Harley Gorillason

The chill in the air caught him off guard. “Colder than I thought,” he murmured, shoving his hands into the pockets of his sweatshirt. He ambled toward a bench in the park, drawn to the breathtaking panorama of the cloudless night sky. The moon cast a silver glow on the lake’s surface. A faint smile played on his lips as he took in the view. “Breathtaking,” he whispered to himself. Stellis, a metropolis of striking contrasts, seamlessly blended its modern charm with an air of mystique, weaving together the rich cultural heritage of old Nova Terra with innovative architectural designs.

As the capital of the western part of the Nova Terraean federation, Stellis boasted a unique history, having hosted pivotal meetings of the Federation Government and occasional gatherings of the Global Government representatives. The world was divided into five distinct regions: Libertara, Britannia, NovaTerra, Aqualantida, and Zenorienta, each operating on a federal basis under the umbrella of the One World Government, established over five centuries ago in response to global upheaval. While each region maintained its distinct culture, faith, language, and customs, the Global Government ensured harmony and order worldwide.

This cosmopolitan city was a melting pot of cultures, where modernity and mystique coexisted in perfect harmony. Stellis was home to one of the Global Government’s headquarters, the imposing Palace of Liberty, also known as Libertas Nova – one of several such structures on each continent, facilitating regional deliberations.

As a hub of cultural diversity, Stellis attracted people from all corners of the globe. Like many cities, it was divided into distinct districts, each reflecting the socio-economic fabric of its inhabitants. The affluent golden district boasted opulent apartments, fine dining establishments, and exclusive boutiques, catering to the elite. In contrast, the silver district, home to the middle class, offered comfortable residences, cozy cafes, and trendy boutiques. The working-class brown district was characterized by modest apartments, affordable bars, bustling bazaars, and factories, while the impoverished green district was marked by ramshackle huts, squalid streets, and garbage dumps. Although class disparities were evident, Stellis and the surrounding continent were spared the extreme contrasts found in other regions, such as LiberTara or Zenorienta.

Stellis offered a unique opportunity to experience the rich tapestry of cultures from various continents. The city’s culinary scene reflected its diversity, with a wide range of dishes from different cultures, while the sounds of various accents and languages filled the air. Although a single global language was officially recognized, each region also maintained its native tongue.

Jayden’s family had roots in Nórdland, where his parents had emigrated to Stellis when they were young. Both he and his sister were born there. The boy had always loved this place and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Here he found happiness. He smiled to himself, feeling the peace in his soul of belonging to this unique city.

The blonde-haired man’s lips curled into a string of profanities as his exhaustion threatened to consume him. His legs buckled, weakened by the copious amount of blood he’d lost. Just as all hope seemed lost, his gaze landed on a solitary boy in the park, and a triumphant smile spread across his face.

"Not yet,” he muttered, a maniacal laugh bubbling up in his throat. He paused to admire the moon before swooping in behind the boy, his fangs sinking into the young man’s neck. The boy struggled, but his attacker’s grip was unyielding. As the boy’s eyes glazed over, he caught sight of a blue butterfly dancing across the sky, its gentle flight a stark contrast to the violence unfolding below.

“Why?” the boy whispered, his voice barely audible. In the same instant, an unseen force hurled the attacker into the trees with incredible force, sending the boy tumbling to the grass, his strength spent.

The attacker’s curses were cut short as he felt his bones shattering, blood gushing from his mouth. “Damn you,” he spat, but his words were reduced to a mere whisper as his body succumbed to its injuries. The hunter approached, her face a mask of emptiness, her eyes devoid of hope. The attacker’s gaze locked onto hers, and a spark of recognition ignited within him.

"Had to be you…" he trailed off, his eyes scanning the figure before him. Comprehension dawned, and a wry smile twisted his lips.

“As the saying goes... sometimes you’re the one driving the cart, and sometimes you’re the one beneath its wheels.” The hunter loomed over him, her expression unyielding. “Sweet dreams,” she whispered, shoting a bullet right into his heart.

She crouched beside him, watching as the life drained from his eyes.

There he was...one of the most powerful entities. She couldn’t shake the sensation...something within her coiled as she gazed at the deceased man. Something wasn’t right. Something beyond her comprehension. He wore a smile on his lips. Almost as if he were attempting to ridicule her.

Her gaze fell upon the boy, and a curse escaped her lips. She would need to dispose of the body, but the nearby lake would suffice. As she approached the boy, her eyes narrowed, and she was about to toss him into the water when she caught sight of his gaze. A loud curse burst from her lips – the boy was still alive, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. It was not the look of a victim, but of someone who refused to surrender. The girl’s glare intensified as she swore under her breath. She scooped up the boy and carried him beside the corpse, where she cut the dead man’s wrist and pressed it to the boy’s lips, ensuring he swallowed the blood. The boy’s eyes went blank, and the girl’s expression softened, her eyes clouding with sadness and regret.

"I’m sorry," she whispered, a faint smile on her lips, as she cursed quietly to herself.

* * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * ** * *

The boy slowly woke up in bed, hurting all over. He stood up and looked around the room, confused. The room was quite large and had little furniture. A dark wooden wardrobe covering the entire wall, a table with a bedside lamp next to the large bed and a chest of drawers next to the door. The walls were light and complemented the light parquet floor. The room was half dark, mainly due to the curtains being half-down on the windows. The boy grabbed his neck, which hurt the most, and stiffened. He ran it down his arm a few times, shocked. He remembered that something attacked him in this place, but there was no wound. His memories were a bit hazy. The last thing he remembers was the moon and the stars, and then there was only pain. He shuddered, not understanding the whole situation. He didn’t know where he was or how he got here. He was all nervous and shaky, emotions were boiling inside him. He took a deep breath in and out to calm down.

“They kidnapped me” he looked around the room chaotically, trying to remember if maybe it was the room of one of his friends. He went to the window to look around, but it didn’t help. The room was on the second floor, overlooking the city. He didn’t know where he was. The boy was starting to lose his mind, not knowing what to do next. Night was approaching so it was even worse. Slowly panic began to overcome him. He was unable to control his fear. He was supposedly prepared for situations where someone might kidnap him. His parents were influential businessmen and were a wealthy family. My father always preferred to play it safe. But that was a theory and now maybe he really was kidnapped. Nervously, he searched his pockets and couldn’t find his phone. Suddenly the door opened and the boy jumped back. Slowly, a woman’s figure emerged from behind the door, quite tall brunette, wearing a black top and shorts. She looked at him.

“Hello, slept well?” she crossed her arms, her voice low and feminine. The boy stood frozen, not knowing what to do. He couldn’t believe what he heard.

“Slept well? What? What?” he replied nervously “What are you talking about?!” You kidnapped me?! Hidden camera?! “What have you done to me” emotions were driving him, fear and anger. He was unable to control himself.

“Relax. Let’s start by introducing ourselves. “I’m Clare,” she rolled her eyes, bored.

“Relax?! I’m calm" the boy shouted at her, punched the wall with more force than he expected but felt no pain “How can I be calm?!” ” he looked at her nervously, he was taller than her, and as a man he was certainly stronger. Under normal circumstances he would never have thought about hitting a woman but now, his emotions were taking over him. Emotions he couldn’t control. He lunged at her, much faster. than he wanted. To his surprise, Clare easily threw him to the ground with great force, bending his arm back and pressing her leg against him.

“I think I said ′take it easy’.” she said in a bored tone, she pressed her foot against him, causing him more pain. “Now, either you behave nicely or I become rude, and we don’t want that, right?” she bent his arm tighter and let go. The boy lay on the floor in shock for a moment. He didn’t expect the woman to be so strong. She threw him like he weighed nothing. He slowly turned to her.

“Who are you?” he asked terrified, his light blonde hair covering his eyes. Clare looked at him.

“I’m Clare, and you?” she smiled slightly, fixing her ponytail at the back.

“You’re...a monster,” he replied thoughtlessly, referring to her physical strength. The girl smiled bitterly as she stepped closer to him, motioning for him to stand up.

“Yes, I am, but don’t you think it’s worth introducing myself?” she added with sarcasm in her voice, hinting that her patience was running out. The boy stood up, hurting from a closer encounter with the floor. Jayden noticed that he had a rather pronounced Aqualantis accent.

“Jayden,” he said reluctantly, he saw the girl looking at him. She had fair skin, auburn hair and brown eyes. She was pretty. Even very much. For a moment, time stood still for him as he looked at her. Slowly his emotions began to calm down. He was brought out of his thoughts by Clare.

“So, Jayden, my pleasure. Now that we’ve said hello, why don’t we have some tea and I’ll explain everything to you,” she smiled at him and left the room, signaling him to follow her. The boy reluctantly followed her to the other room, which was connected to the kitchen. Light wooden parquet floor combined with cream walls and light furniture, all in a quite minimalist style. One larger dark brown bookcase with a built-in large TV and one large cream sofa in the middle of the room, with two armchairs in the same style. The apartment had two bedrooms and a bathroom, everything was decorated in a similar way, little furniture, light colors mixed with wood. The decor was minimalist but quite elegant. Modern elegance. Although it felt like it was quite an expensive and well-finished apartment. The detail was in the details and in the quality. It was elegant and luxurious but not intrusive. The complete opposite of the house Jayden lived in, lots of furniture, paintings and a bit opulent. His family was quite wealthy, both of his parents were well-earning businessmen. He sat down at the table, worried and nervous. Clare set the tea on the table and sat down across from him.

“The best tea, try it, go ahead” she smiled and took the cup to smell the drink “from the best tea shop and made by me, hehe” Jayden was not in the mood to drink tea and chat, he looked into his cup and then looked at the girl.

“Did you kidnap me?” he asked quietly, watching the brunette, who looked at him like he was an idiot for a moment and then laughed.

“Good joke. Do I look like a child kidnapper to you?” she replied bitterly, looking into his eyes, the boy looked down, he wanted to ask another question but before he could, Clare handed him his phone, which surprised Jayden “Next time you should put a password on it” Jayden stood up, terrified.

“Why did you have my phone?! What is this all about!? Explain yourself!” he didn’t notice when he started screaming. His vision darkened again, he had trouble controlling himself again, tears came to his eyes “Why?!” he staggered closer to Clare, who sat there unfazed by it all.

“Sit down,” she replied coldly, in a voice that accepted no objections, she looked at him. There was something terrifying in her gaze, and at that moment he felt helpless. Jayden sat down, quietly. His hands were shaking with fear. Clare looked like an ordinary girl, twenty-something, nice, but her gaze was that of a strong and ruthless person. “Tell me, what do you remember from yesterday?” she asked gently. Jayden shuddered as he thought about the incident, which was like a bad dream to him. Slowly his hand touched the back of his neck.

“I was in the park and then someone hit me in the neck... and I woke up here,” he replied shyly, the memory making him feel sick. Clare sighed.

“You lost consciousness and I took you to my place” the girl folded her arms, her thoughts also drifting to the park incident, which was nothing pleasant. The boy sensed she was withholding information. He trembled.

“Why...why did you help me?” Jayden wasn’t trying to appear ungrateful—after all, she hadn’t abandoned him in the park—but she could have delivered him to the police station or elsewhere, not her residence. Everything seemed suspicious. “You helped me, right…?”

"I helped?" Clare cut him off. “You’re still breathing, so perhaps I did,” she responded curtly, chuckled, then regarded him with a hint of melancholy. “No need for gratitude, don’t mention it,” she rose and headed to the bathroom, instructing Jayden to accompany her. The boy, bewildered, hesitantly approached. Clare stood examining the mirror. The space was finished in creamy gold, featuring a spacious bathtub, shower, and a wall-length mirror. Jayden glanced at her questioningly, uncertain what to do, and she simply motioned toward the mirror. The boy looked and observed his reflection, noting nothing extraordinary. Tall, lanky, light blonde with exceptionally pale skin, the only distinction he detected was his hair and complexion appearing lighter than usual. He and Clare created a stark contrast—she was a dark brunette, with fair skin, stunning brown eyes, a flawless figure with womanly curves, though upon closer inspection, she had slightly defined muscles on her arms. He, conversely, was tall, slender, fair-haired with bright eyes.

Bright golden eyes…

He blinked.

Again.

Still golden.

“Eh? Golden? What?” he vocalized, disbelieving what he witnessed. His sapphire eyes had transformed to golden yellow. The boy was stunned, moving closer to the mirror for a better examination. “What happened... How is this possible?!” he repeated, then turned to Clare seeking answers. She merely sighed and exited the bathroom. “My eyes…”

“Come,” was all she said and sat down at the table again. Jayden did the same, asking no more questions. It all overwhelmed him. If he could, he would run away, but he knew he had no chance against Clare, so he waited for the right moment.

“So,” she grasped the knife, “you’ve transformed into a vampire, that’s what occurred,” she stated flatly, as if reciting something tedious, her eyes still fixed on the blade. Jayden leapt up, furious and exhausted with the situation, and bolted toward the door to flee. Driven by raw instinct, he was simply attempting to escape. The doors were unlocked. He swiftly dashed toward the staircase and hurried downward. He halted, astonished to discover himself in a tavern crowded with patrons. The atmosphere buzzed with noise, chuckles and boisterous conversations, while piano music played in the background. Fortunately for the young man, his height exceeded most people’s, allowing him to navigate easily through the throng toward the exit. He burst outside, anxiously surveying his surroundings, and by stroke of luck, a taxi waited in front of the building. He climbed in without hesitation, provided the address, and they departed.

“You’re very nervous, bad company at the Pearl?” the driver joked, looking at the nervous boy who ignored the question. He was glad he escaped. He looked back but there was no sign of the girl. He took out his phone and called.

“Mom, I’m coming home. I’ll tell you everything. I’m sorry,” tears came to his eyes as he said this, the woman didn’t have time to answer because the boy hung up. This wasn’t the place to talk.

“Vampire,” he said quietly to himself, ”good jokes."

“Are you sure?” The tall man was cleaning his glass when Clare approached him, scowling, “Your boy flew out of here like a slingshot,” he laughed, “did she do something to him?”

“Very funny” she wasn’t laughing, she took out her phone and started checking something “Looks like I caught a goldfish” the bartender moved closer to see the map on the phone. He laughed.

“How many stars do you think the ride will be rated?

“Five, as long as the driver stays quiet.” They both laughed.

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