The Blood Within

The clearing was silent, save for the crackling of dying embers. Anne stood motionless, her heart pounding as the weight of the vampire's words settled over her.

We want you to understand what you truly are.

She clenched her fists, forcing the hunger down. It was still there, a quiet whisper in the back of her mind, but she refused to let it take hold. Not here. Not now.

Adam moved closer, his presence grounding her. His daggers remained drawn, but his focus was on her, not the vampires.

The lead vampire took a step forward, slow, measured. "You fight it well. Impressive, considering how strong it runs in your blood."

Anne narrowed her eyes. "You don't know anything about me."

A chuckle. "Don't I?"

In a blur of movement, he was in front of her. She barely had time to react before he reached out, grabbing her wrist. His touch was like ice, but it wasn't what sent a shudder through her—it was the pulse of something familiar. Something ancient.

"You feel it, don't you?" he murmured. "The connection. Our blood recognizes its own."

Anne yanked her arm free, stepping back. "I'm nothing like you."

He tilted his head. "No? Then why does the hunger still linger?"

Her jaw clenched. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of an answer.

The vampire smirked, as if he already knew. "You were hidden from us. Sheltered. But that can only last so long. You belong to the night, Dragire. No matter how much fire you wield."

Adam moved between them, his stance firm. "She belongs to no one."

The vampire regarded him with amusement. "Ah. The loyal protector." He let out a soft sigh. "You'll see it soon enough. She's already changing."

Anne felt Adam tense beside her, but before she could reassure him, the vampires began to retreat.

The lead one gave her one last look. "We'll meet again, Dragire. When you're ready to know the truth."

Then, in a swirl of shadows, they were gone.

Anne exhaled, trying to steady herself. But deep inside, she knew they weren't wrong.

Something inside her was waking up.