DEAD SEED (AKA "Vampires Don't Exist")

Twenty-Nine: Playtime

The next night, Aralyn woke feeling refreshed and energetic. She had drained two more prisoners the night before, her thirst seemingly insatiable. Aimeric had laughed, saying they would need to restock the prison soon.

Aralyn would go on her first hunt that night. But first, she had something to do.

Aimeric was still sleeping when she rolled out of bed. She peeked at Julian (he was still sleeping as well) before going down to the basement.

There was Claire, still restrained and looking entirely defeated.

After killing the blond woman and another prisoner the night before, Aralyn had been too overcome with lust to bother with Claire. She and Aimeric took one another instead, first in the prison and then in their bedroom until they both collapsed with exhaustion.

But now, Aralyn was only focused on revenge.

Claire was a completely different person now. That spark she used to carry, the glow in her eyes and the confidence she once had ... all was gone. She was weak, pitiful.

Clenching her fists at her sides, Aralyn glared at the sister she once loved. Her hatred now rivaled that former love. Claire had killed her. Claire had sent her to hell. Yes, it had all worked out in the end, but Claire couldn't have known it would.

"We could have all been a family," Aralyn said. Claire opened her eyes, looking up at her sister with bloody streaks down her cheeks from the tears she had cried throughout the day and night. "But you had to ruin everything with your betrayal."

"Aralyn, please. I promise, I only meant to save you," Claire said desperately. "You'll see soon enough — once the bloodlust goes away — this is no way to live. I was just the same as you when I was first turned. But things will change, you will want out too. You're not him, you're not this cruel."

"I'm nothing like you. You said it took you a while to get used to the blood. Me on the other hand? Well, I just can't seem to get enough." Aralyn eyed the prisoners through their cages. Their scent was calling for her. But she had more important things to deal with first.

"It will pass," Claire said, though not as confidently as before.

Aralyn shook her head. "You don't get it, Claire. Even before I was turned, I got used to this life. I love Aimeric. I love who I am now. And I don't need you anymore ... not now that I know I can't trust you."

Claire's expression hardened. "Then kill me."

Aralyn deliberated. She stared at Claire, not blinking, for several long seconds before she finally shook her head. "Nah. You don't deserve mercy, you deserve to suffer."

"Do what you want with me but don't expect to get away with it."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Orrin. Aimeric killed him. Terek will know soon, if he doesn't already, and he will demand justice."

"So? Let him come."

"He will."

"Why would he care about you? You're not a part of his clan."

"I was going to be. I had intended on bringing you with me."

Aralyn laughed at that. "It seems your plans have changed. Now ... where should we begin?" She went to the surgeon table and looked through the blood-stained tools for a moment before picking up a razor blade. She examined it for a minute, then shook her head. "Too easy." She dropped it back on the metal surface and then picked up something else: a rusted roofing nail.

"Not bad for your first time," Aimeric said from the doorway. He came to stand behind her, kissing her shoulder. "I couldn't let you play with your first toy without me."

Aralyn smiled, turning her head so she could kiss him before she went back to Claire with the nail between her fingers.

"One day, you'll pay for all you've done," Claire snapped at Aimeric.

He grinned, wrapping his arms around Aralyn's waist, and resting his chin on her shoulder. "I'm sure I will."

"She says Terek will come for us for killing Orrin," Aralyn said.

Aimeric laughed. "He would be foolish to try. Orrin attacked me in my own home, bringing his demise on himself. Besides, Terek is a pacifist from what I've heard, he will do nothing."

Claire frowned.

"Sorry, sis. No one is coming to save you," Aralyn said. "Now, hold still." She pushed Claire's head back and then went to work. Ignoring her sister's painful gasps, Aralyn pushed the end of the nail into the skin just above Claire's nose, then slowly slid it down, over the curve of her nose, down her lips and to her chin, leaving a long gash and a trail of blood.

Aimeric watched with delight as Aralyn tormented Claire, admiring the monster he had created as she placed cuts all over her sister's body. She even carved little pictures of puppies and kittens into Claire's arms and torso.

After a short time, however, Aralyn tossed the nail onto the floor. "This isn't fun anymore; you heal too fast." She pouted.

"What should we do about that, my love?"

"I would say kill her, but I want her to suffer. What's the best way to do that?"

"Leave her be. She will go mad with hunger, her body will begin to decay, and she will beg for death."

"And then we will kill her," Aralyn said.

Aimeric chuckled against her neck. "Yes. Now, are you ready for your first hunt?"

Aralyn smiled, giving Claire a mock-sympathetic wave as she and Aimeric turned to leave her in the darkness.

Claire sobbed as the prison door slammed shut.

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