Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 36

 

36.

Ernest struggled against the mythical binds over his limbs. He was struggling on the floor when the demon invoked the spell over him. There was the demon there having pinned Maple to the wall, spread eagled there, and the demon was on the wall, clinging to her like a bat upside down.

“Do you know the sailor likes the harbour’s and salubrious, restful air, and protected bay from the storms, but he was anxious to get into the open sea? It is like yourself, mortal.” The demon shrieked towards Ernest. “The offering of mine…. Pardon me, the reward I was to ask is the salubrious strength to bestow on you, bestowing on you the movement of your legs. But alas, mortal, you are vain in looking at the works of mine.”

“Lies, demon.” Ernest cried out. “In the spells I read, we must hold dominance over you.”

“Peculiarity that baffles my kind. You asked for servitude, and yet you deny the same back to us.” The demon flicked the right index finger over the lips of the maid there. “You called us monsters, and yet you come to us to do your monstrous acts.”

“I deny you that.” Ernest looked at the maid. “Release her!”

“Her?” The demon laughed. “She whom you defiled of her chastity. Oh…… oh…. You did not feast your eyes on her flesh. Let me do it now for you.”

The demon pulled the dressing gown off the maid. She was shown in her nightgown, tattered on her frame.

“I hate these mortals. They are covered in layers and layers of clothes.” The demon pulled away the last shred of cover from the maid. Maple screamed but could not attempt to cover her nudity.

“Scream, mortal. I had shielded the chamber from the outside. No sound can be heard outside.” The demon looked at the maid. “I needed privacy and time. Yes, I had frozen the working of time flow here. We are just not... bothered by it. Where I come from, time flow does not exist, but an eternity of moments for you to know us.”

“I will kill you.” Ernest cursed out.

“Kill or be killed. We are incarcerated into the hellish domain as demons. We are neither dead nor alive. We do not exist like mortals. We may be considered as immortals, but we prefer to consider it as forever. Do you know what it is like to be a demon?”

“Well, we get fed by our own flesh, and then by the next moment, we are whole. Sounds like Prometheus and the crows? You could say we prelude that myth. We survive, or rather, we are symbolic in there by devouring the others, and then they may reappear to devour us. It is aever-ending cycle of existence.”

“But we do get the mortals like yourself.” The demon laughed. “Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet and writer? Did you read his volumes? I am sure you, Ernest Frankenstein.”

“In the volume, Inferno, he had three Inferno Monsters. The leopard, representing lust, is described as beautiful and not scary. The lion is described as enormous and represents pride. The she-wolf appears to be wasting away and represents greed.” The demon had his tongue out, licking his lips. “He was right. You and your brothers are no different. “William the Lion, Victor the She-Wolf, and you are the Leopard; lustful for power.”

“Scusate (excuse me in Wallachian) … … You are not lusting for power. You were the one with knowledge of power. You felt yourself incapable of physical mobility and used your knowledge to command others.”

“Spank, spank…. Ah… yes. Pardon me, Master. Are you done?” The demon mimics Ernest. “You needed to be reminded of pain to ease your own.”

“Demon, I command you to leave.” Ernest cursed once more.

“I leave. Do say it again.” The demon snarled at the mortal. “Do it!”

“Demon, I command you to leave.” Ernest cursed. The angered demon had the nearby cabinet fall onto Ernest’s legs. The heavy wooden oak cabinet crushed the crippled legs. Ernest screamed out.

“That is the real pain when you are crippled. Not your feeble push with the crutches.” The demon appeared before Ernest. “Now your legs are gone… … Distrus (destroyed in Romanian).”

“Let him go, demon.” Maple, still on the wall, pleaded with the demon. “Do not harm him…… Please.”

“The damsel comes to the distressed.” The demon reappeared by the maid. It leaned over to lick at the exposed left armpit of the maid. “Did he ever lick you here?”

The demon showed the sultry expression towards Ernest.

“I duly apologize. He just needed to be spanked.” The demon laughed. ““Ernest, Maple cares for you. Do you care for her? She likes to be touched there.”

The demon laid his hand on the maid and parted the flesh to caress her.

“Oh…… Oh…… Master……” The demon smiled when he licked his finger. He then looked at the figure, unable to move, and tears were at his eyes from the pain.

“None of that? Or you are naughty.” The demon smiled. “Look at your groin. You must have peed. Or was it……? Uh, uh…. I am disgusted. How could you even get aroused at this moment?”

“I will kill you.” Ernest pulled away with his upper body. He was bleeding at the knees.

“Kill or be killed? Are you deaf? I am the demon. I am not a mortal.” It was then the door to the lab was opened, and in came Victor. He was dressed in the dressing gown.

“Monster!” Victor called out. “Release my brother.”

Release was what Victor valued that night. He looked at Elizabeth after asking his question.

“Your type? Perhaps myself?” Elizabeth heard the question. She could not reply then. She was unsure.

“Liz, I find myself having to love you.” Victor declared," “When William was around, I could not tell you. It would be like Cain and Abel.”

Cain kills his brother Abel, a shepherd, after God favours Abel's offering over Cain's, marking Cain as the first murderer and leading to his exile. 

“Had you thought of asking me?” Elizabeth on her head as a doctor. “I could…… What about Justine?”

“She was a friend.” Victor looked downwards. “Many assumed we were more than that, but we had our distance and …… understanding. I mourn her death like my …… sister.”

Victor’s tears flowed from his eyes. Elizabeth reached out her arms, and he went for it. He embraced her head against his chest. His face was at her head.

“I am so sorry.” Victor broke down.

“Shh…... Shh…...” Elizabeth held him with her face there, his scent at her nostril. It was consolation. The next moment, she was pushed to the bedding. She lay there and let the man kiss her forehead.

“Victor……” Elizabeth called out. “I think we……”

Victor laid more kisses on her face until his lips smooched hers. She did not resist him, and when his hands held her bosom to his caress, she did not push him away.

“Purity in our body and soul, purity in our mind and thoughts.” Elizabeth played those words in her mind.

“I am pure, and pure is my love.” She told herself when her bodice was unbuttoned. “He who is pure will be pure there.”

After a moment of lust, the lady pushed the man off her chest. He turned over and looked at her. It was his first moment of celebrating her flesh. She was not like Dolly, but alive and willing.

Dolly was dead and unmoving. He looked at his naked frame and smiled.

"This is now the bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."  Victor smiled. He reached his right hand to the naked lady’s bosom.

“I, Victor, give his wife the name Eve, meaning “life” or “living one.”  Based on my promise, life would come from her.”

Elizabeth pushed the hand away and got up from the bedding. She found her dress and pulled it over her. She recalled her act. It was her first. The stains on the bedding will attest to it.

“Liz……” Victor pats the bedding. “Come back. You can sleep under me.”

“We are created equal, both from the dust of the earth; thus, I should not have to lie beneath him.” Elizabeth found the words to describe her feelings. “I have to leave.”

It was then that Victor heard the gunshot. It came from the direction of the lab.

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 35

 

35.

It was dark when Ernest approached the lab and saw it locked. He had carried the favorite volumes of his in the case, and it was difficult to drag it across the ground, holding one crutch and dragging the case with the other.

“Can I help, Master Ernest?” It was Maple. She had stepped out to the outhouse at that hour and saw the young master struggling with the case. She had approached him, dressed in the nightgown.

“I… yes, please.” Ernest nodded. “Pull it to the lab.”

Ernest had not called on her since he took her to the chamber. She had resumed serving the meals and even washed him, but he had declined the spanking. He was past it. Maple pulled the case with the young master following. He looked at the lady pulling and found himself aroused. He had violated her that day, for he needed the blood of the lady with his seeds to call on the demon. It was stated on the pages of the volume he was studying. It had worked then.

And it rippled to the predicament then.

Ernest looked at the lock there. It was a heavy lock, and he did not have the key. He remembered the revolver that was in his jacket pocket. He was told that the bullet was able to break the lock, but he was unsure of how to shoot at it.

“May I, Master? I can shoot it.” Maple reached for the revolver. She had seen his confusion on what to do with the lock. She had learned how to shoot the gun from her father, who told her that one day it would be useful.

The lock was broken, and the noise of the shot reverberated across the mansion land.

“Oops,” Maple smiled. “Silly of me.”

Ernest pushed his way past her and opened the door. He went into the lab. It was his first time being there. It looked like any other lab he had seen, but the place was colder. He looked around and saw the closed chambers. Maple had then dragged the case in.

“Where shall I put it, Master?’ Maple asked," He looked at the maid and saw her hair was in disarray and the gown was partially open at the front, exposing the flannel gown she wore to sleep.

“Oops, pardon me.” Maple grabbed the hem of the gown to cover her nightdress. “Where shall I put it? The case?”

Ernest motioned to the side of the chamber. He saw nothing there that could repel the demon; no crucifixes or demon-slaying equipment, only an array of testing tools. There were the rows of cabinets assembled from oak wood. He felt the colder draft of air and turned to close the door.

“Hello, Ernest Frankenstein. Are you avoiding me?” It was the demon standing behind the closed door.

“Allow me.” The demon got the door locked from inside.

Privacy calls for the locks. It was what Victor did when he invited Elizabeth to his personal chamber. It was the hour soon after he left the lab to return to the main mansion. He chose the personal chamber, for he was unsure whether Elizabeth was ready to see his lab. She had been there before; Elizabeth was not a stranger to the mansion. There were times she visited Justine there, and they would sneak into William’s or his chamber to surprise them. It was their sisterly prank on the brothers.

“I have not been here …… for a long time.” Elizabeth smiled while she looked at the furnishings. There was the worktable of Victor, his bedding, and the shelves of volumes. A man’s chamber was stark without any character, unlike the lady’s chamber with the flowers and the picture frames of the family.

And the feminine attire.

“Please be seated.” Victor offered her the seat, the only one in the chamber where he plants himself for hours at a time reading there. “Sorry, it is not the most comfortable one.’

“It is okay. I will sit over there.” Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bedding. She pulled the item that was sitting by her. “Oh, you still have the doll I gave you years back.”

“Hello, Dolly.” Elizabeth smiled at the doll she had when younger and gave it to Victor when William refused it. He said it was too girlish for him. Elizabeth names her dolls. Dolly was the name of that one. The girls' dolls were often made with wax or porcelain heads, and their bodies were made of cotton stuffed with wood shavings or other materials.  They typically had glass eyes and wore dresses made of various fabrics, often with intricate details.  They looked like, well, docile imitations of girls, but some said they looked like witches.

“Yes, I am sorry. I had kept it here and there. Never could find a place to store it.”

“Oh, Dolly. Your dress is a mess.” Elizabeth pulled at the torn left shoulder of the dress there. “And your hems are torn.”

“I am sorry. I must admit Dolly was tossed around.” Victor smiled. “She was not exactly mine, but I do treasure her much.”

“It is okay. We all outgrew them.” Elizabeth smiled and then placed Dolly on the pillow. “Sleep there, Dolly.”

“Liz, may I speak to you, please?”

“And you may, dear sir. I am at your disposal.”

“Do you miss William? I meant to say, Do…….” Victor struggled with his words.

“I do.” Elizabeth nodded. “I do miss him.”

“I am so sorry. I was always thinking of him and…… you and…… Justine.” Victor lied then.

“William and Justine are no longer with us, Victor.” Elizabeth swallowed her grief. “They are gone. It is ……”

“You and me. I am aware. I found myself …….” Victor stuttered there. “Justine was a good friend. She shared my works…. My tasks……. My desires to make my creation, but we were never that close……”

“William……,” Elizabeth sighed. “He came onto me, but I was not in …… love with him. I went on the trip to collect my emotions. I do love him as a brother though.”

“Liz, love is …….”

“From a cadaver surgeon to a psychology graduate, I think I am more knowledgeable than you.” Elizabeth laughed. “My reading of Philippe Pinel, a French doctor, and he does get quoted by some as the "father of modern psychiatry." He is most famous for his humane treatment of the mentally ill, as well as his contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.”

“Yes, I read too.” Victor smiled. “He believed that passions, including love, could be a primary cause of mental illness and that understanding the interplay between emotions and reason was crucial for diagnosis and treatment.  He emphasized a humanistic approach, advocating for moral treatment and the importance of patient-practitioner relationships. He had regarded them as his patients and not ‘aliens,’ as marked by others.”

“Love is complicated, Victor. Love…… includes intimacy, passion, and…… commitment.” Elizabeth explained. “William does not have the last part. He was a …….”

“Monster at commitment, I may attribute here. He was always a free soul.” Victor smiled. “He has so many flings in his lifetime that I have cadaver parts.”

“I can …… I agreed. That was why I am not committed to William.” Elizabeth smiled. “I…… find discouragement there.”

“Then who do you think can commit his love to you?” Victor asked. “Henry?”

“Please……” Elizabeth laughed. “He is a nice lad, but he is not …….”

“Your type? Perhaps myself?” Victor drew the short straw there.

If choosing was simpler, then Spielsdorf would have chosen his daughter, but the sight of her laugh and cheerful nature was so much there at the mansion. He was to decide whether to stay or leave with Lauren. He had feared that Lauren was taken in by the witch, but he was also clueless on how to defeat the witch. He had recollection of Lissa, but all of it was tainted by his anger at her. She betrayed him when she told him that she was a witch.

Spielberg had travelled far and wide with his daughter next to him to hunt witches, more specially the one who killed Lissa, and it may be a fruitless pursuit when Lissa is not dead, like a loving mother, but standing guard over the lair of the countess.

Spielberg had inquired from the maids about the other guest in the mansion.

“Yes, that missy was here.” The maids told him. “But she was not seen for some days. She was brought in by an elderly lady and was never seen. They must think we are a tavern to stay over and leave when they like. But in the tavern, you pay your dues. Here, neither of them did.”

Spielberg got the description of the elderly lady, and he shuddered. She was Lady Karnstein, or Katherine to Mrs. Hudson. He then looked at the cane in his left hand. The vampire wanted the cane, and the witches stopped him. What was the blood jewel that they wanted? He knew that the jewel contained the last drop of the witch’s blood, but how could he use it?

“Общий,” it was Sven. “Would you be having breakfast today?”

“Thanks, Sven. But please do not call me Общий. I am……. I was not Общий when you were there. I was only Общий after you left.”

“Общий is also your rank, and in the …… demise of the previous Общий, you are the Общий here.” Sven saluted the ex-officer. Spielberg returns the salute. The regiment lives on in them.

“Общий, there was a gunshot. Did you get awakened by the gunshot then? It was before dawn?” Sven asked. “It could have been the hunters shooting then. I had cautioned them not to shoot at the estate. I saw Master Victor leave the mansion for the lab soon, or was it much later?”

“I was not. Was there a shot?”

“Yes, Общий,” Sven smiled. “Breakfast, Общий? I think Ms. Muriel may join us.”

“Ms. Muriel? Who is she?” Spielsdorf asked.

“Oh, you may not know her by that name. Elizabeth Muriel is her full name. She was with Master William before.” Sven smiled. “Yesterday, she was in Master Victor’s chamber. As the household staff, we do not speculate.”

“Oh…...” Spielberg looked at the man. “We…… I would not …… too.”

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 34

 

34.

It was late afternoon when Elizabeth approached the mansion gates, but she did not go in. She felt the anxiety inside her. The guilt of the sins that was in her. She knew of Justine’s murder. It was sanctioned by the committee, and with the departure of Esquire Irwin, Mrs. Muriel elected her to the committee the day before the murder.

“Hear! Hear!” The call was made. The expression "hear, hear" originated in the British Parliament in the late 17th century to show support for a speaker, evolving from "hear him, hear him" and becoming a form of verbal applause. 

They gathered there looking at the founding member, Mrs. Muriel.

“I have two matters to announce.” Mrs. Muriel smiled. She seldom speaks but tells them of her words. “With the departure of Esquire Irwin, I am electing Ms. Elizabeth Muriel to the committee. She will hold in accordance with the terms of the committee.”

“The other matter is about Ms. Justine Moritz. All of you are aware that Ms. Moritz was a suspect in the murder of William Frankenstein and was released upon lack of evidence. We have funded Ms. Moritz’ research, and thus she may be considered our beneficiary. However, her conduct with William Frankenstein is deemed unacceptable to us. We ……,” Mrs. Muriel looked at the gathered. “We are founded on the principle of purity in our ways.”

“Purity in our body and soul, purity in our mind and thoughts.” Mrs. Muriel recited the core principles of the Theology Society. “We find the lady had failed that test.”

“Aunt……” Elizabeth uttered but was cut off.

“Mrs. Muriel. I am addressed as Mrs. Muriel in the gathering.”

“My apologies.” Elizabeth nodded. “I was to …….”

“We are aware that Ms. Moritz was a good friend of yours, but her actions may not be allowed. She may or may not kill William Frankenstein, but to lure the man to the dorm was shameful. He may have escaped her enticement and ran out. In which she pursued and then had him killed.” Mrs. Muriel spoke of her words.

“I …….” Elizabeth was about to say something, but again she was cut off.

“William Frankenstein is a nice man. He was your …… well, soon-to-be fiancé. He was polite, but I saw in him the lustful thoughts that day in the living area. He was disrespectful then. In our home, he was to do that.” That remark brought gasps to Doctor Judith Landis, who was seated there. She was married to one named Doctor Eddie Landis, a lecturer in the subject of law. They have two children, two girls who lived their lives devoted to their mother.

“Imagine that, Landis. A purely deplorable act it was.” Mrs. Muriel laced the action with additional adjectives. “If your …….”

“Spare me the thoughts, Mrs. Muriel. My children are brought up pure.”

“Absolutely, we cannot have a monster in our home.” Mrs. Muriel looked at Elizabeth. “William Frankenstein, like his namesake, is a monster. If Ms. Moritz had done the deed for us, I am sure one of us may. Purity in our body and soul, purity in our mind and thoughts.”

“Ms. Moritz had committed a sin. We cannot allow sinners to walk among us. I was told that she is taking measures to leave. She wants to escape retribution. That is not allowed by us. She may do the same act elsewhere. Another pure soul may be drawn to her lair, and God knows what may happen.”

“Purity in our body and soul, purity in our mind and thoughts.” They gathered there and chanted.

“In the name of God, we claim her soul for justice for all.” Mrs. Muriel set the condition then. “Purity in our body and soul, purity in our mind and thoughts.”

“Purity in our body and soul, purity in our mind and thoughts.” They all nodded.

“As the committee wishes, it will be done.” Mrs. Muriel nodded.

It was her sin not to defend Justine, and perhaps it saved her life that day, but Elizabeth was overwhelmed by the committee to look out for others and not herself. She was upset that William died, but then Justine baffled her. Why was Justine with him then, and in her nightdress? It was unexplained in her mind. She knew that, or rather believed that Justine did not like William, but it was Victor. She saw them together; love has the signs that can be seen, but she was found next to William.

‘William, you promised me to stay celibate till next summer. I had been too, for us, but did you?’ Elizabeth had that thought. She had heard of William the Stud among the ladies, but the past could be forgiven. It was like confessing at the church, and the sins lifted. He may have confessed, but did he lift himself from his sins?

Victor Frankenstein, the younger brother devoted to his work, was he for her. Without Justine and William, she was unsure of whom she could relate to. Her adult life was to the trio; they spent hours of merriment together. She felt that William was for her, but then of late, she felt otherwise. She shifted her feelings and asked her aunt to go for a trip. It was a bonding journey for her to be with her aunt and share their relationship.

The journey was good, no goading by men or shifting glances at men; only the chats with her aunt and the other members of the Theology Society. She was a member of the society for a very long time, but never had she partaken in their activities before. She met and spoke to many members, and their enlightened views gave her many thoughts. As a student of psychology, she dissected the views, but overall, she was taken in.

She was pure inside; there were sins committed, but nothing that a good wash of the hands and the confession before bed for forgiveness had not sufficed for. In her studies, it was called cleansing of the mind.

Soon, her mind was to tell her that he may not be the man she could find love with.

“Ms. Muriel, are you coming in?” It was Sven who saw the lady standing at the gate. “It is near dusk, and it is cold. I could admit you in by the door.”

“Yes…. No, Sven. I was just passing by. Where had you been?”

“Looking for Henry. The poor lad had been missing for over a week now.” Sven sighed. “He is a good lad, but his mind is……”

“I am sure Henry is fine. Maybe he went out on a trip.” Elizabeth smiled. “Did you ask Victor?”

“Yes, I did. He was not sent on any trip.” Sven looked around as if Henry may appear. “His things are in his chamber.”

“I could not speak to Victor. He is a…….” Sven looked at the mansion.

“Hello. Liz. Why are you here?” It was Victor. It looked like he took a stroll in the forest. “I was taking a walk. Good for my back.”

“I …” Elizabeth struggled to find the reason to tell Victor.

“Master Victor, do you know where I can find Henry?” Sven cut in.

“No, I am unsure. I was looking for him and took the walk to find him. I had not seen him around.” Victor looked at Sven. “Did you send him out?”

“No, Master Victor. I will not do it without informing you.” Sven looked at the young master. “Without the Tata and Master William, you are the master of the mansion. I would have asked you for permission if Henry was to go out.”

“Liz, may we talk in the mansion?” Victor shifted the subject. “I am thirsty.”

Elizabeth nodded and followed Victor to the mansion.

Adherence was another word for following. The previous hours before dawn, when Spielsdorf heard the lady speak of herself as a monster, he was unable to accept her admittance.

“Carmilla, you……” Spielberg was cut off.

“Whisper, Spielsdorf. You may wake her up.” The lady leaned towards the man. “She is sleeping.”

“Leave my daughter alone. Your war with Lissa and… the vampire has nothing to do with her. She is ……”

“Innocent. I can agree. I will not harm my sister’s daughter despite our differences. I do love Lauren.” The lady smiled. “We are in love.”

“Stay away, witch!” Spielberg hissed out. His voice was low, but the message was clear.

“Father, are you there? Did you call me?” Lauren had spoken out. Spielberg rushed to the bedding and held his daughter’s hand.

“I am here, Lauren. I was dreaming and spoke out.” Spielberg assured the young lady. He turned to look at the witch, but she was gone.

“Father, I had a dream of Mother. She approached me here on this bedding. She told me to be brave.” Lauren smiled. “She looked beautiful.”

“Am I beautiful?” Lauren asked.

“Yes, my dear. You are the most beautiful lady I have ever met.” Spielberg kissed his daughter’s hand. “Princes will bow towards you, and they will kiss your hand like me.”

“Am I brave too?”

“I……. Yes, you are. You are braver than I am.” Spielberg smiled. “Your mother is proud of you.”

“Why do you tell those lies to me?” Lauren’s voice woke Spielsdorf then. He found himself at the seat by the window. He looked around and could not see the witch, and he saw Lauren asleep on the bedding. The sunlight was seeped in past the drawn curtains.

“Lauren…….” Spielberg sighed.

 

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 33

 

33.

Personal losses are handled alone or, at times, shared with others. At that moment, the mansion was dashed with woes. The Frankenstein had lost the patriarch, the next in line; Sven's missing son was deemed lost, Spielsdorf having felt the emptiness in him for his dead lover, and there was one other who felt the empty emotion of not seeing Henry.

“Master, where is Henry?” It asked.

“I do not know. He was last seen on the road.” Victor buried himself in the research papers. He was trying to document his works.

“You told him to pack your bags.” It looked at the creator.

‘Yes, I did. I did not travel. I returned …….” Victor stopped speaking. Why was he explaining to the creation his action? He had no need to do so.

“Go back to the chamber. I need to do my work…… alone.” Victor told the creation. He knew that it will not be harmed in there despite the coldness.

“I want to stay here. I want to wait for Henry.” The creation said. “I do not like it there. It is ……”

Victor had cleared the chamber of the body parts. It was not required anymore. He had done his creation.

“Please go.” Victor had then sounded apologetic to the creation. “Please go in.”

It took the slow steps to the chamber. It looked at the empty racks and then at the walls. It was all……empty. Victor heard the knock on the door. He walked towards it and saw the one who knocked was the inspector.

“I am busy, Inspector. Come back another time.” Victor stood at the doorway.

“I duly apologize, Sir. We were supposed to meet, but I was called away on other cases. I should have sent words to you, but…… duties are heavy, and work is piling.” The Chief Constable was finding words to explain his absence, “Whatever it was.”

“It is okay, Chief Constable, but not today, please.” Victor was insistent on being left alone.

“Only a minute.” Chief Constable Lestrade pushed his way in.

“Inspector! This is my …….” Victor protested.

“Working lab. Very interesting.” Chief Constable Lestrade looked around. He saw the tables and the apparatus there. “The Uni said you took leave for the semester…… Was it a back injury?”

“Yes, I did. I was injured from a bad fall. The injuries give me back pain.” Victor stepped past the Chief Constable, who was obviously not leaving. He walked to the working table and collected his notes.

“Doctor Victor, I presumed. I was told you do research into biology? I duly apologize. My knowledge of science is more of gazing at the stars.” Chief Constable Lestrade smiled. “I do not see any mice or rabbits. Do you not use them?”

“No, I do not. I am into human anatomy. I studied those.” Victor snapped back.

“Human anatomy? Well, I am too. More of peeking down the bodice.” Chief Constable Lestrade laughed. He saw the glare from the doctor. “Bad joke. Yes, I was informed by the university of your area of expertise. You worked on cadavers, I believe.”

“Yes, I do. At the university. I…”

“We had an investigation some weeks back on missing cadavers……well, on the parts. We investigated the UNI, the morgue, and the staff……. Do you know Silvus?”

“I cannot say I do, but I may have met him when he delivers the cadavers to the university. What happened to him?”

“Oh, nothing. No evidence to pin on him. He was released from detention.” Chief Constable Lestrade sighed. I can see you have electricity. Most wondrous that creation.”

“Yes, I do. I need that too for my cold chamber.” Victor regretted saying that.

“Cold chamber? Why that……. Oh, yes, I recalled. The Uni has one. Bloody cold. I was told that they had two breakdowns in the…… electricity power, and phew…… the stench of the place was overwhelming.”

“Inspector, I am busy. May we do the discussion another time and day?” Victor brushes the courtesy off.

“Yes, we should. Oh, have you seen Henry? He is missing.” Chief Constable Lestrade added that. “He is …… I was told.”

“No, Inspector. I have not. I knew he was missing from Sven, but he is not here.” Victor said.

“Obviously, unless he can stand the cold in that chamber.” Chief Constable Lestrade smiled with the smirk on his expression. “Off I am now.”

Victor locked the door after the inspector. He saw then the creature standing there at the chamber door.

“Henry is missing.” It spoke. “I must find him.”

“No, you cannot. You must stay here.” Victor said.

“I know where he can be found. He told me of his hiding places.” It approached Victor. “Please let me go.”

“No, you will not. I want you back in the chamber… now.”

“I…. I do not want to. I want to find Henry.” The creature was insistent on looking for Henry. “He could be hurt.”

“No.” Victor looked at the creation. “I am your master. Do as I say.”

“Do it now!” Victor raised his voice. “Please…… I will find Henry.”

It walked back to the chamber. It was listening to the master.

So was Ernest then, listening to his mother.

“Mother, I need help. I …” Ernest had set the herbs into the cauldron. He had used the wand to summon his mother. Her apparition appeared.

“I knew of it just. You are …… It was a mistake to tell you of the arts. It was my mistake.” Annabelle sighed.
“Ernest, my son. Listen to me. You must go to the lab, Victor’s lab. Get in there and remain there. The demon cannot reach you there. If it does, there is a creation there to protect you.”

“Do it now!’ Time is of the essence.” Annabelle looked at the child. “I cannot help you here. I am needed at the …… another place.”

“Mother!” Ernest called out, but his mother had left. He hobbled to the desk to collect his books. It was what he valued most. He also picked up the revolver loaded with the bullets. He was ready then.

Are we ever ready?

Spielberg watched his daughter sleep. They had spoken of their lives and then of the lady known as Carmilla. Soon, Lauren’s illness made her tired, and she slept. Spielberg sat there by the window, holding the cane in his left hand and the revolver in his right hand. He was to protect his daughter. He closed his eyes to rest as it was getting dark then.

“Rudolf, it's me.” The image of Lissa appeared. “I will be brief.”

“I love you. I did what I had to do to protect her. My …… link to the coven was before we met. Annabelle and I were of one, but we did hide our past to live the present. I should have told you, but you … may not understand.”

“Carmilla Karnstein is of another coven, and we are not friends. We have been battling each other for generations; till then, when she struck at Annabelle. She was with her son, who has suffered with crippled legs. The sisters were called to protect Annabelle, but we were late. We managed to salvage her soul, and then later Carmilla attacked me. I was salvaged in time and kept in limbo. Annabelle and I, with the other four sisters, were assigned to check on Carmilla at the mansion; similar tragedies like mine were assigned to check on Carmilla at the mansion. Our souls, or rather our beings, are kept there laying the siege, and for that we are unable to travel elsewhere far or use any power we hold far from the mansion.”

“I had always been protecting Lauren, but my powers are limited. Your only choice is to get her to safety. Take her to the lab where Victor works. There she may be safe.”

“Do it, Rudolf. Do it for our daughter.” Lissa wept. “I love you.”

Spielberg woke up with a start. He gazed towards his daughter.

“She did love you.” The voice was by his side. Spielberg looked towards it. It was Carmilla.

“Funny how things get complicated when it was simpler then with our forefathers. All they were to do was terminate each other, leave some survivors to add in new numbers, and the vicious cycle of vengeance resumed.” Carmilla smiled. “Were they monsters?”

Spielberg was to get up when Carmilla motioned him to stop.

“Please do not get up. You will wake up, Lauren.” Carmilla smiled. “I am not here to harm her or …… you.”

“The covens have been at war for a long time. It was …. A rift was then when I, Countess Carmilla Karnstein, broke alliance with them. It was over a personal issue. I was…… Love can be deadly…… with Vlad. He was a prince then, a handsome one. We knew each other through his young lover then, Justina. I knew she was his, but lust gave us cravings that we cannot ignore. The coven had protested my intentions, but I was not to be deterred. I rebelled, and the rest you may have known.”

“It was love then, but a mate scorned it, holding the fury that even the gods will shudder in fear.” Carmilla smiled. “The war was declared, and I, Carmilla Karnstein, have two enemies: the coven and the vampires.”

“Spielsdorf, you knew I removed his other bride, Allera. I will not be the fourth but only one. Man has the notion they can use for their pleasures; harem it was called, but I am a one man’s lady. I resented that, and Vlad had not stopped pursuing me.”

“What love can do to us, Spielsdorf? Misery, I am telling you. When Lissa died, you felt miserable. I felt miserable when I …… saw what my loved one did to Lauren. Yes, my love for Vlad triggered this war. I was targeting Lissa and not Lauren. She was …… collateral damage. You, as Общий, knew of these damages.”

“I …” Spielberg wanted to speak.

“Hush, Spielsdorf. Over the nights I had visited Lauren. My initial visit was to see her, my sister’s child……. But over the visits, I grew fond of her. I found myself knowing her. I learned more of…… myself from her.” Carmilla sighed. “I found love with her.”

“You are demented.” Spielberg uttered it out.

“I……am…... I confessed I fell in love with her. I lie down next to her, over her, I admit. I wanted to be with her.”

“You do not approach my daughter.” Spielberg hissed out.

“I did not harm her. I made her happy. Her heartbeats told me.” Carmilla smiled. “Do you know I have no heartbeats?”

“Bitch!”

“No, Spielsdorf, I am not, but do call me a monster.”

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 32

 

32.

The funeral of the Общий was a private affair with the sons in attendance. The household staff had taken a distance away to allow the family privacy. No friends or associates were invited. Spielberg insisted on that, but during the burial, he saw the arrival of the inspector.

“Inspector, this is a family affair. We do not ……”

“Mr. Spielsdorf, I am not here for the burial. I am here to tell you that the investigation into the death of William Frankenstein has been reopened.” Chief Constable Lestrade looked at the figures by the covered mound. “Added to that, Ms. Moritz was found dead a few days ago.”

“So, the accused …….”

“Suspect, Mr. Spielsdorf. She was later cleared of that. She was leaving for home and then murdered on the train she was taking.” Chief Constable Lestrade sighed. “The investigation was delayed because Ms. Moritz did not have any identification on her then. They traced her identity from the ticket, and it was told to me.”

“And……” Spielberg was upset. “Your impeccable timing is regrettably uninvited.”

“And I was on the next train to the city. I met Victor just after the train Ms. Moritz was on.” Chief Constable Lestrade ignored the remark made. He then looked to the young man standing there.

“Victor Frankenstein might know something of that day.”

“Victor Frankenstein is busy today. I will arrange for him to see……”

“Interesting, Mr. Spielsdorf. Where were you this week?”

“I was away with the Общий on a …… trip last week, and he died of a weak heart.” Spielberg said. “I brought him back here to be buried next to his…...his family plot.”

“No doctor’s report?” Chief Constable Lestrade looked at the man.

“None. We still do not have a doctor here.” Chief Constable Lestrade heard the man.

“Could Victor……?”

“Sir, Victor Frankenstein has just lost his father to …… natural death. He was not to perform any procedure that is required by law.” Spielberg drew on his patience. “I signed the death certificate as a ranking military officer.”

“Retired officer.” Chief Constable Lestrade reminded the other. “I can accept that, but I will need……”

“Victor Frankenstein will be at the mansion library tomorrow morning to meet you.”

“Good. Jolly good day then.” Chief Constable Lestrade smiled. “I must be going now. I have not unpacked my bags yet.”

The Chief Constable was walking off when he was met by Sven. The latter looked tired. He had stepped away from the household gathering.

“Sir, I need your help. My son, Henry, has been missing from the mansion for over two days. It was not like him to be missing.”

“How many days? And have you checked his … places he liked? Any ladies barn?” Chief Constable sarcasm displayed.

“No, Henry is special. He may be unwell here.” Sven's right hand tapped his forehead. “But he was always home by supper. I checked the estate, the forest, and even the creek where he likes to go. I checked the lab……”

“Lab, Sir? What lab?” Chief Constable Lestrade, he asked.

“Master Victor’s. He has a lab here. It is at the back of the mansion. No one is allowed in there.” Sven sighed. “I was only on the outside. It was locked, and if Henry were there, he would have replied.”

“Interesting.” Chief Constable Lestrade was not aware that Victor had a lab there. Some details are not in the report.

“Mr. Sven. I will check. Please stay calm.” 

“Sir, if you do find …… a body, please look at this shirt. His name is sewn there. I did it myself. We used to do that for soldiers, and if needed, we could tell who it was that died.”

Ernest was nervous then. After his clash with Victor, he was helped by the household staff who saw him crawling. It was humiliating then, but his focus was to get back to the chamber. He had then prepared the herbs and called on the demon.

“You lied. You told me Justine is dead, and yet she was not…….” Ernest took his anger out on the demon. “Did you kill her?”

“You did say avenge the death of my brother, William. Justine Moritz. You may kill her.” The demon recalled the words of the mortal. “Well, we lied. Demons do, in an expression of the truth, but we did not deviate from it. Ms. Moritz is dead, done by another, and we call it deal done.”

“I …” Ernest stopped himself. “Yes, I wanted William avenged. Justine was the ... suspect.”

“Yes, she deserved to die.” Ernest looked at the demon. “She is dead. Good.”

“Most of you mortals are clearly monsters. Do you know that Ms. Moritz may be innocent here?” The demon looked at Ernest. “You just rejoiced at the death of another, who may not be the one who committed ...”

“Who gave you the right to judge me?” Ernest called out. “You are a……”

“I am a demon who had just told you the facts. I am also to tell you that the deed is done… regardless, and you will have to compensate us back.”

“Your soul will be the compensation.” The demon smiled at Ernest. “We are kind enough not to ask for a piece of your flesh…… we are partial to blood.”

“Wait! I …” Ernest raised his hands to stop. “I …”

“We can wait……. But do not take an eternity. We have that for you with us in our domain.” The demon dissipated then.

It felt like an eternity for the father seated there watching his daughter lying on the bedding. Spielberg was not a voyeur but a concerned father. After the death of Lissa, he had taken on the task of bringing up Lauren. She was not a frail child, but after the accident, she went into a lapse of illness that wracked her body. He had opted to be at her side, working sparingly for the regiment and eventually retiring. He had brought her to healers of all kinds, but none could find the cure. One healer suggested a miracle, which prompted him to seek those, but miracles do not exist. It is only a fallacy.

“Lauren thinks highly of me. Did she tell you that I can heal her eyes? I have healed others. The dead become alive.” Those were the words from the countess to him. Spielberg shook his head. Has the curse reached from him to his daughter? And the words spoken by Lissa: “Our bodies were destroyed, but our souls were taken in by the coven. We exist here as part of the ritual to watch and battle the countess.”

“The blood jewel…” Spielberg looked at the cane in his left hand. “Was this the reason?”

“Father? Is that you? I …” It was Laurn who spoke then. Spielberg approached his daughter and held her right hand.

“I am here, Lauren.” Spielberg said. “I am back.”

“Father, I love you. I also missed you.’ Lauren reached out with her arms towards her father. The father accepted her arms and then sat on the bedding next to her. He asked about her health, the stay, and every other thing that came to his mind.

Except for that.

“I am fine. The maids are nice to me. How long will you stay?”

“As long as we needed. I will be here. Are you…… lonely? Does anyone talk to you?” Spielsdorf asked.

“Not much. The maids are pleasant, and they helped me a lot. Other than that, no one …… else.”

“I apologize, Lauren. I have not been a good father to you. I am on the … travels and leave you here.”

“We travelled much before…… the accident.” Lauren smiled. “I enjoyed it.”

Spielberg knew that his daughter was condoning his action. He felt sad.

“Do you miss your mother?’ Spielberg had referenced Lissa as ‘your mother.’. Somewhere between the time he last met Lissa and then Lauren. It had become hollow.

“Yes, I do. I know she is dead. We cannot wish the dead to come alive.” Lauren replied. “Do you”

Spielberg remained silent. He was unable to tell her.

“Do you have any other friends? Ones that could replace Mother?” Lauren asked.

Spielberg kept silent. He then asked the daughter.

“Do you have any……who may replace your mother?”

“I……. Can I tell you a secret, Father?” Lauren whispered.

“Yes, you can.” Spielberg whispered back. He leaned forward to listen.

“I have a friend. She is more like a …… sister to me. She visits me sometimes, but I think it was after dark. I cannot see, but I could feel the night air.”

“Oh, what is her name?” Spielsdorf asked.

“That is the secret. We promised not to tell.” Lauren smiled. “But you are my father. I can tell you.”

“Her name is …….” Lauren then coughed. It was part of her illness, and she needed to turn her head to clear the air passage. Her father moved her on her side. She got her air passage cleared and lay back.

“Her name, Lauren?”

“Carmilla.”

Preys and Predator Part II; the monster and witches' Chapter 31

 

31.

Victor felt the disappointment when he reached the train station. He was too late to see Justine. He got the news from the maids that Justine was leaving for home. He shrugged it off then, but when Sven told him that it was the train station, he ran to catch her. He did not explain to her his feelings, his creation, and above all, why he did not report Henry to the authorities.

“Missed the train?” Victor turned to look at the one who spoke.

“No, Inspector. Just the person I was to see.”

“Justine Moritz, I met her earlier. Said she was going back home.” Chief Constable Lestrade said. “Belgium, she said.”

“I must go and see her.” Victor turned to leave. He left the station and went back to the mansion. He met Ernest, who was outside his lab.

“Did you know, Justine is dead?” Ernest smiled while he rested on the crutches.

“Say one more word, Ernest, and I will kill you.” Victor walked past the brother. “She left on the train for home.”

“Home? I thought she was……”

“What did you do, freak?” Victor held his brother by the shoulders.

“Let me go. You are hurting me.” Ernest struggled free and fell to the ground. “I am not a freak.”

“No, you are not. You are a monster. You caused Mother’s death.” Victor hit back. “Everyone knew, and we were told to keep it from you. Why did Tata allow you to be locked in the chamber? He does not want to see you. You killed my mother.”

“She is also my mother.” Ernest cried out. “I will tell Tata.”

“Do it, freak.” Victor turned to walk on. Ernest turned to crawl to the mansion. He was not able to stand up on his own.

“Victor!” But the elder brother ignored the call. Victor reached the lab and saw Henry talking to it. He was holding her hands.

It was disgusting.

“Henry, pack my bags. I am going …… away.” Victor stormed past the duo to the work desk. He was to look for his creation notes.

“To where, Master Victor?” Henry asked.

“None of your concern. Just get it done. I am to leave soon.” Victor was upset. He then looked at it and said,. “Get yourself into the cold chamber. Stay there till I return.”

“Why, Master Victor? Have I……?” It asked.

“Do not question me. Just do it.” Victor lashed out.

“I will visit you.” Henry looked at it. The affection in his expression made Victor’s anger rise. He slammed his fist on the table.

“Why are you still here, Henry?”

“I will pack your bags now, Master Victor.” Henry stepped away to the personal corner of the lab.

“No, go to my chamber. Pack from there.” Victor called out. Henry left and it went into the cold chamber. All was resolved then. Victor collected his notes and saw the revolver in the drawer. It was given to him by his father should he ever need to use it. He had not even fired it once since.

“I have carried a revolver; lots of us do, but they are the most innocent things in the world.” The Tata told the three sons soon after the death of their mother. “Mark Twain, the writer, said that.”

“Who is Mark Twain? Ernest was young then.

“He is a writer. Your mother loves his books. I, however, read some, but with my command, I relied on my revolver more.” The old man told the children. “All of you will get a revolver each. Ernest, yours will be held in care by Sven till you are older.”

“Why can I not have it now?” Ernest asked. The old man ignored the youngest and looked at William and Victor.

“The revolver may one day be of use to you. We cannot foresee the future or what may happen.” The sons never did.

Till then.

It was a turning point for Spielsdorf whipping the horse to gallop. He had escaped with the body of the Общий, laid in the rear of the carriage. He was assisted by the witches then.

“The Общий will be fine for the few days. I have administered the herbs to still his blood. Ride back with his body, Spielsdorf. He deserves a good burial.” The man heard the lady’s request. He was still in shock on seeing them: his lover and Annabelle.

“Rudolf,” Lissa looked at the man she loved. “I …”

“Lissa, you are dead. You will remain dead inside me.” Spielberg did not look at her.

“I am …” Lissa wanted to explain.

“We are dead, Spielsdorf.” It was Annabelle who cut in. “Both Lissa and I are dead. Our souls are not here. We have sacrificed to the coven to protect you, him, and the children.”

“The countess was a threat to us. You and the Общий had started a war with her when you came there years ago. She was almost terminated but escaped. She was injured, but her coven took on the families of ours. She attacked Lissa, and we had to decide between saving Lauren or her. We did the best we could. When it came to me, I sacrificed myself for Ernest.”

“Our bodies were destroyed, but our souls were taken in by the coven. We exist here as part of the ritual to watch and battle the countess. We had been waiting, and then she came back. We thought we were to battle, and you arrived. The rest you may know.” Lissa told her lover.

“Lady Annabelle, if I may address you as such. I am leaving with a friend of mine. I will have him have the burial suited for him as Общий. Thereafter, I will return here to avenge his death.”

“That monster will cease to exist when I am through.”

“No, Spielsdorf. The monster you mentioned will not be killed by you. It will take another monster to kill it.” Lissa stepped in. “Monster that……”

“I am a monster by my reputation. I will do what is needed here.” With that, Spielsdorf took to the carriage and rode off.

Henry was surprised when Victor asked him to ride along. The creation was locked in the cold chamber. They rode the carriage and were headed to the train station when Victor asked that they go to the forest. Henry obliged, and soon they reached the creek. Victor dismounted and walked to the creek. He was followed by Henry.

“Why did you come here?” Victor asked.

“It was my hideout when I was young. I used to sit here, drink the water from there, and catch the fishes I could find.” Henry smiled. “It was before Sven found me. He used to come there, but I remained hidden. That day, I was asleep here.”

Henry motioned to the bed of grass area. It was the same spot Victor saw Henry with the creation.

‘The grass here is softer. I like it here.” Henry laughed. “I used to ……...”

“Were you naked?” Victor asked.

“Yes, I was.” Henry smiled. “The forest was kind to me. It allowed me to……”

“The time you were with it. I want to know.”

“It? Why are you asking?” Henry looked at his master.

“Were you? And it was?”

“I …” Henry stuttered to reply.

“I want to hear you say it.” Victor continued his look at the grassy area.

“Yes, most times. It …... Mary does not like to be …... exposed.” Henry murmured, but Victor heard him clearly.

“Mary? Did you call her Mary?”

“Yes, it wanted a name. She insisted on a name, and I gave her one. It was Mary. As in, Mary may marry me.” Henry smiled. “It rhymed. The maids told me that words must hold a rhyme to have a meaning.”

“Mary? Marry? And it became a she?” Victor was angry. “She is mine. I created her.”

Victor bites his lips. He had just uttered the word ‘she’ to the creation.

“No, she is mine. She loves me.” Henry, in turn, got upset. “You cannot take her from me.”

“She ... It is not yours.” Victor stared at the grassy area. The image he had was revolting. “It is mine.”

“No, Master. Mary is mine.” Henry turned his back to the other. “She is mine.”

“Never!’ Victor drew the revolver and fired at the back of Henry’s head. It was his first shot with the revolver. The bullet went higher and creased the scalp. It was also when Henry moved his head downwards and then cried out his tears.

“Argh…...” Henry staggered forward. He held his right hand over the wound. “It hurt.”

Victor fired twice at the back of the man. He saw Henry fall forward, and he dropped his revolver.

“Henry……” Victor, stunned by his action, stared at the friend of his face down on the ground. The very same spot that Henry likes very much. He saw the blood spurting out of the back. He turned to run towards the carriage. He mounted and was driven off.