Chapter 1
Katryn
Pain and pleasure. One in the same. The sharp feel of teeth as they sink into my flesh followed by the sweet ecstasy of connectedness. Joined in a deadly embrace. One taking the life from another. Pleasure in death, I never thought it possible, but here I was sinking into eternity. The touch of skin against skin, struggling to hold onto my life. The fangs, sharp and real in my throat as they once again enter to send another fount of blood. They cause me to sink deeper into this strange spell. Falling. A wave of pleasure. Is it mine? No. It can’t be. Stinging. Sharp, real. Love. Certainly not my emotion, not mine. Darkness, falling, sliding. Away, far away I can see. I see all that could have been, all that should have been. Stripped away from me, the life I see. Nothing left for me except the death that I feel slowly creep up my spine. Shattered. I can taste something. Something that I have tasted before but on accident. Drawn to the source of this flavor, metallic, sweet. Pulling, pulling upward from the darkest bliss. Pain. The darkness is shattered by this taste. This taste that is so real, drawn from the deepest recesses of the body, the mind, the soul. A living thing, or is it? So much. This flavor, and the liquid that accompanies it, pours into me. I don’t want it to end. Life. Pleasure, euphoria. Feelings greater than any flow into me with this taste. Will it ever end? Do I want it to? No, I will continue to feel, to taste, I will not stop. Gently, slowly, pressure against my shoulders. I whimper, I cry as the font is pulled from me. An end. Agony. Twisting, burning. White-hot pain. Deep from within it comes. Changing, tormenting. Please make it stop. I scream as the pleasure departs. Writhing in exquisite agony. Every piece of me forced back into life, out of death. Torment and ecstasy. One in the same.
My eyes snapped open and I took a deep breath. A dream, it had only been a dream. The sun shone beautifully in the sky. It was time to get up, time to face the world. My world, free of torment, of anguish. Pulling my comforter and sheets off my sweat covered body I placed my feet against the hard wood floor. With coldness under my burning feet I stood. Brushing my gnarled blonde hair out of my face I walked towards the door, shut tight against the sounds that came from the rest of the house. Placing my hand on the brass knob, I gave one last look around my room before heading for the shower. The comfort of my bed, the clothes strewn across the floor in a tableau of chaos. The dolls, the porcelain dolls, seated upon my dresser, looking at me with glass eyes. Shaking my head, I turned the handle and stepped out. A little way down the short hall I opened the door that led to my bathroom. The white tub, soon to have crystal clear water gushing into it, stood along the wall to my left. Taking my towel from the counter on my right, I tossed it to the floor next to the tub. Turning the clear plastic knobs until I was satisfied with the temperature of the water, I stepped inside. Closing the curtain, I pulled the metal nub up to turn on the shower. Hot water flowed over my tired body. Brushing my hands across my face, I tipped my head upward into the flow. Rubbing the water out of my eyes, I quickly washed my hair. It felt good against me as I stood beneath the waterfall from the showerhead. Finishing as quickly as I could, I turned the water off and picked up my fluffy black towel. Drying myself, I wrapped the towel around me so that I could return to my room. Safe inside I threw the towel on my bed and began to sort through the clothes that littered the floor. Finally dressed for school I left the house.
The day passed as normal as ever. Nothing earth shattering happened. The only thing interesting was when a kid in the back row threw a book at the teacher. I’ve never seen such a performance. As I said before, nothing eventful. Home again I set to doing my homework, yeah right. I wrote, as I so often do. I wrote until it was time to go to bed. My life centered around two things, writing and school, in that order. I didn’t enjoy school, I found it rather boring. I could have succeeded if I had applied myself but I just found the subject matter rather dull, I couldn’t get into it. My lack of motivation caused my bad grades. I guess it didn’t really matter to me, it just wasn’t important enough. Getting up from my computer, I went to brush my teeth. My evening ritual passed just as it always did, it was what happened after I was safe in bed and asleep that ruined my daily procedure. The night was beautiful, the moon was high, my eyes were heavy. Crawling into bed, I curled up with my blankets to fall asleep. My eyelids closed over my deep blue eyes as I fell into the comfort of sleep.
A hand settling gently on my shoulder startled me awake. I opened my eyes slowly; angry at whoever had disturbed my rest. A man stood above me. His stark white face with glittering emerald eyes set into it looked down at me. Auburn hair fell in waves to his shoulders. Beauty that enthralled and drew me in. Shaking my head, I shrugged off the pallor of his hand. I was drawn and yet repulsed by this man who stood next to my bed. I felt violated. No one ever came into my room without my permission and yet, this total stranger had dared to do so. My eyes narrowed in contempt as I looked at him.
“Get out!” I cried angrily, “Get out of my room!”
He clapped a hand over my mouth, “Silence.” He hissed in my ear, his breath had the scent of death upon it. I cringed; his hand was like ice upon my warm face. He breathed along my neck, “You are very beautiful Katryn.” He said softly, his words caressing my senses, “You are my chosen.” I shook my head, trying to dislodge his hand. I reached up and tried to pry it from my mouth but he held me fast, one hand holding down my shoulder the other keeping my mouth shut. I felt prone, vulnerable, “My beautiful Katryn.” He said softly, “I believe that it is time for us to leave. I do not wish to cause a commotion in this place, too many people.” He smiled as he easily picked me up.
Keeping his hand over my mouth, he took me out through the window and into the night street. He walked, quickly, smoothly. It was like nothing I had ever felt before. He held me close as he carried me through the empty streets. The only light came from the moon and the street lamps as he took me up and down the streets of the city. I looked up at him, enamored by the way the moon filtered through his hair. Something about him kept me enthrall, until I remembered that he had kidnapped me. I let out a soft cry as I began to struggle against him. He chuckled quietly as he stopped to watch my attempt.
He sighed as I continued to try to throw myself out of his arms, “I had hoped that I could perform this in a more fitting place but you are making this difficult.” He said softly, “Stop struggling.” He ordered, “I find it strangely alluring to see you so prone and yet not giving up. It makes my desire for you swell.” I lessened my struggles but I didn’t stop them. He smiled slightly, “That is only marginally better but will have to suffice until we reach our destination.”
His hand was still held tight over my mouth, crushing any thoughts of calling for help. Onward he walked, never slowing, never tiring. After a time I ceased my struggles and lay still in his arms. He smiled in approval as he began to walk up a small hill. Upon the crest of it, I looked out to see a large house. I had seen it before, upon passing, but I never paid it much attention. He seemed to stop for a moment but the next second we were standing at the door to the house. I gasped in fear and began to struggle once again. I did not want to go inside, I wanted to go home, I wanted him to let me go. But he had other plans. The door swung open as if by an invisible force. The room was filled with soft electric light as he took me inside. Up the large marble stairs we went, he took the steps two at a time as I continued my foolish attempts for release. A door at the top of the stairs opened for us and he took me inside. The door slammed shut behind as he threw me onto a large bed. I scrambled off the bed, searching for a way to escape. He laughed as I attempted to get as far away from him as I could.
“You cannot escape me Katryn.” He said, “I will have you, but I shall so enjoy your struggles. They move me such as nothing else has.” He chuckled as he slowly began to approach.
“Who are you?” I asked as he glided towards me.
He stopped, “How rude of me.” He said softly, apologetically, “I am Zarek.” He made a short bow before continuing to walk.
I scampered into the far corner, there was no place else for me to go except through him. It was my only hope. I rushed at him, intending to try to knock him off balance. He stopped and looked at me. When I was close enough his hand shot out, grabbing me by the throat, he brought me close. Gently he ran his fingers through my hair, down my neck, my arm. His skin so soft but so very cold. My eyes grew wide as I thought about my dream. The realization only made me struggle harder, trying to get out of his iron grasp.
“I told you that you cannot escape me and I meant it.” He said softly as he wrapped his free arm around my body. He spun me around so that my back was pressed against his chest. Using the hand on my throat, he tilted my head to the side. His breath danced across my skin as he spoke, “Cease your struggles. They will do you no good.”
I kicked and pulled away as hard as I could but he held me fast, “Please, please let me go.” I sobbed, “I want to go home.”
He laughed as he gently kissed the large vein in my throat. He flicked his tongue out to taste me. I cringed as the strangely warm wetness touched my neck. Nuzzling my skin with his soft lips, he opened his mouth. I could feel the press of hard teeth brushing against me. I froze. I couldn’t move. Fear had overwhelmed me. I whimpered softly as I began to cry.
“Hush my dear. Be still.” The vibrations from his voice passed through me.
“Please, I want to go home.” I said through my tears.
I could feel his eyelashes flutter against me as he closed his eyes, “I do not want you crying. Not here in my arms. Perhaps I shall be forced to wait, I hope not. Bring yourself under control.” The feel of his body pressed against mine was almost comforting. Somehow I managed to stop crying. But I feared what was going to happen so I began to resist once again. He smiled, “I prefer this to your tears.” He whispered, his teeth pressing into my skin.
They felt solid and real. This had to be a dream, it had to be. But it was so real, so very real. No. It had to be. I would awaken safe in my own bed and he would be gone. A sharp sting brought my thoughts back to what was happening. Pain. Searing from my throat.
“You bit me!” I hissed as I thrashed wildly in his arms.
I felt weak when he pulled away, “That is enough for now.” He whispered as he released my body, “Your flavor is amazing. Pure, untainted.” He smiled, “I shall enjoy my next taste more than the first.”
I stumbled forward, dizzy, disoriented. Grabbing onto the bed frame to steady myself I turned my head to look at him, “What are you?” I asked, my voice merely a whisper.
He smiled but didn’t answer. Instead he came upon me once again. His teeth biting into my flesh with great delight. He wanted it, needed it. I cried out in anger, in rage, that he was violating me in such a manner. This sip was shorter than the first had been but this time he did not let me go, he held me close.
“The final plunge.” He whispered as he licked the wounds he had caused in my perfect skin.
Pain, then bliss. Pleasure. I was enjoying it. God help me. This man was draining my life away. I had ceased my struggles, I was too weak to resist. I felt a connection with him, a oneness. I felt as though we were one entity bonded together by flesh and blood. Ecstasy. Eternity in his arms, in his deadly embrace. I didn’t want it to end. I could feel myself slipping away. I found myself standing on the precipice of death. Gazing into the eternity of loneliness and perpetual darkness. Forever alone. I didn’t want it, it wasn’t for me. I had something greater in store. I didn’t want to die, not here, not now. The pleasure was great; I couldn’t resist what I felt. I was being drawn into that unending abyss that lay before me. I felt him pull back as if in a dream. His lips were stained with blood, my blood. He smiled, showing his blood-covered fangs.
“Do you want it?” He asked softly, “Or do you wish to die?” His voice, I could barely hear his voice.
“No.” I said hoarsely, “I don’t want to die. Please, don’t let me die.”
He smiled and brought his wrist to his mouth, “Then you must drink.” He whispered, “Drink or die.”
“Drink.” I whispered.
Flinching he bit down into his skin. Droplets of crimson blood began to spill from the wound only to land upon my face, around my mouth. I didn’t know when I had ended up on the floor but that didn’t matter to me now. A single drop touched my tongue causing me to rise to the fount that was held just above me. I reached for it, pulled it to my mouth. His skin was warm as it touched my cooling lips. His blood gushed into my mouth. I drank. I couldn’t stop. I didn’t want to stop. A pleasure greater than when he had drunk from me flowed through my body. I was falling. Flying. Soaring. I felt higher than a kite and I didn’t want to come down. Delirium. Elation. But it was all to end.
“Enough.” He whispered, wrenching his wrist from my hungry mouth.
Agony. Torturous pain from deep inside. Hunger. Want. Need. A feeling of near pleasure from the pit of my stomach. It grew. Larger and larger. Growing until it enveloped my entire being. It was no longer pain but the expansion of a greater need. A primal urge that had been awakened by his blood. I could see him watching me, as I lay crumpled on the floor by his side. Gently he began to rub my back, easing away the tension. Carefully he pulled me into his lap and held me, comforting me in my greatest time of need. The feeling of him touching me remained in the areas that he had just passed over. I could still feel him rubbing my back even when he stopped and rested his hand upon the nape of my neck.
“Hush, my beautiful angel.” He whispered, letting the strands of my hair dance over his fingers. I hadn’t realized that I had whimpered in fear, “Everything will be all right. Nothing is going to harm you.”
“I’m so hungry.” I whispered, without knowing what I was hungry for.
He nodded, “It will be all right. We shall find you something.” He whispered, he knew something that I didn’t, something that I would find out.
I closed my eyes. The light, even though dim, was beginning to hurt. Colors danced across the backs of my eyelids, drawing me in, much like they had done when I had stared at a candle flame or light bulb for too long. The shape was imprinted upon my eyes.
“It hurts.” I whispered, “The light. It’s so bright.”
“Just a moment.” He whispered, removing me from his lap.
The light was mercifully silenced, I knew without even opening my eyes that it was. The bright red of the light traveling through my eyelids was gone. I opened them and for the first time truly saw. Zarek was even more beautiful than when I had first beheld him. The way the light of the moon glimmered around him, the way it danced across his features, through his hair. I sat up and gazed at him longingly. Carefully I began to stand but he stopped me with a quick movement. He laid his hand upon my shoulder and shook his head.
“No my dear, my pet. You must not move. To do so now would be most uncomfortable. Your body has not yet adjusted to the change that has occurred.” He said softly as he lowered himself to the floor and pulled me into his lap.
Stroking my hair I fell into a state of bliss. Closing my eyes in the darkness, I waited for sleep. It didn’t come for me. The steady feeling of his fingers as they ran through my hair was the only constant in the things I felt and heard. A cacophony of sounds assaulted me. Thoughts that weren’t mine, that weren’t Zarek’s. Words that weren’t his. I could hear the shrill sound of a siren but I couldn’t see any lights from the street below. I put my hands over my ears, trying to shut out the voices that bombarded my senses, I felt dirty, unclean. I felt as though I were invading into people’s private thoughts.
“Please, make the voices stop.” I whispered.
“Shut your ears to the outside world. Focus upon my touch.” He said softly, caressing my hair, “My beautiful child.” He whispered, “You have so much to learn.”
“I want to go home.” I whispered, “Please, I want to go.”
He chuckled, “You are home.”
I shook my head, “No. No, I’m not, I want to go home. Please, I want to go home.”
“I don’t think so.” He said softly, “You cannot leave here. If you do, there will be a problem that cannot be helped.”
I scowled, “I don’t care. I want to go home.” I began to sob. I was afraid, I felt so very alone.
“Hush my pet.” He held me against his cold body. He felt so like a statue, “Hush. Do not cry for things that have passed.” He brushed away my tears; “You will lose your mortal sentimentalities in time.”
A sharp pain brought me out of my thoughts. My eyes snapped open as I screamed. Holding his hand over my mouth, he began to rock me back and forth. I couldn’t move, the pain was so great. I screamed again, his strong hand muffling the sound. I wanted it to end, I wanted it to stop. Tears spilled from my eyes as I cried out once again. I felt like I was dieing, like my body was collapsing in around me, ending. I screamed and screamed, I couldn’t stop. He was speaking to me but I couldn’t hear him, I couldn’t hear his words. His lips moved, I could see them. His face so close yet so far away. Slowly the pain began to lessen, lessen then fade away. I brought in sharp gasps of air from pain, shock. What had happened to me? His hand stayed over my mouth as he touched me, caressed me. His hands cold, hard, but soft and alive at the same time. Slowly he removed his hand from my mouth. I took in a sharp intake of breath and closed my eyes.
“It hurts.” I sobbed, “It hurts so much. I wish I were dead.”
He chuckled, “But you are. Your body is dead. It died when I drained you. My blood gave you life.” He brushed his hands over my face, “Your body, your soul. You are dead but alive. Alive and yet dead. I made you what you are because I saw the potential in you, your beauty enthralled me, drew me in. So filled with life. I felt love, no, something more primal than that, lust. I lusted after you. Now, I have you. In time you may leave me but for now you must listen and learn. My eternal angel, my creation and yet not mine.”
I shook my head, “No, I’m not dead. I move, I breathe, my heart still beats.” I whispered, “I cannot be dead.” Dead, I was dead, I couldn’t be dead, “Please, you lie. I’m not dead. The pain, it was so real. If I’m dead then I would be unable to feel.” I sat up, unable to believe his words. I wanted out, I wanted away from him.
“My angel, you are very dead. Nothing can change that now, nothing at all. There is nothing you or I can do to undo what has been done.” He sighed, “Nothing can harm you now save the rays of the vile sun. You, like me, are an angel of death.”
“No, no!” I cried, getting to my feet.
I went for the door; I would get away from him, from this perfect creature that lounged before me with such unnatural grace. I was sickened by him and yet drawn to him. Shaking my head, I pushed his picture from my mind as I grabbed the handle of the door with startling white fingers. Gasping I pulled my hand away and held it in front of my face. I stood there, enthralled by my change. He unfolded himself from the floor and walked to stand behind me. Laying his hands upon my shoulders, he placed his head so that his mouth was next to my ear. I could feel his breath against my skin, warm and alive. Gently he nibbled on my ear, avoiding it with his elongated canines.
“Beautiful, foolish, child.” He whispered, pulling on my earlobe gently.
Pleasure, as he touched me, nibbled on me. I shook my head, “No.” I hissed, “I’m leaving here. I’m going home.”
“I don’t think so.” He said, nuzzling my neck. I could once again feel the hardness of his teeth, “You shall remain here even if I am forced to take every, last, drop, of blood from your beautiful corpse.”
“No.” I hissed, “No, I want to go home. Please, please let me go home.”
He sighed, “I shall not tell you again, you are home. This is your home now.” He said softly, running his teeth gently over my vein.
Quickly I grabbed the handle. As I pulled the door open, he sank his teeth into my throat. I cried out in pain and tried to throw him off.
“I lied.” He said into my throat, “You have not yet been made into one such as I. You are close but have not yet passed the threshold between life and death.” He said as he drank. I could feel his heart beat in rhythm with my own, a rhythmic pounding in my ears, my body.
“Please stop.” I cried.
“I cannot.” He said through a mouth full of my blood, “You shall die, then rise again.”
I struggled with all my might but it wasn’t enough. He was too strong. I screamed again. Footsteps. I could hear someone coming up the stairs. A glimmer of hope was given to me and I used it.
“Please! Help me!” I shouted, as the footsteps grew closer.
Soft laughter. A figure stood before me, the visage just as pale as Zarek’s. The sight of this man made me struggle harder. Zarek withdrew and smiled at the man.
“Would you like to taste of her?” Zarek asked softly, offering him my struggling form.
“Has she already tasted of our fount?” He asked, taking me from Zarek.
“Yes.” Zarek said softly, running his fingers through my hair as the man tilted my head to the side. His strength was unimaginable, “She took much of my blood. She has even felt the beginnings of the pangs of death.”
The man smiled, “Excellent.” He said before sinking his teeth into my throat.
I began to cry, the pain was immense, I couldn’t take it any more. If they took anymore I was sure I would die. The pain and pleasure implemented by his fangs was powerful, sweet bliss. Falling, flying. His teeth were more potent than Zarek’s, the pleasure they brought was extreme. As I was beginning to enjoy the feelings he pulled away and licked his lips.
“Devine.” He whispered, “Tell me Zarek, who is she?” He handed me back to Zarek.
“Viktor, allow me to introduce Katryn. She shall soon become my dark angel, but only, of course, when she has been thoroughly drained.” He said sweetly.
Viktor smiled, “Of course. I believe that another taste for her would be most beneficial. Certainly you don’t want to finish her now.”
Zarek smiled, “Yes, another taste for you, my sweet.” He said, biting his wrist and holding it to my mouth, “Drink deep my pet.”
I swallowed but only because I didn’t want to die. The taste, sweet, metallic. I fell into it; I couldn’t seem to get enough. Bliss flowed up from the pit of my stomach, as it began, Zarek pulled his wrist away. I whimpered, I wanted more.
Viktor laughed, “I believe you have her under your spell.” He said as Zarek laid me gently upon the bed.
Zarek shook his head, “No, she will never fall to me. She may want it but she will continue to struggle and attempt to escape from me. Only once this is finished will she understand.”
I was surrounded by the pallor of death. These two beautiful men held me in their thrall. Viktor approached to stand next to Zarek. They looked down at me as I regained my composure after being forced to drink the blood of death. I took in a deep shaky breath as my senses dulled back to the way they had before that first drink. I felt alive, my skin was warm and had returned to its original color.
“That was only a taste of what was to come.” Viktor said softly, “A taste of what you are to become. Your life would waste away, fade into nothing. We can’t have your beauty fall away, now can we? It would be a shame for all of this to disappear. I am surprised that Zarek has found someone as beautiful as you, has chosen someone like you. I would expect nothing less off him. In all his fifty years of life he has never sought out someone like you, sought out anyone for that matter. I suppose it was your beauty and spirit that drew him to you. You are a lot like he was, headstrong, foolish. It will pass, it always does. The time comes when you lose your mortal sentimentalities. Ecstasy comes with blood, blood is life, blood is death. You will understand it all, soon enough. Zarek, why don’t you end it now? She has too much spirit.” Viktor said before turning and walking to a window I had failed to notice when I was attempting to escape.
“Well, Katryn, it looks like we must finish this.” He said softly as he looked down at me.
“No.” I hissed, leaping from the bed towards the door.
“You make this too easy.” He said softly.
He was before me in an instant. I gasped and took a step back. Both of my exits were cut off. Viktor at the window, Zarek before me with the door behind him. There had to be another way out. I turned my head quickly, looking for another window or door. Zarek slowly sauntered towards me.
“There is no way to escape me, my pet.” He whispered.
There was only one chance. It was possible to get past him if I was fast enough. Taking a deep breath I tensed my body to prepare myself to dodge past him. He stopped, watching, waiting, for me to do something. Another deep breath and I ran forward, brushing past him. He didn’t move, didn’t react. I was confused but I now had a chance to escape. Running out the still open door I sprinted down the stairs. I didn’t look back, I ran, ran with all my might. Halfway down the stairs I slipped and tumbled down the steep steps. Hitting my head on the banister, a sharp pain ripped through my temple. My vision blurred as I let out a low moan and closed my eyes. My head was throbbing as I rolled off the stairs onto my back. Opening my eyes I saw Zarek standing over me with a smile on his face.
“It looks like you’ve had a little spill.” He said with a laugh.
I let out a low moan. Closing my eyes I rolled onto my side, to my hands and knees. As I began to crawl away he caught me up in his arms. I struggled against him, resisting with all of my might. He chuckled as he carried me back up the stairs to the room. Viktor was still standing in front of the window.
“Is she hurt?” Viktor asked softly.
Zarek chuckled, “Obviously not bad enough. She still has the strength to fight me.” He said as he deposited me on the floor.
My head snapped against it with a sickening crack. A could feel myself drifting away, losing consciousness. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t react as Zarek kneeled down beside me to gently draw my head up from the floor. His cold hand felt good against my neck. Slowly he bent and began to lay soft kisses upon my throat, caressing my skin with his icy lips. His eyes looked up at me as he flicked his tongue out to taste my skin. I shivered with delight, it was all I could do, I couldn’t move, my head was throbbing. Viktor chuckled in approval as he turned to watch the proceedings. Slowly Zarek wrapped his arm around my torso, drawing me into his embrace. He continued to taste me with his tongue as he held me closer to him, keeping me against his rock hard body. He felt like a living statue, cold, hard.
“Please stop.” I whispered, “I want to go home.”
Viktor laughed, Zarek ignored me. He continued to caress my skin with his lips, his tongue making wet marks upon my throat. He was gentle, so very gentle with me. Solid teeth pressed against my throat, looking for the perfect place in which to sink in.
“Please don’t.” I pleaded.
He didn’t listen; my pleas only making him press harder into my skin, stopping just before they would sink in. Viktor approached us, “Keep pleading with him. Fear him. His desire for you swells with each passing moment. Your emotions when you are this close are like a drug to him, intoxicating. Human emotions, so powerful, so primal.” Viktor mocked, “Little girl, so young, so full of life, of fear. I can taste it.” He whispered seductively as he crouched down beside Zarek, “Take her my child.” He said quietly in Zarek’s ear.
Zarek smiled and brought the points of his teeth to touch my skin. I whimpered, “Please don’t.” I cried, fear rich in my voice. My head was throbbing, “I want to go home.” I sobbed.
The feeling returned to my body as he sank his teeth in. Fighting against him in vain he held me tight. Pleasure, pain. One in the same. I was falling, sinking. Bonded to him by teeth, pain, ecstasy. I could hear drumming in my ears, feel it in my body. I knew it was our hearts; beating in rhythm because one began to slow, mine. I was falling; this was different from the first two times. He meant to kill me this time, to drag me down into death. I struggled as I saw my life draining away, death staring me in the face. I would not allow the reaper to take my soul, I fought against him. Love. I could feel the love he had for me but it was stronger than that. Lust. Did he lust after my body or my blood? I didn’t know. Almost all of my blood was gone when he pulled away.
I could barely hear his voice as he spoke, “Would you like the last taste, Viktor?” He asked, running his tongue over the two neat puncture wounds in my throat.
Viktor took me from him gruffly. Wrapped in his arms he put his teeth into the two holes that Zarek had made. I took in a hiss of air but was too weak to move. The last bit of my blood trickled into him with such pain that I cannot describe. It burned. Searing, spiteful, pain. He pulled away and returned me to Zarek’s embrace. Zarek bit his wrist. Moisture touched my lips as he held the wound to my slightly open mouth. The blood of death, of life, gushed into me. Opening my eyes I wrapped my arms around his so that his wrist was firmly sealed to my mouth. I swallowed, consumed by a lust for life, an unwillingness to die. Stroking my hair gently, he spoke soothing words to me but I didn’t hear him. The pounding of the blood as it flowed through my body, consistent, true. Pleasure from deep within my gut, my loins. I felt warm, wrapped in this life giving substance. Blood, pure, deadly, but filled with life. The taste flowing across my pallet, down into my gullet. I didn’t want it to end. He pulled his wrist away from me, removing my source of life, my pleasure. I whimpered causing Zarek and Viktor to laugh.
“Do you want more, pet?” Zarek asked softly, licking the blood from his wrist.
“Yes.” I said hoarsely, “I want more.”
Zarek looked up at Viktor questioningly. Viktor nodded, “Here.” He said, holding out his unblemished wrist. I looked at it, confused as to what I was supposed to do. There was no wound for me to drink from, no blood pouring over his skin. He shook his head, “If you cannot figure out what to do then you are not ready for blood.” He said softly, “Do what you must or get none at all.”
I took his wrist carefully. Without taking my eyes off him I tore into his wrist. Warm blood gushed into my mouth, which I swallowed greedily. After a few swallows Viktor pulled his wrist away. The taste of his blood was still on my tongue, old blood, pure blood. Erotic, life-giving blood.
“You have had enough for tonight.” Viktor said softly, “You must adjust, you must not drink too much. Morning will come soon and we must be safely tucked away. Sleep drags us down when the sun rises. The light of the sun burns us, destroys us. You will learn what to avoid tomorrow night, Zarek shall teach you, I’m sure. Shall we go to bed, to sleep?”
Zarek picked me up, I felt weak, tired. Following Viktor down the stairs he took me through the main room and down another flight of stairs to the basement. Coffins, four of them, sat side by side on the dirt floor. I panicked, trying to get out of Zarek’s arms to run.
“Hush my pet.” Zarek whispered, “Everything will be just fine. Here you will be safe.”
“No, I don’t want to go into a coffin. Please, please don’t make me.” I sobbed, blood stained tears had begun to fall from my eyes, “I want to go home.”
Viktor’s face contorted in anger, “Silence.” He growled, “Stop your simpering, it’s pathetic. I am pleased to know that your pain has not been finished yet. It will teach you that this life is so much more than it appears. You need to learn. Tomorrow night when you awaken you will feel a great pain, your body shall die.” He said softly, “You will get in that coffin even if we have to force you in and lock it shut.” He was certain of himself and what he would do if I didn’t cooperate.
I took in a deep breath and tried to, once again, escape from Zarek’s arms, “Release me!” I cried.
Viktor sighed and threw the top off a polished mahogany coffin. The white satin lining shimmered in the dim electric lighting. I let out a soft cry as I managed to get out of Zarek’s grasp. Shaking his head Viktor snapped his fingers. The door we had entered through slammed shut in my face. It wouldn’t budge. I spun quickly to face them, eyes flashing in anger. Zarek leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.
“You have a choice to make, my pet.” He said softly, head bowed so that his auburn hair fell over his face, “You can enter into your new coffin willingly or we can force you into it. Those are your only two choices.” He said softly.
“I will not go into that thing.” I hissed, “I am not dead, I do not belong in one of those, things.”
“Then you leave us no choice.” He said as he slowly began to approach.
I shook my head and prepared myself for a struggle. Viktor approached as well. I was pinned, trapped. There was no place for me to go. But I would not go into that coffin without a fight. Zarek reached me first. I was not ready for his strength and speed. He grabbed my right arm and began to pull me towards the open coffin. Lashing out with my left hand I cut into his skin with my nails. He laughed as his wounds healed, leaving his flawless skin behind. My eyes grew wide as I tried to pry his fingers from my arm. His skin against mine, so cold, so strong. I pulled against him with all my might but Viktor grabbed my other arm. Together I was no match for them, they were too strong. Even when it was just Zarek I could not win. I let out a cry of defeat as they lifted me easily and forced me, kicking and screaming, into the soft satin lined coffin. It felt good against my skin but I refused to be shut into this space. My cries were muffled by Zarek shutting the lid of the mahogany tomb. I heard a click, as it was locked shut. I couldn’t get out, couldn’t escape. I laid in the soft darkness and listened. There was a third voice, a woman. She was speaking with them and I could hear every word that was being said.
“Who is locked within?” She asked, I could hear her fingers drum against the top of my coffin.
“Zarek’s child, Katryn. She is quite beautiful. I am pleased with his choice. Her will is strong, much like his own.” Viktor said, his voice quiet, pleased.
“She hasn’t gone through the pain of death, has she? Her body has not passed away?” She asked softly, she knew I was listening.
“No, Acacia, she has not.” Zarek said softly. I could hear the lid of a coffin nearby slide back, “Now, if you will excuse me. I am not as old as the two of you and the sun is beginning to rise. I grow tired. Sleep beckons to me.”
“I shall see you tomorrow, Zarek. Sleep well; I shall be following after you in a moment. I am curious about your child though. Viktor, tell me what you know about her? What did you glean from her mind? Did you get to taste her?”
Viktor laughed quietly as Zarek shut himself in his coffin, “I shall answer everything when she is not listening. It shouldn’t be much longer before sleep takes her. But her taste is absolutely amazing, pure, sweet. She is still a virgin, her blood is sweeter than even yours was.”
“Amazing.” She said in shock, “Beauty and pure blood. That is the perfect combination isn’t it?”
The last thing I heard before falling asleep was Viktor’s voice, “Yes, she is perfect.”
I felt myself fall into the darkest bliss, the deepest sleep. Rest. I felt cold, alone, but oh, so very tired. I let myself sink into it, not wanting to rise. The day passed, the sun set, and I awakened. Pain. I banged my fists against the satin as pain filled every ounce of my body. I screamed. I couldn’t feel anything except the pain, couldn’t see, couldn’t move. My body was dieing. I knew that it was because of what the woman, Acacia, had said. I screamed. I screamed until I could scream no more. I whimpered and would have doubled over if I could move. I was frozen, unable to react. The pain coming from deep inside. What could I do? Nothing. How long would it last? I didn’t know. It disappeared, just as suddenly as it had come it was gone. The pain was gone but a new pain came. My mind. My head. I could hear voices, thoughts. Things that I should not have been able to hear. I remembered after my first drink I had been able to hear these things but this, this was more powerful than it had been. I took in a deep breath. I couldn’t speak, my voice was gone. My throat burned from screaming. I hungered. A feeling of pure hunger came from deep within my stomach. A few minutes later I heard the soft click of the lock. I was being released. The lid was removed. The dim light of the coffin room greeted me. It stung my eyes, my newly awakened eyes. I let out a low moan and closed them against the light.
“Good evening, my pet.” Zarek said softly as he looked down at me, “How do you feel?”
“Hungry.” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He nodded, “That is understandable. Do you know what you’re hungry for?”
I shook my head as I sat up, “No, I just know that I’m hungry.”
He chuckled, “Acacia and Viktor are waiting for us upstairs. I thought that I should allow you to die in your coffin. It is more comfortable than the floor. Come.” He offered me his hand, which I refused.
Opening my eyes, I pulled myself out of my coffin. Zarek smiled as he led me upstairs. He was beautiful, basked in the soft light. His hair was pulled back. The end of the ponytail barely touched the collar of his black shirt. Black jeans and boots completed the outfit, making the pallor of his skin seem even paler. I stopped to look at him as he opened the oak door. He turned and smiled at me, his teeth flashed in the light. His eyes seemed to dance with color, no longer the emerald that I had first seen. Now blue, then green, then blue again. They fluctuated between the two colors then seemed to meld into one. He shook his head and chuckled before walking through the door. I gazed around the room for a moment before following him out. Up the stairs we went, I kept stopping to look at the lights, the wall. I could see every little flaw in the marble wall, everything that the shadows covered up. The third time I stopped, Zarek grabbed my arm and pulled me gently behind him. He was so very powerful but the physical restraint he showed was amazing. He could have crushed my arm but didn’t.
“You must ignore what you are feeling, what you are seeing. Do not get too wrapped up in your senses. The light of the sun could come one day while you are staring transfixed at a candle flame and that would be the end of you, I do not wish to see that happen.” He said softly, brushing a strand of hair out of my face.
The feeling of his touch lingered on my cheek. I brought my hand up and rubbed the area he had touched. My own touch remained as well, but only for a moment. It tingled, was almost pleasurable. I closed my eyes and allowed him to pull me into the living room where Viktor and Acacia waited. Acacia was beautiful. She was curled up next to Viktor with her head in his lap. Deep brown locks of hair tumbled over his black pants, curling over his fingers as he ran them through her hair. A long black gown clung to her body, her hands rested under her cheek. She opened her eyes as we walked in, large hazel eyes with just a hint of gold looked out at us.
“Good evening, Katryn.” Viktor whispered, running a finger down Acacia’s throat, “This is my companion, Acacia.” He said softly.
I nodded, “I know. I heard you speaking last night.” My throat was no longer sore from screaming.
Acacia laughed as she sat up, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Katryn. Zarek did make a good choice.” She said to me as Zarek sat down and pulled me to him, “How ever did you find her?” She asked Zarek, her voice, so like the tinkling of a bell.
Zarek smiled as he caressed my cheek, “It was quite simple. In a way you could say that I stumbled onto her.” He laughed softly, “I was walking in the park one evening when I saw her. She was talking with some friends. Her voice is what drew me to her. It was so soft, so sweet. I stood in the shadows listening to her, relishing the sound of her voice. When she left them I followed her home. For three weeks I went every night to watch her. I learned everything about her from feeding from her so called friends. There were only a few that could actually be called such. Her own thoughts were an open book to me. I heard her inner most desires, her dreams, her wishes. Her abilities, her love of life, are the reasons why I decided to make her into one of us. I wanted her; I loved her for all that she was, all that she wanted to be. Now, she is truly perfect.” He explained, slowly beginning to braid my hair.
Acacia smiled, “I still have not been able to find out why Viktor choose us, how he found us. He just doesn’t seem to want to tell me, he won’t even tell me about you.” She laughed as she playfully nibbled on Viktor’s neck.
He chuckled as he pulled her against him, “You haven’t asked me that since right after you returned. It is no wonder that I wouldn’t tell you. Now, if you truly wish to know. I shall explain it to you, but only if both of you wish it.”
Zarek nodded as Acacia spoke, “Yes, I wish to know.”
Viktor smiled, “I’m sure our young one would like to know as well. Perhaps it would even be best if I started at the beginning. Katryn, would you like to hear my story?” He asked softly. I nodded causing him to smile, “Very well. It all started over nine hundred years ago...”