Watching From Darkness: My Vampire Stalker

Chapter 2: Born Again

POV: Sierra

***

It's a strange feeling, dying. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, I was a servant girl. My hair was matted, my fingernails cracked, my ribs sticking through my skin. An ugly child, worked hard on the fields and given no respite at home either. My family were poor and selling me to the local lord bought them food for a few weeks.

I don't know what happened to them after that, though.

Lord Byers was cruel and uncaring, but he loved to talk. In between beatings and chores, I would listen to him talk about wild things, cursed things. 'Knowledge not meant for a young girl', he'd say. And I smiled, trying not to curse him.

One day, I found his books. Hidden deeper in the library than I knew I was allowed, but I didn't care. They held such beautiful drawings and passages, talking of magic and myths that I always thought were false. But this book made them come to life.

I used to sneak there at night, a candle tucked close to my chest. I would trace the pictures of beautiful women, with luscious hair and flawless skin. I wanted to be them so badly. They were bold and powerful and free.

On the day of my 20th birthday, Lord Byers said I was finally of age to be sold off. I wasn't pretty enough and young enough to keep around and maybe he could get a few coins for me, to repay the debt I owed him for taking me in. I was terrified, but before the marriage could come to pass, the manor was broken into.

Beastly creatures flew through the halls, screeching and howling. Laughter, hideous, wicked laughter, bounced off the walls. I heard Lord Byers scream from the main hall and I ran like the devil himself was chasing me. I didn't get far, of course. I was weak, stupid.

I didn't see whatever it was that knocked me over but I felt its teeth sink into my shoulder. I saw the blood splash across the floor and I heard myself screaming while it cackled. My head crashed into the ground and everything went black.

When I woke up, I was alone in the hall. Everything hurt. My veins were on fire and my muscles ached. It was like poison had replaced my blood. I knew I was dying, that something dark was coming for my soul. It was cold and hot; my heart cracked open.

It's a strange feeling, dying. I've never felt peace like I did that day. No matter what happened, my miserable life was over. It wasn't on my own terms but I was finally free. I didn't have to worry about chores or Lord Byers ever again. I think I smiled, at the end.

Good things never last.

***

"Blake!"

I scream again, my voice echoing off the stone walls. It's been hours and the little rat has snuck off again, no doubt trying to meet some woman he'd charmed last night. I don't have time for his antics today. I wonder if it would be easier to kill him, but then who would find his replacement for me?

At last, Blake scuttles into the room.

He's handsome enough for a human. Pale, but that comes with the territory of being a vampire's servant. I feed on him in exchange for my magic sustaining him. He's been alive for 300 years and doesn't look a day older than when I met him.

His black hair is shaggy about his shoulders, and his jeans and t-shirt combo are worn thin. I keep telling him to buy something new because he makes me look bad but he only throws a tantrum at the suggestion. In that, we're alike. His temper can hold at least somewhat of a candle to mine.

"What can I help you with, Mistress?"

He sounds bored.

"Well, you can start by explaining why my dress is green. Green, Blake!"

My once-crimson ballgown is a sickly green where it lies on my bed. I can't bear to look at it.

"Oh, right, that." He has the decency to look ashamed. "So, I may have gotten the spell wrong and instead of adding some green accents, I just colored the whole thing."

Fury heats my cheeks. "You knew I needed this for tonight."

"Why? To stand in an alleyway and never even speak to her?" Before I can lash out at him, he raises his hands, "I don't mean to be rude, Mistress. I just don't understand why we've been here so long for some human girl. I was promised a life of luxury and travel, you know."

I huff in despair. Blake can never know why we're really here or why I've haunted a human girl for nearly 3 decades instead of just taking her.

"Your place is not to question. Fetch me something else for the evening. I'll be expecting a replacement for this one within the week."

I ignore his protests as I dismiss him. With a squeak, he goes up in smoke, transported to my store room. I keep all my finest jewels, clothing and other keepsakes in the basement, with spells to keep them dry and scare away pests. The last thing I needed was moths making a meal out of my gowns.

I turn to look out the window. The master bedroom is on the third floor of the building. It used to be an old castle. I killed the previous occupants and converted it into a manor when I realised the girl was moving nearby.

May Thomas.

A completely ordinary human as far as I can tell, yet I feel compelled to be by her side. Desire has sunk its claws into me and I yearn for her touch. But...

Blake returns, grumbling as he pushes the door open. "A dark blue for you, Mistress. I think it suits you more anyway. Creature of the night and all that."

I look at the dress. It's much more plain than my others. The fabric criss-crosses in the back, with short straps that go over the shoulders. There is a deep V-cut at the front and the flared skirt barely grazes my thighs. However, it's studded with thousands of gemstones that sparkle like stars under the moonlight.

Against my pale skin, I look like a canvass of heaven. Blake has taste, I suppose.

Dismissing him once more, I peel my nightgown off my shoulders and get changed, taking a final glance in the mirror before I leave.

My skin is pale, almost translucent at my wrists and neck. My eyes, once a bright blue, are now black with a muted yellow pupil. I have long-winged eyeliner on and dark purple lipstick, to complement the dress.

My hair is an ashy grey, styled into an elegant braid down my back. I pick a pair of plain heels to go with the outfit, and a pair of gold chains that loop around my wrist and attach to my waist.

Satisfied with my choices, I head outside.

The moon is sinking low and that means only one thing.

It's time to hunt.