BITTEN BY THE VAMPIRE.

Chapter: 7

*****

JOHN:

I had woken up that morning, tired but somewhat fulfilled. My entire day had been filled with giddiness in my steps as I went about the fish market delivering orders to buyers. It was a successful sales day as the fish were almost sold out within the first few hours. I tried to stay out of my father's sight to avoid being sent on an errand immediately after sales, and I managed to do so.

After lunch with the family, I discreetly left the gathering and made my way to the Dock to retrieve my toolbox before heading towards the cave.

The day was beautiful as usual, with vibrant green trees and a peaceful atmosphere that nature offers. Birds sang overhead while ducks and their ducklings splashed in the water, creating a lively scene. Despite spending the past few days at sea, it wasn't until that moment that I truly felt the summer heat. Breathing in the fresh air, I smiled as birds fluttered past me, and I closed my eyes, taking in the serene surroundings.

To avoid any prying eyes, I took a different path to the cave. Though my father seemed indifferent to my sudden happiness, I knew he was observant and would eventually uncover my secret. I needed to act quickly and bury the vampire before he discovered it. Passing by the river, I noticed a small frog jumping off a boulder into the stream just a few meters ahead. I paused to watch its graceful movements before continuing on my way, a faint smile on my lips.

This was a time when I often noticed the little things that others might miss. The water flowed smoothly over its stone bed, shimmering like gemstones under the sunlight. Small stones sparkled along the path leading to the cave entrance as I walked through the grassy clearing. To my right, I saw several men working on repairing a large rock near the mouth of another cave, and I wondered if they had just arrived or if this was part of their routine.

Regardless, it was evident that these men were skilled as they manipulated the rocks to reveal new formations underneath. The clanging of their hammers echoed through the air, the sound of metal meeting rock. It momentarily unsettled me, as it was rare to encounter others in this part of the jungle. Whatever their purpose, I decided it was best to ignore them. I hoped they wouldn't venture into my cave, as that could disturb the resting place of the vampire.

Entering the cave swiftly, I hurried to the stone slab where I had left the dead vampire the day before. To my relief, he remained undisturbed. I unpacked my tools, adding a few more items for digging. Removing my shirt, I knelt and began to dig.

The first hour passed peacefully, with only the distant sounds of the men working outside reaching my ears. The wet sand made my arm muscles ache as I dug deeper. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until I felt a sharp pain in my neck. My life seemed to slip away slowly as the vampire boy clung to me like a snake suffocating its prey. The metallic scent of blood overwhelmed my senses as he tore into my flesh. Gasping for air, I screamed in agony as he fed on me. Suddenly, he recoiled and began retching, expelling all the blood he had taken from me as if it were poison to him. He continued retching until there was nothing left.

As he slumped back, his body went limp, resembling a corpse left undisturbed for too long. His once-pale skin now bore a ghastly blue hue, reminiscent of decaying flesh. My stomach churned, and I instinctively recoiled, blood dripping down my neck and chest. I sat there motionless, watching the vampire boy who remained still after expelling the blood he had consumed from me. Fear gripped me once more as the realization dawned on me.

I could have died.

He could have killed me.

"Fudge!" I exclaimed, quickly grabbing my shirt and tools. I need to get out of here. There was no way I was going to stay a moment longer with this vampire. This was the closest brush with death I had ever experienced, all because I was trying to bury him, thinking he was already dead. "Crap!" I muttered, rushing out of the cave as if my life depended on it.

"Hungry..."

I heard him whisper, his voice feeble, tugging at my frightened heartstrings. But he tried to kill me. Why should I even consider helping him?! I thought, yet I found myself unable to move another step. Curse my compassionate nature. I turned back to see him gazing at me, his eyes captivating. His crimson irises with slit pupils and hints of black resembled the night sky or a stormy ocean, both equally mesmerizing. His facial features were oddly attractive, with subtly protruding cheekbones, a slightly pointed nose, and a chin. It was intriguing.

Those eyes, those beautiful crimson eyes exuding a soft glow and depth unexpected of a vampire boy. He blinked, seemingly puzzled by my gaze, perhaps thinking there was something amiss with him. I, too, was perplexed by my fascination. After all, how else was I supposed to feel after he nearly tore out my throat? You're a vampire... the first one I've been this close to, and you might be even more dangerous than any we've encountered before! The words I wanted to say to him, yet I found myself incapable of speaking. He coughed and winced, his throat likely sore from the violent regurgitation.

"Hungry...," he repeated, sounding sorrowful. His words caught me off guard, as I hadn't heard him speak before. Yet, hearing him speak again stirred something in my heart. Then he added, "You taste... good... like the night sky, but poisonous. I couldn't ingest your blood, my body rejected it. I'm sorry for biting you and causing you fear.”

I blushed at the unexpected compliment, and then the realization of its implications struck me. If his body hadn't rejected my blood, he would have drained me dry and then apologized to my lifeless body afterward. I need to leave! My mouth opened, but instead of words, I blurted out the only thing that came to mind. "I've never seen anyone so beautiful." Instantly regretting my words, I cringed. I could almost sense him chuckling at my awkward comment.

An awkward silence settled between us. My cheeks burned brighter, and I averted my gaze as embarrassment flooded through me. Then, a giggle escaped him. Oh, gods, please make it stop, I silently pleaded as I sighed heavily. Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, at least he didn't label me a freak. I glanced down at the ground, then back up to meet his eyes, only to find him resting with closed eyes against the rock. A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.

He truly is captivating.

The silence lingered, becoming awkward once more. Should I wait for him to awaken? He mentioned hunger... twice! Since he couldn't consume my blood, what else could he eat? I pondered this question as I set down my toolbox and stepped out of the cave. The gentle rustling of the wind through the leaves and flowers seemed louder now, filling the silence. I listened intently to the soothing melody it created, my ears perking up at the delicate sound. Remembering that the previous vampires had fed on livestock, I wondered if offering him animal blood would suffice.

Lost in thought, I stared out at the forest, contemplating my next move. Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes behind me made me turn around. A brown rabbit dashed frantically toward the forest, and an idea struck me. I decided to follow the rabbit as it disappeared into the thicket, venturing deeper into the dark and dense forest. The forest floor was littered with fallen branches and plants, making my progress challenging. However, aside from fishing, I always found hunting enjoyable.

I hoped he would accept rabbit blood.

As I made my way through the forest, the shadows grew longer, and the light faded. The air grew cooler, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures filled the air. Finally, I spotted the rabbit, crouching low to the ground. With a swift motion, I caught the rabbit and swiftly drained some of its blood into a small container.

Returning to the cave, I cautiously approached the vampire boy, offering him the container of warm rabbit blood. "I hope this will satisfy your hunger," I said softly. He opened his eyes, a flicker of gratitude in his gaze. Slowly, he reached for the container, sipping the blood cautiously. As he drank, I watched, hoping that this act of kindness would forge a bond between us, rather than fear and hostility.

In that moment, as he savored the rabbit's blood, I realized that perhaps there was more to this vampire boy than meets the eye. And as the night enveloped us in its embrace, I knew that our fates were intertwined in ways I could not yet comprehend.