The Vampire's Garden

By James Vesping

Estelle Beausoleil is a simple person: she lives in a mansion with her sister, Perrine, their servant Tereza, their friend Ediva, her son Henri, and their guard Kira. She spends her days reading and tending a meticulous garden while looking after her son. It is a peaceful life, except for one problem: she and her sister are vampires. Her servant is an immortal. Her friend is a powerful witch. And their guard is a dragon. Out of all her mansion, only Henri is a normal human being. Yet even behind him lies a terrible secret, one which Estelle struggles to breach to Henri. Each year, she attempts to find a way to tell him why she takes a single white rose to the woods on the day of his birth, and each year she pushes it away once more. As Henri ages into adulthood, Estelle must find the courage to tell him who he is and where he came from before she loses him forever -- and damns what remains of her soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Vesping
• Release date: May 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005753474

James Vesping

James Vesping is a former network technician, having worked in both the private and the government sector. He has worked in software and web development in both professional and hobbyist capacities, including several simulation projects for popular sandbox games. In 2015, he began writing novels as a hobbyist, which turned into a full time job by 2017. You can find him on the web at JamesVesping.com.

Book preview

1

You will have to tell him someday soon, mistress, Tereza whispered, pouring some tea into Estelle's cup.

Estelle let out a deep sigh and passed a tired look to Tereza. Is it really that time?

Tereza nodded, gracefully tilting the teapot up and gently setting it down on the tray. He will be 19 soon. It was not that long ago that he would have already had a wife and children of his own by that age.

Estelle lifted an eyebrow at Tereza's remark. By what standard? 1450 or 1850?

Tereza, attempting to maintain a blank expression, let out a small huff of air as she tried to stop from snorting – and smiling. "Both, by those years. Of course, by today's standards, I suppose his life would only just be starting. Outside of home, of course."

Are you trying to tell me something, Tereza?

Tereza finally cracked a light smile. You cannot protect him forever, mistress. I have witnessed it myself, many times over the years; I have watched children born into the world, grow, then wither away and die. It is not our place to alter that, especially not for mortals. Which Henri is – and thank God for that.

Estelle canted her head and displayed annoyance at Tereza's words. I must admit a bit of surprise at you uttering those words here.

Why would I not? You have known me for a long enough time now. I have always had faith in God; I assumed you did as well.

No, no – that Henri is mortal, Estelle muttered.

Tereza couldn't help but close her eyes and chuckle. I forgot; you told me you gave up faith in God a long time ago. I suppose I always hoped you might reconsider, especially after Henri was born.

Estelle lifted an eyebrow toward Tereza. "Why would you think that? A solid argument could be made that your god cursed him, living here with us. Especially with my sister and I."

And yet, despite that, he has grown into a fine young man. I have allowed him to make his own decisions about faith – though I suspect Kira has influenced him in some ways – and he still sticks to good morality, regardless of what he may actually believe. Tereza put her hands behind her back and straightened her neck, a light pop echoing out as she did so. You are not evil, mistress. You never were. Your condition does not dictate that – and why would it? You had no choice in the matter.

Estelle took a moment to ponder Tereza's words, taking a sip of the tea. It tasted slightly salty, with the aroma of iron in it. Ah, yes. Tereza making sure I get my intake of blood. I do get irrational without it; no doubt she put some extra in this morning to broach the subject of Henri's future with me.

The butcher was particularly happy that I bought the supply of 'waste' from him, Tereza remarked, looking at Estelle's teacup.

Make sure Perrine gets her share, Estelle replied, setting the cup down. She needs it more than I do.

"You both need it, but that is getting off tangent; the subject this morning is Henri. His birthday is less than a week away – have you thought of what to give him?"

Estelle sighed and rubbed her face, momentarily glancing at her hand as the pale color gave way to a more pink as her body metabolized the blood. He's been asking about it for a while. Maybe I should let him go. Ediva and Kira have been after me about it; now Tereza is, too. After a few moments, she finally nodded. Yes. Take him into town on your next supply trip. Show him what you buy in town, that sort of thing. Maybe a small meal at Kwesi's.

All well and good, mistress, but I was thinking something a little closer to home. Or rather, closer to his heart. Tereza grimaced and pointed to her own heart. A painful part for you, in particular.

No! Estelle shouted, gently slamming a fist on the table. She coldly stared at Tereza, angry that she would suggest such a thing. "He is my son! Mine!"

Tereza folded her arms and gave a look of disapproval to Estelle. Even though I cleaned up after him? Took care of him? To say nothing of Ediva's lessons to him – something she took valuable time out of her days to mentor him. Oh, and of course the reason he also bears Kira's name – because she fed-

Enough! I remember, Estelle grumbled, holding up a hand while her face turned beet red with embarrassment.

Tereza lifted an eyebrow. I have never quite understood why reflecting on it makes you embarrassed. He was a baby and Kira breastfed him; how else would he have survived? The rest of us could not do it.

Oh please, stop tormenting me about it, Estelle muttered, sinking her face into a hand.

Right. You were jealous because you thought he might think Kira was his mother, Tereza whispered, looking away and letting out a gentle snort.

Well, what was I supposed to think?! Estelle growled, narrowing her eyes at Tereza. He always got excited when she came into view!

He was a baby, mistress, Tereza replied, looking back to Estelle. He still thinks of you as his mother. He always thought that. She took a deep breath, then glanced down. It does not matter where his blood comes from. You are still his mother, regardless of who birthed him – God rest her soul.

"But you're asking me to tell him that I'm not his mother! H-his entire world would come crashing down! It would break his heart!"

Do you have so little faith in your own son, mistress? Tereza looked up and narrowed her eyes in response to Estelle's anger. Do you really think he would abandon you just because you told him where he came from?

Estelle sat back in her chair and closed her eyes. Henri is a good boy – no, a good young man. He would understand. But would he still love me in the same way? I suppose I fear what would happen if the worst came to worst – that he might see her as his real mother instead of me. But he didn't know her. How could he? His eyes hadn't even opened when she died!

You always did anticipate the worst things happening, Tereza continued, seemingly reading Estelle's thoughts. The truth will not hurt him – well, the truth as we know it. Kira could probably find out for certain, if not Ediva.

"The truth is that we are all his parents, Estelle loudly remarked. I won't allow any other narrative to corrupt his mind. That is the end of it, Tereza."

I have never said nor meant to imply otherwise, mistress, Tereza replied, opening a hand. But where does his blood come from? We know only of one side; where is the other? These are questions that he will have to answer, for we cannot.

Estelle frowned, not following Tereza's logic. Blood is blood. What does it matter?

Have you not listened to Ediva for the past few decades? The advances of the outside world are quite remarkable, especially in the realm of blood. She has even theorized that your condition could be cured with the knowledge out there.

Our fate was sealed long ago. There is no changing what we are – don't get Perrine's hopes up.

Tereza playfully lifted an eyebrow. Have you become addicted to a long life, mistress?

I could die at any time I desire, Estelle dryly remarked. I sometimes wonder if I should make that choice, in fact.

As could I. But that would be an affront to God, if not life itself. If instead we could change ourselves to mere mortals, would God be angry? I do not think so.

It's still playing around with his laws and rules, which I don't think you're keen to do, Estelle grumbled. Let the subject of faith drop; I have no stomach for it, Tereza.

Very well, mistress. The subject of blood, however, is unanswered: please consider speaking with Ediva on the subject. It might greatly concern Henri, if not us.

Estelle sighed, then looked over Tereza from head to toe. How many years were you on the run before you ended up here? 400? 500?

To the tune of about 450 years, mistress. Why?

In all those years, did humanity ever advance? That much?

Tereza frowned. Of course. You did not see it? I seem to recall you speaking of your time under a doctor after you became a vampire.

You've seen more. I only remember barely a century; you've seen at least four.

Tereza dropped her frown and pursed her lips as she thought. I remember the Hussite wars, the Thirty Years' War, the advances of Newton, the rise and fall of the House of Bourbon, the American Revolution – from afar, of course – advances in agriculture, medical, technological, and others. There are many other events that were small in hindsight, becoming much larger later on. Naturally, I cannot speak for anything after I arrived here.

Yet for all that... 'advancement,' has humanity evolved? Estelle pointedly asked. Even you categorize your historical experience through wars.

Tereza nodded in agreement. You are most correct, mistress. Even I tend to fall prey to classifying humanity through conflict. Then again, we were human once, were we not?

Estelle leaned forward and lifted up the teacup in front of her, looking through the reddish hue of the contents. Her own mild reflection reminded her of the old myths that vampires could be spotted by their lack of reflection. Only if it is made of silver. One of the many mysteries of our existence.

Mistress? Tereza asked, expecting a response to her question.

I don't know, Estelle muttered. It's been so long and what little I can remember of my own humanity is plagued by shadows. This life, as it is... It doesn't feel human. She brought the teacup to her lips and took another sip of the reddish tea, swishing it around in her mouth while feeling her fangs with her tongue. She then swallowed and let out a subtle hiss, briefly displaying her fangs to Tereza.

You were human at one point. You have merely forgotten, Tereza concluded, knitting her fingers together. Someday, you will remember. I have faith in that.

I remember hunting at night. Stalking animals from the shadows. My sister and I – we moved swiftly. We would take them down and bring the bodies home, feasting on the way. The doctor would take the carcass and have a butcher process it for him, to hide what we did. What we had to do to survive. But we still lusted for human blood; there were times that we strayed. Estelle set the teacup down and slowly shook her head. Sometimes the lines between prey blurred. For Perrine most of all.

That was in the past, mistress. Tereza lifted her chin up and smiled. All of that is the blood of the past. Who and what you are now is what counts – and with the fine young man you have raised, I would argue that you have changed for the better.

Estelle nodded and set the cup down, then rested her arms on the table. What does Ediva speak of with regard to blood?

She likened it to how horses can be raised or plants grown. Selecting by the finest traits to get a resultant offspring containing both. The outside world has supposedly attained a mastery of techniques for both. I do not fully understand it myself as it is beyond my realm of study; you will have to consult with her regarding the specifics.

How does it concern Henri?

Ediva believes it would be possible to determine his lineage – where he came from, who his father was, and who his mother was.

Estelle briefly flashed her fangs in anger, then pulled back to control herself. We know who his mother was.

Tereza held a finger up. Not exactly. All we know is she was a lost soul who found herself on our doorstep. We know nothing about her beyond that.

You think she might have been an aristocrat? Or more?

Tereza frowned. Not quite. From what I recall, I doubt it. She was quite different from the upper classes that I knew.

Estelle let out a sigh. I'll pursue the matter further with Ediva. Perhaps she can explain it better than you – no offense, Tereza.

Of course, mistress. Tereza briefly bowed her head, then glanced to her right. Good morning, master Henri.

Oh, er, good morning, miss Schovajsova, Henri replied, walking into the dining room. He looked over to Estelle and smiled. Good morning, mother. My apologies for my tardiness; aunt Perinne asked for a moment of my time.

Estelle glanced over to Tereza and narrowed her eyes, causing Tereza to blink and nod. Of course she would do something like that. Tereza was always good at setting pieces up, like a chess match.

Am I interrupting something? Henri asked, glancing between Tereza and Estelle.

Of course not; be seated, Estelle said, speaking with the authority of a mother's voice. Henri lightly smiled and nodded, pulling out a chair to sit next to Estelle.

Remember not to touch the tea, Estelle muttered.

Yes, mother, Henri replied, glancing over the teapot. It would seem we have a nice day ahead of us; the sun shines brightly this morning. He began to appropriate food from the table onto his plate, doing so in a natural and choreographed fashion – exactly as Tereza had taught him.

This is going to be hard, Estelle thought to herself, watching Henri's motions. She cleared her throat, then looked up to address Tereza. Tereza, would you mind preparing some tea for Henri today?

Tereza lifted an eyebrow, then nodded. Of course, mistress. I will have it ready shortly. She lightly bowed her head, then departed for the kitchen. Henri watched her leave, then frowned at Estelle.

Is this a special occasion? Henri asked, lifting his chin toward Tereza as she left.

Estelle sighed, then reached out and held one of Henri's hands. Henri, I... I think it's time to broaden your horizons. She glanced down and rubbed her chin with her free hand. Forgive me if I stumble; it's hard for me to find the right words.

Mother?

Right. Well, you're going to be 19 soon and I feel it is time for you to take on more responsibilities. Tereza will be taking you into the village on her next trip, so you can see the supplies she gets as well as the people she meets.

Henri's eyes shot up with excitement and he clasped Estelle's hands with both of his. Really?! You'll let me leave the mansion?!

Estelle nodded. "I should have allowed it a long time ago, but I was afr- concerned about how the village would treat you if they saw you. The son of a vampire and all that entails."

Henri stood and leaped over, hugging Estelle tightly. Thank you so much, mother! I can take this responsibility, I promise!

Estelle chuckled and returned Henri's embrace. Don't take it too seriously; it's going to be your birthday gift after all. Just don't cause any trouble for me there, that's all I ask.

Henri released Estelle and sat back down, straightening his shirt and trying to return to his more reserved demeanor – though the smile on his face clearly wouldn't dissipate. I will assist miss Schovajsova to the utmost of my abilities. I will not cause her trouble, nor embarrassment for you, mother. He made a fist and tapped his chest. I will not bring shame to the Beausoleil name.

Henri, you needn't worry about that, Estelle remarked with a wave of her hand. Have fun. Enjoy yourself. I trust your judgment, especially since you will have more gifts to return to. She looked back at her teacup, firmly grasping the handle. However, I will require your assistance in the garden, possibly over the next few days. There are some things to be done as well as some words we must pass between one another.

Does miss Kaempfer know I will miss her lessons? Henri asked, lightly canting his head.

I will inform her of it today, Estelle answered, bringing the teacup to her lips and taking another sip of the liquid within. She brought it down slightly, glancing out at the darkened window – Ediva had traded the dining room blinds in for some strange coating that dulled the light coming in, allowing both Estelle and Perrine to witness some light without being burned. Stained glass has been around for quite some time, but Ediva said that this coating stops UV, whatever that is. Another one of her new terms from the outside world. She said it was merely an experiment, but it does seem to help.

Mother, forgive me for asking, but what has happened? Henri asked, furrowing his brow. This is quite unlike you; not that I do not appreciate the opportunity to leave the grounds, nor a break from miss Kaempfer's lessons, but I can feel tension in your words. Something has come up – something you're having difficulty with.

Estelle sighed and took another drink of her tea, then set the cup down. You're as perceptive as ever, my son. The truth is that it has always been present; I just could not figure out when to tell you. I put it off, year after year, in the hopes that it would be easier later or a better time. She rubbed her hands together, seeing a more pink hue moving across her fingers as more blood was metabolized. That tension must be broken soon, as painful as it is for me to break it. Not today nor tomorrow, but on the day of your birth, I will explain it all to you.

Henri nodded his understanding. Very well, mother. What do you need of me in the garden?

Some of the plants are in need of pruning and I need some heavier loads moved around. We shall take things as they come. Estelle glanced up to see Tereza return with another tea set – one not mixed with blood. Tereza set the tray down on the table, carefully placing an empty saucer and cup next to Henri and filling it with warm tea.

I trust everything is to your liking, young master? Tereza asked, taking a step back and holding her hands together at her waist.

Yes, it is quite good this morning, miss Schovajsova, Henri answered, reaching out to take a drink of the tea. He sipped it at first, then took a larger swill of it before setting the cup back down. When will you be going to town?

Tereza pulled out a small watch from her waistband, opening it and checking the time. Tomorrow, first thing in the morning. Will you be ready?

I shall be prepared this evening, long before we're ready to set out.

Ah-ah, Estelle cautioned, holding a pinkie up as she lifted her teacup again. You will get a good rest tonight and prepare in the morning. It would do no good to be exhausted in the middle of town.

Er, yes, of course, Henri mumbled, glancing over his plate. I mean, I shall be prepared within reason. For the coming trip.

Very good, Estelle remarked, setting the teacup back down. You are mortal, Henri. Remember that. Time is different for you than it is for us.

Yes, mother, Henri half-mumbled again, not wanting another lecture from Estelle.

We need not worry about rushing the trip, Tereza interjected, trying to steer the conversation back on track. There will be plenty of time in the morning to prepare before we leave.

Since it will be the two of you, shall I ask Ediva for permission to use the carriage? Estelle asked, looking up to Tereza.

I believe we will be fine on foot, mistress, Tereza answered. There are sights that the young master should take the time to see on the way.

Estelle lightly bowed her head. Then I will leave the rest up to you. She took one last drink of her tea, then set the empty cup back onto the saucer. Ensure that Perrine comes to breakfast. I am going to speak with Ediva.

Of course, mistress. I will inform her at once. Tereza lightly bowed, cuing Estelle to stand and leave the dining room. Tereza let out a deep sigh, then shook her head.

Something the matter, miss Schovajsova? Henri asked, glancing between the doorway and Tereza.

A matter of stubbornness, Tereza replied. I have seen it many times before, but this is the first time I have seen it from a vampire.

Seen what?

Tereza blinked and looked down for a moment, then lightly smiled. Accepting that one's place in the world has changed – and letting go of that which one can no longer change. She looked back up to Henri and opened a hand. Please, continue. I will handle the mistress' sister.

-

2

Estelle gently knocked on the door, then opened it and stepped into the library. Ediva's library was vast, containing arcane tomes as well as the mundane – her collection was unparalleled, likely only barely rivaled by those in the outside world.

Annoyed over our little plan? Ediva asked, slipping a book back onto the shelf in front of Estelle.

Estelle, startled at Ediva's sudden appearance, pressed a hand to her chest and let out a breath. Somewhat. I'm more surprised that you were able to get Perrine to agree to it; she loves her nephew. Letting him go will be hard for her.

She loves him enough to let him find his place in the world, Ediva muttered, sliding another book onto the shelf. She glanced over and narrowed her eyes at Estelle. Unlike his mother, who cannot seem to let him go.

Estelle vigorously shook her head. No, no, I have always been prepared to let him go. I knew the day would come eventually, as painful as it is.

Ediva planted her hands on her hips and snorted. You always thought it could go on without telling him the truth. That he would stay here, at the mansion, until the end of his days – just to give you a taste of the normal life you never had.

Do you really think that little of me, Ediva? Do you think I would be that cruel?

Far from it, but you're no different than any other matriarch: when the fledgling is ready to leave the nest, the thought of it being empty terrifies you. Your fears for lack of purpose weigh you down, threatening to drown you. These fears are unfounded, because he is not leaving your life – merely your home.

Estelle sighed and looked down. Am I really that transparent?

To me? Always, Ediva replied. She moved over and put her hands on Estelle's shoulders. You might be a vampire, Estelle, but you're probably the most human one I've ever known. What you're exhibiting is no different from that of others.

But I'm not really his mother – and I have to tell him as such. How do I break such news to him?

"You are his mother, Ediva corrected Estelle. The bond of blood he shares with someone else; the bond of family he shares with you. Naturally, both are nominally combined, but there have been and always will be exceptions. They used to be far more common in the past than they are nowadays." She pulled her hands back, then went back to a bookshelf, looking for another book.

It's been so long since I've seen the outside world, Estelle remarked, looking up to Ediva. Tereza said you've learnt of certain advances regarding blood.

Ediva nodded, putting a finger out and withdrawing a book. Humanity has advanced in remarkable ways – but also frightening and dangerous ones. My spells are largely holding the outside world at bay, which has kept our home free from those hazards. There will come a time when that will no longer be possible, however.

Tereza seemed to believe the outside world holds the secret to curing my condition – that of a vampire. She said something about blood? If that's the case, maybe we shouldn't fear what comes. If it is inevitable, then perhaps we should be open to it.

It's not that simple, Ediva replied. The nature of your condition isn't something that can be explained by worldly means. It goes into the arcane, where the world hasn't advanced much, if at all. It can't be explained by the hard sciences embraced by humanity today. She opened up the book she had withdrawn, flipping through a few pages. The outside world has largely left behind much of what makes our home possible. To bridge that gap would result in your nonexistence within both.

Estelle frowned. So what did Tereza mean?

I suspect she misunderstood. For Henri, the sciences of the outside world might explain his lineage. That is to say, his blood lineage. Ediva closed the book, then pushed it back onto the shelf. She glanced over at Estelle and pursed her lips. I theorized that it might be possible to cure your condition with the knowledge from the outside world, but doing so involves two separate and distinct rules – rules that are incompatible with one another. She opened a hand and looked around. This place – our home – has become a sanctuary for those who cannot exist in the outside world. The reasons for which I am unsure of.

I couldn't return to the outside world?

Ediva held a finger up and shook it. No, no; you could come and go as you please, but in doing so you might potentially bend and break here and there. It could be a small bend or an incredible break; I cannot say. It would be far more dangerous were Kira to cross back over.

And Henri? What about him?

Ediva took a deep breath and glanced up before rubbing the back of her head. Henri isn't that far separated from time. He could go back and return with no ill effects on himself or the world. Well, outside of those he might suffer mentally.

Estelle lifted an eyebrow. Mentally? How?

Estelle, much of his world is frozen in time here. Out of respect for his mother, I never analyzed her body; if I had, then at a minimum, we would have found out that she was decades – if not centuries – in advance of the time you were from.

But how does that-

It means that as far as Henri is aware, it is still 19th century Earth. If his mother was from, say 29th century, then he would be returning to a world so incredibly different that it might shatter his mind. Ediva waved Estelle forward, leading her through the bookshelves. She stopped at one and held a finger up. "I'm trusting you with what I am about to show you. You must speak of it to no one; not your sister, not Tereza, not Henri, nor Kira – no one. Understood?"

Estelle frowned, then slowly nodded. Ediva glanced back to the bookshelf and pulled out a book, then blew off the dust from the cover. She took a deep breath, then opened it up, exposing a large picture of some kind of cloud – yet it was rising up, like a mushroom.

This is likely an ancient event by the outside world's standards, Ediva explained, tapping on the picture. They called it 'splitting atoms.' Releasing massive energy by opening tiny things which we can't even see with our eyes. She closed the book, then set it back on the shelf. It was a weapon, Estelle. They built it to kill one another on a massive scale – it was capable of incinerating everything within an unthinkable radius.

Why show this to me? Estelle asked, opening a hand to the bookshelf. I already knew the outside world had gone to these measures, as you told me quite some time ago. It was right around a time of war, as I recall.

That weapon was developed in a mere two decades after that event, Ediva whispered, placing a hand against the book's spine. All it took to go from a conflict where such a thing was impossible to a conflict where it was not only possible, but actually utilized, was a mere two decades. She glanced down and shook her head. "Now imagine five decades. A century. Five of them. A millennia. Henri would be going from our world, where such things are unthinkable, to a world where even worse is beyond plausible – it is fact."

If this is about Henri going to the outside world, then we can keep him here. Not in the mansion, but the village. There are places he can stay, a life he can make.

What I am attempting to convey is that Henri's presence here shouldn't have been possible to begin with. How his mother carried him here is an enigma; she should not have been able to breach my spells. She was from a world that forgot the arcane, shunned it, and freed itself of it. Yet Henri is here: he has existed in both the arcane and the mundane. Ediva folded her arms and closed her eyes. Henri may be able to cross over without needing the arcane because the mundane has found a way to bridge here and there with the mere power of knowledge. And if he can do so, then so potentially can others – as his mother may have.

Estelle shook her head in confusion. I still don't understand what you're trying to say, Ediva – I thought this was about getting me to let him go.

"It's also about letting him die, Ediva whispered. She opened her eyes and glanced over to Estelle. Henri is mortal; that much is certain. But even mortals can have powers beyond that of gods. That is the direction the outside world has taken: they've placed themselves on pedestals to challenge everything in the arcane world."

Estelle sighed and rubbed her face. Ediva, you're not telling me a thing about Henri nor his involvement in this whole matter. You're incoherent to me. I need you to-

If Henri bridges the arcane with the mundane, Ediva interrupted, then he must be mentally prepared in all ways. He has to know where he came from as well as what he is. Because if he is not prepared due to your own fear, then he could destroy everything – our home and the outside world.

I'm going to tell him! Estelle shouted, balling her hands into fists. I never said I wouldn't! Merely that I was waiting for the right time!

And what are you going to tell him? What you do every year on the day of his birth?

That his mother died! What else is there to it?!

That this isn't his home, Estelle! Ediva exclaimed, causing a small shudder to echo over the room. She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, trying to relax herself. "You raised him. We all did. We may not have birthed him, but he is our son. But that doesn't mean he belongs here, nor that this is his home. He bridged a divide that has been growing into an abyss when he shouldn't even have been able to."

It's not his fault, Estelle whispered, her voice cracking slightly. It wasn't even his mother's. She... She just wanted help. That's all she said.

No, Ediva added, raising her voice. That wasn't all she said. And you'll have to tell Henri those words, as painful as it will be for you.

It would break his heart, Estelle muttered, tears forming in her eyes. Can't he be happy here? Can't we make him leave it all behind?

The choice must be his, Estelle, Ediva whispered as she embraced Estelle. His world is outside. The world of hatred, doubt, and disbelief. The mundane, twisted into an unimaginable horror in the shadow of knowledge. She took in a deep breath, then slowly let it out. He has to know the truth so he can make a choice with all the facts at his disposal. To manipulate him would invite disaster.

I love him. Estelle shivered and held Ediva tighter, finding solace in her old friend. I don't want him to have to know what she said. Those painful words as she died. How could she have said those things? How?! She sniffled and lazily shook her head. He's my son now and I love him with every fiber of my being.

Whatever her reasoning, what's done is done, Ediva replied. Henri was raised by us and we have a responsibility to fulfill our duty as parents. As a mother, you have the most responsibility of all, Estelle. She pulled back from Estelle and smiled. Have faith in yourself and the job you've done in raising him. The truth won't destroy him for one simple fact of his life.

Estelle wiped a tear from her eyes and tiredly looked at Ediva's face. What fact?

That you love him. That you've always loved him, even if you hate the misfortune that brought him into your life. And that no matter where he goes, what choices he makes, that love will endure. It is unconditional, as it should be from parent to child.

Estelle let out a light laugh, then smiled. Thank you, Ediva.

Ediva knowingly nodded. No one ever said it would be easy, what you've done. Yet here you are: Henri is a remarkable young man and you helped him get there. We all grow apart eventually, each in our own ways. Do not fear it; embrace it, because it is inevitable for all of us.

Estelle took a step back and opened a hand to the bookshelf. Is there any real possibility I could shed this curse? To become human again?

Maybe if the outside world has advanced more, but that would mean reintroducing arcane works to it, Ediva answered. It may wrap around back in that direction, depending on what human knowledge does, but currently it is straying quite far from it.

Are you sure there is nothing that can be done without the arcane?

Nothing is certain, Estelle. Ediva glanced over and opened a hand. My world is the arcane, not the mundane. There are certain things I could find out about Henri that might explain who he is and where he came from, which are easily explained by the mundane; by contrast, who and what you are cannot be readily explained by the mundane, only the arcane. Whatever the mundane might reveal about you could be nothing more than we already know.

Estelle pursed her lips as she thought for a moment. For the purpose of discussion, what might it say about me?

Ediva paused for a moment, then glanced to a bookshelf behind her. She shifted over and reached up, pulling a book off the top shelf, then opened it. Nodding to herself, she looked over to Estelle. At best, it would confirm you are a female of French ancestry, with an approximate age in your twenties. It would be able to confirm that Perrine is your sister. Beyond that, it likely would not find your condition as a vampire.

My curse is arcane far more than mundane?

It could be a combination of both. Most arcane texts deal with stopping vampires, not curing them. The vast majority consider one's soul to be lost as soon as a vampire sinks their teeth into a victim.

Estelle frowned, her distaste of her situation abundantly clear. That seems unfair for someone who had no choice in the matter.

Ediva nodded her agreement. It is. But that is the reality of much of the arcane, thus the reason why the outside world turned to the mundane for answers.

It doesn't strike me that the mundane would have many answers at all, Estelle mumbled, trying to get a look at Ediva's book.

Ediva quickly closed the book and narrowed her eyes, stopping Estelle from looking closer. This is not meant for your eyes, Estelle. I take my library very seriously.

But if it's munda-

"Not for your eyes. You are far more arcane than mundane, though at one point you were mundane. Ediva shook her head and placed the book back on the shelf. Don't press my patience. Henri still needs you."

Estelle folded her arms and let out a breath. I don't understand the harm, but I'll respect your boundaries. Regarding Henri, I've told Tereza to take him to town tomorrow. I hope that gives him enough to go on and perhaps a place to make a future.

Those boundaries are for the safety of us all, Ediva muttered. She cleared her throat and lightly smiled at Estelle. Henri may find something meaningful to do in the village before moving on. There are a great many people there who could use a young man's help.

"Could he really move on? There's just the village and the outside world.