I feel like royalty as I walk through the halls of the ancient building. I'm barely paying attention to the words the guards are saying as they explain the ways through the halls.
"You need to pay attention to this part," the guard in the middle states sharply grabbing my attention. We are standing in the intersection with a chandelier dangling over our heads. "You are to only utilize these two hallways." He points to the one we just came out of, then to the one to the left. "The other two are strictly off-limits. Shall you happen to venture down one of these hallways, without permission from the president, there will be severe consequences that follow."
He doesn't wait for a response and continues down the corridor. From what I could see over the shoulders of the heavily armed men, we're heading towards a courtyard. Usually, in the movies, they would be packed with people who converse with each other just to pass the day by. I would assume that's what this is for. But instead, it's completely empty. It kinda makes me of what it would be like during the zombie apocalypse. It might not be in this condition, but still.
"Where is everyone," Lilly asks.
"I had them cleared out because of this one right here. Speaking of her, she didn't bite you, did she," the one, who seemed like the captain, interrogates her. She nods and reveals the area in which my teeth once were. It's almost healed, but the bite mark is still visible. "You don't happen to be a vampire?"
"Yep. Vamp in the flesh, why," she asks. He curses.
"Because we can't cure you. And that's bad because now you are basically like her, but with fangs," he explains.
"Wait, don't you have immortals in here already," I ask.
"We do, but they are created immortals. We call them changlings. They are far less dangers than the born immortal. The born immortal is stronger, faster, and more powerful than anyone and anything," he responds. I nod, pondering over the information I just heard.
"Don't you think it's a bit ridiculous to lock everyone up? I'm sure they would enjoy their free time," I say.
"You fiend. You're gonna go crazy and infect everyone," he shouts.
"That's not true. If I'm so strong don't you think I would have just done that by now? I'm not that type of person," I defend.
"Then why did you bite her," he prods.
"Because I didn't want us to be separated. My mom told me it was the only way you'd let us stay together," I counter. He looks like he wants to say something else, but he clamps his mouth shut. He looks to his companions.
"Let them out." His teeth are gritted as he gives the order. There is a loud buzz followed by the opening of doors. It's not too long before people of all ages start pouring through the doors. Some of them go about their business, conversing about whatever they were talking about earlier. But the majority of them stare at us. I can tell some of them are trying hard not to stare, but some of them are blatantly staring at me as if to challenge me.
"Are you listening," the officer barks. I blink in surprise and shake my head no. "Useless. I don't even care anymore. You do what you want!"
"Even venture down those forbidden hallways," I question.
"No! I said it once and I will say it again: do not go down those hallways," he nearly shouts. With the he walks away. I shrug and turn to Lilly, only she's gone. I start to panic a little as I search for her. It quickly subsides when I see her pestering the guards with questions. I sigh and shake my head.
"Lilly," I call. She makes a pouty face at them before making her way to me. "I have no idea how you manage to do it, but you always find a way to annoy everyone." She laughs. "What should we do?"
"Let's explore the places they didn't show us," she suggests. I shrug and scan the court for another door when I see a group of three females walking to me. "Do I need to hold you back, or can you restrain yourself?"
"I'll try," I say. I watch the three blondes approach me with a blank face. When they finally get within 5 feet of me, they stop. I smile politely, but all they do is look me up and down, causing the slightest bit of irritation. "Ummm...can I help you? There has to be a reason you decided to stop whatever you were doing, which I bet was oh so important, to come and talk to me? Unless you just want to stare?"
"Smart. I like you," She says. Her two sidekicks nod in agreement.
"Ok. Is that all you have to say," I ask.
"How about you hang with us? We can show you the ins and outs of this place," She offers.
"The least you could do is tell me your name before questioning or offering me anything," I suggest.
"Oh, you're right. Where are my manners," she laughs. I'm pretty sure they left her when she was in her early days, I think. "I'm Marissa. You can call me Mari."
"I'm Violet," I introduce. "And this is my best friend, Lillian. She goes by Lilly." She waves. Before Marissa has the chance to say anything else, someone runs up and whispers into her ear.
"So, you're the almighty immortal? I have to be honest, I expected so much more," She says.
"Oh yeah? Well sorry sweetheart, I wasn't born to satisfy you or your expectations. If that's what you had to say, then I've had enough with this little farce, and would rather spend my time exploring," I say. "Now if you'll excuse us." I start to walk around but she steps around.
"I didn't say you could leave," She tells me.
"I wasn't asking for permission," I state. I push past her just in time to hear someone call my name. I turn to the sound and gasp at who I see. His familiar brown eyes are lit up with happiness as he smiles at me. Meanwhile, I'm close to tears. The person who called out to me was none other than Ryu.
