Bloodlines of the Shadows

I find myself in a dense, foggy forest. The air is thick with an unnatural chill, and I shiver as it seeps into my bones.

Clutching my hands together, I try to make out what I am seeing. Shadows envelop everything, and the tall trees stand like silent sentinels. Suddenly, I hear footsteps rumbling from the shadows.

I freeze, my heart beating loudly, drowning out all other sounds. My hands tremble as I cling tightly to myself, not moving an inch. The footsteps grow louder as I reach out to steady myself against a gnarled tree trunk, its bark rough and cold under my fingertips.

The footsteps grow louder, crushing the dry leaves on the forest floor, forcing me to turn my head slowly. There, just beyond the reach of the moonlight, I see her. Silver hair glowing, shimmering with the intensity of her fury. She holds up a staff with a large purple diamond sitting gallantly on it, her blue eyes blazing as she approaches me.

My mind races as I try to process what I am seeing as my legs buckle and I fall against the cold root of one of the trees. She looks exactly like me-or rather, an older version of me. I try to scream, but no sound comes out. My mouth moves silently, and my throat constricts with terror.

She approaches me, a lump forming in my throat as she kneels to face me. Her hair is no longer blazing; it is calm, just like mine. She stretches out her hand, brushing the hair from my face and tucking it behind my ear, planting a kiss on my forehead. I hear her whisper, "Welcome," her voice sharp as the edge of a knife yet soothing to my ears.

Staring in shock, I remain silent. Her slender fingers take mine, and I realize there is no difference between us.

"We are the same. She is me, and I am her," I think to myself, staring into her calm eyes.

"You are wrong," she says in a hushed tone. "You are me," she continues with a sly smile, sending fear deep down my spine.

"Did I say that out loud," I ask myself but there's no response from her this time.

"I have something to show you. Follow me," she says in a low voice that I can barely hear as she helps me to my feet.

Without thinking twice, adrenaline courses through my veins, propelling me forward. I run, branches tearing at my skin and clothes, but survival is my priority. The icy wind bites at my face, my lungs burn, and my legs feel like lead, but I don't dare to stop.

Ahead, a clearing opens, bathed in an eerie dim light. I dash into it, only to find myself looking directly at her. Using my knees for support, I try to regain my breath, wondering what is going on.

Feeling her gaze on me, her blue eyes are no longer calm; they blaze with fury as she walks towards me and slaps me hard.

"You are such a hard nut to crack, aren't you?" she says, twisting my hair in her fingers. "You must follow the rules, sweetheart. No one is saving you from my grip," her voice echoes through the abyss.

Pushing her away, I plunge toward the opposite direction with no ray of light. A manly figure appears in front of me. As I struggle to free myself from his grip, I notice that we are standing on the edge of a cliff. I compose myself immediately.

Realizing I have calmed down, he frees me, and suddenly a shrill sound erupts everywhere, causing the forest to shrink. Clutching my ears, the figure pushes me off the cliff, and I fall forward into the abyss, the wind rushing past as I plummet into darkness.

With a jolt, I wake up drenched in sweat as if I have just taken a bath, my mind racing as I try to catch my breath. My hands clutch the bedsheets, knuckles white.

The moon, a solemn sentinel, casts its ethereal glow upon the night looking no different from where I had just been, veiling my surroundings and my humble abode in a shroud of silence. I look over my body for any scars or wounds but find none.

It takes a moment for the reality of my bedroom to replace the terror of the dream. But even as I sit on my bed, I can still see the woman in her purple gown with her staff; it feels like she is with me.

Waving off the thought and fear from my mind, I move to my standing mirror. After looking at myself for a while, I whisper, "It's just a nightmare," before moving back to my bed.

As I contemplate the enveloping darkness, my phone's shrill ring pierces the quiet, reminding me of the same sound causing me to hesitate.

With a sluggish pace, I approach the device, nestled beside my laptop on my reading table. Staring at the screen, I see one of my best friend's names pop up with her lovely picture indicating that she is calling me.

Still staring at the screen, contemplating whether to answer or not, a black parrot flies to my window, sending shivers down my spine and prompting me to answer the phone immediately.

"Where the fuck are you? Bitch, and why are you not answering your phone?" I hear her say, causing me to push my phone far from my ear because her voice is too loud.

"Are you not just calling me now?" I ask, pulling the phone away from my ear to check for missed calls.

Gasping immediately after realizing that she has called me once before, fear envelops me again. I start scanning my surroundings, shutting all the windows.

"What's wrong, Jenna?" Amelia asks concern etched in her voice.

"Don't tell me that your bitch of a sister, Juliet, stole your phone," she adds, anger rising in her voice.

"No, no. It's not what you think," I reply, trying to hide my worry.

"And that's by the way. What do you mean, where am I? I am at home, Amelia," I say, trying to change the topic while sitting down on my reading chair and staring back at the blank laptop that seems to mock me.

"What? What do you mean, Jenna? Don't tell me you forgot that I said we are going to have a girl's night out?" Her voice thunders through the phone.

"Shit, I'm sorry, Amie. I will be there in fifteen minutes," I say in a pleading tone.

"Okay, it's alright. I am almost there, so the only favor you have to do for me is to make all the boys here regret not having you because... I am seeing a lot of hotties going in already and I am already getting wet," she says, her voice dripping with happiness like it's her first time.

"If you continue talking, I don't think I will be able to dress up... You know what I mean," I say, sounding tired.

"Why do you sound like life has failed you? Is anything wrong, baby? Just say it and Mama will fix it for you," she says in a mocking tone.

"Anyway, baby girl, you've gotta come here and let off some steam. Come on, we just finished prom, so what's the worst that can happen?" She says, eagerly trying to cheer me up.

"Okay, I got you. I will be there before you say, Jack Robinson," I say, trying to lift my spirits.

"And remember what I said: you must dress hot. You get what I am saying," she says, almost sounding like she is rapping.

"Okay, bye," I say, trying to focus more on the thoughts that threaten to rip me apart.

"Hold up, baby girl, don't be in a rush. Your nerd boyfriend, Nathan, won't be here, so this night is for some extra shit," she shouts, hanging up the call, leaving me to drown in my thoughts.

Amelia and my other friends have always lived their best lives, going to parties, dates, and a lot of other fun while I get to stay at home and watch my two half-sisters. Recalling vividly the day I refused to do so, my mom said something I would never forget about them being the reason for my survival.

I try my best to uncover what she meant by that, but it's like an impossible mission. When I ask her, she tells me not to dwell on it, saying it's something she said out of anger. I pretend to believe her, but I know something's not right.

Jolting me from my thoughts, I hear a knock on my door. I know it would be one of my sisters, so I pretend not to hear, trying to know how they would survive if I left the house without their knowledge.

"Hey Jenna, I know you are inside. Open the goddamn door before I knock it down," Juliet says, pushing the door alongside her voice sounding malicious.

"What's up, Juliet?" I say, with a cheerful voice, still not opening the door.

"I remember saying you should open the goddamn door," she says disrespectfully. "Looks like you want it down," she said and started pushing the door.

"Hold up, I will open it in a second, just give me a few minutes," I say almost in a plea, trying to cover my outing clothes that are already on the bed.

"What took you so long," she says, rolling her eyes at me. Stunned by the unexpected question, I start stuttering. "Uh... nothing, I just needed to make some arrangements," thinking she already found out about my sneaking out.

She looks at me suspiciously and then pushes the door open widely, causing me to stagger and fall on my reading chair, crashing everything down to pieces.

"I know you have something up your sleeve," she says, scanning her eyes inside the room and back at me.

Desperately trying to control the cauldron of rage threatening to burst out from me, I clench my fist in anger pressing it down on the cold tiles and enduring the pain

"Get out of my room, Jane," I say, looking downwards.

Chuckling, she says, "What would you do if I refuse?" walking up to me, her voice devoid of mischief.

"I said, get out," I shout, glaring at her, and pointing my hands towards the door. Unable to tell my expression, I watch her as she scurries out of the room in fear.

"I've just had enough of these people," I say, picking up a tight short green skirt from my bed with a white crop top and going over to my standing mirror.

"Thank Goodness, for Amelia's thoughts, I need to let off some steam," Sighing and waving away all the thoughts that bothered me, including my dream.

"Looks like we've found a solution," I say to myself, heaving a sigh of relief. Putting them on and making poses to be sure that they fit me well. My beauty radiates through the mirror, reminding me once more, why Jane would always hate my existence, but I didn't care much.

"Okay, what do I put on my legs? Hmm, heels? Nah, that's a no. I won't even be able to walk. What about... yes, I have a green canvas. That will do the work."

"Now it's time for makeup." Heading to my dressing table, I pull out the drawer and pick up my brush and makeup kit but I change my mind immediately putting in makeup will make all the guys at the party trip on their steps.

Packing up my long silver hair in a ponytail, the purple woman's hair from my dream flashes in my memory and I change my mind, letting down my hair instead.

I pick up my pink lip gloss, apply it over my lips, and proceed to the door. Holding the door knob, I think of what my sisters would think of me, and the feeling of guilt washes over me. But the thought of what Amelia and the rest were going to do to me if I didn't show up, washed it off immediately.

"It's now or never," I opened the door of my room stepping into the dimly lit parlor, I squinted my eyes to find anyone in sight, but there was no one.

Feeling happy that no one was going to see me or my dressing, I approached the door. Images from my dream and the rumors surrounding our house about it being haunted flashed through my mind and fear washed over me, and on second thought I chose to see them before heading out.

"Jane? Juliet?" I call out as fear starts etching inside my heart. No response. I feel paralyzed immediately as I surreptitiously approach their room.

Just then, a feeling of relief washes over me as Jane comes out of their room.

"Is Juliet in?" I ask, completely forgetting how I look.

"Yes, she is," Jane says, noticing my dress and staring at me in shock.

Pretending not to notice, I turn around, trying to avoid any questions from her, but It's already late.

"Be careful," she says, making me turn around and wish that she was my only sister and Juliet never existed.

Giving her a silent nod and a bright smile, I open our large wooden door. It's impossible to ignore the unsettling breeze that blew past me, causing the hairs on my body to stand on edge, recalling my dream. I suck on my teeth, instantly regretting why I didn't wear something more protective or even declined. But either way, I have to go. It's been more than fifteen minutes already.

On my way out, I discovered that there was no reason to blame those that said the houses around us including my house were haunted because of what I was facing. Fear is about to engulf me. The shadowy figures lingering about in the foggy street, reminiscent of the foggy forest in my dream, coupled with rattling sounds made by what I knew not and the creeping of small animals into the abandoned houses.

Adrenaline coursing through my veins, I start running past everything, trying to wash off the fear that filled my heart. Running towards the cemetery along the shortest route outside our street, I came to a halt because of the gloomy look of it and the eerie glow brought by the moon that sent shivers down my spine.

While contemplating whether to go back or continue, a horn jolts me out of my thoughts. Looking forward to where the horn came from, I see my best friends in a truck, waving at me, relief washes through my veins immediately.

The cemetery didn't look scary anymore, as I walked past it pretending like everything was alright mostly raising my head and watching them alight from the truck. Getting to where they wait in the truck, I can't help but pull them all in a tight hug.

Thank y'all for coming," I muttered. " Amie, you told me you were almost at the party,"

Yeah, we changed our mind. Since it's your first time, we chose to pick you up so that you would enjoy everything from the onset," Amelia, my best among all replied, her gaze scanning me whole.

"You're looking hot, bitch," Olivia says, smacking my butt as entered the front seat.

"I think you are wrong. We are all looking hot," I said, raising my hands up to the air, letting the cold breeze crash against my skin, giving me an icy feeling.

"Yay," we all cheered, as our laughter pierced through the silence of the night and Amelia started the engine.

"We are gonna have funnnnnn," Olivia shouts, raising her hand above her ponytail hair.

"Yes baby," I reply, finally feeling alive.

Just then, someone appears on the street-a shadowy figure in a black coat and black boots, surrounded by mist taking semblance to the man in my dream and creating an enigmatic atmosphere as Amelia struggles to find the brakes to avoid us crashing into whoever it is.

Swerving off to the other side, she stops the car in haste, causing all of us to fall forward.

"Is everyone alright?" Bailey asks, pulling us all up.

"What was that??" I managed to ask no one in particular. My mind continuously drifts back to the man in my dreams and I can feel his gaze but his face is still hidden.

"Don't you think you would be the best person to answer that question? Like, come on, girlie, I almost lost my fucking life. When are you going to move out of this trench hill you call a home?" Bailey says, glaring at me, her voice rising with anger.

"Hey, take it slow, Bail. Don't be too harsh on her," Amelia says, turning back to see what it was.

"It's nothing, I think we were all hallucinating," Olivia says in a mocking tone.

"That's impossible. You can't call that a hallucination. We all saw it," Amelia responds, looking into my eyes, trying to discern my expression.

Meeting her gaze, I try to hide my shock of knowing something relating to what happened and also telling how sorry she feels for Olivia and Bailey on their behalf.

"How about you guys go without me, there's something I need to take care of," I say, almost whispering.

"It's alright, pookie. You are always cute," Amelia says, pinching my cheeks with a smile on her face.

"Let's rock this night," Olivia shouts, waving her hands in the air and prompting all of us to join her. But deep down, despite the sudden happiness, I know something is wrong.

The rest of the journey goes smoothly, and we arrive at a dimly lit bar reeking of cigarettes and drinks. "What's this place, Amelia?" I ask, an unsettling feeling washing over me.

"Don't judge a book by its cover," She shouts as we proceed inside.

Inside the bar, it feels very different from the outside like Amelia said. A wave of emotions washes over me as I take note of the surroundings. The clinking of glasses, the rhythmic beats of the music, and the eclectic mix of patrons chatting and laughing. A surge of confidence suddenly erupts inside me; this was an adult world, and I am now a part of it. The slight intimidation I felt when coming in was softened by the reassuring smiles I received from Amelia and sometimes from Olivia, but Bailey was just doing her thing.

The dim lighting and the hum of conversation created a lively yet slightly intimidating atmosphere. Excitement bubbled within my chest. "This is a new adventure, a rite of passage that I have been waiting for. I am letting everything be and submitting myself to this life. I have always wished for it" I shout excitedly in my head, trying to find the hotties Amelia told me were present.

Yet, with each step, a hint of nervousness accompanied me, the uncertainty of the unknown tugging at my confidence, linking to what had happened on our way before and my dream.

As Amelia found a spot near the bar, she called me over, and my initial apprehension began to dissolve. The warmth of their laughter and the vibrant energy of the place envelops me, transforming my nerves into exhilaration.

"How about you go get a drink, Jenna? Looks like someone is waiting for you over there," Amelia says, winking at me while looking towards the direction of the counter.

Tracing her eyes, mine meet the unexpected... A figure I never thought existed.

Tracing Amelia's eyes over to where she wants me to get a drink, I can't believe what I see. The club is still alive with pulsing music and swirling lights, but none of it affects me like the sight before me.

At the side of it all is a counter, behind which seems like a sleek island of calm in the sea of chaos. I have always attracted guys with my unmatched beauty, but this time around, the opposite is happening. I am drawn with an extraordinary force to someone whose name I barely know.

The hairs on my body stand on edge, my mind blank as it records only the exceptional and graceful way he mixes and serves drinks. The smile he gives to all who approach him sends shivers down my spine. I can't help but imagine what his lips would taste like.

"He is just impossibly handsome, even in the dim and flickering light. His dark hair is perfectly tousled, his sharp jawline accentuated by the shadows, and his eyes, an unsettling shade of green, seem to see straight into my soul. How can a person be this handsome?" I think to myself, my gaze still fixated on him like a predator on its prey.

Reality washes over me when I see Olivia staring at me with a broad smile on her face. Our eyes meet, and she winks before continuing to nurse her drink.

Looking back at where he is, I become mindful of my stare, but it is impossible to look away. He has an allure that pulls with ferocious force, unlike anything I have ever encountered. There is something off about him; every time he moves, it is with a grace that seems almost predatory, and yet, there is a kindness in his smile that makes my heart flutter.

As he mixes drinks with practiced ease, the unspeakable happens, he glances up and catches my eye. A slow, knowing smile spreads across his face. "Care for a drink?" he mouths, raising a glass.

My heart sinks. "Did he just speak to me? Even if it wasn't clear, did he just do something in my direction?"

The thought of moving over to the counter makes me breathless and sweaty. I cup cheeks they were warm, unable to tear my gaze away from him.

I'm not usually socially active, but I have some flirting skills, especially when I'm alone in my room or when I see guys ogling at me. I wink and smile, making them think I'm interested, but when they approach, I turn them down.

"Hey girl... I've been watching you for a while now. Why don't you get yourself what you want? Because it looks like you want something that's not a drink," I hear Amelia whisper in my ear.

As she is about to leave with Bailey and Olivia, I hold her back. Swallowing the look of surprise on her face, I lean closer and whisper, "What do you know about him?" I glance toward him for her to trace my eyes.

"Why don't you go over there and ask him yourself? C'mon, he won't bite," she says, winking and trying to push me toward the counter.

"Please stop, Amie," I say, shrugging her hand off my shoulders. "Can you please just tell me something about him, so I at least know something before approaching him?" I plead, not hiding the shame of falling for a guy whose name I barely know.

"Okay, cutie, I'll tell you what I know," she says, laughing at her joke and pulling her chair closer.

"Mmmhmm... What do I know about that gorgeous guy?" she says, soliloquizing. My heart races with anticipation.

"They call him the Lord of the Night," she says, widening her eyes, sending shockwaves through my veins.

"What do you mean by that? Do they call him that because of how handsome he is? And who are 'they'?" I ask, feeling a sudden anger.

"Take it slow, baby girl, I'm here for you," Amelia says, looking at me, her gaze asking if everything is alright.

"I'm sorry," pouting.

"Okay... Where were we with your knight in shining armor?" she asks, her gaze mocking my curiosity.

Pretending not to notice, I maintain a stern look. "Yeah... They call him that because he is never seen during the day, only at night. And as if it isn't scary enough, his only friend is Benny, the owner of this club," she says, prying her eyes into mine to read my expression.

"Why doesn't he come out during the day?" I manage to ask, concealing my surprise.

"You would know when you walk over to him and ask," She responds flatly, withdrawing her gaze.

"Is that the only thing you know about him?" I ask, wondering why her mood turned sour all of a sudden.

"Well... I think his name is... Max?" she says, scratching her head, unsure.

"Bailey... Bailey," she calls out, her voice cutting through the loud music.

"Yes? Baby girl, did you call?" Bailey asks, standing and exposing her skinny legs to the guy opposite our table.

"What's the name of that gorgeous bartender?" Amelia asks, pulling a seat closer.

Sitting down and crossing her legs, Bailey looks at us consecutively, trying to read our expressions. "What's up, why do you want to know his name all of a sudden?" Bailey asks, almost glaring.

"What's your deal, baby girl? You know he doesn't like you. Why are you still obsessed over him?" Amelia asks, crossing her legs and waiting for Bailey's reply.

"Hold on, it's not what you think, Bailey. He's just good-looking, that's all," I say, trying to ease the tension.

"Okay, if that's what you say. His name is Max," Bailey says, making advances toward the guy opposite our table.

"I even got it right," Amelia mutters to herself.

"Okay, bye girls," Bailey says, leaving us.

"Okay, baby girl, one last thing you need to know is that every girl in this club, no matter who they are... has or had a crush on him. But... the weird thing is that we were all rejected," she says, smiling to herself.

"What are you thinking about?" I ask, snapping my fingers in her face.

"Nothing much," she replies, resuming her smile.

"What do you mean by 'we'? Did you also have a crush on him?" I ask, wide-eyed.

"Well... It wasn't that big of a deal compared to the others because it was short-lived," she says, shrugging her shoulders.

"Why was it short-lived?" I ask, trying to hide the happiness that flows through my veins.

"There's a rumor of him being a vamp," she says, whispering.

"What do you mean by vamp? What does it mean?" I ask, curiosity eating at my heart.

"It means vampire," she says, scanning my face for reactions.

"What? Are you serious?" I ask, covering my mouth with my hands.

"What's up with that look? Is your crush fading away?" she asks, bursting into laughter.

"What evidence did whoever said that have?" I ask, trying to suppress my anger.

"Take it easy, girl. It's not just him; others are dancing and drinking with us in this club. But no worries, they will only suck your blood if you join them in a room alone," she says with a sly smile.

"Nah, it can't be possible," I think, darting my eyes toward him.

"Well, that's for you to figure out. Now that you know about him, why don't you go try your luck?" she says, lifting my chin to meet her gaze.

"Don't force me, Amelia, I'll go at my own pace," I say, trying to think of what to do.

"No worries, baby girl. The main thing is that it looks like the Lord of the Night is taking a leave till tomorrow," she says, pointing at him.

Watching him take off his apron, I can't help but stare at his well-defined abs. I know I need to act fast.

"Okay... Wish me good luck," I say, standing up and adjusting my clothes.

"Go, girl!" Amelia shouts, making me sit back down.

"What was that? I said wish me luck, not shout and make me shy, Amie," I say, looking down as my courage washes away.

"Sorry, babe, but sincerely, I never knew you to be weak or shy. You were always our spirit, but since your twin half-sisters showed up, you've changed completely," she says, trying to see the effect of her words.

"Okay, fine, I'll go," I say, standing up.

"Good luck, baby girl," she whispers.

Heading towards his direction, his face shines like the sunrise, leaving me breathless. His dark hair is artfully tousled, his sharp jawline highlighted by the club's dim lighting, and his eyes, a mesmerizing shade of green, seem to pierce right through me the moment he looks at me.

Comporting myself as best as I can, I flash him my best smile and take a seat in front of the counter, staring at him.

"It took you long enough," he says, folding his hands in front of me as he leans over and looks into my eyes. I am sure my heart stops beating. Unable to process my thoughts, I just stare at him.

"What would you like to drink?" he asks, withdrawing from the counter so I can finally breathe.

Staring at him, I decided to give him my best shot. "Mmm, anything as sweet as you," I say, instantly happy at the shock and smile that appears on his face.

"Okay, I think I know exactly what to make you. Although I was about to go home, I'll do you the honor of letting you be my last customer," he says, watching for my reaction.

"Impressed?" he asks, looking up at me.

"Uh ummm... Yes, very much. You're... good at this," I say, stuttering.

His smile widens, revealing just the hint of his perfect teeth. "Years of practice," he says, leaning a little closer. "But it's always nice to know it's appreciated."

Trying to maintain my composure, I start sweating as his gaze bores into mine. He has stopped mixing the drinks, and his focus is entirely on me.

There is something about him that makes the crowded club fade away, leaving just the two of us in our world. Suddenly, everything changes. His eyes turn red and his teeth grow longer than they were. I think I peed my pants.

Fear etches itself into my heart, and I become numb. Remembering everything Amelia told me, the puzzle pieces fit together.

"He is a vampire," I say in my mind, still pretending to smile while hiding my shock.

All of a sudden, my eyes go to his neck, and I feel extremely hungry. Surprised by my actions and thoughts, I try to make an excuse to leave, but I am irresistibly hungry, and his neck looks appetizing.

"Are you hungry?" he asks, looking directly into my eyes.