POV: Sam Verninne
The chief led us deeper into the jail cave, a section typically off-limits due to housing inmates who had committed terrible acts. However, we were granted exceptions because of my grandfather's status as an elder.
Sometimes, I find myself in situations where I unintentionally benefit from being the elder's only grandson. I'm not sure if people respect my grandfather or simply want to gain favor with him.
As we walked, the chief stopped in front of a gruesome-looking room that appeared to be a torture chamber. The walls were splattered with blood and unidentifiable substances, a disturbing sight to remember.
Inside the room, there was a person. His clothes were torn, and he seemed beaten and frail. The only intact garment was his pants. Despite his condition, he sat in a meditative position, similar to what we use when cultivating.
At first glance, my initial reaction was pity for this individual. His pale skin revealed the outline of his bones, evoking a sense of sympathy. However, once I remembered the heinous acts he had committed against innocent people, my compassion quickly faded.
Emotions can be complicated.
The chief unlocked the door and taunted the prisoner, seemingly unaffected by the vampire's presence. The vampire remained composed, showing no response to the chief's provocation.
As we entered the cell, a refreshing herbal scent filled the air, bringing a cool sensation to the room.
"So, what do you think of our little set-up? We've heard vampires are vulnerable to Vervain, and it seems to be true, doesn't it?" This time, it was my grandfather Jin who mocked him, his face devoid of a smile.
The vampire's face was finally revealed as he looked up. Bloodshot eyes and visible veins suggested he was holding back intense rage.
Seeing his face now, one might imagine him as the boogie man from nightmares. His gaze shifted towards me, widening his eyes and licking his lips, portraying a disturbing and predatory expression. It made me instinctively want to keep my distance from this unsettling vampire.
"Is there something wrong with him?" I couldn't help but wonder if the vampire had a mental illness or something of the sort. At that moment, I was convinced that I should maintain a safe distance from this individual.
Ignoring the vampire's unsettling behavior, my grandfather Jin forcefully grabbed him by the neck, demanding to know the whereabouts of the kidnapped people. The vampire, unable to free himself, fought back with all his might, but it was futile.
"Enough of this." My other grandfather, Anos, intervened. "You can't kill him yet."
Upon hearing Anos's plea, Jin threw the vampire against the wall, sparing his life.
The vampire, seemingly unaffected, spoke with a deranged laugh, making me even more eager to stay away from him.
"This won't get you any answers, Jin. You know why?" The vampire held his neck, catching his breath. "Because I enjoy torturing myself as well."
His maniacal laughter echoed, solidifying my conviction to keep my distance.
"This is enough nonsense," my grandfather Jin declared, clearly fed up with the vampire's charade. With a tight grip on the vampire's neck, he raised him, demanding answers. The vampire struggled in vain against my grandfather's grip.
Anos intervened once again, pleading with Jin to stop. Jin threw the vampire against the wall, sparing his life as Anos had requested.
The vampire, now revealing his disturbing state, fixated his gaze on me with an even more intense and unsettling look.
"What is it that you want? We are willing to offer anything in exchange for the release of the kidnapped people," Anos offered, meeting the vampire's eyes.
Was Anos trying to bargain with the vampire, offering him what he desired? But what if, considering the vampire's hunger and his personality, he asked for more human blood?
The vampire remained silent, continuing to stare at me with that unsettling look.
"I want blood. I want your grandson's blood," the vampire finally spoke.
As I suspected. My grandfather glanced at me, as if questioning whether I would be willing to offer my blood. Well, if it's a small price to pay for the sake of the victims, then I suppose I can agree.
"I'll take care of it," I nodded, accepting the request.
In response, my grandfather Anos sighed, expressing gratitude. The vampire smiled, as if he had just received the most precious gift he could ever desire.
I approached the vampire cautiously. He remained motionless, waiting for me. Rolling up my sleeves, I exposed my bare hand to him. He grabbed it and sank his teeth into it. The pain was excruciating, and I could feel the life essence draining from me rapidly. It was unsettling and terrifying.
"Stop," I managed to say, thinking it would be enough, but the vampire seemed unresponsive. He continued to drink my blood. Pushing him away with my free hand on his head, he finally released his grip, but his demeanor deteriorated even further. He bit into my hand even harder, greedily sucking more blood.
Witnessing my struggle, my grandfather Jin grew concerned and rushed to my aid. He punched the vampire in the gut and forcefully separated him from me.
My vision blurred, and I felt myself losing consciousness.
"Sam, are you alright?" I heard a voice filled with concern and worry.
Don't worry, Grandpa. I just need some rest.
I drifted off to sleep. At some point, someone unexpectedly asked me a question, but I couldn't discern who it was.
What is the essence of life?
That's an excellent question.
Life is a fascinating phenomenon, encompassing a wide range of experiences, emotions, and interactions. While there isn't a universally accepted definition of life, I believe it involves growth, reproduction, metabolism, and response to stimuli.
To me, life is the most captivating thing in the world. Some view life as consisting of various elements and stages, including fear, love, jealousy, greed, as well as birth, growth, and death. But what happens after death?
Perhaps it all comes down to how we live our lives.
"What do you plan to do with your life?" a thoughtful voice asked.
My answer is simple: I don't know. Whatever life has in store for me, I will face it with determination. I will strive to reach new heights, becoming the master and director of my own life. No one, not even the universe itself, will be able to stop me.