I Don't Believe In Vampires

History

Brian

Time never stops. Always moving. Always shifting. From this realm to the next...

    “Centuries ago a realm was created called Astoria. It was a safe haven for the supernatural. They formed a council which would share in the protection of the realm. An invisible barrier was placed between Astoria and here, allowing the supernatural to come and go as they pleased. As time went on, a rare bloodline was discovered which had abilities far superior than any known species. 

    The council, also called “The Guardians” , appointed them to lead Astoria. They made a blood pact which involved the keepers of the realm and the descendants of the bloodline. They were the royal family of Astoria. For every descendant born there would be a guardian linked to them at birth.  For example, wolves have mates and are linked. The Guardian link is more of a business deal. There is no romance involved. Guardians are not mates. You are free to love who you choose but you are destined to protect the one in which you are linked with your life.”

    “So, what you’re saying is that I’m a glorified babysitter? Why do you need me? She already has a guard dog!” I said leaning back up against the wall with my arms crossed across my chest. 

    “The Guardians  are fierce protectors and one of the strongest supernatural creatures out there. Astoria was overthrown 20 years ago. The royal family was killed and so were most of the Guardians. The veil between this realm and the other was severed. To this day that realm has been engulfed in darkness and all the portals leading there have been destroyed. We have tried to make contact numerous times but all we feel and see is utter darkness.

     “This so-called “babysitting” job you are referring to is to protect no other than the princess of Astoria. She was set to take the throne when she came of age but there is no throne to take. However, the pact made all those years ago is still in place. So the guardian linked to her must still protect her. We don’t know if Astoria still exists or not. There’s no way to find out. 

    Also this “guard dog” that you  mention happens to be the daughter of the Blood Raven Clan. They are a large supernatural hunter clan. They originated in this town centuries ago. Kallista just happens to be Ashlyn’s best friend but it also works for everyone involved as well. The pact was made between our clan and the Blood Ravens. It is a peace pact so we cannot attack each other. If one were to attack the other the attacker would have their supernatural abilities frozen and their energy drained for 72 hours. So that would be like draining energy from a human being and taking away all their senses. Which would make it difficult to function.” 

    So that would explain why Cali had such a surprised look on her face. Must suck to be her right about now. 

    “What does this job involve? Making sure she doesn’t get killed? What if I don’t want to protect her? I’m supposed to protect someone that is afraid of their own shadow and will cower down at the slightest thing? What kind of princess is that? She is weak.”

    “It is more than just making sure she stays alive, Brian. This is a lifelong commitment. If you choose not to accept it, you will continue hearing voices in your head. They will only continue to get louder if you ignore your destiny. When Ashlyn’s parents handed her over to their caretaker before they were killed in the Astorian War, they had a witch cast a protection spell on her. The spell hid her abilities from all supernatural and natural beings. The spell must be weakening because of you. You have had a few interactions with her and your side of the link is slowly unlocking and awakening her side. All the more you have to start training because once someone detects a royal she’ll be a high risk. You’re not ready and neither is she.  

    Starting tomorrow, you will start your training. I will alert Ashlyn’s caretaker of what had transpired here today. I will also request a meeting with the Blood Raven’s. Things are going to change around here not just for you but for all of us. 

Ash

    My mind was trying to process the events that went on in the hallway earlier. My body felt like I was electrocuted ten times over. Something in me feels different but I don’t know what or why. Brian bolted out of the school after that and I haven’t seen him since. 

“Ash stop spacing out and go take another lap!” 

I was snapped back into reality by Coach Marik yelling at me. 

“Sorry Coach” I say as I ease into a jog.

 I haven’t seen Cali most of the day. I left so many voicemail messages, I think her inbox is full because of it. I finished taking my lap and the bell signaled school was finally out for the day. I gathered my backpack and books out of my locker and headed out to the school parking lot. I see my mom there waiting for me. Usually I either bike or take the car home. The weird thing was I biked to school but she was waiting for me in the parking lot. 

“Ash, don’t worry about the bike. We need to talk.” 

It’s not the “we need to talk” that had me worried, but it was the tone she used to say it.