"When the gates to eternity leads to a world of suffering... What lengths would you be willing to traverse to release yourself from the anguish that pulls you down each day?"

                            —Eden Pierce

A lot of terrible things happen in the world. The good and the bad divide our memories. We savour the happiest ones while trying to overlook the bad…

“Eden?” My server voice jolted me. “Your mind-wandering is getting worse.”

In the dimly lit ambiance of the Bamboo Diner, the antique clock chimed softly. Seated at my table, I paused in my contemplation, closing my leather-bound journal with a deliberate motion, ensuring the pen was securely nestled within. As I looked up, my eyes met those of the server, and with a gracious smile, I acknowledged her presence. The air was filled with an elegant tranquility, as if time itself had slowed to match the unhurried rhythm of the diner.

Imsoo exuded confidence as she stood with one hand resting firmly on her broad waist, the other clutching a black T-shirt carry-out bag. Her attire was sharp and professional; a dark-blue blouse, a clear nametag, and sleek black pants. Her bleached apron defied the chaos of the bustling restaurant. Each time she delved into its pocket to retrieve her order book, the fabric seemed to repel any hint of imperfection. As I reclined in my seat, I tapped my fingers gently on the table, creating a delicate rhythm.

The local diner was a place I like to visit, as the staff there, particularly Imsoo, always made me feel welcome. Imsoo's warm and engaging nature added a delightful touch to the dining experience, and her friendly, flirtatious demeanour made every visit a memorable one.

“You always order, but you never eat.” She observed my filled glass and untouched boxed meal.

“I will take my leave,” I announced.

“It’s rather early.” Disappointment coloured her tone and her face fell.

“I can’t keep my sister waiting.” I lied. “Patient isn’t her strong suit.”

“Oh! I wasn’t aware you have a sister. You should bring her by sometime.”

I think to myself, “That’s not likely to happen. She is dead!”

Imsoo gracefully waved her hand in dismissal as I offered her cash. "It's on the house," she declared. "I will claim someday. Be prepared for my request, gorgeous."

As she turned to leave, her smile bore a mischievous glint, reflecting the subtle allure of her confidence. The notion of dating a woman had never intrigued Imsoo before my arrival, as countless others had attempted to seduce me in my human days, and the situation only worsened after my transformation. It was fortunate, really; not only was I uninterested, but her scent was as ordinary as they come. Such encounters were but fleeting distractions from the dangerous world I inhabited.

Rising to my feet, I surveyed the scene before me. Three young men sat quietly around a rich, mahogany counter, their expressions thoughtful and serene. Nearby, a youthful couple exchanged playful laughter, their flirtatious banter adding a lively energy to the room.

“See you tomorrow night.” Imsoo called after me. I nodded in acknowledgement, then waved goodbye over my shoulder.

After presenting the boxed meal to Dan, a homeless individual outside the diner, he responded with his customary smile. As I lingered there, I found myself staring up at the night sky, contemplating a saying my father frequently recited: "Change is as Good as a Holiday." Personally, I've always regarded change as akin to conclusions. Often, transitions signify a shift from favourable to unfavourable circumstances. However, I acknowledge that all beautiful things eventually end—life, companionship, affection—they all wane, much like the positive facets in my own life.

The park this evening would have been tranquil were it not for the gurgling water fountain. Settling onto a bench, I delved back into the pages of my book, finding solace in another's reality amidst my own turmoil. Lost in the narrative, I eventually lifted my gaze, only to be drawn to a group of six individuals—four gentlemen and two ladies, members of the Twilight Guards. My inadvertent observation did not go unnoticed, as one of them acknowledged my presence.

They were part of the Council Members, dedicated to safeguarding and preserving the well-being of their people. Their commitment to upholding justice and ensuring harmony was nothing short of heroic. The temple served as the residence for the Chief and Council members, who were tasked with the responsibility of mediating disputes among villagers and upholding tranquility within the community.

As I observed the scene, a wry smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. With a determined gaze, the young man hastened alongside his companions. Utilising my keen sense of hearing, I discerned the rapid thudding of his heart and the coursing of blood through his veins. Fear was palpable, the dread of a potential attack clear in his eyes, as if it were emblazoned on his forehead. I stood and followed in their wake. A wide-eyed young woman with an asymmetrical grin regarded me, perceiving things that I no longer could. Her smile widened at the sight of the magnificent being. Without reciprocating her smile, I carried on. Disregarding the surrounding chatter, I trailed their voices while maintaining a calculated distance. However, the young man persistently checked behind him, unaware of my presence as I concealed myself behind a softly illuminated lamppost in the balmy evening.

The group paused, and my patience waned as I awaited their next move. Five members veered off in one direction, leaving a lone figure behind. Intrigued, I decided to follow her down the street. After several minutes of trailing her without any detours, we had long passed the flea market and craft kiosks. It dawned on me where she was heading.

Nestled within a verdant embrace of bamboo hedges and ancient trees, Croft village basks in the nickname "Greenland," a testament to its lush surroundings. After nightfall, strict orders forbade villagers from entering this area. However, it seemed that this young lady was unaware of the prohibition.

Bathed in the soft lunar radiance, the stranger exuded an aura of quiet elegance. The air carried the delicate fragrance of her shampoo, interwoven with a subtle hint of sweat. With a mischievous glint in my eye, I decided to taunt her as I swiftly dashed past, gliding like a whisper in the night. A subtle shift in her demeanour betrayed a sudden unease. The crack of a branch and the rustle of dry leaves signalled her hastened retreat, but as she fled, I effortlessly outpaced her, revelling in my effortless display of superiority.

Unable to contain my excitement and rush, I leapt from the shadows intercepting her path. Startled, she halted, her eyes darting nervously. Stepping into her line of sight, she swiftly illuminated my face with a flashlight, momentarily dazzling my eyes with its opulent radiance.

Vampire eyes proved sensitive to the bright lights, compelling me to momentarily shut them. Upon reopening them, I found the unfamiliar figure sneering at me, taking a couple of awkward steps in retreat. In response, a grin involuntarily spread across my face.

“That was not nice.” I attempted to make my voice intimidating.

The lass would resume running, transforming the pursuit into a thrilling chase. I swiftly traversed the terrain, my shoes eagerly consuming the distance. Periodically, she cast furtive glances backwards, assessing whether I maintained pursuit, inadvertently stumbling in the process. Reacting instinctively, she reached out to break her fall, an ill-fated decision that resulted in a resounding cry upon impact.

 I stood motionless, arms folded across my frame. "That must have hurt, lass," I remarked.

She fixed her gaze upon me with an angelic expression. "I am not afraid of you," she declared, though her cracking voice belied her true emotions. A breath caught in her throat, revealing the vulnerability she sought to conceal.

I hummed. “You know, I am great at making people scared of me.”

“Leave me alone!” The stranger growled as if in pain.

“And if I don’t”

She fixed me with a steely gaze, yet her composure remained unwavering. I couldn't comprehend her lack of fear; I had anticipated her to flee in terror.

“You don’t want to do this.” It sounded more like a warning rather than a statement.

I tilted my head. “Don’t I?”

The delicate dance of pushing someone's buttons just to see where their breaking point lies. It was like a high-stakes game of emotional chicken. Let's see how much resilience she could muster before the floodgates open.

With a determined intensity, I propelled myself toward her, feigning an intent to inflict harm. As I surged forward, I stopped just short of making contact, then it happened.

Something stabbed, unleashing a primal howl from within. A searing, sharp pain sliced through me, engulfing my body in an inferno of agony. I crumpled to the ground, the scorching sensation overwhelming every fibre of my being. The heat bore into me, permeating my neck, ears, throat, and even the back of my eyes, scorching against my tongue. My desperate fingers clawed at the earth as I writhed in torment, the air thick with the scent of burning flesh.

I was in hell. This was hell!

I found myself engulfed in a state of panic that was utterly overwhelming. My mind seemed to betray me, working against my efforts rather than alongside them. Even the slightest movement of my eyes brought about excruciating pain, as if a searing agony was tearing through my very vision.