Zeleti continued his pheromone treatment and Rosalyn continued to feel better in its presence, their meetings always seemed to start off innocently and end with bodies intertwined with each other. Zeleti was deeply under her spell and willingly so, and Rosalyn was enamoured with his powers and how that made her feel. Unfortunately, it was all temporary, as whenever Zeleti retracted his pheromones, Rosalyn's illness would come back with vengeance.
The day began with Zeleti's new routine for the summer, hours spent experimenting of other lifeforms. He was trying to find a way to extract his pheromones and administer it in the form of medicine, hoping to have at least some sort of treatment for Rosalyn, although his sights were set on a cure. Years spent accidently curing multiple other human diseases, yet when it came to actually wanting to find a solution, he struggled. He found the irony infuriatingly frustrating.
At first, the problem was how to extract and contain his pheromones, which he managed to solve despite the excruciating pain one had to endure. Then the quest became the correct composition, as the pheromones extracted would dissipate quite quickly after removal. Although if the potency was too concentrated the test subject couldn't handle direct insertion and die of overdose. Finding the balance seemed to be most challenging, he knew he would find it eventually, that was how confident Zeleti was with his own skill. The issue being time was not something he had the luxury of. Rosalyn's illness was unstable even he couldn't predict how long she could last even with his help.
Zeleti leant back and sighed in frustration after meeting yet another failed outcome.
*knock knock*
The scent and sound of an unwanted guest only added to his annoyance.
'Morning Zeleti, how goes the research?' The voice enquired.
Zeleti reluctantly turned to greet his extended cousin Petrick, although his face clearly expressed disgust.
Petrick chuckled at Zeleti's discomfort. 'Good to see you too, our monthly check up is due, any update?' He leant on the door frame not willing to step inside. Petrick found the office filled with dead test subjects quite repulsive.
Petrick oversaw biochemical weapons development. This was regarded as a hopeless department to be I charge of, as there weren't any known poisons that could harm vampires. Petrick hoped his idea- once completed- would help gain advantage over the other families in the current stalemate climate. His idea was on the premise that if he found a human illness that could affect vampires through their contaminated blood, the cold war between the families would finally cease and The Crimsons would rule. Although his main motive included him being promoted and given stronger blood. This was most lesser vampire's incentive to perform, either that or fear. Only those of more higher rank birth focused on loyalty. Unless you were born a Dusk member, they didn't easily accept turned vampires. They were the only family with trust amongst all their members.
Petrick's idea was, however, the last thing on Zeleti's priorities, and seeing Petrick anxious for results didn't change that.
'Nothing as of yet, and as I said before once I have something to report I'll be sure to do so, to Ricard.' Zeleti's eyes were threatening, reminding Petrick of his place. Due to Zeleti's anti-social behaviour some vampires would often need reminding they were of lower rank; this was one of those many instances.
'Tch.' Petrick clicked his tongue as stealthily as he could while leaving and closing the door shut behind him.
'This won't do at all.' Petrick began muttering to himself as he anxiously bit his claws, a habit he picked up as a child and never grew out of. 'At this rate I'll simply be forgotten as one of the many weaklings among the family.' He continued down the corridor picking up his pace to match the racing of his mind. 'I need strength. I need blood.' He paused. 'Zeleti is hiding something, I can smell it.' Instead of going down the stairs towards the exit, he went upstairs hoping to find anything of use to ease his tension.
Zeleti could no longer focus on his research and decided a change of pace was needed after that most unpleasant visit. He made his way towards the top floor to spend some time with Rosalyn, and despite the stench that Petrick had left lingering around the hospital, Zeleti was smiling.
*knock knock*
'Come in Zeleti.' Rosalyn answered.
She's alone, he thought. Zeleti was pleased he didn't have to put up with other unwanted beings, dealing with Petrick still left a sour taste and scent in his vicinity.
'How are you today?' Zeleti approached her bedside, lovingly, he swiped her hair back and pressed his fingers on her neck. His eyes tracked his pocket watch as he measured her pulse.
Rosalyn waited till he had finished before answering. She sighed. 'Please don't misunderstand my intentions, but now that I've tasted what it feels like to be whole, I find it difficult to be content with my pain.' She grabbed hold of his hand. 'I'm thankful for you sharing your strength with you me. It has given me hope. Yet that is precisely what scares me, I now fear what I could have had, maybe will have... I fear death, Zeleti.' Rosalyn's eyes began to swell with tears as she spoke her truth.
Zeleti embraced her tightly, hoping to ease her worries. 'Do no fear anything in my presence, I always believed this life of mine was pointless, my intellect and strength had no meaning. For once in my life I am thankful. Thankful that I have the power to change your fate, and I will.' He brought Rosalyn's face to his, wiping away her tears. 'I am close, very close. So dream Rosalyn. Hope. And expect more from your life because I will give you everything you deserve.
Rosalyn sniffled, trying to compose herself but couldn't help let out a giggle. 'I'm sorry that wasn't very ladylike of me.'
'I know a few other things we can do that wouldn't be very ladylike of you either.' Zeleti smirked, he released his pheromones in the room as he lay her down on the bed. Comforting her physically, drowning out her worries with pleasure.
Although they were quiet, their moans filled the room, and walls had ears. Or in this case it was a nosy Petrick who sat on the wall ledge outside Rosalyn's room. His expression was in a state of shock after hearing what was said. Zeleti has committed the worst crime within the vampire community. Revealing their nature to a human who he was not turning or killing. Petrick's shock quickly turned to annoyance, as he stealthily exited the hospice premises. 'Tch, these damn heirs, he'll probably only get a slap on the wrist from Ricard. Will this information even get me any reward?' Petrick continued down the street, still he bit down on his claws, thinking how best to benefit from what he had discovered.
Given how fragile the balance is currently with the three families any sort of weakness is bound to tip the scale. This could indeed be used against the Crimson family if revealed to the wrong party. Petrick grew a devilish smile at the thought. 'The Dusks may be too proud to accept me easily, the crows on the hand, would be perfect.' He snickered as he turned in a direct that was not of the Crimson's domain.
____________
In the Crimson manor, a lady adorned in an elegant silk gown, embroidered to perfection sat on the family-head desk. Her dark hair was tied up neatly, revealing fox-like features. Her beauty was classic and timeless, while her presence exuded quiet confidence. Her thoughts were interrupted as her aura began swirling around her pointed claws. The twitch of an eyebrow. She seemed confused.
'What ails you, my love?' A man approached the lady dressed in a ravishing three-piece suit. He wore the ring of the Crimson family head, a platinum snake-shaped ring with a ruby centred as the eye. This was Ricard, he looked very similar to Zeleti only more masculine, the strength he had over his brother made his features more chiselled. However, unlike Zeleti, Ricard grew his beard neatly, emphasising his jaw line. His hand embraced his partners waist as he drew closer, placing his lips to her bare shoulder. 'What foolish thing would dare to pester my Vanessa.' He spoke softly as his fangs grazed her skin while licking the dripping blood.
Vanessa raised her hand to inspect the swirling aura more closely. 'One of our own has gone astray.'
'One of importance?' Ricard spoke in a more serious tone.
'Only a pawn.' Her eyes glowed fiery red as she scrunched her eyebrows.
'But?' Ricard smiled lovingly, knowing his wife all too well.
'Something is telling me, that we should be careful.' Vanessa clenched her fist, vanquishing her aura.
Ricard pulled her in from her waist. 'Your instincts have never failed us, my love. Let me know if I should make a move.' He finished his words with a kiss on her cheek before leaving her to focus.
Vanessa's aura was one that allowed her to track and spy on those she marked. Although this was not revealed to all the family, as its power lied in its secrecy. She coated her claws in her aura, swung her arm, tearing the air in front of her, to reveal an eager Petrick entering the Crows castle. 'What information are you planning to trade? You little snake.' She muttered under her breath.