CHAPTER 8: A HELPFUL HUG (VALIEN AND VAMYN)

NEXERIA TOWN HALL, CENTER NEXERIA, NEXERIA

Valien storms out of the room, veins throbbing, fist tightened, and feet stomping. His fangs are bared, and he is ready to take blood from whomever is the first person to get in his way.

“Not again! Gah! I need stronger evidence for them to believe me; all I have is circumstantial.”

A familiar man in a scarf and a military-uniform sits on the stairwell staring at Valien.

“I see the vote went less than stellar for your task force again?” Vamyn says, carefully eyeing Valien’s body language.

Valien loosens his grip, and his fangs retract at the sound of the man’s voice; a voice he’s heard many times in his life; a voice that brought a smile to his face. His disappointed and stressed face turns into a wide grin from it.

“Great-uncle Vamyn! I’m so glad to see you.” Valien says with lights in his eyes and a skip in his step.

“Quiet down, I don’t like my presence known. Some of the Dusk Clave are apprehensive of such an old vampyre like myself.” He says, standing up to greet his great-nephew. Even when frustrated himself, the sight of Valien can provide an aura of calmness for him.

“Yeah, I know which ones you mean. I wish we had some hard evidence about the Circle to stick it to them.” Valien says, hugging him tightly.

“I missed you too; now, you can let go of me and we can get down to business.” Vamyn says, being squeezed by his great-nephew.

Valien releases his granduncle. He would have continued longer if time allowed him to.

“Sorry, it’s been a very stressful day. I learned hugs help release stress.”

“Interesting; I’ll keep that in mind. Anyway, back on track. The terror twins and I are close to finding the Circle. We stopped their ghoul mine scheme; supposedly, it was based on Itellier’s intel.” He sighs a bit, remembering the operation. Another failure in his long life full of them; he might as well be called a living graveyard with all the ghosts that haunt him.

“Also, I’m sorry we had to attack The Dusk Clave earlier. We needed to make a name for the Deathborne; and I keep listening to Itellier’s suggestions.” Vamyn continues sighing. He knows Itellier’s heart is in the right place; but his plans and actions during missions leave Vamyn questioning his life choices.

“It’s fine; no one was seriously hurt; hell, Gride was thrilled. Also, my informants heard about your stunt at the mine; it hurts things, but if it brings the Circle out in the open, it’ll work out in the end. Still, I don’t know why you keep listening to Itellier. You’re a good leader, great-uncle. You could run this entire city; hell, country if you put your mind to it. You need to stop doubting yourself.” Valien smiles.

“Heh, I wish I believed in myself as much as you do. I’m not worthy after all the pain and suffering I’ve caused. When you become as old as I am, you make a lot of mistakes along the way. I have barely repented for all of it. Hell, listening to Itellier isn’t helping; but his idea of making the Deathborne a force to save this city is something enticing. I can finally be known for creating something good in this world instead of causing a plague.” He sulks, putting his head down. It’s been years since the plague, but the people hurt from it, keep the ghosts around.

“Okay, you’re getting another hug.” Valien hugs his great-uncle tightly.

“Do what you have to, great-uncle; but remember, sometime you’re going to have to forgive yourself to become the best version of yourself.” He releases his grip.

“When did you get so wise?” Vamyn smiles at his great-nephew.

“I’ve always been wise; it runs in the family.” Valien smiles back at him.