Chapter 13:

Chapter 13:

Ì

A few miles away, in a large castle, a gathering was being held. The place where the meeting was held was was once of the grand halls of the magnificent castle. It had marble tiles and the walls were white, craved with such delicate designs. There was a small dais, in a higher level than the rest on the floor. The dais held a large throne -a comfortable one that was carved with designs and jewels- upon which, sat a figure. A small army of elite vampires stood before the throne and the silence was broken.

“Have you prepared it?” asked the figure, sitting in his throne. His ebony black hair fell over his cold hazel eyes. His red lips were pursed in a small frown. He was young, but he had a mind of an old king. He was the most feared amongst all the past rulers and he knew it. He himself was proud of his own ability to make those elite vampires before him cower in fear and they called him those titles of a king when he himself was only a prince.

Hundreds of his servants were in the large massive halls but he was directing his question to only one. A large and old vampire kneeled before him and nodded.
“Yes, your majesty,” the old vampire said. “We shall initiate our plan soon.”
“Good, General,” the young royal said. “Shall there be any slip-up, I will be sure to have your head to remind those who are as foolish as you to not have any mistakes done.”
“Prince Caden Skyright!” cried the vampire “Please, my family needs me!”
“Then it is your duty to make sure the plan goes on smoothly,” Prince Caden hissed, baring his fangs “am I not right?”
The general bowed his head again and though his teeth, he replied “Yes, Sire”

“All of you!” he said aloud, his voice echoing upon the hollow hall. “I want that vampire brought to me alive and this time, I want no mistakes or you will end up like him.”
There was a murmur of yes and Prince Caden watched as they left in silence. His mouth turned upward in a frosty smile as he observed them and felt their fright disappear with them.

“Soon, Eliza” he said to nobody “You shall be mine”

Ì

Ë

I was finishing in packing my things as I felt familiar firm hands wrap themselves like snakes, around my waist. I felt William kiss me on the cheeks and I laughed at his surprise visit.
“William!” I laughed “Not here!”
“Come on,” he whispered in my ear, sending a million shivers down my spine and giving me a sensational delight “After we get back, I don’t think we would have free time left like this.”
He found my tickle spot and started to tickle me. I couldn’t help but laugh since he had my hands pinned with his other arm.
“William!” I gasped, my stomach tired from giggling uncontrollably. I tried fighting his fingers and I fell forward on the bed. William fell over me and we laughed again. I knew we acted like newly weds but I couldn’t help it. People do crazy things when they are in love.
He was on top of me and he leaned down for another kiss. We kiss as passionately as we did when we were on the beach. I wrapped my hands around his neck and he pulled apart.
“I just so love you, baby,” he said “you know that?”
He started kissing my cheek and moved down to my neck, his lips leaving a cool mark on the spot. We pulled apart as we heard the whistle sounding outside indicating we had to go. He pulled himself off me with a scowl and helped me up. I grinned as I stood up and we made our way into the coach.

William took my hand in his as we boarded the coach that was to take us back home. He helped me up and we sat together inside. A lot of people hadn’t been surprised by the revelation that our status has been moved to ‘in a relationship’. It had seemed like I was the only one who hasn’t noticed that William had that much interest in me. About being a vampire, I would have to tell him tonight. However, it seems like I had to wait because at that moment Lila and James peeked over our seats.

“Hey,” Lila said “I’m having a small party in my house. I’d loved it if both you came”
William looked at me and I shrugged.
“Yes, we’ll be there” William said. Lila smiled at him and they disappeared.
“Is there something wrong between Lila and you?” he asked with worry, his thumb massaging my hand. I tightened my grip on his hand then loosen it.
“No, there isn’t really,” I said truthfully “I just… feel really uncomfortable around Lila.”
“Do you still want to go?” he asked. I smiled at him and nodded. I stared out for the whole trip thinking. Why did it feel like I shouldn’t be going to this party? I shook away the thought. What could go wrong? It was just a party. It wasn’t like something bad would happen now, would there? I just laughed and enjoyed my trip back with William.

But that was where I was really wrong.

Ë

“Really?” squealed Chrissie “You and William?”

We sat around the table having a family discussion. Shane had a smirk on his face, Nan was smiling happily, Chrissie was excited and Prof, well, he really seemed uncomfortable.
“Why do you tell us this?” Prof asked.
“Come on pops,” Shane said “She’s still your daughter, aren’t you supposed to act like a father?”
Prof gulped awkwardly.
“Well uh,” he said looking at us, who were staring intently at him. I nearly laughed. Even I would be uncomfortable being stared at so much by everyone. “As long as you be careful of your identity I guess it’s fine.”
Shane and I exchanged supportive glances.
“Prof,” I said “I’ll tell him tonight.”
“Oh,” he said looking really surprise “Are you sure about this, Eliza?”
I nodded and he in turn nodded his approval. Shane cleared his throat, making an already surprised professor Terrison look at him with more surprise.
“Well,” Shane said, “I have something to tell you too.”
“Yes, Shane?”
“I’m a werewolf.”
“So, Chrissie,” Prof said turning to Christina, who looked taken aback, “Don’t tell me you are a mermaid. And I’m sure Nancy’s a fairy”
“Oh dear” giggled Nan “Seems like your dad had too much forced into his brain”
“Dad, I’m serious” Shane said. Professor was quiet as Shane explained to his father what had happened to him 2 years ago. Professor in turn told us that he had a headache and that he wanted to rest. We all looked at each other and burst laughing as Professor grumbled about too much information on his way back.

Shane and I tucked Chrissie into bed together and got ready for the party. We walked towards Lila’s house, which was a huge 2-storey house. You could see the party through the large windows, which had laces on them. We heard the sound of laughing and music. We entered the house and were greeted right away by James. I had gone into Lila’s house a lot of times but never when there was a party. I just wanted to enjoy being normal for once and I had already taken my anti-vampirism vial.

I felt hands wrapped around me and I was greeted by a kiss from William who had arrived earlier.
“Can I borrow her?” he asked and Shane nodded. I was surprised William had passed on Shane’s test. I was sure Shane wouldn’t let guys get through him easily. Well, what else do you expect from an overprotective older brother?
William and I sat on the couch, away from all the music and people. I had a feeling William was going to talk to me about something important. I could also use this moment to tell him the truth.

“Don’t you feel weird?” he asked.
“What do you mean?”
William looked around and went softly, “I just had a small feeling that there’s something bad about to happen.”
I felt shivers and nodded. This party didn’t feel natural. I spotted Lila looking at us from afar and she waved with a smile. She almost seemed like the old Lila. Almost.
Her eyes were the only one that she couldn’t change, no matter how hard she tried. There was still this evil and coldness coming from them. The old Lila’s eyes were soft and warm.

“Alright guys, party’s over.” Lila said. The music stopped. Lila held the front door open and started ushering everyone to leave. Everyone looked at her and groaned. They started leaving one by one and all who were left in the house were Shane, Lila, James, William and I. We had been sitting there, frozen in surprise while Lila was ushering the guests out.
“We’ll just leave now, as well.” I said, taking William’s hand and heading for the door. Lila blocked it.

“Hey,” Shane said annoyed, “What’s going on?!”
“I think we should have a little chat,” Lila said
“Why don’t we have it tomorrow?” I asked, faking a yawn “We’re so tired.”
“Oh don’t you play with me Violet,” Lila laughed icily. “Aren’t you the night child amongst all of us?”

I looked at Shane and he looked alarmingly at me. I could sense where this was going. She was going to tell William about me. It had all been a trap to lure us in because had she said that it wasn’t a party, I would have denied her request to talk. We had fallen for a trap.

“What’s going on?” William asked, a little confused.
“Lila,” James said speaking for the first time seriously “Don’t do this.”
“Oh James dear,” Lila said he voice starting to change a little “We both know that our little Violet has been a naughty girl. Lying to everyone. I’m only doing the right thing.”

William took my hand and pushed Lila aside to open the door. The door wouldn’t budge and we realized we were locked in from the inside and Lila had the key.
“Lila,” William said “Open this door”
“Oh I will, William” Lila said, walking towards him. “But I think there’s something you ought to know.”
“Lila, please open the door,” I said trying to make her stop. She turned and sneered at me. William wrapped a protective arm around me.
“What’s wrong, Violet?” she mocked “Scared?”
“Look,” William said, “I don’t know what’s going on and I don’t have a damn but open the door!”
“Oh fine then” Lila sighed, taking out the key and inserting it into the lock. There was a click, William put his hand on the doorknob and it turned. However William didn’t open the door just yet. He turned back towards Lila and stared coldly at her.
“I don’t know what happened to you,” he said “But this is a sick joke that you played.”
He turned to open the door but suddenly, Shane slammed himself on the door.

“Don’t open the door,” Shane said, standing to block the door and staring icily at Lila “It was a trap.”
“What?” William reacted, stunned.

James who hadn’t made any sound yet until now, looked outside the window. He looked at us with a serious face.
“We have visitors,” he said. For a minute, nobody dared to talk

Suddenly, there was an explosion that sent the door flying above us. We all gazed through the dust that was blocking us from seeing what it was but I could see very clearly behind William.

Vampires.

There were more than the elite this time and I doubt it that we could obliterate them. There were a lot of them and there were only 4 of us, excluding Lila since she’s the one who started this. Since Lila’s house is big, I’m sure that the small vampire army had no problem fitting inside. They weren’t all dressed that fashionably as many may think. They just wore black tunics and carried assorted weapons of some sort. Their heads were covered with a black cloth so we couldn’t see any of them. William released his grip on my hand.

“Oh don’t try to escape,” Lila warned William who was about to do so “You might get your girlfriend killed.” William stiffly went back into protecting me. I walked past him ignoring the vampire soldiers who were standing there.
“Lila why are you doing this?’ I said through my fright and rage. “I thought we were friends”
“Friends?” she mocked, “Do you know the meaning of friends, Violet? I don’t think you do, at all.”
She looked at the soldiers, pointed her head towards me and said, “You can have her, boys.”
The soldiers moved in towards me and William immediately became my human shield. Shane and James moved in front of William to help defend me but it was useless. I knew deep inside that they couldn’t fine the Vampire army. These monsters were just too strong! Shane and James were preoccupied as the soldiers attacked. They managed to throw the others off; leaving dust but more of them just seemed to come inside.
Soon, more moved in on William until he too was engaged with the other soldiers. Even William himself looked like he was having a hard time fighting. He wasn’t just fighting one, but at least 8 more. I couldn’t turn into a vampire now, not here in front of William. I felt a strong iron grip around my wrist and they yanked me towards the door.

“NO,” I screamed, “Let me go!”
“Violet!” Williams shouted but he was enclosed tightly by the vampire soldiers, making it impossible for him to reach me. Shane and James tried their best to get the soldiers to release them but the army was too strong. My hands were bounded tightly behind my back and I was held by neck, which I considered incredibly rude. Lila stood there as if she was watching a small sitcom on T.V. The traitor.
“Okay,” Lila said, “Let’s go.”
Unbelievably, two black wings appeared behind her back and we stared numbly at them

“You’re a vampire?” I gasped, incredulously.
“Surprised?” she smirked.
“Let her go!” William shouted, trying to break free, which only earned him a small blow from the vampires. I bit my lip, not trying to cry out.
“Oh before we go,” Lila said, grasping a fistful of my hair which hurt, a lot. “I have something to let you know, William.”
“Shut up, Cornelia!” James shouted, his face contorted into revulsion. It was the first time I had heard him say her name so coldly.

Lila ignored him and yanked my hair, making me cry out in pain.
“Stop it!” cried out Shane. I could see the rage in his eyes but he knew that turning into a werewolf at that moment would risk my life. I knew inside, he was feeling helpless.

“This girl here,” Lila said, pointing to me. “Is also a vampire”
“Stop lying,” William said “and let us go!”
“Oh William,” she said with a feigned sigh “I am not lying. I think this girl here is the one who had been deceiving everyone all along.”
“You can’t prove that, can you?” contorted Shane. Lila smirked at him.

“Why don’t we try it then?”

She yanked a strand of my hair and then tied it around my neck. She muttered a few words that I couldn’t understand and I glared at Lila. This person in front of me wasn’t the friend I had anymore. She was demon. Suddenly I felt that familiar pain I felt during my changing. It couldn’t be happening! I cried out in pain as my hair grew long and the changes started to take place. I bowed my head in guilt as the transformation finished. There was a small silence in the room, as I know, William tried to process what had just happened.

“Violet,” he finally managed to choke out “You’re…Eliza?”
“Please,” I cried to him “Let me explain!”
He stared at me, hard and cold as the vampires held him. It shattered my heart into a million pieces and then those pieces were crushed again and again.
“You’re one of them,” he said coldly “You deceived me.”
“William-” I said but he cut me off.
“You lied to me!” He said looking away. I bowed my head in disgrace as the vampires stared to drag me.
“Aw,” Lila mocked “So sad...Poor wittle Eliza! Take her to his majesty!” The soldiers nodded and hauled me over their shoulders and started to walk away.

“Eliza!” Shane cried out, now free to call my real name. I just kept my head bowed down, unable to feel anything anymore. I couldn’t feel my heart there I felt like my mortality had just died. The last thing I remembered before my consciousness disappearing was how William had looked at me.

”She loved you!” -Shane

Chaptet 12:

Chapter 12:

I shook my head to see if I was dreaming or not.
“NO,” I said. “It can’t be”
“Of course it can’t be!” said someone behind us. It was Lila herself in flesh. James gapped at her in surprise.
“Where were you?” he asked, striding towards her.
Lila smiled silently at him. I took a few minutes to stare at Lila. There was something that had changed about her and I couldn’t put my finger on it. I was as if she somehow she isn’t the kind, perky Lila that I knew.
“How can I, Cornelia Redwood, disappear and miss such a touching moment like this!” she said, but I caught a hint of sarcasm in her voice. She had definitely changed and I wasn’t the only one who noticed.
“Lila,” James said with worry “Are you alright?”
“Never better!” she said, smiling flirtatiously at James. “Well, I have to take my beauty sleep.”
She strutted off in a gliding manner like that of a supermodel. James and I stared after her in silence. Lila seemed to walk fast far from us in silence as well then she stopped.
“Don’t worry,” she called out over her shoulder without looking at me, “I wont mention anything to William, Eliza”

Then she was gone.

“James,” I said, “When did Lila disappear?”
He looked at me and then thought about it. For a moment or two, his face fell into deep thought.
“It was,” he said after a while “after we all separated. Why?”
“I don’t know,” I said “But that’s definitely not the Lila I knew.”
He nodded in agreement with me.

“So,” he said, walking with me to my room. “Your name is Eliza?”
“Elizabeth, actually” I responded “My real name before I got adopted.”
“So Shane isn’t your…” he trailed off and I nodded.
”Don’t worry,” he told me as we entered the lift. “I have no grudge against vampires or anything so I won’t tell anybody.”
“Thank you James,” I said. He opened his mouth but then closed it again, looking funnily like a fish as the elevator door opened. Instead, he just smiled and waved as I walked out to my floor.

I wondered what he was going to say?

As I walked inside the room, the air-con was blasted on making me feel cold. Lila was lying on her bed and she was fast asleep. I stared at her for a few minutes and then I myself got ready.

I lay there on the darkness, finding it hard to sleep. I twisted and turned and I just couldn’t find any way to sleep. I went out to the balcony and leaned on the railing, with a sigh. The sky was lit with stars and it was really quiet. Then I had an idea.

I made a firm stand on the balcony railing and looked up. Shane had his room above Lila and mine’s so it would be really easy to climb up. The hotel wall was rough and it had these small stones as design to it. I developed my nails and carefully held onto the rocks. I took slow and firm grabs and lifted myself up until I reached Shane’s balcony. I tried not to look down as I hoisted myself and jumped into his balcony. The curtains for the balcony were let down so I tapped on the glass.

After a few minutes, a half-naked, sleepy Shane opened curtains. I smiled at him and his mouth dropped open. He froze there for a few minutes, rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. I patiently waited for him to realize that he was indeed awake. He opened the balcony door, so suddenly that it made me jump.

“Eliza,” he said trying not to raise his voice. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you.” I told him. He pushed me inside. I looked around his room and saw that he wasn’t sharing it with anyone. He put on a shirt and made some hot cocoa as I sat down. Then he sat across me and we both sat there on his bed drinking hot cocoa.
“What did you want to talk about?” he asked. It was clear on his face that he assumed I was about to talk to him because of the werewolf thing. However, that subject will be the last.

“James and Lila knows,” I said. His light eyebrow rose as he took a sip. “They were okay with it.”
“How?” he questioned me.
“James found out after the fight and he knows that…you’re a werewolf.” I said. He stared at his bedcovers in silence.
“That’s alright with me,” he said “how did they take it when they found out about you?”
“James was okay,” I said with a laugh “He was just annoyed I didn’t tell him earlier. But Lila…”
“What about Lila?” He asked.
I blew my hot cocoa and sipped it. Then I told him what happened earlier.

Shane leaned forward and ruffled my hair.
“Look,” he said “If she doesn’t accept you, then don’t make such a big deal about it. She did say herself that she wouldn’t tell right? What’s there to worry about?”
“I hope you’re right,” I said trying to fix my hair. “I don’t want to move anymore.”

“I wont let it happen,” Shane said “Besides I’m not going anywhere anymore.”
I gave him a big smile and had another mouthful of my drink. I figured I had to tell him about William. I mean, I had to know what to do and maybe Shane would give me advices or tell me not to tell William I like him.

“William told me he like me,” I whispered more to myself than Shane. Shane looked at me in astonishment.
“Was that why you were crying?”
I nodded and told him the whole event. Shane looked at me then started to laugh aloud.
“So you’re letting a thing like being a vampire stop you from loving?” he said, through fits of laughter. “Be real, Eliza!”
“What do you mean?” I asked, with surprise and puzzle.

“You know Eliza,” Shane said “Sometimes, there’s only one person who’s for you in this world. Now, how will you know if you keep pushing them all away with a reason like, being a vampire? If they really love you, Eliza, they will love you for who you are”

I thought about for a while and then it hit me. Maybe I should trust my heart for once. Suddenly, I realized that my situation was simple enough. I felt really stupid at that moment because I had known what I felt all along, I was just living in denial.

“I’ll tell him,” I said uncertain of the words that were coming out of my mouth. “I’ll tell him what I feel…”
“That’s the spirit!” he said.
“Thanks Shane,” I said putting my mug down and giving him a hug. “Don’t worry, I wont tell Prof about you being a werewolf.”
He looked at me in surprise and laughed. I stood up and stretched, Drowsiness going over me. I walked over to the balcony again and stood up on the rails.

“Wait, Eliza!” Shane said, a shocked looked on his face but I had already jumped. In mid-air, I pushed myself forward and I managed to land safe in my balcony. Shane peeked over his balcony at me and I waved. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head and disappeared. I made my way into the room again and there, I fell asleep.


Ë

I woke up extra early the next morning to talk to William. I found him in the beach sitting on the sand, where we had been sitting the night before. He was wearing another pair of surfer shorts and a shirt, staring at the sea. I walked casually and silently behind him, he didn’t notice me. Perhaps I was too silent or maybe because he was deep in thought.
I sat beside him and he shot a startled glance in my direction but when he saw it was only me, he smiled. I smiled back and stared out into the sea for a few minutes thinking of what to say. The sea lapped softly on the sand and the sun was about to rise, making the sky was light, light blue. I shivered a little and William wrapped his jacket around me.
“Thanks,” I said feeling my stomach suddenly churning hard.

This was my first and I admit I was really inexperience. Hey, even vampires get nervous.

“It really is a peculiar thing isn’t it?” I mused. “Love”
William looked at me with his blue eyes and I continued on talking.
“I’m sorry,” I told him “For last night.”
“Oh, that” William said looking back towards the front, staring at the sea again and this time it was my turn to look at him. “It’s really no problem. I guess you couldn’t just deny me in a hurtful way.”
“No, I just…. It’s a really long story and I promise I’ll tell you soon but,” I said. “I never said anything about denying you.”
“I just want an answer,” he stated out. I buried my head on my knees for a moment, taking my time to think. I felt my blood rushing to my face and I couldn’t say anything else. There wasn’t anymore to think about. I already had my answer.

“I like you, too”

“What?” William said, “What did you say?”
I raised my head to look at him. “I like you,” I told him. William was speechless for a while and there was this unreadable light in his eyes. After a few moments, William suddenly stood up and bowed to me.

“I didn’t managed to ask you this last night,” he said his hands outstretched. “May I have this dance?”
“You want us to dance here, with no music?” I asked, trying not to laugh skeptically. He nodded solemnly and I took my hand into his. He helped me stand up and I just made up a melody in my head. William took the first steps, leading the dance and I followed. He pulled me close to him and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

It was a little awkward at first but I pretended there was a melody in my head that we danced to and it wasn’t so bad. We danced there for some time, laughing as we stepped on each other’s feet until I saw over his shoulders that the sun was about to rise. I felt it would be nice to watch and I tried to pull from our dance but he pulled me back tightly as if he couldn’t bear to lose me. He hugged me there tightly as I gazed at him in surprise.

He cupped his hands on my face, leaving his warmth upon my cheeks. Instinctively, I tilted my face and he moved closer, his breath near mine. He breath smells like mint and I would never be tired of having that breath so close. I felt his soft full lips upon mine and on impulse I kissed him back. It didn’t matter to us if there was anyone because the world itself had disappeared. After what seemed like minutes, we pulled apart gasping for air. His eyes were filled with such lust, such desire.

He pulled me towards him again, holding me close, burying his face upon my shoulders.
“Let’s stay like this,” he whispered in my ear “for a while.”
Relaxing comfortably, I returned his hug and rested my head on his shoulder as he was doing on mine. We stood there on the beach, in the sunrise with our arms around each other.


“Isn’t this funny sire?” – Butler

Chapter 11:

Chapter 11:

The three figures loomed over us, as we stood there, in the midst of the ashes that used to be rookie vampires.
“Felicia, darling” one of them said, as they landed on the ground, their scarlet wings flapping lightly behind them creating a gush of wind and blowing the ashes in Eliza’s direction. “Seems like we found our lost kitten”
The one who had spoken had thick curly hair falling behind her like waves of pasta. She stared at me with such intense rounded khaki-coloured eyes. Her small lips turned upwards and formed a smirk.

I felt myself flinch, ready on the spot as I stared back, trying not to be intimidated by such a vampire’s presence. I had never been intimidated an I wont ever be fearing such a monstrosity. William and Shane stood silently behind me, on the guard as well.
“Now, Now, Ensile.” The one called Felicia said. She flicked her lengthy raven coloured hair, which had red highlights -I admit, Felicia would take anyone’s breath away with such beauty- “We don’t want to scare her now do we?’
“Well can’t help it,” Ensile replied. “We love to torture, don’t we?”

Felicia turned her charcoal coloured eyes to me and stared silently, as if trying to penetrate my mind.
“Come on Felicia,” the third one said. She looked younger than the first two. She walked closer, her short white hair bounced with her steps as she walked and her sky blue eyes never leaving me. “It’s true, isn’t it? The rumor is certainly proved true.”

Her eyes wandered from me to behind me where I didn’t if it was William or Shane who was standing behind me.
“We could certainly use new talents too,” she said looking around at the ashes “To repay for the loss that you have caused.’
“A vampire slayer and a mere human.” Felicia said “What a nice idea, Tania.”
“Who said,” I sneered, “That we’d even join you?”
Their eyebrows twitched, indicating annoyance they didn’t want to show. They looked at each other, their nails growing.

“Yeah, the rumors were true” Ensile said. “You really are a brat. Enough chit chat, we’ll just finish you off.”
They ran towards us but it wouldn’t be just that easy. I’m talking elite vampires, who look like they glide when they walk and teleport when they run.
William took on Ensile while Shane took on Tania. I got Felicia. Felicia took out twin daggers from her sleeves as she stood there looking at me like, just as she was, an assassin.
She ran towards me and I manage to dodge her hit just a bit. I held up my rapier to block her daggers. There were loud metal clangs as our weapons met each and every time. I moved backwards, taking my turn to run at her. I tried to watch Shane and William, too but I couldn’t let my guard down.

There was a shout and my attention was drawn to William, who had ripped Tania’s wing off. He stood there, holding her broken scarlet wing and Tania stared in horror. She tried to run but William was too fast. He had gotten the dagger through her heart before she could disappear. I then understood that their weakness were their wings. Their wings had added points to their agility that’s why they could fight so well. However, no wings, no power.

There was an ear-piercing scream, as she slowly turned into sand. As William turned to look at Felicia, our eyes met for a second and I got that aching craving feeling for him but there wasn’t anything I could have done so I just gave him a nod.

It was a big mistake to let my guard down though because I felt myself being pulled from behind. I found Felicia’s daggers on my neck and her fast breath was audible.
“Don’t move,” she said holding the dagger so hard and close that it was nearly slicing my neck. William stood frozen in place, as if afraid that even breathing would make Felicia kill me.

“Drop the weapon,” she whispered fiercely in my ear. I dropped the rapier and she picked it up.
“Now,” she continued. “We let our guard down. I’ll I wish that I could kill you tonight. Too bad, I have to bring you alive to Prince Skyright. If not, I would’ve just slit your nice throat here and now.”
I looked calmly at Shane who was obviously looked disturbed. His eyes wouldn’t meet mine and he looked like he was lost in thought. I just stood there trying to find a way to figure how to escape.
“Let’s just get the girl,” Ensile said, her wings unfolding. I felt Felicia’s wings unfold, too and I felt my feet leave the ground. I was starting to panic a little, knowing that I had to think, fast!
“Eliza,” William choked out but there was nothing he could do that would cause Felicia to not harm me.
“Just go,” I told him “I’m fine”
Felicia’s arm tighter around me and we flew higher and higher. Suddenly, I felt us drop slightly. Felicia uttered a surprise cry.
I was dropped from Felicia’s hold and I fell to the ground. William ran to me and helped me up.
“Thanks I said,” I said. “You saved my life again I guess.”
“No,” he replied, “That wasn’t me.”
I stared in surprise and we both looked up. I found Shane on Felicia. He looked like he was strangling her but Felicia was fighting back. Ensile had already flown away and was out sight, leaving Felicia alone to fight for herself. Felicia couldn’t hold both Shane and her weight that she sank slowly to the ground.

She fell over, staring at Shane with such fright. Shane towered over her and suddenly I felt scared of him too. Shane looked at me, his iris growing smaller. Suddenly, they changed into light green. I uttered a silent gasp as he turned back to Felicia.
“There isn’t much choice, I’m afraid,” Shane said, his voice growing raspy. His long hair grew a bit longer and his arm became more masculine. His nails grew thick and long, I stood there, staring unbelievably as the brother I had been reunited once again changed in front of me. I couldn’t say anything; neither could William who was standing beside me.

“I always suspected,” William said “but I was wrong about him at this part”
Shane grabbed Felicia by the neck, lifting her up so easily. I had, too, gotten a feeling Shane was hiding something. I couldn’t believe that Shane had turn into a creature that wasn’t even a vampire.
He stopped and looked at us, his eyes staring into mine. He was apologizing but he couldn’t just say it.
“I don’t want you to see anything so please,” he said “Close your eyes.”
“No,” I said. I deepened my stubborn look and Shane knew that there wasn’t anything he could do.

He hesitated.
“Please,” William said, “Just go on. Do it, for Eliza’s avengement”
Shane tightened his grip on Felicia’s neck as he turned to her. Then he lifted his other hand and just reached inside Felicia’s chest. He had just reached inside like her flesh was made of paper. He took out the heart and Felicia looked at him in shock as she finally turned into sand. I stared, my emotions at the moment unexplainable.

Shane just stood there, changing back into himself. His clothes were loose since his other self was really muscular.

“You,” William said. “You’re a werewolf aren’t you?”
Shane stayed silent, the three of us standing there under the moonlight surrounded by ash.

“Yes,” he answered finally after a few minutes.
“That day,” Shane said, “I learnt that my mother was dead. I was enraged because I didn’t even get to talk to her or see her alive. I went and slept out in the forest. I heard some howling in the middle of the night and I thought that they were just wolves. I could take my anger out on them and so I went to hunt them down. It was too late when I realized they were werewolves. I got bitten by mistake and I disappeared for two years because they helped me control my turning into werewolves. I managed to succeed so I returned but I just couldn’t bring myself to tell my father or…Violet.”

“You were a werewolf all along?” I asked, stunned.
He gave an awkward nod. I looked at William, who in turn looked at me.
“What would you tell Violet?” William asked. I flinched again, remembering just what happened. I tried not to let any emotions out as I stood there, so close to him.
“Don’t worry,” I said with a smile “we won’t tell.”
Shane relaxed and smiled back.
“Thank you,” he said.

I looked at the moon and picked my rapier up, walking back to the direction where I had hidden.
“Where are you going?” William called out after me.
“My duty is finished. I have nothing more to do,” I responded.
“I’m really glad,” William shouted out again. “I’m really glad that you weren’t hurt. I couldn’t bear see another companion get hurt.”
I looked back at them and smiled.

Ë

After I was sure that I was out of site I change back into Violet.
“Violet?”

I turned around quickly to look. James was right behind me staring and was pale.
”James,” I said walking towards him. He stepped back.
“I saw the fight,” he said, “I saw every single thing. First I find out that Shane’s a werewolf and now I find out that you are actually Violet. Vi, You are a vampire?”
I looked at him, speechless. How could I have been so stupid to not notice him follow me?
“I’m sorry, James” I said. “Don’t worry, I’ll prepare to move out of town. You wont have me bother you again.”
I prepared to go back to our hotel room.


“No,” James said. I stopped to look at him. He looked, not angry, but rather hurt.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell your best friends anything!” he said, dramatically. I smiled as I felt for the first time that I was welcomed. Of all my time being a vampire, I can finally have a friend who accepts me for who I am. I felt tears start to drop.
“Hey!” he said, suddenly surprised “Why are you crying?”
“I don’t know,” I said, laughing while tears continued to fall. I must’ve looked pretty crazy then. He walked forward to wrap me in a friendly hug. After a while, we separated.

“But we have a problem.”
I looked up at his serious, brown eyes.
“Lila’s missing” he said grimly.

Chapter 10:

Chapter 10:

I looked away, trying to stop anything that would make me. The blood that was trickling down his hands was alluring. The smell of it like a honey fresh from a honeycomb was luring me in like a bee. I tried hard, to stop my vampire side from coming out.

Shane looked at me and covered steered me around.
“Come on, Vi” he said, helping me walk away.
“Violet,” William said “before you go, I want you to tell me the truth”
“Look pal,” Shane said “My sister ain’t got nothing to talk about with you today after you make her worry like this.”
“S-sister?” William asked, taken aback. James and Lila appeared, running towards us. They had sensed that there might be a misunderstanding so they went in and searched for us.
“Violet! Shane!” Lila said, rushing towards me. ‘What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Shane said defensively “I wasn’t the one starting anything.”
“I think I’m missing something here,” William said, all the emotion in his eyes gone and had been replaced by mystification.

“William,” James said “Meet Shane Terrison, Violet’s long lost brother. Hard to believe but it’s true.”

“Is that what you were going to tell?” William said. I shivered under Shane’s arm, telling Shane that I was at my limit. The blood and its smell was getting stronger in every passing minute and it made me feel nauseated.
“Violet feels sick,” Shane said “I’ll take here to the nurse’ office”
he turned back and went, “And William, clean up your hand, you’re making a huge mess”

We left William standing there with Lila and James as I went to the nurse’s office. William hadn’t found out yet, I could see that. I realized that I was growing weaker than I already was. I was at the limit of avoiding ‘the Hunger’ and drinking too much vials to stop it while transforming more often into a vampire now.

“Why can’t I just be normal?” I asked, lying there while I let my nausea go away.
Shane was silent but he had stayed with me until the bell had rung.
“Do you want to stay here?” he asked. I nodded, feeling tired. Shane sat by me while I closed my eyes, my nausea disappearing. After a while, I finally fell asleep.
Ë

‘Finally!’ I said to myself as I dumped my bag in the room I was sharing with Lila, I was at camp! It was true. After that momentarily incident with William, everything was forgotten, the camping trip started. Although I get a feeling that Shane doesn’t like William too much. What could I do? He was only being protective like any other brother. Besides, he wanted to get more time he had, to exchange for the time loss with me.

But sometimes I get the feeling that there’s something that Shane himself was hiding. I decided not to find it out.

We were staying in a small resort for only a few days. It’s supposed to be for literature where ‘paradise’ would inspire us to create good poems and prose. However, my classmates had other plans. The teachers didn’t mind so we all took our time and played under the sun. Yes, a vampire playing under the sun, how ironic.
I never really get what I am. I mean I was a vampire that can turn into a human by free will and is never affected by holy stuff like crucifixes. At the same time the sun is not blowing me up like any other vampires would experience. Professor is also creating a research on this to find out what’s wrong with me.

I spent my time lying under the umbrella watching James and Lila fight Shane and William in a volleyball match. I had never been really athletic, excluding my fighting with vampires, so I just preferred to stay in the shade.
We took long walks in the hills behind our resort. The resorted had a wonderful beach in the front and when it turned to night, you could walk out onto the balcony of your room and stare at the large sky filled with stars. They twinkled so brightly and Lila and I just stared at them like, forever. Behind the resort, there were a lot of hill where you could take hiking trails in the morning, enjoying the animals creating their little noises. The walk was tiring of course but that’s what we did for the past 2 days of our stay. On the third day, the other students were planning to create a small party on the beach so I was stuck with Lila, who was dressing me up like a fashion designer while I, on the other had was like a Barbie.

“Vi!” Lila said, taking out a bohemian skirt with a matching bikini. I would imagine Professor and Shane’s faces as I wear it and I laughed. They would grow as red as tomatoes and lecture me.
“Sorry, Lila,” I said, “No can do. I’d rather not show off any skin”
“Hah,” said Lila in a smug tone, as if she expected my answer and took out a tank top.
“No really,” I insisted, “I can go with a simple tee and Capri.” Lila put the tank top down and looked at me with those reviled puppy eyes of hers. I flinched, trying not to get into her pleas.
She deepened her puppy eyes look and feeling so guilty, I gave in. We went downstairs where the guys were waiting for her. Shane was wearing surfer shorts with a plain tee, the same with James while William wore these beige shorts with tank top, which made him look so gorgeous.

He gave me a huge smile as he saw me and I felt suddenly embarrassed and naked. Shane stared at me for a few minutes and then shook his head. I sighed, knowing I was safe from any lecturing today. We all went ahead headed for the party. I was at the back while Shane talked with James, who has Lila really attached to him. William stepped behind them and walked slowly next to me.
“Hey,” he said casually.
“Hey,” I smiled.
The was a few minutes of calm, uncomfortable silence while we took a few steps and I figured maybe the guy couldn’t think of anymore topic because he might still be guilty for his weird behavior before. I glanced at his bandaged hand and took in some air.

“So,” I said, “How’s your hand recovering?”
“Pretty good,” he laughed nervously, looking at it “Pretty stupid thing to do don’t you think?”
“Well,” I said, “I know hitting the school walls is a very stupid thing to do. Why did you do it?”
We arrived at the party site, Lila and James wandering off somewhere and Shane finding some more people to talk with.
“I’m going to go get something to drink,” William suddenly said, leaving me all alone. I shrugged and walked off, finding a peaceful place to be alone. I did find one, eventually, not far from the site and I sat on the sand, my knees tucked into my chin as I sat watching the dark, murky waters. The moon didn’t do much good to show the really colour of the water but it created a great reflection on the surface,

I started to think about my old family. How was my younger sister Bethany? Was Dad thanking good care of her? I heaved a large low sigh.

“Thinking that deep, huh?”
I would know this voice anywhere. Besides, he always pops out of nowhere. I looked up. William was standing right in front of me, holding to plastic cups of fruit punch. He hand down one to me and I took it gratefully. He took a sit beside me in the sand and we sat there, sipping our drinks.

“I like you,”
I froze, my cup in my hand as I stared at William.
“Excuse me?” I asked
“I didn’t know what it was,” he said, continuing to confuse me but I listened on “that that made me like you. You might have thought you were invisible but to me, you stood out a lot. I didn’t see anyone else but you. I might have tried to hide my feelings but I didn’t know if you noticed to obviousness of it, but others did. When Shane came, I overheard Lila saying he was your boyfriend”

The memory came to me in a flash, he had just left as Lila said that remark, I felt my heart jump. In couldn’t explain the emotion I was feeling as William said those words. I didn’t even know how to react. I just kept silent as he continued.

“I punched the wall in frustration, why I didn’t get you earlier. Why I didn’t listen to my heart.” He paused for a bit, his clear blue eyes meeting mine. They stared deep into me, penetrating my soul. I shivered a little. “Imagine my relief when I found out you were not taken. I knew that this would be the last chance to tell you how I really felt.”

“William,” I said, my voice stuck. My head was empty. I didn’t know what to say and do. I felt his firm hands take in mine and it just felt so safe. I admit that I loved the guy. Only, those are the disadvantages of being a vampire. With a guilty and miserable feeling in my heart, I took my hand away and stood up. He followed my action, standing up as well. I turned to walk away but he took my hold of my wrist.

I felt myself being pulled back. His arms went around me and I felt his soft lips on mine. Our bodies were close together and it just made me want to melt in his arms. I realized I was kissing him back and I pushed myself away from him.

“No!” I said, turning quickly and walking as fast as I could.
“Violet!”
I felt William’s arms wrapped around me from behind, holding me tight. I struggled out of his grasped but somehow, it was like my strength was sucked out, the defense walls around me collapsed and it was all because of one guy.
“Let me go,” I said, more like pleading rather than shouting,
“Why?” he asked, but his mouth was close to my ear that his breathe tickled me. My heart skipped two beats as we stood there, his arms around me.

“I can’t tell you!” I said breaking free. My heart, it ached so badly. It hurt more than that time where I was thrown out by my own family, than those times I had to fight my hunger for blood and those times where I had hated myself for being a vampire. It hurt I couldn’t describe it more. I never felt this way and all I wanted to do is let my emotions out in a safe place.

I ran from him, the sand shifting under my feet. I heard him follow me, refusing to let me go without a reason.
I ran into the party site, dodging everyone. I just ran on and on, out of the site.
“Violet! Violet!” I heard him call. “Please stop! Please!”

I stopped, all out of air. My eyes turned blurry and I felt cool tears fall quickly down my face.

My loathing for vampires and being a vampire increased. It definitely had thrown me into a living hell. Because of what he had just done, all my hidden emotions poured out. Just like that, the feelings I have been hiding all these years were exposed.
I knew I couldn’t just run away, I know, but right now I really did want to.
“Why? I know your feelings!” William said, softly. “Why are you running away?”
“I’m sorry,” I said, trying hard not to try “I’m really sorry…”

”What’s going on?” Shane asked, suddenly appearing behind us. He walked over to me and saw me crying, he turned to William angrily.
“What did you do?” he asked William, walking towards him and grabbing William by the collar. Suddenly, I felt sick and tired of creating problems for everyone. I just wanted to disappear. Maybe then, my real father would be happy.
“Stop it!” I shouted out, despite my wet face. Shane stopped and they both looked at me surprised. I looked up to the sky, trying to speak to anyone who can hear me out there

“I just wanted to be normal! Is that’s too hard to ask for?” I cried out. I ran, just ran on. I would’ve run on and on, crying my heart out but I just couldn’t.

That was after I saw a few vampires soaring ahead. I stopped, surprised. I rubbed my eyes to see that wasn’t dreaming. I definitely wasn’t dreaming. There they were up ahead and I ran into my room to change my clothes. I didn’t want to go but I couldn’t let anyone get harmed. Perhaps I can just take out my emotions by kicking a few vampire asses.
I ran downstairs, running to hide behind a tree and change into Eliza. I then ran to find Shane and William being surrounded by them. The people in the party didn’t notice the fight that was happening outside to fun zone and this maybe a good thing.

“Damn,” Shane said “What are we gonna do?”
“Need a little help?” I asked, walking into view. William looked at me in surprise.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, arms outstretched.
“Just dropping by” I replied.
“Stop chatting,” One of the vampires said. “Kill them!”


They ran towards us and we cleared them off in just a minute. They were so weak that I was surprised. They were just rookies and I’m sure that the vampires won’t send them here just to fight.

“Well, well” said someone behind us. We looked up to see a few ladies up in the air. Yes, up in the air. They were also vampires but they had large scarlet wings. That means only one thing. We were facing the deadly elite vampires.

“We love to torture”
- Ensile

Chapter 9

Chapter 9:

I glared at the figure and I found myself looking at a boy, a year older than me. He had jet-black hair, which was spiked up, his green eye twinkling and he was grinning at me.

“Shane?!” I cried out, surprised.
“Sup,” he said as though he didn’t disappear for 2 years. Shane was Professor’s biological son, which makes me his adopted sister. One of the few who knows I’m a vampire.
I looked back at the area, which I had been in a few moments ago. The vampires had all been scattered into dust and William was lying there.
“Oh god,” I said aloud “William!”
I jumped down from where we were, which was a high branch from a tree and ran towards William.
I checked his pulse, he was alive and breathing but he looked like he collapsed.
“Eliza,” Shane said, suddenly putting me in a headlock “don’t worry, it’s only a grenade I created made of garlic and attached with shards of glasses to precisely hit them in the heart.”
I gapped up at him as he continued.
“I had to carry you out cause you might also be killed, I don’t want my sister gone. Oh, for this guy, he just collapsed due to too much garlic power. So he’s okay.”

Shane stood there grinning at me. After a while, losing shock, I jumped up and gave him a hug.
“Shane!” I exclaimed, “Where’ve you been?”
He treated me like his own sister ever since we met so I was really glad to see him back. He suddenly disappeared two years ago after he learnt of his mother’s death.
Professor used to have a wife but they separated, leaving Shane with him. After Shane found out his mother died, he ran away. We never saw him since, until now.

“Well, I was training in the woods,” he said beaming. I would be hesitant to believe him but there had been a lot of changes in him. He had grown, gotten himself muscles and he was a lot different than the old Shane, except for his attitude.
“Does professor know you’re here?” I questioned.
“Eh,” he paused for a bit “I was thinking of surprising him. I felt like I needed to return. However, I overheard him hysterically crying to Nan that you were missing.”

“But how did you find me?” I asked. “This area was a really hard find.”
“A hunch I guess,” he said. He looked up at William and narrowed his eyes.
“He is?”
“Oh,” I said suddenly remembering “He’s William from the SSS clan. He’s just moved into town.”
“Ah,” he said. Shane picked William up just like a light pillow and tossed him over his shoulders.
“We should be getting back,” He said “we don’t want Dad crying now, do we?”
We laughed together. After dropping off William to a very much-relieved Robbie, We headed straight home.

The house was still bright when we returned and I heard Shane take deep breaths. I opened the door and went in, with Shane following. From the kitchen, I could hear the coffee mugs being slammed down and a pale professor came out to greet me.
“Eliza-” he stopped short when he saw Shane.
“Shane?” he asked, as if unsure if it was really his son. Professor walked slowly towards us.

Shane grinned and went, “sup’ Dad”
Professor went and hugged his son, happy and then pulling me in the hug. I finally realized at that moment that even though I lost my real family, I still had my own family that waited for me.

“Oh Shane!” Nan exclaimed walking out the kitchen followed by Chrissie. Shane went and hugged Nan, who was also his nanny. Then looked down on Chrissie. Chrissie looked up shyly at him, unsure about the new visitor.
“Wow,” Shane said, “I have another sister? Dad, you have always been busy huh?”

He gave Chrissie a pat in the head and started to ask Chrissie about herself. We all went into the kitchen for a hot drink to cool us down. I took a shower and changed my clothes. After a while, I went down and we all gathered around the table, with hot cocoa. That’s when we explained to Prof of what happened and how we met.

“How did you survive in your training?” Professor asked, incredulously
“Had myself some friends in those woods,” Shane answered nonchalantly, taking a big gulp of his hot chocolate, which made me cringe. He winked at me when he saw me cringe
“Are you going back soon?” Professor asked.
“Ah!” Shane said, as if suddenly remembering something “I plan to go back to school and study. Don’t worry dad, I can make up for the exams. I’ve been studying too!’

Ë

Shane slept in his old room, which was left untouched. I felt really glad when I woke up to find that Shane returning wasn’t just a dream.
Professor went with us to school to apply for a quick transferral process for Shane. I know it might’ve been weird but professor was a good friend of the Principal’s so all Shane had to do was take the exam for my grade and he’s in.

I was glad to see that William was in his usual state and was okay. I sat impatiently during my first two classes, staring at the clock as the bell was nearly going to ring for the break. James shot me weird glances throughout the whole lesson and I just keep shooting back sheepish smiles. When the bell finally rang, I ran out the class, nearly running into William.

“Violet!” he called out and I stopped.
“Oh, Hi William!” I said.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry” he questioned with amusement
“To meet someone!” I said, throwing another glance at my watch. “Well, see you in Literature!”
He stood there, surprised as I ran towards the principal’s office. I opened the door to find the principal welcoming Shane in succeeding the transferral. Finally, it would be a more happier high school life. Shane had promised before that he would go into high school together with me, but he ran away. I wouldn’t be surprised either that he passed the entrance exams. Being the professor’s son, he was really very smart!

Professor left us there, with good news. He had let me go to the camp, if Shane was going. Shane agreed so it meant that I would be able to go as well!

Shane was in all my classes, to fulfill his promise of being together in high school. I walked with him towards history class and talked about the school. I felt like a really normal girl, talking to her best friend. Not a loner who’s hiding a secret vampire identity.
“Oh, which reminds me!” I said suddenly “You have to call me Violet here.”
“I hate that name,” Shane said wrinkling his nose in disgust.
“Well,” I said with a shrug “Professor gave it to me.”
“Trust professor to give great names. I’m lucky mom gave me mine” he said, with a grateful sigh.
“Are you okay with that,” I said “I mean, you looked so…depressed when you ran away.”
He gave me a smile to say he was okay but I wasn’t convinced.
“Okay,” he said putting an arm around me “I’m still sad but I have to move on, right?”
I nodded and we stopped in front of the class. You could immediately see all their eyes focus on me and then suddenly Shane.
“Miss Terrison,” the teacher said thinking that Shane was my boyfriend and he gave us disapproving looks. I gave him the principal’s letter, which he read in silence and he nodded. The teacher then returned to teaching. Shane sat next to me and I gave him my notes on what we have learnt so far.

After Literature, we continued on to the other lessons and Shane was able to adapt quickly to all. I was even grateful since I now have my own tutor at home. At lunch, James and Lila joined us.

“Hey!” Lila said sitting in next to Shane, the obvious move, while James sat exhaustedly next to me.
“Being her boyfriend is so tiring!” James said “No wonder guys never gotten to stay with her long enough”

Lila pinched James, which cause James to exclaim in pain.
“Oh, is he your boyfriend?” Shane asked. Lila shook her head vigorously
“Oh no, he isn’t!” she said, defensive on her side and ready to prove that she was single to another new target.
“Pity,” Shane said, “you guys look good together.”
They both seem to grow silent and blush at the same time while I grinned to myself.
“So,” Lila said “New here huh?”
“Yep,” Shane answered.
“You guys were really close going to Literature,” Lila assumed. “Let us in the secret! Vi, we thought we were your friends!”
Our eyes met and suddenly, Shane and I laughed aloud. They had thought we were a couple!
“Of course I love her!” he said. Lila’s eyes grew wide, so did James.
“We didn’t know Violet had a boyfriend!” Lila said.

William appeared and lay his lunch on the table but he was avoiding my eyes.
“William!” Lila said, leaving space for him to sit.
“I’ll be right back,” William said in a small voice, rushing away. He had been avoiding my eyes. Did he see Shane with me that night? He must’ve been awake! I felt my heart summersault in my chest.
“I do love her,” Shane said taking out his I.D and showing it to my friends “That’s cause she’s my sister!”
“Oh,” they both said. I was silent, thinking how he found out. I couldn’t be wrong; he was awake the whole time. That has to be the reason.

I pulled Shane away for a few moments and told him what I thought. He looked around to search for William and shook his head, in amusement,
“Shane, this is serious!” I told him. “We might need to move again!”
“You think so huh?” he said, his green eyes staring into mine as if telling me something. It was like reading hieroglyphics and I couldn’t understand anything!
“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him.” He told me. “I’ll tell him about it.”

“Talk to who about what?”

I shuddered and turned around. There stood William behind us, accusation in his eyes as he stared at me, his knuckles were bleeding and it had triggered something it me. I wanted to drink all that blood. Suddenly, I knew I was in trouble.

Chapter 8:

Chapter 8:

“William! William!”

15-year old William frowned from his computer game.
“What?” he hollered impatiently, pausing the game he was playing. He was just about to win, save for the fact that his mom had called him at the wrong moment. He dropped the controller on the floor and strode downstairs.
“Didn’t I tell you to watch Robert?” his mom said calmly. William frowned at his younger brother, who was looking innocently at him, with a scraped elbow, scratched knees and dirtied clothes. He growled annoyed. Couldn’t he just have a moment alone without babysitting his brother? His brother was already 11! He could’ve taken care of himself!
“I just told him to go play with his friends!” William complained.
“Fix your brother, William,” his mom said, “You are the elder after all”

William growled again and dragged Robert to the kitchen and applied first aid on Robbie’s wounds.
“Robbie, who did this?” he asked.
Robbie shifted uneasily, staring out the window. He wouldn’t answer.
“Who did this?” William repeated again.
”Andy and his crew,” Robbie said finally. William grunted, applying alcohol and disinfectant on his brother’s wound then putting on a band-aid.
“Look kid,” he told his young brother “You don’t have to fight back. Just let older people handle the problems.”
Robbie stared in confusion but William just walked out the kitchen in deep silence.

†

“I just don’t know what to do with you!” William’s mom said in fatigue.
William stood before her, held by the collar by his uncle. His hair was messed up and he had his clothes nearly ripped as if by wild animals, his lip split open and purple bruises all over his body.

“Linda,” said his uncle “You have to discipline this kid! We can’t have a slayer in our family who has no control over himself.”

William’s mom took her son from her brother.
“That’s enough Garret,” she said in a calm yet stern voice “I’ll take care of him.” William’s uncle sighed in exasperation and left.

“William” his mother said.

William sat down and gazed in silence at his mom. Her saddle brown hair, fell in calm waves below her shoulder. Her light blue eyes, which he had gotten from his mother, look intently at him as if trying to see what he was thinking. William’s pride left him.

“They hurt Robbie,” he spat out “they picked on him cause they knew that he was vulnerable! I made them pay for it”
His mother pulled him towards her and ruffled his dirty blond hair, which he had acquired from his father.
“Will,” she said, “You shouldn’t take revenge or vengeance. What would it give you? Pleasure from their pain? You would just turn into them yourself.”

William kept silent for a while.

“Listen Will, honey,” said his mom “Will you keep me a promise?”
William looked up.
“No matter what happens,” she said to him “take care of your brother, okay?”
“I promise,” he said. “But mom, why-”
His question was cut short as they heard the door opening and closing. Heavy footsteps echoed in the hallway and William’s mother smiled. William’s father had arrived.

“Hello, my beautiful wife,” said his father, his dirty blond hair messy and brown eye twinkling “and my brave son.”
“Oh Wallace,” his mother said with a sigh “Those words are growing old.”
“Ah,” his father said, approaching them both and giving his wife a kiss on the forehead “you never get tired of them, do you?”

His mother smiled. His father looked at his son with amusement.
“Why William,” he said “I didn’t know you were taming tigers already!”
William laughed.
“Honey,” his mother told his father sternly, “You know better than to spoil our children!’
“But it’s not my fault,” William protested. “They attacked Robbie from behind!”
“He’s got your nerves Linda,” chuckled his father. Linda scowled at her husband who laughed continuously. She decided to change the subject instead.
“So,” she said, “how did the hunting go?”
“We swept out a whole clan!” his father exclaimed. “It was a great success!”
“Whoa, cool!” cried out William, “I wanna wipe out those monsters too! When can I join you?”
“Soon,” winked his father.

†

“Cheers!”

William sat by his brother, looking at his father proudly. They had a small celebratory dinner and their parents were giving a toast of apple cider. It made William want to become a slayer right away. He gazed at the tattoo, a cross-shaped stake on his father’s right arm. His mother had one on her thigh but she retired becoming a slayer after William was born.

Their family were made from generations of vampire slayers and they were the strongest slayers in their clan. William would have his tattoo below his right shoulder if he ever got one. Robbie, who was sitting beside him, didn’t give much of a concern about becoming a slayer.

During their celebratory dinner, there were poundings on the door and William’s father went to get the door with wonder. There were fast whispers coming from the doorway as his father talked to his nerve-wrecked uncle. William stood up and peeked to see what was happening. Passing the door, he accidentally knocked over their family picture frame. William’s mother gasped. She went to pick it up and William thought he would be in trouble. Only his mother stared where she was, staring at the picture and looking very pale. There were large cracks on the frame, running over his parent’s faces but not on his’ and Robbie’s.

“Mom,” Robbie asked, also leaving his seat from the dining table to see what the commotion was all about “what’s happening?”
“Linda! Hide the kids!” William’s father said, his face alarmed.
“What’s happening?” Linda asked, fazed
William’s father cleared his throat. “There were a couple of vampires who escaped. They brought more to hunt me down. Garret went to get more allies but we have to go hide.”

There was a sudden chill the passed in the air. The lights blinked and then turned dim. William’s mother dragged him and his brother towards their room. She opened the wardrobe and bent in, pounding through the wall. The wall revealed a mini door leading to a secret room.
“Come on boys,” their mother said, trying to stay calm “In you go. Promise me you wont make any noise and come out okay?”
“But mom, what about dad?!” William protested.
“Mom, I’m scared!” Robbie said. Their mother bent in and kissed them both on their foreheads, her eyes filled with sadness. William’s heart squeezed in his chest and he grabbed his mother’s arm.
“Mom, no!” he cried out. Their mother just silently pushed them in and locked the door.
Robbie started to cry but William wouldn’t give in. There was a bang followed by his father’s shout. Robbie and William shook in horror inside the secret room as they heard hissings. There were poundings on the wall, indicating the arrows that his father shot towards the vampires had missed. There was a shout and the only noises that were left to be heard were the hissings from the vampires. Their father’s struggled has stop and there was a pit of dread in William’s stomach. William found himself crying, too.
“No!” he thought to himself “Father did not lose!”

He took a pin from inside his short pockets and picked the lock on the door. There was a satisfying click. He climbed out, being met by his parent’s clothes. Robbie followed him uncertainly and they watched through keyhole of the wardrobe. Their mother was shaking as she held on an axe. There were banging of doors to be heard as the vampires stormed through each and every room, determined for their revenge. Finally, the door to their room opened with a bang and the vampire went in the room.

“Leave,” their mother commanded “creatures from hell!”
There were more hissings, as the cloaked figures of the vampires surrounded their mother. Their mother swung the axe around, trying to hit the figures.
“Leave us be!” their mother screamed. The axe landed on one of the figures but it got trapped in. She tried to pull it back out but it was really stuck. They attacked her from the back, scratching her and then they moved forward. She screamed and there was a crack. Their mother’s scream stopped suddenly.

Shivers went through William’s spine as he heard the thud of his mother’s body hitting the floor. The vampires all dived at her, trying to get themselves a share of her blood.
Robbie, in seeing the whole scenario, screamed in terror. William pulled Robbie towards him but it was no use. The vampires all froze and looked at each other. All this time, they had not spoken anything and one finally spoke. His voice sent the room freezing as it sounded like blocks of ice being crushed together. There was no mercy in his voice either as he commanded his acquaintances.

“Get them.” He said. The vampires all stood up, one by one leaving their food for later. Their mother was visible now, lying on the carpet, in a weird angle and all sucked of blood. She was looking towards the closet in dread, her last memory before her death.
William pulled Robbie into the back of the closet, covering his younger brother, fulfilling his last promise to their mother.
The closet door burst open and the vampires stared, their gleaming red fangs showing.
In William’s eyes, these figures had turned into demons that had come out of hell, into heaven and were terrorizing the angels.
Robbie had returned to screaming again and William with all his might kicked the arm that was going towards him.
The vampire hissed and raised its hands. William turned to hug Robbie and he felt the nails scratched his right shoulder. William tried not to scream in pain and the nails had rip of his clothes and skin, which felt like boiling water being thrown over his whole body.
There were a few bangs and William turned over to see that the rest of the slayers had arrived, just in time for them and at the same time, too late for their parents.
Their uncle pulled them out as the dozen slayers with him cornered and fought with the vampires. Their uncle choked out a sob when he saw his sister as he carried Robbie and led William, who was bleeding on his left shoulder. William looked back at his mother’s body. He grabbed the axe on the floor and ran towards the leader in rage.

“William no!” shouted the elder

But he had already reached the leader and he had swung the axe, chopping the vampire’s head off clean. The other vampires hissed loudly at him but they were also terminated along with their leader. With a heavy heart, William collapsed in exhaustion and lost of blood.

†

I stared at William in silence as he looked over the trees, his face bitter. The area felt colder than it already was. The rain had stopped, leaving me and William wet all over. His story had shocked me and I had felt like we both knew what it was like to lose someone you love because of the vampires. Their mother gave their life for him and Rob.

That might’ve been why I had seen a scar on his shoulder that day at James swimming gala.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“Don’t be,” he told me, “That was why I wanted you to be with the SSS. I knew that you hated vampires and that vampires are the cause of your pains.”
“Sly,” I said “But I’m still not joining.”

He bursted out laughing.

“Hello, kiddies.”

I shivered, as I realized we had been caught. I turned around, baring my fangs but William and I were pushed down. I grabbed William towards me and we fell on the ground, William safe on top of me. I swear, that’s the last time I’ll be helping the guy.
“Eliza!” he said, “you okay?”
“No problem,” I wheezed, “Just get off me”
He scrambled off and helped me stand up. The vampires encircled us and I tried to look for an escape route. None was visible. It had seemed like there wasn’t any hope at all.

Suddenly I was grabbed from behind and William gasped up at me.
“Eliza!” he shouted out. I wriggled under my captive but he held me still. Then he threw a bomb towards the vampires and it exploded along with William in the circle.
“William!” I shouted out.
There was no reply.

“No wonder guys never gotten to stay with her long enough”
-James Yin

Chapter 7:

“This will be your bedroom,” I told Chrissie, pointing around an empty room with wooden floorboards and light pink walls. The room had nothing more than a bed in the corner, an empty shelf and a wardrobe. There wasn’t really any time for preparation because I hadn’t informed Professor about Chrissie’s stay. Chrissie stood beside me, putting her bag down the floor with a thud and giving me a wide beam.

“Wow, this room is big!” she exclaimed giving a twirl.
“It used to be Elizabeth’s room when she was young,” said Nan suddenly, appearing inside the room. It had felt like a while since I had seen her. I gave her a smile.
“Oh so your name is actually Elizabeth!” said Chrissie in surprise.

I gave a sheepish smile.

“My name is Nancy,” Nan said “You can call me Nan.”
“Are you Eliza’s mother?” asked Chrissie, looking from me to her. I gave a little flinch.
“Oh no, sweetheart,” Nan said sadly, hesitantly looking at me while I was fixing Chrissie’s stuff “Elizabeth doesn’t have any parents. Professor Terrison adopted her. I will be your nanny, like I was to my darling Elizabeth!”
“I’m sorry,” Chrissie said as I looked at her.
Walking over to her, I wrapped my arm around her with a comforting hug.
“Don’t worry,” I told her “Prof is my father now and you are my little sister. Shall we eat dinner?”
With a glow, she nodded.

Ë

Dinner was unusually bright and colourful that night; the room had been filled with mirth as if we were really one big, normal and happy family. Chrissie had looked like she had finally become able to settle down. Nan’s beef stroganoff’s whiff had filled the whole room and it was really as delicious as it looked.
After dinner, while Nan tucked Chrissie up in bed, I had pulled Professor for a small chat.

“Professor, I-I have something to ask,” I said, holding the permission slip behind my back.
“What is it Elizabeth?” he asked, looking a little chary at me, thinking I was in trouble at school again.
I took in a deep breath as I handed him the permission slip. He took it from me and read it in momentarily silence.
“Elizabeth,” he said as I looked hopefully up at him. “I’ll think about it.”
“Oh,” I said masking my disappointment, “Yes well, I’ll be outside taming wild animals.”
Professor sighed.
“I have nothing to say tonight,” he said, shooting me a disapproving look. “Except to be careful.”
He looked at me one last time as if to say something but left without another world. I got ready, wearing a cloak this time, bringing yet again the rapier with me.

As I took my steps outside, I breathed in a smell of the cool night air. The moon shone down at me as if indicating its presence to say I wasn’t alone. The trees were filled with dark shadows, the street nearly empty under the dim light of the moon. It made me feel secure knowing that I was one with the night.
Changing myself again, pain in every corner of my body, my hair growing long and turning black and my eyes becoming able to see more clearly in the night as it turned grey. I raised my head trying to sniff out any vampire scents.

It had been a while since I had hunted vampires in the city. The stillness of the past few nights were becoming suspicious and I know that after killing more vampires from the vampire clan, they wouldn’t let me get away so easily.
I sprinted around the city, searching for any signs of vampires. Even after it had turned midnight, I still hadn’t found any sight of any vampires. I was getting restless and I figured that I had to go home.
I had reached the town port, where boats of all sizes were docked and I took a rest. Staring at the moon’s reflection on the lake, I sighed and leaned back. What was the clan planning? What was William doing?

I sat up abruptly, shocked and bewildered on why I had suddenly thought of William.
“You’ve inhaled too much air, Eliza,” I told myself “Time to head back.”

I heard small rumblings from above. Drops of water fell on my forehead as I looked up and it started to rain.
“Great,” I muttered.

As I was heading back, I saw a small figure fly overhead and saw that clear enough that it was a bat. The symbol on the Fanged Clan’s Crest was a bat. The most loyal servants of vampires were bats. Assuming that the clan has been hiding out of town, I stood up and followed it.

I hid behind the trees, making sure that I wouldn’t make any sounds. Even though bats were said to be blind, they have acute senses of hearing. They weren’t stupid enough either. One small noise, they would go higher and off course until they were sure that they had lost their stalker.

I was led far off to the end of town nearby an abandoned building.
The bat disappeared into the building and I caught scents of vampires inside. The rain became heavier as I stopped amidst the trees. There was another low rumbling and the thunder roared. There was a small light, giving away the shadow of a figure not far from me.
I took out my rapier ready to slice and I prowled towards it. Then I ran in for the kill.

There was thunder again as the figure turned around and I found myself holding the rapier, inches from William’s neck.
“You again,” I groaned inwardly. What was he always doing around my prey?
“Not much as a hello or a nice to see you again?” he asked, his hood over his head, hiding some of his face. Yet, his blue eyes still stood out like cat’s eyes that shone in the dark.

“I would,” I told him crisply “except that you’re in my territory”
“Whoa,” he said, “I’m in your territory? I’m afraid I arrived here first.”
“You didn’t mark it,” I pointed out.
“Look,” he said walking towards me “Can’t you just accept the offer I’m giving? Having you in our group would be better,”
“I prefer to work alone” I said, moving away from him and striding towards the building.

“Wait,” he said going after me but making a big mistake in stepping on a branch. No matter how hard the rain was falling upon us, the vampires didn’t miss that single crack of the branch. There was a roar from inside as the vampires ran outside.
“Shit,” William said under his breath.

“You,” said one of them to the others “Search that area, other search over there and the rest follow me!”
I grabbed William and ran into the trees just behind us.
“I thought you were an experienced slayer,” I grumbled.
“I was, until that branch came along!” he said from behind me. We ran together, finding a place to hide. I heard them coming around us and we were to be surrounded. This was a bad scene.

I looked around anywhere until I saw an old oak tree, standing soaring just ahead.
“Over there!” I said and we ran. My nails grew, long and sharp but making my hands filled with unbearable pain. I suppressed anything from showing on my face as I looked at the trunk. It wouldn’t be any problem to climb.
I dug my nails on the bark and started to climb, William doing the same but he kept slipping.
I saw the vampires catch William’s scent, who was unable to mask his. I jumped down. I couldn’t believe I was helping him after I have said that I had preferred to work alone. Except I couldn’t just leave him to get killed or worse, turned into a vamp!
“Wrap your hands around me,” I said.
“What?” he said aloud, astonished.
“Just do it!” I snapped.
He wrapped his hands around me in a hug, awkwardly at first but he grew comfortable later on.

I wrap one arm around him and used the others to climb. I released my hold of the other arm, using both arms as we went higher up. I stopped on a large thick branch above the ground and William released me and sat on it, his face showing me gratitude. The warmth I felt when William had his hands around me left, the cold wind of the night sending shivers towards me. The rain continued to fall heavily.

“I swear they were just here a minute ago!” yelled out the vampire to his other mates.
William and I watching quietly, holding our breath hoping they wouldn’t find us.
“You morons!” yelled the leader, “You dare be tricked by them? And you all call yourselves high ranking vampires!”
He ran and disappeared, leaving the others muttering. I heaved a sigh as they returned to their hideout without the leader.
After a few moments of silence, William spoke.

“How’s Chrissie adapting to living with you?” he asked in a whisper, afraid that even though we were high above the ground they might still hear us.

“She…looks happier,” I said slowly in barely audible voice.
William nodded in relief and gladness.

“My plan to hunt tonight,” I sighed “has been but a complete failure.”
“Sorry bout that,” William said “but so did my plan to slay.”
“Well, yeah,” I said, “All we can do now is wait for the sun to rise. If even we step down a little, we would be caught.”
“Amazing how vampires can do anything,” William commented.
“Oh,” I laughed bitterly “It’s not all that good.”
“Other than being chased by slayers, getting hungry for blood and losing your family,” he said “how come?”
“Well,” I thought for a minute “you’ll blow up under the sun.”
He laughed.

“You know,” he said “You sound like a good friend of mine. You remind me of her too. When I look at her, she reminds me of you. It’s weird. Her name’s Violet.”
“Purely coincidental I guess,” I said with a shrug. “Why are you even a slayer?”
“Well, it serves as a purpose,” he said.
“For what?”
“Pleasure.”

“You killed my family!”
-Robert Haydren