Heart of a Hero: Somehow I've become the Vampire Queen?!

Chapter 7 - Companions

As the first rays of dawn spilled into the abandoned fortress, Ambra felt a pleasant fatigue settling in her bones. She and Ollie had spent the night cuddled on the dusty floor, and despite her newfound energy as a vampire, the gentle warmth of dawn was making her eyelids heavy. She stifled a yawn, blinking away the sleep from her crimson eyes.

Beside her, Ollie stirred, his forest hound ears perking up as he let out a soft whine. Then, a rumble echoed from his small frame, a growl that came from his belly. Ambra's lips curled into a fond smile as she looked down at him.

"Seems someone's hungry, huh?" she mused, giving Ollie's head a gentle pat. His ears twitched at her touch, and he looked up at her with sheepish eyes.

Ambra yawned again, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. "Well, I suppose we've been sitting on the floor all night. I could use a little something myself."

As if in agreement, the birds outside began to chirp their cheerful morning songs, their melodic tunes signaling the start of a new day. Ambra stretched her arms above her head, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall of moonlight.

"Alright, Ollie," she said with a chuckle, looking down at the pup. "Let's find you something to eat, shall we?"

With Ollie following closely at her heels, Ambra stepped out of the fortress. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, carrying with it the scents of the surrounding woods. She took a deep breath, savoring the feel of the cool breeze against her pale alabaster skin.

Ollie trotted beside her, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air. Ambra couldn't help but find his curiosity endearing. "So, what do you feel like eating, Ollie?" she asked with a grin.

Ollie tilted his head to the side, letting out a small bark in response. Ambra chuckled. "Well, that's not very helpful, is it?"

They walked in companionable silence, Ambra scanning the area for any signs of movement. She knew there were small creatures that inhabited the woods, and finding something suitable for Ollie wouldn't be a problem.

After a few minutes, Ollie's ears perked up and his nose pointed towards a cluster of bushes. He let out a series of excited barks, his tail wagging furiously.

Ambra followed his gaze and spotted a group of rabbits nibbling on the grass. She grinned and crouched down next to Ollie. "Rabbits, huh? Well, let's see if I can catch one for you."

With a playful glint in her crimson eyes, Ambra crouched down, her gaze locked onto the rabbits as they hopped around the grass. She tensed her muscles, her movements precise and controlled, and in an instant, she lunged forward. She grasped one of the rabbits in her hands with remarkable speed and finesse, her vampire-enhanced reflexes making the task seem effortless.

As she held the rabbit, triumphant and expecting Ollie's excitement, she was taken aback when he hesitated. With a perplexed expression, she offered the rabbit to him. "Ollie, look what I caught for you."

To her surprise, Ollie merely looked at the rabbit before turning his attention to a nearby berry bush. He trotted over to it, sniffing at the berries as if contemplating his next move.

Ambra's brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait, Ollie, you're a forest hound. You're supposed to be carnivorous, no?"

But Ollie seemed to have a different idea. Ignoring the rabbit Ambra held out for him, he began to pluck berries from the bush, carrying them in his mouth back to her.

Ambra blinked in surprise, her confusion deepening as she watched Ollie's actions. She offered the rabbit once again, this time even more puzzled by his reaction. "Ollie, are you sure you don't want this rabbit?"