And there she lay in the red puddle of her own blood, among the tall country grass, near the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Josephs. Those bright hazel eyes, which used to glow with life and enthusiasm, are now staring at the sky lifelessly, asking, 'why me' what have I done to deserve such a fate! Why did I have to die! And die like this! So young and lively! So full of dreams to achieve and places to visit and … how could my role in the play, called life can end so abruptly?

The Sirens could be heard and the red and blue lights of the police cars were flashing and flooding the dawn of the country town. The people were coming out of their restful sleeps hearing the sirens of ambulance and police cars, and wondering what had happened in their vicinity. The area where they live is well known for its peace and calmness and beauty. So what dread is lying under cover for them to behold, which dire crime had called for the attention of the security forces. Looking for the answers, people of the nearby houses were peeping out of curtained widows with questioning eyes; some of them even came out to discover the first-hand authentic news.

Detective Neera Noir Nyx was also called at five in the morning to be at the crime scene. She loved her job because she was very good at it; due to THE GIFT she had by birth. Even now, from the distance of at least one kilometer she could smell the victim's blood mixed with the smell of wet mud and crushed grass. But there was another strange smell too; smell of something familiar, something that she had smelt before, but forgotten now. Wondering, she approached the crime scene which was by now, marked restricted with broad yellow police tape.

After greeting her partner Rakshan Reynolds Helios, they both approached the main crime scene. They saw the victim in terrible shape. She was a young girl of twenty-five, hazel brown eyes gaping wide at the sky, lying in the puddle of blood mixed with mud for six hours or so, up to now. They discovered she was murdered brutally at 2 a.m. Approximately, and was discovered at six in the morning by Josephs' dog.

Neera was examining the scene with eagle's eye for every minor or major leads to the attacker, but that strange familiar smell kept distracting her. It was not only confusing her but also making her irritated. So, she was careful to control herself in public. She doesn't want to transform NOW to scare everyone away. That rare gift of hers sometime becomes her curse, keeping her away from any kind of relationships or close friends. She lives alone. She is so used to her solitary life that at this instant; she does not even remember when she had a real conversation with anyone. A normal, not- related -to -work conversation, conversation about her or any other trivial matter.

While strolling at the crime scene, she saw something shiny a few yards away where one of the arms of the victim was thrown. Rakshan was examining the body. So, she went to pick that thing. Something was held in the palm of that separated hand. She approached opened the palm and took out that little piece of jewelry, soaked in blood.

She cleaned it with a tissue paper. It was platinum ring with black dragon carved in black obsidian. It was the family 'The Noir Nyx' insignia. She instinctively and unconsciously slipped it into her jacket's pocket, a quick flash of memories, pageant of pictures flashed in her mind in few seconds. 'Oh God!' She exclaimed. 'No, Not again, Why this ordeal?

That strange familiar smell suddenly took a form; the face of her brother, now a suspect in her eyes. She thought for a while about the details of the pattern the crime has been executed, the way they found the body, the familiar smell: Tearing victims' throat with something sharp, shredding limbs, body turned white as if blood is drained out of it. She said to herself, "yes who else it could be, how could I forget that familiar pattern of killing.' It was definitely Neeram, her beastly brother.

Memories of the past came racing in her mind. He was two years elder than she her, but they were both like twins, doing everything together, seen together almost all the time when awake. They were born with strange genetic structures and abilities. That strange set of genes in human genome system, which was not known to science yet, had given them powers not experienced by ordinary people; A very highly developed sense of smell and hearing, sight even in complete darkness and above all an animalistic instinct to kill if threatened, and strength of ten men.

These genes, they are born with, remain hidden till the age of twelve, but then as soon the person having them, turns thirteen, they begin to experience the change in themselves and their behavior. They get strange powers like intensified senses and a new form, a beastly form if not controlled.

Some of them forget when they turn into such beasts, and what terrible things they had been doing during transformation until they learn to master it, but others like Neera have an advantage. They don't have that memory amnesia condition. Whenever they turn into their beastly personality, they are in complete control of their powers. So, Neera never forgets being human and does not harm anyone instead she uses it whenever she needs to resolve difficult situations or whenever she is left with no choice to defend herself.

Over the years, by the studying her own DNA and behaviour patterns, she has discovered that she has this advantage because of double x chromosomes. So, she retains her memory but her brother couldn't even though the gene responsible for this character is a dominate x gene.

He was missing for six years now, and she had completely drowned herself intentionally in her work 24/7, to forgot him. She loved him so dearly that when he ran away, she blamed him for abandoning her to take up the family's heirship. And now standing at the crime scene, knowing that who the attacker might be, she is wondering what a cruel joke nature has played on her. what a Farce, first to be born with this kind of eccentric genetic structure and now going after this killer, her own brother, who is innocent because he might be completely unaware that what he had done, and to seek justice for this innocent young girl who had been murdered brutally.

What should she do: pay attention to the call of her duty and oaths she took as a police lady, and a detective; or listen to her heart, her duty as a loving sister? This clash of moral and professional duties was confusing her, crushing her.

She smiled to herself ironically, thinking that Life is a farce which everyone has to perform. So, she too will let herself flow with the pace of upcoming events where ever they will lead her. Let the rat chase game begin. She is ready for it.

Neera came back from her thought when she felt a hand on her shoulder, got startled and turned back quickly to see who it was. There he stood in-front of her, Rakshan her partner detective; looking at her with raised eyebrows. He had recently joined her so she was trying to get used to his presence.

'Hey partner! What up, what are you hiding' he said in sarcastic tone. She had mixed feeling for this tone in specific and for Rakshan in general, she liked and hated it altogether.

She simply moved his hand by shaking her shoulder and said in angry tone, 'Don't call me partner. Don't forget that I recommended you and you are still on probation',

she tried to make her tone as angry as she could even knowing that it will have no effect on the person she is talking to. At least that's what she had discovered about him during the months of being together that is as stubborn as mule and would do whatever his own heart bends to do.

'Ooooh! I got frightened… partner! he said with a smile on his face. He wasn't showing any signs of fright or embarrassment. 'By the way you can trust me with your secrets', he said calmly.

'Keep your offer safe in your pocket for someone else. I don't have secrets, and even if I do have, you would be the last person I will trust', she spoke in same tone.

'Well! Your whole being right now is announcing something else. Your words are not supportive of your expressions dear, and you know that eyes don't lie.' You like me', he whispered the last words in her ear and she felt his warm breath on her ear. Her heart skipped a beat as if caught red handed for having developed feeling for him recently. Although having good intuition he could catch her at such moments; she had no intention to admit it or indulge in such a delicacy as love affair relationship, knowing her own situation clearly.

So, she grabbed and twisted his hand behind his back and said in warning tone, 'Don't you dare call me PARTENER or DEAR! I don't like that flirting tone and you won't survive that.'

'Hey you are hurting me Dear partner, let my hand go' He didn't even change a bit, but in flash of lightening he was on the ground upside down, feeling her knee on his back.

Rakshan wasn't scared by her cold demur and replied raising his hands, 'Okay, I will try. Let me go.'

She got up, and she turned towards the crime scene again, followed by Rakshan voice.

'What if I do survive it all, Dear Partner?' Rakshan's voice had seriousness now.

She replied over her shoulder without looking back, '. I'll make sure you never do.'

After taking all the necessary notes from the crime, they send the body for post mortem, cleared the place and headed back to the precinct. On the way, in her silver Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Rakshan was very talkative. He was commenting on everything: the weather, the passers-by , the food he was eating, dress he was wearing, and country's political dramas everything. Just to keep him silent Neera turned on music but he started talking about that too.

So, she had to say, 'why do you need to talk so much. Would a bit of silence kill you?'

'Yep! the quick answer came from him, without showing any signs of being affected by whatever happened at the crime scene, 'I talk even in my sleep, but of course I didn't know it. The people who sleep with me or around me told that I talk in sleep too. You can experience it too If you wish to'

'Excuse me! What do you mean!', She said in a threateningly.

'inviting you for a sleep over at my place, you know…'but he couldn't complete his sentence as his head bumped into the dash board, he was not wearing seat belt.

Quick brakes applied, producing a loud screech, 'I'd rather die instead of doing that or better kill you.'

He chuckled, and said in a naughty tone, 'I will gladly die if those beautiful would be killing me but you know I am the most attractive person in town! Women are dying to be with me, but just for you I am offering myself … free.'

'Free…, why me Then! Auction yourself in open market for better price', she said with same smug, with arrogant look on her face.

He smiled and looked away, showing clear signs that he was taking pleasure in that word fencing with her. The car accelerated again, at much higher speed this time, and in few minutes, they were at their destination.

She got out and walked towards the precinct building without even looking at him or waiting for him come to out. He came out slowly, but when he was about to sit on his desk, he got the message that chief called him in his room.

Neera was already there. The chief gestured him to sit.

'What's the issue going on between you two.' the Chief a tall, handsome man in late thirties, asked him in serious tone.

Rakshan raised his shoulders, shook his head and said, 'Nothing from my side.'

'Neera wants to apply for changing partner, so there might be something.' He asked.

'Ask her. It's her issue not mine.' Raising his shoulders, he got up and left the room.

'See he didn't even bother to hear what you have against him. So. Now you tell me What the issue is? Neera? Why do you want to change the partner? Go to the counselor if there is something needed to be looked in to. But tell me first.'

Neera racked her brain hard but then, not being able to find any right reason, heard herself saying, 'he…. He calls me dear partner.'

Chief's hand went to his forehead, 'You are impossible Neera. Are you going to write THAT in the application to change partner?'

'He irritates me' she rubbed her forehead confusedly.

'I think whatever irritates you, is your habit of being lonely. You are unable to except the presence of any other being. Try to come out of that situation. Now go and work on your recent case. And keep in mind request for changing partner is some thing really serious. The heads will scrutinize you two thoroughly before doing that and you don't have any genuine reasons right now. Try to adjust yourself.'

When she returned to their combined desk, she could sense that Rakshan was in bad mood. Seeing her, he picked up his cup of coffee and went to have a refill, but he didn't return to the desk instead he went to Josh's. Neera Continued to work on their findings, but couldn't concentrate. She pretended that she is working where as she just read the details of friends and colleagues of the victim so that they can interview them.

Neera had discovered address victims Mum too. It was a most difficult part of her job to inform the relatives of the victims about the sad news about their loved ones. Before starting the process of post mortem, they want to call her mother for recognizing the body and her permission to proceed.

Neera was thinking for the right words to say to the mother and when she looked up, Rakshan was already staring at her, balancing on his chin on his fist.

When she looked up at him, he raised his eyebrows as asked inquisitively, 'What's worrying you, partner. The subject of the letter to chief.'

Being in no mood of silly discussion on the subject, she just clicked her tongue and sighed, 'how are we going to tell Ann's mum about her death. She is seventy-five, living at an old house and Ann being the only child, was paying for the expenses.'

'Hmmm! That's a sad and hard question. We will go to meet her together. I hope to finds words then. What are other leads up to now?' he sighed deeply.

'One of her colleagues was sharing a room with her. But on that day, she too was at the party. Besides that, there are a few other colleague friends but do we need to meet everyone?' added Neera.

'We should meet the closest ones at least to know what of a person was the victim.'

'Hmmm, you are right. '

'So, what's up now? What would be our next step?', inquired Rakshan.

'We need to search the house and the nearby woods too where we found the body,' told Neera. 'Because the tracks are leading us to them.'

'Okay then, lets go' Rakshan stood up, picking his jacket, car keys and cell.

A Dark Night

Mary Ann was working on her first project of event designing and planning, after graduating as an event planner. Her first project was to plan interior of the town hall for college reunion party, the grand event used to occur every four years. Being at her first off-the-college job, she was excited and full of energetic ideas. She wanted the event to be a breakthrough for her career, and uplift her for the next projects. She was hopeful that success of this project would bring in more. So, she was using all possible means and working on every minute detail. Working for most of the time during twenty-four hours a day, left her with no time at all for herself. She was eating less, sleeping less, and had no time at all for any relationship. She in fact had no one in her life except her mom. Unlike other girls of her college, she was less popular among boys, so literally had no regular boyfriends.

She had slept occasionally with one or two boys of her class but because of her being a stickler- of- work nature, no relation lasted for too long or gained any seriousness.

At last, it was the day of the party. She was there too as event manager. She was wearing a blue backless party gown with beautiful silver frills. The colour of the dress was making her blue lensed eyes even more sparkly. The blue lenses which she wore today to match the dress suited her.

She saw him for the first time there, in college reunion party. Tall, dark hair, dark eyes, with an air of arrogance around him; he seemed to be exceptional, and eye catching in the crowd of people. At first sight, she felt an uncanny and astonishing attraction toward him, but he was reserved, unapproachable and aloof. Then, she became aware of fact that others are not feeling as she was.

Maybe she was the only one who was gape and noticing him that way. The whole crowd of people was busy and indulged in their own chores and trivial affairs; laughing, drinking, chatting, only she had gone to some different level, or altogether in a different dimension. The level where, he was walking like an elegant gazelle, Stylish and handsome, and she was his bewitched beholder, completing felt lost in his looks. While following his every move, she lost the track of time too, until someone shook her shoulder and demanded another refill of the drink. She startled and came back to the present moment, realizing that she is standing at the bar counter.

She gave the refill to the stranger and looked in front, but he was gone. She looked frantically in the crowd but did not see him. Just then a pack of tissue fell down from the counter. She bent down to pick it up, and when she got up; there he was standing right in front of her. She got confused. Their hands brushed for a split second, as he was handing her the glass for a refill. This slight touch sent a chill wave of ecstasy through her body, and the next sound she heard was of the shattering glass. She dropped the glass, which he was handing her. He had a faint smile with a knowing –of -her -feeling look on his face. This look and smile, blushed her. She felt her cheeks burning.

'A dropped the glass, I wanted a refill,' he said in deep ringing voice.

'Oh, yes! So sorry, I will get another one,' she turned around, took out a new glass out of the cabinet behind her, and refilled it with the drink he demanded.

She gave a sigh of relief as he left the counter, but kept her eyes on him. Her gaze followed him wherever in went in the hall.

Apart from being, so handsome and having such a striking appearance he was not talking to anyone. He was in fact ignoring everyone. He was by himself. His aloofness was now becoming unbearable for her. She wanted to know him more, wished to hear his voice, feel the texture of his skin with her fingers, and touch his dark, glossy hair.

And this feeling was now becoming, agonizing and intolerable, so she started walking toward him. He also noticed her approaching, and in a blink of an eye he turned and started moving towards the exit door. She, desperately, started pushing her way through the partying, shouting with joy crowd, to catch him; but he was now pushing the exit door and went out of the hall. She started running to catch up.

Once out on the moonlit, deserted road, she was frantically looking around to see where he went. Just then she saw him turning a corner into the Side Street. She ran after him and caught up with him in the dark alley.

Hearing her footsteps, He turned and she froze with a mystifying fear, a chill wave of horror ran down her spine. She felt goose bumps all over her skin. In a flash of lightening, he covered the distance of few yards between them. In the next second of her consciousness, he was holding her by the shoulders; her feet were now not touching the ground. She could feel his warm breath on her face, hearing his heart beat and troubled breathing in her ears. His eyes were not dark now, they were glowing orange.

That eye contact with him was passionate and fervent. The next instance, his lips were on hers, her fingers were tangled in his soft, silk like, glossy hair.

She felt as if the time stopped in that instance, his soft, wet lips and tongue were savoring over hers, and the sudden surge of passion was so fulfilling and satisfying, that she was completely drowned in it, and responded to the kiss, feeling his lips with her tongue, but it ended as quickly as it started.

He pushed her away recklessly, and turned back. She stumbled a little, as her feet touched the ground again. She heard soft growls and a deep voice ordering her, 'go…! Run…! Go away from here, you have no idea where you are treading?' She said, 'why should I? What's wrong? But when he turned towards her again, there was something creepy in his intense glance that she turned and started to run, away from him. She had a gut feeling that, she had to pay for that kiss, but she had no idea that price would be her life. She did not consider it evil at all but compensation awaits.

She was panting, when she reached her apartment not only because, she had been running but because of the feelings which that passionate kiss had aroused in her. As she turned the key in the key hole, and opened the door of her dark apartment, she wished and longed to have him here, now with her. Yes, she does even know his name, or who he was and where did he come from and it seemed wrong too, but this fact was too minor an excuse to subside her surge of feelings.

She had tears in eyes, which blurred her vision. So, opening her bed room door, she did not notice a dark figure behind the white curtains. She didn't even notice the open widow and chill autumn night wind coming in through it. When at last she did notice, she gave out a low, cry of fright. Just then the figure came in light. It was him.

'You! Here! How come that… She could not complete her sentence even, as he was kissing her again, licking and sucking at her lips. She gave faint cry of joy and ecstasy as she felt his hands undressing and caressing her body. She too was taking off his coat and started opening the buttons of his shirt. Their warm nude, bodies touched each other. Their passion was on fire. When they were done with undressing, he picked her up, and put her on the bed. Even the weight of his body over hers was pleasurable. They still couldn't leave each other's lips, licking and sucking fervently.

She felt as if she will burst out with the fervor of these moments. She was so indulged, that she did not notice, his transforming. He cries of bliss were changing into low growls. Every vein on his naked body was changing. He was forgetting his human side. When he entered her, he gave out a howl? He was so close to her neck veins that he could feel the surge of warm, exotic blood of hers. He longed to cut those veins and taste it. When the thrusting in and out of body began, he was totally ruptured with his feelings.

And before she could realize the danger of the moment, the main vein was cut with razor sharp teeth; he could not resist his primal instincts. A fountain of warm blood surged out. That familiar taste of blood fired up his passion further. He drank the warm blood till he felt her body limp and lifeless. He didn't even notice that her left arm got separated from body and had drunk almost every drop of blood of her body, she now looked as white as a sheet of paper.

Suddenly, he was back in his senses. Now the only thought was to remove her body from here to hide it, where no one would find it. There were so many cases of the missing person that he was sure no would find her.

He started washing himself, in her washroom. The trails of blood mixed with water were going in the drain, giving rise to the feeling of guilt and fear; but the pleasure he had in all this activity was so over whelming that his guilt and fear were also washed away soon with warm shower of water.

He dressed himself, put on her whatever he found nearby in urgency of leaving the scene, wrapped her body in half torn bed sheet which he tore from her bed and jumped out in the dark deserted back alley, to follow the path from where he came in.

Once out in the open, he was running like flash of lightening. Soon he was at the Josephs' farm. As he was about to jump into the tall fields, a bright truck light exploded into his eyes, being already conscious of his doings, he dropped the body and ran towards the woods.

The truck driver, indulged in the loud sound of his favorite music, and half asleep because of day's long drive, moved on, barely noticing what he saw.