Aris Reigns: The Kingdom of Vampires. Devin Morgan

physical nature to drink until a living body was empty. Humans were sacrificed for our survival, but even then we were taught to be discerning in our feeding; only evil humans were to be taken. The blood lust is rare for a mature Immortal, perhaps once in a century or two. In more modern times your blood banks acted as our feeding grounds. Now we have synthetic blood created through alchemy and no more is human life, good or evil, spent for our survival. We now are able to drink not just for survival, but for pleasure without any harm to your race.”

      Sarah didn’t speak. She sat staring into space, processing all she had just heard. After a few moments Jane broke the silence. “What else would you like to know?”

      “Do you have places where you gather with your friends besides your home?” Jane looked bewildered. “Shops? Restaurants? I know it may sound silly to you, but I have no idea of what life below ground would be like.”

      “There are places where we congregate, public houses you might call them. Our world is much like the royal world of early England although, as you can see, we have made quite a few improvements.” She laughed. “Of course, those who live above ground live a very modern human life, but when they enter the Catacombs, they leave that world behind.

      “For those of our kind who enjoy human food there are restaurants where they may eat. There are Sanguinarias where those who wish to drink the alchemical drink at any time may do so. As I told you, even those Immortals who choose to live human lives and eat human food must drink blood at intervals. If you wish, I will take you on a tour of the main district.”

      “I would like it very much. I want to learn everything about how you live.”

      “I am pleased to help you. I have not seen or spoken to a human since I was brought here. I wish to learn about you as well.”

      “It looks as if we’re well suited to one another.” Sarah’s hand still rested on the animal sitting next to her. She stroked his head as she spoke. “Hawke is such a strange name for a wolf. How did you find that name?”

      “When I was changed, he never left my side. Bartholomew as head if the Council was the one who changed me and he told me the wolf watched me throughout the metamorphosis with the eye of a hawk. I wanted a name to call my savior, so Hawke it became.”

      “Will you tell me that story?”

      The communication device began its beeping to announce a call. Sarah looked at it dumbly then smiled. “How do I activate this?”

      Jane slid her fingers over a bar that had gone unnoticed by her new friend. “Here, just like this. To shut it down, reverse the pattern.”

      “Sarah? Have you eaten yet?” Aris’ voice always made her heart smile and her flesh tingle.

      “Yes, Jane is here now.”

      “Good, I will be with you shortly.”

      “I’m looking forward to that.” Her eyes lit with excitement.

      “Soon my love. Farewell until then.”

      Sarah closed the circuit as Jane gathered the empty dishes and tray. “Jane, when will I get to see you again? I have enjoyed talking with you so much. I look forward to more conversation.”

      “I have been assigned to you for your stay. Just use the buzzer to summon me or use the device. Turn it on and speak my name, Jane Howard. I, too, look forward to seeing you.” Her voice grew very soft. “I have been quite alone in the Catacombs except for Hawke. I have few friends. As you know, I did not choose this life. At times, I resent it. I would rather have died. To this very day, I miss my humanity. I hope you understand what it means to me to come to know you, to remember my life as it was.”

      “Thank you, Jane. You will always be welcome here.”

      “Good day, Sarah.” As Jane moved toward the door, the great white animal rose, stretched and trotted along at her side.