Born or Made

Chapter 3: Meeting the Grand Sorceress

“Capry, this is the Grand Sorceress Acara. She is in charge of running the Academy,” Athanatos said. Capry watched as he dropped to one knee and saluted her formerly. It was clearly a sign of respect. She knew nothing of vampire customs and wasn’t sure if she was also supposed to salute or bow, so she awkwardly curtsied instead. This caused the Grand Sorceress to emit a giggle and she instantly felt her face flush red.

“Don’t be embarrassed, dear,” the Grand Sorceress said, motioning for Capry to come sit down at her desk. An ornate hourglass, and a small beautiful globe that had sections highlighted in gold decorated the surface. “You’re very sweet.”

Capry approached the desk and held out her hand to shake. “It’s nice to meet you, Grand Sorceress,” she said nervously. The Grand Sorceress reached out and grasped her outstretched hand with both of her own and gave a little squeeze. A surge of energy washed through Capry making her hair stand on end. She instantly felt calmer. She didn’t realize that was almost the equivalent of a hug.

Athanatos pulled out a chair for Capry, and then took the seat next to her. Capry felt very small and insignificant in the presence of these two individuals; it was definitely intimidating to say the least.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well, Capry Ramos,” the Grand Sorceress said kindly, with a smile that revealed two very sharp fangs. She tipped her glass towards Capry and took a sip of her wine. “Welcome to Vhladévara, the Academy of Blood Sorcery.”

“Thank you,” Capry said, averting her eyes downward. She felt a soft caress under her chin, like a hand, nudging her to look up. She met the Grand Sorceress’ gaze and realized she hadn’t been physically touched. The Grand Sorceress studied her for a moment in a deep penetrating fashion that made Capry feel naked.

She was a beautiful woman. Her eyes were the color of amber, with orange pigmentation around her pupils. She was petite with long dark brown hair and adorned herself with fine jewelry. She was dressed in robes that flowed fluidly around her body, as though she were wearing dark water, or maybe even smoke. Capry wondered if it was a trick of the light.

“Tell me a bit about yourself,” the Grand Sorceress said, pouring a separate glass of wine out of a crystal carafe that sparkled in the candlelight. Capry watched as the wine glass slid effortlessly across the desk to come rest in front of her. She was impressed and wondered if she too would have the ability to do that.

Capry accepted the glass and took a small drink, finding the wine pleasantly sweet. She had only snuck sips of wine before, when her mother wasn’t looking. She usually found it unpleasantly dry. This was much nicer.

“I’m just a high school student,” Capry began. She wasn’t sure why she always went blank when asked to describe herself. The typical answers always seemed bland. “I live with my mom and brother in Albuquerque and up until today, have never thought there was anything remarkable about me,” she said simply. She felt a little odd leaving it on that note. She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to be selling herself to this woman or if the Grand Sorceress needed to be convinced of something. “The truth is I don’t know who I am. I don’t know anything about my biological parents. I only have one friend,” she paused briefly when she thought of Seph, “Had one friend. And I’m not even sure I belong here. I think there’s been a mistake.”

“Your genetics don’t lie,” the Grand Sorceress said. “You are who you are. It’s about time you get to know yourself. I have a feeling that you’ll find what you seek here.”

“I’m not even sure any of this is real. I keep expecting to wake up,” Capry said. Her tone suggested that she didn’t think she was trapped in the pleasant kind of dream. There was fear behind her responses. Capry reached out and spun the globe in front of her. As it rotated, a light melodic hum came from it. Capry noticed that it wasn't a typical globe of the world. All the continents were there, but there were places mapped out on it that didn’t match up with anything she was taught in her geography classes. The sections in gold seemed to hover over the continents, labeled with strange names. Places that as far as she knew, didn’t exist.

The Grand Sorceress watched the globe spin, the gold reflecting in her eyes. “We are a world within a world,” she said slowly. “Everything you see in front of you is real, sitting just outside of the life you know. The realms tend to overlap, washing over each other like water on a beach.

“I’m sure you have doubts. But I can tell you with certainty that I can sense your transition occurring inside of you. We couldn’t deny what you are, even if we wanted to. And as these changes continue, the pieces will fall into place. You just need to have faith.”

“How long have I been here?” Capry asked.

“A couple days,” Athanatos said. “When I brought you here you were very sick. It took some time to stabilize you before you were able to wake.”

“How do you usually handle people like me?” she asked.

“What do you mean?” asked the Grand Sorceress, raising an eyebrow.

“People who come from the human realm,” Capry replied bluntly. “Don’t they have families and people that worry about them when they disappear? My mother is probably worried sick.” Capry had been thinking about this since she woke up in this strange place. She felt afraid, like she didn’t have a say in being here. It was k********g.

“Not all fledglings who come from your realm enter the Academy as you did. We didn’t do this to cause harm, Capry,” the Grand Sorceress attempted to reassure her. “Athanatos came for you to keep you from killing the people you love. You’re stable now. But had you been left on your own, you likely would have hurt someone you care about. It won’t be long before you need to feed again-”

When Capry heard the word again, she felt jittery. She wondered if the Grand Sorceress knew what she had done to Seph and almost felt compelled to tell her how truly horrified she was after it had happened. Before things had gone blurry for her. She wanted to make it right.

“-And we’re the only place that has the resources to sustain you as you change. However, if you would like to notify your mother, there are options for that.”

“What would I need to tell my mother?” Capry asked. “Would she be safe?”

“Of course!” the Grand Sorceress said quickly. She could see that Capry was mistrustful. Rightfully so. She sent soothing energy to try to calm the girl down. This wasn’t her first time dealing with an unexpected extraction. “We can usually resolve the problems that arise regarding a fledgling’s human family, Capry. Ultimately it is your choice how you would like to proceed.”

“And if I want to go home?” Capry asked. She was trying to remain respectful but her indignation was leaking through her poker face.

“I understand the desire to return home. I’ve had this conversation many times before. But I must make it clear that it would be unwise. My dear, I do not say this lightly. If you return home now, you will kill somebody. It may not be your family. But it will be somebody. And you won’t mean to do it. You won’t even want to do it. But you will not be able to stop yourself. Human blood is ineffective in this stage of your development. So, you will need more and more and you will never be satiated. You need the blood of our hosts, which carries our magic, to sustain you while your body and your brain develops.

“And if you were to kill a human, there are consequences in your realm that are out of our jurisdiction. And I cannot promise that we would be able to get you out of it. And even if we were able, you would have to live with what you’ve done.”

The Grand Sorceress Acara folded her hands across her lap, her eyes meeting Capry’s evenly. “We will work with you however we can to make this transition comfortable and safe for you. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. And I think if given enough time, you will choose to stay. But I must insist for the time being, that you remain here. The opportunities are limitless, if you complete your education.”

“Can I tell my mom the truth?” Capry asked quietly.

“Perhaps in time. But it is not advised you use the truth as your opening line,” Grand Sorceress Acara said. “We have resources in the human realm that aid in smoothing things over without revealing who and what we truly are to the humans. It’s safer for us if they remain ignorant to that aspect of our lives.”

“How do other fledglings usually handle this kind of thing?” Capry asked. She had tears in her eyes now. The Grand Sorceress’ expression softened and she glanced at Athanatos, her eyes sharing something she wasn’t speaking aloud. Athanatos reached over awkwardly and patted Capry’s shoulder a couple times, before he dropped his hand. The Grand Sorceress raised her eyebrows at him in a facial expression that screamed, “Really?”

“Their reactions include a wide array of emotions. Really, any you could think of,” Athanatos said. He thought maybe he could help her feel better verbally. “The students here come from a variety of backgrounds. Some come from homes similar to yours. Or from much worse conditions. But in the end the vast majority have remained here to learn and grow and are much better off for it. A lot of times when a fledgling is adopted by a human family, they are not nurtured correctly and end up being confused and more prone to depression. Humans tend to view a lot of our natural behaviors as undesirable so they try to stomp them out of a fledgling. Sometimes literally, because they aren’t equipped to raise a vampire. So the fledglings come to us with a negative outlook on who they are. It’s hard to neutralize those feelings.

“We became aware of you much later than we usually do. Because you were raised by humans, there was nobody there to help you when you didn’t start transitioning on your own. How could they when they don’t even know we exist? There may even be Born Vampires in the human realm that have never been discovered due to them never triggering their transitions. It’s unlikely, but not impossible. Either way, we are happy that you did,” Athanatos offered her a smile, which seemed slightly out of place on his face.

Capry visibly drooped in her seat, and in response so did he. He was hoping she would perk up at least little bit. She reminded him of a very sad flower.

Everything she was being told fit her, word for word. She had always been confused and lonely. Her parents were constantly frustrated with her because they thought her behavior was strange. Mike had even left because of her, or so she believed. After her brother was born she felt invisible and tried to stay out of the way. She drew into herself even though her mother tried to encourage her to branch out. She never quite thrived the way Kathy had wanted.

“Why would my parents have left me? Knowing what I am?” Capry asked dejectedly. She finally burst into tears. “They had to have known right?”

Both the Grand Sorceress and Athanatos felt their hearts tighten up.

“There are so many reasons why this happens, Capry,” the Grand Sorceress said soothingly. She rose from her desk and approached Capry, and this time she did touch her. She grasped the girl who seemed so small, and hugged her tight. “It is my deepest regret that we didn’t find you sooner. If we were able, we probably could have helped you avoid a lot of hurt. I can’t speak for your parents, but sometimes our fledglings have fathers who don’t know they exist. Because men will be men. They venture to the human realm for one reason or another and then return home and are none the wiser.”

Athanatos cleared his throat uncomfortably.

“Or other times, the parents run into trouble and can’t keep their children, so they leave them, in hopes they’ll be safer if they’re hidden. Or it could be that your mother was human and didn’t have the means to take care of you and perhaps wasn’t aware of what you are. Or was, and didn’t know how to raise you. But on their behalf, I apologize.”

Capry wiped her eyes and quieted down a bit. The Grand Sorceress returned to her seat and brought out a box of tissues, offering them to Capry.

“When you said you had resources in the human realm, what did you mean?” Capry asked quietly. She was becoming convinced she wasn’t being lied to.

“We have a branch of vampires that are hired to keep our existence quiet. They reside in the human realm and handle all of our business and legal issues if they arise. There are powerful humans who know the truth and hunt vampires, Born and Made alike. It’s their job to keep us hidden and if need be, provide legitimate documentation for our fledglings so they may transfer to the Academy. A lot of times we operate under the guise of a correctional school. Since so many of our students have “behavioral issues.” Your case would be no different. We would simply supply some documentation that states you have been recommended to our school due to recent legal issues and that we provide several programs to get you back on track. Human parents are usually relieved to see all the progress their children make under our care when nothing else has worked. And a lot of times parents are willing to try anything if they think it’s reinforcing what they have tried to ingrain in their children. Our fledglings end up in the right environment and everybody wins,” The Grand Sorceress stated. “A lot of times, once you’ve stabilized, you’re even allowed to return home for human holidays. If that is what you wish to do.”

“I’m not sure I have any legal problems,” Capry replied. “I might. But from what I was told, my friend didn’t want to press charges. Her parents did though. I don’t know if they can.”

“Your recent run-in with your local police department is sufficient enough. All we have to say is that you were recommended by one of the advocates that work with department. Which, you have been,” the Grand Sorceress said, opening a black folder that was blending in with her desk. She rustled through the contents and handed Capry a paper. “And I wouldn’t worry about the situation that brought you here. The girl will make a full recovery. It could be a clean slate for you, if you’re willing to take it.”

Capry wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that. There seemed to be a lot of deceit involved and she’d never been too fond of lies. But the appeal of a fresh start had been something she had wished for. The idea of returning to her high school after what happened sounded like a nightmare. Even though it didn’t seem like that would be an option for her either way. She didn’t feel like she was supposed to be allowed to make this kind of decision on her own. This was usually something that was discussed with a parent before arrangements were made.

“If I stay until I’m stable, as you put it. And then decide this isn’t for me, would I be allowed to go home?” Capry asked. “How long will it take me to be stable enough to see my mom?”

“There isn’t a definitive amount of time. Every fledgling is different. Some metabolize the blood much quicker and it takes longer for them to regulate the distribution of their magic, or energy. Those students need to feed more often. Then there are others that are blessed with the touch, and can stabilize themselves much easier. Some just have a natural ability. There is no way to tell how quickly you’ll be able to advance, until you begin your studies. If you’re dedicated and work hard, you could make the progress quickly,” the Grand Sorceress replied. “As far as seeing your mother, we can arrange for that soon. You just have to be well-fed before you go. You can take her this paperwork yourself f you wish. The only condition is that your Guardian escort you there and back. But you must return with Athanatos without incident. Good relationships require trust to thrive. And I want us to have a strong start.”

Capry examined her recommendation letter. It had an official stamp from the school pressed into the paper on the top of the page with all her information on it, including her date of birth and last four digits of her social security number. She was astounded at how quickly these people moved. She supposed maybe they had to. She noticed that the name of the school was only slightly changed. It was the Vhladévara Correctional Academy for Troubled Youth. It sounded like a mental institution. There was even a website and an address. She wondered how that worked if she was in a completely different realm. That was a little bit different than a zip code.

She found herself calming down. If the Grand Sorceress had told her she couldn’t see her mother she may have flipped her desk. Not literally, obviously. It looked too heavy. But maybe she could.

“Ok,” Capry agreed finally. It was the kind of reluctant response that the Grand Sorceress was expecting but she nodded and closed Capry’s file, handing it to her.

“You may look through your file if you like. It’s just some paperwork your mother will have to sign. Your departure will be tomorrow morning. It’s a little late in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Athanatos will get you well fed so you don’t try to eat anyone when you go and everything will be all set,” the Grand Sorceress smiled humorously.

Capry was a bit thrown off by her. She seemed so regal and professional, but when all official business was aside she dropped the formality. “Sounds like a plan…” Capry trailed off seeming a bit befuddled by the exchange.

“Dinner is being served soon,” the Grand Sorceress said. “Come see me tomorrow with the paperwork, Athanatos. I wish you the best of luck Miss Capry. I think you are going to do great things here. You two have a nice evening.”

************************

Capry walked alongside Athanatos, every so often glancing up at him from the corner of her eye. He could feel her looking at him but walked steadily along in silence, pretending not to notice. There weren’t as many students as there had been earlier. Capry noticed that they were wearing more casual attire. She assumed classes were over for the day. They all seemed to be talking and enjoying the evening. The air was light with laughter. Capry turned her face towards the sky that was filled with an overwhelming number of bright stars, peeking through the trees that stretched towards the ceiling. It had to be made of glass.

“So, have you had a lot of other fledglings?” Capry asked timidly.

“I have retrieved many fledglings. You are the first I’ve been assigned to,” Athanatos said.

“What does a Guardian do?” Capry asked.

“It is my job to teach you our ways, and guide you to make good decisions,” he replied. “I will also teach you the appropriate way to feed.”

“Seems like a lot of pressure,” Capry observed. Athanatos grunted his agreement. He noticed she was almost jogging alongside him and shortened his stride a bit. “Is there an inappropriate way to feed?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said gruffly. Capry didn't want to annoy her Guardian so she ceased with her questions abruptly. Athanatos looked down at her to see her gazing at her feet quietly as she walked. He inwardly sighed and silently scolded himself. He didn't want the girl to be afraid to ask questions. He just had no idea how to do this.

“We’ll talk more about that when I bring you to the hosts,” Athanatos replied. “What do you like to do in your spare time Capry?”

“The normal stuff,” Capry said vaguely, giving a small shrug. “I like to read. And listen to music. Sometimes I draw,” she said. He nodded.

“We have a vast library here, with many books, and a wide selection of music you can access from our computers,” Athanatos said. “And an art room with infinite supplies. There are quite a few talented artists here. Perhaps you can make some friends.”

“I’m not that good,” Capry said, her cheeks flushing again. Athanatos noticed she couldn't hide when she was feeling self-conscious. Even her ears turned pink. He also noticed she was drawing a lot of attention from the students around her. She seemed oblivious to this and wasn’t making eye contact with anyone but him.

“When I go home tomorrow will I be able to bring some of my things?” she asked.

“You may bring any personal belongings you like. You can even decorate your room,” he said.

“Will I have to share my room with anyone else?” Capry asked.

“For the moment, you will be by yourself. We have a lot of dorms. If we get anymore students they may be assigned to share with you,” he said.

They were approaching the dining room when she collided with someone at the foot of the stairs. It was like hitting a brick wall. She fell back and felt Athanatos’ large arm attempt to steady her, as her butt landed on the stairs. Her jaw clamped shut and she bit the side of her tongue, which thankfully stopped her from crying out.

She found herself staring up at a young man who looked to be around her age. He was pale, with dark hair and heavy set eyes that made his stare harsh. His features were sharp and well defined. He probably could’ve been attractive if he didn’t scowl so much. There was something sharp about his demeanor that exuded anger.

There were a few other students with him, one of them was a female, holding firmly on to his arm in a possessive manner. She glared down at Capry through vibrant blue eyes. She flipped her black hair over her shoulder impatiently. The boy's jaw twitched a bit and he stepped over her legs to continue climbing the stairs. Capry felt her heart quicken unpleasantly as his friends followed suit. It was like she was a decorative rug.

“Have some manners, Scar!” Athanatos boomed, causing other students to halt in their conversations and look up with wide eyes.

Athanatos was still holding onto Capry protectively. The boy stopped his ascent up the stairs and looked back at Capry dismissively, before he addressed Athanatos.

“I didn't see her, Elder. My apologies,” he said with insincerity. He then briskly climbed the steps, his friends laughing at something he’d said under his breath.

Athanatos scoffed and hauled Capry to her feet. “Are you alright?” he asked, brushing her off. Capry retrieved one of her slides, and put it back on her foot.

“Yes, thank you,” she said quietly, not mentioning the painful throbbing in her tongue. She didn’t know why she felt so shaken up.

“One bit of advice,” Athanatos said angrily. “Give that one a wide berth.”

“Okay,” Capry said, taking a deep breath. She brushed a couple pebbles off the palms of her hands.

“There are rotten ones in every bunch,” Athanatos growled under his breath. Capry was intimidated by his sudden fury, even though she knew it was on her behalf. She also suddenly felt very safe. She had a feeling that she had lucked out and possibly gotten the best Guardian she could have. She felt grateful.

When they entered the dining hall she was caught off guard by someone bouncing into view.

“Hey!” she said happily. It was Valerie, the girl she had met during her lunch with Athanatos. She smiled brightly. “Good evening,” her voice deepened semi-formally, addressing Athanatos. She then smiled and winked at him. Capry caught a ghost of a smile touch Athanatos’ lips. It was clear he liked her.

“Good evening Valerie,” he said pleasantly.

“You want to come eat with me?” Valerie asked addressing Capry. Athanatos watched as Capry’s ears turned pink again. She glanced at him nervously.

“Go ahead,” Athanatos said, giving her a gentle nudge. “I’m going to go sit with the rest of the faculty. Just over there,” he said pointing to a separate section of the dining room. “I’ll see you after dinner.”

With that he lumbered off to join the other large vampire men seated along a large table further into the dining room. Capry wondered why there were so many of them.

“This may be a little rude of me, but earlier today I didn’t catch your name,” Valerie said.

“I’m Capry,” Capry said. “Capry Ramos.”

“Valerie Russle,” Valerie said, holding her hand out. Capry took it to shake and Valerie squeezed gently. Capry felt a familiar surge of energy pass through her body. It felt a bit different from the Grand Sorceress. It was warmer.

“They say you can tell someone’s intentions by their greeting,” Valerie chirped happily. “That’s also how you can tell if someone wants to be your friend.”

“I don’t know how to do that yet,” Capry said bashfully.

“You’ll learn,” Valerie said. “You definitely are transmitting something. How would you say it? You give off good vibes?” Valerie linked her arm in with Capry’s and began leading her to a table.

“That’s one way to say it,” Capry giggled. She noticed that there were a few other people sitting at the table they were approaching.

“I have so many questions!” Valerie said excitedly.

Athanatos watched from a distance as Capry sat down with Valerie and her friends. Her aura was happily shining brightly through the crowd of students enjoying their dinner. The Guardian bond was a curiously intense thing to experience. He found himself wondering if this is what every Guardian encountered with the fledglings they were assigned to. He found it odd that he was able to see Capry’s aura. That wasn’t a gift he’d ever possessed until he’d seen her for the first time, sitting in the back of that police vehicle, shining like the sun. He felt like a part of his brain lit her up every time he was looking for her and found it a bit overwhelming. He had never been incredibly gifted in the arts but possessed enough abilities to avoid becoming a warrior host. So it was safe to say he’d never heard the Gods whisper to him, the way others claimed. However, something was telling him there was significance to this new chapter in his life. And a familiarity to Capry Ramos that he just couldn’t quite put his finger on. He was hoping in time the Gods would shed some light to put him at ease. Regardless, he would have to see this through the right way. He decided he would address his concerns and seek guidance from Elder Dahlia. She would know what he should do. Athanatos began to eat quietly as the other warriors boomed around him. For them, it was nothing new.