A murky mist coats a forest of tall trees. Beyond lies a fortress castle with a stone gate and walls the color of ash. A scream tore through the castle’s empty hallway and vacant rooms. The cries were the loudest on the other side of the door where a maid stood.

Her black hair was tied in a bun, and the white highlight at the end of her bangs couldn’t hide the twinkle in her brown eyes. The smell of raw meat and a hint of strawberries oozed out of the room.

“Daira! I need more water and towels!” Alina yelled from inside the bedroom.

 “Right away.” She lifted her black dress and white apron and ran.

Soon the woman who stood between her and the master would be no more. She would comfort him in his sorrow. In return, he’ll reward her with a noble title. She had seen him do it for so many in her fifty years of service. She would be free to go where ever she wanted in the human realm. Maybe go see one of those big picture shows. No longer will she have to fear being marked like the other maids. The chances of that human giving birth to a half-breed and living were slim to none. 

The wind almost pushed her off her feet. In a single glance, a black cloak rushed past her. 

Master! Alina yelled.

 Daira turned around. Her eyes widened. The door hanging by its hinge. 

A moment later, a baby’s wail filled the castle.

She knew she wasn’t supposed too but what was one little bite. Daira's fangs pierced the skin of a tall male hiker. He did not scream or fight her. At Daira’s command, he was her doll of flesh and blood in the misty forest. She sucked in the sweet liquid. It warmed her icy body with every sip.

A momentary pleasure from tending to a haft-breed and its sleeping mother for three years.

“Are you done?” 

She opened her eyes to Alina, the other maid of the castle. Her disheveled short brown hair, her apron a mess of red spots, and her right arm wrapped in bandages. She would lecture Daira about feeding off humans, but she didn’t seem to have the energy to do so.

Daira licked her lips. “Can’t you see I’m eating?”

“That’s enough. Any more and the poor man will die.”

“I have more self-control than that. You look like you need to relax.” Daira stretched the man’s shirt between his neck and shoulders. “Why not come over here and take a sip?” 

Aline’s blue eyes threaten to rip Daira apart.

She shrugged. “Fine. Ms. Kill joy.” She stared deep into the man’s empty eyes. “Go to town and never come back here.” He did as she command.“There it’s done. Now, what do you want?”

“Lady Anastasia is awake.”

Daria and Alina were in the presence of Master Constantine. They both bowed and covered their mouths. He was in his studies reading a book by the fire when the two entered. By the time they lift their heads, he loomed over them. 

Compared to the hiker, the Master was a giant with a glare that could set anyone ablaze. His voice was deep and firm. “I will be away for a few days. Alina, take care of Anastasia. she’s still in a poor state after giving birth and being turned. Daria, you will look after Randolph.”

Alina shook her head.

“You may speak, Alina.”

“With all due respect Master, I can take care of them both.”

“No, you must give your attention to Anastasia. She needs to get used to feeding or she may turn on her own child.” 

Constantin stepped closer to Daira. “I know that you have been feeding off humans. I distinctly remember telling you to lure them away.’’

Her heart pounded against her chest.  

 “If I could. I would ask someone else to do this. If you hurt my child. I will feed off you until only your bones remain. Your answer.” 

She uncovered her mouth. “Yes. Master.”

“If you hurt the young master,” said Alina. She carried a silver tray of pills and a red glass. Daira strolled behind her in the hallway.   

“I am not a fool. I know you both will kill me if I do.” 

“Foolish is what you are. Never have you ever thought of anyone other than yourself!” 

“Go on. Tell me how you really feel.” 

 This was a test of her loyalty. She was sure of that, but it was still an opportunity to gain the Masters’ favor. She wasn’t planning on failing this time.

Daira and Alina entered the Lady’s bedroom decorated in golden brown. Lamps lit on both sides of the Canopy bed, aided by the sunlight peeking through the glass window.

“It is time for the Mistress to take her medication,” Alina announced.

A tiny hand opened the white fabric draped over the bed. Young Master Randolph, age three. His sharp, thin eyes scowled similarly to the master. His round face and soft hair were like his mother's. 

Daira mustered up a kind smile. “Young Master, the Mistress has to rest after taking her medicine.” 

Randolph turned to his mother. “Can I stay a little longer?”

The human woman sat up and stroke the boy’s short black hair.” Go play. You can tell me more about your adventures later.” 

Randolph frowned. “Okay.” He jumped off the bed and reached for Daira's hand, but misses it.

 “Come, Young Master. It’s lunchtime,” said Daira. 

She glanced at the child, he stared at the marble floor.

“How come mom gets a juice with her med...med-.”

Daira groaned in silence. His stutter reminded her she needed to teach him how to read. “The medicine? It’s a special juice that will make her feel better.”

He looks back at his mother. She bit her upper lip when she took the glass. "I don’t think she likes it."

As soon a Daire closed the door behind them. The Young master ran. She stood in his path in a flash. 

“Young Master, the dining room is this way.”

His lips puckered. His eyes watered and he wailed.  

“Young Master!?” She kneeled in a panic. Her hands hovered over him not knowing what to do with them. Young Master! Please stop crying.”

He tapped her on the nose and grinned. “Tag your it!” he ran.

Alina rushed out of the bedroom. “What’s going-. She stared at Daira. “Why are you on the floor? Did something happen to the Young Master?”

“It’s nothing.” Her voice cracked. “He was just... playing.”

Daira cooked Randolph’s food. Played with him whenever he wished. She taught him math, Science, history, and what it means to be a vampire. Before she realized seven years had passed. Randolph didn’t make things easy for her. 

Randolph’s room was built like a hotel suite for little boys. One section was a mini class for one. Daira paced around the room, reading out loud about the first vampire king, Dracula. She noticed his look of boredom. “Is there something wrong, Young Master?”

“Can we take a break?” He asked.

“In two more hours.”

Randolph’s head dropped onto the desk with a thump. “Ugh! I read that kids my age go to school to learn. Can I go there?”

Daira closed the book.” I’ve told you many times already. It’s not a place for our kind.”

Randolph grumbled 

Daira sighed. “If you really want to take a break, then answer this question. What is-”

“How about I ask you questions instead?” asked Randolph.

“Not now,” said Daira.

 “How did you turn into a vampire?”

“I’ve already told-”

“How come you and Alina hate each other?”

“That is-”

“How long have you known my mother?”

  She glared at him across the room. Randolph stared back with an impish grin. She would not let him get away with it. He’s going to learn something.

Outside the window, she saw the gates open for a black limousine. The Master has returned. 

“How about we exercise for a bit?”

Randolph insisted they play hide and seek. Daira agreed, but his fun was short-lived because she found him within seconds.   

Daira lifted the bed. “I found you.”

Randolph looked at her with a pout. “This the tenth time! How did you find me so fast!?”

“Do you really want to know?” She suppressed her smile with a calm expression. “Come with me.”

 Their feet steps vibrated against the training room’s white diamond floor. At the far back, swords, daggers, and bows hung on the wall. Not all of them were real, those stuck forever to be used for decoration, but the young master didn’t know that.

“Pick one and we will begin,” said Daira

Randolph hesitated but grab a dagger. 

“As you know, all vampires have a single special ability they are born with. Mine is hypnotism. The Master can see the aura of every living thing, regardless if it’s hidden or not.”

“Can you do that too?”

“Yes, because he taught me, but I can’t see as far as he can or for very long.” She untied her bow and wrapped it around her eyes. “Try to attack me.”

Everything went black and white. Lines formed into an outline of Randolph’s dagger. The young master became a figureless body of light blue.   

 “This doesn’t seem fair,” said Randolph.

“Don’t expect anyone to fight fair. Now come on.”

The Young Master lunged forward, aiming for the side of her black dress. She sidesteps to the right. He rushed toward her again and again. She moved as if she were dancing around him. 

“I give up.” He said with a heavy breath.

It was a good thing he was tired because she was already at her limit. “Do you wish to learn this ability?” she asked.

 “Yeah! show me how. Please!”

Daira’s ears twitched. “There’s only one person who can teach you this.” She glanced at the entrance. 

The doors slammed open. The Master walked in, his white-collared shirt unbuttoned at his chest and rolled-up sleeves.

“What do we have here?”

 “We were just about to train.”

 Randolph turned to his father, then at Daira. “You planned this!” 

Despite The Master’s deep frown, his eyes sparkled. “I see. I will take care of my son’s training. Good job, Daira. 

She paused for a moment, then bowed slightly. “Thank you, Master.”

“Wait! I want-” Randolph froze under his father’s gaze.

 “In the meantime, go get the first aid kit. I don’t believe there is one in this room.”

 “Yes, master.”

Daira tilted her head down as she hurried out of the room. Her face cracked, beaming.

 On her return, she caught the sweet scent of blood coming from the training room. Her tongue crossed her lips. 

When she entered. The smell burst. She covered her mouth and nose. 

 “Is something wrong?” Ask the Master by the door.

She put down her hand, and the scent filled her nose and mouth. Her mind cried blood, blood, blood. “It’s nothing. Is the Young Master all right?” 

“Shallow cuts, but I will treat him.”

 She gave him the first aid kit. The Master closed the door behind him. Her mouth fell open and drool dripped out. Her body screamed. I want his blood!!! 

Doing things for the Young Master became increasingly difficult. She often stared at his blood vessels and imagined tearing his skin to reach them. She stayed away from him as much as possible. She stopped playing with him and gave him assignments to replace his lessons. All the while fueling his frustration. 

“This is as far as you go!” Daria grabs a seven-year-old boy by the arm. He struggles, but she forced him to look into her eyes. His body relaxed, and she carried him to his mother and father.

“Forget you were here and head back to town together,” Daria commanded. She pointed them toward town.

The bushes rustled. Daria moved to the sound in a flash and stood in front of Randolph. 

“Young master!”

Randolph jumped. “Daira! I was just-” His eyes shuffled to the humans. “Where are those people going?”

  The man and women held the child’s hand on both sides, hypnotized. They seemed happy. 

“To a town far from the forest.”

Randolph's voice trembled, “I want… I want to go into town.” 

“You can not. The Master forbids it. We will return to the castle.”

 “The castle... I’m sick of being in the castle! He yelled. “Why can’t I go into town?! Meet kids my age? Why must I stay in the castle?!”

 Daria stood firm to keep herself calm. “It’s for your own good, Young Master.” 

  He moved closer to her and glared. A ten-year-old boy who had the imposing pressure as the Master. For a moment, Daira couldn’t breathe.

“Daira. I am your master. And I command you to take me into town.”

How dare you! How dare this boy talk to me this way? One little bite, one bite to suck the life right out of him. Her inner voice let out a beastly growl. Her eyes fixed on the Young Master’s neck. She imagined ripping into it.

“NO!” she thought. She stepped away, bowed, and covered her mouth.

Randolph stunned. “Stop it!” 

 “I understand,” said Daira.

Her desire roared within for the young master’s blood. She shook her head. The Young Master showed her his pride. Soon he won’t be a child anymore, but there was still more for him to learn.  

She thought hard for a minute. If he will not listen. Then she must show him. 

The way out of the forest was a straight path, but fog became thicker, like walking in a cloud. The trees and plants were no longer visible. Randolph followed Daira close to not get lost. The Young Master’s heartbeat echoed. She couldn’t tell if it was from fear, excitement, or both.

“We are here.” She Announced.

Randolph stared into the mist in front of her. “There’s nothing here.”

“Do you wish to see for yourself?” she gestured her hand toward the mist, edging him forward. 

 He looked confused, but with caution stepped toward it. He disappeared into the cloud, then reappearing, facing Daira. His eyes grew. “What?” He turned around and went back into the mist, only to appear again in front of Daira. Her face was expressionless. His voice shuck. “Daira... What’s going on?” 

“With all due respect, Young Master. You are a half-breed. And half breeds can’t go wherever they want.” Her face warped into a smile. “Because who knows what will happen to them if they do.” 

She tackled him to the ground, ripped his shirt, and readied herself for her feast. She didn’t hear him scream. Feel him pushing her and pulling her hair. Her fangs touched his skin.

A hand grabbed the back of her head. 

“Watch closely, my boy. This is how we handle treacherous vampires.”

The furious breath on her neck. The terror on the young master’s face broke into tears.  Don’t look away. This is what she thought before the world turned black. 

“Father, stop! Please stop! Daira will die!”

“Calm down, I will not kill her. This is punishment.”

“But, but it’s my fault she…”

 “Did you know she craved your blood?”

“But I never thought…”

“Randolph.”

He flinched.

“You will care for Daira while she recovers.” 

“Yas, Father.”

“And know this. You may leave, but you must prove to me you can protect yourself. If not, this castle will forever be your home and your cage.”

“... Yes. Father.”