The Young Vampire

When we arrived back at the castle, Silas stood outside, hands on his hips like a parent who had been waiting for a child to return after they've been out past their curfew.

“Siv will handle bringing those inside,” he said briskly, tossing a bo staff in my direction. “Let’s get started, Blake.”

I let out a weary sigh, gripping the staff as exhaustion pressed on me. I was really hoping to lie down for a bit. My body was screaming for a break, but Silas looked too determined. Nothing, I would say, could let him leave me alone.

“Where are we going?” I asked, trailing after him as he turned the corner toward the back of the mansion.

“There’s a training facility back here,” he replied over his shoulder.

As we approached, rusted doors came into view. Their heavy, grating creak echoed as Silas pushed them open.

“Why not train outside?” I asked, already dreading the stale air inside. I could tell from how the doors sounded that they hadn't been opened for a while.