Short Stories Anthology

The Vampire's Lost Heir

As I stood atop my castle walls, gazing out at the Carpathian Mountains in the distance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration. The jagged peaks, coated in a fine layer of snow, stood tall and proud against the clear blue sky, as if daring any mortal to venture forth into their domain.

It had been centuries since I last ventured into those mountains, and yet the memories were still fresh in my mind. The crisp, biting air that seemed to steal one's breath away; the endless expanse of white that stretched out before me, broken only by the occasional dark patch of evergreen trees; the eerie silence that pervaded the landscape, broken only by the occasional howl of a wolf or the caw of a raven.

Despite the danger that lurked within those mountains, I couldn't help but feel a certain longing to return to them. For there was a sense of wildness and freedom in those peaks that could not be found anywhere else. It was a place where the rules of mortal society did not apply, where one could let go of all their worries and simply be.

As I continued to gaze out at the mountains, lost in my thoughts, I noticed a figure moving in the distance. At first, I thought it was merely a trick of the light, but as it drew closer, I could see that it was indeed a stranger.

Curiosity piqued, I descended from my perch on the castle walls and made my way down to the courtyard to greet the newcomer.

As the stranger drew closer, I could see that he was a man of middle age, dressed in simple, practical clothing that suggested he was a traveler of some sort. His face was weathered and lined, and his eyes were sharp and observant, taking in everything around him with a keen interest.

As I watch a stranger approaching towards my castle slowly, I wonder what tales he has heard of these mountains, and what dangers he may be seeking to brave in his journey across this wild and treacherous land, but I felt a rush of excitement pulse through me. Finally, fate had brought me, someone, someone after so many years! My heart raced with anticipation as I decided to let him stay in the castle, closely watching as he explored the rooms and hallways. Something was intriguing about him, something that reminded me of myself in my younger days.

"Good evening," I said, approaching the man with a smile. "I trust you are not lost?"

The man returned my smile, though there was a hint of wariness in his eyes. "Yes sir. I'm lost, per se," he replied.

"Stay with me in my castle for some time until the winters are over," I said in a hoarse voice.

"Until the winters are over!" The young man said with a shocked look. I remained quiet as he again asked, "Are you serious?"

"Yes, young man," I replied. "Follow me."

The young man nodded at me and entered my castle with me.

Days turned into weeks, and I grew fond of the man. His name was William, and we spent our evenings by the fire, talking about our pasts, our dreams, and our fears. As we sat there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the life I had lost so many years ago. William seemed to sense my melancholy and would often try to cheer me up.

One evening, as we sat together, William noticed a portrait of a beautiful woman hanging on the wall. "Who is she?" he asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.

I hesitated for a moment before answering. "She was my wife," I said softly, "She was taken from me many years ago."

William looked at me sympathetically. "I'm sorry," he said, "That must have been very hard for you."

I nodded, my mind drifting back to the memories of her. "She was my favorite wife," I said, "And she bore me a son."

William looked surprised. "You have a son?" he asked.