Bound Souls

First Hunt

Lucius and I travel into the forest, and my senses are filled with the sounds of the nightlife. I close my eyes as I listen to everything around me, the hooting of the owls, the scurrying of mice and insects, and the lonely howl of the wolves. When I open my eyes again, Lucius has disappeared, leaving me alone for my first hunt. I smirk to myself as I hone in my senses and focus on a deer that is grazing close by. I feel the beast within me come alive, I bare my fangs as I crouch and walk silently toward the deer.

I use my inhuman speed to catch the animal off guard, and as I tackle it to the ground, I sink my teeth into its neck. An immediate pleasure and satisfaction flood over me as I feel the blood being gulped down my throat. My inner beasts' hunger is being satiated as I drain the deer of its blood. Once the deer is close to death, I release my fangs from its neck. I hiss lowly as I close my eyes and turn my head up to the night sky.

My shoulders relax as my fangs retreat, and I look down to the deer in sympathy. Deep down, I am grateful for the creatures' service for my needs. I would have felt terribly guilty if I had killed any human and would fear if I had to run from my home. I dare not think of that further as I shake my head and begin to use my senses to find a running water source. Lucius appears next to me and speaks softly to me, "Sunrise is approaching, I'll take you back home, and you can get cleaned up there."

I ask, "What about the deer? What do we do with it?" Lucius looked down at the dead deer with a puzzled expression before replying, "The only option we have is to leave it here. When we leave it, we can only hope that nature takes its course and the dead creature won't be found at least for a few days." I nod and follow Lucius after we both stand and begin walking back to my home. Lucius and I walk through the forest in content silence. Once we reach the gardens, we begin to walk towards the moonlight lilies.

I look to the lilies, and the first thought that comes to mind is Isabella. As Lucius and I continue to walk, I can't help but think how will I bring this up to her if I were to ever see her again. As if he could hear my internal, burdening thoughts, he said softly, "You can't tell her of your vampirism. We're sworn to secrecy, remember?" I look to Lucius and say in a forlorn tone, "I can't help that I only want to tell her the truth, Lucius. She is what is most precious to me." Lucius raised a curious eyebrow and asked, "Even though she is betrothed and bound to be married?"

A dry laugh escapes my lips as I reply, "You've never been in love before then? I value her no matter what." Lucius' expression saddened, "I have, but she betrayed my heart in the end. Once I, myself, was turned, I gave up on all hopes of love. I haven't loved anyone since then." I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and said, "If someone truly loved you, they wouldn't judge you for what you are and wouldn't dare to break your heart as someone once did." Lucius gained a small smile on his face as he responded, "Perhaps you are right, my friend, but only time will truly tell." I nodded to Lucius and released my grip from his shoulder as we continued to walk through the gardens.

Once we reached the house, I looked up to my bedroom as I said aloud to Lucius, "I suppose this is farewell for now, my friend." Lucius chuckled softly as he walked away and called back to me, "Yes, for now." I smile as I begin to climb up the wall of the house up to my bedroom window. Once I reach the window, I climb in and exhale deeply as everything that has happened tonight begins to sink in. In my state of shock, I close the window and the curtains before I sit on the floor.

I feel the burden of my eternal secret begin to weigh on my shoulders, and I weep as Isabella's image comes forth into my thoughts. How would I even begin to tell her? I fear that not only would she turn me away but forsake me and have me killed. I shake my head as I curse myself for thinking in such a way. Isabella shared with me that she favors the truth above all things, and even if I told her I had become a monster, she may still love me. I have to have faith in this.

I wipe away my tears and go to my writing desk once more. I write a letter to Philip and tell him that I am not feeling well. I also state to be left alone and that any food or services are to be left outside of my door. I finished writing the note and addressed it to Philip before carefully placing it outside of my chamber doors. I went to the wash basin on top of my dresser that is to the right side of my bedroom window and wash my face of any blood from the deer that I had killed tonight before drying my face with a wash cloth.

I  approach my bed before laying back down in my bed and begin to go over the confusing and somewhat intriguing events that had happened tonight. I wonder to myself how events will unfold, but only time will tell in those delicate matters. The only thing that truly bothers me is not being able to tell the ones I love the truth. I will have to shroud myself in secrets, and that in itself will be a very heavy burden to bear. I never imagined that my life would become one of eternity, let alone expect it, but who would?

I pinch the bridge of my nose as I sigh tiredly and close my eyes. I get under the covers and get comfortable before eventually falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.