Freya turns to Yasmin. “Please don’t let me do that again. I really didn’t mean to, it just happened.”
“I understand. I know how it feels, it’s not your fault.” Says Yasmin.
“What? How could you?”
“Well I don’t know exactly how it feels, but ever since that night you bit me, I’ve felt a sort of attraction to you. That’s why I kissed you earlier. I feel like if you asked me to jump off a cliff, I’d do it without question.”
“Please don’t do that. I never wanted to make you a thrall, but Kira said I had to. I’ll never make you do anything you don’t want to, I promise.” Says Freya.
“I’m glad you did. I feel much closer to you now. We’ve always been friends, but this feels like something so much more.”
Freya sits next to her and hugs her tightly. “At least you’re not scared of me. I didn’t even realise I was hurting you.”
“It did hurt, but I also kinda liked it. I knew you were really enjoying it and that made me excited. I’d let you do it again if you wanted.” Says Yasmin.
“No, I don’t like hurting you.”
“You did though. You must’ve seen how scared I was. I didn’t think you was going to stop.”
“That wasn’t me, I wasn’t in control.”
“But you enjoyed it, didn’t you? The more I cried, the harder you bit.”
“Stop it, I don’t want to think about it.”
“Why, because you’ll get excited and do it again?” Yasmin suddenly extends her hand. “Bite me again if you want.”
“Please, Yasmin, don’t tempt me.” Freya turns away.
“I want you to. I can almost feel your lust when you do it.”
“I’m not doing it again. You’re only saying that because you want to please me.”
“Not just that. It makes me feel good too. Well it does hurt... but it’s worth the pain.”
“Not today. I can’t now anyway, that potion seems to be working. Let’s just relax for a bit.”
“Okay. Can I at least kiss you? Your taste, it’s like a drug, it makes me feel so good.” Yasmin leans closer.
“It could very well be a drug. Kira seems to be able to seduce people with a kiss. I am meant to have certain powers like that.”
“May I? Just a little kiss?” Yasmin begs.
“Of course you can. Kiss me all day if you wish.”
“Yes, thank you!” Yasmin climbs on top of her and starts kissing softly. Freya is too tired to return the kiss. The potion makes her sleepy. Yasmin grows more insistent, her kisses getting messier.
An hour later, Yasmin is still kissing hard. Freya’s face is covered in saliva, but she can’t be bothered to do anything about it. She just lies on her back, letting Yasmin do whatever she wants.
Kira returns to check in on them. “Having fun?” When she doesn’t get a reply, she gently pulls Yasmin off.
“How long as this been going on for?” She asks.
“Don’t know. Since you left.” Says Freya. “I think she’s become addicted to me.”
Yasmin covers her mouth again.
Kira sighs. “She probably is. It’s another one of your abilities. You secrete a chemical in you saliva that makes people feel good and be more likely to trust you. It’s not as powerful as a bite would be, but as you can see, it’s effective.”
Freya pushes Yasmin off. “Could’ve told me that before.” Yasmin desperately tries to kiss her again.
“Thought I already mentioned it, must’ve forgotten. It comes in useful. You’ve experienced it. Remember when I first kissed you?”
”Yes. I don’t remember feeling anything special, but I did follow you into that ally...”
“That’s why it’s so useful. Your victim doesn’t even realise. Unless you kiss them for too long. Then it becomes quite clear something isn’t right. Yasmin is probably as high as a kite right now.”
Kira goes back to the helm. Freya stops Yasmin from kissing her. At first she’s restless and won’t stop, but she eventually calms down. They fall asleep together.
Freya is awoken by Kira. “We’re almost there. Get yourself ready.” She leaves the room again. Freya glances at the bloody bandage on Yasmin’s hand. She starts to feel tempted to bite again. She gently takes Yasmin’s other hand and brings it to her mouth.
Yasmin’s eyes open. “Do it.” She whispers.
Freya feels her fangs extend. She presses them lightly against Yasmin’s hand.
No! I can’t do this. Freya fights off the temptation and gets out of bed. She goes above deck.
It’s getting dark. She stands next to Kira. “Is that the citadel?” She asks, gazing at an old castle on the top of a cliff.
“Yes. Your fangs are out, Freya. You didn’t...”
“No. I stopped myself.”
“Good. You’ve fed off Yasmin enough already. When we get to the citadel, you’ll have plenty of people you can feed on.” Says Kira.
“Like who? You mentioned cattle before...”
“Well there’s always thralls walking around. You can bite any of them. And the cattle too... I wouldn’t feed on them though.”
“Why?” Asks Freya.
“I don’t think you’ll like seeing them. They’re locked up and fed for the sole purpose of feeding. They’re usually people who deserve it, mind. Prisoners and the like. People aren’t just taken off the street anymore.” Kira explains.
“What about the thralls, wont their masters mind? I’d hate for random people to feed off Yasmin.”
“Keep her close then. Most vampires don’t treat their thralls like you treat Yasmin. Some have multiple thralls. There’s usually a few that love being bitten. There was this girl that would flirt with me and purposely turn me on so I would bite her. I wonder if she’s still there.”
“We need food for Yasmin first.”
“Yes, we’ll get something before we go. Wake her up and get everything ready. I’ll dock the boat up here.”
Once docked, Kira takes them to a small town. It seems quiet, with almost no people around. They go into one of the local shops just before it closes, and buy some food for Yasmin.
They buy fresh fruit to eat now, and dried stuff for the journey back.
As the sun sets, Kira leads them up a winding path to the castle. As they walk towards the portcullis, two men stop them. They’re wearing black robes over gambeson.
“State your purpose.” Says one of the men.
“Here to see the old master, if he’s still kicking.” Kira replies.
“And who might you be?”
Kira is about to say something when a young woman comes running out. “Kira! Good to see you again. Let her in, she’s a friend of mine.”
“Fine, but what about her companions?” The man stares at Freya.
“She’s one of us. Her first time here.” Says Kira.
“She isn’t.” The man glances at Yasmin.
“She’s a thrall, can’t you tell?”
“Alright, but we’ll be keeping an eye on you. I hope you aren’t bothering the master for no reason.”
“It’s important, trust me.”
“It better be. In you go. Open the gate!” At the man’s command, the portcullis begins to raise.
Kira leads them through. The woman goes to hug Kira, then hesitates. “Umm, last time we saw each other... I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have left like that. I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you too, Maya. Didn’t think I’d see you again.” Says Kira.
“Who’s this?” Maya asks, looking at Freya.
“A friend.”
“Care to elaborate? Vampires aren’t too common these days.”
“I’d rather not. It’s a long story.”
“I’ve got time.”
“We haven’t. Come on Freya.” Kira grabs her arm.
“Don’t be like that, I’m sorry. I should’ve listened to you. I just wasn’t sure if it was a good idea or not. Living with this curse isn’t easy. If we were going to make her into a vampire, we would’ve needed to tutor her. I can’t imagine us having the patience for that, can you?”
Kira turns around. “I drank the potion. I thought it had worn off. I bit someone a few days later. They’ve got the curse now. She’s standing in front of you.”
Maya looks shocked. “I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.” She says to Freya. “How are you coping?”
“She’s doing fine. I’ve been teaching her everything. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we need to see the master.” Says Kira.
“You’re not going to tell him what happened are you?”
“Of course not. Not a word of this to anybody, got it?” Kira drags Freya away from Maya and into the castle.
Maya catches up to them. “Let me get you some new robes and find you some quarters. It’s the least I can do.” She runs off before Kira can stop her.
“I’m guessing that’s the vampire you were telling me about the other day.” Says Freya.
“Yes. Didn’t think we’d see her here.”
Freya looks around. There’s a few people milling about. Most wear black robes, but a few wear tattered clothes. They must be the thralls. Freya thinks.
Maya returns before long. “Come, I’ll settle you both in.” She says.
“Take Freya. I need to see the master right away. Find her someone to feed on too.” Kira walks off, leaving Freya behind.
“Come, I’ll show you to your new quarters.” Says Maya. Freya has no choice but to follow. “Is she your thrall or Kira’s?” Maya asks, glancing at Yasmin.
“Mine.” Freya replies.
“That was quick. You can’t of been a vampire for long. How are you finding it?” Maya asks.
“It’s not too bad, but I find it hard to control my urges.” Freya admits.
“I think we all did when we started out. It gets easier, trust me.” Maya leads them to a small room with a bed and a set of drawers. On the bed is what looks like a black dress.
“I’ll leave you to get changed. I hope it fits, let me know if it doesn’t. I’ll find you dinner. Any preference? Kira likes pretty young women.”
“Yeah, whatever, I don’t mind. Thanks.” Freya sits on the bed.
“I think I know someone you’ll like. She’s one of Kira’s favourites. Loves being bitten. I’ll see if I can find her.”
Freya changes into her new robe. It’s black on the outside, with the inside lined with red. Yasmin helps with the laces.
“You look hot.” Says Yasmin, eyeing her up.
“Really?” Freya looks in a mirror. She does look quite striking.
“I hope you can keep it. I like you in that. It looks sexy, and a little scary. Put the hood up.” Says Yasmin.
Freya does what Yasmin asks and bares her fangs.
Maya returns. “It suits you. Looks like it fits too. Here’s your meal for the evening. I’ve got to take care of a few things. I’m sure Kira will be back soon.”
A girl appears from behind Maya. She looks like she’s in her mid twenties, quite short, and has braided ginger hair. She steps forward as Maya leaves.
“I heard you are a friend of Kira’s. She’s bitten me many times. I like her. She does more than just feed. Want to know what she used to do?” The girl asks, stepping closer.
“I think I can guess...”
“Most vampires just bite me and leave without a thought. Kira though... She takes me to her quarters and makes love to me before she bites. It often gets quite rough.”
“I can imagine.” Freya hopes this girl isn’t expecting her to do the same.
“Enough talk. I need someone to sink their fangs into me. It feels so good. I wonder what you’ll feel like. Each vampire is slightly different.”
Freya walks up to the girl, wondering how she’ll taste.
“Can we do it sitting down? The sedative makes me light headed.”
“Yeah okay.” Freya sits on the edge of the bed. Yasmin watches her closely. The girl jumps into Freya’s lap, wrapping her legs around Freya’s body. She looks excited.
Freya hesitantly presses her fangs against the girl’s neck. It still feels strange biting total strangers. She slowly sinks her teeth in and feels a burst of hot blood hit her mouth.
The girl sighs. “Oh, that’s good...”
Freya laps it up, trying not to let her emotions get out of control. She’s not sure how long to feed, so stops earlier than she usually would.
“That was so different.” Says the girl. “Most people just bite hard and get it done with. You were pretty gentle.”
“I haven’t been doing this long.” Says Freya.
“No, I wasn’t criticising. I liked that. Do it again on the other side. Can you do it slowly again?” Asks the girl.
“Yeah of course.” Says Freya.
“Do it really slow. Usually it’s over so fast that I don’t feel it.”
Freya lightly presses her fangs into her skin. She tries not to lose control and bite hard. She slowly increases the pressure.
“Yes! Like that! Slower, make it last.” Cries the girl.
Freya does her best to bite as slowly as she can.
“Oh yes, I can really feel that!”
Eventually Freya tastes blood. She continues biting slowly deeper. The girl sighs and moans softly. Freya feels herself losing control and quickly feeds as fast as she can. She pulls away, panting with lust.
That was hard. She thinks. Maybe I’m getting better at controlling myself.
“That was amazing.” Says the girl. “I could feel your fangs slowly sinking deeper. It actually hurt a little before the sedative kicked in. Sometimes Kira bites without the sedative. That’s always exciting. Can you do that?”
“I don’t know how.” Freya replies.
“That’s a shame. I’d love you to do it slowly again but without any sedative. It would hurt and I could feel everything.” Says the girl.
“I could teach you.” Says Kira, stepping through the doorway. “You showed good control, Kira. I was expecting you to throw her to the floor and keep biting until she passes out.”
“You were watching?” Asks Freya, surprised.
“Yes.”
The girl grabs Freya’s arm suddenly. “One more? Even slower!” She asks.
Kira walks over and pulls the girl off. “No time. I’ve got to talk to Freya.” She says.
“But I need more.” Says the girl. Kira suddenly grabs her and bites her hard three times on the neck. She doesn’t even feed.
“That enough?” Kira asks.
The girl stumbles forward. “Oh yes, that’s good.” She falls onto the floor, unconscious.
“What did you do?” Freya asks.
“Gave her loads of sedative. The potions make her resistant to a standard dose, but enough of it will make her sleep.”
“Why’d you do it? She was nice.”
“We’ve got to talk. I like her too, but we don’t have time for games. Besides, she loves it.”
“Okay, but you can’t just leave her on the floor.”
Kira sighs. “Alright, help me get her on the bed.”
Together they pick her up and get her into the bed. Freya tucks her in.
“Okay, so what happened?” Freya asks.
“Nothing good. After explaining it all, the master said that we can’t have people who are immune to the sedative running around. He wants me to kill the girl.” Says Kira.
“Kill her? We can’t do that!” Says Freya, shocked.
“I’m reluctant as well. I don’t know what to do.”
The door suddenly opens and a man steps in. He’s bald with a long grey beard. Freya thinks he looks like a wizard.
“I know what you can do. I heard everything.” He says.
“You were listening?” Asks Kira.
“Yes. You said this girl completely resisted the sedative? There was no way she was a thrall or anything?” The man questions.
“Not that I could tell. There was no bite marks or any other indications.”
“Very interesting... I’ve been working on something for a number or years. Decades in fact. I believe this girl could be just the thing I’m looking for. If you could bring her back here for experimentation...”
“I doubt the master would agree to this.”
“We wouldn’t have to know.”
“Wouldn’t he find out if I brought the girl here?”
“We’d be careful about it. You’d say you disposed of her, and we’ll bring her in as a thrall.”
“I doubt making her a thrall would work if she’s immune.”
“We wouldn’t need to actually do it. We’d just pretend. No one will take any notice.”
“Perhaps... Who are you exactly? What sort of experiments will you do?” Kira asks.
“An alchemist. I’ve been working on a cure to vampirism. Controversial, I know, but I believe people should at least have a choice to rid themselves of the disease.” Says the man.
“What do you think, Freya?” Kira asks.
Freya’s a little surprised she gets a say. “Well I’d rather bring her back than kill her. But I don’t like the idea of experimenting on her either.”
“Don’t worry.” Says the alchemist. “I won’t harm her. The experiments won’t be painful or particularly dangerous. I keep good care of my test subjects.”
“But she won’t be allowed to go though, will she?” Freya asks.
“It would be too risky. Once I’m done, I could either give her something that would induce amnesia, or let her serve me. I could do with an assistant. She could choose.”
“That seems a lot better than killing her in cold blood.”
“I agree.” Says Kira. “Question is, how do we get her here? We can’t count on the usual techniques. I guess kidnapping is the only option.”
“Not necessarily. I could brew a potion that would make her easy to persuade. She would be very suggestible.” Says the alchemist.
“Would it definitely work on her.” Asks Kira.
“Yes, it’s got nothing to do with vampirism. It should work on anybody. The main ingredient is psilocybin mushrooms. You know, the magic kind. It will also have a calming effect. The mushrooms on their own could make her distrustful. It would be too unpredictable. My concoction is much more reliable. Make up a story to get her to follow you.”
“How long will it last?”
“Eight hours at a push. You’ll get at least six. After that you could either give her another dose, or restrain her. Or perhaps you could explain how important she is and hope she’ll come willingly. It’s up to you. I’ll leave you to talk it through. I’ll prepare the concoction.”
The alchemist leaves. Kira turns to Freya.
“Do you want to do this? You don’t have to. You can go home with Yasmin if you want. I could visit when I’m done here and teach you more.”
“Of course I want to do this. I’ve come this far, haven’t I? I want to see it through. What about you, Yasmin?” Freya asks.
“I’m with you, whatever you decide to do.”
“That’s settled then.” Says Kira. “I might need you two. That girl might recognise me. Even with the drugs, it’s too much of a risk. Would you be up for that?”
“Just tell me what to do.”
“We’ll come up with a plan.”
Maya starts to stir. “That felt good. What did I miss?”
“Nothing important. We’re going tomorrow, but we’ll be back before long.” Says Kira. “Then we can play like we used to.”
“I’ll be waiting for you. Your friend especially. She was good. Right, I suppose I better get going, I’m supposed to be sorting through some old books in the library.” Maya gets up, stretching.
“Let’s go see if the alchemist needs a hand.” Says Kira. “I can show you the laboratory.”
“Can Yasmin come too?” Freya asks.
“Of course. Probably best to keep her close.”
Freya follows Kira into the main hall. She watches a woman shove a man against a wall, biting his neck. The man gives no resistance, obviously a thrall.
“Stop staring, come on.” Kira drags her away. They go up a staircase and through a corridor. Kira pushes open a heavy wooden door on the right hand side. Inside is an old fashioned laboratory. There’s glass vials and flasks everywhere. Freya stares at shelves full of herbs and chemicals. On one side of the room is a bookshelf with old tomes.
The alchemist is preparing something on one of the work surfaces. Freya watches him grind up some herbs and boil them over a flame.
“We’ve decided we’ll do it.” Says Kira. “We can leave tomorrow.”
“Good, the faster you do this, the better. Don’t want the master sending someone else to kill the girl.” He replies.
“He doesn’t know who it is. I never mentioned where she lives.”
“Still, I’d rather get this done as quickly as possible. I don’t want the wrong person finding out. Right, you’re to keep this potion in darkness and give it to the girl without delay. Psilocybin breaks down in sunlight. The calming herbs will act almost immediately, but the psilocybin needs to be converted to psilocin, so you’ll need to wait half an hour before the full effects kick in.”
“Any idea how to get her to drink it?” Kira asks.
“Put it in her food or drink. Don’t let her know you’ve done it. It’ll be easier to persuade her then.”
“We’ll think of something. Need any help?”
“No, I’m almost done. I just need to finish distilling this. You should get some rest and go early tomorrow. I’ll drop the potion in when it’s done.”
Freya heads back to their chambers with Kira.
“I’m hungry.” Says Kira. “You’ve already fed on my favourite girl. I’ll have to find someone else.” She says.
As they near their room, Kira spots a girl cleaning the floor. She grabs her arm. “You’ll do.” She says, bringing her along.
“What do you want me for?” Asks the girl. She’s got medium length brunette hair and looks very innocent.
“I’m hungry.” Says Kira.
“Okay, go on then.”
“Not here.” Kira drags her into their chambers. “Sit on the bed and wait for me.” She begins to get undressed.
The girl looks away, thinking Kira is getting changed. Freya knows better. She sits on a chair in the corner. Yasmin gets into her lap.
When Kira has undressed she sits next to the girl.
“When was the last time someone bit you?” Kira asks.
“It’s been a while. My master prefers the girls in the basement. It’s like he’s forgotten about me.”
“He still gives you the potion though, right?”
“No, he stopped a long time ago.” The girl replies.
“So you’re not a thrall anymore?”
“No.”
“Why are you still here then? I thought you would’ve run away.”
“Where would I go? Someone would hunt me down anyway. I know too much. It’s not that bad here. I’m treated well enough. Can you get it done with now? I should get going.”
“Okay then.” Kira climbs onto the girl’s lap. The girl looks uncomfortable. Kira licks her neck.
“Are you going to bite?”
“I like to play a bit first.” Kira softly kisses her. The girl stiffens up.
“Haven’t you done this before?” Kira asks.
“Not with a girl. Can you just do it? I’m not a thrall, remember?”
“I know. Makes it more exciting.” Kira kisses harder.
Freya watches them. Kira seems to have forgotten about her. Suddenly Yasmin brushes her lips against Freya’s mouth. She looks into Freya’s eyes.
“Later. I want to watch them.” Says Freya.
Kira is kissing the girl’s neck now and humping her.
“Just feed! Do you do this with everyone?” Asks the girl impatiently.
“Yes!”
“Please just bite me now.”
“Fine.” Kira lunges at her neck. The girl cries out.
“That hurts! Stop it!”
Kira pulls back. Her lips covered in blood.
“Why did it hurt?” Asks the girl, clearly confused.”
“Because I didn’t use the sedative.” Kira replies.
“Why?”
“I didn’t want you falling asleep. You said you’re not a thrall anymore.”
“Just let me sleep, it doesn’t matter.”
“But I can’t play with you then.”
“I don’t want to play.”
“You’re no fun.” Kira bites her hard for a second time. This time the girl falls unconscious in her arms. Kira feeds, then begins humping her.
“No, Freya! That’s not fair. You can’t do it while she’s asleep.” Says Freya, getting up.
“Why? She won’t know.”
“It’s not right.”
“But I’m horny.”
“Do it to me then.” Says Freya. Kira is on her in an instant. Freya can taste the blood on her lips.
Freya lets Kira grind against her leg until she’s finished. Kira lies on the bed, exhausted.
Freya goes back to Yasmin. “You can kiss me now if you want. Then I need to sleep.
“Carful she doesn’t get addicted again.” Says Kira.
Kira shakes her awake. Freya opens her eyes reluctantly. “What is it?”
“It’s time to go.” Says Kira.
“Already? Can’t we stay awhile longer?”
“Just get up. We’ve got important things to do. I think I know how to drug that girl.”
“How?”
“Her mum brings her breakfast every morning. Sometimes she leaves it by the door if the girl can’t be arsed to get up. We lie in wait and spike the food.” Says Kira.
“How do you know all this?”
“I’ve seen it myself. I keep track of all potential meals in case I need to feed in a hurry. I made a note of it in my diary.”
“Didn’t know you kept a diary.”
“I just make notes of anything I might find useful later on. Let’s go. You can keep your robes. You look good in them.”
The boat journey back home is uneventful. Freya avoids kissing Yasmin in case it gets out of hand again. Yasmin’s bandages need to be changed daily. The wound is beginning to heal but Yasmin still says it hurts sometimes.
When they arrive home, Freya decides to pay her mum a visit.
“I don’t want her worrying.” Freya tells Kira. “I won’t be long. You should take Yasmin out for something to eat. She hasn’t had a proper meal in days.”
Freya knocks on her door. Her mum answers.
“You’re back! I was getting worried, you never replied to my texts.” She says, pulling Freya in for a hug.
“Sorry, I was busy and the reception wasn’t great. I can’t stay long. I’m going out with a few friends.” Says Freya.
“Does a few friends mean Yasmin?”
“Yes.” Freya admits.
“You should’ve brought her here. You don’t need to keep it a secret. So, what’s this new look you’ve got?”
“Yasmin thought I looked nice in it.”
“Well it’s certainly different. Are you staying for tea? I’m making a roast.”
“I should really get going. We’re leaving early in the morning.”
“Bring her round. She can stay the night if she wants.”
“Well actually there’s another girl too.” Says Freya.
“Oh is there? She can come too. Do I know her?”
“No, it’s a new friend.”
“Why not have a sleep over?”
“Maybe, I’ll ask them.”
Freya meets Kira and Yasmin in the woods.
“We can sleep at mine and get up early. We need to lie in wait. I’ve found a good spot.” Says Kira. “I’ve only got one bed though, we’ll have to share.”
“My mum says you can sleep round mine.” Freya replies.
“Is that a good idea?”
“I don’t see any harm. Just don’t...”
“Bite anyone? Don’t worry, I’ll behave. I’m good at blending in.”
“She’s cooking a roast. I’ll tell her we’ve already eaten. Yasmin can have some if she likes. I already told my mum we’re leaving early.”
“Sounds like a plan. After we spike the food, I should wait in the boat. We don’t want the girl seeing me.” Says Kira.
“How will I convince her to come?”
“Improvise. Make anything up. She’ll be very suggestible. It’ll be easy.”
They arrive at Freya’s house. Freya’s mum invites them in.
“Make yourselves at home, you’re just in time for dinner.” She says.
“We’ve already eaten. Kira took us out. She had already booked a table somewhere so I couldn’t refuse.” Says Freya.
“Okay, no worries. Where are you all sleeping?”
“I’ll make some room, Kira’s okay sleeping on the floor.”
“Okay, let me know if you want anything.”
“We’re leaving quite early so I probably won’t see you till I get back. I’ll try and stay in touch.” Freya leads the girls to her room.
“Do I have to sleep on the floor?” Kira asks.
“Well you could sleep on the sofa if you prefer.”
“Let’s all sleep in your bed.” Kira suggests.
“It’s not big enough.”
“It’ll be fine. How do you want to pass the time? Truth or dare again?”
“Definitely not. Not after what happened last time.” Says Freya.
“You’re probably right.”
“We could play some video games. I’ve got a vampire one. Or we could watch a film.”
“Let’s watch a film. Something scary.”
“Yasmin doesn’t like scary films.” Says Freya.
“We’ll look after her.”
The three of them cuddle up in a blanket and put a film on. When it starts getting scary, Yasmin climbs into Freya’s lap.
“That looks so fake.” Says Kira. “Real blood is darker than that. It’s thicker too.”
“It’s only a film. Not everyone’s an expert like you.”
“Anyway, they should’ve heard their footsteps. You can’t help but make a sound on fresh leaves, no matter how stealthy you are.”
“Stop over analysing everything and enjoy it.”
They sleep together in Freya’s bed, Yasmin in the middle. It reminds Freya of sleep overs when she was young. She wonders if her life will ever be the same again. Will Kira stay at the citadel after this is over? What will she do then?
Kira shakes her awake the next morning. “It’s time. I’m going to help you drugging the girl, then I’ll wait for you on the boat. Yasmin will go with you. Remember to wait half an hour after she’s eaten before showing yourself.”
Before leaving, they raid the fridge for food for Yasmin and the girl.
The girl they’re after lives in a converted shed at the end of the garden. They wait in a nearby hedge. Eventually the back door of the house opens and a middle aged woman steps out, carrying a tray of food. She walks to the shed and knocks on the door.
“I’ve got your breakfast, can I come in?” She asks. There’s a pause, then “Leave it outside.” Says a voice from inside. The woman leaves again. Kira uncorks the potion and checks the coast is clear.
Freya hears a muffled gasp from inside the shed. Kira quickly runs to the tray and pours the potion into a glass of orange juice. She’s about to run back, but hesitates. She has a quick peak through the window before returning to the bush.
“You might be waiting a while, Freya.” She says.
“Why, what’s she doing?”
“Playing with herself.” I’ll be waiting on the boat. Remember to wait before showing yourselves. Try and come up with something, maybe make friends first.”
Freya and Yasmin sit and wait. There’s a few more gasps, then silence. Freya expects her to open the door, but she doesn’t. She begins to hear a faint creaking.
“Can you hear that?” Freya asks.
“Hear what?” Asks Yasmin.
“That creaking. I think it’s her bed. Looks like she’s not finished yet.” Freya listens as the girl begins to sigh and moan again. Eventually the door opens.
A pretty girl grabs the tray and quickly closes the door. She’s not wearing much.
Freya realises she can hear the girl eating. Her ears are so much better than they used to be. She hears the glass of orange juice being put down. Freya checks her watch.
“We just need to wait half an hour now.” Says Freya.
When half hour has past, Freya checks the coast is clear. The front of the shed isn’t visible from the house, so they shouldn’t be seen.
“Come on.” Freya goes to the door and knocks on it.
“Who’s there?” The girl answers.
“A friend.” Freya replies. The door opens. The girl looks confused.
“Do I know you? Everything looks so strange. What’s your name?” She asks.
“Freya.”
“I know that name... Are you...”
“Go on.”
“You must be. I’ve never seen such beauty. You’re Freya, the goddess of love and war. What could you possibly want with me?” The girl gets onto her knees. “I will serve you however I can.”
This will work nicely. Freya thinks. She tries to remember her Norse mythology. “Rise. I’ve chosen you for a special task.”
The girl gets to her feet, looking stunned. “You chose me?”
“Yes, you have ancient magic in your blood. You’re very special. I’ve spent a long time searching for you.” Says Freya, hoping the girl is in no state to start questioning her.
“Really? I don’t feel special. But everything does feel strange. Who’s your companion?”
Freya thinks quickly, trying to remember the old stories. “This is Frigg.” She says.
“Odin’s wife?” The girl’s jaw drops.
“The very same. Now do you see how important you are?” Freya takes a step closer. The girl stares into her eyes, completely transfixed.
”We have to go now.” Says Freya. “You should leave a note for your mum to find. Say that you’re safe but you have an important mission. Don’t mention me, she wouldn’t understand.”
“How long will we be gone for?” The girl asks.
“Quite some time. We’ll keep you safe. What’s your name?”
“Abigail.” She scribbles a quick note, then gazes at Freya. “I think I’m ready. I’m a little scared though.”
“Nothing to be scared of. No one will mess with us.” Freya leans forward and kisses Abigail on the lips.
“I’ve never felt a kiss like that before. You really are Freya, aren’t you?”
“Come, we must go.” Freya takes her hand and leads her out into the garden. She pulls her through the crack in the fence where they got in.
“Why are we going this way? Are we hiding from someone?”
“Long story. I’ll explain it all later.”
They arrive at the boat. Abigail boards without question.
“Go wait below deck. I’ll be there in a moment.” Freya instructs. She goes to find Kira.
“You got her okay, no problems?” Kira asks.
“It was easy. When I told her my name, she thought I was the Nordic goddess Freya. I just went along with it. She thinks she has special powers or something and she’s important for us. I told her Yasmin is Frigg.” Says Freya.
“Well at least she believes it for now. I was expecting her to resist at first. Question is for how long.”
After a few hours of sailing, Abigail comes up on deck. Freya had left her sleeping.
“Can someone tell me what’s happening? Everything is confusing.” She says.
“It’s okay, you’re safe with us.” Says Freya, pitting her arm around her.
Abigail suddenly spots Kira. Her eyes go wide. “I know her! She attacked me!”
“A misunderstanding.” Kira replies.
“You bit me!”
“I’m not going to do it again, don’t worry.”
Abigail hides behind Freya. “Where are we going? Why did you take me?”
“Because you’re special.” Says Freya. “You won’t be harmed, we just need to learn what makes you so different.”
“You drugged me! It’s obvious now. I can’t tell what’s real and what’s not.”
“Go sleep it off. When you’re sober, I’ll explain everything.” Says Freya. There’s no point in lying now.
“Why should I trust you?” Abigail asks.
“We were tasked to kill you. We saved your life.” Says Freya.
“Why would anyone want me dead?”
“Because you’re different. You resisted Kira’s bite that night. It was meant to put you to sleep.”
“This isn’t making sense. My head is spinning and I think I’m hallucinating.”
“I’ll take you to your bed. Everything will be explained later.” Freya walks her below deck. She gets Yasmin to keep an eye on her.
“That could’ve gone worse I suppose.” Says Kira.
“It’s not over yet. She’s not going to like it when she realises what we did.” Freya replies.
“It was the only way. We’ll talk to her tomorrow. If she doesn’t like it then tough. It was this or kill her.”
“I’ll make her understand. Poor girl, it’s not her fault.”
“I know. It’s not like we asked for any of this either.”
Freya goes to check on Abigail a few hours later. She seems to be back to normal.
“How are you feeling?” Freya asks.
“A little nauseous, but I can think clearly now. Why did you do all this? Are you selling me or something?”
“No, nothing like that. No one’s going to hurt you. An alchemist wants to run a few tests on you. He says it won’t be painful or dangerous in any way. I wouldn’t have agreed otherwise.”
“But why, what’s so special about me?” Abigail asks.
“Me and Kira, we’re vampires. Turns out vampirism is more than just an old myth. It’s nothing like the stuff you see in films though, we’re not that powerful. Kira tried to feed on you a few nights ago. The sedative that’s supposed to put people to sleep, didn’t work on you. We want to find out why.” Freya explains.
“Prove it. Why should I believe you?”
Freya shows her fangs. “You don’t have to believe us, you’ll find out yourself when we get to the citadel. You’re to pose as the alchemist’s assistant.”
“And what if I don’t?”
“The other vampires will likely kill you and all this was for nothing. I know this must be hard for you. I’ve only recently been made a vampire and it was an accident. It’s difficult. I almost killed my best friend. The alchemist is working on a cure to vampirism and thinks you could be the answer. You could save many lives.”
“Will I ever get to go back home?”
“The alchemist says you get a choice. We obviously can’t just let you go because you know too much. We’re very secretive. He says you can either become his permanent assistant, or he’ll erase your mind and let you go home.”
“Erase it permanently? So I won’t remember anything?” Abigail looks scared.
“I don’t know. You’ll have to talk with him. I’m new to all this.”
“Can’t you just let me go? You could say I jumped off the ship and drowned or something. Please, I’ll do anything.”
“You’re too important. I’ll speak with the alchemist, see if we can agree to something. I’m so sorry you got caught up in all this. I’ll leave you alone to think for a bit. I’ll make sure to check on you everyday, I won’t let anyone hurt you.” Freya gives Abigail a quick hug, then leaves her alone.
When they arrive, Freya and Kira go to get Abigail.
“We’re here.” Says Freya. “Come with us. Just look submissive like you’re one of our thralls. If you fight us, it’ll look suspicious.”
“No, I’m not going.” Says Abigail stubbornly.
Kira steps forward. “We didn’t come all this way for nothing. Let’s go.”
Abigail takes a defensive posture. “I don’t trust you.”
“You don’t have a choice. Don’t fight me, you won’t win. I’m stronger and faster.” Kira goes to grab her. Abigail suddenly throws a punch at her. Kira blocks it and twists her arm around. Abigail gives a cry of pain.
Freya tries to break them up. “Stop it Kira, you’re hurting her.”
“She started it. I told her not to.” Kira lets her go. “Do as we say and you’ll be fine. Otherwise I’m knocking you out and dragging you there.”
“Kira! She’s scared. You can’t blame her, she doesn’t know what’s going on.” Freya gently takes Abigail’s hand. “Come on, it’ll be okay.”
Abigail reluctantly follows.
The guards let them in right away this time, obviously recognising them from last time. As they go into the hall, Abigail lets out a gasp. She’s seen a vampire feeding on a thrall. Freya squeezes her hand.
“No one will do that to you.” She whispers. They take her straight to the alchemist.
He’s looking through an old tome as they enter the laboratory. He stands up when he sees them. “Ah, you’ve got the girl. I trust you didn’t have any problems getting her here?”
“She was a little reluctant, but she’s here now.” Says Kira.
“That’s understandable. I certainly wouldn’t let a stranger take me to some strange place to do experiments on. In fact I’d probably fight to the death. At least I would’ve done in my youth. Anyway, you’ve done well.” The alchemist beckons Abigail over.
She looks nervously at Freya.
“I won’t bite.” Says the alchemist with a chuckle. “I’ve fed already today. Have you told her why she’s here?” He asks, glancing at Kira.
“I think Freya explained it. They seem to be getting on well.” Kira replies.
“I’m not going to hurt you, girl. I need your help. Unlike some, I don’t enjoy being a vampire. Not anymore anyway. There’s a lot of us that would rather live a normal life. I’m developing a cure and I think your genes may be just what I’m searching for. You’re resistant to the sedative. If you can resist that, then maybe you’d be immune to vampirism too. I could use whatever makes you immune to develop a cure.” The alchemist explains.
“What happens afterwards? Freya said you won’t let me go.” Asks Abigail nervously.
“There’s a few choices. If you don’t like it here, I can induce amnesia and send you back. You won’t be able to recall much that’s happened. You may remember bits, but not enough that’d you be a danger to our secrecy.”
“So I won’t lose all my memories?”
“Not if everything goes to plan. Let me show you to your chambers. You’ve got your own little place. We’ll start tomorrow, don’t worry, it’s nothing to be scared about.”
“Wait, I want to talk to Freya first.”
“Go ahead.” The alchemist returns his book to a shelf.
“What’s the matter?” Freya asks. “You don’t have to worry, you can go home after. At least you know you’re not going to have your mind completely erased now.”
“What if he’s lying so I’ll do what he says?” Abigail whispers.
“We agreed terms before we left. If he was going to kill you, he would’ve have told us. Our mission was originally to kill you, he saved your life.”
“Would you have done it?”
“I couldn’t have. I don’t know about Kira. I don’t think she could kill in cold blood. I’ll visit you tomorrow. Be brave, you’re saving lives. It’ll be over before long and you can go home.”
Freya returns back to their quarters with Kira and Yasmin. Kira is about to head out to do something, when the door opens. A ginger haired girl steps in. Freya immediately recognises her. It’s the girl she fed on the other day.
“I thought I saw you arrive. You hungry?” The girl asks.
“I’ll have a quick feed.” Says Kira.
“Not you, your friend.”
“Everybody likes you, Freya.” Says Kira, leaving the room.
The girl slowly steps closer to Freya. “Can you bite me again like you did last time?” She asks.
“Yes, okay. What’s your name by the way?”
“Ellia. I want you to do it really slowly again. I’ve also got this potion.” She takes out a small bottle and drinks the contents. “It stops the sedative from working properly. It means I can feel everything.”
“Won’t that make it hurt?”
“It will. I rather enjoy a little pain, makes me feel alive. We need to wait a bit for that potion to kick in. Mind giving me a little kiss? I love the effect a vampire’s kiss has.” Says Ellia.
“I guess.”
“Hope you don’t mind kissing girls. I’ll let any vampire kiss me, wish you could know what it feels like. I don’t think the drug works on vampires though.”
“I prefer girls actually.” Says Freya.
“Perfect. I’m guessing you and Kira have kissed. Actually I bet you’ve done a lot more than that. Has she bitten you?” Ellia asks.
“Lots of times. She made me a vampire.”
“That’s hot. Bet that felt great. Did she kiss you first? You would’ve felt that high then.”
“A little. Not enough to feel anything though.”
“It needs to be a proper messy snog if you want to really feel it. I once kissed this vampire for an hour. I actually passed out afterwards. Don’t let me go that far, I want to feel your fangs after.” Ellia sits on the bed, waiting.”
Freya gets onto her lap and kisses her softly. Ellia forces her tongue into Freya’s mouth. Freya is caught off guard and pulls back.
“Sorry, was that too much? A little kiss won’t do much though.” Says Ellia.
“Oh fine.” Freya gives Ellia her tongue. It gets messy fast.
Freya loves how different she tastes compared to Yasmin and Kira. Her heightened senses makes the experience even better.
Yasmin tasted sweet and fresh, Kira had a stronger, more primal taste and Ellia was somewhere in between. Freya can smell and taste all the subtle details she would’ve missed before.
She quickly grows horny. Just the scent of this girl could get her going. Freya kisses harder and harder, trying not to bite.
Ellia begins to get lethargic, letting Freya do all the work. She pins Ellia to the wall and finishes the kiss almost aggressively, before letting go.
“I think you’ve had enough now.” She says.
Ellia rolls onto her back. “My head is spinning. Your kiss is potent.”
“Want me to bite now?”
“Give it five minutes, I want to feel it properly.”
Freya turns to see what Yasmin is doing. Yasmin quickly pulls her hand out of her jeans, looking embarrassed.
Freya walks over to her and grabs Yasmin’s hand. She sucks her fingers. She’s obviously been touching herself from the taste of it.
“You enjoy watching us?” She asks.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.” Says Yasmin, looking guilty.
“I didn’t think you liked girls that way.”
“I like you.”
“Are you jealous?”
“A little.”
“I’ll give you some attention later, okay? You can keep watching if you want.” Freya jumps back on the bed and grabs Ellia.
She gently presses her fangs against her neck.
“Deep and slow.” Says Ellia.
Freya carefully buries her fangs into Ellia’s skin, going as slow as she can.
Ellia winces as Freya’s fangs go deeper. Freya tastes blood. She digs her nails into Ellia’s arms, trying to resist the urge to bite hard.
Freya increases the pressure, making Ellia sigh. Soon she’s as deep as she can go. Freya bites harder. Ellia squeals.
Freya rips her fangs out, making blood spray everywhere. She laps it up, then bites again, quickly this time.
Freya is biting for a third time when she realises Ellia has gone limp.
Kira arrives just in time. “What’s going on? Why’s there blood up the walls?”
Freya releases her grip. “We were just playing.”
“How long’s she been unconscious for?”
“I don’t know, I only just noticed.”
“Out the way.” Kira has a closer look. “She’ll live, but I need to get her to a doctor.” Kira puts Ellia over her shoulder and carries her toward the door.
“Think Yasmin wants you to herself.” Says Kira before leaving.
Freya takes Yasmin’s hand and pulls her onto the bed.
“Why didn’t you stop me?” She asks.
“You were enjoying yourself.” Says Yasmin.
“So were you by the look of it. Come here.” Freya pulls Yasmin in for a hug. She feels sleepy and ends up getting into bed and cuddling up to Yasmin.