Chapter 2

Layla's eyes snapped open, and beside her was Peter, the boy she had met. Her mind raced back to the events of the previous day, but her memories stopped at the moment she fainted. She gently unwrapped herself from his grasp, unaware that she was waking him. She stood up, dusting off her gown, and stared at the figure, who was pretending to sleep. As she turned to leave, he spoke.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

She turned back, surprised he was awake. "Home," she replied.

He stood up slowly, his back to her. "You should get going," he said.

But what Layla did next shocked him. She hugged him tightly from behind and whispered, "Thanks, Peter. I'll always consider you one of my good friends."She walked out of the empty house, running into the streets.

Peter turned to gaze at the lady who had just left. "She's truly special," he smiled deeply, looking at her figure as it disappeared into the distance. "I haven't had a good sleep in a long time, but I fell asleep soundly."

Layla ran through the road, her legs picking up pace. I hope Aunt Maya and Leo haven't discovered I'm missing yet, she thought.

She arrived home, opened the window, and slid in her heart racing. She breathed a sigh of relief before slipping into the bathroom and sinking her body into the water.

Hours passed since Layla finished bathing, but not a sound was heard since she arrived. She entered Maya's and Leo's room, but they weren't there.

She walked to the living room; as the creaked door opened, Aunt Maya appeared, her face etched with worry. "Are you alright?" she asked, rushing to hug Layla tightly.

Leo followed suit, slamming the door shut. "Where have you been last night?" he asked, his anger palpable.

Layla bit her lower lip, thinking of a possible lie to tell. "Umm... I... I went to the pet store," she finally said.

Uncle Leo slapped her hard on her face, his anger escalating. "How dare you, Layla? After you were warned, we spent the whole night looking for you."

Maya stood in front of her husband. "We shouldn't treat her this way; at least she's safe, that's what matters."

Tears streamed down Layla's bright blue eyes. "I wanted to help," she whispered.

"Shut up; you're just making things more difficult," Leo shouted.

Maya hugged Layla tightly. "It's okay; we're doing all this to protect you."

Layla wiped her tears, the stain of the tears marking her white porcelain skin.

"Get back to your room, and you aren't allowed to leave this house from now onwards," Leo commanded.

Layla stepped into her room, her legs wobbling before she lay on her bed.

"Don't you think we're too harsh on her?" Maya protested.

"I'm doing this to protect her; she's always causing trouble everywhere she goes," Leo replied.

"You're right, but we should explain to her the reason for this," Maya said.

"You should be thinking of a way to pay the debt rather than bothering yourself," Leo said.

"I've already thought of a way; I'll sell the car," Maya replied.

Leo nodded before getting to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water, and gulping it down. He followed his wife out of the house.

Maya closed the door behind her, with her husband beside her. They both exited the house.

Layla lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling suddenly thirsty. She went down to the kitchen, grabbed a glass of water, and gulped it down.

A knock on the door was heard, but this time, it wasn't gentle; it was harder. She glanced around, sensing Aunt Maya and Uncle weren't around and hesitantly opened the door.

Layla's heart skipped a beat, seeing the vampire immediately. Her mind flashed back to her young days, the vampire who killed her mother; those eyes.

"Are you going to keep staring at me?" the man asked.

He looked rich, and Layla removed her gaze from him. "Where are your parents?" he asked.

"Who are you to ask about my parents?" she replied.

His gaze landed on her, his eyes provocative, before he remained calm, maintaining his composure.

"Are you sure you would like to know who I am?" he asked.

Layla gazed at him, not trying to show fear. "Come in," she said.

The vampire glared at the girl, surprised by her intention. He hadn't expected her to allow him to come in, so he stepped into the old-looking house, walking past the door, and taking a seat without being asked.

Layla walked inside but didn't mind that before she began, "I know my parents owe you money, and that's why you're here."

He chuckled loudly, his fangs revealing themselves slightly. "Money? It's more than money; it's a deal, and they failed."

Layla moved back. "What is the deal?" she asked.

The man stood up, unable to hold his composure anymore. His steps were faster as he ran his hands over her neck, his hands piercing through it. Layla stepped back and bent slightly, picking up a knife lying on the table.

"You better step back if you don't intend to die here," she spoke loudly.

He laughed once more, not feeling intimidated. "You think a knife can kill? Humans are so naive," he said.

He moved and sat on the chair, crossing one of his legs. "I don't intend to waste blood today, so you better respect yourself," he muttered.

Layla held onto the knife tightly. "You haven't made yourself clear," she said.

He clenched his jaw awkwardly. "Stop buying time, young girl. I want to see your parents," he growled.

Layla held a long face. "And what if I don't allow you to see them?" she replied.

The doorknob twisted, and both Leo and Maya stepped in, seeing the vampire seated. They both quivered in fear.

"Long time no see," he remarked, clenching his fist.

Maya glared at Layla before saying, "Layla, get back to your room now."

The vampire stood up hazily, walking towards Maya. "You want to take our deal away from me?" he glared, holding her neck tightly, his fingers sinking into her skin as blood rushed out.

"She's not my biological daughter," Maya muttered under her breath.

He released his grip and stayed by Leo, who stood by the corner. "It doesn't matter; I want her as a slave," he said.

Maya stood glaring, wiping the blood. "You can't have her, Vaughn," she shouted.

"Then you leave me no other option," he grabbed her neck tightly, squeezing it as she struggled.

Layla ran by, stabbing him with the knife. He turned back, gazing at the wound that just appeared, and he licked his lips.

"Run, Layla!" Maya shouted.

Layla grabbed her Aunt tightly. "I won't leave without you; I can't leave you to die."

Tears streamed down Maya's face. "I won't live peacefully knowing you'll die for me. Go now!"

Layla held her tightly, refusing to let go. The vampire's eyes turned blood red.

"Don't waste my time, Maya, or you'll leave me no choice," he growled.

Layla looked at her Aunt and Uncle before speaking. "I'll go with you, but you must promise me something."

"What is it?" he asked loudly.

"You'll spare Aunt Maya and Uncle Leo and not harm them," she said firmly.

Maya shook her head, holding Layla back. "You can't do this, Layla. I can't lose you."

Layla hugged her Aunt before staring into her eyes. "Thank you for everything, Aunt Maya. I can't afford to lose you all when I can help. You must stay safe."

She turned to face the vampire. "Do you promise me?" she asked.

He glanced at her before finally answering, "I'll keep my promise."

He dragged her outside, his grip tight around her hand. Maya stood staring at Layla one last time, tears streaming down her face. They entered a sleek black Lamborghini, which sped away the moment they were inside.