As I stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around my waist and another in hand to dry my hair, I called out, "Anyone here?" My voice echoed softly through the room. Almost immediately, a young maid appeared, stepping forward with a polite nod. I took a moment to examine her features freckles dusted her face, her brown eyes were calm yet attentive, and her red hair was neatly tied back.
"I am here, my lord," she responded, her voice steady.
"What's your name?" I asked as I made my way toward the closet.
"Catherine, my lord," she answered promptly.
"Alright, Catherine. Go to the cells and inform the jailor that I will be visiting shortly." Without hesitation, she bowed and hurried off, her footsteps fading down the hall.
After Catherine left, I dressed quickly, fastening my attire with precision. Once finished, I took a deep breath and began the slow walk toward the cells. The corridors of the citadel were dimly lit, the stone walls cool to the touch. As I reached the main hall, I noticed James approaching, his steps purposeful.
"Got enough rest, James?" I asked as he greeted me with a respectful bow.
"Yes, my lord. I am rested and ready," he replied, falling into step beside me.
"Good to know. Thorpe will be absent for a time I've assigned him a few tasks so you will be in charge until his return," I informed him, continuing down the hall.
"Understood, my lord," James responded, his tone serious. After a brief pause, he added, "My lord, the thirst is becoming unbearable, hasn't it?" His voice carried a note of concern, though he masked it well.
I sighed, unable to hide my irritation. "Yes, I am parched beyond measure. It seems I am indeed in need of sustenance."
James's expression hardened. "My lord, I will make this point known again: you do not need to starve yourself. There are more than enough highwaymen and marauders out there for you to feed without guilt." His irritation was evident, though he maintained his composure.
"James, just because I am a vampire doesn't mean I will indiscriminately drain people of their blood," I replied, attempting to reason with him.
He stopped, his eyes narrowing. "My lord, peasants didn't ask to be extorted, raped, or killed by those same highwaymen and marauders, yet here we are. Sometimes, things simply must happen, and we must adapt. Failure to adapt means destruction, and I refuse to see you destroyed, no matter the cost." His voice carried a cold, frightening resolve.
I raised a hand in a placating gesture. "Alright, James, I understand." Not wanting to provoke him further, I quickened my pace slightly, ending the discussion. Soon, we arrived at the entrance to the cells. James opened the heavy iron door, allowing me to step inside before following and closing it behind us.
The atmosphere within the prison was oppressive. Damp stone walls absorbed the faint torchlight, casting long shadows along the narrow corridor. The air smelled of sweat, rust, and despair. Javar, stood waiting at the end of the hall. Upon seeing us, his face lit up with a hint of relief.
"My lord, it is good to see you in good health," Javar greeted with a respectful bow.
"How are things these days, Javar?" I asked as we approached.
"All is in order, my lord," he replied confidently before gesturing for us to follow. "Please, this way."
We continued deeper into the prison, passing row after row of cells. As we walked, the prisoners, who had been shouting or muttering moments ago, fell silent. Their eyes once filled with defiance or hopelessness, now reflected fear as they caught sight of me. The once noisy prison descended into an eerie quiet.
At last, we reached the final cell at the end of the corridor. Inside sat a man, his posture slumped, his gaze fixed on the floor. When he sensed our presence, he lifted his head, his lifeless eyes meeting mine. What I saw in them was unsettling a void, as though he had already surrendered to whatever fate awaited him.
"Is this the one?" I asked, my voice low but steady.
"Yes, my lord," Javar confirmed. "He is the next ration."
I nodded thoughtfully, stepping closer to the bars. The man didn't flinch, didn't react at all it was as though he had accepted that resistance was futile.
"Let us get this over and done with," I murmured, a hint of annoyance in my voice. Behind me, James remained silent, his presence a steady, imposing force.
With swift, precise movements, I closed the distance to the man, gripping his shoulder firmly. "You cleaned him, correct?" I asked, lifting his frail body effortlessly and tilting his head to expose his bare neck.
"Yes, my lord," Javar answered with a proud expression. "As always, the rations are cleaned and prepared for your consumption each day."
"Mhm, I see." I returned my attention to the man, noticing how he had already closed his eyes. He wasn't merely resigned to his fate he seemed to be waiting for death, as if it were a final mercy.
Not wanting to prolong the inevitable, I leaned in and bit down on his neck. The familiar warmth of his blood filled my mouth as muffled gasps echoed through the small cell. The man's body convulsed slightly, his breathing labored and shallow. For a few moments, he trembled violently before going completely still, his life extinguished. I withdrew, letting his lifeless form collapse onto the cold stone floor with a dull thud.
I closed my eyes, savoring the rush that followed. The familiar feeling of satiation washed over me strength renewed, senses heightened, power flowing through every fiber of my being. I despised how exhilarating it was. This addiction to blood, to power, was a constant battle. One that I struggled not to lose myself in.
"Alright, James, let's go," I said, turning toward the exit. Before I could leave, James handed me a damp towel.
"Please, my lord. Your face is... a little messy from your meal," he said, offering the towel with an unreadable expression.
I glanced at the towel for a moment before taking it. Wiping away the remaining traces of blood, I handed it off to Javar. Without further words, I stepped out of the cell.
"Until next time, my lord," Javar called after me.
"Yes, Javar. Stay in good health," I replied, my tone steady as I made my way out, James following close behind.