As the eventful night drew to a close, I found myself dreading the imminent arrival of yet another mundane day. The longing for endless darkness grew within me, a sentiment only amplified by my newfound vampiric nature, which had soured my appreciation for the daylight hours I once cherished. The world, in its current state, felt like an unending ordeal from which I yearned to escape.

When I arrived at the Manor later that night, the grand halls were eerily empty, adding to the mystique of the place. Making my way to my chamber, I casually discarded my opulent red and black jacket, only for it to be intercepted mid-air—by none other than a mysterious figure. After removing my footwear and setting them aside, I proceeded to my writing-table and carefully lit candles to create a serene ambiance. The soft glow of the candles enveloped the room, casting a warm and tranquil light that set the perfect mood for contemplation and creativity

“Hello, dear friend!”

While I had a hunch that someone was present, it was quite unexpected to hear this voice. The rich, velvety timbre echoed through the room, enveloping me in an aura of familiarity.

“Alice!” I called.

“Why do you sound surprise gorgeous?” Her melodious voice possessed an enchanting quality.  

“It’s really you!”

I hadn't noticed that I was staring until Alice inquired, "Do you see something that catches your eye?“

Alice exuded a striking presence, and she carried herself with a confident awareness of her own allure. I found myself captivated by her beauty from the moment of our initial encounter, and her self-assured charm commanded my utmost admiration.

I closed the distance between us, enveloping her in a warm embrace. "You missed me?" she inquired.

“Very much.”

It appeared as though our time apart had been inconsequential. My attempt to pull back was swiftly dismantled as Alice assertively slammed me against the wall. I took the impact with ease.

“Fashionable as always.” Alice admired.

“Touché,” I responded.

Alice delicately traced her finger alongside my face. "Good to see you, Eden.”

“Yes," I replied, bringing her into another hug. "Welcome back, Alice."

“What have you been doing these days, love?” Alice questioned.

The image of Willow came to mind like the flip of a switch. She was my private hobby. There was a certain mystique in her presence, a captivating allure that drew me in like a moth to a flame. Each time her name echoed in my thoughts, it evoked a sense of secrecy and enchantment, like a whispered promise of something extraordinary waiting to unfold.

“My activities are nothing you would deem acceptable,” I said.

“I am not  judging. I haven’t been up to any good either.” Alice threw a smile my way.

“Your life is eventful as always,” I commented, knowingly.

“While that might be true, it gets lonely, Eden.”

“I am sure you could find entertainments.” I arched an eyebrow suggestively. “What better way to past your time?”

My friend looked amused.

“Is that what you have been doing, my dear, Eden?”

“Perhaps.” I teased.

“Oh, my! Don’t go around breaking young girls heart with that devastating beauty.”

After changing into comfortable attire, I delicately slipped off my socks and eased my feet into espresso-coloured bed slippers. The plush, velvety texture enveloped me in a cocoon of warmth.

 “What is the village like?” Alice asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Every village has a story. Do you like it here? Are you happy?”

“Happiness is a distant destination that continues to remain out of reach,” I replied in deep thought. “Therefore, I know very little since I no longer find interest in many things.”

“Still suffering in silence.” Alice threw a knowing glance at me. “You need to make friends.”

I frowned at the idea.

“How long do you intend to stay?” I asked.

“I haven’t decided yet.” She delicately ran her fingertips along the country-style, handcrafted solid white pine desk, admiring its sturdy construction and rustic charm.

Alice found herself entangled in a perilous game of pursuit, with a centuries-old vampire named "Rascal" hot on her trail. The air was thick with mystery as to why he sought her, and Alice, shrouded in enigmatic allure, refused to divulge any details.

“You left us, Alice.” I accused. “No goodbyes. No note. I searched all over Cindra for you.”

Cindra, a grand community tailored for vampires, exuded an air of opulence and refinement. Amidst its magnificent sprawl, elders such as the distinguished Tobias Michalis found the bustle of city life vexing, yearning instead for the serenity of a quieter environment. Thus, villages became alluring retreats for them, exuding an unparalleled tranquillity, boasting manors overseen by venerable figures and bound by a shared code of conduct.

“Had I told you I was leaving, you wouldn’t have allowed it.”

I was about to reply to Alice when I heard a loud "Bang-bang!" on my bedroom door.

“Expecting someone?” Alice asked.

“Doubtful.” I frowned. “No one ever comes to my chamber.”

“Still keeping people at a distant, I see.”

I threw a glare at her, and grinned.

As I opened my door and stepped into the common hallway, I noticed Derrick leaning against the wooden railing. His room was located two doors down from mine, and our interactions were typically limited to the occasional greeting.

“Derrick!” I called. “Did you see who knocked on my door?”

He turned his head, and his dreadlocks cascaded on both sides of his face, creating a shield between us.

"It appears we have another new arrival," he remarked.

“New?”

“He came with a lass. He was so possessiveness upon noticing our admiration towards her.” Derrick's smirk, but I found no humor in the situation, for I recognised the lad and felt far from pleased by his presence.

“I saw them talking with Tobias some time ago,” Derrick continued.

“Thanks,” I told him, and closed my door.  

I looked Alice with narrowed my eyes.

“What is it?”

“You did not come alone,” I accused.

“Xavier is here. I found in him Kellits.”

Kellits, situated on the outskirts of Nicma, exudes a tranquil charm that was characteristic of rural villages. Its bucolic setting and close-knit community made it a quintessential representation of countryside living. With its endearing allure and unspoiled surroundings, Kellits embodies the timeless essence of rural simplicity.

“I asked Xavier about your whereabouts, and he told you left,” Alice said, with a look of disapproval.

As I gazed at my hands, I felt them instinctively clench into fists. It seemed there was no evading his presence.

“When something dreadful happens," I said in a low, measured tone, "the human mind instinctively try to protect its sanity. However, I am no longer human. One day, Xavier and I had a serious altercation, and it was truly awful, Alice. Because of that, he instructed me to seek alternative sleeping arrangements..."

“He told you to leave?” Alice's voice rose in disbelief, her words resonating with a sense of astonishment.

“He didn’t know I would leave Cindra. I wasn’t sure I would leave either. Not until I realised staying there, even if we weren’t sharing the same quarter, was just as bad as sharing. I felt like I could have kill Xavier, and what’s worse. He would let me.”

“Even if you were to kill him, nothing will change.” She sighed and creased her lips. “Why must you put yourself through such pain, Eden?”

“I never asked for au feels!” I snapped.

“You must accept what you have become. Sadly, there’s no turning back.”

Upon hearing her words, an unwarranted sense of animosity surged within me.

“I don’t expect to hear this from you, Alice. You disappoint me. Leave!”

“What?”

“Did I stutter? Leave! Get out!” I yelled.

She did not move.

“Alice, need I repeat myself?”

She fixed me with a steely gaze, her finger pressing into my bedsheet. “I possess greater strength than you," she declared.

“But I am angrier.” I leapt forward and was face-to-face with her in seconds. “We both know what that can produce.”

“Calm down. You don’t want to fight with me, Eden.”

I fixed my eyes on Alice, then eased back into a relaxing posture. "You need to leave before I do something I might regret," I stated firmly.

The incident that transpired between Xavier and me had become a forbidden subject, tacitly understood to be left unspoken. While we acknowledged its existence, we chose not to delve into discussions about it. This unspoken agreement did not entail a denial of its occurrence, but rather a mutual understanding that its exploration served no practical purpose.

“Believe it or not, some people wish they had your life.”

I hissed at such remark.

“Only idiots would wish for such a miserable life!”

“Please cease your childish behaviour," Alice snapped, her tone stern. The door opened and closed behind her, signalling the end of the conversation.

The prospect of being a vampire didn't resonate with me. While it offered certain benefits, the accompanying cost often outweighed any perceived advantages. The supposed reward of eternal life felt hollow and unappealing, as the idea of perpetually enduring a cycle of demise and devastation filled me with revulsion, despite its allure to many others. Yet, so many yearn for immortality, seeking an existence beyond the ordinary, and a love that transcends the mundane.

Reluctantly, I acknowledged Alice's insight. Memories of my human life lingered, yet the past remained an illusion, overshadowed by the harshness of reality.

How could I accept my life as it was when I struggled to nourish myself the way a vampire should? With a sigh, I turned towards my bed and then proceeded to retrieve my journal. It took mere moments to find a suitable fountain pen. Pulling out a chair, I settled at my desk, a place where I had often reflected on my thoughts. In this moment, my contemplations ran deep, compelling me to put pen to paper. Dipping the pen into the black ink, I transcribed my troubling thoughts onto the page.