XIV

As she approached the crates, she smelled some other odor that made her sick. She felt a slight faint. As if someone was cutting her breath, she began to stagger and found herself almost leaning over the chest.

Horror!

It just emanated that horrible smell from which she panicked as her brain in agony tried to figure out what it was all about. Her heart starts beating in her temples and blood rumbles in her ears. She was deafened by some pressure. Her heart was pounding like drums from the jungle. Her vision blurred, the images doubled. Her legs knelt and she sank into darkness.

... I think we'll have to face Drag... Maybe Damon will be able to... I don't believe... he's barely alive... how are we going to...? Pssssssssssst, she's coming to her senses…

She stirred and slowly, as if lifting a thousand tons, opened her eyes.

Yeah, I'm sick. Mmmmhhh, what happened to me? Stink, poison, poison!

She nodded to jump. But she couldn't even move. On her, her chest stood a wreath of strange herbs and its scent took away her strength.

"What the hell is that?" she barely whispered.

Garlic.

"An ancient means of fighting vampires," said a strong and clear voice of a native speaker from somewhere.

Garlic?

"Yes, garlic, which most of today's humanity does not even know exists. A wonderful plant. The elixir of life. Enemies thought that he disappeared after the last great wars almost 5,000 years ago, when almost everything became extinct. Almost everything. But not garlic. You will not die, do not be afraid. Or, at least not right away. Later, during the fighting maybe. Confirm that you survive. You will remain on the altar for seven days and nights until the night of the full moon. Then and only then do you have to go "kidnap" Damon. It all depends on you. Onion will prevent Vlad from taking control of you and making you dream. Have you dreamed of him before? Probably how fiercely you make love? Yeah, you did. I see it on your face, and your body reveals it. Well, what's there is. Pay attention to this chant. Follow the trail that appears. It will be easier for you. After 48 hours, you will receive a cleansing drink. Damn vampire! It reached her as she sank into darkness."

Vampire ?! What is a vampire?

The voice replied. A tall man with greasy hair appeared from the shadow.

"Sleep now."

Everything was dark.