Serene Vampires

Serene Vampires1

She didn’t want to leave her home, but she had no choice. He was there, always there-- she could run from them no longer. The scope of his magic was endless. He would always be with her, in her mind--unless she went to him.2

The trees at the end of the dirt path swayed and seemed to be waving to her, calling her in closer and closer to the black unforgiving forest. The length of long, black hair whipped back in the wind – like black lace twisting in the storm’s breath.3

A cold icy blast of rain hit her in the middle of her head. Instantly, as if a water balloon had been popped, it came down in torrents chilling her flesh and, soaking her to the bone. She pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders, and sloshed through the new-formed rivers in the mud.4

The edge of the forest shot warm breaths at her, it wasn’t raining in there, in fact it never seemed to rain in there. She had never heard of anyone ever coming out of the forest before, but then again, she never really talked to people. 5

A thin beam of light wound its across the ground, like a snake slithering in the mud. 6

“The sign…” she murmured. She stepped lightly on the soggy ground following the thin beam, but even with all her effort it sloshed around her ankles. The light wrapped around trees and stumps and seemed to be going nowhere, almost as if a cruel joke were being played on her. Was it not enough that she had left her home, and ventured deep into the baneful forest? 7

The small cottage with smoke billowing from the roof caught her attention, and held it. She had seen it many times in her dreams-- the nightmare within could be contained in this?8

A small rabbit ran across the ground and stopped before her. It began to take human form. The bits of white fur slowly shrank into pale flesh. Small beady eyes enlarged into large human windows to the soul. At first slowly then it began to take up speed. Even cloths appeared on the human frame. His eyes were blue pools that seemed to stare straight through her. The tower of a man had appeared before her eyes from a mere hare…it had begun!  “Serene…I am glad you came. Do you have an answer to my proposal?” His voice seemed to be carried on the breeze like blissful song, yet with a cacophony underneath. 9

She swallowed the remaining saliva she had and began to speak, “I have…the only answer I can give is please, don’t hurt my family.”10

A grin appeared on the man’s face. “ I am glad you see it my way.” He slid his fingers around her waist and pulled her tight with a loving embrace. His eyes gleamed like bright lights in a neon city, “Oh, how I have missed you.” His lips ached to kiss her. He ran a finger across her pale neck. It felt like silk. With a swift motion he leaned into her skin. His fangs slid down with a click and he plunged them into her neck the warm, thick, sweet blood flooded into his mouth. How he had wanted to taste her blood for a long time, too long.  He drank deeply. “Now it is your turn. Drink dear, drink deep.”11

An unusual sensation overtook her body. She felt out of control. Her mouth seemed to be changing, even possibly moving. Yes, her teeth, they were moving. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, like sharp needles. Her nostrils flared, and her eyes bulged. Her fangs into his neck and drank her fill, all the while becoming sicker and sicker. Why could she hear his thoughts, and feel his feelings? Why did his blood taste so good, and how could be so filling?  The pain in his heart ached for her, calling… pleading for her love. “No, this can’t be happening.” she whispered. Haze was slowly devouring her mind as his blood pumped through her heart.12

“ You are now immortal my dear. You are mine forever. You are MINE!” He watched as her eyes flickered and grew dim. His arms ached for her embrace, but he had to wait.13

Serene became placid and fell to the ground, unknowing she would never awaken as herself again. As she slowly fell, her body softened. The beautiful, pale skin grew small tan hairs. Her face changed, elongated into a snout. Her eyes lengthened and widened. The glassy complexion reflected his satisfaction. Slowly the body of the deer collapsed to the ground. 14