James

James helped Aidan with the withdrawal, not leaving him alone for a second, taking care of him and supporting him. He hadn't talked about the exact reason why he had to stay at Aidan's to Tommaso to preserve his best friend's privacy, but he had explained to him that Aidan was not feeling well and needed his help. And Tommaso had understood. "I hope he'll feel better soon," he had said. "I would be glad to learn to know him when he's in a better state of mind." That's what James was hoping for too.

On the second day, a man sent by Enos had brought a small jar of pigments to Aidan. James had answered the door, taken the jar, and informed the vampire that Aidan would not visit Enos for some days, without saying why.

And on the day after, James heard someone knocking at Aidan's door again. His best friend was sleeping a restless and troubled sleep in his bedroom. The man at the door was unknown to James, but he guessed immediately that it was Enos. He could feel his age. Enos did not smile but his voice was calm and soft. "I would like to see Aidan," he said.

"He's sleeping at the moment."

Enos searched his eyes and waited a moment before insisting. "Is he alright?"

James could not trust him. He didn't know him. So he deflected the question and told him he had no reason to be worried and that Aidan would come and see him soon. Before he could ask him to leave, James sensed Aidan's presence behind him. "Enos, please, come in," he said.

James looked at him, suspicious, but he stepped away from the entrance and let Enos in. Aidan looked so tired, his features tense, but he seemed happy to see the other painter.

"Thank you, James. But it's alright. I promise. Actually, I'm glad you can meet him," Aidan said in a whisper.

James nodded reluctantly and followed them into the reception area.

"You're not drinking human blood any longer," Enos stated matter-of-factly as soon as they were seated.

Aidan seemed destabilized by the directness of the older vampire but he answered honestly. "Yes. James is helping me. It's still early. I'm fighting the thirst. It's..."

"It is difficult, I know." Enos still didn't smile but there was an empathy in his gaze. "I have been there, a long time ago." He tilted slightly his head and pinched his lips. "Several times actually." He then glanced at James. "It is a good thing you are not alone in this."

James started to relax. The older vampire was odd, very stern as if no emotion could break the surface of his face, but he seemed benevolent. Maybe, as was the case for Aidan, painting was an outlet for all the feelings he could not express. James wondered what was his life story. Realizing he was staring, he finally looked away and focused back on Aidan.

"I came to see you because I heard disturbing news and I wanted to warn you," Enos continued.

"What is it?" James asked.

"What do you know about immortals?"

"Not much," Aidan confessed. "They have a Council here in Rome. And as far as I know, they don't really like us."

"Correct, they don't. Right now, we are in a sort of truce, as there has been no major incident between our kinds recently. But there are no guarantees. And I heard some immortals want to break the status quo. There are rumors about vampires being killed in the city. I am trying to gather more information, but in the meantime, you both should be careful."

"Is it official? Is it The Council?" James asked.

"I don't know yet."

"Thank you for warning us, Enos," Aidan said.

"Take care of yourself and, in a few days, I will come and see you here and we'll paint together." Enos stood up to leave. "And if I have more information, I will tell you about it."

There were no questions or propositions in the old vampire's tone. He was used to people obeying him. And that was not something James appreciated.

"See you then, in this case," James said, looking Enos in the eyes, with a cold smile. "I'll be there too."