Free The Immortal Coil by J. Armand

cause for alarm.”
    “Who was he sent to rescue me from?” I checked out the corner of my eye, hoping he was far enough away to not hear us talking about him.
    “A former associate turned traitor by the name of Maximilian Price. He became interested in your particular abilities, but that has been resolved now.”
    She must be talking about my powers  …
    “Yes, precisely,” she said, answering my thoughts before I said anything. “You were also correct in assuming that I am no mere human, nor have I been for quite some time. There is no cause for masks here, child. This place is a sanctuary for those like you and me.”
    She’s been reading my mind this entire time.
    “Please forgive my rudeness.” Aurelia seemed worried that she may have offended me. “I’m not normally so intrusive into my guests’ minds. You must understand, while we may all be supernatural here, you are still different than the rest of us. I must be conscious of my people’s safety at all times.”
    I had always felt there must be others out there like me, but I never thought I would get to meet them. Most of the time I tried forgetting about my powers since I couldn’t explain them. To be honest, I guess I was scared of what I might be.
    “I would never hurt anyone,” was the best I could offer.
    “I’ve heard the contrary. Noah tells me you handled yourself impressively against the attackers in your home.”
    I forgot I overheard him telling Vivian he witnessed that.
    “Uh, I wouldn’t say it was impressive, not after seeing what he can do.”
    “Don’t be so modest, my dear! I have a keen sense for talent. It was I who turned Noah, after all.”
    “What do you mean, you turned him?” I would be lying to myself if I said I didn’t already have a good idea what she meant, but I was hoping it was just a misunderstanding.
    “We are the Archios.” She smiled and extended her arms out to the crowd dramatically. “Members of our coven have had many different labels imposed upon us throughout time. Regardless, I believe you would agree that we are merely beautiful, yet tragic beings lost somewhere betwixt life and death.”
    All eyes in the room were on me now. Vivian was watching from across the room with a drink in her hand. Noah was still relaxing up on the balcony, looking down at us. The dancers glanced over their partners’ shoulders as they passed. These were not the hideous monsters portrayed in the movies, or the ones from back in New York. Everyone here was sophisticated and gorgeous, so gorgeous it only made sense that they were supernatural. I felt the same tranquilizing sensation again as I had with Noah in the alley. This feeling coming over me must be another of their powers. But what would they want with my powers when they had their own?
    “As the last remaining founder, it is my will alone that governs our many houses across the world. Aristocrats, bureaucrats, and various artisans fill our ranks, but monsters we certainly are not. However, we are but one of three covens and countless strays. Those other covens give rise to your nightmarish legends, and taint our good name.”
    I watched her mouth closely as she talked. Sure enough, she was still reading my mind. “The Archios do not prey on humanity for sustenance like savages. We use our allure to draw in potential donors. Those we drink from are more than willing to let us in close and to feel our lips pressed to their flesh,” she said, and smiled just enough for me to see her that her top two incisors were subtly sharpened to a point. “Our fangs are diminutive and purposeful; they are all that is required to draw the blood we need.”
    “Aren’t you killing people by taking their blood either way?”
    “Absolutely not! Violence is quite unnecessary. Our donors experience unspeakable bliss, so they remain comfortable and … satisfied by the encounter. Not to mention that their emotions flavor the blood we drink. The taste of their arousal is