Ordained by Devon Ashley

say the least. Her associates knew some things, but only Noel truly knew all the things that made Abby who she was. After all, he was responsible for one of her many secrets.
    Through the past two hundred or so years, she had successfully kept her identity to herself, allowing others to see only the part of her they needed. Emily, for instance, always saw the huntress in Abby. It was what she knew and could understand, but it was only one part. Aside from her healing power, Emily had yet to witness the other attributes that were the complexity of Abby.
    Abby pondered as Emily watched her, seeking answers. The question wasn’t what to tell Emily about herself, but whether or not to tell her.
    “I don’t wanna come off as over-dramatic, but there really isn’t any other way of saying this that can get you to understand. What you’re asking to know about me could actually get you hurt.”
    Emily looked confounded. “I don’t understand.”
    “When you’ve been around as long as I have, special abilities begin to get noticed. I’ve tried to minimize the witnesses, the allies, the enemies, but the count gets higher with each passing day. People begin figuring things out. My coming here has informed the Order that I’ve been alive for two hundred years. From this point on, they’re gonna try their damnest to figure out the source of my longevity because it’s something that would benefit their cause.”
    “They could never hurt you. They’re afraid to even be in the same room with you.”
    “And that’s what makes them dangerous. You’re right; they won’t be coming to me for answers. They’re gonna go elsewhere for them. They’ll ask questions to other people, who will in turn become curious as well. Eventually, someone desperate enough for this answer will go after those they suspect to know these secrets. And before they’ll come for me or Noel, they’re gonna come for you.”
    “Because I’m your friend,” Emily finished.
    “No. Because you’re vulnerable. You’ll be the easiest one to break.”
    Emily shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She hadn’t thought about that.
    “Noel and I would die for each other, without hesitation. We would do anything to keep the other safe. Are you really gonna allow yourself to suffer torture should it ever come to that? We’re not naïve. We would never expect that from anyone. It’s why so few people know anything about us.”
    “I would never rat you out, especially to some piece of scum looking to capitalize on your-”
    “Misfortunes?” Abby interrupted. “Cause you’d actually be right.”
    Emily responded quietly, “I was going to say gifts.”
    Abby sighed. She was tired from both her journey and her non-productive meeting earlier that day. Even on a good day this was a hard conversation to have. “It’s easy to say that now. But given the worst circumstance, you’ll wanna give in.”
    Emily shook her head in disagreement. “I’d never do that to you.”
    “Why? Because you’re my friend?” asked Abby sarcastically.
    “No,” Emily said flatly. “Because I owe you my life. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for you. And no, I don’t wanna die. But let’s face facts. I’m already vulnerable. People are already aware that I’ve spent two years with you. So if I’m in danger of going out like that, I wanna know what my death would be protecting.”
    Abby had given this speech reluctantly a few times before. Each time she told herself it would be the last time and she wouldn’t involve any more people, but it never seemed to work out that way. She didn’t bother telling herself that this time.
    After a long hesitation, Abby reluctantly said, “Noel and I descend from the original line of pure vampires, not the mutated versions you hunt today. There are only a handful of us in the world, possibly less than twenty.”
    Emily’s breath was forced out. She didn’t even realize she was holding it. Concerned, she asked, “You’re