Dracula: The Thirst for Blood

EP 8: A Glimpse of his humanity

Ferdinand's Point of view

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the land. I could feel the hunger gnawing at my insides, a reminder of the curse I had lived with for centuries. It was time to hunt again, to satiate the thirst that defined my existence. I moved silently through the shadows, my senses heightened, my instincts sharp.

The town lay quiet, the streets deserted as the hour grew late. I could hear the faint heartbeat of a lone wanderer, the soft footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. I smiled to myself, relishing the anticipation of the hunt. My prey was close.

As I turned a corner, I saw him-a young man, perhaps in his early twenties, walking with a slight stagger, likely drunk from a night of revelry. Perfect. I followed him, my movements fluid and silent, like a predator stalking its prey.

"Ano ba 'to, ang dilim," he muttered to himself, glancing around nervously. I could smell the fear emanating from him, mixing with the scent of alcohol. He was an easy target, but I was in the mood for a bit of fun.

I quickened my pace, letting my footsteps become audible. He froze, turning to look behind him, his eyes wide with panic.

"Sino 'yan? May tao ba d'yan?" he called out, his voice trembling. I stayed hidden, enjoying the terror that was building inside him.

"Nag-iisa ka lang ba?" I asked, my voice a low whisper that carried through the darkness. He spun around, trying to locate the source of the voice.

"Sino ka? Ano'ng kailangan mo?" he demanded, trying to sound brave but failing miserably.

"Nag-iisa ka nga," I replied, stepping out of the shadows and into the dim light of a streetlamp. His eyes widened in shock as he took in my appearance-pale skin, eyes that glowed with an unnatural light, and a smile that promised danger.

"Anong... anong klaseng tao ka?" he stammered, backing away slowly. I could see the realization dawning on him, the fear turning into pure terror.

"Hindi ako tao," I said, my voice dripping with amusement. "Ako'y bampira."

He turned and ran, his footsteps echoing in the empty street. I gave him a moment's head start, savoring the thrill of the chase. Then, with a burst of speed, I was upon him, grabbing him by the collar and lifting him off his feet.

"Pakawalan mo ako! Tulungan niyo ako!" he screamed, struggling against my grip. I chuckled, the sound low and menacing.

"Walang makakarinig sa 'yo," I said, tightening my hold on him. "Ngayon, simulan na natin ang laro."

I let him go, watching as he stumbled and fell to the ground. He scrambled to his feet, his eyes darting around for an escape route. I allowed him a brief moment of hope, stepping back to give him space.

He ran again, this time towards an alleyway. I followed, my movements silent and swift. He tripped over a pile of garbage, falling face-first into the dirt. I stood over him, enjoying the sight of his desperation.

"Hindi mo ako matatakasan," I said, my voice calm and assured. "Ngunit patuloy kang tatakbo. Nakakatuwa kang panoorin."

"Ano ba ang gusto mo? Pera? Bahay? Sabihin mo lang!" he begged, tears streaming down his face. The smell of his fear was intoxicating.

"Hindi ko kailangan ng pera o bahay," I replied, kneeling down beside him. "Ang kailangan ko ay ang dugo mo."

He whimpered, trying to crawl away. I grabbed him by the arm, pulling him close. My fangs extended, gleaming in the moonlight. He screamed, a sound that echoed through the alleyway, but there was no one around to hear it.