The Hunt

Prologue

Over the centuries, we have evolved. We’ve become faster, stealthier, we blend in with the humans rather than draw attention. Our hearing has become so great that a single leaf blowing in the breeze could be heard from miles away. Our sense of smell is greater than that of a werewolf. Our strength is vast. I’ve seen a single vampire wipe out an entire army. The biggest advantage that we have gained over the years is a tolerance to the sun. No more are we forced to live in the shadows. Now, we can wander the streets during the day, blend in with the humans. Vampires are already naturally gifted with beauty during the change which doesn’t exactly help us blend in with humans, we have an aura about us. It draws the humans attention and attraction but we can usually play that off to our good use of make up rather than telling them that we are just more attractive naturally. There is one other thing that does set us apart, it’s small and can be hidden but I suppose Mother Nature has a sense of humor. Now that we can pass for human, once we complete the change, a mark appears on our necks. Two small ruby red dots that happen to resemble a vampires bite. In the past, that’s how vampires were created. A single bite and 24 hours of pure agony, I remember it well. I was one of the originals. Nowadays, we’ve been blessed with the ability to conceive children. Once those children reach the age of 18, they are sent to our finishing school to complete the change and become a fully recognized vampire. The change no longer hurts, either. From what I have witnessed, it happens between the ages of 18-20 and is a longer process than what I had endured. At 18, their senses start to heighten, scent is the first. Followed by hearing, and eyesight. By 19, their beauty and speed slowly start to enhance. Then, the bloodlust. We can survive without blood, despite the old rumors and legends. We can live on human food and be perfectly content, but never fully satisfied. It’s as if there’s a fire in our throats that nothing can quench, expect blood. My coven no longer hunts the humans, it draws the unwanted attention of THEM. Our numbers have been impacted enough. Lost too many members, loved ones..