The clang of clashing metal echoed through the forest as the duel raged,human against vampire. The human fought relentlessly, each strike delivered with full force, while the vampire countered with effortless precision. Yet, the outcome was already clear. The human was drenched in sweat, his mind racing for any advantage, even a fleeting one. Meanwhile, the vampire watched from a distance, her calm smile never fading.
Every detail of her seemed crafted to perfection: her golden hair, her piercing blue eyes, the dark armor that clung to her lithe form. She was a vision, one even her opponent couldn't ignore,though his focus never strayed from the fight. More sweat dripped down his face; his grip on his sword slackened with each labored breath. He was reaching his limit.
Unconsciousness crept in. His sword fell first, clattering to the ground, and his knees buckled. The next thing he knew, his head rested in the vampire's lap.
"You sure didn't hold back," he muttered, forcing a weak smile. "You're really brutal, Marcy."
Her fingers brushed his cheek, sending warmth through his exhausted body. Her smile held, her voice like a melody. "You were the careless one, Akamon. Almost as if you were holding back. I'm not so fragile."
"Like hell I was," he grunted. "You barely took five steps the entire duel and made my swordplay look like trash."
She chuckled at his outburst. "Don't fret, my love. You only need more training. You are human, after all."
"I'm not bothered." He exhaled sharply. "Not every human can face the Vampire Queen.
Marcy shook her head, amused despite herself. That Akamon would call her "Vampire Queen" so casually was ridiculous even if it was true. But her laughter faded as silence settled over her. She grew so quiet, so still, that Akamon noticed. He opened his mouth to ask but no answer came. Perhaps she didn't want to give one.
In her mind, the words burned:
Akamon, I love you. I wish that dream...us together forever,could be real. But it will never come to pass.
Just as he leaned in to press her again, she spoke.
"Do you remember the day we first met?"
Akamon nodded. "Yeah. What about it?"
She exhaled, her voice softening like dusk.
"That was a year ago. I was injured… and you, reckless fool, didn't hesitate to treat a vampire's wounds."
Withdrawing her saddened expression her smile returned for a bit.
"I fell in love with that man. Yes,a twenty year old, six foot tall, disgustingly handsome…" She paused, savoring his squirming, then landed the blow with a grin:
"...and really reckless human."
Akamon's flushed face darkened, his eyes narrowing in mock annoyance. "You could've left that part out, you know," he grumbled. "That's mean."
Marcy's laughter curled like smoke in the air. "Who in their right mind sees an injured vampire and thinks, 'Ah yes, let me help'?"
"I was still a medic back then," he shot back. "Healing people was my job. Is that reckless?"
She pressed a finger to her chin, drawing out a theatrical hum. "Mmm… still reckless, if you ask me." A pause, then her grin softened. "But charming nonetheless."
Marcy pressed a soft kiss onto Akamon's forehead before abruptly changing the subject.
"Hey, Akamon,would you mind going back to the house to get me something?"
His eyebrow slanted in confusion. "Can't you just super-speed over there and back? Or, I don't know… fly?"
She gave him a playful smack on the head. "You lost the spar, didn't you? Do this for me, and we're even."
Akamon groaned, lifting himself from her lap. He stretched, rolling his shoulders. "What do you want me to bring you?"
"A gothic looking black and purple box," she said, her tone light but her gaze oddly intense. "If you don't find it, don't come back here. Okay?"
Akamon rolled his eyes, complying though not without grumbling as he walked away. "Yeah, yeah, I'll go get your damn box."
Under his breath, he muttered, "Geez, it's like you're trying to get rid of me or something."
She watched him go, her grip tightening on her sword as his figure disappeared into the trees. Only then did she whisper, "Goodbye, my love."
The moment Akamon vanished, the air shifted.
Marcy turned her gaze upward—where three cloaked figures hovered in the sky as if standing on solid ground. Their faces were shrouded in shadow, but the one in the center peeled back his hood, revealing a horned man with eyes like smoldering embers.
Dreyhan, the Apocalyptic King.
He descended gracefully, his two accomplices flanking him as they touched down just meters away.
"Marceline," Dreyhan greeted, his voice dripping with mock reverence. "The Vampire Queen."
Her sword flashed into her grip instantly. "So it's just three of you this year, huh? Well, I won't go down without a fight."
Dreyhan laughed,a sound like cracking bones produced from his laughter.He shed his cloak, revealing dense, obsidian armor etched with runes. His followers mirrored him, their own cloaks discarded as they moved to encircle her.
"This is the only day in a year you're not immortal," Dreyhan mused, his grin widening. "Last time, we brought an army, and you still slipped away. But this time?" He tapped his temple. "I've figured you out."
Marcy tried to lunge but her body locked up.
Her limbs turned to lead. Her vision blurred. She staggered, barely keeping her feet under her.At the moment she was completely immobile
"What… did you do to me?" she snarled.
Dreyhan stepped closer, relishing her struggle. Then she noticed it. The silent, rhythmic chanting from his two accomplices, their hands glowing faintly.
A paralysis spell.
"Correct, you stupid vampire," Dreyhan sneered. "Now be a good girl and die."
The end of chapter.Hope it was enjoyable. please be kind us to leave opinions,doubts,complains or suggestions I'm the comments section.I'm a writer but my Novel isn't made for me,it's made for you,so please feel free to judge.