And the chaos came to an end.
One month later...
Now, the world of day and the world of night- both were as silent as a man in his grave. A month had passed and the streets were all empty. Neither a human nor any beast roamed there these days. Woodsow was still suffering from the results of the terrible night. The city had completely destroyed and even 10 years continuous work will not be able to reconstruct it. The damage, destruction and ruin of the night made it look like a hell deprived of devil. Horror ever prevails there but this time it became hard to recognize it. There were no anymore screams, mourns and death. The fear and terror crossed all limits.
There left a handful of humans saved by Elena's knight but you can just call them bodies without soul and mind. Shocked and depressed, they were not able to think properly. Some were in sorrow as they lost their families and some were in pain as haunting images of the attacks had clouded their minds. The people stayed in the Louis's mansion till now unable to overcome from their miseries. But they knew it very well that someday again they had to face it. So, they decided to rebuild their houses by stepping out on the same streets again. Whatever happened, life must go on. Everyone has to live before dying.
Today is the day of their farewell. Louis himself had taken care of them very well. He provided them everything that was needed- food, clothes, medical facilities and the most important thing- motivation to live and stay strong. He talked to them almost every day and lead them to the real way of life, he taught them to find happiness in sorrow, a hope in destruction that everything can now be rebuilt in new way, more beautiful than before. Elena had become a perfect example as she chose to stay strong even in her last moments of life. She showed the courage and even a bit of fear never crossed her eyes when she spoke her last words to Louis. He always gave them her example for how to be brave, how to make fear lose by your strong will and how to never trust anyone with your life except yourself. He gave them advice to rely on one self in tough situations as he had the real guilt of not being able to save his only lady love. She trusted him and he also taken the vow but in the end every love swears broke. He cried all his heart out beside her lifeless body. He asks her to come back but she couldn't listen. His heart ache was much big but not as much hard as other people faced themselves. This time it all looks like a devilish nightmare but every person of Woodsow knew that it's not. No one knows what to do next. But they know that the vampires were still craving for their blood. The monsters were still outside. They cannot run away. They had to live here. Now also, they were trapped here without any way out.Louis got ready to bid them goodbye by giving a farewell speech so they don't shake after getting out. He wanted them to fight this time with all will and valor. He had chosen a darkest black silk shirt with the same black colored lower more like indo-western tight below and a little loose upwards. Also he wore a black cardigan above fallen to his knees which had silver embroidery on right side and completed the look with a royal brooch at left side. He brushed his brown hair well and let them fall to his shoulder proudly. After getting ready he took a last glance and the mirror itself said that he is the most dashing man of the entire universe. He can easily rule the world only with his good looks. His grey and long eyes were not that shiny like before but filled with a new sense of determination looks as captivating as before but more mysterious as they hid a pool of tears in them from a long time. As he made his way downstairs, the people at the basement of the bungalow stood at their respective places. They showered him with much respect and gratitude. He took his place in front of the crowd and addressed them with generosity in his words. He started;
"Dear mortal citizens of Woodsow,
As you all decided to take step out of the mansion today, I want to appeal something to all of you. I don't want to mention the terrible night of Woodsow that had changed our lives and destroyed our city completely. But I knew it very well that we all can never forget it.
Don't forget ever that you are not alone who suffered. Humanity is an important virtue that should be possessed by every one of you. Help others but never wait for anyone to help you. Be prepared always because this is Woodsow and we don't know when what is about to happen. Don't be scared ever as they can also be killed. We just have to find a way to get rid of our sufferings as nothing is impossible. Forget what's lost and welcome the new sunshine with all happiness. Maybe this day is not yours but someday any day can be yours.
Reconstruction work had already started. At first you all can live together and then make your different homes to start a new beginning. I want you all to make them pay this time for all their sins. I myself being a part of them am declaring today that we are all monsters. I had done misdeeds in my past but now I am ready to die for good, for humanity and for love. I just hope of forgiveness from every one of you and especially my love, Elena. I am not able to save her but she had saved many of you."
His eyes filled with tears at this time. He turned towards left to look at the same man of that house and said;
"And Mr. Smith, I want the people to take decision regarding your apology. What you had done is beyond explanation. So they can decide fairly. At last I bid you all farewell and wish you all a best luck to stay strong and win this battle."
He greeted every individual himself before they took step outside. All showed their gratitude and happily parted ways. He was very happy to see spark in their eyes and a new ray of hope to live better than ever or to fight till last breath. As Mr. Smith approached him he told Louis that people forgave him with a big heart but he was not able to forget it. He was blaming himself inside but Louis again showed kindness and told him that there is no use of getting stick to old paper when you got new one. If the mankind is ready to give him another chance then he should stand by it. He smiled and state thanks for understanding.
But again his smile faded as he asked Louis;
"I am no one to ask this question. You are very brave and strong my lord. But everyone here knows your stinging pain. There had been a month and still you are suffering. I just want to know is there any hope? What's the condition? I mean to say...." He hesitated.....
"...…..How's Elena?"
Louis face depressed but he maintained a faint smile but uttered nothing. After the departure of all except some servants who swear to serve him,
He quickly made his way upstairs to the same room he had given to Elena to stay for that night. The things were in their places but the atmosphere suffered a little change. As he entered the room his mind got filled with all the beautiful memories of her and him together. The royal couch was empty and the windows of the room were wide open through which sun rays came inside as a hope of new revival.
In the center of the room, there at the royal bed, was lying Elena in a deep slumber. A maid servant was standing near the bed. She hurriedly went outside after Louis arrival.
His eyes were wet. He slowly walked towards the bed and after gently caressing her black hair, he sat down beside. His dark eyes were continuously pleading Elena to wake up. He doesn't even blink and looked straight to her face. After some time tears started rolling down his cheek which was restrained from a long time. He waited for a month with the hope of her revival but now after so much time he was losing it. He started feeling as he lost her much time ago. But now also he was not ready to believe. A conflict had started between his intellect and emotions. His intellect told him it is useless to wait any more as she was dead from a month and now time has come to bid farewell to her, but his love, his feelings didn't let him do that as there was still a hope of her awakening arises in his mind because her body is still warm. He was not able to compose himself. Louis embraced her with all affections, love and tenderness that he always felt and cried silently for minutes. When his heaviness reduced, he removed his hand from her back and slowly laid her in bed. He cupped her cheeks in his palms and said in a sad voice;
"Come back, my love. I need you. See, once again I am alone in this world. You have to fill this hollowness with your presence, your charm and your generosity. I know you love me, and you know I do, then why this tantrum. Come, let's change this world, let's make Woodsow a heaven on earth to live peacefully without any fear. Everyone is ready to put their possible efforts but I am not. I want you.... I want you beside me to support, to fight, and to put wise solutions. I am nothing without you, darling. You are my strength and my peace. I urgently need it. Come to me Elena, come back to your Louis...you have to...…." He sobbed and stopped. He watched her with much affection and warmth. A drop of tear fell from his eye to Elena's cheek.
He, unable to continue, got up and kissed her forehead. After that he turned and walked to the door. Before walking out he took one last glance at her. As he turned back to the door, a sudden realization shook him. He went back to her and a wide smile appeared on his lips. Her lips were trembling as she murmered;
"l..l..lo…Lou..loui…Louis... a sigh escaped her lips, mouth wide opened and then closed. Louis pleaded;
"No, no....no my love, I am here. L…look at me."
He shook her body softly.
"Elena...….." and luckily she replied;
"Louis....…." her hand was shaking and she slowly opened her eyes. It took some time to adjust with sunlight as after much time she got it. When she realized that it's really rays of sunshine she became senseless. Louis noticed her awkwardness and quickly drops the curtains at window. In that time she sat up on bed after much struggle and asked him;
"It's morning, Louis?"
"Yes, my love. It's morning. A new, bright and most pleasant morning ever." Louis replied with a smile on his face.
"A morning of new revival." She spoke with a returning smile.
"But yesterday night....." Her face fell.
"It was a month ago, Elena". Louis told her.
"What? A month? I am asleep from a month. How is it possible?" She asked more to herself.
"That's really not important. You are alive and that means everything. You have to rest. Don't think about it." Louis consoled her.
"No, I need to know Louis, I want to know everything. So much time had passed. Oh! And the war….. What is the result of the war? I even don't know why they attacked you? You are one of them then why? I have to learn so much. I need answers. My head is spinning….. Please answer me everything. And what about us? Are we safe now? Oh Jesus! I hope we saved many of humans. Louis, please tell me or else my head won't stop wandering." She gasped. She started feeling dizzy. She uttered;
"I think I'm hungry. It felt like I haven't eaten from much time. It's complicated- hungry, thirsty or both. I won't understand. I am feeling dizzy."
"What's the matter? It's true. It had been months. Don't worry I have medicine. Take it and gulp whole at once." He said while taking out a small vial of medicine from the pocket of his cardigan.
She took it and drank whole. She felt better after taking it. But Louis asked her to rest and she tried to sleep but failed. So, she decided to seek her answers from him.
Elena came downstairs where she founded Louis reading a book. She sat down near him and shares her curiosities again. Louis explained;
"Yes, now the war was finished. And as expected vampires won by killing all the feral. As legends say mind is powerful and feral don't have that. They were impulsive, dangerous but who can stand before intelligence. Many humans or mortals were saved. Even they decided to go out today morning. They were here till now. I tried my best to motivate and gave them new way of life. You know, I want them to battle against these merciless butchers, and this thinking rises because of you. I saw you fighting till your last breath. I had thought I'll never be able to be with you again. Elena I.........…" He took a long breath and Elena hugged him.
Both went silent for some time till she spoke;
"But why they attacked you? What happened at that house?"
He released the hug and narrates the whole incident. She cursed the man that caused her so many miseries and because of him so many humans landed here in trouble. Also, she expressed her hatred towards vampires as she said;
"I forgot the thing that there was a time when I felt scared from the vampires. Because right now I hate them enough to murder them all. They are all so cruel. After knowing that they are the sole cause of all this destruction, killing, they don't have any right to live. They are merciless. Louis, how can they do this? I hope they will get punished soon by Jesus himself. Nobody will spare from god's silent rod. They should not exist in society. They are dangerous. Now, I can properly understand why you are not happy by being part of this clan. I wish nobody have to join these monsters again. It's better to die than to live like this."
"But my love, they chose it. What if someone chose to be good to the society and use their powers for human welfare? I mean these strange powers can help more than any mortal in development, safety or spreading moral values throughout the world." Louis said with a hesitation in his voice.
"Common Louis, you yourself had told me once that these powers are devilish. Even you are trapped at first and killed many innocents before. I know you are repenting it now. It means when someone got turned it took them years to gain control over these new magical abilities. Hence, this should not be happened at any cost." She replied firmly.
After much chat, as she tried to stood up, she again started feeling fainted and fell down on the sofa. She holds her head which was spinning around. Louis worriedly gave her the same type of vial again and after gulping it she exclaimed;
"How many bottles did you have?"
"Important for your recovery. Then I have to manage the stock." He smiled.
"You know, first time in my life I am wishing for more medicine. It's delicious." Then she laughed at her own confession.
"You're crazy, my love." He teased.
"(Oh! My crazy love. How will you live without me, without this craziness? Oh! Louis...)"...….. She was singing like a song when he stopped her.
"What do you want to say?" Louis asked irritably.
"Didn't you forget something? You promised me to find a way back home." She replied with an innocent face.
Louis face suddenly dropped. His depressed face told everything but he asked Elena by putting his palms on her arms;
"Don't you want to stay here, with me, Elena?"
She got confused and her brows tightened as she said;
"What are you saying, Louis? You know I won't belong here. I can't stay here. I have some dreams and I also have a family. How can I?" She noticed him and continued;
I know you love me and I love you more but you know better than me about how the things are. This is not possible. I am a mortal and you....umm….. How can it be? It's good for us if we accept it or move on."
A grin appeared on her face and a smile on lips as some mischief occurs in her mind;
"I mean just think of it, when I will be 80 years old, you will still look like this. Love became harder with time. How will you love me then when I'll look like your grandmother…...?" And she laughed wholeheartedly.
He was still sitting there at same position and hard eyes. She realized after sometime that her joke failed terribly to amuse him. She controlled her laughter with fake cough. He looked towards her and replied;
"I'll love you more then. Love didn't become harder but enhances with the passage of time. It increases as cold in winter but never diminishes. And if it falls, that's not love. I love you not your body but soul that never loses its charm, its beauty. It'll always remain same. And I'll praise and admire it till it exists. And you know, it never dies, never lost, never be robbed. I claim it and now you are mine. I'll never let you go."
She was shocked at his sudden claim. She never expected this kind of words from him. Looking at her face Louis realized what he had said in flow. So he tried to calm her;
"Go to your room and take some rest. We will talk later."
"No Louis, talk to me now. You are not going to take me home just because you want me to stay here with you. You were never like that or it's like I misjudged you. Tell me then, what will you do if I, myself, find a way and will try to escape the city." She asked in a challenging tone.
"Listen doesn't even think about it. And I have to stop you anyhow if you even try to move out." He replied in a threatening voice.
Oh! So it's already decided. And who gave you the right to chose anything about my life. Is there anything which I don't know? I'm suspicious. What is the real reason? Why are you doing all this?" she raised her eyebrows in suspicion and demanded answer firmly.
Louis saw her and changed his expressions to a calm gesture as tried removing her doubts;
"There is nothing. I just want to live with you Elena. I don't want to be alone anymore."
She is not satisfied but tried to believe and make Louis understand her will;
"I understand Louis. But why don't you. How could I explain? See I have a family- a mother, father, and a little brother. They surely are waiting for me at home. They were worried when I am coming here. I promised them to return safely. I have to go back for that."
When Louis listened this, he suffered a shock and in a sad voice he asked for forgiveness;
"I am sorry, Elena. You will never be able to fulfill that promise because of me. I hope they forgave me for this."
"Then why are you doing this? We can never be together and you knew it well. If you want my happiness just find me a way to my home my family."
She stood up remembering them like daydreaming;
"Our small family is lovely. I want to be with them again. The small wonders of our special world. I miss it."
She turned towards Louis and put her right palm on her heart as she continued;
"You know my heart....." A sudden realization shook her. She realized nothing there. Her heartbeat was missing. She was unable to understand the fact behind it. She was standing there still without any movement. Her head started spinning again. She was feeling a strange effect like never before. Something mysterious was happening but what? Everything started revolving around.
Louis got up and withdraw the same vial with the same thick red potion from his pocket and tried to hand over but she pushed his hand.
Unable to handle herself anymore, she ran away from there to her room and take support of the royal couch's arm. She was panting. In some time Louis came there chasing her and giving her the medicinal vial said;
"Please, have it. You will feel better. I will tell you everything after."
With heavy breath she asked;
"What is this? What are you giving me? What are you doing with me? And my heart. Where is my heartbeat, Louis? I had told you it's your heart beating within me. What had you done with it?
"I won't trust you anymore. I will not have it. What is this damn potion?" Ahhhh...
A scream escaped her mouth as she started feeling uneasy. It's like her whole body was paining. Louis can't hold anymore and made her drink it himself. He opened the vial and put it in her mouth.
When she felt better, Elena looked towards him and this time not her voice but eyes demanded answers but Louis, in guilt turned his head to avoid her gaze.
"Answer me honestly, Louis. What is this potion?" it is clear from her tone that she already knew the answer but want to confirm it as it is hard to believe.
"Human blood." He states in simple words.
But for Elena, it was like someone put a dagger in her stomach. She worriedly runs her fingers on her head as she was completely depressed. She never ever in her life thought that someday she will drink the same blood flowing in her body. She then put a palm over her mouth, tilted her head and tears welled up in her eyes. She falls on the marble floor beside the couch.
On the other side, Louis was waiting for more questions to answer when he hear a thud voice. Immediately, he turned and ran to Elena. He put her in his arms as she cried loudly on his shoulder. Her head is just down to Louis's chin and there were sadness and tears in their eyes. But there was just one difference the tears of Elena represents her sorrow with sudden realization, and Louis's holded tears in his eyes shows his guilt.
After some time, Elena suddenly became aggressive towards the situation as she was not ready to believe her instincts till now. She wants to know everything. She wanted to listen it. She wanted Louis to tell her everything in his own voice. Maybe, it made her believe in reality!
She held her head up, her eyes meeting Louis's gaze which he tried to avoid but she grabbed his collar harshly and asked firstly in a sad and low voice;
"What had you done with me?" and then at high and much threatening voice;
"What had you done with me?" her voice echoes in the room…. Done with me? Done with me? Or maybe it sounded to him like this.
Louis didn't even move. His eyes were low. He tried to avoid her as much as possible as he confessed;
"You were dead, Elena. I don't want to lose you. You are the first love of my life. How could I let you go? How can I allow death to take you away from me? I couldn't be able to handle that grief. I want you to come back. I want to see you alive again. There is no way other than....." he stopped unable to speak further.
She became furious and asked;
"What? What way?"
He tilted his head sorrowfully and cupped her cheeks in his palms. He tried to show his guilt;
"I know I became selfish at that time. You don't want this to be happened. If you were in your senses, you had never chosen that. I even realized this at that times that it will be really hard for you to accept this reality. But that moment made me weak, Elena. I couldn't be able to accept mortal's fate, maybe because I am an immortal. I am afraid for the first time in my whole life. I was not able to accept this irony of life. I don't want to lose you, hence I...…. I took the decision to... reincarnate you back into life by turning you...…."
He again stopped and once more avoided her gaze. She looked directly into his eyes and shook his collar as she asked in low, sad and depresses voice;
"T....t…turned me....."
Finally, he looked to her eyes firmly and tried giving her answer;
"Turned you into....." but failed and tried again.
"Turned you into..."
Elena's face suddenly became hard. All her tears became dry. Her expressions showed clearly that she now, accepted it all.
"A vampire." She said.
THE END.