The Empty World | The Empty World Sequence [complete | rewriting]

Eight (Draft 3 WIP) "Possessions"

"Oh. I guess it might also inspire amateurs to mimic reported rituals or make pacts with demons?"

"Humans don't have a monopoly on believing what they see on TV."

"Sorry about your family."

"Is what it is. What's your interest in the Vampyres?"

"It's the newest one."

Evangelista's dark blow waves shifted to Julien's blond.

"The girl he's with," River corrected.

Morpheus smiled tightly. "I know you don't have to help, but we need eyes in there, so can you tell us how you went unnoticed until my Djinn arrived?"

Evangelista gestured towards the wolf. "Troy there ain't Wolfbreed, he's real wolf on Vampyre blood. Can't see the Hidden, but can smell a recent shift. He's got some level bond with his master." Eva took on the appearance of the tall, dark Vampyre and struck a pose as if Shade were trying to look handsome. "And this one has The Sight."

"The other Vampyres don't sense presence?"

"They sense each other...mostly."

"So avoid Shade's eyes and Troy's nose?"

"For you. They're used to my rat form. There's also the Devi who visit."

"They won't likely be around just now." Morpheus looked up, towards the east platform, though he couldn't see through the slats of the transiscope. "How many Vampyres are in that...family? I can sense six from here."

"That's all of them."

"Some of them might sense me now," Morpheus said, looking to River on his shoulder and then Loren and Hepburn. "We're nearly back where we started. I can't get too close without notice and you can't mimic their presence which makes disguise pointless. I need you to creep again."

⁂

Later, Morpheus sat on the rooftop above Mother's Williamsburg flat waiting to hear just how much trouble they might be in. River was fidgeting on his shoulder and Hepburn was visible in a headscarf and large sunglasses.

The access hatch rose slowly with a creak and then quickly sprung the rest of the way and clanged heavily against its surround. Mother moved up onto the roof where the collection of mismatched and makeshift furnishings showed residents used the space, though probably in milder seasons.

Morpheus looked up as Mother approached; her expression seemed puzzled.

"Did she say something? How is she?"

"I—" Mother started. Her appearance as usual was glamor, but she appeared to take a seat before continuing. "Morpheus." It didn't sound as friendly when she used his full name like that. "I think you should tell me first what you think happened."