3. Iyra

"Heav'n has no rage, like love to hatred turn'd, Nor hell a fury, like a woman scorned." - William Congreve

LUC WALKED THROUGH the halls of the large building, not knowing where he was going or when he would arrive at his destination. He stared at the walls as he passed them, examining the posters and reminders that had torn and curled at the corners with age. Lando was marching onwards before him. He had pulled on some boots and a jacket before leading Luc to a weird part of town that he had never seen. It was built up and busier; they had obviously left the residential area of this new unfamiliar town. When they had arrived at the main entrance of the building, the large sign reading 'Welcome to Lexington College', helped Luc realise where they were, but the reason why was still undiscovered.

The pair continued onwards, the long halls lit artificially. The shadows still kept Luc vigilant of quick and sinister movements. Outside the weather was stagnant, with no breeze and no lasting sunshine. They soon arrived at a door, clear of scratches, dents and any signs of heavy use. Lando pushed it open slowly and Luc followed inside after him, closing it shut and flicking the lock behind him.

"There's no need for that, Lucius Verella."

He turned around. At the large desk a woman sat calmly; beautiful and graceful even in the slightest of movements. She was reading a book, her straight brown hair hung around her face, cut precisely at her shoulder. When she looked up, Luc studied her features more thoroughly. Her chin and cheeks were sharp, golden eyes piercing and deep. Her porcelain skin was clear with an almost ethereal glow. She was undeniably magical. The same clicking sound Luc had heard sounded again and he turned back to the door, now unlocked. He whipped his head back to her with a questioning glance.

"Yes, I'm a witch," she began, placing the book down softly, "No, Orlando and I have not shared a bed, and it is possible I'll help you. It honestly depends on what you need."

"Straight to the point - I like it, Iyra," Lando's smile grew to a grin. He was bouncing on his toes with child-like excitement. However, Lando's portrayal of a happy relationship between himself and Iyra was not reflected on her face. The truth was Iyra and Lando had met coincidentally when Lando first arrived in Lexington. She was not even considering his undead state, but she knew he was one to be wary of. Their relationship, if any words could even be used to describe it, was minimal and self-serving.

"What is it that you boys require of me?"

"Hold on a moment," Luc said, "how did you happen to know my name?"

Iyra smiled coyly, the associated sentiment not sincere enough to reach her eyes. Her voice was mystical; it spanned the room with a seductive melody, "You're notorious among supernaturals, Luc Verella - even in a small town like Lexington. That is probably the reason why you are both coming to see me."

"She's good, right?" Lando grinned proudly. He looked to Luc for assurance but again, Lando seemed to be the only being in the room looking cheerful. Luc looked fleetingly back at her before observing the room he was standing in. The ceiling was high, like a typical lecture hall. Stadium-like seats began a few feet before him, and graduated upwards to the back of the hall.

He span around on his heels, "I want to ask you some questions first, Iyra."

"Go ahead," she stood and moved around to the front of her desk and resting on the edge.

Luc began pacing rather intimidatingly across the front of the presentation area. He could feel Iyra's stare on him as he moved around her territory. He could feel her unease like a heat on the back of his neck despite her cool demeanour. He enjoyed the upper hand on the witch, the conversation fuelled by his confidence.

"Why are you in Lexington?" he asked.

"I've grown up here, my mother did and so did my mother's mother," Iyra answered perfectly.

"Okay, so how many other supernaturals are here?"

Iyra tilted her head to the side, looking him up and down. She had heard many stories about Luc and his family. The plight of his blood was a fable for those with strange powers. His life was merely a terrifying myth to be shared and reflected on - a story that you were happy to not be a part of. Many times, Iyra would think of the tales of Lucius Verella and tell herself that such a man could not live a parallel life with her or that they could ever be linked in any way.

"I couldn't possibly tell you. There are some I know of and some that are most likely hidden from me."

"How many do you know of?"

"Why must I tell you?" Iyra smiled coyly again. Luc's face fell. Iyra was not going to give in without a struggle. Luc was not known to give up without a fight either.

"Why mustn't you tell me?"

"Because I have nothing to gain."

"Who said you had nothing to gain?"

"You've had this whole conversation to divulge your terms. Maybe you're asking so many questions to see what you can get away with."

Luc looked at her again. Now her arms were crossed under her bust and her face was stern and challenging. Although Iyra was petite, her hair thin and arms spindly, she was fierce and feisty. The young woman was somebody that held power and persuasion on her tongue. The glint in her eye was suggestively dangerous and the force of her glare was vigorous.

"Listen, Iyra. My friend Luc here, he's desperate," Lando stepped in, disrupting the heated exchange between the witch and the vampire. "All we need is a little hocus pocus, Iyra. You know, to keep us hidden from certain... threats."

"What threats?"

"Just a few vampires," Luc told her. If Iyra discovered that Auberon's were the deadly power looking to find him, he knew she would never risk it. No matter how helpless Iyra looked, she was a formidable ally. Luc could feel it, an aura of electricity and ferocity. Luc had met a few like her and was definitely not quick to forget their names. He needed her help if his instinct was correct.

"I'm sure you can defend yourself against a few vampires, Lucius," she dismissed and went back to her desk. She sat down again and picked up her book, forgetting her current guests.

"If you don't help us, Iyra, I may die, and very soon."

Iyra was silent for a moment, her eyes were faced towards the pages of the large book she was holding but anybody could tell she wasn't reading it. Her eyes were still, her breathing steady. Luc could hear her heart beating at a slow pace. She was calm - thinking.

Luc waited for Iyra's answer but before he could hear it his senses came alive. His mind kicked into overdrive again; his whole body began to buzz. The scent was back again and he looked around, his primal instinct kicked in. The smell came from the door; he could feel it amplifying with every second. He looked away from the door, waiting for the unexpected.

The girl that entered the room looked around curiously. She had never seen the men standing in her regular lecture hall before. One was looking at her weirdly, his blue eyes studying her intently. She felt her spine quake under his gaze and he also appeared very tense. Another man she didn't know looked shocked to see her, but amusement swirled on the plains of his face. Both of the men were very handsome, tall and brooding. They couldn't have been much older than her, but their presence spoke years of experience. She was quite frightened by the men in the room, they seemed dangerous over everything. Her eyes met her professor, who looked on at her calmly, obviously not as rattled by the two men as she was.

"Um," the girl began, not really knowing how to start. "Sorry to interrupt, Professor Blakely. I didn't know you had company." She watched the men shift almost awkwardly, visibly unsettled. She knew immediately that she had walked in on a meeting where secrets were being shared. "I had a few questions about my dissertation topic."

"Can I ask you to wait outside while I finish up here, Avalynne?"

"Sure, my apologies for intruding."

Avalynne took one last look at the two men. Lando gave her a small closed-mouth smile, quickly casting his eyes away and scratching the back of his head. Luc hadn't removed his eye from her throughout the whole altercation. He felt itchy and uncomfortable; his blood crawled slowly under his skin. He could feel an aching in his gums with sharp periodic pokes. He was hungry.

The red-haired girl turned on her heel and left the room. And Luc didn't let out the stressed breath he held until the door clicked shut once more.

"What's up with you, Luc," Lando asked. His brows were creased in concern.

"I'm fine. Will you help us Iyra?" he said hurriedly. He wanted to leave and get something to eat as soon as possible. The longer the stayed here the less resistance he had to his bloodlust.

There was a long pause, before Iyra spoke again, "Come back here tomorrow - same time. I'll have something for you."

Luc looked at Iyra again. She did not meet his eyes; instead they remained down, reading the book. The only movement she made was the skittering of her irises and the quick turning of the page on the book. His shaky sigh mixed relief with discomposure, before he turned and gestured to Lando to leave.

"Tell Avalynne I'll see her now," Iyra said.

When Luc reached the door he took a deep quivering breath, struggling to maintain control. He could smell her. He could hear her unsteady heart beating loudly in his ears. He pulled the door open quickly but couldn't make himself stop walking away, only for fear of ripping her apart. He stormed away down the hall they had come, not waiting for Lando to catch up.

Orlando glanced at his friend as he strode away, then back to Avalynne. "Iyra's free now, if you want her."

"Thanks," Avalynne smiled meekly, receiving Lando's small nod before slowly entering the room and closing the door.