A gust of cold wind swept past, laced with moonlight.When I opened my eyes again, Samuel and I stood at the edge of a dark pine forest.Beneath our feet was damp, soft grass. In the distance rose an old manor draped in climbing roses.Spires, stained-glass windows, iron gates, gargoyles, and countless lights flickering to life in the darkness.The air smelled of roses, rain, and a faint trace of blood.I wasn't hurt.My legs were just a little shaky when I stood.Everyone passing by was deathly pale. Some carried black umbrellas, some wore gloves, some had crows perched on their shoulders, and tiny bat ears peeked out of more than one collar.Occasionally, someone dissolved into a dark blur across the rooftops before resuming human form.So the comic had been real all along.The vampires who noticed me didn't seem terribly surprised at the sight of a human.Their gazes lingered just a beat longer, carrying restrained curiosity and appraisal.Samuel noticed my confusion and explained.
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