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Tonight has been waiting for me my whole life. Tonight is the reason my grandparents kept me with them each summer and each break, training me without my parent's knowledge. This last summer was especially hard, ramping up in preparation for this winter night, 100 years in the making.
I hated each summer, each uncelebrated holiday, and each lesson. I doubt they even cared that they dropped me in this freezing forest so long as their grandchild only gets the prophecy fulfilled instead of them. They’re cowards and left so quickly that they took my weapons and coat with them, thinking only of saving themselves or maybe even trying to run from their guilt.
Regardless, the vampire that’s probably going to kill me is somewhere in these woods. I wonder if hypothermia will kill me first, that would probably be better than blood loss or mauling via vampire. Maybe the prophecy isn’t real at all and this will all have been for nothing. I don’t care that I’m supposed to go east according to my grandparents, I’m going northwest towards the nearest town. Hopefully, I’ll make it before the Northern storm rolls in. The full moon lights the forest well enough that I’m not worried about tripping, but I watch my steps anyway.
As I glimpse the snow to my right about an hour later, I realize there's warm light overpowering the cool moonlight. I look up from my feet and realize there is an entire mansion to my right. I’m supposed to still be hours away from the town, and there was never any depiction of a mansion in these woods from the maps my grandparents had me study. While I ponder the forest gets darker, and I look up to see the storm is here, blocking out the moon and stars. There’s no way I can find my way out of the forest now that I have no stars to go off of and my compass having been left with the rest of my gear.
I really shouldn’t go into this mansion, it’s practically screaming supernatural beings inside! There shouldn’t be a mansion here anyway, the nearest house this big is supposed to be hundreds of miles to the south east. I should know this forest like the back of my hand, I thought it would be my resting place thanks to my grandparents and their stupid prophecy! As I worry the wind and snow make my decision for me, pushing me past the gate of the property. A shiver goes down my spine even as the warmth around me increases now that the walls of the mansion’s courtyard block the wind.
“This is a stupid idea,” I mutter even as I approach the doors of the massive estate, climbing the steps in front of me. Once I reach the top, mere feet stand between me and the worst decision of my life. As I am paralyzed by the thoughts of what possibly waits for me past these doors, the universe sends a very clear message. The doors open on their own. I turn away from the door considering running back into the forest to hopefully freeze to death peacefully. Then I notice the same gate I was pushed through is now firmly closed. I didn’t even hear them move. I always knew I would die tonight, I just didn’t realize the odds were so against me, that I would be given no choices in the matter. I take a moment to push back on the whirlwind of emotions holding me in place, and I step into the mansion that will surely become my tomb.
The doors shut behind me, and I'm overcome with thoughts of the B-rated movies my friends and I watched together once they learned about why I'm always gone each break. I know I'm glad I told them as step further into the foyer, waiting to see if I would be approached. The candles burning in sconces along the walls and the chandelier above me extinguish any hope that the mansion will be empty. As I step into the hallway in front of me candles to my right light up one after another and eventually stop near a large extravagant door. Before I can consider going the opposite way or just crying a draft and the sound of rattling comes from my left urging me to put distance between myself and whatever creatures this vampire might have in here. I've quietly slipped into and shut the door of the room the candles led me to before I've realized it. Maybe that's why I'm so surprised when I hear what can only be the vampire's slightly venomous voice cut through the study I've entered.
"Well well. You've finally decided to confront me, haven't you?"
I would have never seen it coming out in the woods, but in this darker study its white hair, glowing white eyes, near colorless skin and pure white sweater stand out against the dark red upholstery of its chair. Before I can break out of my stupor from its appearance, it speaks again. "My my, I didn't think you would dare to actually show up." I don't think the universe would have given me a choice, I think to myself, I begin to open my mouth but it beats me to it. "I've been getting bored anyway so thank you very much for making this night more interesting." I have to strain as its voice drops into a whisper halfway through sending shivers down my spine. "Hello human," It properly greets me, "you seem lost." My confusion reaches a new level at this change. The vampire seemed to have known about the prophecy, so why is it taking the time to speak to me? "No need to worry," it continues "I'm here to help you." I don't trust that at all, it's just trying to lure me into a false sense of security, or something. It evidently senses my distrust as it attempts to reassure me "Yes of course. You should consider me like a friend. Friends are there to help each other, right?" I can barely hear it speak from where I stand, but I don't dare step closer, especially as it stands silently. "It's all good. I'm just going to help you, by making it really quick."
Oh my god this is how I die. Step.
"That way there will be no need for us to fight."
As if I stand any chance against a vampire without any of my gear! Step.
"Isn't that right"
Goddamn you Grandma and Grandpa! Step.
"I've never seen a vampire hunter being this obedient before."
"I'm no vampire hunter" I quietly spit even as it stands a foot away having silently stepped closer to me. I believe my statement wholeheartedly. I've never killed a vampire and I likely never will. "Huh?" Seems like I've surprised him? "What?" I've really surprised him. "You're- You're not a vampire hunter?" It steps away from me towards a desk and some bookshelves. "That- that's impossible," He states, finally making noise as he rifles through papers on the desk. "The prophecy claims that a vampire hunter of legendary ancestry is to- to show up on this very specific night." He begins to read one of the papers aloud. "A full moon, a hundred years of slumber, um," he trails off, evidently focused on reading through the prophecy. "Ah, there it is." he quietly remarks, looking back up at me as he says "A certain Belmont is supposed to be here." Wasn't that grandpa's exes's name? "That has to be you." Oh my god did my grandpa have a bastard child whose children are supposed to be here instead? "Correct?" I shake my head, dumbfounded. "No?" He sounds as surprised as me. "That can't be." He looks down at the paper again before turning and setting it back on the desk.
"Interesting." His composure returns as he turns to face me once again. "So, how did you get here?" I manage to respond despite his eyes on me. "I was trying to get to the northwestern town" It's only a part of the truth, but truthful nonetheless. "You- you got lost in the forest." He concludes, likely knowing how far off I am better than I do, yet he still approaches. "I see, so you are just, a weak, little, human, after all." Oh god I'm totally still going to die even though the stupid prophecy wasn't about me. "Well, no matter." He suddenly returns to a somewhat normal, less threatening voice, which does nothing to reassure me. "To be honest I was," OhGodThoseAreDefinitleyFangs "getting a little thirsty" The vampire is moving towards me again, this is how I die. "I've been sleeping for a long time, you know." He's only a few feet away from me now, having passed the chair he was sitting in earlier. "You wouldn't mind giving me a hand, right?" Yes I absolutely would mind and based on its smirk it knows that, it can probably hear my heart as it pounds in my ears. "I'm just kidding, it's very rude to ask for services from your guests." I doubt etiquette will save me. I'm going to die here. "You are welcome, in my domain. Please, make yourself comfortable." It says as it motions towards a second chair. I take a seat despite myself.
I find myself relaxing just a bit more as he makes me a cup of tea, the sounds familiar and calming. "I haven't had the privilege of speaking to someone in a century." He sounds genuinely upset at his loneliness, but he continues even as he finishes pouring the tea, but he still doesn't return to his seat, staring at the tea. "Skeletons, zombies, don't really count, do they?" He asks me, as if I'd ever encountered such creatures, let alone spoke with one. I feel myself begin to panic again, is that what I ran from before? Right before I entered this room? "It's not like they have brains for intelligent conversations." He finishes speaking and finally sits, even as my heartbeat picks up. "Oh, right." His eyes meet mine, likely having noticed my fearful reaction. "Don't be nervous." He says, "No monster is going to hurt you here" So they're not hostile? "Well, not unless I tell them, that is." And he's smirking again, but it soon falls off his face as he looks around. "They have been doing a good job, keeping this place clean while I've been gone. It's a lot of rooms to maintain." This is good. This is normal conversation. I take a chance and reach for a spoon to add sugar to my tea. "You're impressed, aren't you?" I nod at him as I move to stir my tea. A mansion is impressive after all, and it doesn't look neglected in the slightest. "A vampire's pride, well." He cuts the sentence short. This is no longer normal conversation, but I'm curious where he's going with this, and his tone hasn't changed much. "I'm sure you've heard many terrible tales about us. That we have no soul and take the lives of the innocent. Well, most of that is true but," Wow, I'm so reasured! Not. At least he didn't try to lie, "we're still people you know."
I wish I could say no whole heartedly but I can feel doubt starting to creep in. Despite my apprehension, I haven't had an utterly awful time, and he seems to be actually enjoying our conversation. "I'm not like a mindless beast chasing its food." His eyes pierce me again. "I don't have to chase you." Hm. That's almost a normal nice sentiment, but it's not. "You are right in front of me." I feel small as he stares at me and whispers, "Like a rabbit offering itself to the wolves." I'm so tired of this back and forth of 'Am I Going To Die' but even if I ran out, even if I manged to get away, nothing would be waiting for me other than a cold snowy death. I can see the snowstorm rage through the study's window. "It would be boring to get it over with so fast, Don't. You. Think?" He leans in as he spaces out his last three words, clearly not looking for a real response. Instead he's looking for a reaction.
"I like to play with my food." I can tell! "Where is the thrill? The excitement?" I'm sorry? Is my fear not enough for you?! "I want to make the best of it. We can make it a game of cat and mouse" I don't know if I want to cry or just stop existing. I'm so tired of this, I don't want this torment. "Or." Or what Mr. Vampire? What else do you have in store for me? He's leaning so close now, he might not be in his chair anymore but I don't dare break eye contact to check. "You can convince me that you are worthy of other usage." He whispers the last two words in my ear, putting his hands on the armrests to either side of me, steading himself and boxing me in. He isn't in his chair I notice. "My my, I am deeply sorry for my lack of manners." I knew etiquette wouldn't save me. He pulls back and meets my eyes again, leaving his hands where they are, yet still managing to tower above me. "I should be more careful with my words." You know exactly what you're saying! Don't pretend your're mincing your words! "However, it's not like you have anywhere else to go." And he's right. That sentence snuffs out the anger I felt at his previous statements, and leaves only resignation in its place.
"I'm just teasing you, my adorable guest." Adorable, huh? Now that I'm not shivering or sniffling from the cold I'm sure I look better but going so far as to say adorable? I doubt my plain and practical outfit would genuinely warrant such a comment. "There's nothing I love more than seeing you struggling. The confusion, the fear." How many of his words have been just to get a reaction out of me? "I could hear your heartbeat from miles away. Beating. So. Fast. Pumping all that delicious blood, calling for me." He's moved closer again inches away from my face while I strain against the tall back of the chair for more space between us as he snaps his teeth. "Awakening my true senses, and desires to get my mouth right against your neck," His head follows his words passing my ear and sending cold air against my neck from his breath. My hands come up and press against his chest but I doubt he even notices with how little of a difference it makes as he finishes his sentence, "just like that." He shushes me meaninglessly, grabbing one of my hands in his own surprisingly warm ones as if to reassure me as he says, "No need to be so nervous my dear, it's just as I said. You are in good hands. It's not bothering you is it?" And somehow, his hand on my hand and breath ghosting over my neck isn't something I want to stop. He takes my silence as an answer. "No? Good. I'm glad to hear it." The longer he goes without biting me the more relaxed I get even with his mouth so close to my neck.
"To be honest with you, sweetheart," He takes a deep breath in, probably smelling me and my blood, then he continues, "I'm still suspecting you to be the vampire hunter I've been waiting for." I go rigid, and I hear my heart begin to pointlessly race, preparing for impossible fight or flight. "Perhaps, you are trying to deceive me, to have my guard down and finish me in a single blow while I have my back turned." As if I would be capable of that. I wish I had any of my weapons, even if I'm not the right grandchild or a Belmont as the prophecy would have. I can hear the smile in his voice as he says "You wouldn't do something so cowardly, right?" If I could run I would, but I don't know if that's the same as killing someone, even a vampire. He pulls back while running the hand not holding mine down my arm from shoulder to elbow. He looks at me again as he says, "It would be such a shame to fight someone as beautiful as you." And I'm again taken off guard by his words, no longer thinking about death, but instead confused by his fixation on my appearance and the warmth of his hands. "I don't want to ruin that pretty face of yours." He really must find me attractive, I suppose I am the first human he's seen in a century, but regardless he's terrible at flirting.
"Although it does sound amusing to have a little cute hunter all to myself" I shake my head. Partially at the fact that he keeps half-flirting half-threatening me, but mostly because, I truly believe I'm not a vampire hunter, with or without my gear. "Hm? You're still denying it?" He has a small smile on his face now, and it looks almost normal. "What an outstanding will power." He says before suddenly leaning next to my ear to whisper "I will make you confess, no matter what it takes. You can't fool me. I feel like I've seen those eyes a long time ago. They just weren't yours but someone really close to you."
Damn you grandpa for your eyes, for everything about this.
"You are nothing more than a dish, served on a plate."
Please no.
"Thank you very much for the meal."
I shut my eyes and fist my hand in his sweater as his lips seal against my skin, and his fangs pierce it, digging for blood. I'm surprised when he pulls back after a short moment gasping as he stares into my eyes again. I can see my blood on his teeth as he tells me shakily "Amazing. I've- I've never had anything quite like this." I stare at him warily as he continues to seemingly catch his breath, before his face changes, looking determined. "I've changed my mind little human. At first I was going to let you go, out of pity" My heart sinks. "But now, everything has changed." He smiles at me, too sharp as he breathes, "You are absolutely delicious." His hand on my arm slides to my back as he pulls me closer, shushing me when I try to keep any amount of distance between us despite his hold. "No need to be afraid, I'm not going to take your life or anything like that," he assures me "I'm going to keep you close." I'm practically pulled into his lap as he kneels before where I was sitting. "Really close." He tells me, as if his arms aren't wrapping around me at this point. His voice is almost completely normal as he says "Let's just say, you are totally my type." Then drops into a whisper again as he asks "We don't have to fight, do we?" I know I'd never win if we had, no matter how hard I've pushed, it hasn't stopped a single move he's made. "We can relax, and take it nice and easy."
He slowly and smoothly sits back in the seat I first saw him in, now holding me in his arms effortlessly. He looks down at me and shushes me, running a hand over my hair and smoothing it down. Somehow, I find my shaking subsiding as the gentle caress worms its way into my brain, managing to actually soothe me. "It's okay, It's okay. You've done a good job." He tells me, "A really good one. I'm going to take good care of you." He promises me, "You won't have to worry about anything." and as the thought of no more summers and no more training sets in, I feel my tension melt.
"There you go." He's pleased as he takes notice of the change. "Good, good hunter" as the day catches up to me, I can't even muster the power to deny the title my grandparents tried to push on me. "I'm not so bad, am I?" And I guess he wasn't. He was planning to let me go after all. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle, just for you." I just hope he lets me sleep before he takes from me again. "You're-" he must have noticed my exhaustion because the next words past his fangs are "You're getting a little sleepy, aren't you? It's very late." All I can do is blink in response and hope his next words are true "I feel like we're going to get along, you and I, as long as you don't do anything stupid." My eyes begin to shut and I strain to hear his last words. "It's out of your control. It has been since the very moment I saw you. My cute, little, hunter." And I know he's right, as I finally slip into unconsciousness.