so captivating...”

He paused, and stole a glance up at Alexander, smiling invitingly.

“...save one thing.”

His heart skipping its ethereal beat at the complement, Alex watched Valarian take in the sight, and found him absolutely breathtaking against the backdrop of the night sky. He crouched next to him, and looked fondly upon him. Valarian pushed his rogue strands of hair from his face, and Alexander longed so badly to run his hand through his bright auburn locks. He chose to lean into him lightly, and his hand betrayed him as it came up to gently trace through the silken strands. With a sideways glance, Valarian looked into Alexander’s eyes. He sighed happily at the gentle sensation of Alexander’s fingers threading his hair. He reached and ran his own hand over Alexander’s, lacing their fingers together tightly, and he brought their clasped hands to his lips, bestowing a kiss.

He mouthed something to Alex then, his voice just barely above a whisper, and had they not been so close, the wind would have easily carried his words away.

“I love you.”

Alex had never felt more at home than he was in this moment. His dreams and fantasies paled to this. His thoughts stuttered as he leaned in closer, the warmth between them holding him fast as the butterflies escaped from every inch of his body. His eyes wandered down to Valarian’s lips, silently asking permission. His voice taking the same breathless tone, lest he shatter the moment, he whispered:

" I love you too."

Valarian didn’t wait a second longer. With his free hand, he gently gripped Alexander’s collar and pulled him in. His eyes closed and he let the sensation of the kiss enrapture him. They had kissed before, many many times, but nothing before had left him feeling so completely and thoroughly overtaken. He dared to deepen their embrace, entering Alexander’s mouth and running the tip of his tongue over Alexander’s fangs. He could feel their definite sharpness, but they only grazed his tongue harmlessly. He released the collar and slid his arm behind Alexander’s head, burying his fingers in his hair. Alex let Valarian lead him in the blissful entanglement. A shudder running through him as Valarian’s tongue danced down his fangs. They ached for him.

Valarian groaned, feeling Alexander’s tongue enter his mouth. Alexander mirrored him, as if in reply, running across his own fangs, tracking their crecent shape. Valarian gasped excitedly, letting him take over.

Alexander shifted, pulling him closer, grounding him in a firm embrace, his fingers laced in his hair. Alexander’s hands drifted; one to the back of Valarian’s neck, the other to his side, a light sound escaping him as he flushed, braking from the kiss only to breathe.

They finally separated, keeping their faces pressed against one another. Their breaths heaved longingly, and soft clouds of condensation escaped from their mouths and into the night air.

“Alex...” Valarian gasped, gripping him tightly. Something about the moonlight was affecting his senses. Everything seemed sharper, more pungent, more potent. He was overwhelmed in the most ecstatic way he’d ever felt. His touch, his scent, it was intoxicating now. He needed something, desperately, but he couldn’t place what.

Something new. For his new body. Something that could only satisfy his new body that wouldn’t have before.

“Alex...” he breathed again, hungrier this time. “I want...”

Valarian let his kisses travel down Alexander’s jawline, over his cheek and across his throat, nipping at him in places. Finally he paused at an exposed patch of skin just above the nape. He grazed it desirously with his teeth.

“I want to...” he breathed, awaiting an answer. Awaiting his consent.

Alex couldn’t help the wanton expression that passed over him. Valarian wanted him. It disarmed every flight instinct he should have had. A deep understanding passed, building the desire to relent to him. The ravenous caresses and bites tantalizing him as his hand moved to rest on his flushed features. Lidded eyes turning away with his face as he opened his neck up in reply, his breaths heavy and shaking.

"Please...” came the only reply, anticipation tearing him apart.

“Please...”

Valarian ran his tongue slowly across the skin. He brought his lips back down, hovering for just a moment before he reared back his lips and sank his teeth deep into him.

What followed was a rush. A blinding, euphoric rush. His eyes shot open and he felt his body stiffen. The metallic tang of Alexander’s blood filled his mouth, alarming him at first, but he didn’t pull back. Instead he sealed his mouth around the wound and began to suck, drinking from him.

He felt life filling him, his senses buzzed, he gripped Alexander tighter, pulling his neck closer.

The fangs drove quickly and cleanly into him. A new experience that caused him to wince momentarily, but he found no discomfort feeling the blood spill from the wound. A divinely numbing buzz ran through him while Valarian fed from him. He gripped Valarian’s clothing tightly with his remaining hand as a moan escaped his throat. He had never known he could feel like this; so broken down before his lover, letting him pull him closer.

Waves of pleasure coursed through Valarian as he lapped up the blood. He rode out the sensation until at last he released his teeth from Alexander’s neck, throwing himself back with surprising force. He reveled in the last few shudders of ecstasy as he swallowed the final dregs of blood in his mouth.

He watched, incredulously, as the wound on Alexander’s neck began to knit and heal before his eyes. Alex had turned over to look at him, eyes glazed over with desire. His breath fast and heavy, Valarian ran his hands along Alexander’s face and kissed him, passionately at first, but then gradually slowed into a steady rhythm that slowed and slowed until they broke apart, exhausted and satisfied.

"You are... my greatest treasure,” Alexander cooed into the growing calm. Valarian said nothing, smiling happily. He buried his face in Alexander’s chest and drew his arms around him.

Blinking thoughtfully, Alexander repositioned himself on the ledge, supporting his back against the sturdiness of the spire wall. “Come, sit with me." He motioned to the space beside him, readying his cloak to wrap them in.

Valarian nodded, wiping the remaining blood from his lips. He curled himself beneath the cloak, slipping his arms around Alexander’s body. The euphoric feeling still tickling him, he laughed breathily and let the cloak come down around them. They snuggled against each other, watching the tips of morning light begin to illuminate the sky.

A new day, a new chapter, a new life. Daunting it may have been, Valarian thought, growing sleepier, but as long as Alexander was there for him, and as long as he could be there for Alexander, it no longer frightened him. He let the gentle caress of Alexander’s fingers against his hair lull him to rest.

They would greet the dawn together, and then, he hoped, every dawn thereafter.

[aquaticibex]

The Revelation

———————

Following the transformation, Alexander’s dreams were turbulent and despairing. He could not control his own body, and was driven forward by a malicious force. It was as though he was watching his own body move from the outside while somehow still inhabiting it. Forward into the darkness, the heavy scent of blood clouding his senses, choking him, filling his lungs and pouring from his mouth. He looked down at his hands and saw they were drenched in the crimson liquid. In the distance, rapidly drawing nearer, a line of pale figures stood awaiting him. Upon a closer look, the faces he recognized as his family. His mother, his father, his brother, seeming to tower over him, extending their claw-like fingers in his direction. Like a gate, they parted, revealing another figure before him, sprawled across the floor. Valarian’s lifeless face came into view, the puncture wounds on his neck still fresh, blood still pooled around his head, and his eyes, glossy and unfocused, staring off into the distance, staring at everything and seeing nothing.

Numb, Alexander fell to his side, attempting to rouse him, but no life was left inside him. It was a shell. He pulled the body up and cradled it. He wanted to scream, but couldn’t. He wanted to cry, but couldn’t. The terrible numbness suppressed all emotion, he felt his own face hauntingly unresponsive to the pain and grief he knew he should be feeling. But there was nothing. His heart was an empty chamber, and the only sound he could hear in the darkness was his own steady breathing.

A moment later, he felt a terrible grip on his arm. Valarian’s corpse reared up, the warm brown eyes were replaced with two black voids. A mangled expression twisted his face, and quicker than Alexander could stop him, Valarian yanked back his head and sank his teeth into the front of his throat.

Alexander jerked awake, sweat beading across his body. His skin buzzed as he regained awareness of reality. The room came into focus. Sunlight trickled into the bedroom, and the deep, terrible darkness of his dream released him and dissolved away.

Right away, Alexander noticed that Valarian was no longer asleep next to him. He had left the bed and was nowhere in sight. Alexander scanned the room, getting up from the rumpled sheets still stained with their dried blood; a harrowing reminder of the night before.

Had he fled?

Immense guilt rising in his heart, Alexander pulled his coat over himself and hurried into the next room. Immediate relief fell upon him when he saw Valarian seated upon the divan along the wall. He was holding an ornate hand mirror to his face and inspecting his teeth with fearful curiosity. He noticed him enter and put the mirror face down on the seat next to him.

They stood staring at one another, the tension so thinly stretched one movement would snap it.

“Alex...” Valarian began. His was skin much paler now, and his expression much weaker. “...did you... kill me?”

I could have. I came so close. If not for this miracle, I would have.

“...yes,” Alexander swallowed, the guilt returning to him, stabbing at him, turning his legs to stone. “...and no.”

“I see...”

Valarian cast his gaze downward toward the floor, his brow furrowing, apparently trying to piece everything together that had happened to him; and then to decide what to do about it.

But he looked exhausted. Overburdened. Confused.

Drained.

“How are you feeling?” asked Alexander.

“Not great,” Valarian replied flatly, “but not terribly.”

“I imagine... you have questions?”

“Several.”

Alexander wanted desperately to explain everything to him. Say all the things he should have said a long time ago. Long before this incident happened so that, perhaps, it wouldn’t have.

Alexander began to say something when a loud knock at the door cut him off. He went to answer it, and standing there was a courier with his arm outstretched holding a regal-looking envelope.

“A message for you, your highness. From her majesty the Queen. Urgent business.”

Alexander’s eyes widened. He glanced back at Valarian who looked at him in utter disbelief. Taking the envelope from the messenger and dismissing him, he silently opened it and read its contents.

A summons. His presence was requested back at the palace immediately.

Deplorable timing.

He stuffed the letter back into its envelope and ran his hand anxiously through his hair.

Deplorable, damnable timing. Damn it all.

While he struggled to organize his thoughts, Valarian spoke up, his eyes not accusatory, but investigative all the same.

“Understatingly, there is more to you than you’ve let on,” Valarian reflected, “I had always suspected as much, but I never foresaw this conclusion.” He studied him in that meticulous, sensitive way he always did. “...and apparently neither had you.”

Alexander bit the inside of his cheeks. “Not like this, no,” he admitted. Valarian breathed in and out, and looked back up at him, carefully noting his expression.

“So who are you? Really? And were you ever going to tell me?”

Alexander ran his hand down from his hair to his neck, rubbing it uneasily. He of course had planned on telling Valarian eventually, but this wasn’t how he wanted to fulfill that. Not in a thousand years. He dropped his arm to his side and straightened his back, preparing himself.

“My name is Prince Alexander Dracule Vallentyne of Fêl Cigfran, blood prince and secondborn heir of House Vallentyne.”

Valarian crossed his arms discerningly. “Opulent, to say the least,” he commented. “And to think this entire time I thought the secret you were hiding was a hereditary disease.” He smirked. “Still could be, depending on how attached you are to that title. What else did you fail to tell me?”

Alexander fidgeted with his fingers. At least Valarian hadn’t let the revelation overwhelm his humors.

“Most of what you know about me has not been false. I’ve tried to be as true to myself as safety allowed me.” He let a tiny smile curl his lips, “And even moreso once I came to know and trust you...” He felt a pang tugging his heart. “My feelings for you... were and remain genuine... if that’s a concern.”

He saw Valarian’s face relax slightly, and continued. “Essentially... there are three key things I haven’t told you or anyone else at the academy since arriving here, and I swear, on my word, I won’t keep anything from you from now on.” He shut his eyes. “I owe you that much... at least.”

Valarian sat up, cross-legged, and leaned his back against the wall. He nodded for him to continue.

“The first is that I’m an investigator. A specialist in paranormal phenomena, occult magic, and the regulation of vampire activity from rival clans. The second is, as you know now... that I’m of royal blood.”

“And I suppose the third is that you’re a vampire, is it not?” Valarian asked.

“Dhampir.” Alexander corrected. “I’m half-vampire. My father sired my mother while she was pregnant with me, so my powers compared with a full-blooded vampire like my father are limited... but at the same time, it’s more freeing than being a vampire ever could be.” He searched his heart for the easiest way to explain it. “Dhampirs walk the line between the dark and the light. The sun cannot kill them, and they don’t need blood to survive. Usually they don’t even crave it, but... I’m a bit of a special case,” he said uneasily. “They also cannot sire humans and turn them into one of their own. I’ve looked into it, my mother has taken a particular interest in the study, but there has never been a successful attempt...” he paused, looking pointedly at Valarian, “...until now.”

Valarian listened to him intently, his brow furrowed in a deep concentration.

“So what does that make me?” he asked, and was met with a long, uncertain pause from Alexander.

“I don’t know,” Alexander admitted. “But... my family might, and as much as I wish I could guide you through this by myself, and as much as I didn’t wish to bring you into this part of my life this way... and as much as I detest asking my family for assistance... they may have answers where I do not.”

Valarian could feel his exhaustion catching up with him. Everything about Alexander’s true identity was manageable. He could comprehend it. Understand it. Forgive it, even. But the questions surrounding his own circumstance and status were spinning in his head, and were now spinning faster now that even Alexander didn’t know what to do about it.

“So what happens now?” he asked.

Alex looked at him with a combination of compassion and uncertainty. He sighed, resigning himself to the situation.

“I’m going to return to the palace,” he said. “Immediately. All this aside, I received a summons this morning, and I can’t ignore it or there will be consequences for me.” He paused, dreading everything about what he was about to ask and how Valarian would respond to it.

He walked over to him, and knelt before him, gently placing a hand on his knee.

“I ask... that you come with me,” he said, almost pleadingly. “So that I may care for you until we both have the answers we need.”

Alexander’s heart pulled in two directions. In one way, he hoped and trusted for Valarian to remain at his side, but in the other way, and terrifyingly, he understood completely if he wanted nothing to do with it and left to find his own answers. Alex wasn’t sure what his answer would be had he been in his position, and he awaited Valarian’s reply with baited breath and heartsick anticipation. He bowed his head slightly, not looking him in the eye.

But he felt a gentle touch caress his cheek. In wonder, Alexander looked up to see Valarian had leaned forward and taken his face in his hands. He smiled, not excitedly or shrewdly as he usually did, but understandingly.

“Of course I’ll come,” he said with the tinest laugh in his breath, “I’m not letting you go.” Valarian stroked Alexander’s cheek with the side of his thumb. “Did you think a thing like this would deter me?”

He wondered at the disbelief in Alexander’s face, and laughed louder. He crooked his finger around his chin and pulled him into a deep kiss.

“Pity’s sake, love, I thought you knew me better than that,” he mused when they parted. “You must be a lamentable investigator,” he teased.

Alexander’s heart erupted with love. He didn’t expect to be forgiven so readily, but Valarian continued to surprise him. Even after all their years of friendship and intimacy, he always surprised him. Alexander took Valarian’s hand in his own and pressed their foreheads together He let his tension melt from his shoulders. They both closed their eyes and rested against one another, just like that, savoring the moment.

“Thank you,” Alexander whispered.

Suddenly, Valarian stumbled. A dizziness overcame him and he fell forward into Alexander’s arms.

“Val?” he asked, worriedly.

“Mmhhhm... I’m fine, I just... I’m very tired all of a sudden,” Valarian said, letting Alexander support his weight.

“It’s the transformation,” Alexander explained, “your body isn’t fully recovered. You’ll need rest, but...” he ran through details in his head, “...there isn’t time now. We need to leave for the palace, I’m so sorry.”

He laid Valarian gently back onto the divan. “Hold on, I’ll gather your things, and I’ll have a carriage sent. You can sleep along the way.”

Alexander hurriedly gathered essential items from their rooms, and when the carriage finally arrived, he brought everything down and loaded it into the luggage hold. Finally, he returned to Valarian, still lying on the seat. He drew him into his arms and carried him, Valarian letting his head rest against his shoulder. He had gone limp, but he wasn’t weakening. His body was merely adapting to the changes, and although Alexander couldn’t say for sure how, he knew that Valarian would emerge from this stronger and more alive than he’d ever been. Their lives had become entwined even more tightly than he ever thought possible. It thrilled him, but he also knew he couldn’t let his excitement blind himself to Valarian’s realities.

All the same, though, inside the carriage, with Valarian peacefully asleep across his lap, Alexander felt cause to hope.

[aquaticibex]

The Night

—————

The days that followed the meeting with the royal family were a blur. He hadn’t left Alexander’s bedchambers since that day, and had spent his time riding out the remainder of his transformation; resting and recovering his strength. Alexander had made it clear that he wouldn’t need to feed on blood. The thirst he struggled with was a result of his upbringing, not something inherent in dhampirs, and that had brought some relief to Valarian. Alex had stayed by his side whenever he could be, but investigative business as well as fending off his brother from disturbing Valarian’s rest had kept him away. The first few nights had been lonely, and uncertainty gripped Valarian’s heart, drawing him into a melancholy so unlike himself. He would assure Alexander that he was feeling fine, and that he wouldn’t leave, but each day that passed, his saying so didn’t convince him. Even as his strength returned to him, his laughter was thin, his gaze was distant, and with his expressions and movements, he looked almost lost.

Alexander had noticed, and when nothing he said or did appeared to melt it away, he felt the encroaching dread in his own heart growing.

Such was the way when Alexander returned for the evening, trying desperately to draw out some sign that the bright, witty and willful Valarian he’d fallen in love with was still with him.

“Alex, I’m fine, I assure you,” Valarian smiled at him, but it wasn’t the same. His glow had left him. Valarian always spoke with such reserve now, and the seriousness in his brow had traveled down into the rest of his face, like he was always thinking. The zeal in his voice had quieted, the fire in his kiss had died out, and perhaps what had been most apparent to Alexander, and what had pained him the most, was how those eyes had dimmed. He hated seeing him like this, and a fear was beginning to burn in the pit of his stomach: if the path they had been walking together was beginning to diverge.

“I just thought you might enjoy sharing a pot of tea this evening,” Alexander had offered, sorting through a collection of dried herbs he’d brought up from the kitchens, “the estate can’t compare to the gardens of house Bougaitelet, of course, but I’m sure we could find something befitting you, my beloved.”

Valarian smiled faintly in response, but said nothing. Alexander sighed defeatedly.

“Val, I can’t imagine what this has been like for you... but we’ll get through it. Together. You must believe that.”

“I’m not dying, Alexander,” Valarian retorted, “you don’t need to fuss over me.”

“You’re not yourself-“ Alexander began to say, but immediately regretted the phrasing.

“You could very well say that,” Valarian sighed, the thinnest veil of annoyance woven in his words.

“Val...” Alexander took a seat beside Valarian, “...please. Tell me what’s on your mind, I want to help.”

Valarian, who’s eyes usually fixed on him attentively in conversation, now turned from him, his thoughts curtained behind a faraway gaze.

“It is what it is, Alex,” he answered quietly, “there’s nothing to be done.”

“Is there anything I can do, Val? Please tell me,” Alex offered, trying to offer a solution. Valarian didn’t reply.

“Val, if I can answer any questions you may have, or comfort you-“

“It’ll never be the same now, will it?” Valarian laughed sadly.

Alexander bit his tongue. The hopelessness flooding Valarian’s voice was chilling, and so unlike him. “Val, I promise, this isn’t what-“

“Is this how it’s to be forever, then?” he accused suddenly, his hands tightening into fists. “Hiding away in your room while you attempt fruitlessly to convince your family that I’m not a burden?”

“You’re not a burden, Valarian,” Alexander pointedly said, complete seriousness in his tone.

“No, I’m not! I’m not a burden, I’m a healer! I’m, in fact, quite useful, Alex! Anywhere but here, I’d be very useful!” Emotion was filling his words, and Alex was spinning trying to think of something to say to soothe him.

“Val, you’re not-“ Alexander tried to reason with him, but Valarian interrupted him, letting a flash of anger escape into his voice.

“But here, none of that matters, does it? The best I can hope for is mercy when you go out on about your business while I stay here stuck with this death curse, alone, waiting for you to return like a pet. Like a vampire bride. Is that it?”

The color drained from Alexander’s face. As soon as Valarian said it, he immediately went silent, his face full of emotion and regret. He took a breath.

“Oh Alex-“ Valarian gasped, “Alex, I’m sorry,” he apologized, running his hand through his own hair, “I didn’t mean what I said, I swear to you. I know you better than that. I know that’s not what you...” Valarian struggled to put together his words. “It was an accident, I know you didn’t intend...”

“No,” Alexander assured him, putting his hand over his, “Val, it’s okay.”

“I shouldn’t say things like that to you. Like you’re a monster. You’re not a monster, Alex. I know that.”

“Valarian, listen to me, I’d much prefer you be honest with me than continue pretending that you’re not angry. You can be angry at me, I understand,” Alexander assured him.

“But that’s just it, I’m not angry, Alex. Not at you...” he wove his fingers together with Alexander’s. “I simply feel... adrift.”

Alex listened carefully, making it as clear as he could that Valarian had his full attention.

“I don’t suppose I’ll ever become a doctor now,” he lamented. “I don’t suppose I could take up permanent residence anywhere to practice. Not with this lifespan. There would be questions. Accusations. And as for the palace, well, no one to heal here. Not without bleeding someone to death, but I don’t heal with death, Alex. I’m worthless here. No sense bringing life back into someone when they’re already dead.” He sighed, helplessly. “As I said... there’s nothing to be done.”

“What would you have be done?” Alexander asked of him.

“There’s no cure for it, correct?” Valarian asked, not looking up.

“Cure? Well no...”

Alex had never thought of his dhampirism as a curse, or even as a condition. To him, it wasn’t something to be cured, it was who he was. He had been born into the blood, not sired. It was all he had ever known, and while he knew it was not without its horrors, the thirst among them, he understood the beauty it offered as well.

“How can I hope to bring life back to people when I’m surrounded by so much death? When... when I’m dead?”

Alexander looked him up and down sympathetically. Perhaps if he could get Valarian to see that beauty, he wouldn’t feel so detached.

“Val,” he began, “you haven’t been outside since we came here, have you?”

“I haven’t,” he admitted. Things had moved so fast since the transformation, and since his arrival and the overwhelming meeting with the royal family, he had been sequestered to Alexander’s quarters, too weak or too anxious to venture elsewhere.

Alexander peered out the window and smiled. Night was falling.

“Valarian...” he turned back to him, looking invitingly into his eyes, “-would you accompany me? On a walk?” he offered cautiously. “I give you my word that we will not be disturbed.”

Valarian accepted the invitation. He dressed himself and began lacing up his boots. The pair of them left the bedchamber, and Alexander guided him down the corridor, around the grand staircase and outside the palace.

Alexander held Valarian’s hand tenderly in his own as they walked, pointing out features he enjoyed about the front gardens; the arrangement of the hedges and the kinds of fruits the vines that twirled and twisted along the gate bore seasonally, which Valarian took interest in. They continued through the courtyard and past the gate, entering the thick, ancient forest surrounding the palace.

“Where are we going, Alex?” Valarian asked him.

“Nowhere dangerous, I promise,” he replied, smiling. Valarian caught the tiniest glint of his fangs, and wondered how, after all those years he’d know him, and how intimately they had spent their time together, he had never noticed them.

They ventured further into the forest, and Alex noticed the path was becoming more and more overgrown and undetectable. He trusted Alex wouldn’t lose their way, but all the same, the palace was no longer in sight, and the forest around him was beginning to look endless.

“Alex, shouldn’t we try to stay close to the palace?” Valarian asked. “It’s not that I don’t believe you know where you’re going, it’s just that from experience, these woods will become a little difficult to navigate once night falls.”

Alexander laughed amusedly, and looked to Valarian with fondness.

“Night has already fallen, love.”

Valarian’s eyes widened. He looked to the sky, and sure enough Alexander was right. The sun had long since disappeared from the horizon, and the pale, glowing moon had risen in its stead. The forest should be pitch black, but he could see perfectly fine. A bit difficult to traverse because of the low branches and underbrush, but it was all completely visible. He marveled at it, how sharp and defined it all was.

“You aren’t dead,” Alexander said, pulling Valarain’s attention back to him. “You may not be human, and your heart may be still, but you aren’t dead.” His blue eyes caught his gaze, looking upon him with absolute fondness. “I want you to understand that.”

“Alex, you don’t need to-“ Valarian began, but Alexander continued, imploring him to hear him out.

“I know... you hesitate to call your new form a gift,” Alexander expressed, “...and this isn’t how I wanted it to happen. I never would have- I wouldn’t have wanted you to... you know.”

Valarian blinked up at him, listening.

“But... it’s not a curse. Don’t let anything my family might say sway you into thinking that. Being dhampir is... well...” he thought carefully, “...it’s like walking in the best of both worlds. Yes, your body may have vampiric traits now, but your humanity is still very much alive in you. You’re still the person you’ve always been, Val. Never forget that.”

Alexander, still holding Valarian’s hand, motioned for him to follow him deeper into the forest. He looked ahead, to the path before them. He stopped walking suddenly.

“I gave you this gift... unwillingly, and unprepared, and not in the way I ever wished to... and I’m going to be carrying that remorse with me for the rest of my days. I’ll never be able to properly atone for that, Valarian, but-“ he shifted his gaze back to him, taking in his features now illuminated by the moonlight, “-let me show you what it could be. Let me show you the beauty in it... what I’ve come to love about what being dhampir has to offer. Please let me prove it to you. Please give me that chance? Please?”

Valarian’s stomach fluttered. Alex’s eyes looked so remorseful. So earnest. There was no deceit latent anywhere in those eyes and he knew it. There was only love.

A tiny smile finally emerged. It was small, but it was genuine. He nodded.

“Lead on, then.”

The pair of them continued into the forest, which only closed in on them for a short distance before opening up into a large clearing. The trees were apart enough for the sky to spread out above them, and a blanket of stars and celestial colors stretched out over as far as they could see.

“Val, the night is no longer a barricade for you. You need no longer fear the dark. You have access to your senses all hours of the day, and the lunar radiance of the moon enhances them.”

He led Valarian into the center of the clearing, moving behind him slowly.

“Tell me what you feel. What you hear. Sense the forest around you.”

Valarian took in a slow, deep breath, and tuned into his surroundings. The direct moonlight on his body, he felt everything come into focus.

The night energy of the forest was coming to life all around them, and the more Valarian looked, the more he saw. He could feel the trembling of each leaf touched by the northward wind. He heard the scurrying of foxes hurrying into their dens. He could smell the dreamy fragrance of the moonblossoms as they opened, basking their delicate luminescent petals in the glow of the moon. Little glowflies flickered as they darted between the branches.

“I see... everything-“ Valarian breathed euphorically.

Alexander beamed. “Tell me, does this feel like death?”

It didn’t. The farthest thing from it. He saw life all around him, in ways he never had before. It felt as though the forest was breathing, and that he was breathing in rhythm along with it. He could locate any herb, identify any animal, nothing was hidden from him, and with Alexander at his side, guiding him and training his body, he had never felt safer. Alexander noticed Valarian’s excitement growing, and smiled delightedly. He watched Valarian explore the area with his new dhampir senses. He could, at last, feel the melancholy dropping from him.

Valarian wondered at the vibrance around him. He noticed the iridescent fluttering of wings plastered across the branches of a nearby tree and drew closer to investigate. He only took a handful of steps forward when all at once, the wings all opened and a cluster of beautiful, shimmering blue moths flew from the tree and into the air, brushing Valarian’s face as they passed. They filled the clearing and took off in a column, spiraling toward the sky.

Valarian turned to Alexander excitedly, and noticed a small, glowing moonblossom flower in his fingers. Alexander approached, offering him the tiny bloom.

Valarian searched for words of gratitude, but his emotions were overwhelming him again, and none would come. He took the flower from him, and smelled the gentle fragrance.

“This can be brewed alongside celestine quartz to make a sleeping aid,” Valarian commented, “-a very effective one.”

“I didn’t know that,” Alexander smiled warmly, “and what would you prescribe for me, my love, if I wished instead to remain awake and enjoy the night with you?”

Valarian looked into his eyes, their long-absent splendor returned to them. He reached up and tucked the moonblossom behind Alexander’s ear and let his hands fall around his shoulders, pulling him closer.

“This,” Valarian replied, leaning in and kissing him.

[aquaticibex]

The Confession

————————

“Whatever you’re thinking about, it must be terribly important,” mused Valarian, peering up at Alexander inquisitively. The sudden tremble of Alexander’s lip did not escape him.

“Perhaps it is,” Alexander replied, his eyes still hidden beneath the brim of his hat.

“Well... could I be of any help to you?” Valarian offered, “In sorting out your thoughts?”

“I don’t think that’s-“ Alexander began, shrugging it off, but was again coerced by his friend.

“Hiding beneath your hat won’t solve anything, Alex. Whatever it is, I’m sure we can work it out.”

Alexander swallowed, and Valarian continued.

“There’s a truth I’ve found these last four years knowing you, Alex. Would you like to know what it is?”

Alexander did not reply, merely shrugged, but his curiosity came through to Valarian, who smiled.

“The truth is, Alex, whenever there’s something on your mind, the more urgent and important it is, the more you refuse to share it.”

“You’re just talking for the sake of talking now,” Alexander muttered, but he could feel himself giving in already. Even with all his experience as an investigator and an interrogator, Valarian could bring anything out of him.

“And this, Alexander-“ Valarian remarked, crossing the room, “-is the hardest I have ever seen you clam up. So-“ he took a sip from his glass, “-it must be... terribly terribly important.”

Alexander’s mind blurred. Valarian wasn’t going to drop it until he said something. He never did.

“So. Are you going to tell me what’s the matter, or are you just going to keep it to yourself until you inevitably exhaust yourself with it and break down in the most excruciating way imaginable?”

“I’m in love with you, Valarian,” Alexander said abruptly, finally silencing the other man.

Alexander raised his head, and his eyes slowly crept out from under the hat. His cool, serious gaze met Valarian’s; wide, innocent and yet so very vexing. They locked just like that for a moment, Alexander’s breath heavy with anticipation, but he did not move or speak further.

“...you’re what?” Valarian finally asked him, his full attention on Alexander.

“You- you didn’t hear me?” Alexander’s voice wavered slightly.

“Oh I heard you-“ Valarian confirmed, taking a step toward Alexander. “I want to hear you say it again.”

Alexander’s eyes widened with realization. “I’m... in love with you.”

Valarian’s expression grew warm, and he continued his path toward Alexander, his eyes not breaking from his. “Just once more? Please?”

Alexander’s breath quickened as he drew nearer. He took in a sharp breath when Valarian placed his hand on his chest.

“I’m...” he began, leaning forward, “...in love... with y-“.

Valarian had closed the gap between them before Alexander could even finish saying it. Their lips fell against each other, and their eyelids closed. Alexander’s heart hadn’t beaten for such a long time, but he could swear he felt it racing. He drew his arms around Valarian’s waist, pulling him closer. Valarian’s thick layers of hair fell around their faces, and the scent was of lush plants and earthy fruits and all manners of the verdant life that Valarian so cherished. It was intoxicating. Alexander traced one hand up from Valarian’s waist along his back and buried it deep in his hair, gripping it firmly as he deepened the kiss. He leaned forward, dipping the other man lightly backward, drawing a light moan from his throat. Valarian’s arm reached around his neck and pulled him even closer, his breaths growing heavier.

They parted at last, and once again locked on to one another’s eyes. Alexander’s usual intensity had glossed over and seemed lost and feverish. Valarian’s lids were heavy, but he held his gaze steadfastly.

“And you needed to hide behind your hat just to say that,” Valarian commented between breaths.

“To prepare myself for the possibility of rejection, I suppose,” Alexander muttered quietly.

“Reject you?” Valarian laughed. “Did you think I would?”

“I entertained it.”

“Oh Alex... you’re absolutely hopeless,” he breathed, smiling into another kiss.

[aquaticibex]

The Gift

——————

He had failed to show up. Today of all days.

Without a partner to assist him, Valarian didn’t finish until after everyone else had packed up and left for the day. He blew out the candles at his workstation and left the classroom in a huff.

Where the devil was he?

The autumn winds nipped at his skin, and Valarian pulled his cloak tighter around his neck. He trudged along the campus, kicking reddened leaves out of his path as he went. He found Alexander eventually, resting against a tree in the plaza, his thick blue cape draped around his shoulders, and his face buried in a heavy tome.

“We passed the melding trial,” Valarian said “no thanks to you.” Alexander peered up from his book, wincing.

“Ahhhh-“ he sighed “that was today, wasn’t it? I apologize, I really do. I lost track of the time.”

In anyone else, Valarian would have immediately written this apology off as insincere, but he knew Alexander, and Alexander was not the sort of person to overburden him with classwork on purpose. He truly was sorry.

“What so entrapped you that you couldn’t be bothered to look at your watch?”

Alexander smiled, “Well this chapter on truth serums,” he replied, “-but even if I hadn’t been reading, it wouldn’t have mattered. My watch is back home, so I never have one on me.”

Valarian raised his brow. “You don’t own a watch? But the clock tower is nowhere near the academy, it’s a wonder you make it to class at all.” Alexander laughed and raised his fingers up to the sky to measure it.

“Well, when the sun is at so many degrees in the sky this time of year, I can usually determine-“ He was interrupted by Valarian reaching into his pocket and shoving something small and cold into his hand.

“I want you to have this. And don’t you dare lose it,” he pressed a pocketwatch into Alexander’s palm.

Alexander looked down at it, and marveled at the craftsmanship. It had a beautiful, ornate finish. Golden patterns adorned it, weaving around the outside, and the face of the clock itself inside was pearlescent, glimmering beautifully in the sunlight. On the opposite side from the clock face, an engraving of the letter “V” was etched into the metal.

“I cannot accept this, Val,” Alexander tried, refusing his gift, but Valarian turned away from him and started walking.

“Yes you can. I have another, so you have no excuse now, Alexander. If I fail to see you in class tomorrow, I’ll be brewing truth serums of my own to find out what you’ve really been doing with your time.”

Alexander laughed with his breath as Valarian strutted away and down the plaza. He did feel badly for missing the exam... he’d have to make it up to him somehow, he thought, holding the watch in his hand and running his thumb over the surface.

[aquaticibex]

The Flight

———

Midnight came quickly, and despite Valarian’s best efforts to hang onto his diurnal sleeping habits, each night that passed, he found himself becoming more and more active at night. He lay awake and couldn’t find rest, the light of the moon shone through his window and flooded the room. Alexander had still not returned, and the emptiness of the bed they now shared only deepened the loneliness growing inside him.

Resigned to his restlessness, Valarian decided that perhaps a blend of herbal tea would help him drift off. He dressed himself, collected his things, and headed outside into the castle courtyard to gather herbs.

The night air felt good on his skin, and the beauty of the lush, well-maintained garden was pleasant. Valarian entered the greenhouse and began selecting herbs for his midnight tea.

Selecting herbs and exploring the garden soothed his restlessness considerably. It was perhaps the most familiar thing this castle had to offer him.

But the relief was short-lived. Valarian felt a sudden chill in the air, and watched a shadow fill the doorway of the greenhouse. He was no longer alone.

“Pets shouldn’t be left out to wander without a leash,” Erillin sneered.

“Here to collect tea leaves, Erillin?” Valarian asked, coldly.

“I never touch the stuff,” he replied, his eyes glowing against the light of the moon.

“Then you would leave me to my business? I can’t imagine we have anything to say to one another.”

“Those don’t belong to you, pet. This isn’t your garden.”

“Alexander has given me full permission to come here, I have every right to be here.”

Erillin scoffed. “He spoils you. You don’t know your place, and if he’s failed to teach you, I suppose that responsibility falls on me. Like everything else he drags into this house.”

Ever since he set foot into the palace, Alexander’s family had spoken down to him. He had done everything in his power to be polite and gracious, but at best, they were dismissive, and at worst, they were malicious. And Erillin was a paragon of “at worst”. Always.

“Where is your malice coming from?” Valarian demanded. “I’ve done absolutely nothing to deserve it.”

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” Erillin retorted. “You’ve done NOTHING to deserve it. Your gift. Our blood.”

“I never asked for it.”

“All the more despicable then that you’re still allowed to keep it.” The hatred behind his stare burned a hole into Valarian. “You filthy little accident. If I could only bleed you of it... permanently.” His lips curled into a twisted grin.

Valarian’s hands clenched into fists. The herbs he was picking fell to the floor in torn clumps. His glare was fixed downward.

“It’s a shame, you know...” he began softly, “...that Alexander doesn’t want to be the head of your house,” Valarian gritted his teeth. Erillin’s smile vanished.

“Mind your place, pet,” he warned.

Valarian raised his head, and looked Erillin squarely in the eyes, a vindictive smile across his face. “It really is a shame... because you won’t be half the king he would. You’re so completely and utterly beneath him-“ his nerves were on fire, but his rage kept him going. His heart was speaking for itself, and he couldn’t stop. “-you’re so deep in your own filth, you can’t even see how pathetic you are. You’re a tyrant, you’re a bully, you’re consumed by jealousy, and someone like that doesn’t deserve to be called ‘king’.”

In less than a blink, Erillin had flown across the greenhouse and threw his hand around Valarian’s throat. The force punched him backwards through the glass wall, shattering it. Their bodies crashed and rolled to the ground, Erillin pinning him down, his free hand delivering blow after blow. His long, vampiric claws slashed and tore into Valarian’s flesh, and he cried out in pain. Erillin’s eyes were roaring with a hateful fire and he swung at him feverishly, his drive to extinguish him for good. He beat and tore at him without restraint or mercy. Blood gushed from Valarian’s face, streaming down his lips and onto his robes, and splattering onto the ground around him. Erillin snapped a branch from a tree and pointed the sharp end toward Valarian’s heart.

“There’ll be quite the uproar tomorrow,” he spat, “-when little Alexander finds out his troublesome little pet had an accident.” The threat fell heavy as Valarian struggled beneath his grip. “But if you don’t take responsibility for your animals, you don’t deserve to have them at all.”

Before Erillin could impale him, in a single quick movement, Valarian pulled a vial from his belt and thrust it into Erillin’s face.

The glass shattered and splintered, embedding into the flesh. The chemicals inside reacted with the air and exploded into a piercing explosion of light. “Liquid Sunlight”, as the concoction was colloquially called, and the effects seemed to be as efficacious as its namesake. Erillin screamed in agony, and released his grip on Valarian immediately, who slid out from beneath him and ran. He ran and he ran, not once looking back to see if Erillin was pursuing him. When Valarian reached the gate of the courtyard, he heard him scream from the distance, chilling his blood.

“If I ever see you again, I’ll destroy you, you filthy mongrel! Do you understand? I’ll destroy you, I’ll destroy everything you love, including my damnable brother for siring you! That’s a promise, you understand? I’m going to destroy you!”

He waited not a moment longer. Valarian’s senses were a blur of absolute terror. He tore through the gate, across the lawns, and into the forest. Tears welled in his eyes as the branches scraped against his body and caught in his hair. He ran as far into the woods as he could before collapsing with exhaustion. His breath heaved with anguished sobs, and he wanted nothing more to lie there in the thicket of the forest and scream until his voice gave out. The blood on his clothes was still wet and pungent. He swallowed hard. He knew he couldn’t afford to lie there and scream. He had no time to waste. It was only a matter of time before Alexander learned something was wrong and went to find him, and if he didn’t do all he could to prevent it, he would succeed.

He felt around in his pouch for his notepad. Using his blood for ink, he scrawled out a simple, but imploring note. A final message for Alexander when he inevitably came looking for him.

“Please do not look for me. Please just let me go.”

He pulled out the ribbon that tied his hair back, letting his hair fall around his shoulders in loose, shining curls. His heart like lead, he kissed the note and attached it, along with the ribbon, to a conspicuous, low-hanging branch.

Valarian dragged himself up off the ground and followed the sound of a running stream nearby. He trudged to the riverbank, which reflected and sparkled brilliantly under the pale moonlight. Valarian stripped his clothing and hurriedly washed himself and his garments in the river. It was frigid, but he was so numb with fear that he barely noticed. The blood ran off his skin and dissolved into the water, carrying the sweat, the tears, and hopefully his scent, with it. When he had finished washing himself, he forced his way upstream. He waded in the water for quite a distance, and emerged on the opposite shore far from where he had entered. He quickly got dressed, took one last look toward the direction of the castle, and disappeared into the forest.

[aquaticibex]

The Transformation

——————————

The sun crept its way down the horizon, and the deep hues of night painted and shaded the campus. From the encroaching night sky, the faint light of thousands of tiny stars poked their way through.

Everything had quieted following the graduation ceremony at the alchemists’ academy. Valarian and Alexander had retired to the dormitory, and were enjoying the warmth and engagement of one another’s company. They had chatted excitedly into the evening about their plans following today, often exchanging small gestures of affection between stories and conversations.

Gradually, these gestures grew more frequent, and more persisting. A kiss would deepen, a caress would become an embrace. It carried on like that until it replaced conversation entirely.

Alexander wasn’t unaware of the change, or of the desire latent in Valarian’s gaze, and it wasn’t unwelcome, but beneath the growing hunger they shared, a hunger of another nature had also been pulling him. Alexander had gone more than a few days neglecting his blood rations. The packed pre-graduation schedule had taken every minute of time he had, and what he didn’t spend preparing for his exams, he spent with Valarian, planning for the future, and dreaming of a day when, perhaps, he could set his family’s influence behind him and go without the rations at all.

But those days were far ahead of him, and he knew this. Nonetheless, Valarian gave him cause to hope for them.

Valarian, who’s gentle voice had soothed his anger, who’s acute reasoning had kept him focused, who’s charming naïveté had actuated his humor and warmed his spirits. He was everything his family wasn’t, and perhaps this is why he found him so enthrallingly beautiful.

When the two broke from their recent kiss, Alexander inquired of him, “Will you be retiring to your quarters soon, then? They request all students have their affairs in order by tomorrow morning, and I doubt you’ve packed your things away yet.”

“I’m a doctor, Alex, I’m quite used to packing up at a moment’s notice,” Valarian retorted.

“Your attendance was impeccable, I admit,” Alexander agreed, reaching to tuck a strand of hair behind Valarian’s ear. “But it is getting late.”

“I was actually... that is, if you agreed to it, of course... hoping I might... stay here instead?” Valarian offered, looking away. “With you?”

Alexander swallowed. He had anticipated this, but he also knew he couldn’t administer his blood rations with Valarian around. Their effects were lasting, and rather... unpleasant. But he didn’t feel too terribly. The hunger was present, but not unmanageable.

Alexander answered the query by tracing his fingers beneath Valarian’s jaw and guiding him into a deep, earnest kiss.

What was one more night?

Their actions grew bolder after that. A kiss to the neck, an arm pinned down, a hand buried deeply in the other’s hair. In a series of hurried movements, Valarian had undone the buttons of his collar and let the fabric of his tunic slide down below his shoulders, and Alexander’s kisses followed after it.

And despite Alexander’s initial assurance that he could manage his thirst, now with his mouth against Valarian’s bare flesh, he was not so sure anymore. His heartbeat was closer and louder than it had ever been. His beautiful beautiful heartbeat that had soothed his nerves with its gentle, steady cadence a thousand times. The warmth of his body hypnotically drew him in. The scent of blood was overwhelming.

Alexander considered stopping everything. He considered every excuse at his disposal. Anything to get Valarian to leave the room, but he desired him so much. More than the desire for blood in which he had no choice. A choice that was never his to make. But this was his choice. Their choice. He didn’t want to stop.

He traced back up the torso, pausing in places to kiss and caress Valarian, drawing gasps and excited wimpers from his throat. He trailed his lips over the collarbone and along the neck where he froze.

He could feel the vein. Almost see it, its heat glowing through the flesh. It was enticing him, and he was losing his control at alarming speed. Blood enveloped his senses and drowned out everything else. His surroundings darkened, until there was nothing else but a single object of desire.

It was too much. He couldn’t fight it anymore. He gave in.

Alexander pulled back Valarian’s neck and sunk his teeth deep into the skin. Valarian’s sighs of pleasure turned into cries of alarm. For a second, he tried to push Alexander away, but he was no match for the other man whose iron grip held him in place. There was nothing he could do, and he felt consciousness leaving him rapidly.

“Alex... please,” he begged, “...I don’t feel good.”

His pleas went unheard. Alex continued to drink from him. He was lost in a cloud of absolute ecstasy, the blood hitting and invigorating his senses. His hunger had spilled over the precipice and through his entire body, and now with Valarian’s blood, climactically, it flowed and flowed and flowed.

“Alex...” Valarian tried again, losing his grip. He was dizzy, and began to go limp. Once again, he was ignored. Unnoticed. Overtaken. Lost under the current that was draining from him.

“Alex... please... stop.”

Stop.

Stop.

Something at last clicked in Alexander’s head. Valarian’s voice reached through to him, and the intoxicating sensations that clouded him were washed away in one sobering instant. Alexander pulled his lips from the wound and released Valarian from his grasp, dropping him onto the bed. His senses returned to him. All at once, he became acutely aware of what had just taken place, and his heart dropped at the scene before him.

Valarian’s sickeningly pale body was growing colder by the moment. Blood trickled from the wound in his neck onto the linens around him. His face was dazed and unfocused, and he was struggling to keep his eyes open. His chest seized up with absolute, raw terror.

No!

Alexander seized bedsheets around him and pressed them against the wound, attempting to stop the bleeding. He patted the side of Valarian’s face, trying to keep him conscious.

“Val, stay with me. Don’t fall asleep, alright? Stay with me.”

“What’s happening?” Valarian gasped, almost breathlessly.

“I’m going to help you, I’m-I’m going to make you better.” Panic had set in. The wound was bad, and he had already bled so much. In his head, Alexander was screaming himself hoarse.

“You idiot! You monster! MONSTER!”

It was no use. Even if he could staunch the wound, it wouldn’t repair the damage. Hope drained from his heart, and was replaced with the worst kind of pain Alexander had ever felt in his life. His eyes were burning with tears.

He then had a thought. A desperate, ungrounded, impossible thought. But it was all he had left.

“Val-“ Alexander pleaded, again patting his friend to rouse him, “Val, do you trust me?”

Valarian was so weak now, holding onto consciousness by a thread. Blood from his wound had pooled around his neck, seeping into the sheets and matting his hair. Alexander shook him again, begging him to hold on.

“Valarian, please, do you trust me?!” he screamed.

Valarian’s eyes fluttered open. He blinked sleepily. For just a second, they managed to focus on Alexander. He mouthed his reply in a breath that was so soft, not even Alexander’s sharp senses could hear it, but it was clear.

“Yes.”

He wasted no more time. He hurriedly bit into his own wrist, drawing a dark trickle of blood. Alexander held it to Valarian’s bluing lips, parted, struggling to breathe.

“Val, listen to me,” he implored “it will be hard, it will hurt, but I need you to drink.”

Valarian did not answer him, his chest rose and fell with breath, but he was too weak to say anything. He was fading, and quickly.

“Val, please... I can’t lose you,” Alexander begged rawly, “-and I know you don’t want to go, so please-“ his voice was shaking and overflowing with desperation.

Drops of Alexander’s blood had fallen onto Valarian’s lips. For another moment, he was still, but Valarian found the last remaining ounce of his strength and brought the wrist to his mouth.

Every bit he drank brought life back into him. It began with soft licks, which gradually turned into steady drinking. Alexander supported his head like newborn as Valarian curled his fingers around his wrist and drank more intensely. Alexander winced, but his relief shone through his fear. He was doing it. Somehow, against everything it was working. He could save him.

But the relief was short-lived. Suddenly Valarian recoiled violently. He pushed Alex away and screamed in terrible pain, Alexander’s blood smeared across his lips. Valarian writhed and spasmed, letting out cries of pure agony. His body curled tightly into a ball, sweat breaking out, and shaking violently. Between whimpers and gasps, he clutched himself so tightly that his nails dug into his skin, carving it. His teeth were locked in a grimace, and his expression was twisted with pain.

Alexander hurried to comfort him, but Valarian’s head jerked up toward him, and his gaze fixed on him. His eyes were bloodshot and dilated, and the look he gave Alexander burned into his heart with an air of terror and hostility he had never seen before in his friend.

“What did you do to me?” he gasped through gritted teeth.

He was dying. His mortal body was dying. He was transforming, and all Alexander could do was wrap himself around him tightly and hold him through the violent throes while they happened. Every gruesome second felt like an eternity for both of them.

Gradually, Valarian’s thrashing ceased. The two lay on their sides, curled around one another. The tension in Valarian’s body relaxed, and his breath grew shallow. He became limp and unresponsive. Alexander knew it was part of the process, but he had never seen it unfold firsthand. It was terrifying, and it was all his fault. He pulled Valarian’s body close to him and held him so tightly as though he feared he would disappear into the air.

Valarian’s breathing slowed, but did not stop. He was alive, but his body was completely exhausted. He would have to recover his strength before they decided how to take the next step. In stark contrast to before, Valarian now lay in almost perfect repose. The rosiness had left his cheeks, and a lifeless pallor had taken its place. His eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling with each breath. He looked worn, but not in pain.

Alexander bit the inside of his cheeks watching him. His breathing had not slowed. Only the nature of his anxiety had changed.

Tears ran down his face as he nestled his head into the crook of Valarian’s neck. Alexander cradled his head in his arms, gently rocking him, and stroking his blood-soaked hair.

“I’m so sorry... I’m so sorry...”

His tears mingled with the blood as he repeated that mantra over and over again in choked sobs.

“I’m so sorry...”

He repeated it until he felt a grip on his arm. Valarian, while his face hadn’t stirred, had tightened his hold on Alexander, as if to offer his comfort in the only way his body would allow him.

Sniffling, he pressed his ear against Valarian’s skin, and Alexander listened to that beautiful heartbeat he loved so much grow slower and slower until it stopped entirely.