BloodLust

Ch. 3 🩸First Day Jitters🩸

I was quite literally thrown in the dungeons that night, fingers gently massaging the aching bruise on my shoulder from where I had landed on the cement floor. It was pitch black down here, save for the smallest sliver of moonlight filtering in through the barred window high above my head. It was also freezing, the damp, dank stone walls unable to hold in any heat and making the January night air chilling, the cold seeping down to my bones as I huddled in one of the shadowy corners.

My teeth chattered and I curled myself into a tight ball to conserve as much heat as possible, listening to the waves crash against the jagged rocks below. I could smell the salty sea air through the minuscule window but I could also smell another rancid, acrid smell coming from somewhere in the dark room. I wasn't feeling brave enough to find out what it was and kept my distance, melting into the shadows and keeping my eyes peeled and my ears on high alert for any obscure noises that indicated whatever it was was alive.

I didn't sleep a wink that long, cold night. Both my shivering and fear keeping me awake until the light began to change and dawn approached. Trying to stretch out my aching muscles I slunk out of the safety of my corner to sit myself down in the little patch of sunlight filtering in from the window, basking in the warm morning rays much like a fat house cat. It didn't help much but it was better than the cold despair of the darkness, even if I was closer to whatever was causing that horrible smell that burned my nostrils and made my mouth water like I was going to vomit.

The creak of a door swinging open startled me, harsh light forcing me to squint my eyes in order to make out the silhouette of the person at the top of the stairs. It was kind of ironic really, that glowing halo of Godly light outlining the epitome of sin itself.

"Get up." Ms. Black commanded, arms crossed over her chest as she waited impatiently.

I hesitated for only a moment before jumping to my feet, muscles protesting the movement after having spent hours curled up on the cement floor. I walked to the bottom of the stairs, peering up at her with wide, fearful eyes, not daring to get any closer until instructed.

"Come. We have much to discuss." Ms. Black turned her back and walked away from the doorway without waiting to see if I would follow, heels tapping rhythmically as the sound grew quieter and she got farther away.

I gulped, pure hatred for the monster holding me hostage filling the pit in my stomach and fueling my ability to climb those stairs in pursuit of her. The rotting wood creaked beneath my feet, splinters pricking my palm as my fingers trailed across the bannister and my mind wandered to all the torturous things I would like to do to my captor right about now.

I crept through the manor in complete silence, following the sound of the coffee maker emptying its contents into the pot below and keeping on high alert to my surroundings, lest I be caught off guard. I spared one longing glance towards the front door, contemplating if it was worth it to try and escape, risk my life for my freedom.

No, I would not succumb to my fear. I would escape this Hell and I would do it alive. One way or another I would get out of here, but not today. Today, I would wait. Today, I would play the part, do as she wanted, and plan my escape from the vampire's castle.

I pushed my way through the swinging door and into the kitchens, the intoxicating smell of my German coffee filling my nostrils. Ms. Black was sat at the table in the same place she had been yesterday while we talked, a smug look on her pretty face as she almost lazily sipped her coffee, pleasantly unbothered.

"I will talk, you will make breakfast. Runny egg on toast. Try anything and I won't hesitate to slit that pretty little throat of yours and feast on your blood. Do I make myself clear?" That manipulative little smile was etched onto her lips, her voice harboring a sweet sing songy lilt to it as she threatened my life.