{[True love is unshakable. If it shifts because of something your mind can't handle. That love you had was never genuine. It was just an illusion you created to ease the hate you've always harbored.]}
"What are they, Daddy?" Angel smiled brightly as her father held her close. Her hair was as red as blood, the same as her mother's, and her white wings were whiter than cotton.
"They're stars, forever guiding us in the darkness." Her father smiled at his pride and joy. His daughter was bound for beauty, cherished by the entire village, and already, some families had begged him to allow Angel to bear children for their family. But he refused. Instead, he wanted Angel to decide who was worthy of her. "They shine above us. Some say they're God's who watch over worlds."
"There are so many Gods!" Angel's blue eyes were so light they were often mistaken for gray. She clung on to her father. "Daddy, have you ever touched one of the stars?"
"I haven't." He admitted. "The higher we go, the colder and harder to breathe it becomes. Even dragons can't reach the stars."
"What if my wings grow larger than yours?" Angel jumped off him and spread her small wings. They extended about three feet in each direction. "Once they're strong enough, I want to touch the stars."
"That's a big dream for a little girl who can't fly." He teased.
Angel pouted and got fussy with her wings and feet. "I will fly. One day, I'll sore through the skies… I crave it…"
"It's in your nature as a demi-dove." He grabbed Angel's hips and scooped her up in his arms. "But it's okay to ask your father to help you."
His wings spread, and he floated up. He carried the young girl deep into the sky with a few flaps. She held tightly to his chest until he spoke.
"Open your eyes, little dove."
Hesitantly, the little girl opened her eyes. Her red hair moved with the wind, and the sky she adored caressed every part of her. She smiled brightly and reached toward the sky.
"The stars are closer now… I can almost touch them… And look at the moon."
"Only one of our kind has touched the moon." Her father held her tightly as his mana and wings lifted him across the landscape. "She was loved by our Goddess."
"Really?" Angel's eyes twinkled. "Tell me the story."
"She flew away from our world into the realm of the Gods. Instead of reaching for the stars, she wanted to touch the moon. Her curiosity caught the attention of the Goddess, and she held that demi close to her heart. In fact, we named you after her."
"Her name was Angel?" The little girl hugged her father tighter.
"Yes, and the Luminous Goddess was so impressed by her that she allowed her to become her messenger and warrior. A demi who served the Goddess… It's said once the Luminous Goddess killed the Dead God… Angel carried the wounded Luminous away from our realm and into the next… That's where she heals her wounds, and in time, she'll return and destroy the Dead God's influence."
"Do you think I'll touch the moon and serve her one day?" She asked in a childish tone.
"I don't know… But she blessed you with beauty… And your wings are the whitest of all the doves…"
"Yes!" Angel held her head up proudly. "But I love you more than anything… You're my daddy!"
Angel cuddled him with a huge grin.
"You're my world…" He hugged her back. "And I'll always protect you…"
"I love you, daddy!"
*******
"You rejected another one?" Angel's father had grown older. Raising his eyebrows, he asked. "Are you sure you like men? I've seen you kiss some of the girls."
"Can't I like both?"
"You can, but only males can give you children." He sighed. "I do want grandchildren."
Angel sat on her bed. It was made of the furs of random animals her father had hunted. She had grown taller, her blood-red hair radiated, and her blue eyes were like dull sapphires.
"You're more beautiful than your mother… And everyone in our tribe wanted to marry her…"
"But you won." Angel hugged him. "My daddy is the best."
"When will you stop calling me that? You're a grown woman now."
"Never." She teased. "I'm always going to be your little girl."
"That pleases me, but I want you to have your own children one day… But you turn away all the men who try to court you."
"That's because none of them compare to you." Angel pouted, and her cheeks expanded.
Her red hair ran down her back, and her skin was fair. As she held her father, his neck entranced her until a knock on their door snapped her out of her trance.
That was weird…
Her father reached for the door and opened it. Two male demi-doves greeted him. "Slaver's were seen north from the mountains."
"How many?"
"Maybe one or two hundred… They don't seem to be wearing the red and white armor from Sacred Fire. They're more than likely travelers, but they have cages and plenty of warriors."
Humans… Disgusting creatures, they're no different than monsters…
Demi-dove's homes were built in the trees. They were simple and made from a combination of wood and stones. Since they lived in the mountains, it was often cold, so all the homes had dozens of animal furs.
Dad used to be a warrior, so the young doves look up to him… But he's not as strong as he used to be…
"You should gather a small scouting party and have everyone prepare emergency rations in case they start climbing up the mountain." He gave his orders. "We have the sky on our side. If the worst were to happen, we can flee… But we won't fight them… Their magic far outweighs our power…"
"They're just humans. We can take them." One of the men insisted.
"Yeah, let us fight… The demi-lions and demi-rhinos have been fighting them in the West. From what that merchant told us, humans have lost some battles against them… The war is still in full swing, and we're hiding… Let us join the fight…"
"No," the older man shook his head. Don't be foolish. Just scout our enemy and come back to us."
They all had wings, but they were shaped differently. Male wings were more robust than females, who were, in contrast, slimmer.
Dad can figure this out… There isn't anything he can't do…
Angel studied water in a bowl, and for a second, her blue eyes shifted to red.
What's happening?
The dove rubbed her eyes and then once more glanced in the water. They were blue.
She shrugged it off.
Angel took a few steps, and then vertigo grabbed her senses. She tumbled to one knee.
"Angel?" Her dad ran to her. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm just feeling dizzy?" She smiled. The demi-doves all carried some type of spear and a crossbow.
"You're not drinking enough water." Her father lectured, and she gave an embarrassed smile.
*******
Angel's body had gone through unique changes. Not the ones girls go through as they become women. Instead her body had become sickly, and occasionally her eyes shifted red. Little changes that made no sense.
Angel woke up in a cold sweat. Her eyes glowed red, and she stood up and stepped into the kitchen. The moonlight shined down on the village, thousands of homes were hidden in the trees deep in the mountains. From what Angel had been told, they once lived in homes made of bricks, but they had to flee south when the Dead God and slavers pushed them out.
Deep down, Angel didn't mind. This place was her home.
The older residents despised it, and the younger men wanted to fight and take back their ancestral home.
All politics Angel despised. They had a home right where they were. So why spill blood for a land the young had never laid eyes on?
Something was odd.
Why does this keep happening? I can see so clearly in the night?
Angel blinked quickly, and her vision returned to normal.
"Angel?" A concerned tone caught her attention. Her father had walked down from his room with a lit candle to light his path. "Why are you awake so late in the night?"
Angel's eyes widened, and she hid her nails behind her back.
"I had a nightmare." She admitted.
"If it's about the humans, you don't have to worry. I sent five of our best scouts." He put the candle on top of a wooden table. Next to it was a bag filled with food, clothes, and blankets. "You don't have to be afraid."
"I'm not afraid." Angel was sincere. She had never laid eyes on a human before. "I know you'll keep me safe."
"I fear I might've sheltered you too much." He admitted and sat in a seat.
"Far from it." Angel sat on the seat next to him, carefully hiding her fingernails. "You've always been there for me… When mom died, you took me in… When my wings started growing, and the pain was unbearable, you hugged me tightly throughout the night… When I took flight for the first time, you were right there in case I stumbled… When my body started becoming that of a woman, you were there to guide me through the confusion of it all… Daddy… You made me the woman I am today…"
He smiled.
"I feel guilty sometimes. You could've had several wives and more children." Angel glanced at their small home. "It's not normal to have only one wife and one child… Am I the reason you chose to never remarry?"
"Little dove." He shook his head. "When I was younger, I wanted multiple wives, but your mother was something else... You were the result of our love, and when she died… The part of me that could love women in that way died with her… Please don't blame yourself. I made my decision… Do you wish I would've remarried?"
"I want a big family." Angel tilted her head. "I adore you, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish I had brothers and sisters… If I ever marry, I want a man who doesn't mind several wives and lots of kids…"
"Whoever wins your heart will be a man all will envy."
"Maybe I'll occasionally have my fun with his wives… Or should I say… My wives." Angel smirked.
"You are your mother's daughter… So why haven't you chosen a man?"
"I prefer women… But I can't say… Maybe it's cause I'm not ready to leave the nest… I love you and want to spend more time with you."
"Take your time, little dove." For a second, something in Angel shifted, and her father jerked back.
"Daddy?"
His eyes darted left and right, and his heart raced.
What just happened? It's almost like… He's scared of me…
He blinked a few times and glanced down in shame.
"What's wrong, Dad?"
"I must be more tired than I imagined… For a second, your lips looked black to me…"
"Like the spooky vampires in your stories." Angel brought her nails up and pretended to be a savage creature. She had a cute expression before she started giggling.
His eyes studied her nails.
Angel brought her hands under the table.
"Yes… Vampires… From the Age of Blood… Warriors of the Dead God… Occasionally, a human or demi becomes one… Some say it's due to them making a dark deal with the Dead God… No one knows for certain, but whenever one emerges, it's the duty of all the warriors of the Luminous Goddess to slaughter the servant of the dead."
"Have you ever killed one?"
"No… But vampires and werewolves almost destroyed our world… They were present during the battle between the Luminous and Dead God… In that era, humans and demi fought together against those monsters… We were able to slaughter all of them… But somehow, they appear from time to time… Those creatures were capable of using their blood as magic. Some used ice, fire, lightning and even shadow magic… Some were so powerful it took over a hundred warriors to kill one."
"If a dove killed a vampire… I think I'd marry him." Angel smiled. "I want a man who's a warrior."
"You just keep raising your standards." The older man rubbed the top of his head. "At this rate, you'll never leave the nest."
"If that's the case, you're stuck with me, Daddy!"
"That's… Not a bad future…"
*******
Angel stepped outside. Her body ached with a new hunger, her teeth hurt, and her eyes shifted red. She was wearing a basic black nightgown that doubled as a dress, with an exposed portion on her stomach, revealing a thin ab outline.
Again? This keeps happening every night… What's wrong with me?
Angel walked towards her father's room. She moved a fur that served as the door. He was sleeping under dozens of covers.
I'll wake him. He'll know what's happening to me.
The beautiful woman took a few steps into his room, and a new delightful idea struck her… His neck, the pulse from a vein. Before she grasped what had shifted, she had closed the distance, and her mouth was open, ready to bite into his neck.
What? What am I doing?
Angel's body shook, and for the first time, she feared herself. That fear surged a change deep inside her. Fangs grew in front of her canine teeth. They were longer and had little holes at their base.
What am I feeling in my mouth? What is this sensation and desire? I… I don't understand… I love my daddy… So why do I…. Why do I want to rip his throat out?
Angel broke away from something out of her control. She flew out of her house and towards the river. It was empty this late at night.
Her father's hand gripped a dagger, and his heart raced with fear. Something in him shattered.
Angel landed next to the rushing river.
No, no, no, what was I thinking? I can't bite my dad… Something is wrong with me… Something is very wrong with me… It's like… Wait… I can see so clearly… Angel glanced at the river, and she took a few slow steps towards it. Then, she studied her reflection. Her eyes were red, her nails and lips were black. What happened to me?
Angel knelt down and opened her mouth. Two fangs emerged in front of her teeth.
What are these? Am I… No, I can't be… I never made any deal with the Dead God… I can't be a-
"This way." A deep rumble echoed in the dark night. "The demi-doves are hiding in the trees."
Angel hid behind a tree, torches were lit, and hundreds of humans were marching together.
"We'll hit them while they sleep." One of the humans carried a large sword. "It can't be helped since these cowards always fly away… Isn't that right?"
One of the humans carried a demi-dove with a chain wrapped around a collar. He was one of the warriors that had gone out to scout.
Were they captured? Wait, round ears, no wings… They're humans…
"Did you honestly think you stood a chance?" The same human mocked. "Please, you're nothing but livestock for us… Your women, though… Demi-doves sell for at least a dozen mythril… Since they're so hard to catch…"
There are so many humans… If they're going after the village… They'll kill and capture everyone… I need to warn them.
"At least I killed three of your men." The dove mocked. "I did my part."
Angel took a second to eavesdrop.
"So what?" The human tugged on the chain, and the dove landed face-first in the dirt. "Casualties are guaranteed with our line of work… Some of us do it for the money, but most of us do it because… Well, it's fun…"
"It's fun to enslave demi's? We're not so different… We're both creations of the Luminous Goddess…"
"Yes, we are." The man admitted with a smile. "And maybe in another lifetime, we might've been the best of friends… But I hold the chain, and this power is intoxicating… Every slaver knows that what they're doing is wrong… Some even go as far as convincing themselves that your kind are lesser things that deserve to be in chains… But it's all lies, they know the truth… They just don't give a shit… Because at the end of it all, we can do whatever we want to you… And that makes all the guilt fade…"
"You're a monster…"
"Maybe, but we both know if you held this chain, you'd do the same to me… Victim and abuser, two roles that are often easily switched due to circumstances."
Angel let the slaver's words dig into her like needles ripping into her soul. She took flight into the sky, rushing through the trees until she landed in her house.
She moved the fur that served as a door and glanced at her father, who was sitting on their little table. A candle illuminated his facial features. "Welcome home," his tone was dry.
"Dad… Humans are near… They captured our scouting party, and now they're on their way here."
"That explains why the scouts didn't return." He glanced at the daughter he adored. "What were you doing in my room?"
"I… I don't know… I wasn't feeling good, and I wanted to talk to you…"
"I felt your breath on my neck…" His eyes were empty. "… Your wings."
"My wings?" Angel pivoted towards them. Her feathers had changed hue.
"They're black." He moved the chair back. Your nails were also black the other night… And your lips… Also black… Do you know what you are?"
"No dad." Angel insisted. "I'm not what you think."
"Did you make a deal with the Dead God?" He stood up concerned, tears forming in his eyes. He walked towards his daughter. "Please tell me it isn't so… What were you lacking that you would give up your soul?"
"Nothing… I never sold my soul… I don't understand what's happening to me… But I…"
He hugged Angel.
Daddy… I should've told you sooner…
The bite of a blade ripping through her flesh hit the young girl. A dagger had ripped into her torso, right into her heart.
Her father had stabbed her. His face was in agony.
"Dad… Daddy?" The pain shook her body.
It hurts… It hurts so much… Why?
"I love you… I love you so much, little dove." Tears ran down his face. "That's why I have to be the one to do this…"
Angel tumbled to the ground. She glanced at her hands. Blood had smeared on them and her black nails.
This is my blood…
"You need to die… Vampire…" He stabbed her again and again. "YOU NEED TO DIE BECAUSE YOU'RE A MONSTER!"
Tears ran down Angel's face.
I'm the same as I've always been… I'm not a monster…
"Die! Die! DIE!" His tears ran down his face until the knife slipped out of his hands due to his daughter's blood. "Angel…"
"Daddy…" Angel's red eyes landed on her father's blue eyes. "I'm not a monster… I'm still you're little dove…"
Her words shook him, but he regained his composure and stepped back. Angel's knees shook. The loss of her heart wasn't nearly enough to kill her, but the pain overwhelmed her.
"No… The moment those fangs grew out of your mouth… You were no longer my little dove…" He spat his words out. His eyes were repulsed by the girl he once held and spoiled. "You're a repulsive creature… One that all demi's and humans want dead…"
Outside the home, dozens of bells rang, and the doves grabbed their belongings and fled. Humans below started screaming. Arrows and bolts fired in both directions.
"Angel… You have to understand…" Angel's eyes focused on her father's face. His face was covered in tears… "You changed into something I can never accept… If you truly love me… Then die for me…"
Dad…
He grabbed his bag and took flight, leaving his wounded daughter behind.
Dad! Dad! Daddy! Daddy! DADDY! PLEASE, DON'T LEAVE ME! I DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE! I DON'T WANT TO DIE HERE! I WANT TO BE YOUR LITTLE DOVE FOREVER! I WANT YOU TO HUG ME! I WANT YOU TO HOLD ME! I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME!
Angel had no strength to scream. Outside, some of the homes lit aflame, and the aroma of blood filled her nose.
A new sensation filled in her tongue. And Angel's fangs desired something like they were starving for a meal.
Angel stood up. Her blood stained her dress, but something in her forced her to keep moving. The knife wounds were right above her dress.
Even if you asked me… I don't want to die… I want to keep living…
Heavy footsteps broke into dozens of homes. They were searching for survivors.
Slavers out for their prize.
They're coming… I don't want to be a slave… I don't want to die… I don't want to be a vampire… My body, it's so weak… I can barely move… But my mind, it's still sharp…
She reached the door but leaned against it, the fur tore down and several slavers got a glimpse of her. Through the fires of her neighbors homes her body and face were illuminated.
"This one will go for a few dragon coins." The same man who had spoken to the demi-dove slave checked her out. "But maybe I'll take her as my own… This little bitch is so fuckable… Wait… Why are her wings black?"
Don't let them take me… Don't let them chain me…
"Is she wounded?" One of the other humans asked. His sword was covered in blood, and around him lay the bodies of both demi's and humans alike. "They put up a good fight, but we captured a handful of them… If she's wounded, fuck her or kill her. Just get it over with."
That's what I am to them? A burden who's only good for a quick fuck… No, I don't want that… I want to live…Even if I'm viewed as a monster…
"Come here." The man grabbed Angel's shoulder, and she glanced up at him with all her vampiric fury. "What the fuck?"
You'll be the ones that die today…
Angel bit into the man's neck, ripping a chunk of his flesh off, his blood ran down her throat. The sudden kill left his allies senseless, like a deer caught in front of headlights.
So this is the taste of blood… It's repulsive…
Angel's wounds healed up in seconds.
"What the fuck is she!" One of them readied his crossbow and aimed it at her heart.
I can sense it… My mana has shifted…
The bolt flew towards her.
Angel sensed the mana came from the blood she drank. A whip of blood smacked away the bolt.
My mana is powerful… But it comes at the cost of blood… So that's why vampires drank this red liquid. The more they drink, the stronger they become…
Several slavers surrounded the demi-dove.
Angel tapped into her new power. And ice shot out of her like a cloud, freezing all the slavers around her. Everything, including their blood, had frozen. Dozens had died at her hands.
"Kill her!" A lone human screamed as he readied an arrow.
That drained my mana… I need more blood…
Angel glanced down at a dying demi. He was peppered with arrows.
I'm sorry.
Angel flew down to him and bit into his neck, and sucked up his blood quickly. The demi screamed, but she got what she needed.
Demi blood is also repulsive… I feel like I'm going to throw it all up… But I need it…
Half a dozen arrows fired at her, and her blood whip smacked them away.
I can't fight. There are hundreds of them. They'll kill me… I need to run… Far away from the humans… I can't flee deeper into the mountains… My kin will kill me if they see me… Instead, I'll fly in the opposite direction.
Angel dashed between several slavers. Her hands fired large ice shards that casually ripped through leather and steel armor.
I've never killed before… This isn't pleasant… Their bodies rip apart… And the smell… I need to get away…
Angel took flight straight up into the sky and dove away from the army. She followed the river, and in time, the humans and fire faded from her sight.
I can see clearly in the night… But I have nowhere to go… If I run into monsters, they'll slaughter me.
Angel's eyes focused on something odd. The ruins of an old city surrounded by an enormous forest.
There, I'll hide in the ruins of that city… No one will find me there…
Angel landed on the outskirts of Sanctuary. As soon as her feet touched the ground, her body shifted.
What happened? My body got smaller… Is it due to me using blood magic? I don't understand… I don't know how I became a…
On the ground was a small puddle of water. Angel's eyes focused on it.
Vampire…
The woman gritted her teeth, and she howled out a bitter cry. One that she carried due to the betrayal of the only person she trusted and loved.
Angel sat next to the puddle. The image of her slaughtering the slavers returned to her, and to her surprise, guilt didn't engulf her.
Is it my nature to not care if I kill? That's psychotic… Right down to my feelings… I'm monstrous…
"I hate you!" Angel roared at the reflection in the puddle. Her red eyes watered, and her fangs stood out like a drop of black ink on white fur. Her fingers touched the fangs. They were a new sensation for her, a muscle that had its own demands.
In the ruins of the home, among the rubble, sat a lonely stone. It was once part of the walls and had a smooth surface. Angel reached for it. It was small and fit in her hand, and it was flat enough for her to bite into it.
She opened her mouth, and for a second, she hesitated, that was until she glanced down at the puddle again. In the reflection was the monster that all of Eden feared… Her reflection, Angel's eyes watered, and her jaw shivered.
"I hate this…" She bit into the rock hard enough for a single fang to snap and roll to her left side.
She wailed in pain as blood poured out of her mouth and stained her neck and dress. Angel glanced at the reflection in the puddle. She was halfway there.
Angel bit again and again, this time targeting her other fang. The stone cracked. Her eyes watered as she tolerated the pain.
The tooth chipped, but the root refused to budge.
Fall out! Fall out! Go away! GO AWAY! YOU'RE THE REASON EVERYONE HATES ME! YOU'RE THE REASON MY DAD TRIED TO KILL ME! SO DIE! DIE AND NEVER COME BACK! DIE AND ROT WITH ALL THE HATE YOU BROUGHT ME! IT HURTS! IT HURTS SO MUCH! THIS PAIN MAKES IT HARD TO BREATHE! BUT I DON'T CARE! I'M ONLY A MONSTER UNTIL THIS TOOTH BREAKS! THEN MY EYES WILL TURN BLUE AGAIN! MY WINGS WILL BECOME WHITE! AND MY DAD WON'T HATE ME ANYMORE!
The root snapped, and the tooth rolled on the floor. Blood ran down her mouth, and she collapsed against the wall. The pain became ghostly. A part of her had faded… Replaced with agony. Her legs had weakened, but she dragged herself until she was above the puddle.
It's over… I'm not a monster anymore… I can see it now. My kin will take me back… I'll fly across the Feather mountains… I'll be the pride and joy of my village once again…
She studied her reflection. Her eyes were still red. Her lips were still black. Angel's fangs were gone, but not the curse. A desperate exhale followed, and she wept bitterly, bringing her knees close to her chest. Angel had tortured herself for nothing.
It didn't work… Angel's tears rolled down her face. Tears from the body of a monster, created in the depths of a pure and innocent soul. I have no one… I'll die at the hands of a human or demi that only sees the curse placed on me… I'm sure if they bring my body to their families and friends, they'll praise my killer as a hero… And they'll allow the Dead God to devour my soul… I want to hate the world… I really do… But not too long ago, I also feared and hated vampires… This is my curse… Maybe the Dead God wanted me to suffer because I despised his creations… Maybe the Luminous Goddess allowed it to happen because she hates me… I hate me… I don't think anyone can hate me more than I hate myself… Maybe, just maybe, the right hunter will kill me, but they'll release my soul… If they do… Maybe my dad will accept his little girl again in the Endless Forest… Maybe he'll hold me, and we'll count the stars once more… But if I'm devoured… I'll never see him again… I can't even kill myself…
The black-winged beauty cried until the puddle below her evaporated, joining the sky she once adored.
*******
When Angel woke up, she was in ruins, surrounded by a destroyed kingdom. To her, this was appropriate. But touching her teeth, her thumb rubbed against her fangs.
They grew back after a day…
She glanced up at the sky. Her body didn't hurt, but she was smaller.
What will happen if I don't drink blood? It's disgusting… How did vampires tolerate it?
She glanced around the ruins.
At least no monster dens are nearby…
The girl walked around the ruins and scavenged for food, but like the mountains, most trees refused to bear fruit.
After a few days, she caught sight of people. She hid behind a tree.
Elves… And demi-cows… They're living in the castle… It's not a lot of them, so I'll be okay if I keep my distance…
From the corner of her eye, a rodent scavenged for food around a tree.
Angel flew towards it, scooped it up, and her fangs extended.
If it's animal blood… It might not taste as bad.
She dug her fangs into the animal, killing it instantly.
No, it's even worse…
She buried the rodent near the tree where she killed it. Her black nails dug easily into the earth.
I don't know if drinking their blood is healthy… But it took some of my hunger away… Is this how I'm going to have to live my life? I don't like this… I haven't spoken a word all day… Is it possible to forget how to talk? Dad… I miss you… If you were to find me and ask me for forgiveness, I'd accept it in a heartbeat… I miss you so much… I hope you're okay…
*******
Angel spent her days catching rodents and crying softly, reliving her losses.
Footsteps grasped her attention.
A demi?
Sitting on a fountain was a man.
That's a human… He's wearing a mask… And his armor is strange… That's odd. He walked from the direction of the kingdom…
A rodent skittered near Angel's head.
Lunch!
She tried to reach for it, but her movements attracted the stranger's attention.
For a second, the violence and death that the slavers brought to her village returned to Angel's eyes. She fled, but the man followed.
Is he a slaver? Or maybe he'll try to kill me… I need to get away.
She took flight and glanced down. The masked man stopped chasing her.
He doesn't have a long-range weapon… He won't get me up here… Wait, what is he doing?
Ashner left a handful of crackers and then walked away.
Why? Is he trying to bait me? Maybe the food is poisoned… I'm a vampire, so I doubt any type of poison will affect me… But… I am hungry… Maybe regular food will fill me up…
Angel landed next to the food, and she took one bite, followed by another. So many she started coughing.
They suck the saliva out of my mouth, and they're bland but salty… It's delicious… So delicious… Thank you, kind stranger…
*******
Angel had decided to stay in a home near the fountain. She waited and waited, sometimes nodding off while she did. Lately, she had slept more than she had ever had, and her body had gotten smaller.
Maybe I need more blood… Or maybe animal blood isn't working… But I love the food he brings me…
Footsteps echoed.
Is it him?
Ashner glanced inside the fountain, and he removed a handful of food and some snacks from his backpack.
What will he leave for me today?
"Hello there." The words came from the masked man, Angel's position was compromised.
Time to fly away!
Her wings spread, and she flew up five feet and them.
Oh no…
Angel landed face-first and rolled to her side.
My nose! Ow! Why can't I fly?
Ashner's footsteps stopped a few feet from Angel.
If he see's my fangs he'll kill me. Cover my face. Don't let him see what I am…
"Please, Don't hurt me." She pleaded. "I'll leave. I promise I won't bother you or anyone else."
"I'm not going to hurt you." The man reassured her. "What's your name? I'm Ashner."
"I'm Angel."
And so the two talked.
He's not afraid of me… He actually likes my wings and my fangs… He's so weird… But it's strange, and… I don't hate it… This is the first time I've talked to someone in months… I wonder if he'll listen to my story…
Angel expressed herself. She told Ashner an abridged version of what happened to her. As much as she tried, her tears ran down her face as she talked about her dad. She was a little girl at heart, abandoned and lost.
Ashner walked towards her.
Did I say too much? Did I annoy him? Maybe he wants to kill me and was just waiting for me to lower my guard…
"Even with your eyes, nails, wings, and fangs… I don't see a monster… I only see a beautiful woman who's been alone for too long…"
He… He doesn't hate me… I… I… I want a hug…
"I promise. I won't let anyone hurt you."
For a second, Ashner's mask shifted to Angel's father, the words he had given her, words he had betrayed… Angel's eyes watered more, and she lunged forward, hugging him.
Angel dug her nails into his clothes. She clung on to him, desperate to be held, lonely and broken. Her mind returned to her past.
"Dad… Daddy… I'm sorry… I'm sorry… Sorry…"
She wept and clung on to the only person who was kind to her.
Angel let a pain she carried for so long escape. Even if she was viewed as a monster, one man accepted her. She asked a daring question.
"Will you visit me again?"
"Of course."
*******
The weeks passed, and Angel no longer received food.
Where is he?
The girl had gotten smaller, and after the first couple of weeks, she had started crying.
He abandoned me… Just like my dad did… Maybe he was scared of me… That's why he chose to leave me…
Rodents were everywhere, but Angel just didn't have the motivation to catch them.
He was cruel…
Angel went to her room, and she leaned against the wall. Her stomach ached, and her body had gotten smaller.
Rodent blood wasn't enough to satisfy me… I was always going to turn out like this… Now I'm so weak… Even if I wanted to… I don't have the strength to take blood from a demi… Dad, you were right… It was better to have died that day…
Angel closed her eyes, and she slept for days.
"Angel!" A muffled cry echoed in the girl's mind.
Who's there?
"Angel!" Ashner's tone became clearer. "Can you talk?"
Ashner… He came back to me… He really did… I'm so happy… But I can't move… My body… It's so weak… I'm no longer hungry… Is this how I'll die… Ashner won't let me be devoured… He's a good man… Why did I believe he abandoned me? He came back… He's here… And I'm dying… I don't want to die…
Ashner asked questions and Angel answered in a trance.
Her eyes landed on his mask, and for a few seconds, it shifted into her father's face.
"Wait… Dad?"
Ashner, did you bring my dad here? Did he forgive me? I'm so happy… He still loves me… I love you too, Dad… I love you so much…
Ashner kept asking questions, and Angel replied, but it was almost like someone else was talking for her.
I want to live… I want you to love me… Ashner… Dad… You two are the only ones I have… I promise I'll find a way to stop being a vampire… Dad, guess what? I think I'll marry Ashner… I'll have a big family… I'll give you lots of grandchildren… You'll love them too, right, dad? You'll love them as much as you loved me…
Ashner undid his sleeve and showed her his forearm. "Drink my blood."
"Dad… No… I won't hurt you…"
I won't ever hurt you dad…
"I love you dad… I'm sorry that I couldn't be what you wanted… You were always so proud of my beauty… And I was happy making you smile…"
Her vision focused, and the familiar outline of her father's face changed. It was Ashner, just Ashner. His eyes were desperate, and as much as she appreciated it, her heart stung.
"Ashner? Where did my dad go?"
His eyes… He's struggling to answer…
"He's… He's somewhere far away… But please… Please, drink my blood…"
The man he was before… Did he ever change? Or was he always this cold? Dad… You didn't care about me… I'm just convincing myself that you did… But Ashner… That pain in your eyes… It's real…
"I miss him… He's gone…" Reality crushed Angel so much she wanted to create a new one. "What about you? If you were my father… Would you have abandoned me?"
"No!" Ashner barked. "I won't fail where he did… I'll always keep you safe…"
The same promise my dad gave me… But Ashner is here, actually trying to fulfill it…
"If I bite you… It'll hurt… Vampires drain both blood and mana alike…" She admitted as Ashner held his arm close to her mouth. "You'll hate me too."
"I'll never hate you…" His eyes were desperate. "But if you die… I don't think I'll ever return here… A part of me will die with you…"
"I don't know if I want to die… Please… Tell me what I should do…"
"LIVE! FIND A WAY TO LIVE WITH ALL THE PAIN THIS WORLD CRUSHED YOU WITH!"
You want me to live…
Angel bit into his arm.
The flavor… It's not disgusting… It's sweeter than honey, strong, and delightful… His mana is delicious… His blood is too… I feel… I feel safe… Like when I was with him…
"Dad?"
"I'm not."
"Daddy!" Angel hugged her savior. "I promise I'll never do anything to hurt you again! Please forgive your little girl… Please hold me…"
Angel clung to him, and a part of her was aware of the truth, but just for a little while. She wanted a reality far from her fingertips. A past that was filled with love.
Ashner held her.
*******
Angel nibbled on Ashner's arm. It helped scratch the itch in her mouth. She sat on Ashner's lap. Fully aware that this action was done between lovers.
His heart races when I sit on him… I know I'm beautiful… But this is the first time I've wanted someone to want me… Maybe it's because I drank his blood… Or maybe it's something else… I'm giving him obvious signs…
Angel shook her butt, and sure enough, Ashner's member pressed against her.
Can't you tell that I'm teasing you?
Angel's body grew hot. She grasped it since her body was cold most of the time, except when her heart raced, and she was horny.
I need to be more aggressive…
She grabbed Ashner's hand and slid it against her skin until he touched her chest.
My heart is racing, be confident… Don't let him know that I'm nervous… I'm going this far… He has to understand that I'm okay if he takes the lead… I'm okay if he makes me his…
"Wait."
No, I don't want to wait… I've never felt this way… Maybe… Since I'm in my small form, it's not to your liking… In that case…
Angel bit into his arm and took a bit of blood. She grew, and her body filled up in all the right places. "Do you prefer this form?" Angel's tone was seductive, and her body rubbed against Ashner's.
Seduce him… Let him know that he can do anything he wants with my words…
"You're so hard for me… Dad... dy…"
His heart is racing… Yes, calling him Daddy turns him on… I'm using that every chance I get.
Ashner's fingers played with Angel's nipples, and the sensation brought a tingle down her spine.
Finally! Keep going… Keep… Footsteps? DAMN IT!
Angel took flight and hid away.
Those women, who are they? Ashner… Oh, he's hard… And he's running away… I'll have to apologize later…
Angel waited for the woman to leave, and she sat in her bed. Her lower half was wet…
When I called him daddy… My body got wetter… I don't understand why… But if we both like it… Why should I stop? But maybe, just maybe… One day, we can continue where we left off…
Angel's fingers went down under her dress, and her fangs extracted as her body filled with ecstasy.
Daddy! Daddy! The words shifted something in her. Her fingers touched parts of her that were forbidden to all. This wasn't the first time she imagined Ashner taking her, but it was the first time she mixed his name with Daddy. Ashner, you're my daddy… Please make this little girl yours… Please… Treat me well since I'm a very, very good girl…
Angel's body spasmed, and her eyes glowed red as she finished.
She exhaled and glanced at the sky.
This seems to be all I do… I mean, it's not like I can do anything else… It's boring here… Except when he visits… I'm so happy… So very happy…
*******
The moonlight illuminated Angel's red hair, and her eyes were perfectly tuned to her surroundings. She hummed to herself, excited that Ashner was staying in the castle.
He'll visit me tomorrow… Next time, I'll make sure he understands that I want him… But maybe I'm pushing too much? What if he doesn't see me that way… Doves found me attractive, but what about humans? But he did get hard, so maybe I'm overthinking this whole situation…
Angel smiled brightly. Her fangs were sharp.
I still have a cycle… So I can have children… I wonder if Ashner would be okay with little versions of him running around… I don't mind sharing him… He's so amazing. I bet he has hundreds, no, thousands of women chasing him… As long as he can give me some time, I'll be happy…
Angel's wings opened and closed as her mind dove into her imagination.
Children between a human and a demi usually results in the child being a demi, or in some cases, they become half demi's like the half-elves. But since I'm a vampire, our children might be vampires… I don't think Ashner would mind… He loves my fangs and eyes… I'm so happy… I wonder if he wants a boy or a girl? I don't care as long as it's half his and half mine… But before that… I want us to make love… Every night…
Angel covered her chest with her wings, and she snuggled her face against them.
I want to feel him… His touch… His kisses… His… I can't say it… But I touched it, and it was so warm… My daddy makes me so happy…
Angel squealed happily and flapped her wings but didn't take flight. Because of her small physical shape, doing so allowed her to conserve her blood.
In the shadows behind her, a half-elf emerged from it, a pistol in hand. Darkness shifted in front of the muzzle, a skill Ashner had taught her. Something that removes the echo of the gun, but with her magic, it didn't kill the bullet's power.
The half-elf wore a mask and black leather, and the weapon was pointed directly at the back of Angel's head.
"Ashy-Ashner… I'm your little dove, and you're my nest of happiness… Morning light, please hurry up so I can see him." Angel happily sang to a tune. "Your blood is delishy-lishy. And your hugs are so squishy-quishy. So hurry up so you can see me, me, me."
The half-elf's eyes widened behind her mask. Twila lowered her gun.
A miscalculation on her part. But she had already set in motion the warriors of Sanctuary.
"Vampire…" Twila mustered her words.
That's not Ashner.
Angel spun around. Her eyes became petrified. "No…" She whispered to herself.
"What is Ashner to you?" Twila asked.
She's not attacking… Will she listen to me if I explain myself?
"Ashner is… He's my friend…" Angel's voice trembled. "He gives me food, and he's been giving me blood so I don't die… He's… He's someone I value more than myself…"
Why is she wearing a mask? If she's asking about Ashner…
Twila's eyes were conflicted, but there was a way to determine if the creature before her was a friend or foe. Before she uttered her following sentence, she swallowed her pride.
"What if I were to tell you that I plan on killing him because he allowed a vampire to suck his blood."
Angel's eyes widened and filled with rage. Her blood spun inside her, and she grew a little taller than Twila. Her voice lost its tender tone.
"If you harm him, I won't show you any mercy." Her eyes glowed red, and her fangs readied themselves. "He's the closest thing I have to a father."
"I lied." Twila heart was racing. "I just needed to make sure…"
"Make sure of what?" Angel took a step towards her. "I swore to Ashner that I wouldn't kill anyone from Sanctuary, but if someone threatens his life, I'll break my resolve and kill everyone that stands in his way."
Twila smiled. This made Angel take a step back.
"I'm glad… Ashner also saved my life… I've watched you both for a few days now. I thought you were using him… But now… I'm certain of something else… Ashner cares deeply for you…" Twila sighed. "But as we speak, demi's are coming here. They will hunt you down… And kill you…"
No… I don't want this…
"I was the one who sent them to you…" Twila admitted. "I'm sorry, I thought you were trying to kill Ashner… I came first in hopes of destroying you... Part of me hoped you had a spell on Ashner, and afterward, he'd acknowledge me… But I didn't take the time to talk to you… Like Ashner did… Instead, I relied on superstitions and fears from our ancestors and marked you as my enemy."
"No, no, no." Angel rubbed her hands against her face. "I don't want to fight anyone… I just want to be left alone… Somewhere Ashner can visit me…"
"I'm so sorry…" Twila glanced away. Sure enough, the footsteps of demi's were rushing through the ruined city. "I'll get help… I promise…"
Angel's eyes glanced around, preparing for the worst.
"I'm so sorry… But I will get help." The sickening aura of dark mana filled Twila's body, and she melded into the shadows and disappeared.
As long as I hide, I won't have to fight. I'll keep myself safe, and if the worst happens, I'll fly away. I'm strong enough to do that now… But I don't want to leave… What would he think if he visits me… And I'm not here anymore…
Heavy and light footsteps rushed through the city. A handful of torches and flashlights guided the demi's.
Angel moved through the kingdom. Every part of it was her home. She had explored every ruined home and had occasionally played in the forest.
I want to see your sweet smile behind your mask. I want you to wrap your arms around me while we count the stars. You were so good to me. You held me the first time you ever saw me cry, easing the sorrow inside me… I'll do anything for you… I'll give you my everything…
A spear of fire hit Angel's wing. It burned her feathers.
The vampire screamed. Glancing to her right was a male dwarf with long brown hair. He had attacked her.
I can't fly, but I can run… I can get away…
The earth in front of her lifted up, taking her off her feet.
Earth magic?
Angel landed next to a tree, and to her horror, hundreds of demi's surrounded her.
I have to run!
A spear ripped through her hand and impaled against the ground, taking three fingers, and the tree's roots wrapped around her stomach and held her other hand down.
My hand… My wing… Everything hurts… Why? Why are they so cruel?
"Restrain her!" A tone with an accent ordered his dwarves.
"Her eyes are red. She's the real deal! Keep your guards up until she's dead!" A queenly voice barked her orders.
Until I'm dead? That's right… Everyone wants me dead… My dad was the first to tell it to me so clearly… Something like me can't exist in this world… I have to die…
"Keep the spears ready! Don't get too close!" Another echo gave her orders. "Her magic can kill us in seconds!"
But I don't want to die… I want to live… I want to see him… I want to hear his voice… Taste his blood… Nibble on his arm and neck… I want to see his eyes when I tease him… I want him to hold me and cherish me… I want so much… None of them understand… None of them care… I DON'T WANT TO DIE LIKE THIS! I NEVER WANTED THIS! I NEVER WANTED TO BE A MONSTER!
Angel glanced up at her aggressors. They were all afraid and shook when her eyes landed on them.
"Throw spears!" A bunny with purple hair gave her orders. Three spears ripped into Angel's stomach and dug into the tree behind her, further pinning the dove to her fate.
It hurts… Blood ran down her stomach, and her dress was now torn to shreds. Everything hurts… Even so… I don't want to fight… I don't want to kill them…
"Please… Don't…" Angel's eyes watered, and her tears ran down her face. "Please… Don't… Kill… Me…"
Tears of a monster, to the ignorant.
Tears of an angel, to the wise.
"She's crying…" One of the demi's spoke.
"It's a trick, don't let your guard down… She's a monster, she'll kill us all…"
I won't… I don't want to hurt anyone… I'm scared… I'm alone… I don't want to feel like this… I want someone to hug me… To take all this pain away… I can't take this pain alone…
"We'll hit her with all our mana!" Another warrior roared. "Use the earth to block her escape. Use nature to keep her in place, and the flames will destroy her body!"
The tree roots wrapped tightly around Angel, and the earth behind her shifted into a bowl shape. Hundreds of demi's worked together for the same goal… To end her life… Angel shook in fear, and tears flowed down her face.
"We'll kill her in one blow!"
Mana gathered, and flames readied themselves.
Angel closed her eyes tightly.
I WANT MY DADDY!
Wind mana surged around her, and a cat demi dropped off a single man.
He stood between the demi's and Angel.
"Hold your attack!" A woman roared. "Ashner! Get out of the way! She's dangerous!"
"Ashner! Are you out of your mind!"
"Move, she'll kill you!"
Angel's eyes opened slowly. In front of her, illuminated by the flames of the dwarves, stood a man. For a second, she imagined her father's back and his mighty wings.
Daddy?
As her vision cleared, she grasped reality. It was Ashner with his military armor.
No, it's him… My salvation… My hero… The one who came to my rescue… He's the one my heart beats warmly for…
Ashner held his ground. His digital mask made it clear that he was enraged.
The demi's argued and urged Ashner to move.
A gunshot echoed, and everyone stopped in their tracks.
Ashner had fired a round into the sky.
Ari, Rolo, and Violet had led their warriors to battle. Even some elves had joined them.
People Ashner called friends.
"She needs to die!"
Ashner fired his weapon into the sky again. This had all the demi's petrified.
Ashner glanced at Angel. His eyes were enraged and hurt by the fact that she was heavily wounded. Even so, he smiled at her.
"It's okay… I'm here now…"
Ashner…
Angel's tears continued, this time not out of fear or self-loathing. It was something new, something beautiful that stopped the aching in her chest.
The tears of a gentle soul.
I love you…