I stood on the steps of the high school waiting to see someone I knew. It was the first day of school, everyone had already found their little groups, but I stood aside like an outcast. I was always the outcast. A summer breeze gently blew across my ankles, flaring up my white satin skirt and turning my hair into a twisted mess of chocolate fibers. I took one last look at the crowd before I started off. The last bell rang. The other students rushed off to their classes, but I took my time and enjoyed the empty halls. I finally found my classroom and slipped into one of the seats in the back.
“Miss Harris I presume?” I looked up to see the teacher standing in front of my desk.
“If you want to get all proper, sure, but most people call me Dawn,” I smirked.
“Well then, Dawn, what is your excuse for being late on your first day?” She had the coldest look ever, but I wasn’t scared of her.
I looked at her, eye to eye, and replied, “I was taking my time admiring the empty halls.” She couldn’t reply. They never could. Each and every figurehead - each one is the same. Defeated, she returned to the front of the class and began lecturing. “One teacher down, 99 to go,” I thought to myself. I grabbed my pen and paper and began to doodle, paying attention solely to my thoughts. The teacher, attempting to salvage her disciplinarian role, noticed my failure to conform to the class’ studies. Feigning superiority, she approached my desk and threw her dictionary down on the desk’s surface.
“Dawn, since you want to draw...” Her voice trailed off as she looked at my sketchpad. Jaw agape, she stumbled for words.
“What’s - what’s that supposed to mean?” Rather confused, I glanced at my drawing. On that pure, innocent white canvas was a knife, dripping with crimson blood. I knew I hadn’t drawn a knife. Lost, I blinked and feebly attempted to explain myself.
“Mi -  mi  - Miss Lewis, I don’t know how that got there, I …” I paused for a moment, my mind alight with thought. “…I don’t remember drawing it!” The look on her face made it clear that she didn’t believe me.
“Miss Harris, I’m sending you to the office right now. Take your stuff with you. I assure you, you will be there for awhile.” I gathered my belongings and began walking to the office, drawing in hand. I closed my eyes as I walked down the hall, imagining I was in a sanctuary. Suddenly awakening from my trance, I collided with a figure. Focusing my attention, I realized it was someone whom I recognized. Andrew. I had seen him around school but had never tried to talk to him.
Surprised, he grumbled, “Hey, watch where you’re going, mor… -- Wait, you’re Dawn Harris, aren’t you?” I nodded as I bent down to pick up my stuff.
“Sorry about that.” As he bent down to help me with my stuff, he noticed the drawing. “What’s this?” I sighed and tried to figure out a way to explain. “I’m not psychotic; I drew that when I was doodling and the teacher found it, which is why I’m heading down to the office.”
“You know you will get expelled for that?” I sighed and nodded. He took my drawing, ripped it up and threw it away. “Now they have nothing on you, just draw something different really quick before someone comes out here.” I looked him in the eyes, curious why he was doing this for me.


He gently touched my face brushing my hair away from my eyes. “You better be going before they think you ditched.” So I grabbed my stuff and a substitute drawing and ran to the office. “Miss Harris the Principle has been waiting for you” the secretary glared. “Sorry I’m late” I said breathlessly. I opened the big oak door that read “Principle Baltrop” I walked into the office and saw the old bald man sitting in the chair. “So you’re the new principle everyone loves so much” I mumbled “Ah, Dawn I’ve been waiting for you, please sit.” I sat down in the chair in front of his desk. “Mrs. Lewis says you have drawn something prohibited and already are causing trouble. Is that true?” I sat up straight and confident “No, it’s not true. I simply drew a girl with a gun to her head, nothing more. I believe that art should have no limits wherever you’re at. And as for causing trouble all I did was be late to class.” I slammed the drawing on his desk, got up and turned towards the door. “Now, Mr. Baltrop I’m going to return to class to get an education.” I said as I walked out the door and to my next class. I walked out of the office and half way down the hall when someone grabbed me by the arm and pulled me behind a building. Right as I was about to scream Andrew put his hand over my mouth “Shh, don’t make a sound.” Looking into his warm brown eyes knowing I could trust him I loosened up under his grip. “How did it go? Did you get in trouble?” he asked concerned. “Why do you care? It’s not like it would affect you.” I tried to walk away but he caught me by the wrist and pinned me against the wall. “If you would have gotten expelled I wouldn’t have anything pretty to look at anymore.” I struggled to get out of his grip, I know it wouldn’t have worked but it was worth a try “Let go of me I need to get to class” Finally he let go of me but walked me to my class. “Don’t you have someone else you can annoy?” I sighed and ran off into the crowd hoping he couldn’t fallow me. “Why doesn’t he bug someone else? Why me? What’s so special about me I’m just a dumb girl” I pondered on the thought that he may like me “Nah” I said aloud. The whole class turned back to look at me. “You don’t think bread has flour in it, Dawn?” I looked at the teacher confused. “Oh sorry I was thinking aloud again.” The class giggled “Well Dawn please try to keep your thoughts in your head.” I nodded embarrassed. “See always stupid stuff happens to me...” I thought to myself. The bell rang and everyone ran out of the class room. When I got out of the class room Andrew was waiting for me by the door. I groaned. “What do you want now?” He got the biggest grin. “Just to talk to you” I sighed “I’m not in the mood to talk so piss off” He chuckled “Venomous one aren’t you?” I flipped him off and walked to my next class. “See you later Dawn!!” he called out. “See you in hell…” I mumbled.

The bell rang and I ran to my class and got in my seat before the teacher noticed. Silently I cursed for my bad timing. The teacher was lecturing on those who came in last will fail at life. Staring at the clock the entire hour just waiting for lunch to come finally, the bell rang. Jumping over every desk and chair in my way, I got out of the class and to the cafeteria first. But somehow Andrew was already there waiting for me. I blinked in amazement and walked around him. He grabbed my arm and pulled me close whispering into my hair “Where do you think your going” He drug me out of the cafeteria to the football field. “So how are you going to repay me?” I looked at him confused. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten already. Remember I saved your ass earlier.” And he pulled out the picture, but it wasn’t taped up. It was perfect, but I remembered him ripping it up? It couldn’t be in one piece still. I slowly backed away from him. “H-h-how is that still in one piece?” He smiled but I saw a glint of evil in his eyes. “What you don’t remember? You started to lose it in the hall and I pulled you out of the crowd’s sight, then you threw this picture at me and ran to the office.” Slowly I started to see it but, it didn’t happen. He ripped it up I remember seeing him do it. What he’s saying can’t be real it just isn’t real. He’s lying just to mess with me. I was just so confused I couldn’t listen to his lies anymore. Or was it the truth? I couldn’t think about that, so I just ran I ran till I reached the end of the school where they had the willow trees lined, and I laid beneath one and fell asleep. Only to dream of what he said happened. Slowly I eased into my dream as if it was reality but, I was watching it. I ran into him and I bent down and grabbed my stuff. He said something but it was muffled and then all of the sudden I started screaming and throwing stuff and he dragged me out to the courtyard. He said something again and I threw the picture at him, grabbed my bag, and ran to the office. I woke up gasping for air I felt like someone was suffocating me but, everyone was in there classes. “shit what time is it” I looked down at my watch “2:45pm, that cant be possible I didn’t sleep for 3 hours” I ran to the class I was supposed to go to after lunch and saw that no one was in the class. I panicked and ran to the office. I went inside and talked with the secretary. “What time is it?” she looked at the clock on her computer “2:50, shouldn’t you be at home by now?” I ran out of the office without saying a word. I just kept wondering how I fell asleep for so long. It didn’t matter. I just had to be home before my mother so she doesn’t think something is up. I jumped over fences and through back yards. I jumped over my fence and got in the door, shut it, locked it right when my mother drove up. I walked into my room and threw my bag on my bed, leaned against the wall, and slowly slid down it till I was sitting on the floor. I heard my mom come in the house but I didn’t want to deal with her then so I jumped on my bed and slowly fell asleep. Having the same dream repeat over, and over again.



I slowly opened my eyes, blinking, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness. I looked over at my dresser to look at the clock “its midnight” I groaned, walked over to my bag and rummaged through it looking for my homework. I stayed up most the night finishing it. At about 4 I finally went to sleep. 3 hours later my alarm clock went off and I got up for school. Searching through my closet I found my long black dress and my black trench coat, I didn’t fallow the “Goth” trends or anything; I was just in a dark mood. Grabbing my homework and backpack I headed out the door without breakfast, I didn’t feel like dealing with my mother. I slowly walked, drowning within the silence of the streets, no cars, no wind, nothing. It was if time had just stopped. I stopped thinking about it and walked to school, wondering if things would be different. Slowly I made it to the school and slipped into my classroom. I didn’t see Andrew till lunch, that’s when it started going down hill. He approached me outside while I was resting against the willow tree from the day before. “Dawn, why did you take off yesterday? That was really rude you know.” He dropped the drawing at my feet. I flinched at the sight of it. Slowly I reached to pick it up but, it disappeared. I blinked utterly confused, when I looked up Andrew was gone. “What the hell is going on?” I mumbled. I finally convinced myself I had fallen asleep, that it was just a dream. I played with the soft chocolate curls that lay atop of my shoulders. I wondered how they had gotten so soft. Bringing myself back to reality I looked at my watch, I was going to be late for my class. I ran to it and jumped in my seat right as the bell rang. I sighed with relief and waited attentively for it to be time to leave. 2:30 finally came along and I walked home. The streets were busy this time of day, so I hurried. I walked onto my porch and stared at the big white door, for what seemed like forever then snatched the letter off of it that read “Dawn” and went inside. Throwing my stuff down on the couch I opened the letter as I walked into my room.
“Dear Dawn,
I wont be home till after dark, so if you could make your own dinner that would be great. Don’t stay up for me sweetie! I love you!
Love,
Mom”
I sighed, “at least it wasn’t from Andrew” I looked at my black velvet bed as a white slip of paper stood out from it as if the only light left was going to be swallowed by the endless dark. I grabbed the paper.
“Dawn,
I’m coming over tonight, we need to talk.
Andrew.”
I groaned. A part of me didn’t want him to come over, but another part did. I shrugged and went into the kitchen to get some food. Around 9 I heard a knock on the door. I got up from my writing desk and opened the door. There he stood, his black hair covering his dark eyes, his trench coat fallowing him like a shadow. I didn’t know who this guy was but, I had fallen in love at first sight. I stammered for the right words to say but he just put his finger over my lips, grabbed my hand and led me out of the house into the moon light. We walked in silence for what seemed like hours till I finally got enough courage to speak. “Who are you?” He looked stopped and looked at me. “Excuse me for my rudeness I am Aldon” I blinked. “Okay, well I’m d-" He interrupted me “Dawn, I know who you are.” “Oh.” Is all I could stammer. I continued to walk. “Where are we going anyway?” He smiled “I want to show you something.” I don’t even know this guy, but I felt like I could trust him. We walked in the forest till we got to a small clearing. I looked around and saw a witches casting circle and candles all scattered on the mossy floor. He pointed to the picture in the center of the circle, I hadn’t even noticed it so I leaned closer to look at it, and it was a picture of me. Underneath it was the drawing. I went to touch it but I felt like it would hurt me. Aldon pulled me away from the circle “If you touch anything he will know you’ve been here.” He grabbed my hand and made me run out of the clearing “He’s coming to your house” he hissed into my ear. “You have to act like yourself; you can’t let him know you know”. We made it to my house and right as I was walking into my house Aldon grabbed my hand and pulled me close to him. Staring into my eyes, stringing his fingers through my hair he whispered “My dear sweet Dawn” He leaned forward and lightly planted his lips on mine and gently kissed me, then let go of me. When I finally opened my eyes seconds later he was gone. I sighed and walked into the house and shut the door behind me. I sat down on the couch, trying to make sure what just happened was real. Right as I was slipping into slumber the door slammed open and woke me up. I stood up and turned around, there was my mother, looking extremely pissed off. She went on a rant on how kids these days are rude. But I slipped into my room before I could hear the whole thing and went to sleep. Again I woke up at midnight but this time because of a tapping on my window. I looked out and no one was there, but there was a note on my window seal. I opened my window and got it.
“Dawn,
Watch out.”
The note wasn’t signed and I couldn’t tell if Andrew had written it or Aldon. It was typed out. I sighed in confusion, and finally went back to sleep. Awakening the next morning I found a blood red rose next to my bed. I picked it up, but dropped it. A thorn had caught my thumb. I starred at the blood trickle down my hand...


I sighed and licked the blood up, grabbed the rose and pinned it to my backpack, got ready then left. I got to school and went to my classes like a normal day. When school finally got out I noticed, I didn’t see Andrew all today, or last night. “Oh well” I thought to myself as I walked along the street. I unpinned the rose and studied it as I walked. I had never seen a rose that looked as beautiful as this one. I finally made it home and walked into my room. I stood in the doorway staring at my bed. It was lined with white roses. Again there was a white florist’s card on my bed. I picked it up and read it.
“Dawn,
Meet me at the edge of the woods tonight at 8:00pm.
Aldon.”
Eight came around all to fast but I was ready. I walked outside, it was beginning to storm. I had forgotten the smell, the taste of a storm. I inhaled the fragrant air and walked amongst the silence. Tonight smelt like death, but I felt as if death was cradling me. The warm sensation crawling over my skin, calming me. I sighed and made it to the woods. There stood Aldon staring into the depths of the forest. I walked up behind him silently and tapped him on the shoulder. He spun around, grabbed me by my throat, and shoved me against a tree. Once he saw it was me he let go. “Sorry... I just, I thought you were somebody else” I raised an eyebrow at him and straightened out my shirt. “Well you must not be fond of that person…” I mumbled. He sighed. “Again, I’m sorry.” I smiled, “It’s quiet alright. Anyway… What are we here for tonight?” He grabbed my hand and led me through the trees. I liked the feeling of his hand around mine. I shook these girly thoughts from my head. “You need to focus Dawn, no time to drool all over the guy.” I sighed and brought my attention back to Aldon speaking of some old tale. He stopped in front of some old Oak tree. “So what now?” I looked up into his mysterious dark eyes. He didn’t say anything, but leaned forward and kissed my neck, slightly teasing it with his tongue. He then looked up and kissed me, finishing the kiss he bit my bottom lip. I leaned against the tree, trying to get my thoughts back together when I heard a laughter coming from the middle of the forest.  

Andrew stepped into the moonlight and approached us silently. He flashed a knife in the light, and I moved against the tree. Andrew threw the knife at Aldon, but Aldon turned to the side as it whizzed past him and stuck into the tree. While all of this happened Andrew had me by the neck against the tree. His grip tightened around my wind pipe as I tried to scream. “Keep quiet you whore.”  I was getting desperate for air I tried pulling his hand away from my neck but it didn’t budge. I wrapped my hands around his wrist and pressed my nails in as hard as I could. I heard his flesh being punctured by my razor sharp claws. He let out a yelp and dropped me to the ground. He glared at me “You stupid girl” he lifted his arm to backhand me when Aldon tackled him. I had completely forgotten Aldon was there. I blinked bringing back my thoughts as I watched them wrestle amongst the leaves on the clearing. “You were supposed to help me!” Andrew yelled. “She doesn’t deserve this, Andrew. You need to stop and get out now!” Aldon got up and starred down at Andrew. “Leave” Andrew scrambled to his feet and ran. I walked over and grabbed the knife from the tree, then began to walk away from Aldon. My thoughts were racing, how did Aldon know Andrew? What were they talking about? I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know. I sighed and continued to walk.  Aldon grabbed my arm. “Look dawn I need to tell you something.” “Fuck off; I don’t want to hear it.” I was so confused I felt like I was drowning. I sighed and ran home. I ran into my room, laid down on my black sanctuary, and sank into a deep slumber.

I opened my eyes to the light seeping in between my curtains. I brushed my hair back from my face and walked into my bathroom. That was the only up to owning a house with only 2 people in it, we got our own bathroom. I removed my clothing and looked at myself in the mirror. I had a big bruise on my back from where Andrew held me up against the tree by my throat. I shivered at the memory. I walked into the shower, felt the water wash over my body, exploring, knowing every part of my body. I closed my eyes and relaxed, slipped into a memory. Last summer standing on the beach watching everyone having a great time. I was staring at Andrew, his brown hair matching his golden eyes and skin; he looked like an Egyptian prince. I gave out a sigh and walked amongst the other people. Andrew would never take notice to someone like me. I looked down at myself. My pale skin and dark brown hair exhilarating my forest green eyes. No matter how hard I tried my skin wouldn’t ever tan, it was as if I was a vampire. I shook my head; vampires don’t exist. I sighed and gave up on this endless pit of thoughts.
I woke from the memory when my mother was pounding on the door “Dawn get out of the shower. Don’t use up all of the hot water!” I sighed as I noticed the Goosebumps on my arms and legs. “To late!” I yelled back. I heard my mother sigh “Just get out or you’ll be late for school!”
I turned off the water and went to grab my towel but I paused and looked in the mirror. A symbol was cut onto the back of my left shoulder. I don’t know how it had got there but I had no time to ponder about what it was, I was going to be late for school. I got dressed; black tank top and a pair of dark blue jeans along with my combat boots. I wasn’t in the mood to be messed with today. I walked into class unnoticed. I sat in my seat and waited for the day to end. At lunch time I was walking out to my willow tree when Aldon came out of nowhere. I rolled my eyes and walked around him. He grabbed me by my left shoulder. I winced in pain as he held onto where the symbol was. I grabbed his hand a removed it from my shoulder. “Don’t touch me” I hissed. I sat down at my tree and stared at him. Tall, dark, handsome… He wasn’t scrawny but yet he wasn’t built. He was fit for fighting. I gave out a girly sigh, and then turned my head away in shame knowing he had heard me. He grinned and sat next to me. “See something you like” He said as he intertwined his fingers in my curls. I took a few moments to stop blushing then looked him in the eyes. “Tell me everything you know.” He started to say something but then stopped and looked away. “How much do you want to know” I saw fear and worry in his eyes. “Everything.” I skipped my next classes to sit and hear it all. Within the next few hours, my whole entire life changed. I was related to a Vampire named Valeriena, she was as beautiful as a Greek goddess and walked the earth as it were her own. Valeriena had changed a young woman named Ebony, little did Valeriena know but Ebony was pregnant. For many Centuries they created massacres all around the world. After Ebony had changed the baby had basically been preserved. But with the mixing of Valeriena’s blood the baby had become more of hers than Ebony’s. One night as Ebony was hunting she came across a witch; one of the most powerful lines of witch’s, the Hariena’s. The witch cursed Ebony by turning her into a human again, which made the baby alive also. Ebony thought she had lost the baby long ago when she had lost her life. Ebony quickly went to find Valeriena to tell hear the news. Valeriena was not pleased, but Ebony had asked her to wait for the baby to be born, till she changed her back to a vampire. Valeriena waited the 6 months and when the baby was born she was marveled at its beauty. The baby looked almost exactly like her. Matching green eyes, light skin, but she still had her mothers chocolate brown hair. One night while Valeriena and Ebony were feeding, the Hariena witch broke into their home and stole the baby. The witch knew that the baby shouldn’t grow up in a place like that, so she would raise her herself. Once the witch and the baby had made it home it was dawn, that’s how she got the name for her. Later in the years to come the witch changed her last name to Harris to make Dawn live a normal life, with no knowledge of witch’s or vampires. But the witch knew sooner or later either Dawn would figure it out or She would tell her, but till then she wanted to keep her sheltered for as long as possible. But that wasn’t going to be for long because; Aldon and Andrew are vampire hunters. That’s why they were there. To kill her, but once Aldon found out about her history he called off the project, but Andrew wanted her dead. That’s why they were fighting in the forest. I blinked in amazement. I guess it could be true. It would explain a lot of things. I sighed and looked into Aldon’s dark eyes. I pulled my sleeve down to show him the symbol on my shoulder. “Do you have any idea what this is?” I saw Aldon’s eyes widened. “What, what is it?” I never really did get a good look at it. He leaned forward and traced the cut with his finger. I moved away “Ow be careful it hurts you know” “Sorry...” “So what is it?” “It’s a V and an E put together… its stands for Valeriena and Ebony, Dawn… they’ve come to get you back.”


I stammered for words, I didn’t know how to respond it seemed like everything had hit me all at once. I didn’t know if I should run or something. I blinked waking from my fears as Aldon slid his hand around my stomach pulling me tight, whispering in my ear “Don’t worry everything will be fine.” I sighed I just didn’t know what to do. I heard thunder roll over the hills I jumped then relaxed from Aldon’s embrace. He kissed the top of my head
“Dawn, you need to get out of here, if they find you they will kill you.”
“But where should I go? My so called family wouldn’t help me now, now that they know Valeriena is looking for me.”
He pulled me around to look him in the eyes.
“Dawn… I have some people in high places, I can get you a place to stay till things have cooled down… but, Andrew isn’t going to stop hunting you, you have the blood of a vampire therefore your prey to him nothing more, nothing less”

I didn’t know how to respond, how was I supposed to. Oh hey well then kill your friend so he'll be off my back. No they’ve hunted vampires for years I can’t split them up now. I looked into Aldon’s deep dark eyes and stood there for a moment then ran. I didn’t know where I was going but I was going to but all I knew is that I couldn’t stop till I was safe.

I made it to a little town east of Yuma. It was called Pandemonium, I really didn’t like the looks of this place but it felt familiar in a way and I need a place to stay. I walked into the nearest hotel called the Ezra. I walked up to the front counter and rang the little bell. A girl with chocolate curls matching mine walked over.
“May I help you miss?”
I stood stunned as if I had just seen a ghost. Could this be Ebony? I didn’t know, I shrugged and shook the thoughts.
“Umm I need a room”
“Alright that will be 5 a night you could stay for free if you donate blood.”
I looked at her disgusted, but then just threw the 5 on the counter and grabbed the keys.
“Room E8, sounds interesting.” I mumbled to myself as I climbed the stairs.

I slid the key into the door and heard that satisfying click of reminiscence. I stumbled into the dark room and shut the door behind me. I fumbled the walls for a light switch but couldn’t find one. I sighed and plopped down on the bed for a few moments before I got up and opened the curtains. I looked out onto this little town, it looked so dead but it felt like home.  I saw the lightning flash; it’s so beautiful as the thunder cracks its whip. I heard the rain pouring down just I couldn’t see it. I sighed laid on my bed and watched the lightning strike its unworthy opponent.


The morning light woke me from my deep slumber. I stumbled to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. My brown hair thrown up in a clip, my eyes dreary and sad. I looked awful. I turned to the bath and turned it on and watched it fill up. “I don’t have any clothes…. Maybe the town will have a shop…” I took my clothes off and slinked into the bath tub and relaxed as the hot water comforted my sores and aches from the long walk the day before. When I got out of the bath I walked around the room and fumbled around the drawers hoping there might be something to wear. I found a red halter top and a jean skirt, sure it wasn’t what I wanted but I put it on. I walked around town looking for a shop. I came across a small shop with a dress in the window “Well that must mean they have clothes” I mumbled to myself. I opened the door and looked around, I was right. I saw a young girl probably around 17 at the counter, long blonde hair, slender body, blue eyes; she looked normal to me. When I walked in she looked at me and smiled. “Looking for anything in particular?”
“Just some black pants and shirts.”
She pointed to a rack in the left corner. I talked to the girl as I fumbled through the pants looking for my size.
“So what’s your name?”
“Most people around here call me Ally.”
“Well Ally its nice to meet you I’m Dawn”
She nodded then went back to reading her magazine.
I finally found 3 pants and shirts my size, but they had no price tag.
“Uhh so Ally how much are these?”
She eyed me suspiciously.
“You don’t know?”
“Know what?” I looked at her confused
“Oh dear how do I explain this… You don’t buy stuff around here with money. Only blood”
I flinched at what just occurred to me.
“So you mean like… everyone here is a vampire?”
“Most of them are you’ll come across a few humans, like yourself”
“So uhh how can I pay for these?”
“Well since your new here Ill save you the pain of being fed on. Ill let you take all of those clothes for 20$”
I groaned at the thought to get my money out of the small pocket on the skirt but I grabbed the 20 and handed it to her.
“So Dawn I guess ill see you around”
“Maybe…”
I walked out of the store and back to my hotel.
I searched through all the drawers when I finally came across a drawer full of daggers. I blinked surprised then hid as much as I could on my outfit without it being noticeable. One dagger in each boot, one on my hip, back pocket and one in the back of my pants. I walked out to the lobby and talked with the girl who I assumed was Ebony.
“Here’s 5 for another night”
She looked at me funny, and then asked.
“What’s your name?”
“Dawn, yours?”
“Ebony”
I took off running when I heard her name. I ran up the stairs and into my room I locked the door behind me. I ran into the bathroom closed the door then leaned against it. “This so cant be happening.”
“But it is” a smooth voice glided into... not the room but my mind.
“Go away, GET OUT!” I screamed
“Its going to be a lot harder then that to make me go away sweetie. I’m your mother and you’ll do as I tell you now get out here right now”
I got up its like I had no control over my body and I opened the doors to a frail woman staring out the window, her long jet black hair down to her waist  swaying in the cool breeze. She turned and looked at me her green eyes shining out like jewels. Valeriena popped into my head. She glided over to me and gently touched my face.
“My dear sweet Jeshikah”
I blinked. I guess that’s what my real name was.
“I’ve missed you”
And with that said she hugged me. It was probably one of the weirdest hugs I have ever gotten but at the same time I felt love in it. She leaned foreword towards my neck I wasn’t even thinking about it till I felt fangs pierce my neck. I couldn’t scream the pain was searing. “What you think I was going to do? Leave you as a human Jeshikah you are apart of me and have vampric blood in you already why not make the whole transformation?”
I tried to struggle but her grip was so tight I couldn’t break free.
“Stop struggling Jeshikah, it will only make it worse!” Valeriena screamed in my mind.
I felt like my heart was trying to pump fire. Finally the pain numbed and I blacked out.


I woke up my eyes flew open to the darkness. I gasped for air, my muscles screamed at me for trying to move them. I attempted to get up but it hurt to much. I leaned back against the cold surface I had been propped up against. I searched all around me looking for something, anything to hold onto. I felt like I was floating, as if I wasn’t really here or there. My head pounded when I tried to think. I crawled on the ground looking for a light when finally I felt the wall end and felt a small opening I tried to get through it but something was caught on my ankle. I pulled at it but I was chained to the wall. I tried to scream but no air would fill my lungs it stung less and less as I tried more till finally I got out a screech. Someone opened the door and light flooded into the room. I stood up leaning against the wall till I knew I had complete balance. I walked towards the person at the door. She was a short petite girl. Finally once my eyes adjusted to the light behind her I recognized her. It was Ebony. She glided over to me and leaned down and undid the chain. “Come with me”. She smiled she seemed so pure and innocent like a child. I fallowed her hypnotized by her beauty. She led me through many of corridors that I could never remember the paths until we got to a dark room with one window. “Stay in here till I come to get you don’t answer the door for anyone else” she pointed to clothes on the bed “get dressed ill be back later” and with that said she gracefully walked out of the room and shut the door behind her.

I stood in silence for awhile before I grabbed the clothes off the bed. It took me awhile to get the jeans on, but with time I finally did. I grabbed the jean jacket and put it over my black tank top.  I sat around for hours wondering when Ebony would come back. I fumbled through the book shelf looking for something to read. I gave up when I noticed they were all in old, forgotten languages. I laid down on the black silk bed and fell asleep. I woke up with Ebony hovering over me. “I’m sorry” she turned away “You just looked so peaceful I didn’t want to stir you”
I sighed and got up from the bed. “Its fine but…” my stomach growling interrupted me. Ebony grabbed my hand and silently led me through the halls again. Along the way she would hand me knives off the wall and I would hide them within my outfit. Finally we made it outside, the moon light making everything look so innocent and peaceful.   

I bent down and dipped my hand in the black pond; I lifted my hand to my mouth and lapped up the contents cradled in my palm. I stretched out on the green grass and stared up into the sky. “When did you find out where I was?” Ebony sat down next to me. “When Andrew went to hunt you.” “Oh...” She pulled the dark curls away from my face. “Jeshikah you are my daughter and I deserve to know you.” I got up and walked into the forest connecting to the garden. “Don’t look for me.” I whispered into her mind.

I walked around trees, dragging my fingers on the bark repeating the same steps, cutting the flesh, bleeding, and then healing again and again and again till I finally got bored with it.
I stopped and smelt the air “Aldon come here now, no point in hiding.” He stepped out from behind the bush and pulled me close. I stared into his dark eyes and titled my head pondering weather he knew what had happened to me. “Dawn I needed to see you I-" I pushed my finger over his lips. “Aldon” I cooed, he looked at my eyes and began to back away. They were black as nights, dark, like what my soul had become. I was not alive but I was not dead, I was no longer Dawn Harris. “What did they do to you?” He asked frantic. I cocked my head to the side and pushed him onto the ground.  I stood tall above him giggling at the fear that had arisen behind his eyes. I knew that he knew what I had become. I slinked onto the ground like a cat and crawled over him. “What?” I purred “You don’t like me anymore?” I dragged my sharp nails across his cheek listening to it rip the flesh open. Watching the blood drizzle down his face I lapped it up. I could feel him grow tense under me. “Aw poor baby. Do you think I'm going to hurt you?” Anger pushed his fear aside and he shoved me off him. I rolled over in the moss and stared up into the starless night sky. “Somebody’s got a temper” I cooed then sat up. “Shut up! They’ve turned you into such a vile thing! Cant you see that Dawn?” I looked at him and smiled “Its Jeshikah now.” I hopped up and pushed him against a tree and shoved his head to the side; exposing his neck I licked it. I could smell his fear come back.  I looked him in the eyes, “I could make you like me,” I dragged my finger up and down his jugular, “we could take this world over, together both of us.” “Why would I want to be the scum of the earth like you?” he spat. “Fine! If you’re going to be like that then I might as well kill you” “Hosjourku mena!” without warning I was slammed against a tree by an unseen power. “Fucking witches! I hate your kind” I licked the blood off my lip and walked towards him. He tried to run but I caught him by the neck against the tree. “Let me go” “Why should I?” “You’ll hate yourself if you kill me?” “Will I? Let’s give it a try” I smiled and bent forward and sunk my teeth into his neck. Feeling his blood run over my tongue was so unusual but yet erotic. I dropped him on the forest ground when I was almost done. Flirting with the idea of turning him into a vampire; I slit open my wrist and put it up to his lips to drink my life “Now you can be with me forever.” I left him on the floor so when he awakened he won’t be confused. He’d be able to track my scent so I didn’t worry about him.
I found my way back to Pandemonium and walked the streets looking for a club. I saw a little building at the edge of town with a green glow coming out the door. “Amantes oscuros” read the sign above the door; it meant “Dark lovers” in Spanish. I walked in and scanned the room taking everything in. In the corner a girl no older than I was being cradled in a mans lap while he drained her life. The music was so loud you couldn’t make it out. A group of people were in the middle of the club dancing, moving to the rhythm that was barely audible. I walked over to the bar and saw the girl from the store serving drinks. “Sweetie,” she said into my mind, “you shouldn’t be here” I shot her a look and whispered back “Oh? I shouldn’t?” she dropped the glass she was cleaning. “When were you turned?” “Yesterday, now give me a fucking drink.” She grabbed a tinted bottle from under the counter and a glass; she poured the unknown liquid into the glass and gave it to me. “What the hell is it?” “Just try it” I took a sip; it was bitter and sweet but yet addicting. I shrugged and turned from her and walked out into the dance floor. I spotted a tall guy dancing with a blonde girl; I shoved her out of the way and started to dance with him. At first he was confused but once I started grinding against him he got into it. The girl got upset and ran out once she felt my power. I stared into his beautiful blue green eyes, but he was a vampire or so I thought, it didn’t make sense how could his eyes not be black? He must have been using a glamour. “So what’s your name?” I asked. “Ace, what’s yours?”  “Some call me Dawn others call me Jeshikah, take your pick.” “Ill just call you Jess” “That works for me” I smiled. He bent down and kissed me lightly; I opened my mouth a little bit and let his tongue slide inside. I pulled back and smiled sheepishly. He laughed and we walked over to a corner and sat down, after awhile I got really dizzy, dropped the glass of the unknown liquid and collapsed into his arms. I woke up in my hotel room with him asleep next to me. I looked him up and down. Tall, skinny, pale, light brown hair covering his eyes, he was everything I had dreamed of. I slid off the bed and walked into the bathroom. My skin had gotten paler and my brown hair was a mess and my once beautiful green eyes were black as midnight. I must have stared at my reflection for 20 minutes till finally I snapped back to reality when I heard a noise in the room. I walked out there and saw Ace standing up. I greeted him with a smile and kiss. “So that’s where you went” He smiled at me. “Sorry, you just looked so comfortable. I didn’t want to bother you.” I heard a knock at the door. “Dawn open up right now!” Aldon was yelling in the hallway. “Oh great… I should have just killed him” Ace looked at me confused, I kissed him. “Go start a bath for me, Ill be in, in a minute.” I walked over and unlocked the door. There Aldon stood his eyes jet black but I could tell he was angry. “What the hell have you done to me?” “I made you like me. Now do you need something? I’m kind of busy” He gave me a wry look “You made me like this, so teach me how to survive.” I rolled my eyes. “Go down to the main desk and talk to Ebony, tell her I sent you.” I slammed the door and walked into the bathroom. Ace had filled the tub with boiling hot water and bubbles. I slid my clothes off and stepped into the bath and relaxed. Ace sat next to the tub and talked to me. “So what happened last night? I don’t really remember anything.” I heard him grind his teeth “Well since you were awakened just 2 days ago… Your body hadn’t adjusted yet and… well what you were drinking poisoned you for the night. It was basically just a case of food poisoning.” “Oh, so I’ll be okay?” “Yes, I promise”
I got up and walked out of the bathroom to find some clean clothes. I came across a black long sleeved top that tied in the middle like a corset and some jeans; I put these on and walked back into the bathroom. I grabbed Ace and led him out of the hotel to the forest.