—------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To be continued?

When she awoke in her hut, the screams of the village’s people was beyond the horror that any nightmare could create. She sat up startled in her bed, her eyes wide with fear. “What is happening,” she thought. The smell of burning wood was so intense, she thought her own hut was on fire. When the body of a man came crashing through her hut, half his face missing and one of his legs was gone. She screamed and stumbled out of her hut. Once outside, she could see body’s ripped in half and blood covering the dirt path through the village and it made it look like mud. All the huts in the village were on fire and the screaming was still roaring of the villages people being killed. Her husband was nowhere to be found. She felt the ground shaking from under her feet, almost as if the ground was going to split in half. She began to run through her village for help, but no one insight was alive, and the village became suddenly silent. A boy came walking out from behind a half burning hut, his arm was missing and his face was covered in blood. He reached out toward her with his only arm, but before he could say anything a large giant six headed spider with spear pointed legs rose up and stood over the village. Within seconds the spear shaped leg dropped down through the boy and split him in half. The woman screamed and stumbled backwards. The giant spider shrieked so loud it made her ears ring and then bleed. She jumped to her feet and grabbed a lantern off the ground and began to run towards the woods.

When she got to the tree line, the ground under her began to shake. And she could hear the giant spider running after her. “PLEASE GOD HELP ME,” she screamed. The ground shook so hard it made her stumble and fall. She went to get up and the giant spider struck its spear shaped leg straight through her hand. She began to weep and scream, hoping and praying that this was all a dream. But as she gazed upon her hand, half of it was severed and blood was running everywhere. The adrenaline spiked and she leaped up, grabbed the lantern with her other hand and began running as fast as she possibly could. A field clearing came into sight, right before she reached it, she could see the next village’s fire light. She begged for help, yelling as loud as possible. But she was still to far for anyone too hear. She broke through the clearing, then turned to see how far away the spider was. She could see all of its red eyes glowing looking down upon her. Suddenly the spear arm rose out of the blackened night. It was so big it seemed like it came from the sky. The tip of the spear arm sliced up the front of her body knocking her backwards and on to the ground. She was gasping for air and blood was running everywhere. The giant spider walked over her. The weight and power of the spiders walk was so strong and heavy she bounced up off the ground. She laid still unable to move, taking in what would be her last breaths. The night grew quite for only a moment, her eyes began to grow heavy and flutter up and down. Before she drifted off she was able to turn her head to the village the lantern laid beside her. She could see her reflection from the light and the glass around the lantern. Blood covered her face as the boy she seen killed only moments ago. As she peered up she seen the fires start and the giant spider begin to pierce through huts and people. Then the screaming started and she drifted off to sleep.

As the princess escaped the tower she has been forced to stay in, she found herself in a yellow grass field, the dark engulfed her, nothing can be seen as she were in a void. The only light source she has was a little lantern glowing fragile lights that seems to could extinguish at any time. Her ornate dress drag through the grasses, making the once pure dress to be defiled. Despite all these, she can’t stop running, she knew something was behind her, seeking her, trying to hunt her down as prey. She heard crows’ caws, it were like ridicules of her pathetic fate. Until she saw a vague profile of a town, she thought she had found shelter for her to hide.

But she couldn’t find anyone, the doors were worn the window was shattered, all showing the fact that this town was abandoned. Just then, a figure appeared behind her, a black, tall, and man-like figure, the fear stunned her. As soon as she recovered from this sudden shock, she tried to flee, but an abundance of them came out of nowhere. She was surrounded by these strange figures that she knew would attempt to kill her.

She was obliged to a dead end, no doubt, there was no way for her to escape anymore. Obliviously she forgot that something else was also chasing her, grass withered as they came out of the dark. This monster vary from the one in this town, unnatural huge smiles on their faces, dark pupils, and their sharp claws all signify that they were deadly beasts. Both creatures desire to kill, but there are only one prey, they began to fight each others. The black figure in town has number advantage, but the smiley monsters are much more powerful. Soon the black figures all died, when they were fighting the princess attempts to run without them noticing. The smiley monster easily catches the princess. Unholy laughter came out from every part of their body as a redicule for her thought of escape, they grab her in their hands and holds her tighter and tighter, until she eventually blasted into a pile of flesh.

I can’t let him kill me. The lantern lights my path as the darkness closes in on me.
My dress betrays me as I trip on the fabric. My lantern is thrown in the air. I can’t let it’s light stop glowing. The lantern’s fire puffs out. My vision darkens. I’m alone with this monster. The cicadas drown my eardrums. My eyelids are pushed down against my will. I wake up in darkness. I can move my limbs, which is a relief. I hear shuffling battling the silence. I stiffen. “WHY?” A raspy voice yells at me. My throat is clogged. I can’t breathe. I panic. I hear footsteps coming towards me. I see his face. My husband. 2 hours ago “Dinner’s done!” I yell. I clean off the table. The radio is talking about a certain footballer that didn’t catch the football last night. “Miles?” I yell again. Present I can finally breathe again. I know what is going to happen. I need to get out. He is so close that I can feel him breathing on me. I Need To Get Out. 2 hours ago “Miles?” I yell again. I walk the hall to our room. I peek into the doorway and see beer bottles strewn all across our room. Miles is passed out on the floor. What? Present His breath smells like alcohol. He’s been drinking. “Answer. Me.” Why did he calm down? Does he feel regretful? “Why what?” I mutter under my breath. As soon as I say it I know I will die in a few minutes. His face reddens in anger. A rush of anger comes over me. I slap him. I slapped him. I just slapped him. I Need. To. Get. Out. Am I signing my death wish? I tense. 2 hours ago “Miles?!” I jolt him awake. “What are you doing?” “You quit years ago! Are you trying to erase all the hard work you went through to quit?” “I was sleeping.” He said. “I don’t care if you were sleeping!” I replied. “Stop.” He doesn’t realize how upset I am that he would destroy all of his progress like this. “No!” I yell. Present He pulls his hand back, ready to smack me. I need to get out. I kick him with all of my might. 2 hours ago “STOP!” He shouts. “No! You’re not going to ruin your life!” His face shows a look I’ve never seen before. I gasp. He throws me across the room. I. Need. To. Get. Out. I get up as fast as I can and run out of the house, grabbing a lantern on the way. Present I’m petrified. I can’t move. He’s running towards me. I NEED TO GET OUT! I black out then. All I remember is seeing him lying on a pool of blood and then I ran away.

Running with my hair blowing in my face and my slippers in the slick mud, I could feel a hot breath chasing after me. My lateen shook, the fire blinking on the edge of extinguishing.

The king requires your blood, Mythical Girl.

The beast’s deep words shook my core as I focused on running from his clawed hands. With a silent whoosh, my lantern blew out and only my weak human eyes could guide me through the dark night. It wasn’t long before I tripped over a stick and flew to the ground. The beast rushed before me and I screamed with pure fear.

The mouse never escapes the cat.

With hot tears and a shaken voice, I ask, “What do you want?”

You.

The beast growls, and with a slash of his paw, I see no more.

What feels like years, my eyes finally open. I gasp up, unaware of my surroundings. “Hello Mythical Girl, how glad we are to be in your presence,” a tall, brunette man says with a smirk. “My name is not Mythical Girl, and I hold no magical abilities,” I say sternly. “Really?” the man questioned. “Then how is it that no mark is there upon your skin? You certainly felt the cold, cruel claws of Magnum the Beast?” With confused eyes, I examined myself. No mark nor injury was on my skin. I was untouched. “Yes, exactly,” the man said, “untouched.” He moved over to his desk, where papers and books were spread. “This means your blood holds a healing component unlike any other.” I gulp. “So what does the king need of me?” “The war isn’t looking too great on our side, Mythical Girl, meaning our knights need some advantage over our enemies to end the bloodshed.” Suddenly my blood goes cold and I pale. “No,” I utter getting up. But the door out was locked. “No no no!” I shout. “I will not become a bloody blood bag!” The man’s face falls into sorrow. “Of course not. That is why I am here.” He draws closer to me and whispers, “The thing is, Mythical Girl, the king does not understand science, but I do. I only need a small vial of your blood to create the healing serum. I would never do something so monstrous as keep you as a weapon.” He moves to grab a cloak. “Which is why once I have your small bottle of blood, I’ll send you off home, and then you’ll never have to think or worry about this place again.” “What about the beast?” I said with a hint of fear. The man laughs. “Don’t worry about him, he is a friend of mine; he’ll leave you alone, I promise.”

Within ten minutes, I gave the scientist my blood and was off on my way home. But a slight chill had me turning once behind at the castle.

_Mythical Girl, you are more than just a mere human. _

The soft, ancient voice flew and faded with the wind. I tried to ignore it, but my mind had already memorized it, begging for an explanation.

The sleek shadow raced after her, singing haunting tunes with the wind’s help. The fire in the lateen fluttered, as if it was near death of burning out. Mud soaked the bottom of Stela’s white nightgown. She had to get away.

“Come sweet Stela, come sweet home; __ _We await your return _ To the empty bone throne…” The shadows whispered sweet words, attempting to steer Stela away from escaping.

Thunder rolled and flashes of lightning gave shape to the shadow. It was a man, tall, strong, and pale with beauty. Stela tried to keep from asking herself questions, for fear they would interrupt her escaping.

With a sudden whoosh, rain began pelting her nightgown, and the voices began singing once more:

“The girl with the auburn hair Our master finds so fair! __ Tonight you’ll come with thee To seal the fate with he!”

The rain poured now and her latern was close to dying. “Please,” she whispered. Her feet were getting tired and with one sudden flash of lightning, her latern went dark and she was left alone in the dark abyss. A tree branch caught her foot and she fell to the muddy ground. She could feel the shadow make haste and stand before her. Another flash of lightning completed the man’s image. He had black hair, pale skin, and crimson red eyes. “Hello,” he said, showing off his fangs. He reached down to give Stela a hand and said, “Let’s go home, shall we?” Before Stela could fully respond, she reached her hand and found a sparkling ring on her finger. With the cold touch of the man she knew was a vampire, darkness flooded around her and brought her to a throne room, decorated for a wedding. “See you in the morrow for our wedding,” the man said with a smirk.

My body knows no bounds, no limits. I no longer feel exhaustion or fatigue; I sprint relentlessly through the tresses of trees. Each crunch of my steps is now a drum in my ears.

I twist and turn as my legs carry me rapidly throughout the forest. They must know where I am. They are everywhere. Watching. Waiting.

I haven't just crossed a line tonight. I have devoured it. That poor girl. How could I take an innocent life? My greed has consumed me.

I never thought I could want something so carnally, for my veins to throb for it. I tried to stay home, I truly did.

When I reach my door I quickly slam it behind me, causing it to groan under the force of my hand. I fall against it, as guilt circulates me. My memories were so vivid now, each event playing like a motion picture in my mind. However much I tried to erase them from my head, they persisted.

I was always quite a sheltered person. On no particular Friday night, I decided to change that and accept my best friend’s invitation to a party. Jazz. She was everything to me, especially after my parents passed. I left that night tipsy, assuring Jazz I was fine to walk home as it was only ten minutes.

Elmsreach village was a quaint place, crime was second to none. And so when I stumbled home that night, I’d never anticipated what would happen next.

It was the pain I felt first, the searing sharpness of teeth in my neck. And then followed, what I now know to be venom. It was an unforgettable sensation. One I don’t ever wish to feel again.

My attacker drained me of my life source, and my body swiftly met the cold damp leaves of the woods.

At first, I felt nothing but confusion and fear for what had happened. That was until I attempted to open my blinds. It was not long after that he arrived, Roman Vantouri, how he found me I can’t be sure. He told me there were few of us, and told me he would guide me through the process. Help me hunt. Of course, I laughed in his face, furious he had barged into my house.

He then proceeded to show me his true face, and his abilities. It was then that I realised the severity of my situation. Today was my seventh day, with the ‘dark gift’. I still wake up each day, forgetting I don’t need oxygen anymore.

I pick myself up from my hardwood floors and light a few dozen candles. I love the warm glow as opposed to the clinical white light of a bulb. I inherited this place two years ago when my parents passed.

Twenty didn’t feel old enough to have my own place, despite what I was told. My uncle still checks in, thankfully infrequently.

My hands still shake as I begin to process what I’ve done. My blood warms with hers, I didn’t want my first kill to be a woman, but she smelt so good. Molten honey and fudge. I didn't leave a drop.

Roman warned me this would happen if I didn’t hunt frequently, that the hunger would become unbearable. You should always leave them warm, he told me. Bite and erase. But the hunger surpassed the guilt tonight. The cravings are becoming too strong. Deer can only satiate you for so long.

I decide I need a distraction from my unrelenting mind. I stumble to the kitchen browsing my mother's wine rack. She had the house passed down from her mother, as far I knew it went back about six generations, I adored the place. Victorian gothic is how I would describe it, though as a girl I hated the place.

They say when you’re young you’re more susceptible to spirits. I wasn’t the exception, headless apirations would stand at the end of my bed, or peek behind my shower curtain. As I got older I came to like them, they seemed to respect you if you didn’t fear them, and some even spoke to me.

I knock back my second glass, allowing the smooth liquid to coat my tongue. I almost choke when the staircase thuds. I had a feeling this wasn’t my transparent companions. Is it them? Will I meet my end tonight?

The absence of noise worsens my panic, my breathing turns shallow. I force my feet forward, one foot in front of the other. My steps are light as I inch toward my front door. I survey the area. Nothing. No fallen candle. No pitchforks ablaze.

I wait a few moments longer before deciding to retire to my bedroom, sick of the constant state of terror. When I turn toward my bedroom, a knock sounds throughout the house. The sound settles uncomfortably on my chest, rendering me frozen. I would be a fool to answer. Every cell in my body commands me not to.

The knock repeats itself, more insistent this time, angrier. I can’t sleep like this. I need to just face it. With hesitant steps, I walk toward my front door. It’s then when I reach my door that I realise who my caller is. The steady thrum of his breathing greets me. Calm and assured. My blood vibrates to be within his presence.

I eventually slide my deadbolt across, meeting a sight that chills me. It takes effort to steady my breathing. His appearance was nothing to be taken lightly.

He couldn’t be described as handsome. The word wouldn’t serve up to him. He was deadly, chilling. Both of our encounters were brief. Both times he had shown up, unannounced, appearing in my hallway.

For him to knock somehow seemed far stranger to me. He never spoke much, which made his already domineering presence, far more intense.

“You ran rather fast.” He stated, not moving from his spot on my porch. I leaned onto my door frame with every pound I weighed. His gaze burned me.

“I panicked,” I responded. I struggled to find words in his presence. He radiated authority.

“That seems to be habitual for you, Selene.” He commented, taking a step toward me. God no. He’ll surely smell her on me. I don’t voice my reluctance and allow him to walk into my house.

His fawn eyes were menacing under the dim lighting of my hallway. Unforgiving.

“Will they come for me?” I ask, unable to hide the quiver the sheer mention of them causes. ‘They’, were the hunters, they knew of our existence and would stop at nothing to put an end to us.

He studies my house, taking in every patterned swirl that sits on my walls. His penetrating gaze returns to me. ”Does that scare you?” He turns to me, taking a step closer. The sound of his polished shoes is the only evidence that he moved.

I don’t understand him. Is he mocking me? Testing me? “No, I’d just like to know, a heads up would be nice,” I say, my shallow breathing betraying me.

His gaze intensifies. I wish I could hear his thoughts, and understand his motivations. That gift came with seniority.

He responds after a few moments pass, forcing me to sit in the uncomfortable energy of his presence. “They are searching for you. They know another human has been turned by the increase in animal deaths. If they find you, you act accordingly.”

I am a fledging, how can he expect me to simply, ’act accordingly’ It’s been a week. I can hardly fight a rabbit off.

Let alone grown men, with weapons. “How? I can’t fight. I can’t defend myself. I can hardly walk into church without wanting to sink my teeth into the priest. This is not good for me. I do not do well with stress. You promised you would help me.” I say, my voice croaking, trembling with a mix of frustration and anxiety.

His lips twitch, out of anger or amusement, I couldn’t be certain. ”Patience. And I keep my promises, Selene. I intend to see it through. How did you manage stress when you were human?” He inquires, his words confuse me.

Out of our two interactions he never once took an interest in me, his questions were always distanced and generalised.

“I didn’t, I was a very anxious person. So this heightened emotions thing, really isn’t working for me,” I cross my arms, my muscles tighten.

His withdraws his lips, his fangs biting at them, ”How you didn’t die earlier I don’t know. I need you to do as I say, Selene, that’s all I ask.” He says, his voice taking on a more severe tone.

I contemplate his words. I don’t have a choice but to trust him. I had no one else to turn to, not a single other soul knew me, truly. How incredibly lonely.

“Have you been drinking?” He asks, his tone unaccusing, but unimpressed.

I roll my lips, contemplating whether to tell him or not. Oh. Of course. He can smell it.

“Yes,” I reply, feeling slightly like a scolded child.

“Wine?” he asks, his gaze drawing to my lips.

“Yes.” where is he going with this?

He moves a step closer to my position against the door, his arms hanging loosely. His shirt, constricts him, curving to the muscles of his arms and abdomen. I swallow. I’d never seen his jacket unbuttoned until tonight.

“One will help with the stress, any more will have the opposite effect.” He says.

“I think I can handle myself, thanks,” I respond, uncomfortable with his closeness. Why does he smell like that? The scent is woody, heady. Him. And with the way his eyes darkened, had me questioning whether maybe I did need oxygen.

He continues to stare, unashamed as he does so. “you’re aware I can hear your thoughts, aren’t you?”

I’m once again reminded he can do such and internally kick myself for every single thought I’ve had of him since he knocked on my door.

“Yes,” my voice is breathy. My nerves ramp up when he doesn't respond, paired with the nearness of his face to mine.

He doesn’t address my confession, instead, he responds with, “1952, Merlot”

My mouth parts in surprise at his accuracy. “You guessed that from simply smelling it?” I ask.

His eyes darken, and for the first time, he appears amused. “That, and the fact it has stained your lips, only Merlot settles like that. I’m surprised, I thought you’d go for something sweeter.” He muses to himself.

What does he mean by that?

“Oh? Is it there still?” I lick my lips thoroughly, biting and sucking until the wine is gone.

His eyes lock onto the movement, he becomes incredibly still. “Don’t remove it, leave it like that.” His tone is rough and severe.

Oh.

She ran with just a lantern to light the way. She hadn’t seen him for more than a day. She ran

Away from this monster and the daily raping Away from the daily abuse she was escaping. She ran

The night was dark as black obsidian She searched and dreamt of a magic meridian She ran

Toward a free life as before she was wed Her father arranged this so his family would be fed She ran

Was he waiting out there alone in the night? She gathered her wits and prepared to fight She ran

When suddenly she hit a downed tree She winced as she ran she’d damaged her knee But despite it she ran

And then encountered a bear large hungry and looming Lump of fear in her throat her heart strongly booming She ran still

This beast was relentless with his teeth and his claws He had killed her it seems without any pause He ran

𝘙𝘶𝘯.

Run but you can’t hide. Like God in the garden. Creeper at my side. Heart’s gonna harden. Muddy, no question. Fucking for the clout. Not making no suggestion. You know what I’m about.

𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘳𝘶𝘯.

Claws out and baby I chase. Vampire, I got a nasty bite. Got a bad case of “replace”. Go demon on you, midnight. Hold up, no bullshit baby. Running like Kenny Moore. Now ain’t it just crazy? Should’ve thought before.

𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘳𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨.

Blood staining your face. Just don’t look at the beast. Keep going, finish the race. You’ll die fast at the least. Like you’re in a corn maze. Keep going, moonlit lake. Running in the cloudy haze. You’ll soon meet your fate.

'𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯.

I saw the room where they do it Where they lop off a piece of your brain Sew you back up like nothing has happened Then dress you again in your Sunday best “What an obedient Christian housewife!” The older women lay down their knitting to clap You smile, but your eyes show no feeling Every thought you have a product Of your husbands puppeteering

I saw the forms filled out for me The girl is clearly very anxious, they say Her stress makes her think irrationally We can make her bright and chipper again A few snips of the frontal lobe And she’ll never have a care again Isn’t this the ultimate sign of love? There’s a spot for his signature, which he provided But there is no spot for mine

So I cracked the window of my hospital room Told the nurse I needed some fresh air But stole away when the hallways sounded still Into the darkness, directionless and dazed I know not where I am running to Or if I will ever know of my old life again There is only one certainty I may wander the world for the rest of my days But My mind is coming with me