HERE I AM, SITTING ON THE EDGE OF Chloe's bed, holding her soft hand in mine. My thumb is moving in small, soothing circles on her smooth skin. Her chest rises and falls, almost like gentle waves on a tranquil shore, and I can just barely hear the faintest whisper of breath as it escapes her slightly parted lips. Even in sleep, her face bears a hint of sadness, a look that reminds me of a sorrowful princess from a storybook. Honestly, I feel like the bad guy in her story. The one who caused trouble and left destruction in his wake. Without warning, her eyelids begin to flutter, and a rush of panic surges through me, hitting me with the force of a shot of espresso. "Please, don't wake up," I beg silently, my muscles tensing up like an overstretched rubber band. I'm perched right by her bedside, face way too close to hers for comfort, especially considering what I did to her. The sight of my bite mark standing out on her skin like an ugly billboard screaming "GUILTY!" has me sweating
A NURSE STRIDES INTO THE ROOM, and I instantly feel some of the tension leaving my body. She's got this fiery red hair that's pulled back in a no-nonsense bun and a smile that could make even the grumpiest person crack a grin. Her white uniform crinkles as she moves, and there's this clean, sharp smell of disinfectant that seems to follow her around. As she starts getting to work on Chloe, poking and prodding her with injections, I have to turn away. I mean, the last thing I need right now is to get a glimpse of blood and have my inner vampire go crazy like a teenager at their first big concert. No, thank you! After the nurse sets up the IV drip, she gives us a quick nod and heads out of the room, her shoes making little squeaking on the linoleum floor, like a choir of excited mice. Just as the door closes, it reopens, and Winter and Scarlett burst in, their faces lit up with excitement. "Angel Gabriel!" they exclaim in unison, and I can't help but smile. Scarlett wraps me in a qu
A BRIGHT WARMTH PRESSES against my eyelids, and as I pry them open, two giant boots come into view, like a pair of angry bulls staring me down. Before I can make sense of what's happening, a rough hand grabs me by the collar and lifts me off the ground as if I'm nothing but a stuffed toy. A groggy moan escapes my lips, but a sharp pain on my backside shocks me awake, and I howl like a coyote caught in a trap. Any trace of sleep vanishes as my eyes focus on the face of a man so red and furious, he could put a ripe tomato to shame. His bushy eyebrows merge into a single, menacing line above narrowed eyes, his round nose flaring with each angry breath, and his thick mustache bristling like an agitated hedgehog. My head snaps around, my eyes desperately taking in the familiar sights – I'm still in the bar! Guess I nodded off after helping myself to a hefty portion of the guy's liquor supply. No wonder he's angrier than a disturbed wasp nest! As the man proceeds to spank me with the f
THERE I AM, A FISH OUT OF WATER — or, more accurately, a Victorian-era kid in a modern high school. Trying to fit in with the humans feels as difficult as playing cricket with a cactus. But that’s an entirely different story. Finally, the school day ends. I sit in the back seat of a taxi, gazing out the window, lost in thoughts about Vivaldi. Suddenly, the car radio's dull hum becomes captivating — the kind of voice you’d stop and listen to even during a pie-eating contest. "Breaking news," the radio announces. My eyes widen in surprise since I’m not the type to get excited about news or technology — in fact, phones, TVs, and gadgets used to bore me, at least until I discovered Vivaldi watching the news. I've become a news junkie ever since that fateful day I discovered Vivaldi watching the news. If not for that, I'd be blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding in Shadowvale. Now, I'm hooked on every report, no matter how dull they seem. The reporter's smooth voice flows from the
IT'S ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS WHEN the moon hangs big and round like a giant silver coin against the dark canvas of the sky. The cool night air prickles my skin as I lay sprawled on the empty road, gazing up at the glowing orb above. My arms and legs sweep across the rough asphalt, as if forming a snow angel on the chilly ground. My mind races like a cheetah, dreading the miserable time I'll soon face in that awful cave. Before locking myself away for a month of werewolf madness, I've got some last-minute errands to run for my growling stomach. Just as I'm about to get up, bright headlights light up the road, catching me in their glare. A car zooms towards me, its engine growling like an angry lion. I squeeze my eyes shut, bracing for the impact. But instead of the painful collision, a loud SCREECH pierces the air as the car skids to a stop, just inches away from turning me into a vampire pancake. I let out a sigh of relief, but it's short-lived as the car door slams shut with a BANG. Hur
CASPER'S VOICE THUNDERS through the cave. "WHERE IS FIONA?" he bellows, his demand reverberating off the cavern walls. I let out a sigh of relief—at least it's not the hunters!—before donning my best poker face. "Fiona? Who the heck is that?" I ask, feigning ignorance. Casper's eyes narrow, his icy gaze boring into me. "You don't wanna piss me off, Vivaldi," he warns, sounding like a low-budget mafia boss. Before I can come up with another clever retort, he whips out a shotgun, its polished metal glinting menacingly in the moonlight. "Whoa, whoa, whoa there, Snow Boy!" I yelp, alarm bells ringing in my head like a fire drill. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Ignoring my protests, Casper proceeds to crack open the chamber of his shotgun with a dramatic flourish. The hinges creak, the sound echoing through the cave and sending a shiver down my spine. "I'm about to send you on a one-way trip to the underworld if you don't tell me where she is," Casper growls. My throat t
AS I STROLL UP TO FIONA'S HOUSE for the second time that day, I ring the doorbell and am greeted by Fiona's mom, her hair piled in a haphazard bun and the distinct aroma of charred lasagna permeating the air. "Well, hello there, Casper!" she exclaims, her eyes glittering with a blend of anticipation and mild desperation. "It's wonderful to see you again." I muster up a smile and nod, doing my best concerned-friend impersonation, all the while marveling at how this woman seems completely oblivious to her daughter's disappearance. She ushers me inside, practically radiating enthusiasm, and I can't shake the feeling that she's secretly hoping I'm Fiona's mysterious boyfriend. "Oh, Casper," she confides, "I'm so relieved Fiona has someone like you looking out for her. You know, I've been worried she might be... well... a lesbian! I mean, she never brings boys home, so I figured..." I do my best to keep my eyebrows from shooting up in surprise. This lady is really something, sharing her
I'M SEATED ON MY GRAND PIANO, which stands like a proud centerpiece in the living room, my fingers prancing and twirling over the gleaming keys. I can't help but feel that a musical spirit's taken hold of them, transforming my emotions into a symphony so sweet that even Beethoven would shed a tear. Beneath my feet, the pedals respond to my touch like obedient little puppies, eager to please. This piano, with its sleek curves and perfect keys, feels like it was custom-made for me – my very own music-making superhero suit. As my fingers keep dancing, my mind wanders back to the days when this old mansion was my personal prison, and the piano – then a creaky old geezer – was my only friend. But after Winter rescued me, my once Renaissance mansion got a facelift, magically transforming to blend in with houses of the modern world. And so did my piano. It received the ultimate upgrade. I can't help but smile at the memory of the piano's old, creaky self. Just as I'm completely lost in t
~Casper's POV~“CASTOR, FOR CHRIST SAKE, don't listen to this him,” Scarlett begs, her voice laced with desperation, but Castor just rolls his eyes at her pleas. He fixes his steely gaze on me, and time slows down as he begins folding his sleeves up like a boss. After he's done, he cracks his knuckles, the sound echoing through the air like a challenge. “I dare you to repeat what you said, you punk,” he sneers.I feel Chloe's grasp on my hand, her eyes telling me to ignore the temptation, to not take the bait. Scarlett tries to move towards me, but Castor pulls her to himself, manhandling her like a rag doll. I grit my teeth at the sight, my anger boiling over.So, this is what Scarlett goes through with this guy? Well, my presence is about to change that. Scarlett and Winter aren't just friends; they're the closest thing I have to family. After a century of being alone, they're the ones who make me feel human again. They saved me when I was at my lowest, and now it's my turn to retur
~Casper's POV~I'M SITTING HERE, PRETENDING TO BE OBLIVIOUS, nodding along like a bobblehead, and forcing out silly fake laughs. Meanwhile, my mind is a jumbled mess of emotions, a war zone of worries, and a circus of crazy thoughts.Scarlett and Chloe are yapping away, completely clueless about the turmoil brewing inside me. They're discussing the “super cops” – aka WVH – and the destructive windstorm that ripped through town like a bad haircut. I'm showing sympathy, making supportive noises, and sipping my tea, all while my brain is preoccupied with Winter. Those piercing blue eyes of hers have me twisted in knots – the fear that flickers in her eyes whenever she looks at me. It's like a punch to the gut, and a slap in the face all rolled into one.Will she ever look at me the same way again? Or will she expose me to Scarlett, ruining the one friendship that's kept me sane since my release from the mansion? The thought alone is enough to drive me crazy, to push me over the edge, and
I'M SITTING IN MY DESK, HALFWAY through a physics lesson, when I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I twist around to see a beautiful girl, her features as delicate as a porcelain doll's. She's got captivating emerald eyes, framed by impossibly long, dark lashes, and a button nose that suits her heart-shaped face perfectly. Her golden locks cascade over her shoulders like a silken waterfall. Her soft pink lips part slightly as she leans in, a hint of rose-scented perfume teasing my senses. In a hushed, musical voice, she whispers, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but your girlfriend wanted me to give you this note." Her voice is so low I have to strain to catch every word, but her crystal-clear tone reminds me of a tinkling bell. My brows crease in confusion at the mention of a girlfriend. As far as I know, I don't have one! But I set aside that mystery for now and nod a silent thanks to the girl, turning my attention back to the droning teacher. Her slender fingers brush mine, soft as v
WHEN I AWOKE, AN EERIE SILENCE filled the room. I cautiously surveyed my surroundings, taking in the horrific scene before me. Agatha's lifeless body sprawled across the floor, and DeAndre lay nearby, his heart torn from his chest. Ignoring the grotesque dead vampires and Werewolves, I rushed to the ornate window where Cassius would often gaze out. My heart sank as I took in the sight of hundreds of lifeless bodies scattered across the grounds. Tears stung my eyes, and I fell to my knees, sobbing at the realization that my master lay among them. "No!" I cried, unwilling to accept the truth before me. Desperate for a closer look, I bolted for the front door, only to find myself teleported back to the living room. Confused and distraught, I tried every possible exit—doors, windows, any opening I could find—but each attempt only brought me back to the same spot. Defeated and devastated, I slumped to the floor, my cries echoing through the mansion. Suddenly, a cold hand grasped my l
"YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOU KNEW caspian and Dante, like, in the flesh?" Vivaldi's voice trembles with disbelief. "Yes, I knew them like the back of my hand," I confirm, watching his reaction carefully. "Oh my god!" Vivaldi exclaims, ruffling his hair frantically as if trying to rid himself of an infestation. His laughter rings with a manic edge, and before I can process his erratic behavior, he backhands me across the face. The force of the blow nearly knocks me off my stool, and I growl through clenched teeth, my pain and anger burning in my eyes. "I'm sorry," he apologizes hastily, seeing the rage in my expression. "But where the hell have you been my whole fucking life? All this time, everyone kept telling me that Caspian died without passing on the power of the First Blood. But my desperation for a cure made me hold onto hope, even when there seemed to be none." Vivaldi's eyes bore into mine, demanding answers. "No more secrets, right? So tell me, where did you go after Caspian's
IN THE BAR, GLASSES CLINK, AND echoes with lively chatter. Casper and I raise our glasses, toasting amidst the boisterous voices."How can I lift your spirit, Mr. Vivaldi?" Casper asks, eyes fixed on my troubled gaze. Tipping my scotch glass, I savor the smoky scent before downing it in one fiery gulp. The burn rushes down my throat as I set the glass back on the counter with a gentle clink.Casper follows suit, his face twisting in pain, gasping for air. Hand pressed against his chest, he tries to douse the flames within. I lean in, worry etched on my brow."You okay, man?" I ask, concern ringing in my voice.Raising a shaky hand to halt me, Caspers wheezes, "Do I look okay?" His voice strained from the effort.I shrug, humor sparkling in my gaze. "Casper, how can you not handle something so devilishly smooth?" I joke, eyeing the half-empty bottle's amber liquid.He gives me an incredulous look, chest heaving. "How do you drink that without your insides burning to a crisp?"I can't h
BARRINGTON TAKES A DEEP BREATH, his gaze fixed on the phone number displayed on the screen before dialing it. He fidgets with his pen, anxiety building as the line rings. When the call connects, he smiles as he hears the voice on the other end."Hello and good afternoon! Am I speaking with Mr. Flynt?""Yes, who is this and how may I help you?"Barrington clears his throat, trying to sound as official as possible. "Ahem... This is Barrington Jackson, calling from Shadowvale's police department.""Barrington, as in the chief of police?"Barrington can't help but puff up a bit with pride. "Yes, that's right.""Oh, wow! For real? Long time, man..."Barrington grins. "Yeah, it's been a while. How have you been?""I'm good, I'm good. And you? Still keeping the streets of Shadowvale safe, huh?"They chat for a while, catching up on old times. But Barrington knows he has a purpose for this call, so he eventually steers the conversation towards it."Listen, I hope you don't mind me asking, but
I’M SLOWLY WAKING UP, RUBBING the sleep from my eyes, when I notice a small, mysterious figure sitting on an armchair across from me. Their tiny legs are crossed, and they're holding this huge book that covers their entire face. I can’t make out their features, but I know exactly who it is.I manage to croak out, "What are you doing in my room?", my voice still heavy with sleep as I struggle to sit up.There’s a moment of silence, but then, BAM! The book snaps shut with a thunderous sound, revealing none other than Vivaldi. His bright, curious eyes peer out at me from behind these round, wire-rimmed glasses I've never seen him wearing before. His raven black hair is all ruffled, like he’d just rolled out of bed.With an excited pitch in his voice, Vivaldi exclaims, "You're awake, Snow Boy!" His enthusiasm is unmistakable, as he questions, "How was Dreamland?"All I can do in response is roll my eyes, not feeling up to dealing with Vivaldi's eccentricities.So, Vivaldi's expression tur
CHIEF OFFICER BARRINGTON STEPS into his father's home, his boots announcing his arrival with each squeak against the tiles. He finds Norman, his father, in his favorite armchair, a cup of Earl Grey tea steaming at his side.Norman raises his gaze, his eyes crinkling with warmth as a smile etches itself upon his weathered face. "Well, look who it is—my favorite son," he quips, rising from his chair with a soft groan.A chuckle escapes Barrington as he wraps his father in a warm embrace. "I'm your only son, Dad," he reminds him with a grin.Norman steps back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "That's exactly why you're my favorite."The two men sit on the couch, and Norman asks the maid to bring an extra cup so they can share tea. Barrington thanks his father, takes a sip of the tea, and feels its warmth radiate through his chest as he relishes the comforting taste of home."Dad, you truly make the best tea in all of Shadowvale and beyond," Barrington compliments, his appreciation eviden