Midnight Traverse

*Nicoli*

Nicoli lost count of how long he had walked. The heat mixed with the old bottles of discarded wine, half making him drunk by vapors alone. That and, it seemed even hotter at night. If not more humid inside the forgotten halls.

But at least he knew he had made it. The sounds were the biggest giveaway. Men talking, armor clinking. Swords unsheathing. Only to button back into the harnesses. 

 Nicoli swallowed quietly and stopped to shift back another plank to spy the hall. Spying at least 20 soldiers put on guard. All men of his fathers. Good men. But serious ones. Though, this was a serious matter, wasn't it? 

Still, the boy had to push a frown not liking the extra ears around.

They posted too many. Nicoli could see some guards standing about, talking. Others patrolled the halls. Not that they needed to. 

Nicoli knew for sure, outside of Ana and her group, there was no one. The west hall was empty. But that was not what made him almost drop his candle. He nearly jumped at the sight of sapphire suddenly flashing across.

What's Dad doing here? Nicoli blinked confused. His father was with the guards. Not back with his mother, like he thought. But there he was, talking gravely to Johan. His old servant was glued to his side like always.

His father was not in armor like his men. Nor did he carry his one sword. But he seemed unphased by the threat. Rather, Nicoli could see he seemed tired. 

There used to be a permanent smile on his face but now seemed withdrawn and small. The usual warmth in his tone was quiet and controlled as he spoke softly with the old man. And his eyes seemed downcast. Seeming to study the threadbare runner. As if looking for some kind of answer.

He didn't look up as the guard approached.

"Your majesty, please."The dark-haired man urged. Nicoli knew this guard too, Calvin, but he was the severe type. He was honest and not one who fell so quickly to trick. And right now, he looked at his father with great care.

"We have everything under control." He said in a hushed tone. His face was shadowed by the candles. "It would be best if you went to sleep. Queen Belinda must be worried-"

"But what if she wakes up?" His father lifted his gaze at last to regard Calvin. His blue eyes seemed to almost be black in the dim light. If not darker. His voice shook softly as he spoke again.

"What if she needs me?"

The guard shifted on his feet, before letting out a deep sigh. Turning to meet Johan. But the servant shrugged. It seemed he had tried as well. But to no avail.

"We can inform you as soon as it happens." Calvin tried to placate but his father only shook his head. Sweat beaded down the sides of his temples, but he had to wonder if he even knew. 

At last, his father gave a weak smile that didn't meet his eyes. It was water-thin and barely recognizable as if even he could hardly do it. 

"No." His father only returned, moving to take a seat on an old stool. His stare grew darker on the floor. "I'll stay a bit longer." 

His hands clasped together in front of him as if to pray.

"Just in case."

Calvin lowered his shoulders but Johan only shook his head again, patting the man's back. As if to say 'at least you tried' before he took back to join his company. A group that frowned at his arrival, knowing he too had failed but said no more of it. They only turned to resume their positions. Taking it as another resolution to stay as they were. Unable to persuade the king or tell him what to do.

Beyond the wall, Nicoli could hear his father sigh. A whisper, missed by everyone but him, followed.

"Why did this have to happen now?" His father moved to rub his face, pushing the skin about. Deep wrinkles waved up between his fingers before he let it drop. His sapphire gaze seemed to weigh deeper. Pained. Helpless.

Dad… Nicoli felt his heart drop from him. He knew this must have upset him just as much. But for now, he could do nothing. He couldn't comfort him. Not unless he revealed his spot. 

And as much as he hated it, Nicoli chose.

Nicoli moved the plank back and continued. He had seen more than enough to get the picture.

It should be this way. Nicoli's stomach tightened as he rounded the last corner. Ahead he could make out his footprints in the dust. The ones he had made just earlier. Back when life was simple. 

That seemed like ages ago. 

Nicoli swallowed, setting the candle down before standing. He rubbed his fingers over his nightgown as he regarded the leather strap. His gaze fell and rested against the half-warped door. It had taken effort to open this morning, but it would open easier this time.

All he needed was to press against it to open. Then he'd be inside. In Ana's room. With Ana-

But what kind of Ana am I going to meet? Nicoli's stomach tightened, thinking back to Hidi's warning. Was it going to be as bad as everyone was acting? Was Ana going to be that dangerous now?

A crazed vampire? Driven by a thirst for blood? Unable to resist even him? Her brother? Nicoli held his trembling hands to his chest before hissing out a curse. 

"Damn it." Nicoli bit down into his lip bitterly. He didn't like this feeling- this pressure welling up in his chest. Making him suddenly want to turn back. Run away.

To go back where he knew it was safe. Like everyone wanted.

Where was his courage just before? 

Nicoli had chosen to walk down here, on purpose. Even knowing how dangerous it'd be. But he said he didn't care. Because he didn't like the idea that Ana could be all alone. 

And she still could be. Nicoli swallowed taking in a breath, tasting the musty air. And just the barest hint of something clean and heavy. Ana's scent. It was wafting under the door. Sandalwood.

Ana was just on the other side. And here he was, afraid. It was…sorta funny. Nicoli had curled his lips despite himself. Was he really afraid of her?

Of Ana? The big crybaby?

If anything, I think she'd be scared of them. Nicoli looked back to where he imagined the guards would be. 

If Ana knew how many guards were outside, forget about not seeing her. She'd never go out.

Nicole laughed despite himself at that, the sound breaking the otherwise dead hall. Before growing quiet again. The warmth of his humor seemed to freeze up. Now, only the hot air of the summer filled the corridors. It hung with the dust and wood smell.

"Ana." Nicoli closed his hands. Trying to remember just hours before. How they were both dancing and laughing. How he had wanted to dance with her all night.

No, he still did. Nicoli realized. Even now, staring at the door, half afraid of what he'd find. He still wanted to see it. He still wanted to be with her.

Ana. He breathed again and straightened up. Taking in a deep swallow.

Whatever he would find, so be it. And whatever Ana was- 

"You're still my sister." There needed to be no more reason. 

Nicoli then moved. He put both palms flat against the door before pushing. It stuck at first. But another push made the door creak. Give. And it started to open. The smell of sandalwood was getting stronger. But it was quiet save for one low candle flickering off somewhere.

This is it. Nicoli swallowed before he began.

"Ana?"

*Ana*

What is this delicious smell?

My eyes twitch then roll under my eyelids. They feel heavy. But at last, I can move. My arm feels heavy but I rub my eyes. The pressure knocks loose the sand of sleep and I lift my head. It feels strange, though. Like it's put on wrong. Not sitting straight. Did I sleep on it funny?

Even now, I sense the soft headache trying to form over my eyebrow. It will blossom soon. I should get back to sleep. My body needs more rest. But the smell is getting stronger. And I can't resist sitting up with a groan.

Is this it? I spy the glass of a thick dark liquid on the nightstand when I sit up a little. It's warm to the touch. But I quickly see why.

Someone has set up a makeshift double boiler. A small tea candle burns underneath a bowl of water where the cup rests. It's pretty ingenious. I have to give condolences to whoever-

The loud snoring and rustle of cloth are enough to lift my gaze to the Camelback sofa. Naska is fast asleep. Her mouth hangs open from the side. Fangs out. She has a thick line of droll off the side of her mouth to the cushion.

I guess she was knocked out from all the cleaning. I smirk. Naska never did like to clean.

But for now, I don't have the heart to wake her. I only turn to gauge the room. Quickly noting it's just the two of us. Mykhol is nowhere to be seen.

Did he not come back? I wonder, moving to push the cotton blanket back. Immediately relish the act as the air, though stiff, is less hot without the extra layer. 

Still curious about the scent wafting in the room, I take the glass up to smell. It reminds me of what steak smells like. Is this cow's blood? Maybe? Is that the smell that I'm inhaling?

No, it's not that. I quickly sniff the air again. That smell is different. It's cleaner, like the outside, with a hint of smoke. 

Strange. I knit my brows together. Where have I smelt that before, but I almost laughed at the idea, though. 

What am I even thinking? No, it couldn't be. I can't believe myself for being so ridiculous. I must have smelt something wrong. Because that could never happen, it couldn't. 

Nicoli is safe and far away from here. I swallow with relief, moving to step out of the bed before immediately needing to grip the blankets.

"I, oh!" The dizziness surprises me. Almost lost my footing as the ceiling and the carpet decided to switch. I got to close my eyes and just hold on as it takes me for a ride. A wave that I want off.

"Ah," I whimper as my fangs begin to burn. It's uncomfortable, itchy and hot. But it's not terrible enough to be a problem. My bloodlust isn't in full swing yet. But I am getting there. I need to drink- quickly.

I reach blindly for the glass and chug down the contents. I don't taste it at first, but when I do, I gag. The smell of manure and grass mixed in with the warmth of blood makes my stomach turn. 

"Bleck- gross." I reel and feel my stomach twist. I'm not sure if I want to throw up or not. But if I do, I'll have to get something else. An empty stomach does not help when the blood lust hits. 

"The taste of cow's blood is…" I smack my lips, a thin film hiding in the corner. But it makes sense. I never enjoyed eating steak to begin with. 

"I don't think I like cows," I mumble. I rub my tongue over my teeth to get the last pockets that linger. The taste is terrible, but I will admit one thing. It does have a satisfying aftertaste. Salty.

But it's still not enough to enjoy it. So I need to plug my nose to chug down the rest. Trying to stoke off the bloodlust a bit longer. Anything will do. It's safer that way. I finish the contents and move it back with a clink. It's almost a shock I could drink that- with nothing else. 

"I guess that does mean I've changed," I remark. Somewhere, I feel a little pull in my chest for that. But it comes with adulthood, I suppose. At least, for a vampire. 

"Ehh…" I sigh, moving to touch my brow. I can feel that headache start to grow again. Should I go back to sleep? Would that make it stop?

Or do I need to drink more blood? 

Should I ask Naska? I look back at her. She's still snoring loudly from the couch. She's completely passed out for sure. I don't think she'd hear me even if I tried. 

I suppose I could fall back asleep-

My eyes flicker up just then at the sound of something creaking. It is only then do I stop on a familiar shape.

I didn't notice before, not really having much time in the room with the changing, and then now. But I can see it. The outline of a door. A door which is not meant to be noticed, sticking out only slightly against the faded wallpaper. 

A hidden door. I realize with a soft blink before it clicks. It's another door to the secret passage, isn't it? But something is wrong. It's slightly ajar.

Why is it open? It shouldn't be. Maybe a wind draft pushed it out? I'm trying to be reasonable. I want to explain it away calmly. But, even with my best efforts, I can't help but feel something pull on my chest.

I try to shake the thought away though. Quickly dismissing it. 

No, that can't be. I tell myself, holding my arms. 

"No, I told him not to use it again." So of course he wouldn't do that. I was just being silly.

"I'm sure he just forgot." I could see that. But just to make sure, I move over. Planning to push the door closed. And carry on the rest of my time, ignoring it. Like it was never there.

"Yes, Nicoli would never-" My eyes are wide on instinct as the smell intensifies. The rush of firewood and crisp winter air flooded my senses as the door creaked wider. Filling me over in dizziness and then…hunger. 

I try to slap my hands over my mouth. But it's too late. The door. The door is opening.

And I don't need to know why I know that smell.

Because I've smelt it before. And I know who it belongs to.

Oh gods!

"Ana?" The voice comes from the dark. And then I see him. Blue sapphires burning against the candlelight. Making my blood run cold before I can feel it boil up.

No.

Please nono nono nono!

Nicoli, meanwhile, only steps further in. His face blinks into the dark before I see his eyes connect with mine. For a moment he just looks at me, looking back at him. Silence falls over me as I can suddenly hear the rush of blood. His blood. I can hear his heartbeat.

And it skips when it sees me. He smiles with all his teeth.

"Ana- there you are! You're okay now-"

But he never gets to finish as I am already leaping for him.