《The Unwanted》


 One

    As a child, I was silent and obedient. My parents weren''t overcrowded, I was their second and final child. My parents weren''t poor, we lived in a fairly nice house, always had food and new things. In fact, we were well enough off that my father''s hunting was enough for us to live comfortably. Not a lot of families are lucky enough. My parents and older brother both showed me plenty of love and care. All in all, we were happy. So why am I here?


    Genesis will tell me that same, never changing story. My parents simply offered me up, free of charge. ''Here murderous villain, take our child, she''s very well behaved''.Maybe they did it out of fear, he could''ve threatened my parents.''We''ll kill all of you''or something like that, but he denies it. Maybe he protected my family and I was their reward for him. But my family was well off, so that doesn''t really make sense. Still, I asked and still, he denied. My parents just gave me to him, without prompt.One day when I''m out of here, I''ll ask them for the truth.


    I''m sure they''ll be surprised at how much their little girl has changed. Even Genesis is surprised, although it annoys him more than anything. I came here still silent and obedient, but also scared and confused. I''ll be confused until the day I confront my parents. Alternatively, I no longer show my fear. I refuse to. The others are terrified I''m sure. Even his own friends are afraid of him when he''s angry. I''ve never seen him truly angry, he always leaves or sends me away. Then he returns, seeking comfort from me as if I was his lover. I''m not sure why and I don''t ask, not that I care. I already know he''s a horrible creature, I don''t need further convincing. He attributes it to me being desensitized.


    His beloved, on the other hand, is horrifying. Her and her friends torment me whenever they''re around. Galya hates me. Genesis gives me too much attention, Genesis should''ve killed me years ago. She frequently offers to''get me out of his way''if he''s too attached to do it himself. He just tells her to stop messing around. A dark sense of humor he calls it. But the problem is when he''s not around. When it''s just her and her two, just as horrifying friends. Galya however, I feel like even Genesis takes her ''jokes'' a tiny bit serious at times. He rarely leaves me alone without Wirrin, Coen, or Thaddeus.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    When I was younger Gayla would play with me, like a cat would a mouse. Genesis would chalk the bruises and cuts up to me trying to escape like I often did as a child. Since I stopped attempting escape it''s harder to write off the injuries. They''re slowly increasing in severity. Last week she pinned me against the wall and off the ground by my wrist, breaking my arm and dislocating my shoulder. I know well enough once it reaches him, he''ll demand answers. Answers I''ll refuse to give. He''ll get frustrated and the cycle will eventually repeat. That''s why I''m hiding among the stacks of the library at the opposite end of the house. Well, I''m hiding in one of the cabinets at the bottom of the bookcase. He''ll find me but it might take a while. Everyone''s always hesitant to give him bad news. Some of the others even come by with food for me or updates about Genesis. I was napping when a knock on the end of the bookcase startles me awake.


    "Cyan, he''s returned."


    I open the door and see one of the other kids that''s lived here a while. He kneels down.


    "Thanks Landon. Is Galya still here?"


    He hands me a piece of bread and sits on the floor.


    "No. She left as soon as Genesis arrived. Probably too scared to be around when the Doc tells him about the latest."


    He points to my casted arm and wrapped shoulder.


    "Maybe she won''t come back."


    "If only we''d be that lucky."


    Landon sighs and stands back up.


    "Take it easy okay? I have to go. Talk soon Cyan."


    I nod and watch him until he''s out of sight before closing the door.


    Genesis had been away on business when Galya got me. I had avoided notice for a while. Then Thad, one of Genesis'' associates noticed the dark purple bruise around my wrist. He immediately took me to the doctor. Imagine his shock when Doctor Faum had to pop my shoulder back into place.


    My stomach churns at the memory, threatening to reject the bread I just ate. I shift my position and pain shoots through my arm. No chance of me getting up now until Genesis comes to find me or one of the kids come back. I close my eyes and lay down my head.

 Two

    I enter my home office and shut the door. I throw my coat down on a chair and unbutton my shirt sleeves, rolling them up. I sit down and eye the thick stack of paperwork sitting in the middle of my desk. More work when I just got home from business in Hamsall. No matter, even if important it can wait. I''ve been away from home about 2 weeks, I need to be briefed on how things were here. These business dealings can be exhausting and this one was no different.


    Even when I''ve given sufficient evidence I stay true to our deal, there are always those few rotten bunch that are determined to stay true to that deplorable and outdated tradition. Still, I''m glad I have sway over the main populous. And I''m eternally grateful for the good Doctor Faum''s connections to the rest of the world. I couldn''t save nearly as many children as I do if it wasn''t for him. But God the smell of blood was still lingering when I reached the village.


    I grit my teeth as there''s a knock on my door.


    "Permission to enter Sir?"


    "Of course Doctor."


    He enters and closes the door behind him. He nervously fiddles with his coat.


    "No need to be anxious, old friend. How was everything while I was gone?"


    "The little one''s fever broke night before last. She''s still resting but should be up within the week."


    "Fantastic news! When will she be okay to travel?"


    I pull out paper and a pen, waiting for Edward''s information.


    "Not for at least another month. I know you want to get her to her family quickly but her condition was serious. I''d like to monitor her longer. Regaining an appetite is another thing altogether from being about to travel such a long distance."You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "Disappointing but you are the expert. Better safe than sorry, I guess. I''ll send word to her family immediately. Poor souls have been so worried. She''s headed to a good home, we can be sure of that."


    Doctor Faum nods and chews on his bottom lip. I tense and lay down my pen.


    "Edward, you''re making me anxious."


    He takes a deep breath and exhales.


    "There''s something I''d like to bring to your attention. I need you to stay calm and not raise your blood press-"


    "I''m sure I don''t need to remind you that I am, in fact, dead and there''s no chance of me raising anything other than my voice."


    "Sometimes I forget."


    "I highly doubt that, Doctor."


    "I was sure Thaddeus was supposed to be here by now.."


    "I''ve known you for years and you''ve never been worried before. I think I''d feel quite hurt if you start fearing me now."


    "It''s about Miss Cyan."


    As if on cue my dear friend slams open the door and walks in with Coen behind him. I rub my temples.


    "An invitation Thad. Even a warning before you bust into rooms. Good evening to you both."


    Coen nods silently and takes a seat on the sofa in the back of the office.


    "Sorry, Genesis I was running late. Doc wanted me here to talk to you."


    "Yes, he mentioned Cyan before you interrupted. I hope she hasn''t somehow caught what the little one has."


    "No Sir. Thaddeus discovered a troubling injury after you left. She was trying and succeeding in hiding it."


    "What injury?"


    "Miss Cyan was concealing a dislocated shoulder and a broken arm. No doubt she was in agonizing pain, unable to use the arm. She''s lucky the untreated dislocation didn''t cause any trauma to her nerves or blood vessels. Same with the break, in addition to muscle and ligament trauma."


    I fold my hands on my desk in an attempt to stay calm.


    "Any idea of when and how she received these injuries?"


    "It must have occurred either the day of or after you left for your trip. Thaddeus discovered it last week and Miss Cyan admitted to me she received the injuries a week before. Of course, she didn''t offer either of us any explanation of how she received them. However, we did notice a rather large bruise wrapping around her wrist. I''m not one to speculate myself..."


    Doctor Faum trails off and glances over to Thad.


    "Which is why Thad is here, correct? You can go, Edward. Thank you."


    The Doctor bows and quickly exits my office, closing the door behind him.

 Three

    "I assume you''re about to piss off with your theories."


    "Listen Genesis, let''s look at the facts. Cyan not only broke her arm but she also dislocated her shoulder. There''s a huge bruise around her wrist that, just saying, looks like a hand. She always gets these random injuries as soon as you leave. I know you don''t want to hear it Genesis but you need to seriously consider someone might be hurting her."


    "And you''re going to tell me that someone is Galya, my beloved?"


    "Genesis, think about it! None of would hurt her! Galya was here with her friends! Galya hates humans and she has an intense hatred for Cyan. We all know Galya is jealous of Cyan because you treat her differently. She hates that you won''t let anyone tell Cyan the truth about her parents and the tradition. You let her think you''re this horrible monster that murders children for their blood. Galya even tells you that she''ll kill Cyan for you!"


    I close my eyes. The same thing over and over.


    "Galya wouldn''t harm Cyan, I know she wouldn''t. All that killing her nonsense is just bad jesting. Galya is not a bad person, you just need to give her a chance. She was raised under my father for God''s sake, of course she used to hate humans. She''s learning, it takes time."If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Time? Genesis, she''s had two centuries!"


    I wave off his statement and clench my fists.


    "You don''t know what it''s like growing up under my father''s ideals. Galya will come around and learn to appreciate humans and see them as equals, as we do. It is my business what I have Cyan believe or not believe. The reason I treat her differently is also my business. As for Cyan''s injuries, we all know her love for escaping. One of the older children probably tried to stop her and she got hurt."


    "Cyan is 20 years old, if she wished to leave she could simply go through the entrance. She hasn''t tried to escape for years. You''re letting Galya pull wool over your eyes! Cyan''s injuries have been getting worse and worse. I''m worried for her safety."


    I slam my hands on my desk and stand.


    "THAT IS ENOUGH! I refuse to let you continuously talk down on my beloved! She is here to stay until you present me with evidence she''s harming Cyan or anyone else! It is not your job to worry about Cyan!"


    Thaddeus steps closer to my desk and matches my scowl, his teeth fully descended.


    "Looking out for the children is not a job, it has always been a duty. I will continue my duty until the day I perish, which will undoubtedly outlast them all combined. Don''t forget you gave me this immortal gift because of my loyalty and dedication, not to you, but to those very children. If you choose to be ignorant and blindly allow Galya free reign, so be it. Do not run to me when your trust for her over us burns to ashes before your eyes."


    Thaddeus finishes and storms out of my office with Coen hot on his tail to calm him down. Frustrated, I scream into the empty room.

 Four

    After composing myself I leave my office, following Cyan''s scent. It leads me to the doorway of the library.


    "Cyan, I know you''re in here. I am not in the mood to play games. I just got back, I''m exhausted. Come out at once."


    There''s nothing until I hear her quiet voice.


    "If you''re tired you should go rest."


    "Cyan, I''m serious. Don''t make me ask the others."


    "Okay... Um, I can''t get up. Please help."


    I follow her voice to a bookshelf in the back. Laying tucked into a bottom cabinet is Cyan, book in hand. She''s pulled a pillow and blanket with her. I kneel and gently touch her casted arm.


    "How did you manage to fit there in the first place?"


    "Doctor Faum gave me morphine this morning so it didn''t hurt when I moved."


    I sigh and help her from the tight space.


    "You''re not supposed to use your arm at all. You could injure it more. Has the medication wore off?"The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    She nibbles on her bottom lip.


    "A little but I''m okay."


    "Nonsense. If you''re in pain tell someone. Did they at least keep you fed in my absence?"


    She nods, wincing as she teeters from a probable head rush.


    "Woah, let''s get you in bed. What have I told you about stuffing yourself into crevices all day?"


    Wirrin rushes in, probably having heard a rant from his lover. When he sees an uneasy Cyan with me, his expression changes from one of anger to one of concern.


    "Sir?"


    "Ugh, you know not to call me that."


    "Sorry I was caught off guard. Is Cyan okay? She''s letting you touch her."


    "Don''t be so dramatic. Call for Edward immediately. I''m taking Cyan to her room. Have someone clean up her mess on the shelf."


    He looks from me to her. He nods and leaves.


    Cyan absolutely hates how touchy I am, even if it''s always out of care and love. I''m seen as the villain of her life, abducting children and murdering them for the very blood that keeps me alive. She''s warmed up to Coen, Wirrin, and Thad but not me. As she sees it, I stole her from her happy family. Even a pat on the shoulder would be too much. As I help her to her room, she''s practically clinging to me. Affection like this is unheard but she''s in pain, I can feel it. I must resist letting emotions take hold of me.


    I hoist her up in my arms and increase my pace. I lay her gently in her bed and wait.


    "Genesis?"


    I look down and Cyan is watching me through hazy eyes.


    "You should save your energy."


    "Have you eaten?"


    I blink at her, shocked. She reaches her hand out to me.


    "Aren''t you curious how I taste?"


    "Wh-what are you saying? Have you gone crazy Cyan?"


    I feel her forehead. Hot. She closes her eyes. A fever? Related to her injury or perhaps the sickness is spreading?


    "Isn''t that why you saved me this whole time?"


    "You''re not making any sense. Rest for now. The doctor should be here soon."


    She sits up shaking her head.

 Five

    My head throbs and my face feels like it''s burning but it''s interesting to see Genesis so flustered. Maybe now he''ll answer me honestly.


    "Just this once be serious with me."


    He wets his lips and avoids meeting my gaze.


    "Cyan, please. You''re not acting like yourself."


    "You''re the weird one. You''ve always avoided me unless you wanted affection. You''re so clingy to someone who clearly hates you. Isn''t that what Galya is for?"


    He doesn''t respond for a bit.


    "Do you truly hate me?"


    "Yes, I am your prisoner. You never let me leave, you refuse to be honest with me, you allow me to get hurt."


    His facial expression turns to one of hurt. Curious, I''ve yelled and screamed plenty of times before.


    "I''m just the big bad wolf Cyan, what do you expect? I doubt you''ll remember this conversation. I can''t let you go. When it comes time for it, you''ll die by my hand."


    He sits next to me on the bed. I reach out and touch his face. He covers my hand with his own and closes his eyes.


    "That''s bullshit. If you truly want me to die, act like it."


    He kisses the inside of my wrist.


    "My mother would tell me stories of a monster and a maiden. The monster hated himself above all and hid himself away from the world. He''d kill anyone that wandered onto his property. One day after years and years, a maiden strayed too far onto his land. He scared her but she stood her ground. He spared her because she didn''t run or try to hurt him like the others. She kept coming back and eventually they fell in love..."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He trails off, nuzzling my hand.


    "What happened? Was the monster a prince the whole time?"


    Genesis laughs.


    "No. They were killed because their love was an abomination."


    "Ah, that kind of story. Let me guess, they swore they''d find each other in the next life?"


    "No Cyan, it''s not a fairytale. It''s a warning."


    I''m confused until I see his face through my haze. His eyes are glowing brightly and his canines are descended. He drags his fangs from my palm to my wrist, drawing blood. My heart pounds in my chest.


    "Genesis?!"


    "Toying with someone who can end your life in mere seconds isn''t wise Cyan. Just because I choose not to kill you, doesn''t mean I won''t. Tempting me will only make it worse for you."


    He licks the blood and stands, dropping my arm.


    "I wasn''t..."


    "Don''t offer something you''re not willing to give and I can''t have. I''ll stop coming to you since you hate me."


    Genesis turns and leaves the room. I struggle to keep my eyes open. It''s as if just his presence was comforting my illness and now that he''s gone I feel everything ten times worse. I wake up panting. Next to my bed on the table is a glass of water, a rag and a plate of small sandwiches. My stomach gurgles and I pick one up, biting into it. My eyes catch2 faint scars on my wrist.


    I''m a fool. Hate him? Who am I kidding? I must be sick in the head. Maybe it''s puberty. Even if he gives me attention and I like that he''s clingy. He''s a vampire, he kills children, he abducts them from their homes. Resisting these feelings with rational thought is getting harder and harder.


    I drink the water and stand, heading towards the kitchen. I pause, hearing shouting from Genesis'' office. I sneak up to the door to listen.


    "Have you lost your fucking mind?!"


    "Who are you talking to like that?"


    "You! Why are you forcing Cyan to hate you more?!"


    "I''m not forcing anything. She hates me of her own accord."


    "Is it really her own accord when you lie to her and keep things from her?! And you bit her! What happens if she turns Genesis!"


    "I didn''t bite her Wirrin. I simply issued a warning."


    "You''re being reckless so she''ll hate you! You use your powers on her constantly!"


    "It''s not on purpose! I can''t control it around her!"


    "Learn how! You''re over 200 years old!"


    "Don''t worry, I''m staying away from her."


    "Genesis, this will only confuse and hurt her more."


    "Wait, shut up. I think someone''s outside the door."

 Six

    I sprint away and keep running until I reach the kitchen. I sit on the counter.


    What did Wirrin mean? Genesis makes me hate him? What powers? Why can''t he control them around me? Does it have something to do with my feelings? it''s weird. When he''s around...


    "You better hope Cybelle doesn''t catch you up there."


    Landon startles me from my thoughts as he enters the kitchen.


    "Landon. You scared me. Thanks for the sandwiches."


    "Hm. Glad to see you''re feeling better."


    I nod, still deep in thought. Landon pauses and sighs.


    "Something bothering you?"


    "Why don''t you leave?"


    His question throws me off guard.


    "Why do you ask?"


    "You clearly hate it here. You hate Genesis. Even with everything he''s done for you and the rest of us."


    "Took me away from my parents? My brother? Kept me here, away from the outside world? I should be grateful? He''s a vampire! He murders children! Just not me for some unspoken reason! When he''s ready, when it''s my time. Bullshit!"


    "Cyan, calm down. Look at the rest of us. Cybelle''s been here longer than you. Naomi is only 7. None of us have been-"Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Landon."


    We both jump at Doctor Faum''s voice. He pats the boy on the back. Landon looks away and practically mumbles.


    "The truth is right in front of you."


    "Mister Landon..."


    Landon rolls his eyes and steps away from the Doctor.


    "See you later"


    He walks out of the kitchen and I turn to the Doctor confused.


    "Don''t worry about him, dear. Let''s check that arm in my office."


    I follow Doctor Faum and we sit in his office.


    "So, how are you feeling?"


    "Not that great honestly."


    He nods and begins writing something down.


    "Yes, you had a fever most of the night. I can''t see your arm because of the cast but I don''t think it''s infected. Just in case I''ll give you an antibiotic with the morphine. Please don''t use it to crawl into a shelf this time, yes?"


    "Agreed. I''m sorry for causing trouble."


    "Nonsense Miss Cyan. Now, um. Are you experiencing any changes? Appetite, body temperature, anything?"


    "No. What an odd question."


    His eyes dart to my wrist as he pulls out a thermometer.


    "Just some precautions dear."


    "No one bit me."


    He just nods and sticks the thermometer in my mouth.


    "You had a high fever yesterday."


    He writes down something and pulls out his pocket watch.


    "What-"


    "Your wrist dear."


    "Why do you need it?"


    He sighs.


    "Your pulse."


    I hold out my wrist and his eyes linger on the faint marks. Once he''s checked my pulse, he writes again.


    "Open your mouth."


    "Why?"


    "Cyan, please. I''m aware of Mr. Vadell''s actions yesterday."


    "He didn''t bite me."


    "Cyan."


    "He didn''t! Just scratched-"


    "With his teeth. Do you have any idea how easily Vampirism is spread? It''s like a plague. There are multiple ways to become infected. I''ve seen it with my very eyes. It''s barbaric, cruel, and has no place in modern society."


    I stare at him.


    "Doctor Faum..."


    "Pardon me if I''d like to make sure you won''t savagely murder any of the human beings in this house while they''re sleeping."


    "You work for a vampire!"


    "Genesis has always had a level head. I''ve only seen him turn 3 men in my time here. And that was at their insistence. I''ve seen him turn down saving dying children because he knows dying is better than becoming a slave to blood. What he did last night was reckless and idiotic! You imped his better judgement and he needs to let you go!"


    "Finished?"


    We both turn to see Coen at the door.


    "Yes, let the others know she''s fine."

 Seven

    Coen comes in and bends in front of me.


    "I can walk, I assure you."


    There''s a burning poke in my arm and I jump.


    "Ow!"


    "Sorry, just your medicine. I prefer you accept being carried considering how dizzy you get."


    I sigh and climb onto Coen''s back. He stands and begins walking towards the gardens.


    "Food?"


    "I ate one of the sandwiches Landon made me."


    "Not enough. Tea?"


    I lay my head on his shoulder.


    "Will you join me?"


    "Work."


    "Oh, I understand. You can take me to the library."


    "Join the girls for tea."


    "Or you could take me to the library and Landon will bring me a snack."


    He sighs and stops in the middle of the hallway.


    "Please bond with the girls."


    "I''d prefer books."


    "Cyan, please."


    "I guess I am hungry. Will there be cake?"


    "Yes. And more."


    "I guess I''ll go."


    Coen nods and begins walking once again. We get to the garden and are stopped by Naomi in a ridiculously sparkled and ruffled princess dress. She holds up her hand.


    "No princes in the garden!"


    "Apologies Miss Frost-"Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Queen Naomi!"


    Coen smiles and bows.


    "Apologies. I''m dropping off princess Cyan."


    She looks up at me and narrows her eyes.


    "Queen Naomi doesn''t recognize this newcomer. What kingdom is this princess Cyan from? Why isn''t she wearing a princess dress?"


    "This is ridiculous."


    Coen gently lowers me down and whispers.


    "Play along."


    I roll my eyes and bend down.


    "I''m from the kingdom of knowledge. I had to sneak out in regular clothes to visit this garden. My knight, Sir Coen, will leave if you''ll accept me to join our fair queen for tea."


    She thinks for a few seconds.


    "Permission granted. You may leave knight. Princess Cyan, follow me to the royal table. There are other guests. Princess Cybelle from the kingdom of trades and princess Jade from the kingdom of strength."


    I follow behind Naomi as we walk closer to the center of the garden. There''s a table set up with 6 chairs. Already sitting at the table is Cybelle and Jade, in dresses that look as ridiculous as Naomi''s. I suppress a laugh and sit down.


    "Princess'' we have a newcomer joining us today. Princess Cyan from the kingdom of knowledge. Clearly she''s not dressed properly for tea but I''ll let it slide for today. Princess'' let''s eat and drink our tea!"


    I lean over and whisper to Cybelle.


    "Nice bright yellow dress."


    "Shut up Cyan."


    "No, seriously. Should I call you Belle instead now?"


    She turns to me and glares.


    "Stop being such a snob Cyan. She''s 7 years old. Playing dress up and pretend is the least I can do with her. Not everyone can pout in the library and treat friends like servants."


    "I don''t-"


    Naomi clears her throat from the head of the table.


    "Ladies, remain civil."


    "Are you sure she''s only 7?"


    Cybelle smiles like a proud parent.


    "I know. She''s so smart."


    "You teach her?"


    Cybelle shrugs.


    "Sometimes. In addition to the private professor who comes every other week. Anyway, less talking more eating."


    Jade sets down her teacup and helps me dish up my plate.


    "You don''t need to. I can do it."


    She smiles and points to my casted arm.


    "It''s okay Cyan. Us princesses should be here for one another."


    Cybelle rolls her eyes.


    "Except Cyan is so self-involved she would never do the same for any of us. Right, Cyan?"


    "I''m sorry, did any of you help me when my shoulder was being dislocated and my arm broken?"


    Cybelle opens her mouth to speak and closes it again. Jade sets my plate down and sits herself.


    "Jade shouldn''t help anyone, she''s still sick."


    "Shush Naomi, this is grown-up talk. However fair point, Jade is sick. She shouldn''t be serving you."


    "I didn''t-"


    Jade snaps at both of us.


    "While I appreciate the concern for my health, I want to help. It''ll make me feel bad about myself if I''m not at least a little helpful. I''m fine doing this."


    Cybelle sighs and nods in understanding.


    "I''m sorry Jade, I didn''t mean to make you feel useless. Cyan, I''m sorry too. I know how you feel about being here and I know you didn''t ask to be injured."


    "I''m sorry for being snobby and acting like I''m better than you guys."


    Naomi slaps the table with her tiny hands.


    "See Cybelle! I told you the garden is magic! It cures people and helps stop fights!"


    "Of course queen Naomi, it''s very magical."


    "I''m not pretending right now Cybelle! I''m being serious!"


    We all laugh as she glares. We begin eating and having a fun time pretending. After tea, I help them carry some of the leftover food and dirty dishes back to the kitchen.