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For some time now, my parents have been hinting to my older brother Martin that "it's time for you to get serious and think about your personal life". Fortunately, Martin has always been rich in excuses and declared that "fate will find him without his interference". Love his humour.

Vampire fate always finds us on its own. Even if we desperately hope to keep her away from us even a mile away. She can be a blessing. Oh, then the vampire is happy forever, for he loves the one who loves him. Mutuality. But in many cases, fate simply mocks, throws an immortal leech into our hearts, sucking our blood just as we drink it from a person's veins. Love is a disgusting thing.

***

– Martin! I didn't expect it! – I exclaimed happily when I saw my brother waiting for me at the exit of the terminal at Prague airport.

Martin stood leaning against the counter of a closed ticket office and looked at me with a smile. And I walked towards him with a smile. Soon we hugged, kissed, he took from me my big wheeled suitcase in which I had brought my best camera and presents for my nephew and Misha, we got into the car and went straight to the Morgan Castle. For everyone else, except Mariszka, of course, my appearance in the clan circle is already a gift. And maybe this righteous woman missed me? Eight years. I don't remember for what reason, but I missed Cedric's first two birthdays. Probably because of the anticipation of boredom.

– Where are you staying? – I asked as we briefly updated each other on the latest news of our lives. Briefly, because we regularly skype-called once or twice a month, substituting "blood" for "wine" and "killed" for "met". So when Martin would say, "Yesterday I met an Irish businessman and drank some wonderful Irish wine with him," I knew that yesterday he had killed an Irishman and drank his blood. How entertaining it was to cipher our conversations about hunting!

The last time I spoke to Martin was before the Oslo shoot, and I didn't have to listen long to hear about how he'd managed to have fun in those six days. But I did share with him my short trip to Oslo, emphasising that despite the gypsies and beggars, I had fallen in love with the city and bought a flat there. If he wants, he can use it whenever he wants. Martin grinned and said he'd think about my offer.

– Like everyone else. Mariszka and Markus have it, – he answered my question. – Misha and Fredrik are also at the castle. Everyone is here, waiting for you.

– That's nice," I said sarcastically, imagining how I'd have to hug everyone. – And your parents?

– They flew in yesterday.

– I'm not surprised.

– Brandon's at the castle, too.

A sigh of surprise escaped my chest.

– Brandon? – I asked, raising my eyebrows mockingly. – Since when did he become Mroczek?

– He's Markus's best friend," Martin shrugged.

– Yes, and he refused to be Cedric's godfather! – I reminded him.

Mariszka insisted that her son be baptised in the Catholic Church. The godmother was, of course, Misha (my name wasn't even mentioned in the discussion), and Brandon was to be the godfather. But he refused, saying that his lifestyle made him unworthy of such an honourable title.

An unworthy lifestyle. He sleeps with mortal women. So, by his reckoning, I am unworthy. Narrow-minded bastard.

– He had a reason, and frankly, I agree with his decision not to be Cedric's godfather," Martin said.

– Yes, it was his ever-serious and withdrawn Uncle Cedric! – I giggled.

But the thought of Brandon Grayson being there in the castle right now, of seeing him, filled me with nervous abandon.

Mariszka's wedding. The guests. Fun. Brandon.

– Are you okay? – I heard Martin's voice, forcing me back to reality.

I blinked, pushing away the painful memories.

– I'm always fine, Martin," I replied calmly, hiding the storm that was now ripping through my chest. – I was just thinking. So what about Brandon? Still single?

– He's in love, but he prefers to be alone. Too bad he doesn't have hunting parties on his estate anymore. Damn, that was fun.

– Wait! Wait! Is Brandon in love? – That news took me by surprise.

Who knew? He's in love! I think the ground shook with that news.

Brandon. That horrible vampire. I thought there was no room for love. He's all about cruelty and lust.

– Amazing, isn't it? – Martin gave a short laugh. – When Fredrik told me that, I didn't believe it. But Markus confirmed it. You know Brandon – he considers this feeling a weakness and prefers not to discuss the subject. Not with anyone. Not even Markus.

– Yeah, that's understandable, but who is she? – I had to find out her name. I should know her name.

But I knew for sure it wasn't me.

– And that's the big mystery. Nobody knows who the conqueror is. He never once said her name.

– There's no way nobody knows who she is! I'm sure Markus is well aware of that! – I said sarcastically.

I was annoyed: such news, but no one could tell me what kind of woman had captivated Brandon! Which vampire? There are hundreds of them! Which one of them has the bastard's heart now? And does she want it, that black, dirty heart?

– You're wrong, Markus doesn't know, that's for sure. The only thing we know is that the lady does not reciprocate him," Martin said in a serious tone.

The meaning of this phrase reached me only after a few seconds. Then I threw my head back and laughed out loud. It tore at my throat.

It was ironic. He loves her and she doesn't love him! How funny! Ridiculous! He has a leech living in his heart! Oh, how he's being punished for his love of violent games! For his "unworthy" lifestyle! What a nightmare for him to know this all-consuming feeling and not be able to reciprocate! He deserves it. He deserved it!

– How long has it been? – I asked Martin again, when the wave of laughter had subsided.

– Nobody knows that either. But he stopped playing games on the estate eight years ago. I think that's a reference point," Martin said.

– A point of reference…" I said quietly. – Who'd have thought it?

And we fell silent. I couldn't talk any more. My planet stopped moving and fell to pieces. My brain froze.

– Maybe he's in love with Mariszka and that's why he's not talking. – It just came out of my mouth.

– No. Markus asked him, and he said she wasn't from the Mroczek clan. That's all," my brother said.

I laughed again.

– What a relief, damn it! – My lips stretched into a wry smile.

– Fortunately, yes. I wouldn't want one of my sisters to be the object of his affection. He's not a bad vampire, but he's not capable of feelings. I don't think so," Martin said in a serious tone.

– Luckily," I repeated quietly.

***

The sky was covered with thick, wavy clouds. We drove up to the huge castle of the Morgans, and I wondered once again why they still lived in that stone crypt. I agree, this ancient castle is beautiful and majestic, and it envelops the mind of the beholder in some inexplicable dark mystery. Although, mortals have a right to think so: this gloomy castle is haunted by murderers. Vampires.