I feel numb, but strangely, it doesn't terrify me like I thought it would. It's like I'm flying—neither dead nor alive, just suspended in between. Panic sets in when I feel someone touch me. I turn to see a man dressed in a black silk robe, his long white hair flowing down his back, and his eyes as white as snow.
"Child, do not fear. This is merely the next step in your life that you must face," he says calmly.
"What are you talking about? I don't even know where I am, or what's happening!" I scream in confusion, my heart heavy with despair.
"Child, I am here to guide you through the darkness that is to come. There are things you cannot face alone. Love will be lost."
"What do you mean? I'm nothing special—I've been abused, never even had a love interest. None of this makes sense." My voice cracks as I try to push the nightmare away.
The man's eyes soften with pity. "Listen closely, child. There are beings who will find you, five powerful ones who will love you, and prepare you for what is to come. Make no mistake, I will be watching."
Before I can respond, he vanishes into the darkness. I scream, but my voice is swallowed by the void. I feel myself falling, and then—nothing.
I open my eyes. The cold, hard concrete beneath me feels unreal. What's happening? Wasn't I just—dead? I look at my wounds. They're gone. How is this possible? I was bleeding just hours ago, right? My clothes, still soaked in blood, reek of dirt and dust. I crinkle my nose. I don't even feel anything. It's like I'm not here, not in my own body. I wonder, where are my parents? Maybe they think I'm dead by now.
I get to my feet, stumbling as I head toward the stairs. They look rickety, fragile—how does my father even walk down these without falling through them? I laugh bitterly, picturing him crashing through the stairs.
I slowly open the door, inch by inch. Silence. No noise from above, no movement. That's strange. Where did they go? I glance around, confused.
I move down the hallway toward my tiny room, more like a broom closet. Inside, I grab clean clothes and head to the bathroom across the hall. I lock the door behind me, strip off the bloody remnants of my old clothes, and turn on the shower, knowing the water will be cold. I quickly scrub the blood off my skin, watching it wash down the drain. When I'm done, I dry off and dress, then grab the largest bag I can find.
I pack my essentials, the things I'll need so I never have to come back to this hellhole. I look around my room one last time, tears threatening to spill. I can't help but shed one final tear for the life I lived here, for everything I lost.
Walking out of my room, I make my way toward the back door, leaving it open behind me. The night is falling quickly, and I can barely see. I feel myself losing it, my body trembling as the tears begin to fall. One, then another. I feel frozen in place, unsure of what to do next.
"I'm coming for you…"
The voice is faint but chilling. The sound of laughter follows, echoing in the silence. I glance around, my heart racing. The trees are silent. What's happening? Am I imagining it? Is it just the wind? No. I take off running, adrenaline coursing through my veins. I can't let this be happening. It's all too much.
I stumble and fall into the mud, my clothes soaked, but the voice only grows louder. Footsteps approach. My breath catches in my throat.
"Oh, my precious girl. You are a fine specimen."
The voice is followed by a low chuckle. "You smell so sweet… I just want to taste you, mate."
I gasp, my heart hammering in my chest.
"I'm not your mate!" I scream, but it's a futile cry.
Before I can react, I feel my hair being yanked with such force, I'm lifted off the ground. Pain sears through my scalp as I struggle, but it's no use. The man's face looms over me, his black eyes staring at me with an intensity that sends chills down my spine. His features are sharp, handsome in a terrifying way. He leans closer, and I feel his breath on my skin. Why is he so tall? His hair brushes against my forehead, and I want to scream, but the air is thick with terror.
I kick and fight, but it's like I'm attacking a wall. Nothing fazes him. I don't understand. What's wrong with his teeth?
"What are you?" I manage to rasp.
"I am what you call a vampire," he says, his voice dark and dripping with menace. "And you, dear, are mine for the taking. I will make you submit, as you're supposed to."
His face dips toward my neck, and I feel the sharp sting of his teeth sinking into my skin. My body grows weak, and I scream, but my throat tightens. I can't breathe. I feel myself slipping away, losing consciousness, unable to fight back.
"Please... someone help me…" I whisper, barely able to form the words.
His laughter rings in my ears as I fall into darkness, my body limp, my mind gone.