The Vampire's Rival

Prologue

Another Turning.

Ruqwik didn't understand why anyone would want to do this. The others were still pushing to make it a law that all Ageless Ones must acquire a human Progeny to Turn. However, they needed every Ageless vampire to agree, and Ruqwik's vote, or lack thereof, had being holding back that decision for twenty years. It didn't make her popular, but they still invited her to every Turning ceremony. As if watching a Master lose pieces of themselves and become weaker would inspire awe and convince her to find a Progeny of her own.

"Are you going to stay this time?" Lujeo asked. He'd organised this particular Turning.

"You ask me the same question at every single one of these." Ruq replied.

"And every single time I hope you'll say yes."

"But I don't, so you start your lecture. Going on and on about Ambrosia and how a Turn is both the ultimate thrill and the most humbling experience a vampire can ever have."

Lujeo sighed, but there was a smile on his lips despite the forlorn look in his eyes.

"Don't you ever miss it, Ruq?" Lujeo asks.

It was only during a Turning Ceremony that he got this poignant. He was generally unpleasant every other day. A jerk. And yet, she would lay down her life for him.

"Miss what?"

"That sense of connection? Belonging? Purpose?" he paused. "Mortality?"

It was said that a Turning was the closest an immortal could get to a sliver of their long-lost humanity.

But why would any immortal ever want to feel human?

"No." Ruq replied.

Lujeo shook his head and walked towards the crypt where the Turning would take place. The Progeny's name was Sejih. His Master, Miss Trudy, had turned another Progeny about a year ago, Dijal. She wanted a second so the fledglings would grow up as brothers, always having someone who would understand them by their side. Ruqwik liked Miss Trudy, but not enough to accept Lujeo's offer to join this Turning circle. Ruqwik was here because it was more respectful to inform Miss Trudy about declining the invitation in person.

Before she left, Lujeo turned to face her.

"Everyone needs someone, Ruq."

Ruqwik grit her teeth. Turnings transformed Lujeo into such a drama queen. She preferred it when he was being a jerk. Ruq stayed until Lujeo entered the crypt, then left the Masters to their circle and walked to the nearest blood café, one of the busiest in the Enclave. She was craving a glass of O-positive. No. A jug. Brunette this time. Her favourite. Enough to make her revel in the gift of vampiric immortality.

She wasn't looking to find a sliver of humanity. She didn't need to. She was a hero to all vampires. A hero to the world.

That was a million times better.