The Hunt

Chapter 25

I've been trying to think of a way out of this cell, out of this place. But this human body is so weak and my senses are not working properly.

The master is bound to come soon, to bring the darkness to the humans and end the Hunt once and for all. That is what he always planned. Was I right to send Alesco, Leila and Wynn there? I cannot help but wonder what has happened since that time. Did they even make it there, or did the humans track them down?

I remember the last time I returned to the village, all those years ago. Already the darkness was growing. When it was obvious that Leila was with child. I had to seek the advice of the master, to find out what would happen.

"Bring her to me, Ambrose. And she will rule. She will have power beyond us all, both human and vampire. She can bring us victory against our enemies."  The master had said when I told him. He was talking of my unborn child. Of Alesco.

"Please, master, what will become of Leila? That is why I am here. Will she survive?"

The human, Leila, that I took as a form of revenge had grown on me. New emotions and feelings washed through me as time went on. Perhaps it was the the loss, the loss of my eternal mate, my life partner, to that human dart. It left a hole, a deep gash in my being. And Leila was able to fill it. Despite the weakness of her flesh and the oppressive nature of her species, she filled that hole.

"She will die. No human can withstand such a power that grows within her. When the child is born, bring her to me. Already the darkness grows. With her, when she is older, she can lead the vampires to victory, she will have the strength of both species. She can rule them all."

"No!" I'd said. "She cannot die. I must change her. It is the only way."

"It may work. I make no promises, Ambrose."

I would not bring my child here, not to be raised as a weapon in war, as a tool to be worked upon. I had changed, my loss and new love had changed me. And this child was different. Perhaps because of the vulnerability of the human flesh. We would live away from the eternal darkness. To keep her safe, keep them safe.

Already the darkness was growing.

I ran back to Leila, to the place in the forest where I had her hidden. Her swollen belly giving away her pregnancy. Other vampires would be a danger now more than ever. And the master confirmed she would not live through the birth. I had no choice.

"Did you find what you needed to find? Will you grant me eternal life with you?" Leila asked me when I returned. "With our child?"

"Yes, Leila. I will." I did not tell her what I learned, I mentioned nothing of the master, or the village. Not then.

I remember that bite, my first taste of human blood. I kissed her lips before I pierced her neck. And with my teeth, I released the venom of eternal life, and I drank. The sweet warmth washed down my throat and I felt the strength it gave me. Stronger than anything else I had tasted.

Unlike a vampire being turned with a dart, a transformation to vampire is painless beyond the bite. The venom numbs the victim as the change takes place.

I had to force myself to stop drinking, the urge to drain her was a powerful one. I pulled my head up and lowered her limp body to the ground. Carefully. I did not want to harm our baby.

She changed quickly. Hair turned black and her skin pale. I watched as her body transformed, and listened as her heartbeat slowed, her breathing stopped and her body died, turning her into a beautiful creature.

Her eyes snapped open, yellow and piercing. She looked confused, disoriented as she glanced around her. "Where am I?" She asked.

"You are safe. With me, Ambrose." I said, keeping my voice soft, lifting her with strong but gentle hands.