Sweetie, listen carefully. Vampires are ruthless, bloodsucking monsters that prey on the innocent. They'll stop at nothing to drain the life of anyone who crosses their paths. 

Remember, vampires are masters of deception. They'll charm and lie to get what they want. Never trust their words or their smiles. 

If you ever come across one, don't hesitate, run if you can. But if you can't, use the stake I gave you. Aim for its heart and strike with all your might. You must protect yourself, this is your duty as a Vampire Hunter. 

The day has finally come for me to prove my worth to the Crimson guild as one of the vampire hunters. For generations, my family has been the protective force over Newhaven City from the vicious attacks of bloodthirsty vampires. 

Ever since my training began at the age of six, I've wanted nothing more than to kill a vampire. My elder brothers, Theodore and Orion, both had their first kills at the ages of 12 and 14, respectively. While I'm twenty-one and I'm yet to kill any. 

Disappointing, I know.  

But it all changes on this day. I, Maya Anderson, must kill a vampire tonight. 

My grip on the steering wheel tightens as I drive up to the castle's entrance. I see our convoy of SUVs, each loaded with various vampire-killing gear. Crossbows, stakes, silver spears, UV lamps, and holy water— we're prepared for even the surprise attacks. 

We received news that a good amount of Legacy-born vampires will be gathered together in this old castle up on the mountains. The Legacy borns were vampires descending from the first vampire. 

I glance at my teammates nervously, their faces set with determination. Marcus, Rachael, Emily, and my brother Orion, compared to me, they look confident and ready. After all, they've all had their share of first kills. 

We are the last of the teams sent by the guild to clear out the vampires tonight. As I step into the castle, I'm greeted by the stench of blood. 

As a hunter, I must never show my weaknesses, so I brush past the bodies of vampires, heading upstairs with the rest. Cautiously, I enter a dark, ominous room. I feel an odd chill, but heck, it's a vampire campsite; everywhere feels chilly. 

My brows crease as I notice an opening on the ground with stairs leading downwards. I gulp, peering into the abyss-like darkness. 

"Maya" I hear a whisper and look behind. My brother, Orion, stands at the door with a crossbow in his hand. I stare at him, putting up a strong facade. I just hope he doesn't see through it and tells me to trail behind him so that he can keep me safe.

Surprisingly, he nods at me, mouthing 'Good luck' before leaving. A sigh escapes my lips.

I turn to the opening and take a deep breath before stepping in cautiously. Suddenly, the smell of sandalwood punctuated by scented candles fills my nostrils, and I recoil. 

What the….. I climb down the last staircase, gaping in awe. It's…..a bathhouse? What's with the atmosphere? 

There are pillars and statues, each having detailed drawings of different mythical creatures. Plus, there's a large squared tub. I've got a feeling someone's here. 

At the sudden splash of water, I swiftly crouch down behind a statue, my senses heightening, my heart racing. I knew it! Someone's here. I steady my crossbow, my hand gripping it tightly. 

Carefully, I take a peep, a humourous thought crossing my mind. Just imagine being killed right after a bath. 

The moment my eyes land on him, my heart drops. My jaw falls open, my eyes widening, unable to look away as I study his features. Smooth skin with a porcelain texture and long black, wet hair cascading gracefully over his broad shoulders. A fox-like gaze with alluring hazel eyes. 

His chiseled chest, sculpted to perfection leads to eight distinctive ridges of abdominal muscles that flex with each subtle movement. 

My eyes trace down to the indistinct V-shape forming at his hips and muscular legs that seem to go on forever. 

I find myself gawking but I'm unable to stop. The water droplets from his raven-black hair slide down his chest effortlessly, causing a slight tremble between my legs. 

Is this even a person?? Well, no, obviously, he's a vampire, judging by his long canines and malicious look. It's like staring at a demigod with nothing but a red towel around his waist. 

He lifts his hand and rakes his hair with his fingers, his muscles rippling underneath his skin. I feel a flutter in my chest and I avert my gaze. I mustn't be driven by his looks, vampires are deceptive. 

If I don't kill him, he'll kill me. I clutch hard onto the crossbow, inhaling and exhaling subtly. This is my chance, I can do it! I will kill this Vampire.

I take another peek and I see him turn towards a full-length mirror. I position my crossbow, my eyes narrowing. Here goes nothing! I pull the trigger. 

My eyes widen in shock as he turns around swiftly, only to catch the flying stake in mid-air, the sharp tip facing his chest. 

I lean back against the statue, cursing, Fuck! How quick is he???? I reload my crossbow, my heart pounding against my chest. I failed to ambush him, I might get killed now. 

I gulp. 

Suddenly, the silence is broken by a dark chuckle. So sinister it sends a jolt of shock through my body. I glance down at my hands, I'm trembling. 

I hear his voice again, a deep growl "There's an attack, and all I get is a frightened little girl?" as his voice echoes, I feel the hairs at the back of my neck rise. 

The sound of the wooden stake falling fills my ears, followed by a soft whoosh. I brace myself for his attack, instead, I hear his sly voice. 

"I can sense your fear," he says and sighs. "Disappointing, to say the least. Weak humans always leave a weird aftertaste. Run along now, little bird, I might just change my mind and decide not to feast on you"

I exhale deeply. Some part of me wants to coward away, but the bigger part of me wants to kill this man. He's underestimating me, and I won't stand being called weak. 

I reveal my hiding place, coming out in full, only to meet his surprised look. The stake I shot earlier lies broken in two on the ground, and he's now clothed in sleek black. 

His surprised look turns to disappointment. "I gave you a chance to run away and you chose death?" He chuckles, 

I stand poised, my crossbow aiming at him. My expression stern, I declare "I'm not scared of you" 

He scoffs at me, "I can literally feel your heartbeat, little bird" he says, using the phrase 'Little bird' as if we're acquainted. I respond with a scowl, silently waiting for the right moment to stake his vampire ass. 

"All right," he says after a short pause. "Go ahead, little bird, I dare you. Shoot me if you ca—"

I cut him off, firing the stake directly into his chest where his heart is located. He blinks in shock, his eyes widening. My gaze remains unwavering as I watch him reach out to the stake with strained grunts. 

His hands tremble and he coughs up a mouthful of blood, falling to his knees. He gives me one last look before falling to his side with a sickening thud.

For a second, everything pauses. I gasp for air, inhaling and exhaling deeply. Ah! Aha, I did it! I did it! My heart jumps for joy. 

I cautiously approach the body, a wide grin spreading across my face. I can't believe it. I study his body and there are no movements. With my leg, I move him over, making him lie on his back. 

Amusement dances In my eyes, watching blood ooze out of his chest where the stake is. According to what I've learned, his body should start fading any time soon. 

Fuck! I can't believe I finally killed a vampire. I've finally had my first kill! My smile reaches my ear. Theodore will never believe it. I crouch down with a mocking smile. 

"Killed by a little bird. Disappointing, to say the least." I just wish I could take his head with me, the others won't believe otherwise. 

"Killing me makes you that happy?" My heart drops as the dead vampire's voice breaks the silence. I stumble backward, my pupils dilating as his eyes snap open. 

I…Impossible! I killed him! 

He sits up, exclaiming "Wow, and they say we're the monsters." He lifts his hand to the stake in his chest, wincing as he pulls it out. He tosses it into the tub before throwing a look at me. 

I stand immediately, trying to steady my grip on the crossbow, but I can't, my hands are shaking. H..how is he still alive?? 

"Fuck! That hurts. Didn't expect you to actually do that" he mumbles, standing up. With a wave of his hand, the bloodstains on his clothes and mouth disappear before my eyes. 

He's standing as if nothing happened. 

"You seem surprised, guess you didn't do your research properly" he says. One hand on his waist and the other raking his hair, "Hmm, what to do now…. I never attacked you, little bird, but you attempted to kill me. Wouldn't it be fair if I do the same?" 

I'm doomed!