A Vampire Genie

One of the guards snapped to attention when Christopher passed. The guard glanced at me, his hands hefting a machine gun as it rested slightly against his chest. I waved at him and then felt like an idiot. The uniformed guy didn't return the gesture but moved away to the other side of the tank.

Once both he and Chris were out of sight, I closed my door and faced Laeddin.

His features were twisted in grim worry. "What would you have me do? Since my abilities aren't working properly, I can't be much help."

I tucked my hands in my front pockets. "I don't need to wish if you meant what you said about helping me as a friend. That still stands, right? Your magic is powerful, more so even than mine. Together we can take Sharra and save my family." As I spoke, a wave of hunger washed through me and I felt dizzy. How long had it been since I last consumed blood? I didn't know.

"Of course I will," he said and paused, glancing at my lips. "You need blood, don't you?"

I worked to force down my