You discovered that you could morph your body into something different— terrifying and destructive. You could even slightly warp the world around you, drawing power from ghostly roots. Still technically human, but… extremely gifted and rare.
Thanks for the mini-autobiography. – I murmured dryly, leaning back in my chair, gripping a full shot glass. – When I get around to writing my memoirs, I'll be sure to run it all past you.
But let's cut to the chase.
Where did you come from, and how the hell did you get your hands on power way beyond what any old Obscurity critter should have? And since you're such a world-wise oracle, maybe you can tell me why a deadly epidemic hit the cities and how this whole Obscurity dimension came to be?
The man smiled with satisfaction and pointed at me with his fork.
You ask the right I admire your persistence and mental flexibility. And I admire how smoothly you dodge giving
That's because I don't have – Noah said, voice tinged with sadness. – I appeared in this world just as you see me now. But unlike you, I don't know where I came from. You, at least, have some knowledge of your origin—and forgive me for the bluntness—you even age, albeit very slowly, like a human.
I, on the other hand, was born with a huge library of knowledge about the universe, my name, and all sorts of facts. But not a single clue about who I am or why I exist.
What about the other strigoi's? Didn't they help you figure anything out?
Roger coughed a few times, clearly wanting to skip that uncomfortable topic.
Uniqueness lies in You of all people should understand that, dear
Dued.
Ah. Got it. He wiped out the competition to make sure no one messed with his little night-creature empire. I looked at him with involuntary respect and said:
What's the point of knowledge if it doesn't answer the most important questions? Where's the beauty in that? In the ability to keep searching for meaning. You see, I'm sort of a scholar. Unofficial, sure—no diplomas, no Ivy But I'm curious. For instance, what do you know about your father? Ilania never talked about Completely refused to discuss it. – I blurted out, and then a lightbulb flicked on in my brain. – Ohhh, I see. You're about to hit me with some dumb reveal that my dad's a super-powerful wizard from heaven who waved his magic wrist and cursed the cities with a plague and created the Obscurity? Wow. Groundbreaking. How original.
Noah actually paused his eating, looking vaguely embarrassed. After a beat, he carefully replied:
Perhaps there's some truth in that. It would explain your completely unique birth, something that's never happened Could such a being— your father—have caused all this? It's worth considering.
So I'm stuck in a grocery store tabloid plot. Either you don't know jack, or you're hiding everything. But I'm not after the secrets of the universe. I just want my blood back—the one you stole so graciously. Give it back, and we won't have to throw down. I'll just leave and go home.
People are waiting for me there.