Thirst For Blood.

In a twinkle of an eye, Lucian hands swipes my legs off the ground with his hands supporting my back as he carries me like the prince did to Cinderella, his gaze intense and giving “hold me tight.” look, he zooms off. 

He navigates paths so fast in darkness, swiping through leaves and branches. The figures— attackers are equally fast but not as fast as Lucian. Knives and arrows are sent towards him but he ducks them as if he knew their target. 

“Hold tight Aria, I'm taking a big jump.” He warns beforehand. Being chased by unknown figures in the dark, while being in the hands of an ancient Vampire was not in my bingo card for this sophomore year but here we are. My life was literally a movie. 

His warning barely escaped his lips before he moved, one powerful leap that separated us from the ground. My stomach dropped, the world spinning beneath us, and fear grasped me.

But his arms were iron like around me, unyielding, safe. Terrifying as it was, I knew nothing could touch me while I was in his hold.

Still, I stole a glance. The wind swept his hair back, shadows carving his features into something unreal. Handsome. Perfect. Dangerous. And in that moment, I couldn’t tell if my heart was racing from fear… or from him.

From what felt like seconds, he dropped me off in front of my dorm room. 

“You're safe now.” He reassured me as he ran his fingers from my forehead down to the bridge of my nose. 

“And you? Are you safe?” 

“Don't worry about me, I know my way around these people.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek and as he was about to take his leave. I stopped him with a question. 

“Do you know who those were?” he paused. Not saying anything for thirty seconds and then he replied. 

“Old Friends. Nothing much.” 

“Why did they—” he disappeared, not letting my words come through. Looking around like I just  a committed murder in order to make sure no one was watching, I made entrance to my room.  

****

Dressed and glossed up like I didn’t just almost get attacked yesterday and saved by a vampire, I left for classes. My life was unbelievable even if I tried explaining it to someone. My friends and I had our classes and for once, it felt like a normal day after my encounter with Lucian. 

“Aria, can you come over to watch our cheerleaders practice?” my friend asked. I didn't want to reject her offer, but these last few days haven't been easy  for me and I have a lot of assignments to be done. 

“Sorry Wema, I can't. I'm occupied with assignments. Don't worry I will make it up to you.” I held her hands in reassurance. My conscience was flogging me already. 

“I'm done eating, who is with me to the library?” I asked not because I couldn't go alone but I needed company at least. Fortunately many wanted to visit the library, turns out I was not the only one with bulky assignments. 

“Aria, what are you wearing to the masked party?” one of my friends asked in whispers to avoid being given a penalty card. 

“I don't know Eva, I'm still thinking about that, you?” 

“I'm ready. My dress looks amazing, I can't wait to show you guys." Even in her whispers the excitement was still evident. The masked party is a school's party, authorised by the school and planned by students. It's just basically a party with the theme of hidden identity, beautiful dresses, vibrant colours and good music. 

People never failed to make out, carry out pranks, talk to their crush and even sabotage teachers desks and school properties, that's what made it fun. I was excited too because I loved carrying out pranks on students like JENNA. 

Everyone was focused on their assignments, readings and research for an hour and half until Ethan decided to make his entry. 

“Sorry I'm late, I was busy at the principal's office.” He said that as if he was never always late to reading sessions. 

“You need to come up with a better lie Ethan.” I whispered to his ears as he sat beside me. 

“I'm not lying Aria. I was actually at her office.” 

“Doing what exactly?” I asked. He looked at me, not able to talk as if he was about choking on his own words. 

“See? Come. Up. With. A. Better. Lie.” I poked his body at every word teasing him, we shared a laugh then kept out cool to avoid the Strict library woman and her penalty card. 

Everybody was engrossed in their books, when I started feeling weird. I was hungry, not for food but for blood. Everybody's blood smelt so good, like a good plate of chicken fried rice. 

My vision doubled and dizziness took over me so fast. I could hear heartbeats but not mine, literally everybody's heart beats echoed in my ears. My hands and legs were tweaking as if I was going through a seizure. I clutched at my book as the room spinned. 

Everybody's face was filled with concern and worries. Ethan asked “Aria are you okay?” and immediately it's as if the library echoed that question. I lurched to my feet and sprinted for the bathroom. 

Panting heavily as I closed the door behind me. I rushed to the sink, letting the tap run as I rinsed my face with water. 

“What’s happening to me? I'm I a monster? Vampire?” questions raced through my mind and in no time, the door swung open. Ethan walked in. 

“Aria, you are not okay. You need to see the school nurse.” 

“Don't worry Ethan, I'm totally fine. It's just…” 

“It's just nothing Aria. I'm taking you to the nurse.” He grabbed my hand as he dragged me to the school nurse. 

****

It was the day of the masked party, held at the school's hall. The music blasted through the hall windows, loud cheers and conversations filled the hall.

 I slipped in a white gown, simple yet elegant. The type of gown that made me believe I could qualify for a Bridgerton ball. My beautifully crafted mask was the center of all, ‘ the drama’ for a moment. It felt like I was stepping in another person's story. 

“Hey Aria. How are you doing?” Jenna greeted me. I don't know what she was expecting that I won't recognise her? Duh it was Jenna, I was able to tell it was her through her sarcastic voice and ‘queen b’ walk. 

“I'm good and you?” putting up my best fake smile as we hugged each other. She strode off. I bet what her intention was for this casual greeting, it can't be genuine. 

My friends were still able to tell it was me and I was not surprised because I was very bad at role play. We all held our drinks on the dance floor, discussing and spilling some real gossip when the hunger kicked in again. This time it came twice as bad as when you haven't eaten the whole day up till the next day. 

Dizziness took over me instantly, my glass of wine left my hand and dropped to the floor shattering to pieces, drawing attention to where I was standing. 

“Aria are you okay?” my friends said in unison as they circled me to know what they could do to help. The smell of their blood, how I felt their blood circulating through their veins and the curiosity of how good it could taste, I was just at the peak of committing homicide. 

Breaking through the circle, I ran to the bathroom and closed it behind me. I ran to the mirror looking at the beast I was becoming. Goosebumps filled my body, fangs started growing out and my eyes glowed red. 

“Aria?” The door swung wide open as Ethan ran in with concern all over his face. He walked closer, stretching his hand to touch my shoulder. I turned grabbing his shirt as I sank my fangs into his neck letting my hunger take the best of me. 

Ethan dropped unconscious before me, my cloth soaked in blood only to look up and I saw Jenna, she was filming.