As the door slammed shut and the lock slid into place, my daughter raised gaze. My eyes shimmered with tears, my mouth trembled and I felt my strength leaving me.
“Oh, my darling, may God, the Virgin and the Saints have mercy on you. ”
Glynis stared at me, her eyes sparkling like the finest jewels.
I was too horrified to feel immediately frightened, but as my daughter’s gaze grew more penetrating, more concentrated, I felt the first twinges. I gripped my little crucifix even tighter in my fingers, but did not reveal it to her. I did not want to see her flinch away.
“Glynis?”
“Yes,” was the low response.
I felt my throat constrict. “Do you know who I am?
“My mother. ”
“Yes, cara mia, your mother. And you are my daughter. ”
“Yes. ”
“And your name is?”
Was she a devil in the guise of my daughter?
“Glynis. ”
“Yes, that is right. ”
She took a step toward me. “Are you afraid of me, Mother?”
I stared at her transformed countenance for a long moment, then began to weep. “Yes, cara mia, I am frightened. ”
Glynis’ eyes slowly lowered and her face began to twitch. “So am I. ”
“Oh, cara mia, my darling Glynis, God forgive me for ever bringing you to this horrible place! God forgive me!”
Glynis lowered her lovely face into her hands and stood there as beautiful as any Roman goddess in her fine garments and jewels. I could not help but stare at this strange, beautiful deadly creature that wore the guise of my daughter. But it was my daughter! I felt it in my heart! This fearsome creature of the night, whose skin was as pale as moonlight, with eyes as fierce as a hawk’s, was my eldest daughter: transformed, damned, but still my daughter.
I felt myself crumbling. I had done this. I had let this horrible thing happen. Why had I not let Glynis live her own life? Find her own way? Why had I been so determined to find her a husband? My actions had born bitter fruit for now my daughter was the bride of the Prince of Darkness and all that I had held dear was gone.
“Glynis,” I whispered, love filling my voice.
The creature looked up. The fierce, mesmerized expression was gone and was replaced by a fearful, desperate one. “Mother, help me!”
I hesitated, then tucked my rosary into my blouse. I held out my arms to her, knowing that I was welcoming death.
Glynis moved ever so swiftly across the room and into my embrace. Holding her closely, I trembled. Tears slipped down my face, tasting bitter on my lips.
“Your sister,” I began.
“She is in heaven with the angels, Mother. When I was dying, she came for me. I saw a great light and she came from it. But then…but then…” Glynis’ voice faded.
“Then she is safe with the Saints. ”
“Yes,” Glynis answered.
My child’s flesh was so cold to my touch. The body I held in my arms felt far different from the one I remembered holding before. I kissed the top of Glynis’ head. “I’m so sorry. I am sorry for all I said and did, cara mia. ”
The vampire sobbed in my arms. “Oh, Mother, I am so sorry. I am so very sorry! This is my entire fault. ”