Meena did her best to not show any reaction to Tina’s question. She wasn’t sure if it really mattered if Tina knew they talked to her parents, but she was still figuring out the situation.

  Atum had not given any instructions and had just left them to it. Admittedly, Meena preferred it this way. She enjoyed figuring out things for herself and didn’t really gel with rigid curriculums and rules. She was more like her father that way, at least according to her mother.

  Her mother had endeavoured to pass on her teachings to Meena, a long history of hedge witch customs and tradition. Meena wanted to learn but didn’t really enjoy the classical way of learning it which her mother had gone through. In the end, her mother had to find new ways of teaching Meena, more practical ways.

  Ok, I shouldn’t lie to her. Not too much. Rotan also doesn’t seem to be too good at lying anyway.

  Her new teammate had done a poor job at concealing his surprise so attempting to completely lie any further would be pointless.

  “Your parents were one of the people who contacted us, yes.” Meena said. “We met your parents earlier today as a part of our investigation.”

  Tina seemed to be getting agitated.

  “I’m not going back. You can’t make me!” Tina said, slightly loud. “I don’t give a damn what they said! I bet my dad said I wasn’t listening to him. That I couldn’t ‘compromise for the sake of the family’. You can go tell him to–”

  “We didn’t really talk to your dad.” Rotan interrupted. “More your mom.”

  Tina stopped whatever she was about to say. She seemed less angry now and more conflicted. Meena used this opportunity to try and allay her fears.

  “Listen, we’re not here to make you do anything. It’s like we said, this is a check-in. Not only on you, but everyone here.” Tina relaxed a little more, so Meena carried on speaking. “I got a feel for what your home life could have been like so I’m not here to tell you to go back. We just want to know if you’re feeling safe here.”

  “It’s better than before. We’re independent here.” Tina said.

  “It might be better,” said Rotan, “but we want to know if it’s safe. It’s not just a job, is it? They wouldn’t need to turn you into a vampire for that.”

  “No, it’s not just a job. It’s more like a…” Tina looked for the right word, “Community. Yeah. That’s why we choose to convert. It’s about commitment. That we can put the effort into changing our lives.”

  Meena had heard statements like this before. Sometimes people joined her commune intending to change it into something else. They had big ideas for ‘change’ and ‘community’, but it always felt like they were putting chains on people. Closing them off from other options. Her commune was lucky that they had strong leadership and clear guidelines, built from many people’s experiences. Meena didn’t.

  “And the trade-off?” asked Meena. “You’ll never be able to feel the sun again. You’ll be stuck at the bottom of this pyramid for a long time. You’ll always need blood to survive. This is what we’re worried about Tina. Your mother too.”

  Tina’s shoulders sank and she looked miserable.

  “So, then what are my options?” she asked. “Be miserable at home or maybe be miserable here? I… I don’t have other choices”

  “What? Why do you think that?” asked Meena.

  “Meena. Did someone tell you that?” Rotan gently asked. It seemed he was trying to work towards getting specific information. “I don’t know your exact situation, but if you talk with us more, we can help–”

  “Enough.” a voice suddenly interjected.

  It was Mark, the young man from before who had been hostile to them. He slammed a hand on the table they were sitting at.

  “Knock it off! Tina, don’t listen to them.” Mark said. “Don’t tell them anything, they’ll just use it to ruin everything we have here.”

  Any chance of getting Tina to talk more was gone. Meena was annoyed and looked up at Mark. He was scowling and seemed slightly aggressive.

  “Hi. Mark, right? Like I was telling Tina here, we’re not here to interfere with your work.” Meena said. “We just want to make sure you’re all ok.”

  “Save it.” Mark didn’t seem interested in listening. “We’re fine. This place is our home, and we don’t need outsiders butting in. Especially government stooges.”

  Meena attempted to restrain herself and not shout at the younger man.

  I am so not interested in being yelled at by a snotty kid today. Meena took a moment to evaluate Mark. He really is a kid though. The same as Tina. He seems a bit more caught up in all this though. If Tina is dipping her toes in, he’s swimming in the centre of it.

  Rotan raised his hands placatingly. “Ok man. Not a problem.”

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  Letting this go was the better option. There was no reason to rush this and getting into a fight without justification was bound to just make achieving their goals harder.

  Also, nothing particularly illegal seems to be happening here. They’re young but still adults. I don’t agree with their choice, but I can see why they would feel forced to make their choices.

  Meena was getting a feel for what kind of people would be most likely to accept Dennis’ offer of vampirism.

  What’s more concerning is that they feel like it’s their only choice. We saw five of them earlier but how many are actually here? Also, this place feels awful!

  Meena was doing her best to not ignore any sensations she was feeling magically. The building they were in had been shaped by its residents and it felt horrible to her. The only word close enough to what she was feeling was ‘depressing’.

  All the windows are shut. It’s confined and sectioned, so the grunts aren’t easily allowed out. And also, just the vibe of death. Like a graveyard. Not just because of the vampirism. These kids feel like they have one path to follow and it leads to this. I don’t like it.

  “Listen Tina.” Meena addressed the young woman. She had retreated into herself and looked like she wanted to leave. “We don’t want to make you do anything. In fact, we just want to help you AND,” Meena held up a finger to shush Mark who was about to interrupt again, “make sure you are aware of all the options you have available to you.”

  Meena wasn’t exactly sure what those options were at the moment, but she was determined to help. They still had to deal with the main problem.

  “But I’ve already committed. I’ve converted.” Tina said.

  “Not as big a commitment as you’d think, actually.” said Atum. He and Dennis had returned from their brief tour and had heard the last bit of their conversation.

  “Mr. Atum, she’s fully converted. We can’t undo that.” Rotan said.

  “Ms. Menings was made aware of what her choice would entail. If you’re suggesting that she can simply leave somewhere else, I would ask that you educate yourself.” Dennis said. “Meena would adapt best when she is among those like her. All the members who join here are sired by me and, as such, work best with each other.”

  Dennis paused for a moment, briefly looking at Tina and then Mark. It seemed this message was more for their sake than to inform Atum.

  “I understand you maybe just doing your jobs, but I do not appreciate you misleading them.” Dennis continued. “These young people are my responsibility, and I take my role as their mentor very seriously.”

  He stood straight and looked proud.

  Honestly, any other situation and I’d be on his side. It really does feel like we’re invading their space. Meena thought to herself. But he still gives me a creepy vibe, and I don’t like the way this place feels.

  Throughout Dennis’ speech, Atum had not said a word. He stood and looked as if he was intently listening to what Dennis was saying.

  “I completely understand Mr. Williams.” Atum said. “You’re completely right, it would be best for vampires to stay with own groups. Nobody would disagree with it.”

  Meena noticed Tina’s shoulders slumped a little at that statement.

  “But” Atum looked at Tina and Mark, “what I’m saying is that we can undo the conversion. Turn you back into what you were before.”

  Everyone else in the room froze. What he said was truly shocking to them. Vampirism couldn’t be cured. That was common knowledge and was a huge factor in people deciding to make the change. Which was why Dennis suddenly seemed very flustered.

  Wow, didn’t think we could see a crack in his fa?ade. Meena thought.

  “Atum, what you’re suggesting is just not possible.” Dennis said. “The idea that you could just undo it–”

  “I’m not saying you could ‘just’ undo it.” replied Atum. “It’s a little more complicated than that. From what I understand, we’ve researching how different divine powers work. You know, gods of health, healing, life, death, etcetera.”

  Atum had everyone’s rapt attention. Dennis couldn’t find the correct words to interrupt.

  “It wouldn’t be easy. We’re still testing it, and it only works for lower-level vampires like your lot.” He pointed at Tina and Mark. Mark looked a little affronted. “You guys have the least of whatever makes a vampire a vampire, which means there’s more of the original you to bring back.

  “But the option is there. So, no Dennis, I would never suggest we contradict vampire culture. But that wouldn’t apply if you weren’t a vampire anymore, right?”

  Being addressed directly seemed to snap Dennis out of whatever daze he was in. He gave a slight cough and responded to Atum.

  “That is certainly interesting Atum but, like you said, it sounds like an unlikely solution. Also, I’ve heard nothing about this supposed research.”

  “Is there some reason you would know about what the Magic Domain is researching?” Atum asked, genuinely curious.

  Dennis started stuttering. He had seemed so in control when they first met him but not anymore.

  I think the commitment is a huge part of his schtick. Once you’re here, you stay here. Meena considered. ‘You can’t survive anywhere else and why would you want to.’ What a sleaze.

  Suddenly, Mark spoke up.

  “Even if we could turn back, why would we want to? Being a vampire is just a part of it. We’re part of a bigger family. There’s power in what we’re doing–”

  “Enough.” Dennis stopped Mark from continuing what he was about to say.

  Mark really blabbers a lot. I think Dennis didn’t know he’d be a risk this way. Meena was trying to figure out the dynamic between the vampires here. Dennis was obviously in charge, but he had to have some favourites among them.

  Soft footsteps could be heard coming from the two hallways. Meena and Rotan looked and saw that the other vampire residents of the building had started to come out of their rooms and were coming towards the pantry. Either their day was starting or they were curious about the discussion being held.

  “Hm, I think we’ll end it here today.” Dennis declared. “As you have seen Atum, there is nothing particularly illegal happening here, your personal opinion notwithstanding. I have extended a courtesy to you today, but in the future, I would prefer you to contact me through formal procedures.”

  He clearly didn’t want this conversation to continue, especially with all the other grunt vampires showing up. He ushered the three government employees towards the staircase.

  Meena took one last look at Tina and Mark. Tina looked as if she was contemplating something, but Mark looked incensed. What Atum had said had clearly had an effect on them and Meena wished she could continue her conversation with Tina.

  “Our members are beginning their work now.” Dennis said. “I’d prefer not to disturb them.”

  “Speaking of,” Atum said, “what exactly is the work they do here? Obviously, it only happens at night. Physical labour type work?”

  Dennis smiled. He had managed to recover from his earlier surprise and was back to his professional persona.

  “The exact work we do is confidential. It involves wealthier clients who appreciate the dedicated individuals we have here. I’m sure you understand.”

  They had reached the ground floor lobby and Dennis continued to rush them out the door.

  “While it was a pleasure to meet you, I hope you’ll keep my earlier requests in mind about contacting us.” Dennis smiled widely them.

  “Oh, definitely Dennis.” Atum said. “We’ll be seeing each other soon, I’m sure.”

  Dennis’ smile faded.