I woke up to a full moon. I felt the burning in my throat. I was thirsty beyond belief. I haven’t had anything to drink for a week now.

I stared at the moon in curiosity, wondering if I would be able to escape for a few measly minutes to quench my thirst. I stretched my arms above my head and sat up in my bed. I looked out at the moon from my bed. The pale white of it represents the time for us, the time that we are able to be ourselves. When no one can judge us. This time of night, during a full moon, is when your beastly selves are revealed and no one can escape us, not even our own. I hated this side of me, this demon I have become, just to try and fit in.

I pulled out my diary, and opened the crimson red cover to the yellowed pages with black lines covering the surface, and scribble writing above those lines. I flipped to a clear page and took out my quill and ink.

Dear Diary,

During this night I am a beast

And my regret and pain have barley ceased

I am a murder for my thirst

Will I always be cursed?

Why am I a

My room door swung open, disturbing my writing, to show an angry Niko. I sighed deeply.

“What is it Niko?”

“Our master wants to see you again.”

“Oh, now?”

“No, when the light comes for the next year. Of course now!”

“Easy! You don’t have to be so hostile.”

“Yes I do, you stupid vermin! You never belonged here. You’re full of regret! I can smell it from here...”

“Well, good for you. Now, fix your damn hair before it looks like you mangled a cougar!”

“Well, guess what.”

“What?”

“I did.”

“No! You got to already?! How long will it be until I get to fucking drink? I’m thirsty as hell!”

“Get over it and come. Now!”

“Fine, jack ass.”

“Shut up slut!”

“Hey! I am only dressed in a t-shirt and shorts because that is how I sleep, you idiot!”

“Just come outsider.”

“Fine.”

I walked towards Niko, his gold eyes were glowing with anger. His crimson red hair had pieces going every which way, up, down, and to either side. His jeans had a bad rip in the back and I saw a slight scratch on his skin. He was wearing no shirt, as usual, trying to show off. He has the biggest ego I have ever seen in my life.

“Stop staring at the back of my head, outsider.” snapped Niko.

“What else should I stare at? The wall, or the floor?” I snapped back.

“The wall.”

“Ugh! You’re so annoying! Fine...”

I looked at the wall to my right. Paintings of previous masters who have died in their fights to the next master. They all had some similar characteristics: pale white skin, evil; yet, luring eyes, pure white teeth, and extremely red lips, almost looking like they are wearing a light shade of lipstick. Other than that, all of the rest of their characteristics are worlds apart. Though they all had one thing in common, they were...

“Outsider!” shouted Niko.

“What is it now, Niko?” I asked, letting venom escape with my words.

“We are here. Now, hurry up!”

“Yes, sir!” I said and saluted him.

“Don’t be a freak! You know how he hates that.”

“It’s kind of late for that. You guys turned me into a freak when you...”

“Just drop the subject and come.”

“Fine.”

We walked into the dark room, there was only a single candle on at the desk in the master’s office. There was a man. Muscular, pale, with those red lips and dark brown hair. He lifted his pale brown eyes and looked at us.

“So, you have finally come?” said our master in a deep and harsh voice.

“Yes master.” replied Niko, slightly bowing.

“Well, you may leave Aleace and I alone, Niko.”

“Yes master.”

Niko left after slightly bowing again and now it was just the master and I again. He usually sends for me, he always wants to just use me for his hormonal desires. It’s sickening, especially since I am only seventeen; but, I have no choice, I have to listen. If I don’t; well, that will be the end of me.

“Hello Aleace.”

“Hello master.” I said and curtsied for him.

He smiled and chuckled slightly. I grimaced in my head. My mind was telling me to run, or kill him. Yet, my body was telling me if I do, I will never see the light of the moon again.

“Come here my precious gem.”

I walked over to him and he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me into him. He started kissing my neck.

“I still remember when Niko turned you into one of us. The smell of your blood was too intoxicating. I almost drained your blood fully.” he bared his teeth and lightly touched his now extended fangs to my neck. He moved up to my jawline, then my lips. He started kissing me passionately and moved my toward his bed. He pushed me down and we went under the covers. He started taking off his clothes and mine by just ripping them. I closed me eyes so I wouldn't remember, I couldn’t, I won’t.

***

I woke up three hours later in the master’s bed.

“Go back to your room.” he said sternly to me.

“Yes master.” I replied, solemnly.

“Fast!” he barked.

He’s always like this. He uses me for his distractions; then, just throws me to the curb and takes me back again, beginning the cycle again. I got up and he threw a long dress shirt at me. I pulled it on and buttoned it up. It went down to my knees and the sleeves were way too long. I walked out and he slammed the door behind me.

I walked back to my room and flopped down onto my bed. I sighed deeply and was about to fall asleep out of depression when my door swung open hard. I immediately grabbed my duvet and threw it over myself. I looked over to my door and saw Niko standing there, though he didn’t look angry this time.

“What do you want Niko?” I asked, kind of confused. He only ever comes to my room in an angry mood.

He just walked over to me, only staring at my eyes. He stood in front of me and I stared him up and down, then sat up. He had bruises all over his arms and neck that weren’t there before. He was also wearing a shirt now. I grabbed the shirt and he just stood in a daze, staring in my eyes. I ripped off the shirt to see more bruises on his torso. My jaw hung opened and I gasped.

“What happened to you Niko?” I asked worried.

He sat down next to me and hugged me. He held my head to his chest and I felt his unsteady breathing.

“Niko? Will you please tell me what happened!”

Then I heard his inner sobs, he was crying now. What happened to him? Why is he acting like this? I am so confused! I don’t even know what to do, since he never hugs me around this time! Never! What happened to you, Niko? I thought.

“Niko, please tell me.” I prompted.

“Aleace...”

“What happened to you, Niko?”

“Well, I got in a fight and killed one of our outsider vampires that the master hated.”

“Oh, was it a job thing, or did it just happen spontaneously?”

“Job...”

“You need to take care of yourself better Niko.”

“I will, I promise.” he whispers.

“I can’t lose you Niko, I can’t.” I say into his chest.

“I won’t leave you. I’m sorry I was a jerk again today.”

“It’s okay. I understand. No one can know.” I stated, and we just stayed there for a while, holding each other like when we were children. I was holding my dear, older brother.