Transformative Nights

New Blood

In my five centuries of existence, never had I witnessed a sky so pitch-black and empty. The breeze, gentle and teasing, bore me across this enchanting island—a gem suspended in the heavens, designed for vacationers yet perfect for my shadowed surveillance. Another night, another lonely vigil. Her face emerged unbidden in my thoughts, casting a familiar weight upon my heart as I glided toward a nearby rooftop. If I had known that eternity would feel so finite, compressed into mere centuries, would I have accepted this existence? My vengeance had been taken, swift and merciless, upon those who dared harm my blood tulip. The fire of that retribution had cooled, leaving only the chill ache of emptiness behind.

Modern vampires had made their peace with sterile blood bags and hospital exchanges, a convenience I could indulge in without effort. Yet tonight, something restless gnawed within me. I craved the pulse of the hunt, the thrill of life surging against my will. A low, cold chuckle escaped me, sharp against the silence.

What did my raven's eye spy below? A young man cornered by his so-called peers, their taunts sharp as fangs. Which of these would prove the most exhilarating snack? With a silent pouf, I shifted back into my vampiric form, the rush of senses dulling as the transformation completed. A different secondary power might have saved her that night, a gnawing thought I quickly buried. Now was not the time for regret. I inhaled deeply, savoring the sharp tang in the air. Ah, there it was—the delicious scent emanating from one of the bullies, unfortunately. It would have been simpler to earn gratitude by rescuing the victim, but fate had a different appetite.

As the world seemed to slow, I descended into their midst. The bullies’ movements were unpracticed, brutish. Mere children playing at cruelty. My fist shot out, landing with a thud in the stomach of one, as my foot collided with the nose of another, a satisfying crunch in its wake. In the chaos, I seized both the central attacker and the stunned victim, leaping effortlessly to a rooftop with them in tow. I caught the ringleader's gaze, pouring my will into his mind until silence shackled him. Domination magic was a taxing indulgence, one best avoided, but time pressed on. With my grip tightening around the redhead’s throat, I shifted focus to the victim, who stared wide-eyed at me.

A brittle laugh escaped me. It had been far too long since I’d rewritten a memory. Concentrating, I felt heat pulse behind my eyes as I murmured, “You escaped through sheer cunning. You’ll hide on this rooftop for another hour before taking an unconventional route home"

“Of course. I should find a safe corner, just in case they return.” Without another glance, Frederick shuffled off, weaving a slow path around the rooftop, leaving me alone with my prize, whose green eyes mirrored the terror I once knew too well. I smirked, drawing him closer.

“Your scent soothes me,” I whispered, “and for that, you are mine.” His struggles intensified, a futile yet charming rebellion. The fear shining in his gaze was a shadow I knew intimately. But tonight, there was no time for the past. Wrapping my arm around his waist, I whispered, “Now, I suggest you don’t fight,” my voice low and almost teasing. “Or I might drop you from a height you won’t survive.”

With a bound, we raced across rooftops, the city melting into the dense embrace of the forest. The farther we ran, the more his struggles lessened, easing an unseen burden in my chest. Soon, the solitude of my wooded estate loomed before us. The towering trees stood as sentinels, whispering a familiar welcome as I led us inside.

In the entryway, I turned and brought him to one of the guest rooms designed for unwilling occupants. I placed him on the bed and allowed myself a closer look. Sweat glistened on his skin, tracing lines down his pale face and onto the collar of his shirt. The effort had taxed him; domination magic always did. His hair, thick and falling past his shoulders, invited touch—a temptation I banished with a scolding thought. He was merely sustenance, nothing more.

“I’m going to remove the domination magic now,” I said coolly, “and I expect you to scream. Know this room is soundproofed, and we’re miles from help. Your voice will do nothing but echo.” His eyes met mine, a storm of emotions swirling within. Before I could decipher them, I tilted his chin and broke the enchantment.

“So, I can scream now?” His voice rasped, ending in a cough.

“You could,” I replied, reaching out before stopping myself when he flinched. The gesture lingered, heavy with questions. I hardened my gaze. “Anyway, I’m sure you’re exhausted. We’ll speak more tomorrow. Rest well.”

As I closed the door and summoned the butler to ensure the room was well-stocked with food and clothes, I made my way to my office. I decided to plan out the questions I would ask my blood rose tomorrow. Blood rose? Am I already giving HIM a nickname? The click of the doorknob halted as the boy’s fearful flinch replayed in my mind. What had driven me to reach for him? Was it just the way his scent seemed to unwind the tight coil in my chest?