As Garnetta followed Raphael into the moonlit night, she felt a strange sense of calm settle over her. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the earthy scent of the forest. The stars above shone like tiny diamonds, their light reflecting in Garnetta's dark eyes as she walked beside her sire.
They moved through the expansive grounds of the manor in silence, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves beneath their feet. Garnetta's senses were sharper than they had ever been, each sound and scent amplified to an almost overwhelming degree. She could hear the distant call of an owl, the gentle babble of a nearby stream, and the heartbeat of small creatures hidden in the underbrush.
Raphael led her deeper into the forest, the trees closing in around them like silent sentinels. Garnetta felt a growing sense of anticipation, a hunger that was no longer just a physical need but something deeper, more primal. It tugged at her, urging her forward, promising relief from the gnawing emptiness inside her.
They came to a small clearing bathed in silver moonlight, the trees parting just enough to allow the light to filter through. Raphael stopped and turned to Garnetta, his expression calm and reassuring. "This is where you will begin to learn, ma chère," he said softly, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom.
Garnetta nodded, her heart—or what remained of it—pounding in her chest. "What do I need to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Raphael gestured toward the shadows at the edge of the clearing. "You must listen," he instructed. "Close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you. Let your instincts guide you to your prey."
Garnetta hesitated for a moment, then closed her eyes, letting the darkness envelop her. She took a deep breath, inhaling the cool night air, and focused on the sounds of the forest. At first, there was only silence, broken by the occasional rustle of leaves. But as she listened more closely, she began to pick up on the subtle nuances of the night—the soft scurrying of small animals, the fluttering of wings, the distant howl of a lone wolf.
And then, she heard it—a faint, rhythmic thumping, like the beat of a drum. It was steady, almost hypnotic, and as Garnetta focused on it, she realized it was the heartbeat of a creature nearby. Her senses sharpened, honing in on the sound, and she felt a surge of hunger and excitement.
She opened her eyes and looked toward the source of the sound, her vision piercing the darkness with ease. There, at the edge of the clearing, she saw a deer grazing quietly, its head down as it nibbled on the grass. The sight of it triggered something deep within her, a primal instinct that pushed her to act.
Raphael's voice was soft but firm as he spoke. "Go to it, ma petite colombe. Let your instincts guide you. Do not fear what you are about to do. This is who you are now."
Garnetta took a step forward, her movements graceful and silent. The deer continued to graze, unaware of her presence as she approached. She could feel the blood pulsing through its veins, the life force that called to her, promising to quench the hunger that burned within her.
When she was close enough, Garnetta paused, her eyes locked on the deer. The hunger roared within her, demanding to be satisfied, but she hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing her mind. Could she really do this? Could she take the life of another creature to sustain her own?
As if sensing her hesitation, Raphael's voice reached her through the darkness. "You must not hesitate, Garnetta. Trust in yourself. This is the natural order of things."
Garnetta swallowed hard, her resolve strengthening. She knew she had no choice—this was the reality of her new existence. She had to feed, to survive. With a final, deep breath, she moved swiftly, her body reacting with a speed and precision that surprised even her.
In an instant, she was upon the deer, her arms wrapping around it in a tight embrace. The animal let out a startled cry, but Garnetta was too quick. She tilted its head to the side, baring its throat, and sank her fangs into its flesh.
The moment the blood touched her tongue, Garnetta felt a wave of warmth and energy flood her body. The hunger was sated, the burning in her throat soothed by the rich, life-giving blood. She drank deeply, allowing the power of the blood to flow through her, filling her with a sense of strength and vitality.
The deer struggled briefly, but Garnetta held it firmly, her instincts taking over as she fed. She could feel the life draining from the creature, its heartbeat slowing as she drank. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, this newfound power she held over life and death.
When the deer's heart finally stopped, Garnetta pulled back, her lips stained with blood. She released the lifeless body, letting it fall to the ground as she stepped back, her breathing ragged. The hunger was gone, replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction and strength.
Raphael stepped forward, his expression calm and approving. "You have done well, ma chère. You have taken the first step on your new path."
Garnetta wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, her mind still reeling from the intensity of the experience. She felt different—stronger, more alive—but there was also a part of her that mourned the loss of the innocent creature she had just taken. She looked up at Raphael, her eyes searching his for reassurance.
Raphael reached out and gently touched her cheek, his gaze softening. "Do not dwell on the past, Garnetta. What you have done is necessary for your survival. You must learn to accept it, and in time, it will become second nature to you."
She nodded slowly, though the weight of what she had just done still hung heavy in her heart. She knew Raphael was right—this was who she was now, and she had to embrace it. But it would take time for her to come to terms with the reality of her new existence.
Raphael smiled gently and took her hand in his. "Come, ma petite colombe. There is much more for you to learn, and I will be with you every step of the way."
Garnetta allowed herself to be led back through the forest, her mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. The taste of blood still lingered on her tongue, a reminder of the power she now possessed. She knew that this was only the beginning, and that there was still much more to discover about herself and the world she now inhabited.
As they walked through the moonlit forest, Garnetta couldn't help but feel a small spark of hope igniting within her. She had taken her first step into the unknown, and though the path ahead was uncertain, she knew she was not alone. Raphael was there, guiding her, and for the first time since her transformation, she felt a sense of peace.
This was her new life, and she was determined to make the most of it.