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Chapter 13: Conversation with Dante
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2020-08-06 08:06:22Related chapters
Vampire of the New World Chapter 14: Asking for Permission
"Now it's my turn to apologize for saying such things," said Dante with a laugh. "I am happy to have this island because it has nourished me for so long. It has made me stronger to be able to do my work. Its very soil sustains me that I could not bear to stay away from it too long, but I know that I cannot stay here forever and there are some things that I need to do back in the mainland. And that, I can only do if I conquer my fears and travel across the sea." There was a pause and Dante tapped his desk with his long fingers before saying to Jon, "Now, tell me of the other properties that you have found for me."Jon took his cue and turned to his laptop to open the documents that he had prepared earlier. “Balete Park was a great find,” remarked Dante as Jon finished opening his documents and turning his laptop to face Dante.“Yes, I didn’t expect it to be the one that you’re likely to buy, but it did pass all of your requirements,” said Jon.Dante made a soft laugh and said, “You’re
Last Updated : 2020-08-12Vampire of the New World Chapter 15: Sparkling Wine
The dark bottle of wine sat inside a metal bucket that was filled with ice. Jon did not know when the cart was rolled into the library, not having seen it when he came in. Pablo or another staff probably opened the door quietly and placed the cart there without disturbing them.Jon held the bottle neck and at once felt the chilled glass on his palm. He uncorked it and poured the red liquid onto a long-stemmed glass. The dark liquid sparkled in the dim light of the library and Jon wetted his lips as he filled his glass, a bit more than what he actually intended.Jon drank the wine slowly, savoring its many distinct yet unknown flavors and let himself get lost in the swirl of strange and pleasurable sensations. As he did so, he lost track of everything else around him until he realized that he had emptied his glass."No need to lick that last drop off your glass. You still have an almost full bottle in your hand," Dante smiled as he sat comfortably in his chair.Jon realized that he had
Last Updated : 2020-08-13Vampire of the New World Chapter 16: The Maid's Request
The maid looked as surprised as he was and she shifted her eyes nervously from side to side. Then, with a more composed face, she lifted her chin and spoke. "I-I'm sorry, Sir. I just forgot something when I was cleaning here earlier," came the apology from the maid, still avoiding Jon’s eyes. She was holding her hands behind her and Jon was sure that she managed to slip something into her pocket."It's alright. I was just surprised to see you here. I thought all of the staff have gone for the night. I hope you found what you were looking for," said Jon.The maid seemed at a loss for words and with her head still bowed, she proceeded slowly towards the door. However, she paused on her way out and decided to turn around to face Jon."I was just wondering if you could help me, Sir.” The maid began, not quite knowing whether she should continue with what she was about to say or to leave the room at once.“What is it?” asked Jon. “Just tell me and I promise to help if I can.” Jon tried to s
Last Updated : 2020-08-14Vampire of the New World Chapter 17: Pablo Talks to Jon
Jon woke up with a jolt and for a moment wondered where he was. His work had taken him to numerous places before and he had to stay in hotels most of the time. On several occasions, in the first few moments after waking up, he would feel disoriented, as if whisked to another time and place. He recognized the ceiling of the dim room where he was staying, lit by soft rays of the bedside lamp that he kept on the whole night. It was quiet, dead quiet, as if he were sleeping inside a mausoleum where he was the only living occupant.Everything seemed surreal and Jon blinked his eyes a couple of times. For brief moment, he had to ask himself whether he really was in an island somewhere in the Pacific, effectively imprisoned within shark-infested waters by a wealthy client who could be a monster with burning eyes. Jon looked around his room and for the first time saw how everything seemed old even though the mansion was built only in the past several years. The curtains, the furniture, and th
Last Updated : 2020-08-15Vampire of the New World Chapter 18: Trapped
Jon held the coffee mug and stared at his face reflected on the surface of the dark liquid. He remembered Flora’s face when she talked to him, the desperation in her eyes as she pleaded to let her and her daughter join him when he returns to Cardena. He saw the same desperation forming in his eyes and he looked away. He avoided Pablo’s gaze and just stared at the still life paintings that looked dull without lights shining on them. Pablo had only switched on a few of the dining room lights when they entered.Jon slowly raised the coffee to his lips, using both hands to hold the mug and steady his slight trembling. He realized that Pablo was watching intently and did not want to show the distress that was forming within. With a final gulp, Jon finished his coffee and thanked Pablo.“Thanks for the coffee, Pablo. I really needed that. I hope we can get the communication lines back. No one can work without the internet nowadays.” Jon tried his best to be cheerful, but it sounded forced to
Last Updated : 2020-08-17Vampire of the New World Chapter 19: Mind Games
Dante was playing with Jon's calling card in one hand while the other remained hidden behind his back. He flicked the card and it traveled between his fingers until it emerged again between his thumb and forefinger. All the while, Dante's eyes were directed at Jon who had just entered the hall.Hiding any sign of shock, Jon spoke first. "I didn't realize you're awake. I thought you slept during the day. Or haven't you slept yet?"There was a loud thunder that reverberated in the entrance hall. Even within the windowless entrance hall, Jon knew that the rain had gained in strength. Dante stopped flicking the card and lowered his hand. He did not answer Jon’s question but looked him intently. A few seconds had elapsed before he turned his head to the side and spoke.“In Victorian England, they would see dead strays strewn across the streets after rains like these that it appeared as if the dead animals came with the rain. Hence, originating their phrase 'raining cats and dogs'.” Dante l
Last Updated : 2020-09-02Vampire of the New World Chapter 20: The South Terrace
Jon felt like a giant trap had closed in on him. He remained standing by the staircase where Dante left him for a full minute before coming back fully to his senses. If the gardener gave the calling card to Dante, who knows what else the gardener told him. Jon searched his memory and tried to recall what he said to the gardener. Did he sound desperate? Did his words betray his own thoughts about Dante?Jon shook his head in despair. Even if the gardener did not repeat their conversation, the calling card itself would be a telltale sign of his desperation to escape the island. Why else would he give it to the gardener with instructions to call Fernan and Lisa?Aside from this, Dante listened to his call as he talked to Lisa and Vicky. This meant that Dante wanted to hear for himself what the people on the other side of the call were saying. He obviously wanted to stop people from looking for Jon in the next seven days. At the same time, this meant that Dante already knew what Jon was up
Last Updated : 2020-09-04Vampire of the New World Chapter 21: The Three Sisters
Jon felt weak in his entire body and he struggled to keep his eyes open. His eyelids suddenly felt very heavy and his limbs were as if encased in cement that he could hardly move. One of the women was bending very close to him until he could smell her perfumed black hair. She had on a flowing white gown which brushed across his face as she stood up and stepped away. Jon's skin tingled as if touched by a rush of cold air wherever she came in contact with him. Then, Jon felt hot liquid flowing from his neck towards his collar and assumed it to be his own blood. In his mind's eye, Jon could see himself surrounded by the three women much like the same way that vultures surround its prey."Hush! I told you to be quiet," said the woman who was bending over Jon to her companions. "He's going to wake up.""You spilled some. Let me get at it," cried a second woman and Jon saw from the corner of his eye one of the women rising and approaching him. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders and fe
Last Updated : 2020-09-08
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Vampire of the New World Chapter 169: The Grotto
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Vampire of the New World Chapter 168: Entering the Grotto
The boat glided over the water, leaving ripples in its wake. The boatman jumped aboard and started the engine, steering the boat towards one of the many islets that dotted the sea. Nestie turned his head and looked at the cliff that they had just descended. He swallowed hard before saying to Lisa. “I can’t believe we descended from that,” he said. “Are we going back the same way?” Lisa smiled as she saw the expression on Nestie’s face. Her friend took the front seat on the boat while she sat behind him. “Do you want to?” Lisa asked. “I don’t know if I can make it,” Nestie replied. Then, he added. “Maybe I can, but you will have to pull me up.” Lisa laughed at Nestie and pinched his back. “Ow! What was that for?” asked Nestie, rubbing his back which Lisa had just pinched. “For being so adorable!” Lisa answered. “Look ahead of you and enjoy the scenery. Don’t you think the islets and the rock formations look stunning?” Nestie loo
Vampire of the New World Chapter 167: The Way to the Grotto
Upon alighting from the tricycle, Nestie saw the ocean and the tall cliffs that surrounded a wide beach. They were a short distance from the sandy coast where several boats were docked. Out on the sea were numerous islets that rose from the water like the backs of turtles or upturned boats. Several of the islands were connected to each other like a pearl necklace, the sea between them becoming labyrinthine for boats to navigate through. Fortunately, the islets also served a purpose in protecting the moored boats on the small beach where Lisa and Nestie were standing as well as the inner islets in the archipelago from the strong currents and big waves coming from the open ocean. “Do you like what you’re seeing so far, Nestie?” asked Lisa who had just paid the tricycle driver and stood beside Nestie to admire the scenery. “I’ve seen so many coasts in my life, but this is still breathtaking!” remarked Nestie, drinking in the scene before him. They were on top of a cliff
Vampire of the New World Chapter 166: Planning Their Morning
Lisa woke up from the sound of birds outside the window. She slowly opened her eyes and saw the room flooded with golden light. She stretched her arms and rubbed her eyes before sitting up in bed. It looked like it was going to be a good day, she thought as she looked around the brightly-lit room. Celie was still sleeping soundly so Lisa silently got off her bed and prepared to take her morning shower. It was good that Celie was able to sleep without any incident. Her cousin needed to have a good night’s rest if she were to look great for her birthday party. After taking her shower and putting on her usual comfortable clothes of jeans and a cotton shirt, Lisa noiselessly left the room. She then walked to Nestie’s room and knocked on the door. “Come in, Lisa,” came Nestie’s voice and Lisa twisted the door knob. “How was your sleep last night, Nes?” asked Lisa. Nestie had already changed and was combing his hair. “Very well. Thank you,” replied Nestie.
Vampire of the New World Chapter 165: Lisa's Thoughts
Lisa lay in bed with her blankets to her neck. Celie was right. It was a cold night. Lisa, however, could not figure out why Celie insisted on having the windows open despite the cold. Her cousin’s actions had been a bit erratic and illogical these past days, thought Lisa. She knew that her cousin tended to be unpredictable at times even when they were young. Back then, it could just be attributed to their youth; Lisa, herself, remembered doing some wild things with Celie. However, they were now grown women and very much in control of their actions. Lisa could understand Celie’s predicament of having to live under public scrutiny and always acting as a model figure for her father’s citizens, but Celie’s sudden disappearances and escape from her security detail were quite irresponsible. There was a quick snort coming from Celie’s bed and Celie moved restlessly to one side. Lisa looked at her cousin and wondered where she had gone after her photo shoot at the Home for the Elde
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“Is that you, Lisa love?” came Celie’s drowsy voice as Lisa entered the guest room. The lights were off and Lisa could only tell from the dark shape over the bed that her cousin was already lying down as if ready to sleep. “Yes, Celie,” said Lisa, looking at her cousin. “It seems too early for you to be sleeping. Would you mind if I turn on the lights?” Lisa switched on the lights and saw that her cousin was in bed with her blankets drawn up to her neck. There was a soft moan from Celie. “Oh, sorry. Is the light too bright?” asked Lisa. “N-no,” came Celie’s reply. “Keep the lights on.” Lisa was about to walk towards her bed when she noticed Celie’s face. Celie’s face was ashen and her lips were pale. “You look pale, Celie. Are you sick?” asked Lisa worriedly. “No. I’m alright, Lisa. Don’t mind me. I just feel tired, that’s all,” came Celie’s reply. “Sorry to hear that,” said Lisa. She nevertheless went towards Celie and
Vampire of the New World Chapter 163: Going Back to the Adobe House
The gates to the Adobe House opened slowly to allow the van to enter the grounds. There were soft knocks on the van’s window that made Lisa look at the person making the sound. She saw a young woman outside the van offering her garlands of sanaria. After a short pause, Lisa decided to lower the window and bought several garlands from the young woman. The young woman beamed, briefly showing her white but misaligned teeth. She thanked Lisa before walking off to find other buyers of her sanaria garlands. The sweet smell of the fresh garlands filled the van as it drove inside the Adobe House grounds. Lisa took a deep breath and was quickly reminded of her time as a young girl in Cardena. She remembered that there used to be plenty of sanaria growing wildly in nearby vacant lots and she and Celie would compete on who could pick the most. The flowers were brought to the kitchen were the kitchen maids would take some of their time to turn them into garlands. Sanaria leaves that did
Vampire of the New World Chapter 162: Apparitions
The rain fell just too heavily and too sudden that Lisa could not tell if she did see what she thought she saw. She remembered seeing banners pinned on the trees outside as they entered the building earlier and knew that she could have imagined those to be something else. There was another flash of lightning followed by thunder and Lisa knew that it could be another one of the freak weather disturbances that she and Nestie had been seeing more frequently lately. “Toto, you have to stay calm,” said the nurse to the old man. She had come to the old man’s assistance when she found him to be distressed. “It’s just the rain. It will be over soon.” Lisa walked over to Nestie who was looking at the nurse as she tried to calm Toto. The two friends wanted to help the old man, but knew that the nurse would be able to do a better job. The nurse turned to Lisa and Nestie and gave them a smile. “He’s always like this during thunderstorms. Crying like a child.” “Ju
Vampire of the New World Chapter 161: About the Devil's Sea
Toto placed his wrinkled hands on top of his notebook. He took off his glasses and looked at his audience around the table. They had all finished lunch and were listening to him as he read from his notebook. "Why did you stop?" said an old lady. "Go on. I want to know what happens next." "Yes, I want to know what happened between you and Clara," asked another bright-eyed old lady. "You had me talking for almost an hour. I think I deserve some breather," said Toto. He coughed, prompting Nestie to grab the pitcher and pour cold water onto Toto’s glass. “Thank you,” said Toto to Nestie after taking a few gulps of water. Lisa was amused. "You mentioned the Devil's Sea. Is that a real place?" Toto gave another cough and set down his glass on the table. "It's real alright. You don't hear a lot of stories about it now, but in those days, there were a lot of boats that went missing in that area." "You mean like the Bermuda triangle?" a
