CHAPTER ELEVEN:
OCTOBER 30, 1995:
The sun rises over Crystal Falls; the chill of the autumn wind fills the air outside. Vampires hate the cold. As I ponder what to do, Danny lies asleep on the couch, still unconscious. The effects of my blood have taken a toll on him. I ponder whether to continue my investigation at the high-school. Doing so would put Harold at great risk. Yet, somehow I think Pike has plans for the students. I look at the calendar. It is the thirtieth, the day before Halloween. Halloween, the anniversary of the day I made my first kill. I reminisce once more into my past.
ALBANY NEW YORK, OCTOBER 31, 1850:
It had been three weeks since I had left my father behind, I still think about him every day, but I know deep down that returning to Crystal Falls would put him in danger, not from Pike, but myself also. I have been filled with the same hunger I felt the day I last saw him. Ordinarily, it would’ve taken months to get across the county, but Pike had a super sonic speed that I learned I also had. As I wander the dirt roads of Albany, the cool autumn air fills my lungs. I am far more sensitive to the cold. This I had learned after my transformation. Pike was out on a hunt. I have been able so far to feed off of animals, which I didn’t even kill, yet at the same time, I never seemed to be satisfied in my thirst. Pike had told me that it would only be satisfied by human blood. Yet I had refrained from feeding on people, an achievement I am proud of, under the circumstances. But I knew, as Pike had told me, it was inevitable that I would lose control. I just knew I would put it off as long as I could stand it. Yet, I had no idea how much longer it would be. Pike returned earlier than usual to the cabin we were residing in, and as soon as I saw his face, I knew he was excited, more so than usual. I had learned over the past three weeks the only thing that excited him was blood and death. He liked killing just for the sake of it. “Ash. I got you a present.” He said, grinning. “I don’t want any present you have to give.” I mutter. Pike smiles. Just look outside.” Of course, I have already known what awaits me out there, and I hate Pike for it. I can smell a dying man outside. He is young, in his twenties. I hear him gasping for breath. “I’m not going to do it.” I say. Pike shrugs, and walks outside. Then, he does something surprising. Something that shocks even me. He brings in the young man, and I am shocked at what I see, his neck is ripped open, and he is barely alive. He will be dead soon. This I know. Pike grins at me, and scoops up a pool of the man’s blood in his hand. Pike holds the blood out towards my face. I am overwhelmed. I NEED it, but I have to resist it, it’s what he wants me to do. I suddenly begin to lose control, I feel my teeth growing larger. In a last ditch effort to keep control, I swat his hand away. Blood splatters all over the cabin. Pike picks the man up with ease, and holds him towards me. “Now Ashley, you ARE going to suck this man dry. Because that’s what we do. Face it Ash, you’re a monster, and you always will be. The feeling is unbearable, but I continue to fight, still, the sight of the blood, gushing down his neck… I feel the warmth of it… The feeling overwhelms me, but I can’t turn away, I know the smell itself will drive me to madness. Pike grins, and I hate him for what he’s doing. Before I realize it, I am biting into the man’s throat. I feel the taste of his blood as it goes down my throat. I black out, the next thing I know, I am on the floor. I have blood all over my clothes. Pike sits in a chair. “I buried him. Don’t worry, they’ll never find the body, or should I say what’s left of it.” He says smiling. I shutter. Pike stands. “C’mon. There’s something we have to do. Before we leave Albany.” I am in shock. “What?” Pike smiles. “We’re going to kill someone that is a threat.” He says. “Then, if you still want out… I’ll let you.”
He says. I shutter, and blood continues to drip from my mouth.
CRYSTAL FALLS: OCTOBER 30,1995:
7:23 AM:
My memory ends. I know the next part, and know it won’t be pleasant, but I know it’ll pop up sooner or later. I decide not to go to the school. Harold’s safety if my prime concern. I have no idea how big a mistake I am making.