shadows - lashton

Chapter 6

*Luke's P.O.V*

I watched from a second floor window as Ashton's car left the school grounds, finding it difficult not to blame myself for the entire incident. His mum had looked ridiculously angry, and I was clueless as to what he must've said to her to have caused that kind of a reaction. That was the only part beyond my control, however, and the pain etched onto Ashton's face pulled a little at my heart strings, knowing I was the only one who could have possibly prevented it.

Choosing not to return to class was definitely the right call, spoiling my lifetime of perfect attendance not being a significant factor in my decision. If anyone asked me why I never showed up to the rest of my classes I could tell them I was sick, it was a valid reason and certainly wasn't a lie. My insides were twisted and it was a struggle not to vomit, and a throbbing headache was making it impossible for me to concentrate on anything.

I wasn't sure how much longer I could live like this. For months now I had managed to convince myself that I would never turn out like the others, never conform to their way of life and commit myself to being a monster. But you can't fight your own instincts, and the more time I spend around people, the more I realise just how true that statement is. My reaction to seeing Ashton's blood in the medical room was nothing compared to what was expected of me, of who I truly am.

However my recent desires to end all of this had lacked action, so I decided it was about time I changed that.

My attempt to make it to the library without drawing attention to myself failed miserably, given there was a limp in my step and it was a struggle to disguise my discomfort. Much to my relief, I managed to avoid having to climb any sets of stairs and I was in the safety of the room minutes later.

On arrival, I noted that the library was empty, with the exception of an old librarian who was eyeing me suspiciously from behind her desk. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in class?"

I refused to make eye contact, dropping to my knees and beginning to scan the book titles for ones that I needed. "Teacher sent me to do research."

Like me, she seemed a little surprised by my confidence, but quickly got over herself. "I'm not stupid, why are you looking under the letter V?"

"Victorians," I blurted out, my voice lacking self control but also without a stutter. She raised her eyebrow as though doubtful, but soon nodded and motioned for me to continue my search.

Thankfully it didn't last too long, as I then stumbled across the books on vampires. I reached for and opened the first one I saw, skimming the chapters on how to blend in with the living and control lust. Although aware I probably should have read them, I skipped past the majority of the sections as they were unlikely accurate and certainly not my priority. Eventually, I turned to the page entitled 'turning human again,' but I was left disappointed and every ounce of hope drained from my face as I read the last line.

'There is no cure.'

Suddenly frantic and more desperate than I ever imagined I would be, I grabbed the next book book on the shelf only for it to say the exact same thing. The following three or four also. I was on the verge of giving up when the last caught my attention. It was unlike the others, tattered at the edges and coated in dust, presumably years old. I shuddered a little when I picked it up, as though it contained great power, but the biggest shock of all came when I looked inside.

It was a diary.

Someone had messily scrawled their thoughts and feelings across the pages in black ink, many of the words smudged but still clear enough to be understood. Although I allowed my nerves to get the better of me for a moment or two, I slipped the book into my jacket and left the library.

I may not have found what I was looking for, but I had certainly found something.

Not bothered by the idea that somehow night see me as I had been absent for almost an hour anyway, I ran out the school gates and towards the local park. Certain I was alone, I slumped onto a wooden bench and pulled out the diary, inspecting its exterior before turning to the first entry. It was dated January 29th 1934, and I began to quietly read to myself.

I have decided to write this diary to keep a record of my life, and to be of help if any of the events or details were to one day become significant. My name is Victor Humberg, and I was originally the head of the Vampire Council. Dark secrets and lost knowledge drove my fellow members to betray and overthrow me. Trust was broken and promises were forgotton, and the Council members were scattered to the winds.

But now, centuries later, a new evil is rising, as the Council are planning on reuniting. In these pages I have explained everything that happened within the years that changed the vampiric world, and included sacred information on how to stop the Council. Whoever it is that is reading this right now, you have been chosen to protect both the human and vampire races from this newly rising threat. I have taken great care in preserving these pages so that they could be found in your poccession, so use everything you will learn to your advantage. I have faith in you, and good luck. Victor.

For a short while after finishing, I stared at the page as though expecting something to magically appear. I was convinced I had heard of the name Victor Humberg before, even if just through gossip, but I couldn't pinpoint any exact memories of it. Upon hearing voices behind me, I snapped the book shut and held it close to my chest, turning away from the incoming swarm and beginning to run home. I was now filled with dread and needing to read the next entry as soon as possible, if this Vampire Council were as evil as they had been made out to be then I had to find a way to stop them.

But one thought weighed heavy on my mind, of all the vampires why choose me? It was no different to the situation at the club, as had been proved by many, I was far from the right person for the job. I had no experience or knowledge, and not even one friends who could give me guidance. In fact, I was probably the least vampiric vampire in the history of vampires.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see a text from an unknown number. I sighed and chose to ignore it, despite having not received a text from anyone but my mum in almost two months. But that wasn't important now, especially not since I had much more important things to be thinking about.

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A/n: hey guys! I'm actually quite proud of this chapter, not sure why since it's pretty confusing. Don't ever ask me to come up with a vampiric name because I'm really bad at it as you can see

Anyway hope ya like it and thanks for reading :-) x