Silent tears
Vincent POV
She was so young; her tiny frame draped lifeless over my arm. I brushed the hair from her eyes, admiring the sparkle of life within them. They begged me to save her— My beautiful princess—how I wish I could help you. Every ounce of will in my body ached at the thought of your loss.
I wanted her.
This sudden urge to come to her aide drove me to her side—there was a force—or at least it felt that way at the time. Quickly, I would stop asking questions and obey.
And it called for me to drink.
I fought the urge; my hands shook harder trying to hold it in—the demon that lived just beneath my skin. A second layer of soul lurking just underneath. That darkness waited for my weakness to peer out, then it would jump forward and take control. I had to be extra careful in moments like these—the blood was already poking at me.
I groaned, this ethereal grumble, launched forward before I could stop it; the fangs lurching out with it. She was just another helpless human—already dying—why is she worth saving? Why would she be worth the risk and not the countless others?
My will waned, the demon pulling out. It ripped the glass shard from her neck, the splashing blood landed on my tongue, then, nothing would stop me. My mouth pursed over the wound, the fountain of ambrosia hit my lips—something pure—innocent in her blood. The electrical pulse shot through me for the first time and that would hook me for life.
This sent him into a frenzy, draining her almost instantly. My heart crashed forward, the realization of what I had just done poured over me. That magic flowed from her; tiny pieces of her emotions washed me deep. I pulled back, crying out, "No, please—you must not die!"
Warmth poured through my veins, her magical ambrosia tingled my heart, revitalizing the cold, dead flesh beneath. I pulled her flush against me, chanting the magical words under my breath. The rules were in place for a reason, but I could not let her perish here tonight—I had this deep love for her, appearing out of nowhere. It would control my unsteady heart.
"Pars mei, pars sume meae, da requiem." The wounds healed; the magick revitalizing her from within. She took a shallow breath but did not wake. The hand placed on her back burned, this electric pulse buzzed through me. I was forced to lay her down, using the disgusting blanket to save her dignity.
When I looked away, surveying what was left; I saw the perverted old man, very dead and the other young woman starting to rouse. Before she could cry out, I used my influence to push her back into an unconscious state.
I salivated, my demon begging to be fed. The delicious fountain of blood had only awakened a thirst I had not quenched in a decade. The other girl's strong heartbeat called to me—I had to leave before I hurt someone else. Without hesitation, I picked her up and ran off into the night, holding her safe against me.
We moved silently, unseen through the darkness; most people in this part of town were hiding from the gangs that ravaged this small borough. All you would find were thugs and vagrants out at this time of night. Those were the ones I wanted—something to sate this thirst before I was tempted to feed from her again.
I sat her down gently at the first scent hit my nose; their body odor threatened to overwhelm the smell of their blood—today I would indulge this thirst—anything to keep her safe. I approached unseen, they jabbered amongst each other; all of them smelled of spirits and some astringent drug. The taller one held out a hand, offering a bag of drugs for cash.
If I had to kill, these were the kind that deserved it.
My body shuddered, the pull to take their lives unbearable; I grabbed one in the back, my fangs ripped at his flesh, the blood spurting over my face. My hand held his mouth shut, keeping the screams from alerting the others.
The rest were gathered close together; the demon roared, bringing all eyes to me. Fear crept into my nose, the demon taking over completely. My hands dug into flesh, bones and cartilage popping as I drained their blood. They screamed, begging for their lives; this only drove him faster—harder. I piled the bodies in the dumpster as they died.
Even with the men killed and consumed, the pull to go back to her—to drink her dry—still tried to control me. It took every bit of will to pull the humanity out front. "Fuck." I cursed, the euphoria of the blood still rattling me. I would take my time cleaning up the mess, lighting the bin on fire to cover it up. I wiped the blood off of my chin, tossing my shirt into the flames watching it burn for a moment. "Occultatum oculis."
Not that anyone would care, they were detriment to society. It was a service to rid this world of them.
I told myself that quite often; trying to make excuses for my lack of willpower. Reality was, no matter how hard I tried, I would never be human. No matter how much I fought it, the demon was always stronger.
I returned to the rooftop where I left her, she laid gently against wall; she was cold, but the tiny bit of life still burned inside. This would have to be sufficient for now; the demon may have felt a bit sated, but that would not last much longer.
I wrapped her tight, holding her closer. I knew I wasn't producing any heat, but the fresh blood gave me a bit of warmth until it cooled. More than anything, part of me could not let her go. Her energy fed me from a distance; even if I didn't touch her, I could feel her presence. My body called to her.
No, you cannot. You have to keep her safe.
We entered my room through the balcony, the same way I left; I carefully place her on the floor next to the bed. I told myself the call I felt that night was the hunger casting me out into the streets. Now, standing with her in my arms, I knew it was her.
Her blood soaked clothes were another obstacle entirely; I felt a pang of guilt knowing this would never have happened if I had just left her be—Was it better to almost die at the hands of a monster or have your dignity ripped away by one?
Shaking the feelings away, I stripped her bloody clothes off, placing her in a shirt of mine and boxers, something to keep her covered. No matter how badly I wanted it, I would never want her to think I took advantage of her.
Yeah, just like you'd never drink from a human again…
I knotted up; just the idea sent electricity through me—I stared at her neck as she slept, dreaming of the taste—That euphoria called me again. Her warmth flowed into me, the buzz burned my tongue, my loins lit aflame just thinking about it.
I would retreat outside for as long as I could; maybe have a smoke or two. Something, anything to keep my mind off of her—off of the delicious scent. The pile of discarded clothes was near irresistible, what happens when she wakes? Would I have enough power to stop myself?
Or would I just hurt her again?
The sun peaked the horizon, sending me scurrying back inside; I watched her sleep for a moment, admiring her beauty. The demon pushed at me, the feeling rising to my skin. I pulled her up, cradling her against me once more; I gasp, the tears brimming as my fangs extended.
No, please, you are stronger than this.
I had to slip away, pulling the pile of bloodied clothes with me; I slammed the door, sitting in front of it. Now, even when she wakes, she cannot get to me. I needed this space to collect myself. But—I was not strong enough. I raged, slamming my head against the wall, it cracking under the blow. The smell of her drove me wild, the ridges fluctuated under my skin; my will the only thing to keep it inside.
When I closed my eyes, I saw her—so much beauty in her pain—the look of terror. Everything about her seemed ethereal. Like she was a doll designed to be everything I ever wanted or needed. The taste of honey in her blood told me of her innocence; this thought caused the demon to rise. Another forced breath—I couldn't let him have her.
Hours I sat there—the burn of desire creeping up, almost pushing me to my feet. I knew if I could not get far away from her, soon, I doubt even my self control would be enough.
By all of the gods of man, please wake up!