DEAD SEED (AKA "Vampires Don't Exist")

FOURTEEN: Through Her Eyes

Face contorted and eyes burning with fury, Aimeric dashed to the window and closed the curtains. He would remember to have those boarded up soon so she wouldn't be able to pull another stunt like that.

Just when he thought she couldn't be any more foolish, she did something to surprise him. He really didn't think she had it in her.

His face was burned. The pale flesh on his cheek had started to blister in only the few seconds that the damnable rays had touched them. Now in the dark again, they began to heal just as quickly.

Aralyn would pay for this.

She thought she could get away from him. No, she wouldn't get far. He would hunt her. He would revel in the scent of her fear.

The things he had done to her thus far would seem like paradise in comparison to what he was going to do to her when he brought her back.

But he would have to wait until sunset.

Damn it. It seemed so far away.

He threw one of the flower vases against the wall, smashing it to pieces and sending wilting roses to scatter to the floor. He needed someone to take his rage out on.

Morgan hadn't been punished yet....

+++++

Once Aimeric had taken his anger out on Morgan, he settled on the floor of the bedroom. His legs were crossed and a single candle was lit in front of him. The corpse of a young woman lay on the floor beside it, her open eyes seeming to stare at the flame. He had just drained her so, with the help of the dancing candle, he would be able to fully concentrate. The house was silent now that Morgan's screams had died down. The rest of the vampires were sleeping.

He had to watch Aralyn, and this was the only way since he couldn't follow her. He had to make sure she wasn't going to try and kill herself before he could get to her. The stupid woman. She was already suicidal before ... she would most assuredly try it again now that she was out of his grasp.

Soft whimpering broke his concentration. He furrowed his brows and frowned.

"Shut up or I'll make you suffer before I kill you."

He spoke to a second prisoner. A male, around twenty or so. Strong body, healthy. He hadn't been there for long, but he knew what he was in for as he had seen the wonderfully horrible things done to some of the others. The man was blindfolded and gagged. Aimeric was saving him for when this little trick drained his energy and he needed another meal.

The man fell silent, knowing Aimeric meant to keep his word.

Aimeric went back to concentrating. He pictured Aralyn as he had last seen her. Hair wet, skin glistening. Eyes red from crying over that piss-ant, Virgil. What did she see in him? He briefly wondered, then went back to picturing her.

He found her quickly.

She was wandering along the main road that led to the ferry off the island. Scared. Alone. Wearing only a robe. She would be easy prey to loathsome men and women, and he wouldn't be able to save her this time.

She hugged herself tightly. Cold and insecure. Wondering where to go. He delved into her mind. She was thinking of returning to her father's house to pack up a few things and run away. Then she thought of death. She craved it. But what about Claire? Aralyn wondered. Where was Claire? Aralyn's mind screamed. Did she even care about Aralyn?

Claire doesn't care about anyone, Aimeric thought.

He followed Aralyn, watching her for over an hour. Just watching didn't strain him too much.