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Vampires Maiden

Chapter 3: The Hunt Begins

The morning sun woke Lionel from a fitful sleep. He kept seeing Vincent’s taunting gaze which turned into Rachelle, laying in a pool of blood, calling out for him. When he opened his eyes, he sighed in relief, thankful that it was only a dream.

Slowly, he sat up and swung his legs over the side. His hair hung around his shoulders, hanging loose in the ribbon that usually held it up. Untying it, he ran his fingers through to straighten it out before retying the ribbon.

With a groan, he got up and walked over to the stand and splashed water over his face. His body ached and he knew why. He needed to hunt, to get the nourishment that kept him alive. Shaking his head, Lionel cast out the thought of hunting and wiped off his face.

Carefully, he opened the drawer on the stand and removed the book sitting there. After making sure the door was shut, he removed the false bottom to reveal several vials, full of a strange red liquid, laying on a black piece of cloth. He picked one up with trembling fingers and pulled out the cork.

The sweet metallic smell made his body ache even more. Putting a hand on the stand to steady himself, Lionel drank the liquid and shuddered as he felt it make its way through his veins. He let out the breath he was holding and put the vial back with the others before replacing the false bottom. Slowly, the aching disappeared and he felt better than he did before. After regaining his posture, he got dressed and left the room.

The day was bright and warm when Lionel stepped out into the large garden placed in front of the mansion. Looking around, he saw Rachelle sitting on one of the benches, staring up at the sky. Smiling to himself, he walked over.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked.

She jumped and looked over at him, “No, I wouldn’t mind…” she replied while scooting over for him.

Carefully, he sat next to her and took her hand. Rachelle looked up into his eyes and gasped. His eyes were tinted with red, just like in her dream.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing”

She watched as the red faded away, leaving the blue eyes that she was used to. A loud, high-pitched scream tore through the air, causing them both to jump up.

“That sounded like Amber!” Rachelle exclaimed, running back inside with Lionel right behind her.

Amber came running down the hall to them, pale faces and in tears. In her hand she held a piece of parchment that was stained with red.

“What happened?” asked Lionel, stopping her.

“Clarissa…she’s…”

“She’s what?”

“Dead…and her killer left a note…” explained Amber, handing him the stained parchment.

He knew before he read it who it was from, he knew that the killer would strike again. Carefully, he opened it up and read the words ‘Give me the girl or more will die…’

“Vincent…” he muttered, tearing it up.

‘What?” asked Rachelle, looking at him in shock.

“A rival of mine who is jealous…he has always been jealous and does anything to get what he wants…” he stated, tucking the pieces into a pocket.

Upon hearing this, Amber fainted and was easily caught by Lionel.

“Amber!”

Saying nothing, Lionel picked Amber up and laid her down on a bench sitting in the hall. Then, he turned back to Rachelle.

“’Are you sure?” she asked, setting a hand on his arm, “ Are you sure it’s him?”

“Yes, I’m sure…I know his handwriting…”

Rachelle wrapped her arms around him, wishing that this wasn’t happening. He wrapped one arm around her and pinched the bridge of his nose with his other hand.

“I’m sorry that this is happening” he said, finally placing the other arm around her.

“But why is it?”

“I’m not sure yet, my love, I’m not sure…”

She shivered and pressed closer to him. He held her and gently rubbed her back. Finally, she broke down and started to cry. Calmly, he ran his fingers through her hair and whispered soothing words.

“I’m scared, I-I don’t know what to do…” she sobbed, grabbing his shirt.

“Neither do I, love, neither do I…”

Her sobs subsided as William came down the hall, “What is going on here? First I find Clarissa dead and now my daughter crying! What is going on?” he demanded, looking straight into Lionel’s eyes.

“My old rival has come…he wants Rachelle…he’ll do anything to get her away from me…” he explained, holding Rachelle even closer to his body, “but I’m not going to let him have her…”

William remained silent and Rachelle looked up at him, “What are you going to do?”

“Hunt him down and challenge him…”

“But-”

“No buts about it…tonight, I’ll go out”

“Lionel…” she said softly, setting her head back on his chest.

“Don’t worry, every thing’s going to be alright”

“No it’s not…I might lose you”

He smiled faintly and tilted her head up to look at him, “You won’t lose me, I promise…”

“But-” she was cut off by his lips gently brushing hers.

“No buts, I promise you that I’ll be fine…”

“Alright” she said, giving in, “just come back in one piece”

Lionel smiled and kissed the top of her head before releasing her. She gave him a confused look and grabbed his arm as he started away.

“I’m sorry, love, but I’m going to leave tonight, the sooner I get this done, the better” he explained, gently sliding his arm out of her grip. She had a crestfallen look on her face, but he just shook his head and continued on to his room. Rachelle watched hopelessly as he disappeared from sight. William frowned, seeing the look on his daughter’s face, but if Lionel was doing this to protect her, he could do nothing. Rachelle swept off down the hall and went out to the garden once more. She had no other place to go other than the large library, but who could resist such a perfect day? At least, it was perfect. Silently, she cursed whomever Lionel’s rival was. He had ruined everything for her. She was unaware of the person watching her from the window above.

Lionel’s face was stoic, but yet, his eyes held his sorrow. He didn’t know the outcome of this fight and hoped with his whole being that he’d be back in one piece and that they’d be together, up until the point where he could freely change her and make her his for eternity. First, in order for that to happen, Vincent needed to be dealt with.

He reached into the wardrobe and pulled out a bag and set it on the bed, open. Already, he knew he’d be gone for several days, hunting for his elusive brother. Carefully, he opened the drawer and took out the vials, all of them, even those that were empty. He’d need them to refill. Wrapping them within the velvet, he placed them in the bag first, covered by clothes and a journal, containing pages he could write letters to Rachelle on. He’d probably never get the chance to, but he put them in there just in case. A few more items were placed, small ones, and then the bag was closed.

Then, he reached into the very back of the wardrobe and pulled out a sword. Specially made by his ancestors and handed down through the ages. It was full of an even older magic. This, he strapped to his side before picking up the bag and walking out of the room.

He quickly walked through the halls, mentally searching for Rachelle. He found her in the garden and made his way to her. When he got close enough for her to notice, she turned to look at him.

“Lionel….please..”

“Rachelle…” he approached her and took her face into his hands, “I will return, I will. I swear it” he said, kissing her.

She tearfully kissed back, but the moment was short. He pulled away and said a soft goodbye before leaving the estate. Sinking to her knees, she finally let her tears fall.