CURSE OF THE MOON

THIS LOVE

From the other side of the diner, Scarlet watched her friend’s silly act of anger. She watched her as she huffed back to the kitchen and disappeared to the back for her break. She was not surprised at the reaction, but was surprised that whatever the man did she let it get to her. It was unlike her. She never lets anyone annoy her. She would always find a way to turn the table back on them.

Scarlet walked up to the two men at the table. “Hey, guys, nice to see you’re not at each other's necks today. Hope you are…” Whatever she was saying disappeared when she looked at the table. Her eyes had trailed to the red liquid in the glass. “What in God’s name is that?”

She picked it up and carefully examined it afraid of what it might be. Kayla had a knack for revenge and they were never subtle and always had a terrible effect on the recipient. As she held the glass in her hand a million crazy theories went through her head.

“Ketchup!” she said, letting out a long sigh. “You pissed her off. I have seen cold treatment before, but this is harsh.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m Solara.” He stretched out his hand for hers.

“Scarlet. So I hope you two are comfortable despite the hostility.”

She chanced a glance at Stephan. He hadn’t said a word since she got there. She lingered for a while, then she shrugged in defeat and left the table. She headed for the direction Kayla had disappeared to, with the glass of ketchup in her hand.

***

Stephan had wanted to talk to her. That was the only reason he went in, in the first place. But at that moment he couldn’t say anything. He couldn’t at that moment, he resented the feelings he had for her. He had only seen her twice before, and he was beginning to desire her. He would not let himself love anyone else. Neither would he allow it. Not after what he did. Rather what he failed to do. He tossed a couple of one-dollar bills on the table and left.

Stephan’s guard was up. He could feel Solara's rage, he took a step to the side when he lurched at him. He stood and stared at him. He let his shield down so that the attacker could see his torment and pain. There was nothing that he could do to him that could hurt him more than the thought of loving someone else.

Solara had looked into his mind, his face mirrored everything that he felt inside. Stephan knew that Solara hated him for loving his sister. He hadn’t avenged Sotera’s death. And now, Stephan was falling for a human.

Stephan didn’t know how to explain what he felt. Not to himself or anyone else. He had only loved once, he vowed never to love again. He would put himself in a position of vulnerability. Sotera’s face came up to him. The night of her death haunted him. He was losing grip of his sanity. He could hear her pleas, her cries of pain, and the tearing apart of her body. He could see the flames over her perfect body. He had seen both sides of love and he wasn’t about to face it again.

Later that night, Stephan stared out his window. He decided not to allow himself to get close to Scarlet. He was relieved by the fact she wasn’t interested in him. Stephan went out to hunt. He hadn’t fed since the day he saw her, and besides, it would keep him preoccupied for the next couple of hours.

***

Solara visited the diner as often as he could to torment Kayla. He took joy in seeing the scowl on her face every time he walked in. He never ordered anything, all he would do was ask for Kayla, and she would come to him with a glass of ketchup in hand. Joanie didn’t like it at first, but when he started paying for it she never said a word. After a while, Kayla would look forward to seeing him, and when he didn’t come she became disappointed. They often wondered where he was when he wasn’t at the diner charming Kayla.

Solara walked into the diner, and as it was routine, Kayla would always meet him at the door with a glass of ketchup in hand. He took a booth at the corner. Something was on his mind. Today he did not seem disturbed by the men making passes at Kayla, he was too preoccupied to notice.

Usually, he was alert. Whenever he thought a man had made an improper gesture towards her, he would clear his throat and wave her over. Although they did not have a romantic relationship, he was attached to her. Kayla had been the first woman with whom he looked past physical beauty. She was smart and strong, sure of herself and her abilities. She was a challenge for him and he believed that he had finally met his match.

Today something bothered him. He flipped his phone open and talked into it. A few minutes later, Stephan walked in and took a seat across from him. The expression he wore showed that he was less than pleased.

What are you talking about and why did we have to meet here?

“This is bigger than you and the secret affection you have for humans. You can lie to yourself, but not me. Remember I can read your mind,” he shrugged. “When you let me.”

Solara looked over at Scarlet, who was serving a customer at the far end of the diner. Watching her, he realized that she was the woman who would replace his sister in Stephan’s heart. As angry as he felt, he knew it was time for Stephan to move on. There are more important things to deal with now. How long did he expect Stephan to hold on to the love of the dead?

Solara could feel Stephan’s impatience. It was like an itch taking over his body. If there was one thing he hated about being a vampire, it was the heightened senses.

“Get to the point!”

He took a deep breath before he spoke. He anticipated a negative reaction to what he was about to say. “The Conselho is at it again. They are on a rampage and very desperate, if I may add.” he coughed out a laugh. The fact that someone had the all-powerful shaking in their boots made him ecstatic.

“They can’t keep track of their minions anymore. Apparently, they need a firm hand, indiscipline and defiance under the new regime. Imagine that, they are beginning to think for themselves.” his lips curved into a grin, but Stephan did not seem to care. “They were having some difficulties with the other supernatural beings. Territorial issues boundaries and whatnot. Anyway, they need to have their warriors ready in case the beasts attack.”

He paused at first, waiting for the news to sink in. Stephan slightly shifted in his chair before he straightened up. He looked at Solara, a smirk on his face. The Conselho’s bad news was his good news, but what did it have to do with him?

“You more than anyone know that I don’t care about that anymore. I left it behind and since…” Stephan couldn’t say the words, not out loud.

…Sotera died…

“I don’t care what happens to them anymore. So if that’s all that you had to tell me, I will take my leave now.” Stephan got up to leave when Solara grabbed his wrist.

“They want you. They want you to go back to them and lead the army against the beasts.”

Horror crossed his face for a second, and then rage took over. “WHAT!”

Everyone at the diner turned to look at them.

“What’s going on guys? If there is a problem you should take it outside.” Scar was the first to break the silence.

“Fellas, let's take this outside.” it was Kayla who spoke up. She gently loosened Solara’s grip on Stephan’s wrist and tugged him outside.