"I told you I had everything under control, Phil. So, why are you here?" Mal questioned his cousin, a tinge of exasperation in his voice.
"Well, it certainly doesn't seem that way, does it?", A smirk played on Phil's lips as he retorted.
You've got one chance to prove yourself. Don't mess it up," Phil added sternly.
Mal couldn't help but inject a hint of sarcasm, replying, "You know, if someone happened to overhear our conversation, they might mistake you for someone who gives a damn about me."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I just said not to mess up your chance. That's my job," Phil replied, a wicked smile crossing his face before he sped off.
In their early years, the two boys were inseparable. But everything changed after a long-ago war, a conflict between Goblins and Vampires that tragically claimed the lives of their fathers and led to the irreplaceable loss of the esteemed Ermminet bloodline. Following these devastating events, neither the boys nor the Vampire community could ever return to the way things once were.
Mal, weighed down by numerous responsibilities and the envy of others, including his former best friend Phil, experienced a profound sense of loneliness that bore heavily upon his heart. It felt as if the weight of the entire world rested squarely on his shoulders, and he often found himself yearning for a simpler life, one free from the expectations and pressures that accompanied being a vampire.
The bond that had once united the two boys had now shattered, scattered like the ashes of the past. Mal, with his endless duties and the resentful gaze of those around him, grappled with a profound sense of isolation. It was as though the universe had placed an unbearable burden upon his soul, and he frequently pined for a more uncomplicated existence, far removed from the demands and stressors inherent to his vampiric nature.
In the wake of that bygone war, the harmony they once shared was forever disrupted, leaving Mal estranged from his dearest friend, Phil. As the weight of responsibility bore down upon him, and envious glances pierced his soul, Mal's heart ached with an overwhelming solitude. He yearned for a life uncomplicated by the unrelenting expectations and pressures thrust upon him as a vampire.
Despite the unwavering support of his Grandma and Mum, Mal couldn't rid himself of the pervasive feeling of entrapment within his existence. The vampire kingdom from which he hailed boasted power and prestige, yet to Mal, it proved stifling. His heart longed for a profound sense of belonging, a haven where he could shed the weight of his prestigious title.
During his solitary moments, Mal found himself irresistibly drawn to the human world. Something was enchanting about the simplicity and genuine authenticity of human life that captivated him. Stealthily, he would slip away, effortlessly blending in among the humans, relishing the anonymity and freedom it bestowed upon him. In those fleeting moments, he discovered a sense of belonging that perpetually eluded him within the confines of the vampire kingdom.
During one of his excursions, Mal stumbled upon a peculiar revelation. The Oracle, a mystical being known for its prophetic abilities, revealed that the missing ermminet blood, a substance of immense power and significance to the vampire kingdom, was in the hands of a human.
This revelation sent shockwaves through the vampire community. The idea of humans possessing such a potent source of power was inconceivable to them. However, the Oracle's words held undeniable weight, and the vampire council had no choice but to acknowledge the truth.
Amidst the chaos and opposition that arose within the council, fate took an unexpected turn for Mal. He found himself chosen for the formidable task of retrieving the ermminet blood from the human world. This turn of events was beyond his wildest expectations.
As the news spread, rumours began to swirl among the vampire community. Mal's selection for this crucial mission hinted at his potential to rise to power, and whispers of him becoming the next leader started circulating. The vampire community was about to witness a transformation like never before.
But power and leadership were the furthest things from Mal's mind. All he truly desired was a simpler life, one where he could find solace in the company of others and be free from the burdens that weighed him down. It was in the human world that he found a glimmer of that simplicity, a taste of the life he yearned for.
Mal had just started to acquaint himself with the human world when he first laid eyes on Melanie. It happened one summer day while she was volunteering at the children's park and selling plum juice, a delightful beverage crafted from plums grown in her mother's garden. As he observed her from a distance, a sense of astonishment washed over him. From that moment on, he found himself irresistibly drawn to her, but it wasn't the usual craving for human blood that plagued vampires. Surprisingly, since his arrival in the human realm, Mal hadn't felt the insatiable thirst for human blood that typically afflicted his kind. This anomaly was due to his unique connection with the ermminet blood, which bestowed upon him this unusual ability.
Mal couldn't help but follow Melanie, captivated by her presence, and his intrigue only deepened with each passing day.
However, for reasons beyond his comprehension, he found himself irresistibly drawn to her, as though a cosmic force had tethered his gaze to her presence. He couldn't help but watch her, and a profound and enigmatic sense of satisfaction enveloped him each time his eyes met hers. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, he continued to surreptitiously observe her, gradually losing the discretion that had initially cloaked his intent.
As time passed, his once-practiced discretion began to erode, and he became increasingly conspicuous in his observations. During one fateful outing to the movies with her friends, their paths serendipitously intersected. At that moment, a powerful urge surged within him, compelling him to reveal the profound contentment he derived from simply observing her. Little did he know, in the world of humans, such behaviour was deemed exceptionally unsettling. It was an instinctual attraction that, in the vampire realm, would have been unremarkable—a mere response to an alluring scent. Yet, for Mal, no female vampire's scent had ever captured his fancy, nor had any scent at all.
One of Mal's distinct advantages, a gift inherited from his unique lineage, was the ability to skillfully conceal his scent from his fellow vampires. This ability was a direct result of his mixed heritage, a fusion of ermminet blood with his vampiric lineage.
On the contrary, Phil was the complete opposite of Mal. Every female vampire was drawn to his scent and desired him. He had numerous options and found himself attracted to a different scent every day, which made him quite popular among the teenagers.
However, Melanie's scent held a unique place in Mal's heart; it was the first to ever ignite his fantasies. He had undertaken a covert mission, trailing her footsteps to her school excursion, which had led them to Kiris, nestled right on the border of the Bi'ceps, the territory where the vampires had established their haven. Right from the outset, an ominous feeling had settled within Mal as he discovered the location of the trip. Vampires, gifted with an extraordinary sense of smell, could detect the presence of a human from miles away. It was certainly no coincidence that Kiris was strategically situated a considerable distance from the safety of Mayhill, the human settlement.
Their paths crossed during the excursion as part of her task, and it wasn't a mistake; he had a genuine desire to be with her. The direction she was headed in was far from safe, and truth be told, the entire trip itself posed significant risks. As they engaged in conversation, a rustling noise emanated from the nearby bushes, revealing the presence of vampires. In that critical moment, Mal had to think on his feet, not only to ensure Melanie's safety but also to protect all the students.
His ultimate decision was to employ his vampire ability to compel Melanie into a deep slumber. Compelling was a unique power granted to vampires, and it involved the use of their eyes and persuasive words. Their eyes could shift into captivating forms, and their words held the power to make humans obey their every command. It was a daring move, but the safety of everyone depended on it.
While this ability doesn't affect every species, it does indeed work on humans. However, vampires cannot compel each other, unless one of them possesses the rare ermminet blood.
After Mal used his compulsion to make Melanie fall into a deep slumber and erase her memory of their encounter at Kiris, he suddenly heard Ervin calling out her name. Without hesitation, Mal swiftly shifted his attention to Ervin and compelled him to escort Melanie back to camp. He instructed Ervin to inform the group that there was a lurking danger in the woods, an unseen threat that had attempted to harm Melanie. This cunning ruse was aimed at bringing their excursion to a premature end, ensuring their safety.
After they had managed to depart safely, Phil suddenly appeared out of the blue, and tensions flared between them.
Mal knew all too well that Phil had been monitoring his actions closely, but that wasn't the main concern. What troubled him was the potential danger of unleashing Phil from the Bi'ceps, as Phil had a glaring lack of self-control. Unfortunately, there seemed to be no solution to this predicament, primarily because Phil enjoyed considerable popularity among the vampire community.
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"She's awake!" Pen screamed as Mel opened her eyes, looking around, clearly disoriented by her unfamiliar surroundings.
Pheebs, Twelve, Chubby, and Mel's mom rushed to her bedside.
"Where am I?" Melanie finally managed to utter.
"You're in the hospital, my dear. How do you feel?" Her mom asked, gently holding her hand.
"What? Why am I in the hospital?" Melanie asked, attempting to sit up but immediately experiencing a sharp headache.
"Calm down, Elsher! Don't stress too much!" Pheebs exclaimed, trying to soothe Melanie's obvious distress.
But Melanie couldn't find any calm within herself. The last thing she remembered was breaking up with Ervin to embark on her quest to find the elusive orchids, and now she found herself in a hospital room.
"But I can't be calm! Please, someone, tell me what happened," Mel implored.
"Okay, let's just take a moment to stay calm. You'll only hurt yourself," Pen advised. Melanie could see tears welling up in her mother's eyes.
"So, during the excursion, your team didn't return for a while, and we got worried. Just as we were about to go look for you, we spotted Ervin carrying you, frantically yelling that you'd been nearly attacked by a dangerous animal. He dropped you and fell unconscious. We rushed you to the hospital, and it's been two days," Pheebs explained.
"Wait! I've been unconscious for two days?" Melanie exclaimed, still struggling to comprehend the situation. She tried to recollect her memories, but everything remained blank.
Two more days passed before she was finally discharged from the hospital, her mind still grappling with the mystery of what had transpired.
"Hey, Ervin! Can I talk to you for a moment?" Melanie stopped Ervin in the morning at school.
"Hey, Mel, are you doing okay? I'm sorry I couldn't visit; I was undergoing treatment," Ervin replied, not intending to ignore her request.
"Oh, no worries at all! I hope you're feeling better now. Can you tell me what happened at Kiris?" she inquired.
"Well, I'm much improved, but honestly, I can't recall the details very clearly. Everything about that day remains hazy. I deeply regret not having stayed with you; I apologize," Ervin admitted.
"No need to apologize, Ervin. If anything, I should be thanking you for finding me and getting me to safety," Mel reassured him.
"Oh, come on, Mel! Are you still dwelling on this?" Pheebs chimed in as she joined them. They were on their way to class.
"I just can't help it, Pheebs. I need to remember what happened, but nothing is coming back to me. Isn't that eerie?" Mel asked, turning to Pheebs.
"Well, it is pretty eerie. I heard that Kiris has been closed to all tourists and activities; it's been banned due to a few deaths after the incident that happened to you," Pheebs explained.
Ervin, who had always been somewhat reserved, found himself genuinely taken aback by the depth of Pheebs' knowledge. However, Melanie, being more accustomed to Pheebs' uncanny ability to stay informed about every single happening in Mayhill, took it in stride.
"That's quite remarkable," Ervin exclaimed, his eyes widening in amazement. "It seems we were truly fortunate that day."
As the group lingered in a momentary silence, Melanie decided to break away and head towards their classroom. Just as she was about to step away, Pen enthusiastically interjected.
"Hey there, Melly! I can't even put into words how much I've missed you," Pen exclaimed, her eyes brimming with genuine joy as she enveloped Melanie in a heartfelt hug.
With her characteristic vivacity, Pen couldn't contain her excitement. "You won't believe this, but we have a brand new transfer student, and let me tell you, he's the most adorable thing you'll ever see!"
Ervin and Pheebs exchanged intrigued glances, sharing a collective sigh that signified their mutual sense of cringe. They then quietly followed Pen and Melanie into the classroom, prepared to embrace whatever surprises the day held in store.
Pen couldn't contain her excitement as she discreetly pointed out the new boy, his tousled hair adding an aura of mystery by the window, just as Mel gracefully glided into the classroom.
"Ooh, isn't he charming?" Pen whispered in a thrilled tone, leaning closer to Mel.
Mel squinted slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of the new boy's face hidden beneath the unruly locks.
"I can't see his face; his hair is covering it all," she replied in a hushed and intrigued voice.
Their class teacher, Mrs. Anderson, made her entrance, prompting Pen and Mel to quickly return to their seats. As the rustle of settling students filled the air, Pheebs found her usual spot behind Mel, while Pen took her seat in front of the enigmatic newcomer.
"Good morning, students," Mrs. Anderson greeted the class with a warm smile. "I hope you're all doing well. It's great to see that Miss Elsher is back. Melanie, are you feeling much better now?" Her eyes scanned the room, and curious gazes turned toward Mel, except for the new boy, who remained engrossed in his thoughts.
Melanie nodded, her voice tinged with a touch of shyness. "Yes, ma'am. I'm feeling much better, thank you."
"That's wonderful to hear," Mrs. Anderson replied, her encouraging tone resonating with genuine concern.
"Now, as we begin our day, please remember to stay vigilant. Dangers can sometimes be lurking around us, waiting for the right moment to strike." She offered sage advice, her gaze sweeping across the attentive students, making them feel the weight of responsibility in their hearts as they embarked on another day of learning and adventure.
"Okay, that being said," the teacher began, her voice carrying an air of anticipation, "we have a new student joining our ranks today, and we'd like him to introduce himself."
All eyes turned to the boy with the unruly, curly hair by the window. However, a perplexing silence hung in the air for what felt like an eternity.
Pen, ever the confident one, leaned in and playfully tapped the boy's shoulder. "Hey! Curly Hair," she said with a sly grin, "she's talking about you."
Startled, the boy finally responded, his voice carrying a hint of shyness. "Oh, sure." He hesitantly made his way toward the front of the classroom, head still down, hair obscuring his face like a mysterious veil.
The teacher, with a warm and welcoming tone, gently requested, "Could you please tie your hair back so that your classmates can see your face?" Without a word of protest, he complied, revealing a face that had been hidden in a cascade of curls.
Meanwhile, Melanie, always, seemed preoccupied with her phone. She was engrossed in researching the recent incidents that had taken place around Kiris, her brow furrowed in deep concentration.
With a newfound air of confidence, the new student finally spoke up, introducing himself to the class. "Um, hello, everyone. My name is Malone Cray, but you can all call me Mal. I've just recently moved to Mayhill, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you. Let's make this a memorable journey together," he said, his words delivered with a touch of practiced charm, as though he had rehearsed this introduction a hundred times in front of a mirror.
Pheebs leaned in closer to Mel, her curiosity piqued. Wow, he's not so bad, is he? What do you think, Mel?" She tapped Mel gently, noticing her friend's distraction.
Mel raised her head a bit, her thoughts momentarily distracted from her research on Kiris. She cast a quick, assessing glance at Mal, who was still standing at the front of the class. "Oh, yes," she responded, her voice tinged with mild approval, "he does seem okay."
But then, in a sudden rush of realization, her heart skipped a beat. She looked up again in shock, her eyes widening as she made the connection. It couldn't be a coincidence. It was the boy in the black hoodie—the very same one who had been discreetly following her and had abruptly vanished from her life.
A profound sense of shock and disbelief coursed through Mel's veins. She blinked in disbelief, struggling to process the surreal situation. A whirlwind of questions and confusion swirled in her mind, each one more perplexing than the last. leaving her bewildered and anxious. Who was he, and why was he in her classroom? The unexpected reappearance of this mysterious figure had thrust Mel into a web of intrigue and uncertainty that seemed to tighten with each passing moment. She couldn't shake the feeling that something peculiar was afoot, and she was determined to uncover the truth.