Aphrodite
Chapter 12

Rachel forced her eyes open, breaking through the crust sealing them shut, only to be met by a shrill noise that made her groan and close them again. Slowly, she found the strength to rise, fighting against a headache far worse than any hangover. When a sudden tightness in her chest overwhelmed her, she succumbed to the discomfort, lying back down and momentarily disconnecting from her surroundings and recent events.

Gradually, Rachel’s senses began to reawaken. She used her right hand to feel around, trying to figure out her location by touch. The fabric beneath felt soft yet worn, unlike Vlad’s luxurious suede. An owl hooting outside caught her attention, prompting her to turn and try to focus on a nearby shape. Blinking to clear her vision, she strained to make out the figure.

On the floor lay a figure, its essence seemingly siphoned off. The skin, shrivelled and dry, mimicked the texture of a raisin, prompting Rachel to draw a startled comparison to a once-youthful Myus. His lifeless eyes were fixed on the ceiling, his complexion ghastly pale, with his tongue lolling out from blue-tinged lips.

Startled, Rachel sat up quickly, her head throbbing in protest. She leaned over and vomited, barely missing her clothing. Attempting to stand proved futile; the severe headache forced her back down, leaving her trapped in the grim aftermath of Myus’s condition.

Realizing her weakened state, Rachel fought off rising panic by shutting out her surroundings and focusing on deep breaths. She needed to centre herself, to access her abilities.

Her focus returned to Myus’s lifeless body, and she gasped at the sight of black, sinuous serpents coiling around him. The pressure they exerted was so intense that she could hear bones snapping. The snake-like creatures undulated as they drained the remaining essence from Myus.

Realising Myus’s demise was at the leech’s doing, Rachel was haunted by the fear of being its next victim—or worse, falling prey to the Abaddon. She knew she had to get away, to seek refuge with Vlad. The bond with her vampire wasn’t just an alliance; it was her lifeline.

Abruptly, a serpent-like head, black as night, emerged before her. This leech, mimicking a snake, fixed its small, black eyes on her. Its skin shimmered under the light as it moved towards her with deliberate caution, its lengthy body eventually replaceing its way onto the lounge. The creature brushed against the warmth of her neck, settling there with a chilling familiarity.

“What are you doing?” she managed, her voice quivering, paralysed by the fear of meeting the same fate as Myus.

“Calm yourself, I’m just finishing what you started. That feeder would have killed you. That’s why are feel so weak now,” came a response, implying an unexpected savior rather than a new threat. “Your power is impressive.”

“And you sucked him dry?” Rachel’s attempt to raise her voice broke under the strain.

“I’ve longed to devour that wretched creature. He was a vile deserter who deserved every last drop drained from him. His location was always protected by magic. It was a pleasant surprise for you to lead me here.”

As the leech approached, Rachel’s breath halted, fear gripping her. Doubting her ability to fend off this creature, she resigned herself to hope, too drained to even keep her eyes fully open.

Upon awakening, her vision blurred and head heavy, she realised she was being carried. Lifting her head took effort, but she managed to look at her bearer—a man with an intimidating stare from glowing yellow eyes. His skin had a golden tan, contrasting with his bald, yet strikingly youthful appearance.

Grasping his arm tighter as he reached for the door handle, Rachel asked, “You’re the leech? In a body?” His aura was unmistakable, reminiscent of the serpent that had haunted her.

He confirmed with a nod.

“But how?”

“The powers of that repulsive creature were transferable. I’ve waited centuries for that fool to transform into a body so I could claim it. Your essence caused him to act like a lovestruck buffoon. Thanks to you, I now possess a body.”

“You know your body comes with a voice box?”

“Oh,” he voiced aloud, then asked, “What’s wrong?” tilting his head, his hold on her steady.

“You’re not wearing any clothes,” she pointed out.

He glanced down at himself, registering the lack of attire with a simple “Oh.” Yet, he seemed unbothered, proceeding to open the door and step into the daylight. With the cottage’s dark spell dispelled, sunlight bathed her skin as he carried her towards Vlad’s car, where he carefully placed her in the backseat.

She looked up at the trees, now vibrant with life in the sunlight. The owl perched on a large branch, scrutinised the leech. The leech hissed hungrily at it, a long snake-like tongue flicking out from his mouth. She shuddered at the idea of him consuming it.

After shutting the door, he quickly disappeared back into the cottage, only to return moments later, now fully clothed.

“Can you drive?” she asked as he slid into the driver’s seat.

He faced her with a grin. “I’ve existed far longer than car. In my realm, we can lease temporary bodies. I’ve had my share of human and otherworldly innovations.”

With that, he ignited the engine and accelerated out of the driveway with alarming speed. She found herself clutching the passenger door, jostled by his aggressive manoeuvring on the rugged dirt road.

“Aren’t you worried about his protective creatures?” she questioned, relieved as the cottage faded from view, a sight she hoped never to encounter again.

He laughed lightly. “They fear me more than I could ever fear them. I’m an outsider to this world, Aphrodite. It seems your fear pushed you towards that creature. And see where that got you.”

“From one to the next.”

“Do you really see me as a monster, even after I came to save you?” His tone held a note of genuine perplexity.

“You are going to give me to the Abaddon, to my death. And you only came to take his powers.”

“That feeder posed a greater threat to you than the Abaddon. The feeder would have taken all your essence and that would be the end.”

“The Abaddon is the reason the other Aphrodites perished.”

“Other Aphrodites?”

“If you’ve lived so long, then you would know what happened to the others?”

“Hmm, seems you’ve forgotten. But the Abaddon isn’t our immediate concern; he’s still trying to navigate the portals between worlds. How about I take you to your vampire? You need to replenish your essence soon. Then, we can talk more—unless my company is too unsettling for you.”

“You just turned a man into a raisin.”

The leech chuckled, his grin spreading. “True, I did. I’m like a vulture, but you are the hawk, striking to kill. But you have darkness in you now. Your power was much stronger than you realised.”

“Striking to kill? What?” She asked, confused.

“You do realise you killed that creature?”

Rachel remembered the explosive light and Myus crashing against the wall before darkness claimed her. “That can’t be right?”

“Myus was dead when I turned up.”

Stunned, Rachel struggled to reconcile this revelation with her own fragmented memories. She hadn’t aimed to wield such power; it was instinctual, a desperate measure for survival. After a pause, she ventured, “But why does the Abaddon want me? What’s his purpose?”

“You are destined to be together. There was a time, many centuries ago, when I served you. Those days were so much easier. Things made sense back then.”

“What do you mean you served me? You mean an Aphrodite? An Aphrodite succumbed to him?”

“You’re weakened. This isn’t the time to delve into the past.”

“What’s your name? Surely you don’t just call yourself ‘the leech’?”

Facing her, he offered a smile, his snake-like tongue briefly visible. “I have no name. Choose whatever suits me in your eyes, Aphrodite.”

Given his recent actions, she replied with a slight edge, “Well, considering you drained a feeder dry, ‘leech’ seems quite fitting after all.”

****

As they drove, Rachel watched the dense forest give way to the city’s skyscrapers, feeling everything blur as her need for essence grew urgent. Myus’s attack had left her on the brink.

Her mind wandered to Vlad, burdened with guilt over the turmoil he must be feeling—confusion, concern, and maybe even resentment for the sudden resurgence of his hunger.

Distracting herself with her phone, she noticed Vlad had ensured his number topped her contacts as #1Vlad, a small but telling gesture of his claim. A further scroll revealed Darius’s contact now listed as Dorkius. Despite her situation, she let out a suppressed laugh, appreciating Vlad’s lighter side amidst the chaos.

Hovering over Vlad’s name, Rachel felt a compelling need to reach out, likely driven by their bond. Yet, apprehension twisted in her gut, deterring her. Deciding against calling Vlad, she turned her attention to Darius, hoping his innate kindness might prompt him to assist. Following a brief exchange of messages, Darius finally conceded, agreeing to meet her at her apartment.

Placing her phone aside, Rachel shared her conflicted feelings, “I don’t know how to feel about you. Part of me wants to thank you, but at the same time, I don’t quite understand you.”

“This world is intricate, and the creatures’ history is vast. Thanks to you, I possess a body, so if anyone should be expressing gratitude, it’s me.”

“Did you fight in the great war everyone keeps talking about?”

“There was not one war, but many, that spanned over a long time. Many creatures fought. Your vampires were warriors. Vlad was a knight to a king of creatures many centuries ago, but after a battle was lost and the king entered the underworld, his creatures went into hiding. The ones that are still here spend their days feeding and fucking their way through eternity.”

“That’s quite a frank way to put it.”

“Human nature is peculiar. Until yesterday, I was unable to speak. Please excuse my bluntness.” The vehicle slowed to a stop, and he turned towards her, his eyes casting a warm, golden light.

“Why were there so many battles? The evil creatures can’t be stopped?”

“The battles were not necessarily between good and evil, but between those who wished to live life on earth. Myus killed a creature to get his ticket to this realm and I have killed him for the same. Unlike myself, many are trapped here and must protect themselves against those who are desperate for the freedom and essence this realm offers. Yes, there are also power struggles, but if you take the body of a king, you have the ultimate power.”

“Why do creatures want to leave the other world? Why did you?”

Leaning in, the leech took a deep breath, his eyes shut momentarily. Upon reopening, the golden glow in his eyes grew stronger. “You can have it all. You need not face death. The Abaddon, a king of darkness, can shield you. You two thrived as one during a cycle in this realm. Together, you can reign supreme once more.”

Of course, he would say such things—he desired her submission. She shifted the conversation. “What made you choose the appearance you have now?”

“My first encounter on Earth was in ancient Egypt. I resided with you—the Aphrodite who captivated a pharaoh’s heart—and I always envisioned myself like this, as one of them. She adored me in my serpent form. I belonged to her.”

“You loved her?”

Removing the keys, he faced her, gently placing them into her hand. Her eyes met his, replaceing a contemplative look. “You’re so young. Do you not think the representation of myself so many centuries later does not signify the symbolism of my past?”

With a soft, earnest smile, he opened the driver’s side door. Following his lead, she exited the car. By the time she walked around the vehicle, he had transformed back into his serpentine shape. Slithering across the pavement, he smoothly slipped into a storm drain and out of sight. She stood there, processing the sudden change, a mix of emotions swirling within.

She wobbled to her apartment door, fumbling with the lock. Once inside, she flicked on the lights, wary of hidden dangers in the shadows. Dropping her keys by the fruit bowl, she turned to the living room, stopping short at the sight of Darius waiting on the couch.

“You startled me,” she said, releasing a shaky breath, trying to mask her unease.

With deliberate slowness, Darius tilted his head to the left, his neck cracking, never breaking eye contact. Then, he mirrored the action to the right. The calculated movements sent a ripple of discomfort through her.

“Why are you driving Vlad’s car?” he asked, casually extending his arms across the back of the couch.

“I needed a ride, and I don’t own a car,” she replied, attempting to sound nonchalant.

“Is everything okay?”

Her attention involuntarily wandered to his well-defined chest, a wave of longing washing over her. She admired his perfect features and the faint musk filling the room, which stirred the hunger she’d been trying to quell.

Approaching him with measured steps, she stopped just within reach, meeting his gaze. His face showed no sign of desire, his inner beast evidently tamed, his resolve to keep it that way clear.

“Why is there a painting of Vlad in your lounge room? A rather large one, I might add?” he asked.

Caught off guard, she remembered the painting’s presence, her nerves kicking in. “I’m holding onto it for him,” she managed to say.

“The scent of fresh paint lingers, and I know my friend doesn’t need to store anything in this tiny apartment you call home. One might think you’re starting to develop genuine feelings for him.”

Biting her lip in a silent plea, she said, “I’m sorry. I just... really need you.”

Seeing his lips twist into a playful smirk, she knew his defences were crumbling. He was a source from which she could feed. Eager and ready, she nestled on his lap and embraced him. To her surprise, he instantly hugged her back. Wrapped in the warmth of his embrace, her hunger intensified, her heartbeat thundering in anticipation of the relief she sought.

Summoning every ounce of self-control, she resisted the impulse to tear off his clothes and claim him right there. Her heart raced as she leaned her head against his neck, drawn in by his alluring scent. It was only when she sensed his growl, a reaction to her bold advance, that she recognised the extent of her actions.

A tremor ran through her, accompanied by an unfamiliar sensation in her mouth. As she continued to press herself against him, a sharp pain erupted in her gums. She winced as fangs burst forth, drawing blood within her mouth. The remnants of Vlad’s venom were still active in her system, awakening a profound, unnatural change. She wasn’t a vampire, yet in that moment, she found herself wielding their power.

Overcome by a deep, primal urge, she felt compelled to give in—there was no alternative. Her eyes mirrored the darkness of the predator she had transformed into, and she fastened her mouth onto the softness of his neck. Her newfound fangs pierced the artery with precision.

Darius responded with a growl, his body stiffening as he tried in vain to repel her. Yet, she held onto him with the ferocity of a wildcat. The moment her venom mingled with his blood, any resistance he might have offered dissipated. Caught in the grip of her venom, he stood no chance against the onslaught of the frenzied Aphrodite.

She remembered the bliss of Estella’s blood, but Darius’s offered no such essence. Almost immediately, her body rejected it, her stomach churning in revolt.

Disgust contorted her features as she withdrew. Darius’s gaze, now shadowed and intense, fixed on the bloodied fangs. All sense of reason fled. She was overwhelmed by desire, her need engulfing her. His blood now tainted with her venom. His look became wild, his body rigid with anticipation. Breaking their charged stare, he gently but firmly grasped her neck, pulling her into a passionate, demanding kiss.

As her tongue swept blood across his, he grunted, and she felt a sharp pain as his fangs pierced her lip during their fervent embrace. The kiss was laden with desperation, their actions fuelled by a raw need for connection. His passionate intensity drew a moan from her depths; her only desire was to claim him, savouring every ounce of delicious essence from his divine body.

A shiver passed through her as he broke the kiss, but he quickly rekindled her desire, planting eager kisses along her neck. His actions were intense, verging on the ravenous, as he seemed to coax her blood closer to the surface.

Energy surged within her as his touch revitalised her. She willingly tilted her head, her hand guiding his closer, inviting his bite. A thrill ran through her at the light scrape of his fangs, her anticipation building. Yet, his pause made her heart skip—surely, he wouldn’t hesitate now? Despite his blood lacking the essence she needed, she was ready to offer herself fully, convinced she could replace fulfillment through him.

A sigh of relief escaped her as he finally bit down, the sting of pain insignificant. She marvelled at his intense need as he drank from her, feeling his solid presence against her, his grip firmer than she had anticipated.

Her breath caught as he pulled back. Confused by his searching eyes, she leaned in for a kiss, but he stopped her, swiftly asserting dominance with a hand beneath her jaw. With her mouth parted in surprise, she looked at him. Was this a rejection?

“What did you do?” he asked, maintaining a firm hold.

She tried to push him away, but he maintained his stance. “Darius, please.”

“Your essence is weak, and it’s tainted black. You have become a creature of darkness. What did you do? You carry Myus’s scent. Did you go back?” His voice carried an accusation.

“Let me go.” She attempted to remove his hand from her, but he remained steadfast.

“Tell me. Did you see him?”

“Stop this,” she implored, seeking an end to his interrogation.

“Did. You. See. Myus?”

Her resistance faded, and she locked eyes with him. “Maybe,” she admitted softly.

“What did you bargain for?”

“Nothing.”

His scepticism showed through his flaring nostrils. “It is impossible that you have seen that creature, and there was no deal to be made.”

“I wanted to know of my options, of the history of the Aphrodites. He gave me that, and yes, I paid.”

He loosened his grip. “Why is your essence tainted? Did you kil Myus?”

Rachel found herself at a loss, aware that deceit was a tough path with him. His essence coursed through her, and he had the power to compel. It was better to say nothing.

When it became clear she wouldn’t speak, he shifted the inquiry, “What did Myus share about the Aphrodites?”

“He told me the only way to survive was to remember that love conquers all.”

A shiver crawled up her spine, a foreboding anxiety settling in the pit of her stomach. A transformation was underway within her, and she feared her ability to remain in control was slipping.

Her movements to escape were blocked by him again. She realised this cycle of control wasn’t going to break—his grip was too strong. Closing her eyes, she took a shallow breath, grounding herself.

Opening her eyes, she transformed. His eyes widened when lights appeared on her skin—purple, tainted with black. This aura of light extended, enveloping him completely and forcing him back onto the couch.

She removed his shirt with a swift motion and discarded it. Leaning in, she initiated a passionate kiss, overpowering his attempts to hold her back with her newfound assertiveness.

As he tried to take back control, she unbuckled his belt and slid his pants off, tossing them aside before he could react. Straddling him, she sensed his compliance growing, essential for her to reclaim her needed essence.

The air crackled with energy, and sparks seemed to dance around them, reflecting the dynamic shift between them. Observing him relax under her was a small victory; the venom’s effects were slower than expected, a valuable lesson for her. This resistance, even if slight, was a clear indicator: if he could resist, the challenge of confronting the Abaddon would be significantly greater.

The creature within her took over, driving her to sink her new fangs into the other side of his neck. Her actions were governed by an inner hedonist, relishing the euphoria his blood now offered, rich with essence.

His attempts to escape were faint against her growl of dominance. The allure of his scent and the exquisite taste fuelled her, though she recognised this as a fight for her very being. The wild force inside threatened to overshadow her, fearing the permanent stain it could cast on her soul.

Amidst their tussle, a sliver of her hoped he could quell the beast that had emerged, to rekindle her link to humanity and her former self.

In a moment of lucidity, she reached out to him with her mind, desperate to convey her struggle. She wished for his intervention to save her from the abyss. The burden of her actions and their looming repercussions haunted her, knowing that succumbing to the darkness would mean losing herself to it entirely.