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Olivia sat fidgeting upon the stiff high-backed chair, uncomfortable despite the beautiful, velvet covered foaming. She had never quite adjusted to this comfort, it was a foreign feeling. She scorned herself. This is not how he expects you to be. Get used to it. But she could not. All this pampering made her feel overly conscious; just hours before two maids had hauled her terrified body out the bed and into a hot bath. They had scrubbed her sore and then dressed her into a simple, red dress, before powdering her face and painting her lips, perfecting her for her first courtly appearance. 4
Olivia waited quietly now, like the courtly maiden she was expected to be, hands fumbling on her lap nervously. 5
Her thoughts carelessly wandered away, sifting through her memories. 6
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She walked quickly, the nightly shadows stalking her in silence. She could feel the rush of anxiety. The village was teeming with dangers at these hours; robbers, bandits, rapists. An unaccompanied girl was a prime victim. The wind whipped her tear-stained face, brushing her hair into the air. She was in tatters, body adorned in rags. 9
Her ears echoed her father's drunken words, his yells, his screams, his ominous threats. She had not been able to bear them. So she had left. I will not regret this. But she found that hard to believe. She had no place to go. Her stomach grumbled its disapproval of her decision. She feel the chill creeping into her limbs, like a fear slowly crawling through her skin.Suddenly she heard a hoot. 10
"Oi," said a gruff voice. She had enough sense to know it was drunk. She looked around, spotting the shadow of a bearded man in a gloomy alley. As he came into the open, the moon shone on his face, illuminating red, bloodshot eyes. He grinned like a loon, motioning for her to come closer. 11
Olivia took one glimpse at him and ran for it. 12
She heard him following. 13
She quickly ran up a flight of stairs and began banging on someone's door. The man charged at her from behind, shouting wildly. Olivia was frantic. Powered by some unknown surge in spirit, she shattered the house's window with her hand and fervently climbed inside. The room was warm and dark. Just as she heaved herself up, the doors flung open and a young man strode into the room, his hand straddled on a dagger's gleaming hilt. Unknowing, he charged at her. Olivia shrieked. 14
The man stopped short. 15
"Who is it?" 16
Olivia began to sob, squeezing her hand which throbbed wildly. She could feel hot blood. 17
"Who are you?"18
Olivia saw a burning candle in the hands of a woman, her eyes wide with surprise and fear, hair tied in a bun. She wore a long sleeping gown. 19
"Girl, who are you?" she kindly asked. 20
Suddenly, someone pounded at the door. The man went to the door and pried it open. Outside, the drunken man stood, grinning foolishly. 21
"Did you see a girl - my - my daughter," said the drunk. 22
"Yea, yea, I did," said the young man. "You her father?" 23
"Yep, she's been a naughty girl," said the drunk. "Runnin' away for a lover! Ha!" 24
The woman in the gown looked into Olivia's eyes with pity. 25
"He is not my father! He is not my father!" said Olivia, suddenly realizing they might give her away. "Don't let him get me - he's just some drunk! I'm not from this village!"26
"Don't lie to the good folks, wench," said the drunk angrily. "Come here, now, get up!" He strode inside. For some reason, the young man didn't stop him. Olivia backed into a corner as he came towards her. 27
"He's not my father! Please, please, believe me!" said Olivia. "Jesus please, he's not my father!" 28
The drunk took hold of her hand and hauled her outside, dragging her sobbing body into the cold. The young man said nothing, but watched with a stony face. Olivia saw the woman one last time, her eyes betraying her silence. Olivia knew she believed her. But why would anyone start a strife with a drunken man in the middle of the night? Why not presume the other as truth? It was convenient. 29
"No, please! Please!" said Olivia as the young man shut the door. She saw lights turning on in other houses. Saw shadows staring from their windows, peering at the scene in the middle of the street. Yet, they did nothing. These things were common in small villages. 30
The drunk dragged her into a corner and began showering her with punches. He pried her legs apart and tore at her clothes, biting into her skin. Olivia cringed at his touch, pleading in futility, her cries for mercy falling on dead ears. She could feel his hot breath upon her face. She wanted to hurl. She closed her eyes, tears streaming, limbs falling to the ground. She accepted. 31
Just then the burden lifted. She felt the drunk's hands leave her body. The cold air washed over her again and she scooped herself up. 32
She stared around. A dark figure stood in the street, a man clad in black, cloak waving in the wind. The drunk was in his arms, twitching like a rabid dog, froth running over his mouth. She saw the man's face dip, saw it squeeze its jaw into man's throat. The drunk went rigid, his eyes rolling into his head, baring the whites so he looked like a monstrous freak. His tongue lolled out, skin slowly turning paler and paler. 33
Then, the figure let go and he slumped onto the street. 34
The man in black strode towards her but she did not back away. 35
She looked into kind, blue eyes. 36
She knew she was safe. 37
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The door to the chamber creaked open, and Lord Thomas entered, dressed in a grey tunic and cloak, hand clenching a thin walking stick that clicked on the floor. He looked handsome, unlike any gentlemen that Wales had to offer, his princely smile kindled on his face, accentuated by the hollow cheeks. 40
"You look precious," said Thomas, sweeping her into his arms. 41
"Thank you, milord," said Olivia, feeling the blush creep across her face. 42
"Ah, I am but your servant," said Thomas, brushing his lips across her neck. Olivia felt heat prickling on her skin, stomach twisting in the ecstatic touch. 43
"Do you think they will be keen to see me," Olivia asked what had been worrying her all day. "I am but -"44
"You were but a village girl," said Thomas. "Now, you are my wife and my love. You are a lady."45
He left Olivia to check if the carriage had been made ready. 46
She looked at the mirror. 47
She felt blessed. 48
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They sat in a large chamber, Olivia terrified and barely breathing, the man quiet and kind. The room was scented with flowers, adorned with tapestries and painting framed with gold and silver. Silk ivory curtains hung from the windows accentuated by maroon drapes. Olivia saw a marble vase in one corner, filled with fresh roses. Everywhere she looked she felt more insecure, like a fogged, dirty mirror between polished ones. The odd one out, she thought. She wondered who this man was, wondered why he had showed her such mercy, wondered what on earth he had done with the drunken man. 51
He had touched her hand in the street, and she had suddenly fell into a deep sleep, only to be awoken dressed in a white gown and lying on a four-poster bed with netted golden drapes. 52
"Are you okay?" said the man. 53
Olivia swallowed her fear and nodded. 54
"Can you speak?" 55
"Y - Yes," she stammered. 56
"What's your name, girl?" 57
"O - Olivia." 58
"Pretty, where do you live?"59
"I - I ran from home."60
"Why?"61
"My father drinks a lot. He beats me. He yells, he shouts - I - I just couldn't take it anymore!" 62
"It's okay, don't be scared. You're in good hands." 63
Olivia nodded silently. Her stomach grumbled as if trying to make a point. The man smiled and said: "Let's get you something to eat, right?" 64
Olivia blushed as he walked out of the room. She looked around, still in disbelief. God has finally taken pity. The man returned in a few minutes, bearing a small, silver tray laden with food. He laid it before her on the bed, and she dipped in voraciously, unable to hide her fervor. The man looked at her with a curious smile, almost bemused. 65
"Please, join me," said Olivia, suddenly remembering what little manners she had. 66
The man took a piece of fish but noting more, and continued scrutinizing her. Olivia pretended not to notice, although she could feel the heat rushing to her cheeks. Don't be so bashful, she scolded herself. 67
"Who are you?" said Olivia. 68
"Lord Thomas, Duke of Northington," said the man. Olivia did feel the faintest trace of vanity in his voice. It was a title, spoken as simply as a name. 69
"You're a Lord?" 70
"I believe so."71
"Why did you save me?"72
"If I am not there to look after others in their need, who will dare to help me in mine."73
Olivia was silent for a moment. "But what of the drunken man?"74
"He is dead." How eloquently put, thought Olivia, horrified. 75
"Did you kill him?"76
"Yes and no."77
"I - I don't -"78
"I performed the deed, but he killed himself when he laid hands on you. If he had not done that, I would not have killed him."79
"How did you do it?"80
"I am a vampire, Olivia." 81
Olivia was stunned. If it were not that this Lord had said those words, she would have cupped her ears and laughed. But she saw in those eyes a hard, cold truth. 82
He was not lying. 83
"You - you're a -"84
"A vampire, yes." 85
"That's impossible."86
"You know I am what I am. You saw it all."87
"You drink blood!" 88
"Yes, although that does not kill." 89
Olivia looked puzzled. 90
Thomas bared his teeth. Olivia shrank back. On the sides were two long fangs, sharp and pointed and gleaming white. He tapped to the gums above.91
"There is a cavity above those teeth. It is filled with a poison, what we call the Sira. When we bite into flesh, it releases into the body and the blood draws in. The poison kills, and we feed." 92
Olivia whimpered softly. She felt her heart thudding. No, he will not hurt me. She did not know why she thought so, but she knew it somehow. 93
"Are you afraid of me?"94
"No."95
Thomas looked affronted. "Really, then I must be a terrible vampire!"96
"Oh, well - then I am petrified."97
He laughed. 98
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The Annual Ball was the talk of Wales. All the nobles and royalty would be present, and rumor spread like fire that Her Majesty too might grace the event. Fortunately, Caslte Grenehall was not far off, only a half-hour distance. The ride in the carriage was silent. Olivia held Thomas's hand. He nestled her into arms, occasionally placing a kiss on her cheek. 101
Tock. Tock. Tock. The horses' feet stamped in a beating rhythm. 102
At length, the Castle Grenehall grew near. It was an ominous structure, tall and towering, like a gigantic stone mountain. The towers extended to the skies, tipped with slanted roofs. Lights glowed from within high, arched windows. The estate was surrounded with lush gardens, blooming with life. As they descended from the carriage, Olivia felt as if summer had landed here and settled, making it its permanent home. There were long, wide green fields, with tall hedges and marble birdbaths. Willows and oaks encased the estate like high, wooden walls. 103
A butler greeted them, dipping his head into a bow. 104
"Right this way, milord," said the man and led them into the castle. 105
The interiors were even more beautiful. The ceilings were high and tastefully carved with statues, tapestries and paintings hung from the walls, illuminated by torches that burnt brightly. Inside the hall, they were greeted with a tall old man, his face deeply wrinkled, lips stretched into a smile.106
"Ah, dear ol' Tom, glad you could make it boy," said Lord Walker, shaking Thomas's hand fervently. 107
"Pleasure, always a pleasure," said Thomas. 108
"Ah, and who is this? But of course, this must be Olivia, the talk of Northington, eh?" said Lord Walker. "A pleasure to meet you, my Lady, a pleasure indeed!" 109
Olivia smiled, or at least tried to. Whatever broke out on her face, she was unsure of. 110
This was going to be a long night. 111
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Three months had passed in a daze. For some reason, Thomas was eager to keep her in the castle. He courted her, pampered her and showered her with gifts. But Olivia was foreign to such love. She sat still in front of his advances, like an unmoving stone. So he kept trying, and she kept standing still. It was foolish, all this drama. Olivia knew he loved her, and truth be told, she loved him just as much. Thomas was a charming man, quick to laugh, quick to love and impossible to affront. He took the ugliest of comments with the lightest of hearts. It was amazing that Olivia felt little fear from him. His being a vampire did not deter her. It did not even matter anymore. 114
Yes, Olivia had fallen for him, but she had one problem. 115
She had no idea what came next. 116
One day, they sat in his library. Thomas lay on a couch, nose buried in a thick book.117
"What are you reading?"118
"This - oh, it's vampire history." 119
"Oh, vampires have a history."120
"A very long one."121
"Are there more of you?" 122
"But of course!"123
"Where do they live?"124
"Here and there."125
"Are they all like you." 126
Thomas glanced at her. "What do you mean?"127
"You told me you only feed off of criminals." 128
"Yes, so?"129
"Are they also like that?"130
Silence. "No."131
"They feed off of ordinary people." 132
"Yes."133
"Why?"134
"Because they chose to expect it as a part of who they are. I didn't. I justify myself that though I am what I am, I only cleanse this land."135
"I see." 136
Thomas refocused on his book. 137
"Do people know you exist?" 138
"They suspect." 139
"But some must believe, too."140
"Some do, yes."141
"Do they hunt you?" 142
"Yes."143
Olivia looked concerned, suddenly. Thomas hastened to add: "They are a group. They call themselves the Latro, the hunters. They have been trying to eradicate my race for over five centuries ... they hunt us. We fight them. Sometimes, we lose. Others times, we save our skins ..." 144
"Do they know about you?" 145
"Yes."146
"Then why don't they kill you?" 147
"Because I'm careful," said Thomas with a mild smirk. 148
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Dinner was the finest Olivia had ever seen. They all sat along the polished table, plates of silver gleaming before them. The table was laden with food: pork chops and potatoes, boiled tomato beans, butter roast ham, meat pies of every variety, bowls of fruit and tart and wine of every color Olivia could think of. The Lords and Ladies dined eagerly, exchanging small talk and chattering away well into the night. After dinner, festivities began. 151
Olivia was mildly elated by the Ball. She met women she had never seen, women who commented on her beauty and admired her husband. Jugglers came and so did fools and poets and bards, all singing gaily and dancing till it was nearly dawn. 152
Then, little by little, the Lords and Ladies departed. 153
"You must come again! It was a pleasure!" said Lord Walker at the door. 154
They waved their goodbyes and parted. Olivia felt very happy. 155
And little expected what awaited them. 156
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"Marry me, Olivia," said Thomas, presenting her with an incandescent ring. "Marry me." "I thought it was suppose to be a question!" said Olivia, eyes wide at the size of the diamond. I've never seen anything quiet like it."I shall take that, as a yes," said Thomas. 158
He leaned in and kissed her. It was their first kiss. Olivia felt feet sweep off the earth. His touch sent an electric sensation through her skin, like a prickling heat. She momentarily lost herself in the touch. She could feel a pleasant tingle all over, a warmth, a feeling of completion. 159
She was whole. 160
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The carriage went at a crawling pace. Olivia felt exhausted and drained of her energy, but inside her was a bubbling excitement.163
"Thomas, I was talking to the other women, and I told them I haven't been really well and all, and they -" said Olivia.164
She stopped short. Thomas looked outside with a vague expression. The hair on his arms were raised. His eyes glinted with a look Olivia had never seen. He tightened the grip on her hand. 165
Suddenly, a face appeared against the carriage window. Olivia shrieked. The face smiled, its eyes pronouncing a threatening fate. The carriage halted and shook. Thomas bared his fangs. 166
He kicked the door open and threw himself onto the figure. Olivia screamed for help. God, this is not happening. No, this cannot be happening.167
"Stop it! Please!" she cried. 168
The man kicked Thomas in the stomach who doubled over on the ground. It drew from a hidden sheath a thin, long sword. The silver glinted in the moonlight. He swung. Thomas kicked the man's knee, sending him off balance. The man toppled over and crashed to hard earth. The carriage master looked around puzzled, eyes wide in fright. Olivia helped Thomas to the ground. 169
"Who sent you?" Thomas spat at the man. 170
"We will cleanse the land from you devils," said the man grimly. 171
"Who sent you?" 172
"The Latro -"173
Olivia strode forward and kicked her heel into the man's face. "How dare you? How dare you, you ruthless people! He never harmed a hair -" 174
"He's a devil," said the man. "And devils deserve to die!" 175
Olivia felt enraged. Her blood boiled at the sight of the man.176
Suddenly, she heard a choking sound. She turned her head back and saw Thomas kneeling on the ground. 177
An arrow was stuck between his throat. 178
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Thomas nuzzled his head into the crook of her neck, breathing into her skin. She felt his hot breath send a tickle through her skin. 184
"Do you know what I think?" said Thomas. 185
"What?"186
"It wasn't chance or fate that brought us together."187
"No?"188
"Nah, I think it was just meant to be."189
"Yes, I believe you're right," said Olivia clinging onto him. 190
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Olivia saw them take away his corpse. There were three of them, tall and clad in black clothes, sword enclosed in their sheaths. 'Men of God' they called themselves, telling her that they would save her soul so she could finally repent. 195
She was a sinner. An affiliate of the devil. 196
She saw them drag Thomas away, his face smeared with blood, his tunic drenched dark. 197
Not a sound issued from her. She found herself unable to talk. 198
The anguish had not yet begun, she knew. The dread had not sunk in. 199
She touched her stomach. A maternal instinct took over. An instinct that intoxicated her like a drug.200
A hopeful salvation. It drove out the loss. The grief. 201
Filled her with a feeling of calm rage.202
One day, she told her unborn child. 203
One day. 204
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Gold trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Adding your comment:
I'm happy i read it. 
Glad you like it lavanya ... honestly this was a very different genre to explore, but eventually, I liked it ... I'm started doodling in nearly EVERY genre I can think of and this was just an experiment, but turned out nice! Thanks for the comment!
Gosh he died! Haha, I really liked this story. I loved the organization and description. Good luck!
I can appreciate original works this was good. Though i did see some parallels. 
