I dodged my opponent's punch, kicking her in the side. She swung her fist into my cheek. I caught her hand as she drew it away, grabbing her shoulder. I flipped her body over mine. I spun around to face her. With a glare, she tried to sweep my legs. I started back. If I do well enough but not too well maybe I can get out of the Hiraeth without being exposed…as soon as she got up I aimed a kick at her side. Then punched her in the face. Am Igoing too fast and strong? Have I held enough back? She reached into her mouth and pulled out a tooth which she promptly stuck back in. She wore a glare on her face where a bruise was quickly forming.

“You filthy bastard, do you know how much money my family paid to get me in what they had to do-“ she stood but with a little effort “-to become one of the best Hiraeth officers? You wouldn’t be able to imagine it!” She pulled out her sword.

“We-we aren’t supposed to be practicing-“Before I could finish she was lunging to stab me. Without thinking my hands reached out to catch the blade and slashed her arm instead. I heard a chime and glowing circle beneath my feet t thorns wrapped around my legs ripping the uniform trousers.

“How- how did you block that?!” Her face was full of rage. She yanked the sword from my hands and shoved it in my mouth. I felt it stop at the back of my head. I couldn’t breathe. Is she going to kill me?! 

Drip. Drip.

Blood landed on my tongue. I froze. My throat suddenly felt parched.My body shivering and suddenly engulfed in thirst so strong it was agony. No! This can’t be happening. She drew it out of my mouth cutting the corners of my lips with a smirk on her face. The thorns subsided. I fell to my knees. I don't want to hurt anyone! I covered my mouth with my gloved hands but blood was on them too. It took all my willpower not to move and attack someone. Shit… it’s too strong…I won’t be able to hold out for much longer.

“I’m glad you learned your place.” She said as she walked away. 

Breathing hard I leaned forward on my hands and knees. I’m going to get caught…maybe it will go away on its own.,. I knew in my heart it wasn’t true. I could feel it but I lied to myself. I heard running. I saw Captain Medea running towards me with an alarmed yet concerned look. No, not her! She knows how to identify vampires! She kneeled beside me leaning towards my ears.

“It’s going to be okay. I won’t let you get exposed.” Captain Medea whispered softly in my ear. She brought an arm underneath mine and began leading me away. 

“Are you… lying…” I said through my pants. 

“I swear to you, I won’t let you get killed.”

We made it to a door she opened it; inside was her study, where her bookshelves were piled high with notes, with books stacked in front of those on the shelves. Her desk had piles of papers on it beside a typewriter.She guided me to her chair sitting herself down. Captain Medea sat me on her lap calmly; taking off her coat and undid her shirt exposing her shoulder. 

“I can’t…I could…kill…you…” I tightened my fist against the headboard, cracks forming in the wood. 

“My magic can stun you if needed. But you have to feed or you’ll go on a frenzy.”

I couldn’t turn my head away from her neck. I could hear her pulse like thunder. Warm blood running through her veins.My body aching to sink my fangs into her too badly to resist any longer. “I’m sorry.” I muttered. I bit down on her. Blood flooding my mouth. It tasted better than anything I’ve ever had.As I gulped it down, Captain Medea’s breath came quicker and shallower.

I pulled away, wiping the blood off my mouth. Her cheeks and tips of her pointy elven ears bright red. “You’re not going to expose me for being a half vampire right?” I asked anxiously as I stood up.

“No-no I won’t-it’s not your-fault for getting in the draft.” Captain Medea spoke quickly, flustered by something.

“Are you alright? You seem really stiff.” Her body didn't so much as twitch as she talked to me. 

“Your saliva contains a chemical to paralyze who you bite. It'll wear off in about three minutes…” Captain Medea paused, a confused expression on her face. “Shouldn’t you know most of what I've said? You've asked many questions.”

I hesitated. “It's complicated.” I replied, turning abruptly. “I’ll take my leave now.”