Chapter 4
Tohpati jolted awake, a sudden realization flooding his senses from the previous night causing a dizziness in his head. He rubbed his forehead, attempting to clear the fog that enveloped his thoughts. As he endeavored to regain full consciousness, throbbing pain around his neck drew his attention, furrowing his forehead. The fang bite marks had left a red rash imprinted on his skin.
"This hurts way more than I remember," he mused, rubbing his neck to alleviate the discomfort from the bite marks left by a cold-blooded assailant. "I swear, these bloodsuckers can be weirder than I thought."
This peculiar situation was exceptionally rare, and Tohpati's recent discovery of vampires added to the mystery. He pondered the origin of these blood-sucking creatures, recalling the common belief that vampires were nearly invincible unless confronted with silver daggers or repelled by garlic. However, he now realized their vulnerability: without consuming fresh blood, these immortal beings were surprisingly susceptible to death.
Tohpati observed a change in Gianna's abilities during her exile, where she seemed to lose power over time. In a bustling Immerstad capital with scarce forests, even sustaining animal life proved challenging. Despite this, Tohpati eagerly approached the dining room, finding a delightful breakfast awaiting him – the aroma of fried eggs and the delicate slices of meat tantalizing his senses. Gianna, once unfamiliar with such intricacies, now showcased a remarkable talent for preparing delectable human dishes. Her rapid adaptation surprised her master, who had initially underestimated her culinary prowess.
Tohpati marveled at the unusual sight of Gianna busily preparing an elaborate breakfast, a departure from her usual routine. Intrigued, he observed her deftly handling a blender, effortlessly transforming an array of fruits with a simple push of a button.
"You don't usually cook me breakfast like this?" Tohpati wondered, observing Gianna's swift and skillful preparation of a meal.
Gianna remained silent, avoiding her master's gaze by keeping her head down. Tohpati approached the dining table, he noticed her face turning red, a clear sign of unease. Last night's incident lingered, and her avoidance spoke volumes. The previous night's events were not an isolated incident, and Gianna's avoidance hinted at a deeper remorse. Puzzled, Tohpati raised an eyebrow, questioning the uncharacteristic behavior.
"Why the silence? Sucking my blood isn't a one-time thing, is it?" Tohpati pressed, frustration evident in his tone. "If you're planning to silence me permanently, I can do without providing food for you."
Gianna flinched, the red apple slipping from her grasp, a visible reaction to Tohpati's stern words.
"Stop playing games. Being a vampire like me requires ample food supplies, because I come from a high-ranking ancestor of the vampire clan," Gianna explained, her voice trembling slightly. "So, if I ever attack you again, it's a matter of survival, not personal."
Tohpati rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. It wasn't the first time he'd heard about Gianna being the vampire lady from the highest clan leader. It grated on his nerves.
"Yeah, yeah. How many times have you given me this warning? What's the plan? Should I execute you right now?" He grinned sarcastically. "Your vampire friend might beat me to it."
Gianna scowled. "Fleur? What was her deal? Threatening you over me?"
Tohpati nonchalantly shrugged. "Probably. Judging by her parting words, death threats were definitely on the table."
Tohpati's words seemed to come back to haunt him, as Fleur's threats grew more ominous. Despite the escalating danger, Tohpati, who had impulsively mentioned executing Gianna the previous night, now appeared unfazed by the menacing warnings that loomed over his life.
As Tohpati left for the bathroom, Gianna quietly resumed her chores in the kitchen. The air hung heavy with tension. Standing near the chair where Tohpati had eaten, she muttered under her breath, her eyes gleaming red,
"Nobody touches him, except for my hands."
***
It was noon with the sun reaching its peak. Gianna squinted against the brightness seeping through the closed blinds. The room was dimly lit, a deliberate choice to avoid unnecessary exposure to daylight. While vampires of her time had developed some tolerance to the sun, it was only for a limited duration. Their adaptation included donning dark attire, allowing them brief encounters with daylight. As the room embraced shadows, Gianna contemplated the fine line she walked between her nocturnal existence and the radiant world beyond the window.
Over time, the descendants of her ancestors have evolved, building stronger defenses against the once-dreaded sun. They've delved into knowledge and learning, paralleling the pursuits of humans but adapting even faster. The world, in its swift changes, has become a dynamic, evolving entity. Human dominance is waning, and a new order is emerging. Instead of being sunlight-vulnerable, the modern generation of vampires has harnessed the power of the sun, transforming their abilities and strength, ushering in a new era for their lineage.
The lady vampire sat in quiet contemplation on the sofa, her eyes focused on a sizable painting that adorned the room. The painting, a silent companion in the room, seemed to hold secrets that she couldn't decipher. Its hues of yellow-orange, subtly infused with green, create an intriguing tapestry. The aged silhouette, marked by the pipe-smoking figure, invited speculation about its hidden narrative. Gianna, captivated by the enigma, never dared to inquire about its origin or meaning. Instead, the painting stood as a constant presence, a companion in moments of solitude when Gianna found herself with nothing else to occupy her time at home.
The room enveloped Gianna in a serene ambiance. She shut her eyes, absorbing the distant symphony of footsteps, conversations, and passing vehicles. Amid this tranquility, a subtle shift occurred near the entrance. Gianna's ears perked up, tuning into the approaching presence. The doorknob turned in a cautious attempt to gain entry. Gianna maintained her silence, refraining from making a sound or rushing to confront the unseen visitor.
The intruder skillfully wielded a crowbar, breaching the door with a stealthy determination. Gianna sensed the intruder's wariness, avoiding notice from nearby neighbors. As the door yielded to the pry, it inflicted damage upon the frame, a fact not lost on Gianna, aware it would trouble her master. The stranger navigated the dimly lit foyer, oblivious to the shadowy figure of a woman discreetly closing the damaged door behind him. A resounding slam startled him, only for his throat to be seized seconds later.
"Big mistake, stranger. You've just stepped into a dangerous place," Gianna warned, her eyes gleaming with a menacing glow.