A piercing scream echoed through the quiet of the dorm, a desperate cry that shattered the tranquility of the early morning. Mina, startled from her sleep, shot up in bed, her heart racing. Avalyn's cries, a haunting melody of distress, sent a chill down her spine.
"Avalyn?" Mina's voice wavered with concern as she threw off the covers and rushed to the adjoining room. The door creaked open, revealing the dimly lit space where Avalyn lay tangled in the aftermath of the nightmare.
"Avalyn, wake up!" Mina's voice cut through the lingering echoes, urgency coloring her words. She reached for Avalyn's shoulder, shaking her gently. "Hey, it's me. Wake up."
Avalyn's eyes snapped open, wide with a mix of terror and disorientation. The remnants of the nightmare clung to her like a shadow. Mina, her roommate and confidante, hovered over her, a beacon of concern in the dim lighting.
"You were screaming," Mina said, her voice a mixture of worry and empathy. "What happened? Are you okay?"
Avalyn sat up, her breaths coming in uneven intervals. The room, bathed in the muted glow of the sun, felt both familiar and surreal. "It was just a nightmare, Mina. A bad dream."
Mina's gaze, unwavering in its concern, searched Avalyn's face for more than just reassurance. "These nightmares are getting worse. And I'm noticing you're sleeping a lot more than usual nowadays."
Avalyn ran a hand through her disheveled hair, a fleeting vulnerability crossing her features. "I know, Mina. It's just... I don't understand why they're happening too often now."
"Was it the same dream again?" Mina asked as she tucked pieces of hair behind Avalyn's ear and received an anxious nod from her in response.
Mina hesitated, her understanding gaze unwavering. "You don't have to face them alone, Avalyn. We promised each other, remember?"
A silent nod passed between them, a reminder of a pact that transcended the boundaries of their intertwined destinies.
Bright light spilled through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the dorm. Avalyn, now composed after the unsettling dream, moved to get ready for the day. Mina, watching her friend with a discerning gaze, couldn't help but feel the lingering echoes of concern.
As they prepared to leave for school, the routine of the morning masked the complexities beneath the surface. Avalyn, concealing her true nature, went through the motions of human existence. She slipped on her uniform, her movements fluid yet meticulous. The room, though touched by the sun's rays, held a certain hollowness, a reflection of the shadows that lingered in Avalyn's reality.
Before they stepped out, Mina's voice cut through the quiet. "Avalyn, don't forget to start your heartbeat before we leave."
Avalyn nodded, a practiced gesture, and raised her hand to her chest, fingers lightly brushing over her neck. In that subtle motion, she wove the illusion of a heartbeat-her Scarlett ability to simulate the rhythm of life.
The day unfolded as they made their way to school, the rhythm of their footsteps falling into a familiar cadence. The streets, bathed in the gentle morning sun, seemed oblivious to the supernatural undercurrents that whispered through the air.
"Avalyn," Mina began, her voice a gentle segue into the unspoken. "About the nightmare.. is it a memory of your past?"
"It's not a memory of my past," Avalyn began, her voice a measured cadence. "It's more like fragments from the stories I read in the ancient books about the hidden Scarlett, myself and the Bloodmae. The part where Malak slaughters the last few of my kind, that's real. But the last part, where he's aware of me... that's something that never happened. Not until now."
Mina's eyes widened in realization, her gaze meeting Avalyn's with a mix of concern and comprehension. "So, the dream is like a twisted version of history?"
Avalyn's gaze drifted to the horizon, a troubled expression clouding her features. "I wish I knew, Mina. The old stories speak of the Scarletts, a hidden Scarlett vampire that nobody knew about the existence of except their parents, which is me."
Mina furrowed her brows, trying to grasp the implications. "Why now? Why dream about it at all?" Avalyn sighed, "I don't know. It feels like a warning, a message from the past reaching out to me. Like something is about to happen." Mina shrugged unsurely in response.
The school grounds buzzed with activity as they walked, the mundane routine of students punctuating the air with a sense of normalcy. Mina, ever perceptive, sensed something amiss.
"Avalyn, you seem... off. Are you sure you're okay?" Mina asked, her concern evident.
Avalyn forced a smile, a veil over the uncertainty that gnawed at her. "I'm fine, Mina. Just processing everything. It's a lot to take in."
Mina didn't press further, a silent understanding passing between them. The school day awaited, and with it, the mysteries that lurked in the shadows of Avalyn's existence.
The rhythmic cadence of school life weavered through the hours. Avalyn, however, found herself increasingly entrapped in the grip of an unrelenting unease. The whispers of the dream and the growing physical disturbance festered within her, casting a pallor over her usual vitality.
In the crowded hallways between classes, students exchanged pleasantries and laughter. Mina couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Avalyn. Her steps were less assured, her usual vibrancy replaced by a quiet weariness. The paleness that settled on Avalyn's features did not escape the notice of observant classmates.
"Hey, Avalyn, you okay?" a concerned classmate inquired, a hint of worry in their voice.
Avalyn forced a smile, brushing off the concern. "Yeah, just a bit tired. Late night studying, you know?"
Throughout the day, Mina discreetly observed Avalyn's deteriorating condition. The subtle trembling in her hands, the way she leaned against lockers for support. Each instance etched a silent narrative of discomfort. Mina's worry deepened, but Avalyn, stubborn and resilient, dismissed any inquiries with a dismissive wave.
Finally, the last class of the day arrived, and the classroom started to empty after the bell rang. Avalyn, feeling increasingly unsteady, gathered her belongings. Mina, however, saw beyond the facade of normalcy.
The last student left the classroom, leaving only a few stragglers. Avalyn, attempting to rise from her seat, faltered, her legs refusing to cooperate. The subtle trembling in her hands betrayed the strain she was under. Mina, watching with growing concern, couldn't stand idly by any longer.
Avalyn sighed, realizing she could no longer mask the truth. "Mina. Something's not right." She spoke with a shaky voice as she tried to stand but stumbled, Mina's eyes widened with realization. A muted gasp escaped her lips as she mumbled to herself, "No, not now."
The urgency of the situation pressed upon Mina, her gaze darting around the remaining students in the classroom. She knew she had to act swiftly to prevent Avalyn's condition from escalating further and in front of others. Determination etched across her features, Mina reached for Avalyn's hand.
"Ava, come on. We need to get you out of here," Mina said, her voice steady with a hint of urgency.
Avalyn, trying to mask her discomfort, nodded weakly. Mina, with a protective grip on Avalyn's hand, guided her out of the classroom. The bustling noise of the school corridor became a distant hum as they moved, Mina strategically avoiding the crowded paths.
Once they reached the relative quiet of an empty classroom at the far end of the hallway, Mina gently guided Avalyn to sit on a desk. The air in the room seemed to thicken with unspoken concern as Mina prepared to address the situation at hand.
"What's happening, Avalyn?" Minji asked, her worry etched across her face.
"I don't know. I feel... off. Like I'm falling apart, and I can't stop it," Avalyn admitted, her vulnerability laid bare.
Mina, with a resolve born from years of shared secrets, took a step closer to Avalyn. She moved her hair back, revealing the delicate curve of her neck. The unspoken gesture carried the weight of countless moments when Mina had willingly offered her blood to sustain Avalyn's concealed existence.
With deliberate yet gentle movements, Mina unbuttoned the collar of her blouse, exposing her neck fully to Avalyn. The air in the room hung heavy with the shared vulnerability of the moment. Avalyn hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly as she processed the gravity of what was about to happen.
She met Avalyn's gaze with unwavering trust. "Ava, it's okay. Drink." Avalyn hesitated, the internal struggle evident in her eyes. "I can't, Mina. you know I promised I won't drink from you-"
Mina gently cupped Avalyn's face, her expression pleading. "You need blood. Please, for both our sakes, drink. I don't mind I swear."
Realizing the severity of the situation, Avalyn relented. "Fine, but only a little."
"It's okay, I've got you," Mina whispered, her eyes reflecting both concern and unwavering support.
Avalyn, her resolve returning, offered a grateful nod.
With careful reverence, she gently held Mina's neck from one side. Her touch was tender, a silent acknowledgment of the sacrifice Mina willingly made for the sake of their bond. Avalyn's lips brushed against the other side of Mina's neck, a hesitant prelude to the intimate exchange that would follow.
As Avalyn's fangs delicately pierced Mina's skin, there was a momentary pause, a shared breath suspended in time. Avalyn, guided by the instinct to ensure no harm befell Mina, controlled the depth of her bite. The taste of Mina's blood on Avalyn's tongue was unique, a bittersweet elixir that carried the essence of life itself.
The sensation of Mina's life force coursing through her veins was both grounding and invigorating. It was a taste of vitality, a reminder of the delicate dance they engaged in to maintain the semblance of normalcy. Avalyn, after a day of growing weakness and uncertainty, felt a surge of renewed strength.
The room hung in a momentary silence as Avalyn, having taken a steadying sip of Mina's blood, felt a subtle resurgence of strength. The dim glow of red that momentarily tinted her hazel eyes slowly receded, and the familiar hue returned. Avalyn blinked away the remnants of vulnerability, offering Mina a small, appreciative smile.
"Are you okay?" Avalyn asked, her concern mirrored in her gaze.
Mina, her expression a blend of reassurance and care, nodded. "I'm fine, Avalyn. Don't worry about me." With a collective exhale, they both took a seat, the weight of the day's events lingering in the air between them.
Mina, her curiosity palpable, ventured into the heart of the matter. "Ava, what's going on? You barely ever feel this weak, especially not to the point of needing blood during school."
Avalyn sighed, her shoulders sagging with a mixture of relief and lingering unease. "I wish I knew, Mina. But I feel like it definitely has something to do with the dreams.."
Mina furrowed her brows, her concern deepening. "Whatever they mean, I don't think it's something good. I have a bad feeling."
"I know, and for the best, I need to figure this out soon before something goes wrong."
Mina, ever the voice of reason, leaned forward. "We'll figure it out, Avalyn. You're not alone in this. We've faced challenges before, and we'll face this one too."
A moment of shared silence passed between them before she continued, "And don't worry, none of the other students noticed. We managed to keep it discreet."
Avalyn nodded, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Mina. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"We're in this together, Avalyn. Always." Mina gently pressed Avalyn's hand. "We should grab some food and head home now, school ended a while ago." Avalyn nodded, "Yeah let's go."
The night embraced Avalyn and Mina as they made their way home, the bustling city slowly giving way to the quietude of their dormitory. They decided to grab a quick dinner for Mina from a convenience store, their steps echoing through the dimly lit streets.
As Avalyn and Mina entered their dormitory, the comforting ambiance of their shared space felt suddenly disrupted. Avalyn, in the midst of dismissing the strange sensations, began to feel an unsettling presence creeping through her veins-an otherworldly malaise that seemed to defy the laws of her supernatural existence.
A shiver coursed through Avalyn's body, her normally steady hands trembling slightly. The air seemed to thicken around her, and an inexplicable weight settled in the pit of her stomach. It was a sensation she hadn't experienced in centuries, a vulnerability she had learned to suppress.
In the midst of this internal turmoil, low, guttural growls echoed in Avalyn's ears. The sound, a dark symphony of malevolence, resonated in the hidden corners of her mind. An unknown source announced its presence with an ominous serenade.
The growls seemed to pulse with a sinister rhythm, synchronized with the erratic beats of Avalyn's own struggling heart. Each growl was a reminder of an ancient evil that had breached the veil between worlds, a reminder that the shadows themselves harbored malevolent entities.
Avalyn, now visibly seeming distressed looked around. Her anxious eyes met a confused Mina's.
"You okay, Ava? What is it?" Mina inquired, keenly attuned to Avalyn's every nuance, noticing the change in her expression.
Avalyn's gaze, now sharp and focused, swept the room. The unfamiliar became familiar as she recognized the surge of darkness that clawed at the edges of her consciousness. She felt it in her bones, a malevolent presence that defied the ordinary.
"A void vampire" Avalyn uttered, her voice low and filled with a mixture of urgency and apprehension.