Bound Souls

Bloodlust

Marcus' Point of View

I awoke to a loud knock at my door, and Philip called from the other side of the locked doors, "Lord Marcus? Are you still not feeling well?" Slightly irritated from being awoken out of my slumber, which is quite necessary during the daylight hours, I replied, "Yes, Philip. I still feel terribly ill." I heard something slide underneath the door before Philip spoke again,"I'm sorry to hear that you are still not feeling well, my lord. A letter from Lady Andréas came for you. I hope you feel better soon." I sighed as I slowly and carefully got out of bed to retrieve the letter. I picked the letter up from the floor and opened it before beginning to read the contents.

A small smile came to my face as I finished reading the letter. I sat down on my bed and stared at the letter in stunned disbelief. In the letter, Isabella stated that despite appearances, her father and mother also disliked the betrothal. And to my surprise, Isabella's father liked the idea of us being together. Also, within the contents, Isabella stated that transport to France was sent secretly by her father, and it was sent for me alone. By looking at the date, the letter was sent the transport would arrive by tomorrow evening.

I smiled brightly as I began to pack what I needed for the trip. My heart leaped with joy, and excitement ran through my veins at the thought of seeing my beloved again. I finished packing my things and put the letter from Isabella in my nightstand drawer with the rest before laying back down in bed and enjoying the rest of my slumber.

~♡~

Once the sun had set, I opened my eyes. The first thing that hit my senses was my immense hunger. I felt my fangs elongate, and I couldn't help but give in to my thirst. I quietly opened my chamber doors and silently crept out of the room. I began my journey down the stairs and intently listened to my surroundings. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, the smell of blood filled my nostrils. I followed the scent and continued down into the kitchen.

I peaked around the corner and saw Philip nursing his hand, blood dripping from a finger on his left hand. I wasn't prepared for Philip to suddenly realize my presence. "Lord Marcus! You are finally out of your room. Are you feeling any better?" A low growl escaped my lips briefly before clearing my throat, trying to distract myself from the smell of Philip's blood and my responding and eager hunger. "I feel a little better, Philip. I should feel a lot better soon." Philip's expression relaxed, and a soft smile lingered on his lips as he began to wrap his wounded finger in bandages.

"I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better, my lord." I heard his breath catch in his throat, and I didn't have to wonder why he had such a reaction. I knew that by now, Philip was looking on, horrified at the monster I had become. My eyes glowed blood red, my fangs painfully itching within my mouth, eager to pierce his flesh and gulp down the sweet and metallic nectar that was now my only sustainance. I quickly rushed forth and restrained Philip with one arm behind his back and my hand over his mouth. I glanced at Philip's neck, and with regret in my voice, I spoke, "I'm sorry, my friend. I can't control this never-ending hunger, and I must feed from you to survive. I wish I didn't have to do this, but I don't have a choice."

I felt a tear melt against the skin of my hand that is covering Philip's mouth. I didn't have to search for the source, I could feel Philip trembling with fear, and for a moment, I considered letting Philip go. I shook my head softly and knew the consequences of that choice. I bared my fangs and lowered my mouth to Philip's neck and pierced his skin. I sank my fangs deeply into his skin and groaned as Philip's blood ran over my tongue and down my throat.

Wanting to stay hidden and knowing that Philip was now in a peaceful daze, I lowered the both of us to the kitchen floor. I hissed as I released my mouth from Philip's neck. My hunger was now satiated, and my fangs retreated before I looked down at Philip's dead body. Completely drained of blood, his skin was pale, and his eyes were glassy and soulless. I quickly scurried away from Philip, who now laid lifeless on the kitchen floor. I stared in horror at what I had done.

I had killed one of my closest friends. As tears filled my vision, I began thoroughly cleaning up my bloody mess. I hid Philip's body in an empty barrel and hurriedly made my way back to my chambers once I knew the coast was clear. I shut my chamber doors behind me and sank to the floor. Dear God, what have I done?

I buried my face in my hands and began to cry. I have done the most horrific thing in my entire life. I can never forgive myself for this crime that I have committed. As I wiped away my tears, I hoped and prayed that the next evening came quickly. I deeply hoped that no one would find Philip's body. If anyone found out about what happened, I would surely pay for my crime.

In that moment, I felt the deepest shame rise in my chest. I had given into my bloodlust and knew that Lucius was right about animal blood. I cried even more as I did, in fact, feel a deeper satisfaction with human blood. I wanted to scream in anger, but that thought was dashed when I felt Lucius' presence. He spoke softly as he approached me, "Don't worry, I'm not here to say I told you so."

I looked up at him and responded, "It's bad news regardless, isn't it?" Lucius crouched in front of me and answered, "It is my friend. You have blown your cover by killing your manservant. Even though you hid his body, someone will eventually find it. I give it a little less than twenty-four hours before he is found in that empty barrel." I looked into his eyes and said, "Isabella sent transport for me to go to France. It should arrive by tomorrow evening. Do you think that I'll be away from here in time?" Lucius paused and thought for a moment with his chin resting on his open palm. Lucius blinked and finally replied, "I believe you will. Just barely, though."

I became instantly relieved with that phrase. I closed my eyes as I sighed, "Thank you, Lucius." When I opened my eyes again, Lucius was gone. A small smile crept on my face, and I rose from the floor before making my way to my bed. I lay down in bed, and my eyes closed one final time as the sun began to rise. My last thought in my mind before sleep took over was the fact that in only a few short days, I would see my beloved again.