The Revelation
Welcome to Miami

The strange duality of Miami was lost on Wren as they drove into the rising sun. Kerri stared out the window, watching the rows of one-story ranch homes turn into rectangular buildings, stacked next to each other like haphazard blocks. Tall palms reached toward the pink sunrise that faded into the blue of the ocean.

To the driver, it was nothing more than the same sprawling coastline she had lived in her entire life. A deceiving facade of white sandy beaches full of gorgeous people enjoying an upscale brunch four feet from the white-capped surf. That was what everyone thought about Miami - that and rich, elderly people moving to the high-rise condos near the beach.

There was a lot more to it. A rich melting pot of cultures spanning three counties. Each one of them blending together in a Latin infused world away from the rest of Florida. From the rest of the world.

Underneath the glamorous lid was a heartbeat that few people ever got to know. It was the everyday pulse that kept Southern Florida moving like the ocean. It went in and out like the tides, turned violent and choppy during storms. But became smooth as glittering glass during the calmer times.

Kerri couldn’t see past the exterior. She sipped her coffee, watching the ocean surf get closer to them. Her eyes lit up with the same excitement as a kid going on vacation. Even Wren had to smirk at the woman’s reaction. The ocean itself never changed, but it always changed. It was a breathtaking sight, even after living in Florida for thirty-two years. She always enjoyed seeing people stare at the horizon with a look of awe.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Wren said.

Kerri didn’t turn around. “Yes, it is.”

She tried not to laugh at her new partner. Kerri had a southern dialect she was trying to hide. It made her speech sound stiff, but she slipped in the office, letting out the charming drawl of the south.

“Yeah.” Wren tapped on the steering wheel, drumming a beat to a song in her head.

“No offense, but I wasn’t interested in working with one of The Others.” Kerri said.

“None taken. I’m not interested in a partner.”

Kerri paused. “There’s only three of you. I didn’t think I’d get the only one who’s an Agent.”

“Oliver Faulkner is an Agent.” Wren said.

“From what I understand, he’s a lot more than that.” Kerri said.

Wren shrugged. “Maybe. There isn’t a third, by the way. That’s a rumor.”

“Jacob told me it was true.” Kerri said. “An executive position.”

She rolled her eyes. “They tell everyone that. There’s no record of a third. They don’t exist. I think it’s something new Agents hear. I heard it too. Check the records yourself. There’s no one but me and the attack dog.”

“I’d imagine there’s a lot they’d keep from you so you don’t tell your friends.” Kerri said.

Wren raised her eyebrows. “Since when did the Iron Oath have to keep anything from The Others? We’re here to help The Others.”

“That’s not what I meant. I meant…” Kerri trailed off, gulping her coffee.

There was no response from Wren. The conversation was cut short by the quiet rumble of the engine and cars whizzing past them. Neither woman made eye contact, and the passenger kept her eyes on the ocean.

Music filled the car and cut the tension. At least, it did for Wren. Whether Kerri liked or not didn’t matter to the woman. It was her car. She bobbed her head to the electronic beats and synthesized vocals, wishing she could go for a run on the beach instead of being stuck in the car with someone who didn’t like her or who she was.

That was the problem with too many in the Iron Oath. There was an attitude they all had, like they found themselves superior to humans and The Others. Some sort of secret society membership that put them above even law enforcement. It was the exact problem Wren set out to change when she started work for the Iron Oath.

At first, she thought she had made some headway. The first ever Druid Agent got attention from even the executive ranks in the organization. Two of them met with Wren, asking her what she thought of her new position. The eagerness of a young woman in her early twenties led Wren to jump at any opportunity to share her thoughts. The Iron Oath could work with The Others! They could band together and change so many problems in the world.

Instead, the Iron Oath seemed to turn on her. They passed laws that further regulated The Others, and enacted punishments harsher than even law enforcement. When the Iron Oath lobbied and could arrest The Others, Wren nearly walked away from her work. The only thing holding her there was the hope that she could still make a change.

That hope waned a long time ago, leaving her in a job she hated, but it was the only job she knew. Jacob’s reigns grew tighter and tighter, restricting her into a ball of energy that was about to burst. Handing her a partner who did not like Druids was one more strand of rope wrapping around her. It was about to reach her neck, and Wren couldn’t handle the threat of a noose for very long.

The houses near Miami Beach grew larger and spread further apart, and the roads grew more narrow. Soon, the car drove past mansions nearly a mile apart from each other. Every resident securing their private piece of paradise along the intra-coastal waterway.

A winding driveway paved with red brick led the car through a man-made thicket of heavy fan palms, bushes and sawgrass tufts. It gave a grand reveal around a white-bordered curve, opening up to a small garden that welcomed visitors to the multi-million dollar home. It was a modern fortress behind the guise of strong white exterior walls and Spanish-style arches.

The manicured lawn and square hedges matched the hard angles of the house. A few well-placed palm trees and some hibiscus bushes drew the eye to a bit of color on an otherwise ultra-modern palette. Yellow rays of morning sun were quickly spreading over the drive, leaving Wren and Kerri with little time to work.

Unlike some myths that persisted through the centuries, Vampires don’t burn up in sunlight. It’s easy for a Vampire to handle an hour of sunlight before the sun sickness sets in. The first hour, exposure to sun makes them feel ill and disoriented. By the second hour, they are desperate to get away from the sun and replace some respite from the feverish delirium that’s threatening them. An older Vampire may last a little longer, but none can last past five hours. By that time, there’s nothing to do but stake the poor, babbling husk of a person the sun sickness left behind.

Most Vampires enjoy the early morning. It’s the time of day where they can be in the sun’s rays without worrying about direct exposure. By the time the sun fully rises, their bodies have an overwhelming need to rest. It is a desperate call that they describe as a longing for sleep.

Wren shut the car door, knowing that it was almost the hour where the sun would reach past the ocean’s horizon and inch its way overhead. She paused in front of the house, letting out a low whistle and the sheer size of it.

“How many square feet do two people need?” She asked.

Kerri responded with a shrug, staring at her purple heels instead of the large front door. A lion’s head held a heavy iron ring that knocked against a metal plate. It was a tactic, warning anyone that they were entering the home of someone who would protect their own at any cost.

Two knocks brought feet clicking along a floor to the door. Whoever was behind it paused, opening a small glass window that looked through the eyes of the lion. There was a pause, then three locks opening the door.

A tall man with impeccable grooming and striking features stared at them. Next to him was a woman who stood a head and a half below him. Both were giving Wren and Kerri the same look. They were not welcome or wanted anywhere near that house.

“Florian Di Votti and Anika Hernandez?” Wren asked.

“That would be correct. What can I do for you?” Florian had a resonating voice that came from his chest, as if he were about to yell at any moment.

“Agent Wren Hoffman. This is Agent Kerri Fuller. Iron Oath.” Wren pulled a wallet from her pocket, showing the badge. “I suppose you know why we’re here.”

“To bother us before we sleep.” Anika said.

It was no surprise to Wren that Anika’s records spoke of the many men she wooed over the last century. Anika’s voice was so soft that it made a person feel like she was singing them a lullaby. There was still a hint of an accent that denoted her Mexican heritage, along with a smooth caramel complexion and hair so black it reflected blue in the light.

Florian was the epitome of a Vampire stereotype. Every actor on TV or movies seemed to be modeled after him. He was a strikingly handsome person with golden hair and a bit of an olive undertone to his flawless complexion.

Those hazel eyes were nearly the same golden color as his hair, with a piercing gaze that could unnerve a person or make them melt in a heartbeat. He stared at Wren and Kerri with a squint, making the two of them squirm. Kerri just knew he was plotting how to kill her, and every way he might do it ran through her mind. When Anika opened the door for them to come in, Kerri jumped, shuffling inside like a woman walking to the firing squad.

“You’ll remain in the sitting room.” Florian said. “No further.”

“We can stand if you’d like.” Wren said.

Anika scoffed. “We aren’t as rude as the Iron Oath, Agent. Please, sit. I’ll get you a drink.”

She walked off with a sway of her hips that explained to anyone why Florian was attracted to her. The woman dripped with confidence in every gliding step. Despite her size, she had a very large presence that commanded attention.

“You have a beautiful home.” Wren said.

She settled herself onto a leather couch that threatened to lull her into a much-needed nap at only seven thirty in the morning. Across from her and Kerri was a wall that looked like it was made of rich mahogany, displaying a false fireplace as long as the room itself. The happy crackle of the fire pumped through a speaker, and it provided no warmth in an otherwise cozy room.

“Thank you.” Florian answered, seating himself away from both Agents.

“Shall we get this over with?” Anika handed them both a glass of water before joining Florian.

“Thank you.” Kerri said.

The tablet in Wren’s hand opened up, displaying records of both Vampires. She shifted a little in her seat, giving them an apologetic glance.

“You both just moved to Miami from Virginia. Any business plans?” Wren asked.

Florian shrugged. “I have enough money to live comfortably for a long time. I’m taking a break. Anika will continue with her business.”

Kerri glanced at the screen. “What about any arrests or violations of regulations?”

“That is all in your records, Agent.” Anika said.

“I know. We’re supposed to ask.” Kerri shrank back into the couch.

“It’s her first day.” Wren said. “We can skip those questions. Like Ms. Hernandez said, it’s all right here.”

“Aren’t you lucky?” Anika gave Kerri a smirk, raising her glass to her in a mocking toast.

“Can I ask a personal question?” Wren leaned forward.

Florian scoffed. “Not likely.”

“We need to make sure records are accurate and leave them alone.” Kerri said.

“I suggest you listen to your colleague.” Florian smiled.

“You have records that are sealed.” Wren ignored both of them. “I’m a Senior Agent and I can’t access them. Is there anything we should know about you besides rumors?”

Florian laughed. “They sealed them, did they? For good reason, I’m sure. The Iron Oath wouldn’t want all their dirty secrets out to their Agents. If you are truly curious, ask Oliver Faulkner.”

Wren rolled her eyes. “I don’t work with him.”

“Isn’t he still the Iron Oath’s attack dog?” Florian asked.

Kerri bristled. “He’s a Captain, Mr. Di Votti.”

“He’s a traitor.” Anika answered. “And a killer. Worse, he kills his own.”

“I think we’ve covered everything.” Kerri sat the water glass on the table. “Thank you both.”

The woman walked out of the house like a prey animal running from the two predators lurking behind her. The Vampires didn’t make a move to follow, opting to give each other satisfied looks. The third in the room shook her head with a sigh, placing the tablet back in a messenger bag.

“Agent Hoffman.” Anika grabbed her arm. “Are my eyes playing tricks on me, or is that a mark?”

Wren grasped the sleeve of her shirt, pulling it over her forearm. Even in the sweltering Florida heat, she was ordered to wear long sleeves in order to disguise the unmistakable birthmark every Druid has. It forms on their body in a conspicuous place when they awaken. For Wren, the deep brown mark was in the shape of a tree, showing off her affinity.

“It is.” She said.

“So it is true. There is a second one of us working for the Iron Oath.” Florian stood up. “And the third?”

“Rumors.” Wren answered. “There’s no record of anyone but me and Faulkner.”

“Have you met him?” Florian asked.

“Once.”

“And?”

“I don’t think much about him.” She shrugged. “He’s an ass.”

Florian laughed. “That he is.”

“I’ve changed my mind about you.” Anika said. “A little bit.”

“Thank you?” Wren glanced at the open door. “I should be going. We’ll be in touch if we have any more questions. Have a good day — sleep.”

As Wren moved to leave, Florian took her arm. “Agent. Listen to what I said before. If you want to know about those sealed records, ask Oliver Faulkner. You won’t like the answers you replace.”

“Mister Di Votti.” Wren said. “I can’t tell you what I’ve seen him…”

“Yes you can.” Anika said. “We’ll listen.”

“You don’t understand.” Wren picked up her phone, tapping the air in front of it. “I can’t tell you anything, because what you heard about him is unfounded nonsense.”

Florian and Anika gave Wren a knowing smile. When she spoke, her eyes were wide and her head shook back and forth. Every word she uttered was for the benefit of her superiors, who were likely listening to them. It was well known that Iron Oath Agents had gadgets and phones that were all connected to each other. Nothing went unheard when an Agent was on duty. This was no different.

“Is that so?” Anika pretended to argue. “Well, I can tell you that…”

“Rumors.” Wren interrupted. “Rumors from school kids. We’ve all heard them, Ms. Hernandez.”

“That will be enough.” Florian guided Wren by the small of her back to the door, leaning in close to whisper. “Don’t open this up unless you truly want to know. If you do, we are here to help. If not, you are our enemy.”

Wren answered with a quick nod. “Thank you for answering our questions and for your time. Goodbye.”

As the car pulled away from the drive, Florian stood at the window with an arm around Anika’s waist. “That was no goodbye.”

“No.” Anika said. “There were a thousand questions in her eyes. I wonder what’s pushed her into the Iron Oath in the first place?”

“I have no idea, but she may be the one who finally tells the world what’s happened. Especially if she encounters Oliver. I hope she stakes the answers out of him. If I don’t first.” Florian placed a kiss on her cheek. “I am exhausted, my love. Shall we sleep?”