SLAVE TO THE VAMPIRE KING

THE DARK

The moment I saw those red eyes glaring at me, I knew I wasn't hallucinating and I felt a rush of blood in my veins, I turned blue due to hypoxia. I couldn't breathe and gasped for air. I got up and tried to calm my nerves because even if I was going to tell my parents what I saw, they were not going to believe. Once again, I peeked through the window and found a figure standing behind the lamp post. His gaze was glued at me and I knew that he was staring at me. I shook my head and closed my eyes, thinking that hopefully, this must be my hallucination. However, it wasn't.

The curiosity made me jump on my feet and I thought of rushing to the woods again. If it was real, I need to see him or face him. As soon as I stepped outside the room, my guard, Amanda, was standing there already. Her pensive gaze was reading me from head to toes. With arms crossed both sides, and the eyebrow raised above her forehead, she asked me like she owns me.

“Where do you think you are going, samantha?” The voice was dripping nothing but venom.

“Don’t tell me I can't go to the kitchen when I am grounded.” I rolled my eyes knowing at what extent she could go to stop me from moving outside..

“Tell me what do you want? I will bring it for you!” was she trying to do a favour or just making things complicated.

“Really? This is ridiculous!” I scoffed at her but she didn’t budge from her place, “I don't know what I want, I have to check the fridge on my own to see what exactly I want.” I needed an opportunity to escape.

“Sorry, but you can’t leave this room. Dad has given his instructions to us, and we have to follow them.” She smiled with a smug pasted on her face.

“Why?” I was shocked and confused.

“Why? You know yourself! So, don’t waste my time and shoot back to your room!!!” she pointed her finger at the door.

I was glaring at her but what else could I do? Of course, she won’t melt under my hot gaze. I slammed the door in frustration and I wanted to throw everything I have in my room. Why does everyone treat me like s**t? I don’t want to stay with these guys.

I was back on the window but to my surprise, I couldn't see anything but I was damn sure there was someone standing at the end of the backyard, from where the woods start. In frustration, I went to sleep. It was difficult for me as I always spend my time watching videos on youtube and i********:, but now they have taken my phone and gadgets away from me, left me on choice but to do one thing. Study!! Or sleep!

Well, I am sleeping because the other one is impossible. I just don't want to do this anymore, I have no guts.

When I woke up the next day, I was glad that I could sleep more, because it was sunday!! But my every wish is either denied or ruined, just like this one. Suddenly, someone poured a bucket full of cold water over me.

I woke up screaming at the top of my lungs and saw Amanda having fun after drenching me and my bed.

“Get up, asshole. You have to help mom with breakfast!” She ordered me like she was my boss.

“What the hell is wrong with you? You could have asked me nicely!!” I yelled at her.

Amanda frowned while talking to me, “Really? We all tried that but your numb ass doesn't get a feel.” She shrugged her shoulders like she don’t give a f**k.

I really hate her and her attitude. She had that outstanding kind of family. No doubt, she is an outstanding kid but what was the purpose? She did all the fun in her school and college. The boys around her wanted a piece of her, but she kept them on her feet. Her beauty and charm made everyone irresistible.

Why did God never bless me with something like this? I am not as beautiful as she was, not as smart as she was. She was the sweetheart of the family and I was just a disgrace to the family.

She left the room and I was still laying on the drenched mattress. I forced myself to get up and wash my face to appear presentable. I changed my clothes, then I put my mattress on the roof to dry it. I was wanting to leave without creating any scene again because I was getting mentally exhausted.

When I returned back into the room to gather my stuff, I noticed mom glaring at me if I had caused her trouble.

“Didn’t Amanda inform you that I need your help? Where were you?” She was yelled at me.

“I put my mattress up to dry.” I said in a monotonous tone.

“Fine! Get your ass downstairs and serve breakfast to everyone in the house.” She said and left after glancing one last time at me.

The day has just started and I already felt that it was going to be the worst one I have had in my life. I dragged my body to the kitchen with a hungry stomach since I didn't ate last night. And I was still tired from everything that happened. Mom handed me plates and dishes to serve Dad and Amanda. While I was serving others, the pancakes on the plate were watering my mouth but the glare from my mom was enough to tell me that I cannot have breakfast with them. When everyone left, then I could only eat, just to reflect on my bad behaviour. But that isn't what I've been doing since I was born?

“How long will it take you to do the dishes? Don’t you have an assignment to complete? When are you going to do that?” My mom asked me in an aggressive tone.

“After I help you with chores!” I replied while wiping the plates

“Okay, do it as fast as you can, then complete your work.” Mom finally left me in peace.

I worked all day with my mom and later I was dragged into my study room by my dad. This was worse! I could do twice as much work then I just did but when it comes to studying, I just want to die. My dyslexia made it even worse for me.

Well, I finished my assignment in time and I was ready to submit it to Mrs. Sutton in tomorrow's class. But my body and soul were exhausted like hell. I couldn’t think of doing another thing now. When I thought I could have some peace, Amanda showed up with piles of her documents.

“What is this for?” I asked her while my eyes scanned the files.

“Mm… help me arrange all the documents!” She threw a command at me.

“I am sorry, but you have seen me working all day. I need some rest!” I stated.

“Aren't you grounded? Do you want it to get extended?” She c****d her eyebrow at me.

I clenched my fist hard until the knuckles turned white. How dare she? But there was no use of screaming and yelling at her. I would get more punishment than I already had. Without uttering another word, I started arranging her documents. She left after instructing me how to do the work.

Tears shed from my eyes, thinking about the way everyone was treating me. I was not daring enough to run away. Even if I do, I would be dragged back here. When my work was finished, I had dinner, atleast I had something better to eat. I noticed how everyone was laughing while sitting together, watching T.V. I was in my room, eating silently. No one bothered enough to come and talk to me. It was so heart wrenching.

Suddenly, there was a knock on my door and my mood lightened thinking about someone who cares for me too. It was mom, and I smiled widely at her.

“Oh, you are still eating! Once you are done, do not forget to take the trash out.” she pointed and left like I was just a free maid to them.

I stopped eating as my appetite was lost. Went into the kitchen, did the dishes and took out the trash. It was the only part of the day when I stepped out of the house.

The gentle breezes were brushing against my skin, the coldness of the air was tempting. After a long day, I felt my tense muscles relaxing. I was breathing the air like some treasure but soon I heard my mom yelling at me.

I sighed and thought of going back inside when I heard something unusual in the dark forest. My eyes were stuck on the woods but there was something which made me jump on my feet. Those red eyes! So dangerous yet alluring. I couldn’t stop my feet going into the direction from where I saw those eyes.

When I was really close, I heard someone breathing and I saw a shadow. My heart was thumping loudly in my chest but I was so lost in those eyes, nothing felt so tempting beside them. My hands reached the first tree when I heard Amanda’s voice a few metres away from me.

“What do you think you are doing? Come back or I will call dad!!!” she yelled at me.

I was stuck whether to go back with her or not listen to her and search for those eyes. But then, I felt a hand over my shoulders and I saw Amanda’s horrified expression on her face.

Suddenly, something pulled me back as I screamed louder but I heard only Amanda’s voice, calling my name.

“Samantha!!!!!”