Krelig

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- [align center] __II__ [continue] My investigation tells me that Merle's life had never been on an upward trajectory, but he felt things were going to change the morning he parked his grandmother's sun-beaten pickup on Riverfront University's campus. The university was tucked away in a scenic Mid-west town full of mature trees, rolling hills, and a wide river well into its recovery from negligent industrialists. It was also a thousand miles from where he grew up. He parked in a nice spot under a shade tree in the lot behind the admin building and checked his wristwatch. Early as usual. The late summer wind blew through the opened windows. The other cars in the lot had their windows rolled up, and most were parked closer to buildings, unprotected by any shade. A memory of Gran's voice spoke, "Fools take things for granted and then call themselves smart." Gran had objected to the idea of Merle attending college. But she couldn't object to anything anymore. Merle knew that wasn't true. He could still hear her offering up opinions where none were welcome or needed. His grandmother raised him on a steady diet of complaints, the most frequent of which was that no one was as self-reliant as she was. Twice a day, Gran recited a list of people and institutions who couldn't make it on their own. His memory of her was as stubborn as she had been when she was alive, but he distracted himself from it by taking a few minutes in the rust-addled pickup to check his paperwork before his appointment with Mr. Rolland. It lay buried under a stack of dirty laundry in the passenger's seat. By the time he had it all counted, he was still early. [[Back |tadm01.01.03]] [[Next |tadm01.02.02]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- [align center] __VI__ [continue] Merle woke up to someone knocking on his door. On other mornings, he would have ignored the sound, but he was reminded he had company this morning. His guest had wrapped herself tightly in the sheets and pushed him out of bed. She insisted on privacy while she changed. Merle put on some Sunday morning campus clothes while the knocking continued and was joined by Amber's voice. "Merle, are you in there? I need a favor." He stepped outside, blocking her from stepping into the room, and offered a clumsy greeting while closing the door as fast as he could. He did his best to conceal there was a woman in his room. That didn't stop her curiosity. She knew there was a secret, and she was excited to hear it before anyone else. "What's her name?" she whispered. He kept his voice down so his guest wouldn't hear through the door, "I can't remember." He avoided her eyes and mumbled, "I was hoping you knew it." "Why would I know her name?" "You know everyone's name." She giggled and then took him out for coffee while the stranger changed into her clothes from last night. Amber had come to borrow a few bucks from Merle's banker's box. Something was wrong again with her ATM card. Merle kept telling her banks were no good, just like Gran had told him. The stranger had left by the time they returned to his room. Merle opened the banker's box and reached his hand down to unfamiliar depths. He had intended to have most of the stash still intact when he graduated. At this rate, he might not have enough for next year. And then what would happen? "Something wrong?" Amber asked when he didn't effortlessly hand over the cash like normal. "There's less here than there should be." [[Back |tadm01.05.05]] [[Next |tadm01.06.02]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- [align center] __XI__ [continue] Merle found himself burdened with two unpayable debts. The first to dark magic. The second to a coven of vampires. In between blood-lettings, he began searching online to find a way out from one of them. Failing to discover any useful information on dark magic, he started researching vampires. Which led him down an internet rabbit hole that included several forums on paranormal activity. Including ones I frequented. Most people on those sites are there to tell a story. Deciphering which ones aren't fiction is impossible for someone without experience in the subject. I am one of the few in those forums who are there to listen and advise. His posts were vague but frequent. They mentioned spells, power, greed, and vampires in a way that seemed authentic. In their totality, they hinted at an alarming situation. One, he didn't understand. This was more than enough to warrant an investigation. I contacted him in a private chat through one of the forums. I stressed how important it was for me to meet him in person to begin verifying his account. I couldn't solve his problems, but if I got the correct information, I could circulate it to those who might help prevent it from happening to others. But I couldn't afford a last-minute flight or one planned out in advance. Paranormal investigators don't earn an elite income. Merle was kind enough to cover the expense for me, adding that money was no object. He hadn't posted about the banker's box. I could have driven, but my car is several decades old. If the beast survived the trip, I might not survive my cranky mechanic's wrath. He has a unique fondness for the machine, which keeps our odd relationship in balance. I tolerate his antics, and he keeps the old Mercedes 280 SE running like it was new. I don't know how he does it, and I'm scared to find out. But that's another story. Probably several stories, to be honest. I met Merle for the first time when he signed me into the residence hall. I don't know what he was expecting a paranormal investigator to look like, but it wasn't a short middle-aged man with a small gut, wild hear and wearing second-hand dress clothes. I'm more a bookworm than an action hero. [[Back |tadm01.10.02]] [[Next |tadm01.11.02]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- There are some other less demanding requirements, which I'll be keeping to myself for the time being. I'm not about to lose sleep wondering if someone is dumb enough to sell their soul to beat the next traffic light or to connect to their neighbor's Wi-Fi without needing a password. Because there is no wondering, some people are determined to avoid the slightest inconvenience in their day; even at the expense of their future. No one can stop stupid. We can only educate people and hope they become smart enough to be scared of ignorance. A person wouldn't be crazy for thinking they've never heard of paranormal investigators or dark magic before. Far from it. You'd be crazy not to wonder about it. The widespread use of toxic supernatural powers is a great threat to humanity. For hundreds, maybe thousands, of years, we have been shielded against unimaginable calamities by a great web of conspiracies, all intent on discouraging people from discovering they possess the ability to conjure their desires and vanquish their fears in an instant. Ignorance and misinformation have so far been effective as our first and only line of defense. If no one knows dark magic exists, then no one will be tempted to use it. I doubt these methods can succeed indefinitely, and in my own experience, I've found several instances where the strategy has failed. Cases, like the one that follows, where people learned how easily something could be conjured through dark magic. I can't help but wonder what decisions these people would have made if they had better information. But how much information is the right amount? I still harbor fears of exposing the lies we rely on for protection. A hole in a wall of ignorance is not easy to patch. Open conversations on this subject might demolish the whole wall altogether. The consequences of which would be both unknown and abundant—the perfect mixture for a disaster, if not the apocalypse. [[Back |tadm01.01.01]] [[Next |tadm01.01.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- So I am revealing these truths with a great amount of caution, limiting myself to sharing just three fragments of a greater whole: Magic exists in many forms. Dark magic is a form available to anyone. Dark magic always has a terrible cost. The truth of the matter is short. However, the consequence of understating or disregarding the truth borders on eternal. This is why I've assembled a collection of cautionary tales from my case files and a few other sources. This particular story is not the most profound or even the most deadly. But I consider it one of the most relatable accounts I have documented. An awkward college student named Merle whose unfair share of 'real world' problems started long before any encounter with the supernatural. A young man whose burdens spiraled beyond his ability to manage them and was unprepared when a supernatural solution presented itself. Names have been changed for everyone's protection, including those claiming to be vampires. [[Back |tadm01.01.02]] [[Next |tadm01.02.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Waiting in the pickup was too much like being lectured by Gran. He put his paperwork in an envelope that was too thick to seal. The envelope made it uncomfortable to walk, as he was afraid each step could cause some of its contents to fall out. He didn't think to roll up the windows or lock the doors, as most of what he owned lay in the open bed of the pickup. The exterior of the admissions building was an impressive structure built over 150 years ago, which naturally made it a terrible place to perform modern office work. Whoever retrofitted the interior had decided to smash the old aesthetics against business needs to see which one would be victorious. It was, by my assessment, an historically ugly stalemate. Merle followed the directions Mr. Rolland had sent him and found himself standing in front of a counter with an assistant sitting on the other side. A man who Merle thought was wearing a pair of women's glasses and was in a conversation with someone hidden behind a maze of cubicle walls but not out of earshot. If he was loud enough. "Sir," Merle spoke softly. The assistant rolled his eyes at the computer monitor, but it had been clearly meant for Merle. Having met the assistant myself during the course of my investigation, I can say he's about five foot four in height and about seven feet tall in attitude. "What do you want? We're about to start our lunch break." The assistant was the only person Merle could see in the suite but suspected that the man was talking about the person on the other side of the cubicle walls. [[Back |tadm01.02.01]] [[Next |tadm01.02.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "I have an appointment with Mr. Rolland. I'm a bit early, but I was wondering if…" "Son," the assistant cut in, "Mr. Rolland is currently on administrative leave." "Do you know what time he'll be back?" "Marsha," he maintained eye contact with Merle while raising his voice so she could hear, "We've got a boy here for Rolland." "Oh, I bet he's a delight!" said Marsha's voice. The assistant smiled and scanned Merle. "He's a fun one alright." then continued to Merle. "Mr. Rolland is on administrative leave. He's probably not coming back given what he's been accused of." Merle fell apart in front of the man wearing women's eyeglasses. Somewhere in his mind, Gran told him he deserved this. "But we had an appointment." "The only appointment Mr. Rolland is up for are the ones with his attorneys. Now, if you'll please, Marsha and I are going on our lunch." "Damn right we are," Marsha said. "He was going to get me in. He had me bring a bunch of paperwork." "You're not a student?" "I was going to be. I couldn't apply when I wanted to because Gran wouldn't let me, but then she died so I could do what I wanted, and I wanted to go to college." "Hold on, son. Your life story doesn't matter here." [[Back |tadm01.02.02]] [[Next |tadm01.02.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "But I have nowhere to stay." "Go home to your parents." Merle didn't know how to say his parents had abandoned him long ago and that his home now belonged to someone else. His mind only offered silence and desperation. The man behind the counter caught a hint of the meaning in those awkward seconds. "I see. But. Still. Not my problem." "Maybe you could take a look at my paperwork. Mr. Rolland said if I brought enough, he'd have no trouble getting me in." Something he said changed the assistant's demeanor from sassy to curious. The assistant spoke his next words with caution. "Let me see it." Merle placed the thick envelope on the counter. The assistant did not take his eyes off Merle while sliding it into his grasp. He lifted the unsealed flap and gazed down. "Well… that is a lot of paperwork." Marsha cut in, "That boy still there?" "I'm working with him, Marsha! Just cool it. I'm buying lunch today." Merle asked in a shaky voice, "So, is that enough? I had to sell the farm." The assistant waved him to silence and lowered the volume of his voice, "I don't understand. How did Mr. Rolland expect to enroll you in classes?" [[Back |tadm01.02.03]] [[Next |tadm01.02.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "He just said that it was best to do it here on account of how unstable the computer systems could be when everyone schedules at the same time." "He said that?" "Yes, sir, he said that records get deleted, and he knew someone who works with technology who could fix those records. It was a little over my head." The details may have been over his head, but he had caught the meaning quickly enough. "Certainly." the assistant said and then raised his voice, "Marsha! Who was that guy from IT who always came in to help Mr. Rolland." "Some guy with a first name for his last name." "That's right. Patrick." His next question was directed to Merle. "Did Mr. Rolland say how long your paperwork would be good for?" "He said since I'm a special case in this complicated admissions program, I had to reapply each semester." There was a moment where the assistant struggled with the math. He couldn't come up with a precise figure, but he knew it was worth the risk for the amount involved. "I'm going to be taking over Mr. Rolland's special admissions program. So next semester, you bring your paperwork to me. Here's my number. You call and make an appointment, alright. No drop-ins." "So I'm in?" [[Back |tadm01.02.04]] [[Next |tadm01.02.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- The assistant didn't acknowledge but leaned towards his computer, where his fingers started pounding on the keyboard. "What did you say your name was?" "Merle Abrosia." "That your legal name? Or is Merle short for something?" "Sorry, my first name is actually Myrddin." and then he spelled it out for him. Gran refused to call him by the name his mother had given him but also wouldn't pay to have his name legally changed. "I can see why you don't use it." The man eyed the computer monitor as if he could influence the pixels with his sass while he typed vigorously. "Marsha! Do you know if we have any unmatched doubles?" "Ya, there was that one snowflake that came in earlier. Insisted his lawyer wouldn't let him live with a roommate." "Are you sure it wasn't his doctor?" "Coulda been. I wasn't paying attention." "Dammit, Marsha, this important. The boy needs a room." "He's still here?" "Yes, and the sooner we find him a room, the sooner we'll go to lunch." [[Back |tadm01.02.05]] [[Next |tadm01.02.07]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "Someplace nice, right? Don't cheap out on me." "Where ever you pick, just what was that student's name." "Ferris Tanner." A few more keys strokes, and then Merle heard what he had been hoping to hear. "Alright, Mr. Abrosia. Welcome to Riverfront University. I will be sure to email you your courses as soon as I can get that arranged with Mr. Patrick. Back at Gran's pickup, he noticed a suitcase of clothes was missing, but from the outside it looked like the thief hadn't taken anything from inside the cab. Even though the doors had been unlocked and the windows left open. He double-checked to make everything was secure for his short drive to his new home. Then he stepped into the pickup, which rocked a little as he entered. Gran's memory made a comment on his current state of affairs. He rearranged a few things to get to the bottom of the pile, where it smelled of musky basement and cardboard. The bankers box full of cash that the real estate agent had given him for the farm was still there, resting on the floorboard. He knew he shouldn't count all the money right now, but he did need to see that it was all still there. Of course, it was—his memory of Gran retread old grievances with the bank in town. "Never trust banks." plural. Not just one. All banks. "Whoever takes your money keeps your money. Usually spends it. Either way, it ain't yours anymore." [[Back |tadm01.02.06]] [[Next |tadm01.03.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Ferris swung the door open. He was wearing his heavy jacket with a backpack slung over his right side. "You're lucky I have my last final in a few minutes; otherwise, I would have made you wait." Then he shoulder-checked Merle as he walked past and added, "You'd better not be here when I get back." My own experience walking through Goodbody Residence Hall wouldn't come until the spring. Like many college dormitories over fifty years ago, it was designed to squeeze in a hundred more teenagers than anyone alive now would consider wise. Rooms in Goodbody Residence Hall technically came in two sizes, singles and doubles. His "double" would be more accurately named a "narrow." Between two desks, two beds, two closets, there was not much room left over for a single person. But as the name implies, someone else lived there too. Inside, Merle locked the door behind him and then pushed aside a pile of dirty laundry in his closet that the money in the bankers box was still there. If his roommate could steal his room key, he didn't want to find out what he'd do with cash. He didn't bother to count the money and just judged by a glance whether it looked any different than last time before filling an envolope with a stack of bills. The he piled the dirty laundry back on top of the moldy-smelling box. The same pile he had moved here with. Before heading out to his appointment, he put on a winter jacket, hat, and gloves to protect him from the elements. [[Back |tadm01.03.01]] [[Next |tadm01.03.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- He walked past the usual stares and giggles that seemed to follow him. It was pointless to wonder what made-up nonsense Ferris had told people. At first, Merle tried to change whatever Ferris found disagreeable, but it only seemed to fuel more rumors. Outside of the Goodbody Residence Hall, he endured the frigid walk to Gran's pickup, which he hadn't needed to use in over a month. The snow from last week's winter storm had all been pushed to the sides of the campus walkways, and the mounds had turned to ice. He had parked in a lot considered "off-campus" even though it was owned and operated by the University. One person, he crossed paths with asked, "Hey, aren't you the farm boy that wore overalls to class?" Merle hated answering these questions, but he always tried to answer those that weren't rooted in truth. "No, that wasn't me." At the edge of campus, while waiting at a crosswalk for the signal to change, another stranger asked, "Aren't you the one who said the milk in the dining hall wasn't any good because the farmers didn't sing to their cows?" Again, Merle gave his canned response, "No, that wasn't me." The windshield of Gran's pickup was covered in snow and ice, and chipping it off would set him back a few more minutes. Starting the car would, but when Merle turned his key, nothing happened. Everything remained silent. He tried again. This time he turned it a little harder. Merle squeezed his eyes tight as his memory of Gran punished him with yet another lecture. "Gotta start that ol' tin can at least once a day in the winter, or Old Man Winter will take a crap on the battery." [[Back |tadm01.03.02]] [[Next |tadm01.03.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Merle could wait around and ask someone for help jumping the battery, or he could call for a service. But then he'd still have to wait, and then he'd have to pay. He could walk to his appointment, but it wouldn't speed things up. Nothing could change the fact that he was going to be late. At least, walking would feel like he'd be doing something instead of just waiting in the cold. The fastest route was to cut through campus, now that he couldn't drive around it. This meant he'd have to backtrack the way he came. He wanted to feel frustrated, but his anxiety about what might happen if he missed the appointment drove him to walk at an uncomfortably fast pace. At one point, he crossed paths with the person he saw at the crosswalk. "Didn't I just see you?" the guy asked, implying something strange was going on. Surely it would be the seed of some other absurd rumor. One final one of the semester since most people on campus would be leaving for winter break. Only Merle and a few others would remain behind. He hadn't figured out how he'd be able to get into his room once Ferris left. He considered his options while he walked, harnessing the anxiety of his situation with his roommate to propel him faster. It wouldn't make him on time, just less late, which might make the difference between keeping the appointment and missing it. Campus was less crowded than normal. Most students were either taking an exam or had already left. Still, he ran into someone midway across campus who asked him, "Aren't you the guy who moved dirty laundry to his dorm on Move-In day?" [[Back |tadm01.03.03]] [[Next |tadm01.03.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Merle just kept walking. Pretending he didn't hear the person. He passed the library, which had been his refuge from Ferris and anyone else who rallied to the cause of publicly humiliating him. Inside that building, no one seemed to bother him. A moment later, Merle was met by another question minutes later by a different person, "Are you the person who talks about their grandma all the time?" Again he pushed past the person. He never understood why people thought his attachment to Gran was considered childish. Gran had dominated his life. The only connections he had were her friends, as he had none of his own. He had almost reached the far boundary of campus when someone called out, "Aren't you Ferris Tanner's roommate?" Merle walked past without responding and stepped into the intersection before the signal. A car slammed on its breaks to avoid colliding with him. He didn't bother to wait for the driver to start screaming at him before he took off running. Off-campus, it might look weird to see someone running in dirty clothes, but at least there wouldn't be rumors of him trying to chase down a pig or some other farm animal. People would just go on with their day. He arrived at the diner out of breath. When he rushed inside, the bell at the top of the door rang violently. Merle looked around and couldn't see the man with women's eyeglasses. What would he do now? The bell jingled behind him, followed by the voice of the administrative assistant who had taken over for Mr. Rolland. [[Back |tadm01.03.04]] [[Next |tadm01.03.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "I was in my car about ready to leave when I saw you run in. What happened?" Merle was so winded that by the time he was ready to speak, the man said, "Never mind," and signaled to a waitress that they were ready for their table. A waitress full of sunshine and smiles led them to an empty booth. The man ordered coffee, while Merle ordered a full meal. After she walked away with their orders, the man asked for the paperwork to be handed under the table. Once in his possession, the man got stood up and said, "Next time, please don't be late. You nearly gave me a heart attack. Do you have any idea how much trouble I'd be in for this program?" "No." Merle understood that the program was unusual, but he wasn't under the impression it was inappropriate. And then the admin left. The server returned with Merle's meal and the man's coffee which went untouched. Merle always carried around a little extra cash for emergencies, only this time, he hadn't had enough. Maybe if he hadn't been in a rush this morning, he would have made sure to grab a little extra. He explained the situation as best he could to the server, who cursed him and told him to get out and never come back. He walked straight to the library, where he spent most of the day, leaving only to grab a quick bite to eat. And he was grateful that he was able to dodge any more questions. In that sense, it was like any other day. The library was the one place he was safe from Ferris. The shelves of books shielded him from the circulating rumors. While he was there he used his studies as a means to escape his social struggles, which in turn helped him make the Dean's List. [[Back |tadm01.03.05]] [[Next |tadm01.03.07]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- But none of that did anything to remedy his awkwardness in the eyes of his classmates. The issue of getting into his room once Ferris left pushed into his mind, but the best solution seemed to be just to wait him out. Ferris was leaving today. On his way out, he spotted a girl leaving alone. She wasn't carrying any books and, from the looks of her revealing outfit, appeared unaware of how cold it was outside. Maybe it was the fact that Ferris was going to be gone by the time Merle got back to the room or that he'd practically have the entire campus to himself. Whatever the reason, Merle found half a droplet of confidence and, in an unsteady voice, offered to lend her his jacket and walk her back to her room. You would think she had bitten into rotten fruit. Merle returned to his double to find the door wide open and his RA inside disassembling Ferris's bunk. All of Ferris's belongings had been removed, not one thing of his was left in the room to come back to after winter break. Merle had caught the RA by surprise, "Oh, hey. I just assumed you wanted his bed removed now that you've got a single." This was how Merle learned Ferris was switching roommates. Where most people would find relief, Merle found guilt and self-pity. He was convinced he had done something wrong. Maybe even something terrible. What weighed on him the most was he didn't know how to make it right. "Ferris returned me two keys. But I assume one of them is yours?" Merle nodded. Then helped the RA disassemble the bunk and move it out. Despite making the dean's list, having a single the size of a double, and having paid for the next semester, Merle considered dropping out. But he had nowhere to go if he quit. Maybe things would improve during winter break. He'd put off any decision until then. Nowhere in his considerations for his future did vampires factor in. [[Back |tadm01.03.06]] [[Next |tadm01.04.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- For the amount of time he gawked at her, he should have been able to remember her name. But one did not come to mind, and he could not place how he knew she attended Riverfront. One of the boys in front of the woman waved to capture her attention. She smiled at him as if he was an adoring fan. Then he picked a chunky green booger from his nose and stuck it in his mouth. She spun around, poised to vomit but was able to hold it back. Normally this isn't a face someone gets recognized for, but now he could place her. She was the one who had rejected his offer to escort her home from the library during finals week. Hoping to avoid eye contact he looked towards one of the empty registers. He didn't want to be recognized, fearing he would have to relive the embarrassment from their brief encounter in the library. "Next," croaked the cashier. Still shaking off nausea, the woman placed a pile of items onto the counter to be scanned. A new cashier was opening up a second register. The light for the aisle hadn't turned on yet, but Merle took a step towards it anyway, hoping to switch lines before he was recognized. On his second step, the classmate said something to him. Her words floated on a single breath, and her gentle voice sang to him, but nothing he heard registered any meaning. "S-sorry, what did you say?" he asked. She repeated, "Do you have a few bucks?" [[Back |tadm01.04.01]] [[Next |tadm01.04.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "Huh? Oh, sure." He pulled out his wallet, flush with cash. "I'm like three dollars short," she flashed a gift card with a mild flush of embarrassment on her cheeks. The cashier's eyes peaked above her reading glasses while correcting her, "Miss, it's not that you've exceeded the amount on your gift card; the problem is the card has expired." The shopper's poise and patience vanished. Common courtesy and respect were stripped from her voice as she went on a verbal attack, "Like hell it is! My aunt gave this to me for Christmas!" Merle could see her rage was only just beginning, and he feared where it would lead. The total amount due on the cash register was $203.45. He counted out eleven twenty-dollar bills on the counter and put the rest back in his pocket, and said, "No problem." His classmate's scowl relaxed a bit when she saw the pile of money. "You don't have to do this," she said, but her body suggested a small appreciation for coming to her rescue. The cashier gave a disapproving glance to Merle. He didn't care. An attractive girl had given him the first bit of attention since the real estate agent asked to buy the ranch. Peggy may have known how to run a ranch and spot a deal in real estate, but this girl knew how to make his jaw drop. So long as she looked at him like this, he'd give her whatever she wanted. Then she said the words he would remember forever, "At least let me buy you a cup of coffee to say thank you." [[Back |tadm01.04.02]] [[Next |tadm01.04.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Merle confessed to me that he didn't remember his response. He would like to believe he was calm but knows he stumbled over his words. He was preoccupied with figuring out if he agreed to a cup of coffee or a date. She waited for him at the end of the counter while he completed his purchase, holding her giant purse and a collection of even larger plastic bags. "So, where do you want to go?" she asked as they started walking to the doors. "I don't go out much. Where do you recommend?" Stepping through the door set off an alarm. Merle froze while his new friend kept walking into the parking lot. A winded security guard ran out and commanded her to stop. He may as well have asked her to start yelling because that is what she did. "Did that incompetent bitch forget to take off one of the security tags?" Her question communicated two points of information. First, she thought she was innocent. Second, she was about to fucking lose it. "Miss, I'll need to see what's inside your purse." the security guard held out his hand. His breathing was almost under control, but now he was beginning to sweat. She shoved the oversized leather bag in the security guard's hand. Holding an explosion inside herself, she said, "Fine, I don't know what the problem is. We paid for everything." She said we. [[Back |tadm01.04.03]] [[Next |tadm01.04.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- The security guard pulled a men's watch, still in the store packaging, out of her purse. His effort hadn't been wasted. He had caught her in the act no matter what excuse she was about to throw at him. "May I see your receipt?" he asked with a condescending smile. She dug around in one of the plastic store bags hanging off her arms until she found it. He pulled the long slip of paper out of her hand. While the guard looked over the itemized list, Merle spotted the $75 price sticker on the watch. Keeping his eyes on the receipt, the security guard said, "I don't see that watch listed on here." "Then the fucking idiot who checked us out screwed up." Her voice crackled as she yelled. "We paid for everything!" "Miss, we'll need to straighten this out inside." She was losing a battle to hold back tears, "It's not fair." The first sob slipped out. Her confidence had been shattered, and Merle saw she was headed for a place he knew well. He stepped forward and said, "It's nothing. We'll just go back inside, and I'll pick this up too." Her sobs reached their finale before they even started, and she smiled at her rescuer while wiping away the last of her tears. Doubt was powerless against the satisfaction that filled his chest. A light tug at his elbow interrupted his moment. The girl had locked arms with him and whispered, "Thank you." [[Back |tadm01.04.04]] [[Next |tadm01.04.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Only the security guard witnessed the beams of positivity radiating from Merle. At the time, Merle didn't understand the security guard's expression, but he later shared with me the phrase, "You're a special kinda stupid," would probably cover it. With the ordeal at the department store resolved, the two went to a nearby coffee shop. She ordered something that sounded sophisticated and cost so much only sophisticated people would pay for it. The man taking orders rolled his eyes when Merle simply asked for "coffee." Merle faced two mysteries. First, why did this girl need a men's watch? And second, were they on a date? While curious about the first one, he only cared about the second. Solving either one would require mastery of the art of conversation, which he was practically unskilled at. Every word he weighed with burdensome consideration. Often finding the conversation moved on before he had settled on what to say. The girl was comfortable with this one-way conversation. She eventually steered around to the incident with the security guard. "The watch was going to be a late Christmas present for my boyfriend, Eric." Definitely not a date. Merle was waking to the fact that solving this mystery had answered several questions. Was this the start of something between them? Would they go out a second time? Did they have a future together? They had all been a "maybe" in his mind, but now they were a firm "no." [[Back |tadm01.04.05]] [[Next |tadm01.04.07]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- She reached across the table and touched his hand. She hadn't hesitated. She was confident and unafraid of rejection. Everything he wished to be. "I was planning on giving him a late Christmas present, but I'd like you to have it." "Really?" "Yes, silly. You paid for it after all." Merle also paid for coffee when he took their empty cups to the gray plastic bin on the counter. This day was too good to be true. He had to prepare himself for it to go completely wrong. With his back to the table, he wondered if he would see an empty chair when he turned around or see her fleeing the coffee shop the same way she had the library. But she was still at the table when he returned. Even though they had paid and were finished with their coffee, she wasn't done talking. This time he was the topic of conversation. She asked where he was from, and he told his story with the help of her questions. He struggled with the words at first. Her constant interest in his answers wore down his natural hesitation. He opened up. About his grandmother, the real estate agent, and the banker's box of cash. He told her about the ordeal with his roommate. The story fascinated her, and afterward, she asked if he would like to hang out with her friends when they all got back from break. He didn't remember much about the rest of the conversation. Only that her name was Amber. Amber wasn't a vampire, but she was the beginning of his trouble. [[Back |tadm01.04.06]] [[Next |tadm01.05.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Someone in the group giggled, but what struck him as odd was that nobody seemed concerned. A boy with styled hair handed him a driver's license of someone who was twenty-two. Amber linked arms with him, and they started their mile-long walk in the cold to reach the bar. He expected to hear the ones with skimpy clothes complain, but they were so obsessed with their gossip they didn't notice it was below freezing. Merle counted six people in Amber's group of friends. Six names he was repeating over and over to himself in hopes of committing them to memory. In between the repetitions, he asked himself how one goes about gaining six friends. It was an impossible number. When they arrived, she wasted no time talking to someone new, and then someone after that. Her arm still linked with Merle's every time she joined a conversation. The six went in their own directions, and Merle let their names fade from memory. Everyone here was familiar with everyone else, except for him. But Amber was fixing that. She introduced Merle to more people than he could keep straight. These were the kind of wild and careless people his grandmother used to ramble on about. He could hear Gran objecting to their flexible moral behavior and complaining about their low self-esteem. But Merle pushed it aside as he admired their self-confidence. Amber introduced him to her boyfriend Eric, a muscular man with slick hair wearing a Riverfront athletic jacket. She unlinked her arm from his and took off in another direction. It was just Eric and Merle. Eric put his arm over Merle's shoulder and brought him over to a pair of girls who were standing nearby. Eric spoke to them about Merle as if the two of them were old friends. He spun a ridiculous tale no one could believe and put Merle in the center as the hero. A welcome contrast from his experience of being a punchline. [[Back |tadm01.05.01]] [[Next |tadm01.05.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- The girls marveled at the story, and at the end of it, Eric asked them if "this guy" patting Merle on the back "deserved a dance?" Answering with words was too time-consuming for one of them. She grabbed his hand and led him to the dance floor while the other whooped encouragement. Eric had turned out to be the guy who was everyone's best friend. On the crowded dance floor, he stood still while waving his arms while his dance partner bobbed and smiled. When one song ended, another began, or maybe it was all one endless song. He took his eyes off his partner to search for Amber, and when he looked back, he was dancing with a different woman. This happened a couple of times throughout the night. At one point, Eric pulled him out of the crowd and put his arm over Merle's shoulder, and said, "Amber was supposed to pay for everyone tonight, but something's wrong with her ATM card. She can't take out any cash from her bank. Is there any way you can cover for her?" "Banks…" said Merle with a bitter tongue, "Figures. Ya, I'll pick it up." and handed Eric more than enough cash to cover the evening. For all of Merle's reluctance to keep his money in a bank, he had no hesitation in handing it over to someone he had just met. Maybe it was because a bank is faceless. [[Back |tadm01.05.02]] [[Next |tadm01.05.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Speaking as someone who has seen faceless creatures, I'd rather hand my money over to a bank than to a stranger in a bar. Although, I don't think I'll be faced with that choice any time soon. But then again, I wouldn't have made nearly as many friends as Merle did that night. In return for his generosity, his new friends kept a full glass in his hand. They toasted their new friendship and cheered as he drank himself into a blackout. He had been initiated into Amber's circle of friends. Night after night, they flattered him and danced with him. Some of the women whispered things in his ear he never imagined. All he had to do was keep the drinks coming. His popularity grew outside of Amber's circle. The ordeal of the first semester faded away as the people who laughed at him now tried to rub elbows with him. It was only a matter of time before Ferris attempted the same thing. The night they crossed paths, Ferris greeted him like a brother returning from deployment. He did everything he could to be seen with Merle, and Merle did everything he could to evade him. Merle shrugged him off twice. The third time he overheard him bragging to a pair of girls that they had been roommates. The newfound friendship was suspect. Ferris was trying to use him. For the briefest moment, Merle questioned if Ferris was the only one. He cast the idea aside, preferring to stew over the repeated humiliations Ferris made him suffer. The name-calling. The rumors. The pranks. The abandonment. [[Back |tadm01.05.03]] [[Next |tadm01.05.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- He channeled all those memories and lashed out at Ferris. It started the same as any one of Amber's tantrums but shifted from screaming to crying. He was doing it wrong. Why were tears rolling down his cheeks when he wanted to be yelling? Amber stepped between him and Ferris, picking up the tantrum where he had fumbled it. She made the righteous fury look so easy. Her display was so spectacular. It had thrown cold water on everyone's partying vibe and threatened to ruin the entire evening. No one cared if she was right or wrong. They wanted her to stop, and the only way to do that was to get Ferris to leave. Eric and a few of his friends wearing matching athletic jackets tossed Ferris out on his ass. Merle was still a blubbering mess. He was hoping for a few moments with Amber, but he had lost track of her in the crowd. There were other girls. All dressed for the tropical climate of the dance floor with no thought for the Midwest winter outside. At bar close, he walked back to his dorm with a girl he didn't know. Don't worry, she wasn't a vampire either. [[Back |tadm01.05.04]] [[Next |tadm01.06.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "How much less?" "I don't know, just less." "Do you think the girl from last night stole it?" "What? No. She wouldn't." He didn't know for sure. He just wanted Amber to stop talking so he could count. Shame weighed on him, crushing the carefree mood of the morning. He needed to ask a favor, a position Gran frequently cautioned him would lead to all sorts of trouble. "Do you think you could you get by without the money today? I just don't feel well about this." "No problem, hun." she kissed him on the cheek and patted him on the back before leaving. Eyeballing his stack didn't make it any taller. His friendships had brought him more comfort than he knew he needed, but he hadn't counted on them being so expensive. He went over the math again. The numbers were unwavering in their insistence: he needed to return to his old spending habits. There was another calculus that left him stumped. Would his friends understand? Within a week, his dorm room was burglarized, and the contents of the banker's box were gone. He called Amber in tears, and she dropped everything to race over and put her arms around him. He was sitting on the floor hugging the empty banker's box when she arrived. [[Back |tadm01.06.01]] [[Next |tadm01.06.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "First, things first," she said as she joined him on the dorm room floor. "Did you call the police?" She was so smart. "I didn't. But do you think they'll find the person and get my money back?" "No, hun, they won't." He was so sure of his failure, of his ruined future. He would be a bum on the street and be ridiculed by Ferris or people like him. But Amber didn't believe his self-pity. "We can fix this." "How can I possibly fix this?" Her soft fingertip caressed his jaw, drawing his eyes into hers. Her gentle breathing offered promises he had to wait for. She whispered, "You can fix this with dark magic." He blinked so slowly he almost didn't open his eyes. It was the first time he heard the phrase outside of a fairy tale. She continued, "There are a few secrets, but you have to want something strong enough to be able to cast a spell." This did not clear the matter up. Her voice turned stern, "Do you want the money?" [[Back |tadm01.06.02]] [[Next |tadm01.06.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- There was a deeper meaning to her question. Even though he heard the words, he didn't know what she was asking. His confusion came across as noncommittal. She sighed and rolled her eyes away from his, leaving all the unspoken promises unfulfilled. "This is getting weird. Maybe I should leave." She took her hands off him and stood up from the floor. She was right. The situation was weird. He didn't know what to say. This had been about stolen money, but now it was about something else. He'd never lost a friend before. If he had been hurt when Ferris abandoned him, how much worse was it going to be if she left? Each step she took away from him plunged his mood deeper into darker places. Her hand touched the doorknob, and he couldn't take it anymore. "I want you to have the money." She made eye contact again. New energy glowed behind her gaze. If she had been playing at something before, now she was all business. "Do you mean that?" He nodded. Her hand left the doorknob. A sensual playfulness returned to her eyes, but her voice maintained the measured pace of an expert. "Merle, I have to be honest with you; otherwise, this won't work." She knelt back down to the floor. Her perfume was as comforting as her hands resting on his legs. [[Back |tadm01.06.03]] [[Next |tadm01.06.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Her voice became soft. "You'll have to pay a price." "But Amber, I don't have any money." "Not that kind of a price," she whispered again. His voice shook. "What else can I pay with?" The pressure of her fingers on his thigh sent a pulse of tension through him. She grinned deviously as his back arched. She wasn't talking about money anymore. "The price is different for everyone. I can't tell you what yours will be. You just need to agree to pay it later." "How much later?" A detailed answer would have been useless. The movement of her hands had most of his attention now, no matter how he tried to keep it focused on the bizarre topic at hand. "I don't know." The moment was turning into something he had dreamed about but was unprepared for. "What about Eric?" "Don't worry about him. He doesn't need to know." As much as he wanted to forget about him, he couldn't. Still, the only objection he could raise was a faint, "But he's your…" She cut him off by placing a finger on his lip and whispered, "If you do this for me. You can have me." [[Back |tadm01.06.04]] [[Next |tadm01.06.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- She moved her hands up his thighs and moaned softly in his ear. He didn't know he could want something or someone so much. "Are you willing?" His need and desire had surpassed his doubts. He nodded, saying, "I'll do anything." She whispered the last of the instructions in his ear, and when the banker's box was full, she began taking off her clothes. [[Back |tadm01.06.05]] [[Next |tadm01.07.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- As long as he never asked, they could keep going out every night, and he wouldn't have to go to class. He could be done with school and move on to other adventures. After all, that is what his parents had done. Moved on. And if he didn't want that, he could always buy back Gran's ranch from Peggy. He just wouldn't give her the same banker's box. They went out to celebrate every night, and he stopped going to class during the day. True to her word, Amber never mentioned Eric again. Neither did anyone else. And Merle never saw him again. I did some research as to Eric's whereabouts. Police found his body in his submerged car. They assumed he tried driving across a frozen lake during unseasonably warm temperatures. I suspect something more sinister. In any case, Merle was happy in a way that made him forget all the times he had been unhappy. The only thing that could bring him down was wondering about when he'd need to pay for making money appear from an empty box. So he tried not to think about his mysterious debt too often. Same with thinking too hard about Amber's broken bank card or even the wristwatch she hadn't paid for. He thought it best to set those thoughts aside for when there was time to deal with them. The night of Amber's birthday, the bar was more crowded than usual, and the bartenders were having trouble keeping up. Everyone at one point in the evening had hugged her and wished her well except for one person. Merle didn't recognize him, and neither did Amber. [[Back |tadm01.07.01]] [[Next |tadm01.07.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "Hey you!" she called to him and waved her over to the table. It was littered with empty pitchers and shot glasses. The man walked over, not sure why he had been yelled at. Amber leaned over to him, "What are you doing here?" "Heard this was the place to be tonight. Someone's birthday or something." "It's mine! Now, what did you bring me?" The man was unprepared. He was just looking to have an exciting evening without being noticed. He shrugged his shoulders. Amber had him trapped. There was no way this unsuspecting man could escape. "Looks like you owe me a dance." She took the stranger's hand and leaned over to Merle, "Hun, can you get us some more drinks?" Then she led her new dance partner into the center of the dance floor. Merle struggled to navigate the tightly packed group, being too timid to nudge strangers out of his path. The music was too loud for anyone to hear his polite requests of, "Excuse me." Still, he managed to snake his way through the crowd towards the bar and into an open area. A space that had no business being as open as it was in front of the bar. Five more people could have comfortably joined him there, but there was only one other. A dark-haired woman sitting on a bar stool with his back to him. [[Back |tadm01.07.02]] [[Next |tadm01.07.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Below her shoulder-length hair, the straps of her top that crisscrossed her back. There was a magnetism to her presence, and it was drawing Merle in. Her head tilted slightly, recognizing that someone was approaching, and she took a slow spin on the stool, revealing a penetrating gaze. Just as one force drew him in, her eyes pushed him away, back into the crowd. Her expression was not hostile, but there was an unsettling power behind it, and it was best observed at a safe distance. A sentiment that appeared to have been shared by everyone near the woman. Everyone seemed to keep a nervous eye on her while pretending to be in conversation or supplying drink orders. Merle felt her gaze turn away from him, and he breathed a little easier. But, his mind was not entirely free from her captivating looks. His daydreaming didn't last long as it was eventually interrupted by the question "What would Amber think?" and then the more terrifying question, "What would Amber do if she caught him thinking about someone else?" Best not to find out. He needed to get back as fast as possible with Amber's drinks. He waved over to the blonde bartender, who was busy with another person's order. The signal went unnoticed, but not for lack of trying. He attempted to get her attention a few more times, and she attended to a different customer each time. When she walked past him for the fourth time, the dark-haired woman said without lifting her eyes from her drink, "Take this gentleman's order." [[Back |tadm01.07.03]] [[Next |tadm01.07.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Merle provided his order while keeping the dark-haired woman in his field of vision, who sipped his awkwardness with a grin. He didn't look directly at her, as he was uncomfortable with the force behind her stare. The bartender served the drinks with a level of obedience and fear that shook her hands as much as it did her voice. As uncomfortable as he was, he did not feel right without looking the mysterious woman in the eyes when he thanked her. Her eyes matched the color of her hair, and before he could breathe a simple word of gratitude, she said, "They're using you, you know." The power behind her eyes shifted. They pulled Merle in and made him welcome. This was the first time he had ever looked so completely into someone's eyes. He went right through the gateway and sank into her soul. Merle stared into her eyes, trying without success to figure out why she seemed so familiar. She encouraged his gaze and returned it with twice the intensity. "They take you places, but I bet they never invite you to join them." She spoke as if she had known him for years. He blinked out of his trance, "Do I know you?" "Would you like to?" Her eyes were urgent and possessed a secret, but the gateway was now closed. For the first time, Merle met a stranger whose friendship he did not want. He doesn't remember how he responded the first time he met her. Some words were said, but their attention was distracted by a server dropping a stack of glasses on the floor, shattering them. The moment their eye contact broke, he backed into the crowd. [[Back |tadm01.07.04]] [[Next |tadm01.07.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- He still looked for her from what he judged was a safe distance. There was an unfamiliar danger to be seen by her and not know it. Even after they left, he couldn't put her out of his mind. She lingered in his thoughts the next morning, but by the afternoon, he had shaken the bizarre encounter off. Except when he saw the woman the next night he went out with Amber; sitting at the bar. Her eyes waiting for him, teasing a secret. The disturbing preoccupation returned when he saw the woman the following evening. There were no words exchanged. Only watchful eyes that sang a constant refrain: He was being used. What would she know? Or care? Dismissing the accusation was difficult. There was the scene at the store over winter break, the broken bank card, and how his money was stolen shortly after he had cut Amber off. The whole line of thinking threatened to take away everything Merle had gained. Still, the more time he spent with Amber, the more his suspicions festered. This continued on with no end in sight. Each night they went out the woman with dark hair was there. No matter where they went, not even when their plans changed en route to where they had planned on going. Amber started to notice Merle paying less attention to her and began harboring suspicions. Only, she wasn't afraid to level accusations about his wondering eyes. Amber's jealousy came out in other ways, like forcing Merle to watch every night as she talked to every guy within ten feet of her. It was a punishment she knew would tear at his insecurities better than any other tactic in her arsenal. [[Back |tadm01.07.05]] [[Next |tadm01.07.07]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- She had always danced with others, but now the intent of movement had changed. Any complaint from Merle was repelled with "Stop being so controlling. I'm just having a little fun." Amber boxed him out of the social circle he was briefly the center of. Her behavior reinforced the mysterious woman's words. "They take you places but never invite you to join them." The more he understood, the more he wanted to meet with the woman. She was always there. Alone. With eyes that stirred him. But he could never find a moment where Amber wouldn't notice his absence. She always knew where Merle was while she was ignoring him. His desire to meet the woman contradicted what he wanted to tell her: stop following him. Her presence was a reminder of her words, and if she left, he could forget them. He wouldn't question Amber, and Amber would stop her games. After two weeks of halfhearted attempts to break away from Amber, his moment arrived. Amber's phone rang, and she answered it before the first tone had finished. She covered her free ear, but it was impossible to hear anything over the bumping bass. She walked toward the door. Merle never remembered her leaving a club to take a call. This was a first. It was the perfect opening. Merle marched toward the woman before the door closed behind Amber. "Miss, are you following me?" "Maybe, have you settled your tab?" [[Back |tadm01.07.06]] [[Next |tadm01.07.08]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "I pay for my drinks in cash." "Not talking about your drinks." He didn't understand. He didn't have any debts, thanks to the banker's box and dark magic. His back straightened, and his shoulders tensed. She wasn't talking about financial debts. She added, "Don't worry, I'm not here to collect." His eyes connected with hers. The secret her eyes had been keeping turned out to be the secret he thought only Amber knew. "Look, I don't know anything about paying." "Oh, you had to know something. Otherwise, your spell wouldn't have worked. And it looks to me like it has." She nodded in the direction of Amber's friends. "You don't think I used it on them? Do you." "No, like I said before. They're using you. The one girl more than the others." "Is she lying to me?" Merle asked without thinking. How could this woman possibly know? She handed him a business card, but the lighting at the bar was too dark for him to read. So he slipped it into a pocket without knowing the benefit of its information. "I've got some friends who'd like to meet you. Invite us over some time." Then she stood up and walked past him. For weeks, he had wanted to be free of her, but now he wasn't sure he wanted the right things anymore. "Will I see you again?" he called after her. She didn't turn around. "Only if you call." Her voice made clear she was disinterested in hearing anything else from him. [[Back |tadm01.07.07]] [[Next |tadm01.07.09]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- He stayed at the bar. Didn't order a drink. Didn't bend anyone's ear with his peculiar tale. He sulked until Amber came back inside. She moved right past her friends and found Merle's coat. He thought she would go through the pockets looking for a few bucks, but she put it on instead. She sniffled, and Merle couldn't tell if it was from the cold or if she had been crying. She backed herself against a wall, standing as far away from her friends as she could. She was up to something, and whatever it was, Merle wanted to get it over with. Amber had not found her confidence by the time he approached her. She was clutching herself through his jacket. Still, he had witnessed her temper change with the wind, and he had just been talking with a strange and beautiful woman. He prepared himself for a public display of anger. Instead, she spoke in a voice, so weak Merle had to tilt his head to hear her plea to go home. If this was the first time he met Amber, he wouldn't have believed she had a reputation for screaming in public when things didn't go her way. From the moment they drove off, she was apologizing without saying why she needed to. Merle couldn't make sense of her, and he was distracted by his conversation with the other woman. He wanted to focus on that conversation, but Amber kept saying how sorry she was. He casually promised he would take care of whatever was upsetting her. She only wanted him to take her home. When they were close to his place, Amber said she needed to spend the night in her apartment. A cold silence followed. Merle shook his head at his rotten luck. He wanted the mysterious woman to leave him alone, so he could see Amber how he used to, but his success had upset Amber so much she had become a different person. [[Back |tadm01.07.08]] [[Next |tadm01.07.10]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Small talk would have been good. Something to fill the air and make the two of them breathe easier. But Merle never grew out of his old habit of starting to say something and then second-guessing a few dozen times before giving up. Amber was the one who broke the silence. "I had to pay tonight." "For what? I covered everything." "I had to pay for using dark magic." "What? Why would you have to pay? I'm the one who used it. You told me I'd pay." He found the courage to crack a joke, "Just like I do for everything else." "You idiot!" She snapped out of her solemn demeanor and into a shadow of her furious self. "How do you think I knew what to do?" There it was. The ugly truth. At first, Amber had been using Merle for his inheritance, but her end goal was to manipulate him to cast a spell she didn't want to pay for. Anger boiled inside him but wouldn't release. He couldn't yell at someone who was crying. Even if she could. "What did you have to do?" He didn't want her to answer. He just wanted her to stop crying so he could be mad for one time in his life. She put her head in her lap and cried into her knees, "It was disgusting." He patted her back while he drove, knowing full well she had been using him from their chance encounter at the department store. [[Back |tadm01.07.09]] [[Next |tadm01.07.11]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "I can handle disgusting," he said. Preparing himself for what he would need to do someday. Amber collected herself for a moment. "Oh, it's going to be so much worse for you. My spell was small compared to yours. It changed my life for a day, but your spell had a longer effect." "Is that how this works?" "Hell, if I know. But it'd better be. It wouldn't be fair if you got of easy." The car stopped at a red light. Her body was shaking, and he thought she was going to vomit. Instead, she screamed. No words. Just raw noise that continued after all the air had left her chest. Then she whimpered, "Oh God, I'm going to hell." The traffic light switched to yellow for the crossing traffic. Merle was in the middle of saying, "It's over now, it'll be ok," when she opened the car door and ran out into the street without closing it behind her. His instinct was to run after her, but he couldn't leave the car at the intersection. There were no options for him to weigh. The light changed, compelling him to lean over and close her door before continuing through the intersection. He hated that his first thought when he got back to his dorm room was to call and check on her. But he didn't go through with it because he couldn't see that it would do any good. Instead, he had a staring contest with the banker's box. Maybe if he didn't want the money anymore, it would go away. He closed the lid and wished for an empty box. When he lifted the lid a moment later, the box was full again. [[Back |tadm01.07.10]] [[Next |tadm01.07.12]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- He was tempted to try repeating his spell backward, but he was afraid he might summon a demon or something worse. He was out of his depth, and Amber was the only person who knew about this world. Everything he had learned had been filtered through her, and now he couldn't trust her. She had used him from the very start. He was nothing more to her than a means to an end. But she had been so much more to him. There was only one other person who knew his secret. He pulled out the stranger's card and studied the words. Her name was Tiffany, and she represented an elite clientele of vampires. Merle later told me he thought he had hit rock bottom, "Because how much lower can you sink when you have to call vampires for help?" Something to remember when you think you're having a bad day. [[Back |tadm01.07.11]] [[Next |tadm01.08.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Fear and excitement stirred inside him, and in the mix, he forgot to ask how she got past the front desk without being signed in. "May I come in?" "Yes," After hearing himself say the word, he remembered vampires were involved and tried to backpedal. "Too late," she said, stepping into the room. She closed the door and rested her back against it. She was a full head shorter than him. Her eyes made sure Merle noticed them as she sized him up. No one was going to disturb what she had planned for him, and he wasn't going to escape. She locked the door without breaking eye contact and said, "Don't worry. I'm not one of them. Just a friend." She turned off one of the two sets of fluorescent lights for reasons only Merle could guess. She stepped away from the door towards Merle, who took a reflexive step back. She moved towards him again, and this time he deliberately stepped back. She smiled. She had found a game to play. Tiffany drove him into the middle of the narrow room. She stopped, and he took another step back. She grabbed the front of his shirt with a fist and pulled him forward. "Stay there," she whispered and then released her grip. She circled him, always half an arm's length away as he stood frozen in the middle of his room. "Why would you be friends with vampires?" [[Back |tadm01.08.01]] [[Next |tadm01.08.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "Needs," she said while examining him from behind. Then she whispered in his left ear. "They have needs." Her lips moved to his right ear. "And I have needs." Merle was certain, but his voice was uneven, "This was a mistake." She made her way around to stand in front of him. Her clothes still waiting for the command to fall. Her eyes delighted in his fear while her voice teased, "I disagree. I think our needs are the same." "I should check on Amber." "She has needs. Doesn't she? Just like you, she will need to pay." A little over an hour ago, he heard her confess to using dark magic. And when he called Tiffany, he had not elaborated on how his evening had gone. How could she have known? "She paid. Tonight." "Too bad," Tiffany's concern was out of the moment like she had missed out on an opportunity. She inhaled, placed her right hand on the back of his neck, and rested her forearm on his shoulder. "What if I told you, you didn't have to pay; that I know a way out?" Her fingers began to play with his hair. The twirling and twisting prevented him from forming words. His breathing was all off, while hers remained under control. She had everything under control. She rephrased the question to make it easier for him to answer. "Are you interested?" He nodded. Her fingers continued to wander through his hair. For now, they were gentle, but there was violent energy trembling in them. At any moment, she could make a fist with them and enforce her control. [[Back |tadm01.08.02]] [[Next |tadm01.08.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "I used dark magic once. I agreed to pay a terrible price, but then I learned there are people powerful enough to postpone my payment. Some are even willing to delay the transaction indefinitely." "Vampires." He jerked his head away from her hypnotic fingers, but her wrist still rested on his shoulders. Poised to strike again. "They need friends too, just like everyone else. People to help them with their needs." "What does a vampire need?" hoping she wouldn't say blood. God, he didn't want someone to drain his blood. "Mostly just running errands during the daytime. Sometimes going out in public, looking for more friends for them." "Anything else?" She stepped back and winked. She moved his desk chair between him and the door, facing it towards him. Her once lazy smile was now wide awake. She said, "Close your eyes." He kept them open. She stepped between the chair and him placing both hands on his shoulders, and held him firmly in place. Then she moved one hand to his waist and walked around the other way, letting her hand drag across him just above his belt. Behind him, she wrapped her other arm over his shoulder, embracing him. [[Back |tadm01.08.03]] [[Next |tadm01.08.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- She put her lips to the lobe of his ear. "Do you want out?" He nodded. He wanted out of from underneath his dark magic burden, and he wanted out of this moment. Tiffany was in total control. The only way out of any of this was if she let him out. She said, "You're going to have to speak." "Yes, I want out." "Then close your eyes." The pace of her words had slowed while his heart beat faster. "Keep them closed and say the name Mortilus." He whispered the name. "Louder." He repeated it. "Louder," she commanded. He spoke loud enough to be heard outside his room. She rewarded him with a satisfied moan in his ear as she embraced him from behind. "No peeking." She released her embrace, and he heard her move in front of him. Her shoes clacking on the floor of the double towards the chair. [[Back |tadm01.08.04]] [[Next |tadm01.08.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- A man's voice called. "Open them." Sitting in the desk chair in front of him was a man in a bright red suit and a black shirt, looking at Merle the way most people look at a plateful of steak. Tiffany knelt at his side with her head resting against his thigh just above his knee, and he gently stroked her hair. Her eyes were closed, and she wore a satisfied smile. Mortilus was in control now. Mortilus spoke to her, "You did good, darling." The pleasure of her smile grew at his praise. Merle asked, "What now?" Mortilus smiled wide enough to show his teeth. He slowly dragged his tongue across his inhuman fangs and before snapping his mouth shut. The room blurred for Merle. He blinked a few times before steadying himself against his desk. His vision cleared, but his heart was pounding. Each beat warned the room was running out of air. It was all in his head. There was plenty of air for everyone, even if it didn't feel like it. Tiffany didn't care about anything other than Mortilus stroking her hair. She must be under the vampire's thrall. Her enthusiasm was unnatural. Mortilus said, "Now, my new friend, you will open your present." [[Back |tadm01.08.05]] [[Next |tadm01.08.07]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- At his feet, wrapped in red paper, was a gift he had not noticed. It was the size of his biology textbook. He knelt and removed the paper to find a black leather-bound case with a silver latch. Mortilus gestured for him to open it as well. The box was lined with red velvet and contained what Merle could only guess were antique silver surgical instruments. "What am I supposed to do with this?" "It's to help you with your gift to me." "Oh God, you want my blood." "And you want to delay a payment." Tiffany's eyes remained closed, and her head was still resting against the vampire's thigh. Merle asked her, "Did you have to do this?"She bit her lower lip. Mortilus responded for her as he stroked her hair, "All of my friends have." "What if I don't?" Merle asked. The price he inevitably owed couldn't be worse than this, could it? "You invited a vampire into your home. One way or another, I will get what I came for." His hands shook as he lifted one of the silver instruments. It was not the type of device you wanted to operate with unsteady hands. Mortilus spoke, "I always find this part unpleasant. What's your phrase? To me, this is like 'watching sausage be made.' I will leave the two of you." Merle expected him to disappear, but the vampire walked out the door into the hallway. The spell over Tiffany lifted the moment they were alone again. She stood up and locked the door, then leaned her back against it like someone was trying to break it down. From the hallway, Mortilus said, "Tiffany, I will need the meal delivered as soon as possible." "Yes, Master," she said, forcing back tears. [[Back |tadm01.08.06]] [[Next |tadm01.09.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "No! Please, God no!" "Stop crying. More vampires mean fewer livestock." "They eat farm animals?" "People. Merle. People. Vampires call us livestock. If they turn too many people, there isn't enough livestock for them, so they become weaker. They live forever, so depleting their livestock has very permanent problems." Tiffany completed the assembly of the silver mutilation device, and it waited for him. Stalling wasn't going to work anymore. "The kit is old, but it's been cleaned," she said. Then with a hint of sympathy, she added, "We all had to do this, Merle." "We? There's more than just the two of us?" Tiffany's eyes avoided his own. The force behind her voice had been drained. "You'll see." Then she directed him to lay down on his bed while she walked him through the procedures. "Mortilus says he can tell if your gift isn't freely given, so you have to operate the device on your own." "How much blood will I lose?" "If I told you an amount, would you have any idea if it was a lot or a little?" "No." "The first gift is always a lot." [[Back |tadm01.09.01]] [[Next |tadm01.09.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "You lied to me." She didn't defend herself. She gave the first set of instructions which covered how it should attach to his wrist. He didn't follow them. She repeated them as commands, and this time his motions were sharp and jagged protests against what he was being coerced to do. "Now we find out if you're a werewolf." She said. Merle couldn't find the meaning of her words. She pointed to the device attached to him. "It's real silver, sort of a safety precaution for them." When it came to piercing his skin and drawing blood, he was far more cautious with the equipment than he had been seconds earlier. They didn't speak during the bloodletting. She only spoke the instruction to stop the device. He tried to follow her commands, but he was too weak to operate the device. "Shit!" she said and began going carrying out her own instructions. Then she bandaged his arm before packaging Merle's gift to Mortilus. She stared at him in silence, waiting for him to either recover or die. Time had passed. He couldn't tell how much, but it was still dark outside. He started to sit up. "Don't." Tiffany said, "I'll come back with food. When you are strong enough, I'll teach you how to clean the instruments for your next time." [[Back |tadm01.09.02]] [[Next |tadm01.10.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "You still have to give them gifts?" "In a way." "What do you mean?" "The only way out is to find two more people to take your place. You have to recruit them. You have to handle them." "I can do that." She laughed. "No, you can't. The only way you earn friends is by buying them with money you conjured using dark magic. You're trying to break free from those consequences, remember." "Besides, you don't jump from livestock to handler right away. Running daytime errands serves an important purpose. You get introduced to their culture and learn the proper etiquette. You have to learn how to behave around them before they let you recruit fresh livestock. They have to believe you're an obedient pet." The night he met Mortilus, she had knelt beside him and smiled while he stroked her hair. Merle had thought she was under a vampire thrall, but now it sounded like it had been part of her training. [[Back |tadm01.10.01]] [[Next |tadm01.11.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- My hair was more wild than usual since it had become windblown during the two-block walk from my parked rental car. But even when I try to look nice, my hair is determined to make the wrong kind of first impression. I got tired of barbers complaining about it, so I cut it myself. When the mood strikes me. In his dorm room, Merle relayed his story to me while he sat on a futon and I occupied the desk chair. I tried to act calm when I stood up after hearing that Mortilus had sat in the same chair. But I'm not a convincing actor. I have never met a vampire before in person, nor am I eager to be introduced to one. I have heard rumors about their whereabouts and all those leads I actively avoid. Compared to other supernatural experts, I know very little about the subject of vampires, but enough to suspect Merle was being manipulated by impostors. Vampires don't get hungry as frequently as Mortilus does. Even if there were several others like Mortilus, the amount of blood drained from Merle and others like him had to be more than enough to keep the largest coven satiated. The biggest giveaway was how the blood was acquired. When vampires are hungry, they don't exchange 'gifts.' They hunt. Merle did not believe Mortilus could be a fraud. "But, the blood. Why would anyone want my blood or anyone else's? Why do they need so much of it?" [[Back |tadm01.11.01]] [[Next |tadm01.11.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "Human blood is highly sought after by advanced practitioners of dark magic." "So, will I develop a thirst for it?" "They don't drink it. They use it in their spells. Ones more complicated than you performed." "How so?" "Their spells are not as impulsive. They need to be planned. Decisions need to be made. Ones that require a certain amount of education or experience to make without soul-consuming consequences." "This doesn't sound good." It wasn't. "Dark magic always incurs a price. The power for the spell is always on loan. The blood used by advanced practitioners is to cast a spell on someone else's credit. Kinda like using someone else's social security number to take out a loan in someone else's name." The phrase 'spell fraud' is how I would describe it to someone who wasn't a victim. "That's what Amber did to me, too." "Similar idea. Different method. There was no spell work on her end. Just manipulation." "So they get all the power, and I'm the one who has to pay the price?" "I believe a more common phrase is cursed." "What do I do? Should I stop giving them blood?" [[Back |tadm01.11.02]] [[Next |tadm01.11.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "You could refuse the gifts, but I think we both know they'll find some way to compel you to continue or demand something even worse from you." He leaned forward and covered his face with both hands. Once the first sob started, the next was not far behind. There are several ways to comfort a person dealing with the trauma of a paranormal event, and I know none of them. If I did, more of my clients might pay their bills. I maintained my silence as he came to terms with his strange new, and unforgiving reality. If he was waiting for me to say something, he would be waiting a long time. Ten minutes passed, with just the two of us in the room. His breathing became more controlled, and he pulled out a handkerchief to dry his eyes. He asked, "What should I do?" "The best thing you can do is go into hiding." "I won't be able to finish school?" "If these people can find you, I don't think they'll be so forgiving that you ran." The tears started bubbling up again. I continued, "I can help get you set up, but I'm going to need some cash to get started." "Sure, take as much as you want. I don't want it anymore." I had a fierce temptation to offer to take the bankers' box off his hands. It would at least solve one of his problems and ten thousand of mine. [[Back |tadm01.11.03]] [[Next |tadm01.11.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- He pulled out the box from under a pile of dirty clothes. It smelled of mildew and dirty socks. I had never seen so much cash. He gestured for me to take it directly from the box. I hesitated. The curse of dark magic doesn't rub off on people, but I was uncomfortable with putting my hands in the vessel that manifested so much trouble. No. I was afraid. My fears of the paranormal are something I confront in every case. This time was no different. I overcame my hesitation and picked up five bundles of twenty-dollar bills, totaling $2,500. I shuffled my thumb through the stack. The bills felt like any other twenty I had held. I stuffed two of the bundles inside my jacket pocket, two more in my coat pocket, and the final one in my back pocket. Having so much money that it was difficult to carry without anyone noticing was a new problem for me. "I'll be in touch." He nodded and waved goodbye. All things considered, He had seemed polite and put together. After the door closed behind me, something crashed inside the room. I paused and heard another one. Merle had moved on from sobbing into his hands to throwing things against the wall. Just because I'm terrible at comforting someone doesn't mean I don't want to. I stood in the hallway beneath the flicker of fluorescent lights and washed in the sound of a stereo blasting music for the floor to hear, whether they wanted to or not. [[Back |tadm01.11.04]] [[Next |tadm01.11.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- The best thing I could do was find him a safe place to make his first move. But it wouldn't cure me of the nagging guilt that I could have done more. A dozen questions swarmed my head as I started toward the stairwell at the end of the hall. Away from the booming music. Merle's life had changed in ways he didn't think possible, and the only advice I could offer was for him to run from the people who were taking advantage of him. But he wouldn't be able to run from the consequences of using dark magic or the curses Mortilus was placing on him. I reached for the handle to the stairwell only to find it moved away from me. A woman with dark hair walked through the door and into me. "Sorry," I said. She backed up and gave me a dirty stare. There was electricity in her eyes. Her hair had been graced by a stylist, and she wore dark clothes that were too expensive for a college student. At least the ones living in the residence halls. She sniffed. Nothing exaggerated, but I could tell she was smelling a scent from me. I don't wear cologne or aftershave. The only thing that possessed an odor was the cash from the banker's box. "Sorry," I repeated, "Didn't shower this morning." "You're not a student." "Visiting my nephew. You?" If a stare could throw a punch, hers would have knocked me out. I was blocking her path into the hallway. She nodded for me to move. I stepped aside, and there was no surprise that a complete stranger had followed her orders. There wasn't a thank you, just a "Get lost, old man before you cause any trouble." I walked down the stairs but turned around on the first flight. The door on the stairwell had a small rectangular window into the hall. From there, I could see the woman knocking on Merle's door. I continued down the stairwell before Tiffany could catch me spying on her, and I prayed that Merle could hold it together. [[Back |tadm01.11.05]] [[Next |tadm01.12.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- I pulled my rental onto the street of the residence hall and drove as slowly as possible. The driver was holding the rear driver-side door open, and Tiffany was entering on the front passenger side. She had returned too quick for a blood draw. Something had happened. What had Merle said? Was Mortilus going into his dorm, or did Tiffany bring Merle to the car? The driver closed the passenger door, entered the car, and signaled to enter traffic. I had two choices. Follow the car or get out and go back to Merle's room. On instinct, I pulled out into traffic. They stuck to the main streets. For the entire drive, I considered what would happen if I had made a mistake. I told myself that if I hadn't followed the car, and he was in it, there was no way I could find him. I knew where his dorm was; I didn't know where this car was going. But what would happen when they got to where they were going? It's not like I could just knock on the door of a dark sorcerer and ask to see any of the guests he was holding against their will. If Merle was in that car, the best chance I had to rescue him was before it got to its destination. I know only one way to stop a moving car and guarantee the occupants get out. I was about to wreck my rental. It wasn't going to be cheap, but Merle would be good for it. At the next red light, I merged into the left turn lane and pulled alongside the sedan. There were no cars in front of us. [[Back |tadm01.12.01]] [[Next |tadm01.12.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- I kept my blinker on to go left and my face forward. All it would take for them to notice me would be a quick side glance into the clear windows of the rental where my wild hair and odd second-hand clothes would mark me. And then I got a left arrow, while the black sedan still had a red. So much for trying not to get noticed. I stayed put and started pretending to look for something in the back seat, so my plan wouldn't seem obvious. The cars behind me started honking. Tiffany's car eased forward, and I turned around to confirm the light had changed to green. I pulled out as fast as the rental would let me, then swerved in front of the black sedan missing it by a hair. More horns blared, and then I threw on the parking brake. There was no space for the dark sedan to maneuver. Tiffany's car collided with the rear end of the rental, forcing it up and then to my right. Both cars came to a rest, blocking the intersection. Plastic and glass were scattered in the street. The sedan's horn blared, and for a moment, I wondered what would happen if I had stopped the wrong car. I unclipped my safety belt and stepped out. My neck was free from pain, but it would punish me in the morning. The airbags had not gone off in either car. The driver held his hand to his head, and blood poured down; the steering wheel was bent where his head had connected with it. A web of cracks had spread across the windshield's safety glass. What could possibly have hit it? The front passenger side door opened, and out stumbled Tiffany. Angry and unbalanced. In more than one sense of the word. She leaned on the open door. "You!" she said. [[Back |tadm01.12.02]] [[Next |tadm01.12.04]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- The hair on my arms rose, and pressure grew in my chest. There was a crackling behind her eyes, like sparks of electricity. She could do magic. This wasn't dark magic, but some other kind. I fell to the street, unable to breathe. The rear passenger door opened, and Merle screamed, "No," as he hit her in the back. She fell away from the car. With the spell disrupted, I could breathe again. How much did Tiffany know? Tiffany's attack wasn't the kind that required anyone else's blood. "It's not what you think, Tiffany," I yelled. Horns honked. A woman approached me and asked if I needed medical attention. I waved her away, and she went on to ask Tiffany. "Don't touch her!" screamed Merle. He hadn't hurt her, only distracted her long enough to break the spell. He hadn't had a plan. Neither did I. There was a moan from inside their car. The good Samaritan said, "Sir, just stay right there. Help is on the way." More people emerged from their cars. There sound of honking horns echoed off the buildings as traffic backed up. A figure in a red suit crawled out of the front passenger door on his hands and knees. Mortilus must not have been wearing a seatbelt. [[Back |tadm01.12.03]] [[Next |tadm01.12.05]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Tiffany was alarmed at how helpless he was; his head cracked. But I'm sure what caught her attention was the fact that the daylight caused him no pain or grief. He suffered only from the injuries caused by the collision. "He's not who or what you think he is," I shouted to Tiffany above the commotion. The good Samaritan rushed to meet him. Merle shouted, "Don't touch him either." His warning came too late. Mortilus put his hand on her, and her concern for him was replaced by fear for her own soul. Mortilus healed his injuries as she screamed in pain. Her skin turned gray, and her bones snapped at awkward angles. She fell to the street and lay there twitching. Whatever she had to offer, he had taken. Mortilus had performed this spell on command. Had I gotten this all wrong? My clients often confuse me for someone who knows every detail of every unexplainable event. But I don't. And I don't like to be around when the unexplainable is happening. In the moment, I couldn't understand how Mortilus performed his spell. With the benefit of hindsight, I now know that sorcerers like Mortilus carry a few spells with them that have been started but remain perpetually incomplete, suspended until they are needed. Like a healing spell. Mortilus's performance did not clear Tiffany of her skepticism. There had been no neck biting or blood consumption. I stood back up. Mortilus noticed me for the first time. Behind him, a second black sedan made its way through the idle traffic and pulled into the intersection. The rear doors opened up, but no one came out. [[Back |tadm01.12.04]] [[Next |tadm01.12.06]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "Who are you?" he asked. "I'm part of the brotherhood." I bluffed. My lie earned a light chuckle. "Which one?" Damn, I couldn't keep them all straight. I stood there waiting for words to fall out of my mouth. He chuckled again. "Tiffany, take Merle into the car." "No," she said. "Tiffany," he said in a soft tone that dripped with violence. "I don't know what you are, but you aren't what you told me." "If you leave us, you can't come back." She backed up, Mortilus did not follow. Sirens could be heard over the car horns, and she faded into the crowd. Mortilus tried again, "Merle, get into the car." I countered. "Come with me, Merle." He didn't move. I started again, "Merle, this man is dangerous." As if that wasn't already clear. Still, it was the best I could come up with in the moment. Mortilus smiled, "I'm dangerous because I'm powerful. You could be powerful, Merle." "He's lying. Don't do this, Merle." [[Back |tadm01.12.05]] [[Next |tadm01.12.07]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- A squad car pulled into the intersection. I was probably saved, but Merle might not be. I added, "Don't fall for his lines." "I can teach you, Merle. You could be like me." Merle looked in the direction Tiffany disappeared. Mortilus added, "Not, like her. I'm sure she seemed powerful to you, but it's not the same thing. She will always be weaker." Merle looked back at him. "She was a fool for walking away." "He's tricking you, Merle." Merle asked, "Will you see that Viktor gets home? And there's no trouble for him?" Mortilus waited before he responded. I'm sure he wanted to cause me all sorts of harm, but he also wanted Merle to be compliant. And, he probably wanted all this public attention on him to go away. "I'll see no harm comes to him. But only if you get into the car." Another door slammed shut; this one belonged to a squad car. A police officer with a mustache asked, "What's going on here, people?" I looked to Mortilus and Merle for an explanation, but Merle was gone. The black sedan's door closed, and it drove away. "Mr. Shade. My apologies, I did not recognize you." said the officer. [[Back |tadm01.12.06]] [[Next |tadm01.12.08]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Mortilus Shade. If ever there was a name that screamed fake vampire, he had picked it. The woman who had offered to help him groaned in pain. Mortilus answered the officer, "Sir, my driver, and this woman needs medical assistance." "What happened?" "The woman cut us off, and this gentleman here assisted us." He pointed to me as the gentleman. The police officer looked confused, but there was no mistaking that he was also afraid. Mortilus walked to me, leaving the police officer to treat the woman. In a conversational tone intended only for my ears, he said, "Same deal goes for you. If you leave now and don't cause trouble, no harm comes to Merle." I had no negotiating power. No leverage. Nothing. "What's going to happen to him then?" I asked. Merle knows the con now, and I wagered that would make him a threat to Mortilus. "He'll be offered the chance to become an apprentice." "What if he says no?" Mortilus chuckled, "If he turns down the offer, I'll let him go." "No harm will come to him?" He smiled, "None." "No one's ever turned down the offer, have they?" [[Back |tadm01.12.07]] [[Next |tadm01.12.09]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- "Not a soul." I couldn't respond. I shook my head. "Here are the woman's keys. Take her car to the airport. I will have a ticket waiting for you to take you where ever it is you came from." "How did you know I'm not from around here?" "If you were, you would have never pulled such a dangerous stunt." As tough as he sounded, I knew there was a little fear inside of him. Magic, even powerful kinds like his, is not invincible. Spellcasters of all abilities are susceptible to mobs. The longer I stayed around, the harder it would be for him to control the situation. And the more likely he'd kill me. Sometimes walking away from a situation leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Merle was gone, and he did it to save me. The safest option was to get in the car and leave. Inside, I found the seat had already been adjusted for me. [[Back |tadm01.12.08]] [[Next |tadm01.13.01]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- Since his disappearance, I have been able to verify a few details like Eric's death. I didn't research Mortilus. Prying into the business of a master of dark magic with a fresh stockpile of human blood and the means to acquire more is against my personal policy. Merle chose that path; there is nothing anyone can do for him now. On the more practical side, I tracked down the real estate records regarding the sale of his grandmother's home, which was terribly undervalued. Peggy wound up selling it for four times the amount she paid him. Tiffany has gone underground, and I see nothing to gain by pursuing her. Most magic users don't want to be bothered and don't treat those who go against their wishes kindly. Amber was another story. I found her, quickly enough, living at home with her parents. Speaking with her was a different matter. She had entered a near-catatonic state. Her parents allowed me to visit her, although there was confusion over how we knew each other. When I told them we'd never met, they almost threw me out but changed their minds when I told them there was a chance I might be able to get her to talk. They were so desperate they let me in. But Amber didn't talk. She reacted. The moment I mentioned Merle's name, she shrilled and then crouched into a corner crying. Her parents rushed to comfort her. Told her everything would be alright. I couldn't decide if her reaction was rooted in panic or fear. But it was plain there was no guilt in her reaction, which is what I had expected from Merle's account. If she knew anything about Merle's whereabouts, she wasn't going to tell anyone. It all made me wonder how much of what Merle told me had been true. [[Back |tadm01.13.01]] [[Next |tadm01.13.03]]

config.header.center : "" config.header.left : "[[The Truth About Dark Magic|https://krelig.com]]" config.header.right : "[[Unnatural Deception|tadm01]]" config.footer.left : "Copyright 2021 Viktor Krelig" -- I left before they could throw me out or call the police. They were silently debating between the two. Maybe summon up a lawyer. As much as I wanted to share the news in the paranormal community that there was a band of dark sorcerers masquerading as vampires in the Midwest, I kept my word to Mortilus. Merle didn't strike me as someone who craved power for the sake of dominating others the way Mortilus or Tiffany did. Maybe he could be the architect of Mortilus's demise. Then again, I barely knew him. I'm not keeping my hopes up. I've kept my ear open for any unusual paranormal activity in the area surrounding Riverfront University, and nothing ever seems to pop. For now, Merle's case remains open only because I'm afraid to close it. -- Viktor Krelig [[Back |tadm01.13.02]] [[Next: False Mage->https://krelig.com/false_mage.html]]