Vampire Arcanorum

Prologue Two

Branches crack under Valora's feet and brush against her skin as she runs through the dark woods, urging to get away from the yelling of townsfolk. She recalls the words her mother last spoke to her as she tries to run quicker.

"Never forget how much I love you."

Tears sting her eyes as she shakes her head furiously at the thought of her mother, worried she wouldn't be able to escape them without the head start Valora had.

Hope replaces worry as Valora notices the cave her mother told her about mere feet away from her.

"Please hurry mother," Valora whispers as she reaches the entrance of the cave. She runs as far into the cave as she can, hiding behind a giant rock for concealment. Trying to catch her breath, she huddles down and listens for any noise or movement indicating whether someone was coming.

Moments continue to pass; minutes felt like hours as Valora stayed there, crouched behind the boulder and keeping her eyes glued to the cave's opening. A rustling sound caught Valora's attention and made her face light up with hope that it was her mother. She heard the noise coming closer.

"Mother?" she asked shakily as she stepped out from the concealment of the rock.

Fear coursed through her body as a shape covered in black appeared from the cave's opening, one unlike her mother's. Before Valora could run, the shape appeared in front of her and held onto her tightly.

"Valora, it's okay. I am an old friend of your mother's. Do not worry child. I am here to help you escape."

"Where is mother?" Valora asks, confused about the whole situation. Her mother didn't mention they were going to meet with anyone.

"Your mother will come meet up with us later. She told you to head with her to the tree marked with a black X on it, yes?"

"Yes..." Valora says suspiciously. She continues to move her glance from the cave's entrance to the old woman.

The woman lets out a sigh. "Arcanorum," she says with a small smile.

Valora looks up at the woman in shock. She recalls the secret word her mother told her about. The one they would use with other vampires to know that they are one of them.

"That's right, child. I know about his code too. I helped invent it," the woman says as she pats Valora's head. "Now, we must be heading to the tree before the villagers reach us."

"But what about mother?" Valora turns her gaze once again to the cave's entrance.

"Your mother will meet us later at the secret passageway. She sent you ahead because she believes she can horde off the villagers in time for us to escape quickly. We must do as she wishes and leave now. I am sure she already told you this, correct?"

Fear and worry for her mother showed clear on her face, yet Valora nodded, remembering her mother's instructions.

The old woman held out her hand. "Let us hurry now, child. We need to move quickly."

Valora hesitated for a moment. She did not like the thought of leaving her mother behind to fend for herself, yet she knew she had to follow her mother's instructions exactly as she said to. She grabbed the woman's hand and they rushed out of the cave.

The woman's enhanced speed was much quicker than Valora's. She tried to keep up but felt her grip on the woman's hand weaken.

"Do not give up now, child. Look into yourself and find your enhanced strength. Hold onto it and let it course through your body. It is within you."

Valora took a deep breath and focused on her running. She imagined speed beyond any mortal human's. Her mind wandered to her mother. A pang of guilt coursed through her as she thought of leaving her mother behind to fend those men alone.

"Valora, never forget how much I love you."

She knew she couldn't give up now, not when her mother was counting on her to get to safety and to wait for her to arrive.

"For mother," Valora panted as she felt her speed quicken. She moved closer to the old woman and firmed her grip on her hand.

"That's it child, you have reached your elevated speed."

They move quickly through the trees, dodging everything in their way with quickness.

"We are almost there, child. Just a bit more."

Valora continues to run as fast as she can, mimicking the woman's footsteps in front of her to maintain her balance.

Just as they are about to reach the marked tree, a painful scream pierces the night...one that will haunt Valora until the end of time.