Victim of the Night (Night Trilogy Book 1)

by E. R. Willis

  Lord Obsidian and I didn’t say anything else. That dream haunted us. What could it mean? Another war like he said? Against whom and why? Oh no! If a war is going to happen, it means I have to get Lord Erebus back to his normal form fast! I’m not sure if I’m up to it, but I have to try.

  We arrived to my school in no time. He and I got out and went to the office. I was surprised when he got out. I didn’t expect him to join me? At least I won’t have to do this alone like all the other times. People tend to pick on me since I’m poor, and my clothes aren’t that appealing.

  We sat, and waited for a person to see us. The people at the front desks kept looking at us, or should I say at Lord Obsidian. Students that would come by would stared at him as well. Lord Obsidian would just smile and nod. He leaned over towards me and said, “This is too weird. Do I have something on me?”

  “No, they’re just not used to seeing people dressed like you. You know, with the top hat, cane, trench coat, and boots?” I replied.

  “Oh. Now I feel unwanted,” he mumbled.

  “Hey, that’s how I feel everyday here because of my poor clothes,” I said.

  “So…they judge us by the way we look? Why? That’s childish!” he said, frustrated. “I’ve been to banks and stores, but I’ve never paid attention until now.”

  “It is, but that’s what’s wrong with the world today. A lot of people think they are better than others. They think they’re gods because they have riches and control over certain things. They treat others like they’re trash,” I responded.

  “That’s insane. I have riches and such, but I wouldn’t treat others like that. I’m fair and kind,” he answered back.

  “There’s not that many people like you anymore. Rarely, but not a lot,” I said, sighing. Why do humans have to be like that? I don’t get it? We all die, and money can’t help you out of that. Sometimes I feel like that world is crumbling on its own. Humanity will end the human race, not something else. They’re doing it to themselves. Why can’t they understand that? Greed, power, and luxury are taking over their minds. They’re too blind to see it. I feel sorry for us all.

  “Starr?” Lord Obsidian and I stood up, and went into the office where we were called. We took a seat and faced the person at the desk. “How may I assist you today?”

  I told the person that I wanted to take night classes for the next semester, and asked how much that would cost. He looked into his computer, typed some things up, and said, “It’ll be around $4,000 with the books.”

  “Oh…” I said, looking over at Lord Obsidian. What if he doesn’t have that much money? What if he thinks it’s too much?

  “Do I pay you now or later?” Lord Obsidian said to the man.

  “Oh, um…whenever you want,” the man behind the desk said.

  “Excellent,” Lord Obsidian said, reaching into his pocket of his pants. He pulled out a wallet and searched for his credit card. He handed it to the man. The man took it and ran it.

  He gave it back to Lord Obsidian and said, “I knew you looked familiar? I love the sweet breads in your bakery. I also have a huge collection of weapons that I slowly collected from your shop. Those weapons are beautiful and not that expensive. I like going there every once in a while. You know, when I’m not busy?”

  “Good to hear!” Lord Obsidian boasted. “I sure hope you keep going when time allows you. We appreciate the business.”

  “Oh I will, and thank you,” the man said, handshaking the both of us. He printed out some papers. One of my schedule, and the other of the books I need. He gave us a farewell as we left his office.

  “That went well. Where to next?” Lord Obsidian asked, opening the main office door for me.

  “We head to the bookstore,” I said. “Follow me.”

  Lord Obsidian and I went to the bookstore. It’s across the hall from the office. I got the books and we left. We drove to the bank and waited for someone to see us. When we were called, they led us to an office. There, a woman sat behind a desk. We took a seat. I explained why I came here, and showed her the check.

  She took it and pulled me up on the computer. “So you want to pay it all off?” she asked.

  “Yes,” I replied. She nodded and did exactly that.

  We left the bank and went to the hotel I was staying at. I opened the door to my room and started to gather all my stuff. Lord Obsidian helped me load some of my stuff into his car. It’s very roomy. I like his car now! It’s so him.

  “Oh, I need to see if I can get my money back for next month, and to return the room key. Stop at the office,” I said, as we got inside his car.

  He drove us to the front of the hotel building and parked close to the entrance. He and I got off and went inside. I talked to the manager at the desk. “Sorry, no refunds,” he said, shrugging.

  “What? No, but I won’t be staying here anymore. Can I please have the rest of the money that I won’t be using?” I asked again.

  “Nope,” he said, smoking a cigarette.

  “Let me handle this, Starr,” Lord Obsidian said, stepping up.

  Lord Obsidian pointed at the man and said, “You will refund her money back.”

  “Yes sir,” he said, going to the cash register.

  What happened just now? He said no to me, but yes to Lord Obsidian? The man came back and gave us the rest of the money. Cash at that. “Wow, thanks!” I said, taking the money.

  Lord Obsidian and I left the office. We started to head back to the fortress, but we made a quick stop at a small ice cream shop first. “Do you like banana splits?” he asked me.

  “Yes I do,” I said.

  He ordered through the drive thru. He paid for them, and they gave us our treats. He handed me one. I took it, and we ate them in the parking lot in the shade. “How did you get the man from the hotel to give me my money back?” I asked.

  “Mind control, or in other words, seduction,” he said.

  “Seduction? That’s amazing! Thanks,” I said.

  “No problem. We should start heading back. We need to tell Lord Erebus about the dreams,” he said, finishing up his ice cream. I did too. We left the parking lot, and didn’t stop until we got to the fortress.

  Chapter 8

  “Lord Erebus, it’s me, Lord Obsidian. It’s important,” Lord Obsidian said, knocking on Lord Erebus’s bedroom door.

  “Come in,” Lord Erebus said in a low voice.

  We went inside and stood in front of Lord Erebus’s bed. “My Lord Erebus, we had similar dreams. Did you have any that involved shadows and fire?”

  Lord Erebus got up and stretched. “I did. I was fighting a huge shadow, and I felt very weak. The enemy and I were evenly matched. The fire surround us while we battled,” Lord Erebus said, yawning.

  “What could it mean, and did anyone else show up with similar dreams?” Lord Obsidian asked.

  “Your mother, your sister, both Mr. and Mrs. Pixy, and a few others. I don’t know? I fear it can be another war. I’m going to do an announcement tonight to let everyone know. They need to be prepared in case something bad happens,” Lord Erebus said, laying back down.

  “You’re right. I’ll be leaving then,” Lord Obsidian said, bowing.

  “Oh, wait. When will Starr start becoming like us?” Lord Erebus asked.

  “I think tomorrow night should be good,” Lord Obsidian said, looking at me.

  “I see. I will be waiting, Ms. Starr,” Lord Erebus said, purring as he laid his head down.

  We left his bedroom, and walked up the stairs. I’m scared again. Lord Obsidian said that tomorrow night I will start becoming one of them. What all will happen? Will it be painful? Who’s going to make me into one? Who’s going to be watching? I wanted to ask Lord Obsidian, but I felt I was being watched. I kept turning to see, but I saw no one.

  “What’s the matter?” Lord Obsidian asked me. We sat down at an empty table. No one’s around.

  “I sense someone watching me,” I said to him.

  Lord Obsidian loo
ked around, turned back to me, and said, “I see nothing. Must be your nerves. You’re too tense…oh wait. I remember now. It must be the feeling of death. You see, when you become a vampire, you’re an undead. Which means, you have to die in order to become one of us.”

  “What!” I said, shocked. “Are you kidding?”

  “No. That is how you will be one of us,” he said.

  “I’m not too sure if I want to go through this now? I’m frighten at the thought that I have to die,” I said, crying.

  “No, don’t say that. You’re our only hope. If a war does happen to break out, we need Lord Erebus at his fullest,” he said, wiping away my tears.

  Lord Obsidian went quiet. He kept staring at me for a long while. “Don’t worry, Starr,” he said, smiling. “I’ll work something out.”

  “Really?” I said.

  He nodded. “You just have to trust me.” He said, getting up. “Come on. Let’s go to the kitchen. I know you must be anxious to start working.”

  “Yes!” I said, excited.

  Lord Obsidian and I walked over to the kitchen. We went inside, and ten vampires are present. “This is Starr. She is going to be the new cook. Show her around and let her help,” Lord Obsidian said, introducing me.

  Everyone welcomed me. Lord Obsidian left, and I began my new job as a chef.

  Chapter 9

  The next morning, I awoke to a loud knocking on my door. I got out of bed and answered. “Good morning. Did you enjoy working at the kitchen yesterday?” Lord Obsidian said, walking in.

  “I did. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to working here,” I said.

  “No problem. I have an important favor to ask of you,” he said, looking uneasy.

  “What is it?” I asked, concerned.

  “We are…running low on chefs today. Too lazy. Can you help out today? As in all day?” he said.

  “Of course I’ll help out,” I said. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “Good. I’ll let you know when you can stop. Just head over there when you are ready,” he said, leaving the room.

  I got myself ready and went straight to the kitchen. I helped out the vampires there. I must say though, I didn’t see any missing vampires? Unless they decided to show up after all? It’s okay. I love it here. I can show up every day if I have to. Anything to help out Mrs. Pixy. She’s a sweet lady…vampire.

  I spent the next twelve hours working at the kitchen. I chopped up stuff for salads, cut up and rinsed some beef, stirred up drinks, and baked all sorts of goodies. I did take breaks and ate snacks. This is going well.

  “Starr, you are done for the day. You should rest up,” Lord Obsidian said, walking into the kitchen.

  “You sure?” I asked.

  “Yes, you can continue tomorrow,” he said, taking my hand and leading me to the exit.

  “Well if you say so? I am tired,” I said, yawning.

  “Then go to sleep. I’ll walk you to your room,” he said.

  I nodded and went along with him. I got in bed as soon as Lord Obsidian left. I was about to fall asleep, but I decided to wake up and take a bath. That’ll help me relax and feel better. I was near food. I must smell like food and cake.

  I got my bath ready, soaked for a while, washed up, and dried myself. I got in my night gown and toweled my hair dry. I felt good. I turned off the lamp by my bedside, and closed my eyes.

  Chapter 10

  I didn’t want to wake up this morning. I didn’t feel good. I think I over did myself in the kitchen yesterday. I also remembered that I didn’t get enough water, so that can be it too. I’ll be fine. I’ll work it off. The kitchen needs me.

  I got myself ready and went to the kitchen. I started to work on whatever they needed help on. Again, for another 12 hours, I worked. I felt great by the end of the day. I ate and drank. I think I was just tired from yesterday is all? I’m glad I worked it off.

  Lord Obsidian came again to tell me that I’m done for the day. I went to bed, and slept for the night.

  Chapter 11

  “Starr? Are you feeling all right?” Lord Obsidian said, shaking me awake.

  “Oh! What time is it?” I asked him.

  “It’s seven. You overslept,” he said, looking at his pocket watch.

  “How did you get in here? Wait a second? I slept all night and all day?” I asked, sadden that I missed work.

  “I own this fortress. I have keys for every room. Yes, you did, but you’re awake now. Good,” he said, sighing with relief.

  “Gosh, I feel hungry now,” I said, stomach rumbling.

  “Go ahead and get ready. Tonight is a special night. My sister has your clothes ready as well. I brought them in when I came to check up on you. I put them in your drawers. Try one on, and meet me in my room. I have things to discuss with you,” he said, leaving.

  I got out of bed, got myself ready, and looked in the drawers. All the outfits are gorgeous! I picked out a red dress that is decorated with black lace and red sequins. It came with red high heels, and a small mini top hat with the same fabrics. I put the whole outfit on, and tried my best on the top hat. There are no mirrors in here.

  I walked out, and went to Lord Obsidian’s room. I knocked on his door, and went in when he told me to. “You look beautiful,” Lord Obsidian said, bowing. He took my hand and kissed it while he sat me down at the edge of his bed.

  “Thank you,” I said, blushing.

  He smiled and said, “Tonight is a very important night. I must…confess something to you.”

  “What is it?” I asked.

  His smile faded. He looked down at the floor and said, “Do you feel different? Different than before?”

  “Now that you mention it, yes. Yesterday I felt sick, but I got over it, and today I overslept. I promise you it won’t happen again. I don’t know what happened? Why you ask?” I answered him.

  “That’s my doing. I apologize. When you drifted off to slumber, I’d go in your room, and bite you. The first day I did that, I only fed on you for a bit. The next day, I completed the task. That is why you overslept today. You died in your sleep, and now you have risen. You are now a vampire,” he said, staring at me eye to eye.

  “I…I thought you said you’d work something out?” I said, looking at my hands. They are a bit paler than usual, and I have long, black finger nails. Why didn’t I notice this?

  “I did. This was my idea. I did it for you. So you wouldn’t feel the pain. No one saw, just Lord Erebus. He must be present as a witness. Forgive me,” he said, bowing. “Don’t be angered with me. I only did what had to be done.”

  “I…I don’t even know what to say? I’m stunned!” I said, unable to move.

  “I’m very sorry I had to do that. Don’t hate me, or anyone here. In fact, you remember all that food you had to prepare? It’s for your banquet tonight,” he said. “We must go. Everyone’s waiting for you. You are the star of the night.”

  “Really? All of you are doing this for me?” I asked, surprised.

  “Indeed. Oh, and I got these for you,” he said, going to his desk. He grabbed a bouquet of roses. “They’re from my garden. They are so red that they look black. The color of blood.”

  He handed them to me. I took them. They are so beautiful. They smell pretty too. “I love them. Thank you, Lord Obsidian,” I said, still gazing at their beauty.

  “You’re welcome. Call me Blaze,” he said, taking my hand again. He stood me up, and led me upstairs.

  He and I stood by the throne. Lord Erebus saw us and said, “Good. Let’s begin.”

  Lord Erebus looked out into the hundreds of vampires in the room. They are all sitting at the tables, staring at us. “I, Lord Erebus, present to you, Starr! She is our newest vampire. Please welcome her to the family,” Lord Erebus said.

  Everyone stood up and clapped. The cheered my name with smiling faces. “Everyone! Enjoy the night, and the food!” Lord Erebus said, purring loudly.

  Everyone got up and darted to a long table along one of the
walls. The table is filled and stacked with all sorts of food. “Come, let us find a table,” Blaze said, leading me.

  We found a table in the corner. “You stay here. I’ll get you something,” he said, leaving.

  I waited for a while before Blaze came back with two plates, and two bottles of tan liquid. “Here,” he said, giving me my stuff. We ate and drank. The bottle of tan liquid is good. I think it’s a tea? It’s been chilled, and the taste is refreshing.

  “Starr, now that you’re one of us, I must tell you the good and bad things of being a vampire,” Blaze said, cutting his extra rare steak. “I shall start with the bad. You are a normal vampire. You must avoid the sunlight, crucifixes, garlic, wolfs bane, holy water, and silver at all costs. Avoid mirrors. You have no reflection, and if someone sees that, they will suspect you.”

  “Right. What about salt, running water, and fire?” I asked. “Don’t they hurt vampires too?”

  “They used to. Not anymore. We are ancient. We improvised, adapted, and overcame some things throughout time. Now for the good things. As a normal vampire, you have enhanced speed, strength, hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch. You also have the power of seduction. You can shape shift into a bat or a wolf. That’s a great trick for when escaping someone,” Blaze said, explaining everything to me.

  “That all seems all right. Blaze, I was angered at you for doing that without me knowing, but I quickly overcame it. The roses elated me, and everyone here is friendly to me. I feel accepted here. Thank you,” I said, hugging him.

  Blaze hugged me back and said, “I knew you’d love the roses. They are like you. Rare and beautiful.”

  “You think so?” I asked.

  Blaze looked down into my eyes and said, “Yes. Don’t doubt yourself on that.”

  “Thank you. I tend to do that since no one has ever said that before to me,” I said, feeling happy.

  “Why? Was it because of you being poor? If it was for that, everyone was blind. They did not see your true beauty. I see it, and I love it,” he said, caressing my face.