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CHAPTER TWO
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2024-10-29 19:42:56"Why did I keep going to this dumb hunt?" she asked. Aric questioned himself while taking another sip from his cup of spiced blood.
When he looked around the room at the happy expressions on the other vampires' faces, he couldn't help but let out a sigh.He shook his head in disgust as he pushed a stray lock of his blonde hair out of his face and pushed it back behind his ear. Some hunters appeared to be dressed in the style of safari hunters from the human era, while others wore camouflage, and yet others wore shredded flannel shirts, jeans, and hiking boots. All of the hunters appeared to be in an absurd state of attire.The purpose of the hunt was to commemorate the anniversary of the vampires' victory over the human world with bloodshed.His hometown of Spokane, Washington, was one of the cities that hosted the hunt. Other cities' customs varied widely; for example, some cities openly slaughtered individuals in their city square, while others announced a public hunt in which any person found outside was fair game.Thirty different human beings were selected via a lottery mechanism and then taken from their homes. They were taken to the appointed arena, where they were let loose to be chased by the most elite vampires.It was expected of Aric, as the eldest son of the ruling family, that he would attend these gatherings and serve as the "face" of power to the other members of the vampire society.If only his younger siblings would consent to take on the role of responsible heir, then he would be able to quit doing the work that his father did and finally be somewhere else other than here, watching people get killed for sport.He turned around and heard a man behind him say, "Aric."As Aric turned around, he caught a glimpse of Moric, an old acquaintance of his father's who had recently taken up the practice of buying young teenage blood slaves and draining them empty in the span of fewer than 24 hours."Moric," Aric responded to the older vampire, extending his hand to shake, "how have you been?" Aric's grin was forced as he asked the question.In response, Moric tugged on the leash of his new pet humans while saying, "Well, my boy." "Before I make my next purchase, I wanted to hear your thoughts on my most recent acquisition."The young man moved forward with difficulty, his eyes seeming downcast.A small yellow tint could be seen in the boy's complexion, which led Aric to suspect that he was suffering from jaundice and malnutrition when he examined the boy.Moric remarked cynically, "He has an off flavor to him."Aric told the boy's mother, "Well, he has a small case of jaundice, and you should feed him more." As he spoke, the boy's chin was lifted by Aric's knuckles."Give him more food?" Moric inquired while examining the slave with contempt in his eyes. Since he consumes the same amount of food as the others, there is no reason to give him extra.It was obvious to anybody who looked at the young guy how ill he was, so Aric questioned why he needed to inform him that he was sick in the first place.Moric gave the child a simple roll of their eyes before turning and breaking his neck.The elderly man did not utter a single word as he reached down and removed the collar from the dead body."Waste not, want not," Moric muttered as he wrapped the leather thong around his fingers. "Waste not, want not." "To our great relief, the hunt is tonight. I may obtain a new pet in the wee hours of the morning."Aric watched as the older vampire abandoned the slave on the floor and walked away. The slave was treated like trash.It took every ounce of restraint Aric could muster to keep from ripping Moric's heart out of his chest and giving it to him to eat.He picked the boy's body carefully and carried it out of the dining hall, transporting him to the kitchens as he went. There, he gave the boy over to the kitchen slaves, confident that they would see to it that he was given a decent burial.After giving a polite nod of appreciation, Aric went back into the crowded hall feeling an even deeper loathing for himself and his race.Related chapters
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The moment the hunter blew his horn, the doors to our cages flew open, and we were let loose into the arena.The doors opened to reveal a pine forest blanketed in snow, and the limbs of the trees glistened like silver in the moonlight.When I looked at the ground, I realized it would be difficult to cover my footprints. There wasn't enough snow falling for it to cover my footprints.The drugged victims fell out of their cages and limped through the underbrush, making a mess of the freshly fallen snow while I was wasting time considering my alternatives.I took a few slow, deep breaths to settle my racing mind and formulate a strategy.Most of the others who hadn't been drugged had already escaped into the woods, leaving behind clear footprints that even a vampire who was blind could follow.I knew that if I followed one of the others into the forest and proceeded along the same path they had taken, I might conceal my escape. After I had traveled a sufficient distance into the bush, I
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Aric sat on a high tree branch at the edge of the arena, observing the others as they participated in the hunt by locating and killing the prey one after another.A fool who thought hiding in the cages would trick the hunters was the first to be caught and killed. This was a very expensive mistake.Not much time had passed when the second of the poisoned prey was finally brought down. She was fixated on the moonlight reflecting off the ice as it glistened on pine needles covered in frost.The prey was brought down one at a time. Some were executed swiftly, and their blood was drunk on the spot. Others were restrained, branded, and fitted with collars before being led out of the woods by their new masters.Aric watched everything going on with a visceral revulsion, and he detested that others of his type enjoyed participating in the blood sport.His attention was drawn to some movement along the boundary fence. When he got a better look, he noticed that one of the female prey was grabb
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I watched the vampire approach me, keeping my green eyes tightly shut and listening intently. As he moved, I could feel the force of his heavy tread cutting into the dirt.I worked hard to control my breathing and heartbeat, but I was frustrated that I couldn't burrow any further into the dirt. As things stood, all a vampire needed to do to identify me was staring at me from the appropriate perspective.When I heard the loud crash of something heavy through the trees above me, I didn't intend to make a sound, but I accidentally let out a gasp of surprise.I tried to slow down my suddenly quick breathing by covering my mouth with the dirt-covered hand I was holding, but the panic grew stronger.I was very certain that the vampire could hear my heart throbbing in my chest.After taking a chance and peeking over the corner, I noticed the shadow of the hunter approaching me.Another hunter suddenly materialized out of thin air and pulled me out of my hiding place by one arm. He lifted me
THE VICTIMS CHAPTER SIX
Healing Aric observed as the human's face became white in response to what he said.He ought to have been more mindful that she was not accustomed to following instructions, but this was a skill that she would need to acquire rapidly.He reiterated, pointing to the chair, "I said sit down and take off your top," but she did not budge from where she was sitting.As she moved to carry out his directions, she had a slight quiver in her bottom lip, and one of her shoulders hung lower than the other.While seated, she began a futile attempt to pull her shirt up over her head, gritting her teeth and biting her lip as she strained to move her damaged arm.Aric rushed to her aid after assessing the level of suffering she was experiencing, pleading with her to move quickly.Even though he could see the terror written all over her face as he approached, he didn't give a damn. Because time was of the essence, he had to determine the extent of her wounds as quickly as possible.He assisted her wi
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As the vampire picked me off the ground and carried me into the bathroom with one arm over my back and the other around my knees, I tried to stifle the rising panic washing over me.It didn't even look like he was using much effort to carry me, which was very strange."Flip the switch," the vampire said while pointing his head in the direction of a switch that was gold-plated.To comply with what I was told, I had to immediately shut my eyes to protect them from the brilliance that had begun to flood the room. In reality, the light illuminated both of the rooms. It appeared as though the bathroom had a closet that was connected to it and that closet was only partly stocked with clothes.Every square centimeter of the side of the bathroom was covered in gold or marble that had been polished. It was so huge that even the bathtub could accommodate three to four people.My master walked across the room and positioned me in front of a shower with glass walls before I could see much more of
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Aric had almost entirely forgotten about his new pet until he heard an unusual chattering sound. At that moment, he was drying himself off.Confused, he searched until he discovered his pet standing by herself in the shower, nude and shivering. She was attempting to rub some warmth into her arms while she stood dripping with water, her teeth chattering behind blue lips.Aric tucked his towel around his waist and walked to a cabinet across the room as he rolled his eyes and said under his breath about people's utter and complete idiocy. He wondered what he was going to do with a pet.Since he had just gotten rid of his previous pet, he had no desire or need for another animal companion.After pulling open one of the cabinet doors, he reached inside, grabbed a beautiful new towel, and then threw it to her before turning.He spat at her, "Dry yourself off before you catch a cold," as he felt the dawn approaching and realized that he was losing his strength. "The last thing I need is for
THE VICTIMS CHAPTER NINE
As I stood there taking in the sights of my new house, tears streamed freely down my cheeks. It was futile to continue hiding them now that it was established that I was being held captive.I had been so close to freedom, just moments away from it, but then I made one dumb mistake, and my opportunity was lost.My enclosure was spacious enough to stand up inside it without my head coming close to colliding with the bars positioned above me, but, given that I was barely five feet tall, this did not say very much.When I extended my arms in one direction, I could almost touch the bars, while the other direction afforded twice as much space.Turning, I stood there and watched as my new master staggered towards the bed like a drunk, barely making it there before lying motionless on top of the covers.My heart was trying to open up to worry, but I kept it from entering by repressing it. To me, it didn't matter if the vampire lived or died. It wasn't my fault unless you count the following:
THE VICTIMS CHAPTER TEN
Aric woke up with the stench of blood left to dry, itching at the tip of his nose.He blinked his eyes to clear the sleep from them and then glanced around for the source of the odor, attempting to recall whether or not he had left a cup of blood out for an excessive amount of time.Aric's eyes came to rest on the cage, and in an instant, his memories of the hunt came flooding back. This caused him to sit straight upright.As he got a closer look, he noticed that the cage was in a state of disorder, that the bed had been destroyed, that the mattress had been ripped up, and that there was a smell of blood everywhere.He sprang from the bed and hurried to the cage, where he quickly unbolted the door and kicked a piece of blood-stained wood out of the way.His companion animal was found snuggled up against the bars on the opposite side of the enclosure, blood and mattress stuffing caked all over her legs and hands.Aric was taken aback when she suddenly jerked her head up and stared inte
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The following morning, Liberty's mother came. She was saddened by the little details she knew about her daughter's ordeals, but overjoyed to learn that she was still alive. She embraced her daughter and her new husband, albeit with some reluctance.The newlywed couple's private apartment, located in a brand-new structure that Aric had selected as his seat of power, served as the setting for the day's festivities honoring them.The tower of suffering built by his father was going to be dismantled and lowered to the ground since this was already in the planning stages.Henry was given permission to transform Alfie, and a ceremony was arranged for them not long after his love awoke into his new existence not long after the ceremony was held for them.Two days after their hasty wedding ceremony, an announcement was made publically declaring the new Lord and Lady of the Northwest Territory. This notification was sent out by the law.Even though many of the lesser lords agreed with Lady Lea
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When Aric's mother glanced at her son, completely disregarding my presence in the room, I couldn't help but nibble the inside of my lip nervously.Aric began by giving my hand a firm squeeze before rising to his knees and bending over his mother. "Mother," he said, "You did come to me earlier and tell me that Liberty was concerned that I might become like my father, did you not?""Well," Lady Leanor started, no indication that she was ashamed or trying to be deceptive, "sure I did since that's what she said."Aric continued, his tone becoming increasingly agitated as he vented his frustration, "You also insinuated that she had merely been using me until she could find someone with more authority to go on to.""What?"Emily inquired as she abruptly jerked herself upright, interrupting the conversation as her eyes swept over her mother, her brother, and me."Because she did," Leanor yelled at me while directing her murderous glare in my direction. "She leaped at the chance to abandon y
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When Aric looked down into my eyes, he muttered, "I know you worry, and I promise that with you by my side, I can cope with everything."I drew his lips back to mine and whispered the words, "I love you."I needed to feel him against me now more than ever. As I reached up, I fumbled around frantically, trying to undo the buttons on his shirt, and I was almost in tears since it felt like such a challenge.At long last, I could get it out of the way and get a feel for the velvety smoothness of his chest beneath my palms.Aric's hands were fumbling at the hem of my own shirt, pushing it up and over my head as I heaved a sigh of relief.After he freed his lips from the cloth, he kissed a path down my chin, going agonizingly down my neck and finally latching on to my nipple after pressing the cup of my bra down.I couldn't help but sigh in contentment as I ran my hands through his thick hair and gently cradled his head in my arms.I murmured, "Aric," with a longing for buildup buried deep
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Aric's determination was almost shaken when he saw the agony in Liberty's eyes, but he managed to keep it together.If his mother's statement was accurate, he has been led to believe that she lied to him during their relationship. She has exploited her body to win his love and ensure her own future success.It seemed as though the evidence had been staring him in the face the whole time, didn't it?Because he had more authority, she ended up being his father's plaything, but as soon as that strategy backfired, she instantly found a way to get back into his bed.Aric muttered an expletive under his breath as he watched the woman who had once been his darling struggle to stand."Aric," she pleaded, tears streaming down her stunning face, "Aric, please, let me explain."While he had her by the shoulders and was choking her, he spat, "My mother explained enough." "You are more than a deceitful person who took advantage of me.""I never once exploited you," Liberty said under her breath as
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Liberty followed Lady Leanor into a cozy sitting area close to the office where Aric was working.Leanor stayed standing as she gazed down on the younger woman who had been chosen as the companion for her son and gestured for her to sit down."Are you hungry?"she enquired, noticing that she was beginning to feel hungry.Liberty said gently, "No, thank you," while wriggling uneasily under the inspection of the more experienced vampire.After nodding, Lady Leanor walked to the other side of the room and picked a blood bag out for herself. After ripping it apart, she transferred the blood-red liquid into a nearby cup before returning to her seat across from Liberty.Leanor couldn't help but emit a tiny giggle at the other woman's puzzled expression.Her voice was filled with mirth as she remarked, "I despise the taste those plastic bags leave behind in my mouth." "Call me old school, but if it's not coming directly from the vein, I prefer to drink it out of a cup," you can say that abou
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"My mum!" I said, startled to realize that since I had sent her the little letter, I hadn't given her a second thought.As I whirled around to face Aric in a state of terror, I could hardly get the words out.I choked out the words, "I have to get to her!" "I don't want her to learn from anybody else about what happened to me.I pleaded with him, "Please, Aric," as tears filled my eyes.He reached out to wipe the tears from my face as he said, "Of course, my darling. We can board the plane and be there in forty-five minutes."When I heard the word "plane," the recollection of the last time I had been on a plane with Lord Lothaire caused my legs' knees to weaken.When I started shivering because of the recollection, Aric grabbed me about the waist and held me close while he seemed to understand that he had made a mistake.Despite Januarius's gift of peace, the recollection horrified me. All the atrocities I'd been forced to endure at Lothaire's hands rushed through my mind as though th
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Aric's dispute with his mother continued until he discovered that Liberty was no longer in the area.As he looked around the room, he noticed that she was nowhere to be found at that point."Mother," he replied, holding out his hand to prevent her from offering yet another scathing response, "I am going to marry her regardless of what you think. I love her!""Love is not enough," Leanor said angrily in her response.A voice came behind them and said, "Love is enough."As Aric turned around, he noticed Liberty standing in the doorway, her chin lifted proudly over her chest.As she proceeded, she moved closer to Aric and intertwined her hand with his as she stood next to him. "Januarius informed me that our love was extraordinary," she said. "If he believes in us, then what gives you the right to doubt us?""I know you think you..." Leanor paused, staring at Liberty with a suspicious expression on her face. "I know you think you..." "Did you say Januarius talked to you?"Liberty said, "
