Orion lay in bed, the soft hum of the night offering a serene backdrop to his restless thoughts. The glow from the streetlights outside his window cast faint patterns on the ceiling, and he tried to focus on them to drift back to sleep. Just as he felt himself relax, he heard a faint shuffling noise near his window.
He lay still, listening intently, his senses heightened. The noise came again, more distinct this time—definitely shuffling. His heart rate quickened. He waited, straining to hear if it would happen again. The shuffling grew louder and faster, like something—or someone—was moving away quickly.
Orion sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, his eyes darting towards the corner of his room where his old baseball bat stood. It was a relic from his college days, the wood worn smooth by years of use, but still solid and reassuring in his hand. He gripped the bat firmly, the weight comforting against his palm.
The cool night air hit him as he stepped out of his bedroom and made his way toward the front door. The floorboards creaked softly under his bare feet, and he could hear his own breath, slow and steady, as he tried to remain calm. He reached the door, his heart pounding in his chest.
With a deep breath, he opened the door, bat raised and ready to swing. To his surprise, a man he had never seen before stood there, his eyes wide and sparkling with mischief. The stranger's flamboyant attire, complete with a dramatic cape, glistened in the moonlight.
"Wassup, baby girl!" the man exclaimed, striking a pose. "I must say, you look absolutely ravishing with that bat!"
Orion blinked in confusion, lowering the bat slightly. "Who are you? And what are you doing here at three in the morning?"
The stranger waved a hand dismissively, a wide grin on his face. "Oh, where are my manners? I am Vladislaus Straud, but you can call me Vlad. I was just admiring your lovely home from outside your window. You do have such marvelous taste!"
Orion's heart skipped a beat. "You were... stalking me?"
Vladislaus giggled, covering his mouth with his hand. "Stalking is such a harsh word. Let's call it... appreciating from afar. And baby girl, I must assure you, I'm not the only one who's been keeping an eye on you."
Orion's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that, and why do you keep calling me, baby girl?"
Vladislaus waved his hand dismissively again, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, don't concern yourself with such details. It's far too dreary to discuss. Tell me, have you done something different with your hair? It looks positively divine!"
Orion shook his head. "No, I haven't. But... thank you?"
"Of course, baby girl," Vladislaus purred. "Now, about your house—it's simply enchanting. The architecture, the decor... everything screams elegance and charm."
Orion glanced back at his house, then turned back to Vladislaus. "Thanks, I guess. But it's late, and I really should be getting back to bed."
Vladislaus leaned in closer, his smile never wavering. "Oh, but you must show me around sometime. I'd love to see the interior."
Orion hesitated, not sure how to respond. "Sure... maybe at a later time."
"Lovely," Vladislaus said, clapping his hands together. "I'll hold you to that."
Orion took a step back, ready to close the door. "Alright, goodnight, Vladislaus."
Just as Orion was about to close the door, Vladislaus disappeared from his sight. Orion blinked in surprise, looking around. "Vladislaus?" he called out.
When Orion turned back around, Vladislaus was standing inside his house, casually examining a vase on the hallway table. "You have exquisite taste, baby girl," Vladislaus said, looking up with a charming smile.
Orion's eyes widened in alarm. "How did you get behind me? What are you doing in my house? Why do you keep calling me baby girl?"
Vladislaus grinned, flashing his sharp teeth. "I'm just very swift, darling." He sauntered over to the living room, gracefully sitting on Orion's couch. "Why don't you join me?" he said, patting the space beside him.
Orion's confusion turned to anger. "Okay, you can't just barge into my home and offer me a seat on my own couch!"
Vladislaus sighed, a look of boredom crossing his face. "Oh, pretty boy, you're so dramatic. Very well, let me make this simple for you." In a low, guttural voice, he spoke in a language that sent chills down Orion's spine, "Have a seat."
Orion felt an uncontrollable force take over his body. His legs moved him to the couch, and he sat down against his will, his eyes wide with fear.
Vladislaus leaned back, studying Orion with a predatory gaze. "Now, allow me to fully introduce myself. I am Vladislaus Straud, a vampire. And you, my sweet sweet idiot, are quite the handsome mortal."
Orion's heart raced. "A vampire? This has to be some kind of joke."
Vladislaus smirked, leaning in closer. "A joke? Are you serious? I just made you take a seat in your own home. What more proof do you need?"
Orion's fear deepened. "But why are you here? What do you want?"
Vladislaus leaned back, a look of mock sorrow on his face. "I'm only visiting because I'm starving to death out there," he said, gesturing dramatically towards the window.
Orion tried to speak, but before he could utter a word, Vladislaus's voice dropped an octave, becoming menacing and cold. "Shut up," he commanded.
Orion's lips snapped shut, and he found himself unable to speak. Panic surged through him as he watched Vladislaus's face twist and contort, his jaw breaking and elongating to reveal long, sharp teeth and a grotesquely large tongue.
Vladislaus tilted Orion's head to the side, exposing his neck. "It won't take too long," he murmured, leaning in for the bite. "You really are quite a pretty one, you know."
Just as Vlad's teeth were about to pierce Orion's skin, he suddenly gagged, recoiling in disgust. "Fruitcake...," Vlad spat out, his face contorting in revulsion. "How disgusting! Ugh, the dirty bitch has already gotten to you, huh? Fine, Summer, two can play this game." He looked back at Orion, shaking his head in disappointment. "It's such a shame I won't be able to feast on you tonight."
Orion's confusion only deepened. He couldn't move or speak, trapped by the vampire's power.
Vladislaus met Orion's gaze, his eyes glowing with an eerie light. In his vampiric tongue, he commanded, "Forget our meeting and sleep."
Orion's eyelids grew heavy, and his mind fogged over. As he slumped back into the couch, Vladislaus dissolved into a blur of bats, vanishing out the doorway.
"We shall meet again, baby girl."
