SLAVE TO THE VAMPIRE KING

THE DARK

Samantha

The moment I saw those red eyes glaring at me, I knew I wasn’t hallucinating. A rush of blood coursed through my veins as I felt the life drain from my face, turning me blue with hypoxia. I couldn’t breathe; gasping for air, I struggled to steady myself. Despite the instinct to panic, I knew that even if I told my parents what I saw, they wouldn’t believe me.

Peeking through the window again, I spotted a figure standing behind the lamppost, his gaze fixed on me. I shook my head, closing my eyes, hoping this was just another hallucination. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t.

Curiosity surged within me, compelling me to jump to my feet. I needed to see him—needed to face him. As I stepped out of my room, I found Amanda waiting outside, arms crossed and eyebrows raised in a mix of authority and annoyance.

“Where do you think you’re going, Samantha?” Her voice dripped with venom.

“Don’t tell me I can’t go to the kitchen when I’m grounded,” I shot back, rolling my eyes.

“Tell me what you want, and I’ll bring it to you!” Was she trying to be nice or just complicate things further?

“Really? This is ridiculous!” I scoffed, but she remained unmoved, blocking my way.

“I don’t know what I want! I need to check the fridge myself!” My frustration grew; I needed an opportunity to escape.

“Sorry, but you can’t leave this room. Dad has given instructions to us, and we have to follow them,” she said, a smug smile plastered across her face.

“Why?” I asked, shocked and confused.

“Why? You know why! So don’t waste my time—go back to your room!” She pointed at the door, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Glaring at her, I felt the heat rise in my chest. What could I do? She wouldn’t melt under my gaze. I slammed the door in frustration and wanted to throw everything in my room. Why did everyone treat me like this? I didn’t want to stay with them.

I returned to the window, but to my surprise, the figure was gone. I was certain there had been someone standing at the edge of the backyard, where the woods began. In frustration, I climbed into bed. Sleeping was difficult; usually, I spent my nights watching videos on YouTube and scrolling through i********:, but now, stripped of my phone and gadgets, I was left with only one choice: study or sleep.

Well, I chose to sleep. I just didn’t want to deal with any of it anymore.

When I woke up the next day, I was relieved to find it was Sunday. But just like my other wishes, this one was swiftly denied. Suddenly, a bucket of cold water was dumped on me.

I shot upright, screaming at the top of my lungs, only to see Amanda standing over me, laughing at the sight of my drenched bed.

“Get up, loser! You need to help Mom with breakfast!” she ordered, her tone condescending.

“What the hell is wrong with you? You could have asked me nicely!” I yelled, my heart racing.

Amanda frowned at me. “Really? We’ve tried that, but your numb brain doesn’t seem to get it,” she shrugged, indifferent to my feelings.

I hated her attitude. She had the perfect family and the perfect life. Beautiful, charming, and adored by everyone. I was just the disgrace.

After she left, I forced myself out of bed, washing my face to appear presentable. I put my mattress on the roof to dry, hoping to avoid another scene with my parents.

When I returned to my room to gather my things, I saw my mother glaring at me as if I had caused her trouble.

“Amanda told you I need your help. Where were you?” she yelled.

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

“Fine! Get your ass downstairs and serve breakfast to everyone,” she ordered, glancing at me one last time before walking away.

The day had just begun, and I could already tell it would be the worst of my life. I dragged myself to the kitchen with a grumbling stomach, still exhausted from everything that happened. Mom handed me plates to serve Dad and Amanda. The pancakes smelled heavenly, but a glare from Mom reminded me I wasn’t allowed to eat with them. I’d have to wait until they were finished, just to reflect on my bad behavior. But wasn’t that what I’d been doing my whole life?

“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?” Mom’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“After I help you with the chores!” I replied, frustration bubbling beneath my skin.

“Fine, do it as fast as you can, then get your work done.” Mom finally left me in peace.

I worked alongside her all day, and later, Dad dragged me into my study room. It was worse than chores! I could clean all day, but studying made me want to die. My dyslexia turned even simple assignments into an uphill battle.

I managed to finish my assignment on time, ready to submit it to Mrs. Sutton the next day. But I felt completely drained, as if my body and soul were being crushed. When I thought I could finally relax, Amanda appeared with a mountain of documents.

“What’s this for?” I asked, eyeing the piles of papers.

“Help me organize these!” she commanded, tossing them at me.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve been working all day. I need some rest!” I stated firmly.

“Aren’t you grounded? Do you want that to get extended?” Her eyebrow arched, her tone mocking.

I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white. How dare she? But what was the point of yelling at her? I’d only get punished more. Without a word, I started sorting through her documents while she instructed me on how to do it.

Tears streamed down my face as I worked, overwhelmed by how everyone treated me. I didn’t have the guts to run away. Even if I did, I’d just be dragged back here. After finishing her work, I finally had dinner. At least the food was decent.

I noticed everyone laughing together while I sat alone in my room, eating quietly. No one bothered to talk to me. It was heart-wrenching.

Suddenly, there was a knock at my door. My mood lightened; maybe someone cared. I smiled, thinking it was Mom.

“Oh, you’re still eating! When you’re done, don’t forget to take the trash out,” she said, barely glancing at me before leaving.

My smile faded, and I lost my appetite. After finishing my food, I went into the kitchen to do the dishes and take out the trash. That was the only time I stepped outside the house all day.

The gentle breeze brushed against my skin, the coolness of the air soothing my frazzled nerves. After a long day, I felt my tense muscles relax. I was savoring the fresh air when I heard my mother yelling at me from inside.

With a sigh, I turned to head back in when I heard something unusual in the dark woods. My gaze was fixed on the trees, and then I saw them—those red eyes! So dangerous yet alluring. I couldn’t resist the pull; my feet carried me toward them.

As I got closer, I heard someone breathing. My heart pounded loudly in my chest, but I was so entranced by those eyes that nothing else mattered. My hands brushed against the rough bark of the nearest tree when I heard Amanda’s voice a few meters away.

“What do you think you’re doing? Come back or I’ll call Dad!” she yelled.

I hesitated, torn between the urge to turn back with her and the desire to seek out those eyes. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder, and Amanda’s horrified expression sent a shiver down my spine.

Suddenly, something pulled me back, and I screamed louder than before, my voice echoing in the still night. All I could hear was Amanda’s voice calling my name.

“Samantha!”