Captured

Silas was lost in a deep slumber, battling the heavy veil of sleep that clung to him. He squinted against the bright light, sensing a rhythmic thud beneath him, as if he were being jostled along a bumpy road.

As he attempted to rise, he felt a soft cushion beneath his fingers and let out a groan, gripping it for support. When he finally opened his eyes, he was startled to find himself inside an unfamiliar vehicle—a black, sleek car.

The interior was dim yet stylish, with the seats providing a comforting blend of softness and firmness. His breath caught in his throat when he noticed a girl sitting a short distance away, her eyes closed in serene slumber. She appeared so peaceful and unguarded that Silas couldn't help but sigh in relief, hoping to keep her undisturbed.

He turned slowly, peering out the dark window to see roads, buildings, trees, and homes that felt completely foreign to him. Confusion furrowed his brow as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.

His gaze returned to the woman who had transformed his life, his perspective, everything. Silas shut his eyes, attempting to sift through the chaotic fragments of his memories. Vivid flashes surged through his mind, quickening his heartbeat. He recalled entering a restaurant with his friend Levi, eager to grab a bite and see his girlfriend. Then chaos erupted—a fight broke out, a strange man attacking his girlfriend. He remembered the pain of his own injuries, stumbling into an alley where he found the girl, bloodied and fierce, her eyes a striking scarlet, fangs glinting behind her lips. And there lay his best friend on the cold concrete, his fate uncertain.

Silas jolted awake, panic coursing through him as he struggled to steady his breath. His gaze fell on the girl beside him, now dressed in fresh clothes, free from the blood that had once stained her. She appeared completely ordinary in her new t-shirt and pants. Her fangs weren't anywhere in sight.

Glancing around, Silas searched for an escape route. His eyes landed on the male driver in the front seat, and then he spotted a phone resting on the cushion next to the unfamiliar, older figure. A wave of hope surged within him; this could be his chance to call for help, for instance, his mother or the police.

He turned to the girl, still sound asleep, and carefully began to shift in his seat, moving as quietly as possible. He extended his arm, praying he wouldn't disturb her or attract the driver's attention. His heart raced like a drumbeat as his fingers brushed against the cool surface of the phone.

Relief washed over him as he grasped the device, pulling it toward him with painstaking slowness, despite the strain in his arm. He held the phone, its black screen reflecting his anxious expression, and glanced up, sensing movement from the corner of his eye.

Panic surged again, and he tried to figure it out a plan, a spark of idea came to him, he quickly tucked the sleek phone into his boot, concealing it within his jeans so the girl wouldn't notice. He placed his hands on his lap, stealing a glance at her just as she began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, and upon seeing him awake, she gasped in surprise, her expression brightening into a cheerful smile. "Hey, handsome," she greeted.

Silas was taken aback by the transformation; her eyes were now a deep black, devoid of the bright red he remembered. He narrowed his gaze, choosing silence in response. Undeterred by his demeanor, she sat up straighter, running her fingers through her wavy black hair as she stretched her arms, and yawned.

Silas couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise at the shift in her presence. Initially, she had exuded a fierce and callous demeanor, but now she seemed almost ordinary, devoid of the callous, unsettling energy that once surrounded her. Despite this change, Silas remained cautious, fully aware that she was not human.

With her arms crossed casually, she flashed a smile that belied the sharpness in her eyes. "Oh, are we doing the silent treatment? It's rather rude to keep quiet, you know."

Silas chose not to respond, his heart pounding with each passing moment in her company. The tension was palpable, leaving him uneasy as he grappled with the uncertainty of her intentions.

The car came to a gentle stop, accompanied by a soft thud as the wheels ceased their motion. The driver turned his head, and Silas couldn't help but frown at the man's oddly indifferent demeanor; his eyes were vacant, as if he were oblivious to Silas's presence. He didn't even look in his direction. 

Breaking the heavy silence, the driver announced, "We've arrived at the location, just as you requested, Miss."

The girl shot him a condescending smile. "Thank you. As we exit the car, you'll remain here. Wait for us. Understood?"

Silas's brow furrowed in confusion; the driver's behavior was unsettling, almost as if he were in a trance, his gaze completely devoid of life.

He watched as the girl opened the door with an air of nonchalance, sunlight streaming into the vehicle. When she noticed Silas still seated, she leaned slightly, her hair cascading over her shoulders, and called out cheerfully, "Are you coming, handsome?"

As she bent down, Silas felt his heart quicken, but as he stepped out into the sunlight, the warmth enveloped him. He found himself standing before an unfamiliar restaurant, its imposing black structure both grand and inviting.

People flowed in and out of the door, children's laughter ringing in the air, couples strolling hand in hand, and a crowd bustling all around. Silas scanned his environment, desperately searching for an escape route. A sharp tug at his wrist jolted him, and he winced in pain. Turning to the woman beside him, he noticed her wide grin. "I can see that you're still plotting your escape," she said, her tone teasing. "But let me warn you, it's a foolish endeavor. If you try to run, I will catch you."

His heart raced as he fought through the discomfort. Masking his pain, Silas replied through clenched teeth, "You wouldn't dare do anything in front of all these people."

Her grin widened, a playful glint in her eyes that hinted at a secret joke he wasn't privy to. She tugged at his wrist, her grip both gentle and unyielding, her skin chilling against his. Silas had no choice but to follow her lead, drawn closer by an intoxicating scent that mingled jasmine with the warmth of wood.

Her breath brushed against his neck, sending a shiver down his spine and quickening his pulse. Then, in a voice that was sweet yet laced with malice, she said, "If you want to try, be my guest, but remember—there will be consequences if you annoy me."

He caught a glimpse of hidden amusement in her eyes, a spark of something she found amusing. As they stepped into the driveway, surrounded by a sea of cars on their way to the restaurant, her grip on his wrist remained firm, a silent reminder that he was very much her captive.