The Moonlit Desires: Bound by Blood

Emma

“Emma….. What a nice name?”

She complimented me with what seemed like a genuine smile, but since my fall out with Ava, it is hard to believe any other creature.

“Hmmm, thanks,” I nodded at her, the previous she-wolf girl from earlier rolled her eyes and walked away.

She noticed the confusion on my face and let out a sigh, “Well, don’t mind her……. That’s how she always behaves,”

I wanted to force myself and not drag this issue but something about that she-wolf girl seems off. We are both of the same kind, we are supposed to stick together, infact, everyone, and think of a way out to escape this everlasting trauma but something about her energy seems off.

“Don’t get scared or feel less of yourself by the glare they hurl your way. Everyone here is angry and obviously looking for who to transfer their aggression on but I am here to help you, Emma, and direct you on the norms and dos of this place to avoid a mistake that might end your life,”

Her words caught my attention, causing me to pull my mind from the retracting figure of that she-wolf, especially the last statement but I wasn’t surprised. What was I expecting when I was trapped in the midst of blood-sucking monsters? There must be a way to avoid them shredding one to death if I ever want to see the next sunset. But my surprise is having a warlock extend a friendly handshake in my face.

From what I was told when I was growing up, warlocks who were known and feared because of their dark and mysterious powers then had it sealed by the ancient vampire king years back who I assume was the grandfather of this present king, Alessandro Leonardo, during his regime as the king. This has made the warlocks hidden deep inside the forest since they were born and left like humans. Their dark magic has always been their strength and now they are vulnerable and powerless. Afraid to approach other creatures.

I don’t know but the word that slipped out my lips left me confused, “What’s this place?” I noticed everyone moving inside through a door inside the old, creepy building.

“Of course, the vampire’s territory,” Alma said with sarcasm, “So sad you came in when the whole bed has been occupied but we can share mine,” she said with a playful smile. I watch her confidently walk through the door, leaving me intrigued and curious to follow.

I immediately followed her, and as we ventured inside. My mind kept buzzing around with so many questions that I needed answers, for I was a bit confused. What are they doing here? I thought from the rumors that no other creature can survive a day in Vampire’s territory but why are these people all here and even given a bed to sleep in? I needed answers, but right now, I just needed some rest to calm the chaos in my head.

But one thing I know is that I can’t stay here forever. As much as I tried to convince myself, part of me kept telling me that I was just deceiving myself. Where could I possibly run to? Who am I important to, that would risk coming here to find me? I have lost my parents, my mate, and my best friend. Even if I run away, where could I possibly run to? Yeks……. Now, you see why I said it seems impossible but I swear to get back to all that contributed to my misery one after the other, including that ruthless vampire king because his action also contributed to the death of my parents.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t even realize when we stepped into a room. It reeked and was so small in size that it could barely fit in three people at once. There was only one bunk at the extreme beside the wall that led to what I assume to be the lavatory. The bathroom is grimy, reeking of unpleasant odors, and showing signs of age and neglect. It’s definitely not a place you’d want to spend much time in!….. I wonder how someone can even survive here with that kind of odorous smell.

“Hey……. Welcome, this is my room,” Alma said smiley while dressing her bedspread that seemed almost torn and frayed.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Hmmm….. Yeah,” I forced a smile that barely reached my eyes. “You stay alone,” I asked, taking in the surroundings, I couldn’t help but notice the aged walls with peeling paint. It seemed like time had taken its toll on this place.

“Yeah,” she replied, her attention fixed on what she was doing. I nodded, silently murmuring a thankful prayer to the moon goddess at least to avoid those hateful glares from the other remaining hostages. “Everyone has a roommate except me, maybe because I am the only warlock here,” Her voice carried a hint of sadness as she spoke as if she wasn’t entirely proud of herself.

And I understand it is due to the history behind their existence and how more of a human they have become. In as much as I wanted to console her but the last thing I wanted was to build another friendship that would later sink in the middle of an enormous ocean. So instead I asked her another question, diverting away from the topic. “How long have you been staying here?”

“Three years,” she said nonchalantly but I gasped unexpectedly, “Three fucking years,” I almost exclaimed. She gave me a quick glance, shrugged, and continued what she was doing.

“How long do you people stay here?” The question quickly slipped out of my lips. She laughed and stopped what she was doing to look at me, “Apparently if you’re so lucky you get sold to the kindest breeder out there,”

“Breeder,” I repeat, unsure of what she means and that’s when what those blood suckers said earlier slipped back into my mind. “She is surely going to make a huge fortune,” my heart fleed at the sudden memory.

“We are all sold to some other blood motherfuckers, luckily you can get someone good,” she said, even unsure of her words.

“Kind……. Vampires! Bloodsuckers, no way!!!” I countered, disagreeing instantly.

“Shhh…” she hushed me, her eyes darting around, indicating the need for silence. What’s happening here? I wonder. “Yeah that’s true but it is better to leave this place than to continue walking on eggshells,” Alma suggested, her face filled with sorrow. I wonder what she is going through.

“It’s more like stepping into another pit of hell,” I said emotionlessly, hiding my concern from her.

“Yeah that’s true but I think we should continue this conversation tomorrow if we are lucky enough to see the sunset but now come let’s sleep, you seem tired,” she patted the other side of the bed, I heard what she said but I didn’t want to ponder on that for now because I seem extremely exhausted.

I stared long at the bunks which looked worn out and fragile, as if they might crumble under the weight of two people sitting down on it, let alone someone lying on them. The loose springs swirled together, adding to the sense of instability.

She was quick to notice my discomfort, “Hmmm…… we can manage,” she forced out a nervous smile when scratching her neck.

“Don’t worry I will sleep on the floor,” I suggested, afraid of the loose springs of that weak-looking bunk.

“No…. I will sleep on the floor, you just came in,” she declined, “Let me sleep on the floor,” she persisted, I looked down at the dirty disgusting floor and gulped down nervously.

As much as I am tempted to sleep on the bunk due to the disgusting floor, those springs on the bunk seem like they’re about to give out any second. I don’t want to risk sitting on them. Plus, it wouldn’t be cool to kick the owner out of her bed and make her sleep on the cold floor. “No need, I see no reason and besides I am used to sleeping on the floor,” I lied and stepped deeper inside the room, locking the door behind me.

Alma nodded after the constant argument that led to nothing, she gave up and removed the bed sheet and spread it on the floor for me. I thanked her and laid down on it, she folded some of her dirty torn clothes for me to use as a pillow.

After some minutes, the room fell into silence, and I longed for sleep. But my body ached and my heart felt shattered. Tears streamed down my face as I silently wept, the haunting memories of my parents and the vivid image of Vincenzo’s canine piercing into Ava’s neck evolved my mind. I couldn’t hold back the tears as I painfully sobbed myself to sleep, hoping for a temporary escape from my sorrows. If only for a fleeting moment, before I would awaken to face the harsh reality once again.

It wasn’t long after we went to sleep when I heard a loud thud at the door. At first, I thought about ignoring it, but the third knock made it clear that someone was at our door. I wanted to wake up Alma, but she was still fast asleep.

What’s happening? I whispered… Is this what she meant by “if we can wake up”? Are people getting killed at night?

A lot of questions were still swirling in my head when suddenly the door was forcefully knocked down, causing me to quickly look up. And to my utmost surprise, three big guys walked in with a gorgeous girl whose skin looked flawless and shiny.