Chapter Three: Training

Do you remember when I first lifted you to the sky? You were but a babe, young and carefree.

You had no idea how important you were to me.

All you wanted to do was ‘pway Gwen, pway!’.

You wanted me to help with your blocks, and teach you words to say.

Everything was so simple, back when you were younger.

Now, I train you. Train you to be better, stronger.

I train you because one day you’ll be queen. One day when this darkness finally ends me.

Do you remember when I would be your prey? You were just learning to talk.

You would laugh and giggle, and somehow…you would lose a sock.

Up on my back, we would spin and twirl. It’s a wonder you never hurled.

Those were the days, when you were small and curious about the world.

Now I teach you what it means to be a vampire.

I teach you with a passion that burns like a hot fire.

I teach you because one day you’ll be queen. One day when this darkness finally sets me free.

I remember it all. And it all was part of this bigger picture.

One day, you’ll understand. You’ll understand why I wanted you to be quicker.

When you’re queen, you’ll understand why I trained you so hard.

When you’re queen, you’ll understand why we always sparred.

When you’re queen, you’ll understand why I taught you mercy.

When you’re queen, you’ll understand why I was in a hurry.

You’ll understand it all, because you’ll be queen. And you’ll finally free me from this darkness.

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After our spar, I take Lizzy to the League Room so she can read the tomes. As we walk in, I spy Van Gould in the kitchen of his cell. “Do you want me to close the curtains?” I want to spare her from the truth of Van Gould, just a little longer.
“No, it’s fine. I don’t know the reason why he’s there, but I would imagine it’s a good one…and that you have an even better reason for displaying him like that.” I nod, I did have a good reason for this design: To remind my League that’s what happens when you fuck with me.
“Alright. Go get the tome and I’ll sit there.” Lizzy scans the bookshelf and brings back the leather bound tome.
“Gwen?” She lays the book on her lap and looks at me. “Why do you train me so hard? I mean…you don’t train your offspring as much as you train me.” Should I tell her? No. Not yet.
“Because you’re family. And I’m your godmother, so…I feel like I have an obligation. Now.” I point to the book. “Read your tome and don’t complain about it.” She gives me a stiff nod and opens the book. I stare into the fire, that is until my phone rings. In large letters is my human’s name: Roxanne. I answer. “What’s going on Roxanne?” She wouldn’t call unless it was important.
“Your guest is awake and hungry. What do you want me to do?” Shit.
“I’ll be right up. Prepare a plasma fruit salad, and I’ll take it to him.” I end the call and look to Lizzy. She’s looking at me with a raised brow.
“A guest? Are you going to share the deets?” I smirk and shake my head. I wasn’t ready to share my guest.
“Nope. You’ll just blab to your mother. Now finish reading that chapter, then you can go. If I catch you snooping, I’ll throw you in that cell with Van Gould.” She gulps as I stand and leave the room.

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My dark form finally faded and my guest was taken care of and sleeping once more. I had the evening to myself. I could have hit the clubs, or stayed home and done something productive. Instead, I stay in my room and watching the city lights twinkle listening to my guest sleep. It has been a month since I had last seen Mortimer, and a month since I had learned of Gunther’s death. This guest, he was something new, and I was terrified…but it was rather exciting. I’m not sure how anyone is going to react to my guest, especially after mourning for so long.