AFTER DAWN
CHAPTER 1
Lyric walked home from the library, her feet carrying her on autopilot through the familiar streets. The moon cast a silver glow over the town, making the shadows dance across the pavement. She felt a shiver run down her spine, but attributed it to the crisp night air.
As she turned the corner onto her street, Lyric noticed a figure leaning against the lamp post outside her house. His eyes seemed to gleam in the moonlight, and for a moment, she thought she saw something flicker in his gaze – something unnatural.
Michael leaned against the lamp post, his eyes fixed on the house where Lyric lived. He had been watching her for years, studying her routine, and learning her habits. His siblings, Kion and Mirah, thought him mad for his fascination with the human, but Michael couldn't help himself. There was something about Lyric that drew him in – something beyond her rare blood type.
As Lyric approached, Michael's heart quickened. He pushed off the lamp post, his movements fluid and deliberate. He didn't want to startle her, not yet. He wanted to savor the moment, to see if she would notice him, sense the danger lurking in the shadows.
"Hey," he said, his voice low and smooth, as Lyric drew near.
Lyric's eyes narrowed, her hand on the door handle. "Can I help you?" she asked, her tone wary.
Michael smiled, his fangs aching to descend. "Just admiring the view," he said, his gaze roaming over her face.
Lyric's instincts screamed at her to get away from Michael. She didn't know what it was about him, but his gaze made her skin crawl. Hastily, she opened the door and slipped inside, trying to shut it quickly behind her.
Michael's hand shot out, his fingers closing around the doorframe, preventing her from shutting him out. "Don't be afraid, Lyric," he whispered, his breath caressing her ear. "I won't hurt you... yet."
