Silver Fang 2

Daira cooked Randolph’s food. Played with him whenever he wished. She taught him math, Science, history, and what it means to be a vampire. Before she realized seven years had passed. Randolph didn’t make things easy for her.

Randolph’s room was built like a hotel suite for little boys. One section was a mini class for one. Daira paced around the room, reading out loud about the first vampire king, Dracula. She noticed his look of boredom. “Is there something wrong, Young Master?”

“Can we take a break?” He asked.

“In two more hours.”

Randolph’s head dropped onto the desk with a thump. “Ugh! I read that kids my age go to school to learn. Can I go there?”

Daira closed the book.” I’ve told you many times already. It’s not a place for our kind.”

Randolph grumbled

Daira sighed. “If you really want to take a break, then answer this question. What is-”

“How about I ask you questions instead?” asked Randolph.

“Not now,” said Daira.

“How did you turn into a vampire?”

“I’ve already told-”

“How come you and Alina hate each other?”

“That is-”

“How long have you known my mother?”

She glared at him across the room. Randolph stared back with an impish grin. She would not let him get away with it. He’s going to learn something.

Outside the window, she saw the gates open for a black limousine. The Master has returned.

“How about we exercise for a bit?”

Randolph insisted they play hide and seek. Daira agreed, but his fun was short-lived because she found him within seconds.

Daira lifted the bed. “I found you.”

Randolph looked at her with a pout. “This the tenth time! How did you find me so fast!?”

“Do you really want to know?” She suppressed her smile with a calm expression. “Come with me.”

Their feet steps vibrated against the training room’s white diamond floor. At the far back, swords, daggers, and bows hung on the wall. Not all of them were real, those stuck forever to be used for decoration, but the young master didn’t know that.

“Pick one and we will begin,” said Daira

Randolph hesitated but grab a dagger.

“As you know, all vampires have a single special ability they are born with. Mine is hypnotism. The Master can see the aura of every living thing, regardless if it’s hidden or not.”

“Can you do that too?”

“Yes, because he taught me, but I can’t see as far as he can or for very long.” She untied her bow and wrapped it around her eyes. “Try to attack me.”

Everything went black and white. Lines formed into an outline of Randolph’s dagger. The young master became a figureless body of light blue.

“This doesn’t seem fair,” said Randolph.

“Don’t expect anyone to fight fair. Now come on.”

The Young Master lunged forward, aiming for the side of her black dress. She sidesteps to the right. He rushed toward her again and again. She moved as if she were dancing around him.

“I give up.” He said with a heavy breath.

It was a good thing he was tired because she was already at her limit. “Do you wish to learn this ability?” she asked.

“Yeah! show me how. Please!”

Daira’s ears twitched. “There’s only one person who can teach you this.” She glanced at the entrance.

The doors slammed open. The Master walked in, his white-collared shirt unbuttoned at his chest and rolled-up sleeves.

“What do we have here?”

“We were just about to train.”

Randolph turned to his father, then at Daira. “You planned this!”

Despite The Master’s deep frown, his eyes sparkled. “I see. I will take care of my son’s training. Good job, Daira.

She paused for a moment, then bowed slightly. “Thank you, Master.”

“Wait! I want-” Randolph froze under his father’s gaze.

“In the meantime, go get the first aid kit. I don’t believe there is one in this room.”

“Yes, master.”

Daira tilted her head down as she hurried out of the room. Her face cracked, beaming.

On her return, she caught the sweet scent of blood coming from the training room. Her tongue crossed her lips.

When she entered. The smell burst. She covered her mouth and nose.

“Is something wrong?” Ask the Master by the door.

She put down her hand, and the scent filled her nose and mouth. Her mind cried blood, blood, blood. “It’s nothing. Is the Young Master all right?”

“Shallow cuts, but I will treat him.”

She gave him the first aid kit. The Master closed the door behind him. Her mouth fell open and drool dripped out. Her body screamed. I want his blood!!!

Doing things for the Young Master became increasingly difficult. She often stared at his blood vessels and imagined tearing his skin to reach them. She stayed away from him as much as possible. She stopped playing with him and gave him assignments to replace his lessons. All the while fueling his frustration.

“This is as far as you go!” Daria grabs a seven-year-old boy by the arm. He struggles, but she forced him to look into her eyes. His body relaxed, and she carried him to his mother and father.

“Forget you were here and head back to town together,” Daria commanded. She pointed them toward town.

The bushes rustled. Daria moved to the sound in a flash and stood in front of Randolph.

“Young master!”

Randolph jumped. “Daira! I was just-” His eyes shuffled to the humans. “Where are those people going?”

The man and women held the child’s hand on both sides, hypnotized. They seemed happy.

“To a town far from the forest.”

Randolph's voice trembled, “I want… I want to go into town.”

“You can not. The Master forbids it. We will return to the castle.”

“The castle... I’m sick of being in the castle! He yelled. “Why can’t I go into town?! Meet kids my age? Why must I stay in the castle?!”

Daria stood firm to keep herself calm. “It’s for your own good, Young Master.”

He moved closer to her and glared. A ten-year-old boy who had the imposing pressure as the Master. For a moment, Daira couldn’t breathe.

“Daira. I am your master. And I command you to take me into town.”

How dare you! How dare this boy talk to me this way? One little bite, one bite to suck the life right out of him. Her inner voice let out a beastly growl. Her eyes fixed on the Young Master’s neck. She imagined ripping into it.

“NO!” she thought. She stepped away, bowed, and covered her mouth.

Randolph stunned. “Stop it!”

“I understand,” said Daira.

Her desire roared within for the young master’s blood. She shook her head. The Young Master showed her his pride. Soon he won’t be a child anymore, but there was still more for him to learn.

She thought hard for a minute. If he will not listen. Then she must show him.

The way out of the forest was a straight path, but fog became thicker, like walking in a cloud. The trees and plants were no longer visible. Randolph followed Daira close to not get lost. The Young Master’s heartbeat echoed. She couldn’t tell if it was from fear, excitement, or both.

“We are here.” She Announced.

Randolph stared into the mist in front of her. “There’s nothing here.”

“Do you wish to see for yourself?” she gestured her hand toward the mist, edging him forward.

He looked confused, but with caution stepped toward it. He disappeared into the cloud, then reappearing, facing Daira. His eyes grew. “What?” He turned around and went back into the mist, only to appear again in front of Daira. Her face was expressionless. His voice shuck. “Daira... What’s going on?”

“With all due respect, Young Master. You are a half-breed. And half breeds can’t go wherever they want.” Her face warped into a smile. “Because who knows what will happen to them if they do.”

She tackled him to the ground, ripped his shirt, and readied herself for her feast. She didn’t hear him scream. Feel him pushing her and pulling her hair. Her fangs touched his skin.

A hand grabbed the back of her head.

“Watch closely, my boy. This is how we handle treacherous vampires.”

The furious breath on her neck. The terror on the young master’s face broke into tears. Don’t look away. This is what she thought before the world turned black.

“Father, stop! Please stop! Daira will die!”

“Calm down, I will not kill her. This is punishment.”

“But, but it’s my fault she…”

“Did you know she craved your blood?”

“But I never thought…”

“Randolph.”

He flinched.

“You will care for Daira while she recovers.”

“Yas, Father.”

“And know this. You may leave, but you must prove to me you can protect yourself. If not, this castle will forever be your home and your cage.”

“... Yes. Father.”