Twisted

Chapter 11

"I don't live in darkness. Darkness lives in me." -Unknown 

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Elijah strolls back to his seat next to me. As he stands at the head of the table, my mind drifts to back to what I have just learned. I wish nothing more than to return to my miserable foster home, turn eighteen and then try to make it on my own.

A week ago, vampires and werewolves were things of books and movies, but now, they are becoming my reality. And I'm starting to think it's not going to be easy to pull myself away from this, especially if those people who kidnapped me come back.

A shiver runs down my spine remembering the events of that night and the calloused hands that had wrapped around my neck.

Pulling myself out of my thoughts, I watch as Elijah fills his glass before raising it. "I'd like to propose a toast."

All conversations cease and everyone's attention turns towards Elijah. Almost simultaneously, everyone grabs their glass and raises it. Elijah glances at me and I realize that I've just been staring blankly at everyone. I quickly grab my glass and raise it.

"To new and exciting beginnings. And," he pauses turning to me, with a large smile, "To our sweet, little Elyse!" Elijah exclaims.

"To Elyse," Everyone repeats, before reaching out to clink glasses together. A red tone coats my cheeks at the excitement over me, but I join in.

I pull the glass back to my lips and take a small sip, along with everyone else. The wine slides effortlessly down my throat, coating every inch in a feeling that can only be described as pure bliss.

I swallow and gasp. Before I can comprehend what I am doing, I quickly pull the glass back to my lips, as if I can't get enough of this enchanting, red liquid.

Finishing off my glass, I lick my lips, savoring the last little bit that covers them. I set my glass down, when I realize all eyes are on me. Amusement can be seen in every set of eyes and embarrassment settles over me.

"I-I've never had wine before," I admit sheepishly. I cast my eyes down, not wanting anyone to see how embarrassed I am.

My eyes are still cast down, when I hear Elijah's hands clap together excitedly. "Marvelous!" He exclaims.

I snap my eyes to him. The grin that covers his face is full of excitement and mischief. It's as if he knows something that I don't.

"I take it you like the wine, Elyse. Would you like some more?"

I keep my eyes firmly on Elijah. Something about the way he talked about the 'wine' felt off. I hadn't realized it until now, but I'm beginning to think whatever that liquid was, it was not wine.

And although I had never tasted wine before, I am sure that was not how it was supposed to taste. It was sweet, smooth and luxuriously thick, but it also had a bitterness to it.

A weird feeling begins to sink deep in my stomach. My eyes glaze over and everything becomes out of focus. Whatever that liquid was, I want more. No, I need more.

"Elijah," my voice is strained. I sound foreign, like a hungry animal. Heat begins to rise within me, like a raging fire. "What was that?"

Elijah ignores my question. "I think you should drink some more, Elyse. It will help, trust me." Although I can't see with my blurred vision, I can here the smirk in his voice.

By now, the feverish feeling has taken over. I feel like I'm surrounded by flames, but surprisingly don't feel any pain. It's as if the fire that is coursing through my veins is igniting something within me. I revel in the feeling. Elijah fills my cup once more and places it in front of me.

Staring at the fuzzy outline of the glass, a feeling of pure hunger rushes through me. I lose control of myself. My hand shoots out and immediately brings the glass to my lips. I down the red liquid as quickly as I can, savoring the feeling of the smooth liquid running down my throat. A small moan makes its way from my lips, but I do nothing to stop it.

The fire within me slowly starts to dissipate. I feel like I just walked under a waterfall, the cool droplets of water slowly fighting off the fire that has been raging within my veins.

When I no longer feel like I am on fire, I lean back in my chair. My vision comes back into focus and I sigh in relief. I feel energized, like I just woke up from a very restful sleep. The feeling of overwhelming hunger has also worn off and I feel a sense of relief.

I take a moment to glance around the room once more and notice that every set of eyes are still directed towards me with a knowing look in them. Like they understood what just happened, even if I don't.

"What.. What was that, Elijah?" I turn to glare at him, a mixture of emotions running through me.

A large smirk runs across his face. "That, my innocent little Elyse, was bloodlust."