THE FIRST ENCOUNTER
1824
"Please! Let me go! Sir, I won't tell anyone! Please spare my life!"
The vampire stalked behind his victim, tilting his head to expose the tender flesh of his neck. His yellow eyes gleamed with hunger.
"Stay quiet, human; this will be over soon." The vampire's voice was harsh, tinged with a predatory edge.
"No! No! Please—Ah!"
The victim's scream pierced the dark forest as the vampire fed.
"You there! What are you doing? Release him at once!"
The vampire's gaze shifted to a bold woman who had dared to interrupt. She glared at him with fierce determination, her eyes reflecting both outrage and curiosity.
He detached himself from his victim, slowly scanning her from head to toe—her gown, her striking blue tulip held close to her heart.
"And who are you to command me so, human?" The vampire's voice was rough, carrying a hint of disdain.
The girl, unfazed, stepped closer, her eyes locked with his.
"I am no one of importance, but you are harming an innocent. Cease this immediately!"
The vampire chuckled inwardly, intrigued by her bravery. He released his victim and advanced toward her, their proximity charged with tension.
"Such boldness... Do you not fear for your safety, confronting a monster in the dark?"
"You are the one who should fear. Harming an innocent is not something to be taken lightly, even by one such as you."
The vampire's eyes gleamed as he leaned closer, their feet nearly touching. He smirked, the blood on his lips staining his chin.
"You have spirit. I admire that in a mortal."
He lifted his hand, smearing the blood on her cheek near her lips, causing her to gasp and recoil.
"What are you doing!"
The vampire's smile was soft but cold. He leaned close to her ear, his voice a dark whisper.
"You should not be here, Sweetheart. It is dangerous to play hero in a world you do not understand."
He straightened, his eyes glowing with an almost otherworldly light.
"Pray we never cross paths again, or you might not leave this forest alive."
With a final, lingering look, the vampire vanished into the shadows, leaving her alone with the echoes of the night.