The Nightam Family

Chapter 22: Patricia Nightam 6

Mistakes had been made. Patricia had snuck out of the house to speak to the men who had been walking on the Nightam’s premises. They seemed normal enough, she had thought, simply visitors who had been interested in the family’s property and traditions. And who was she to blame them? These buildings were very artful, according to Jess. And everyone had heard rumours of the things hidden in the mansion. Or perhaps more accurately; of the things abandoned in the mansion. None of it was hidden, it was all simply stashed away in rooms they weren’t allowed to enter.

So it had all seemed very normal. Patricia had, for that reason, not hesitated once when one of the visitors talked to her. These men were all the perfect suitors for her, she’d realised that a long time ago. They were beautiful, strong, everything she looked for in a husband. So it had only been natural that she’d flirted a bit when the man asked her a few questions. And it had been completely normal that she’d followed him to help him out a bit. Everyone would be proud of her, doing her job so well. She’d done exactly what Mortimer had requested of the family.

It hadn’t been so normal that she’d followed the man to one of the more quiet regions of the family park though. But still, she hadn’t suspected anything; people often went to the park if they needed privacy. Maybe the man thought he couldn’t speak to her in public. That was quite considerate of him. Nobody would disturb them in the park.

And the man had finally returned her sentiments. It had all been perfect. For a moment, just a moment, Patricia knew she’d finally found the man she deserved to be with. So they spoke. And all the while, he slowly got closer. Patricia only noticed it when he was suddenly mere inches away from her. And it had been so natural that she’d closed her eyes when he leant over to see her face. That was what always happened in movies, after all. The romantic kiss.

It was all wrong though. All wrong. Two sharp fangs had pierced her skin. Patricia wanted to run away, but she had been paralysed by fear. She suddenly realised how cold it was. And she got tired. So tired.

So as soon as the man pulled away from her, she fell to the ground. He had been supposed to catch her, that thought went through Patricia’s mind.

‘Thanks for the meal,’ the man said as he walked away. He wasn’t supposed to walk away! He was supposed to stay with her, they were supposed to fall in love and get married and live happily ever after!

But instead, he just walked away.