Chapter 5: The Blood on His Hands

Elena should have listened.

She should have stopped asking questions.

She should have left Damien Nightshade alone.

But she couldn't.

Something about him pulled her in—his warning, his mystery, the way he moved like a shadow that didn't belong in this world.

And tonight, she was about to find out exactly why.

Late Night at Blackwood Academy

It started with a text message.

Natalie: Elena. Are you still at school?

Elena: Yeah, I stayed late to finish my project. Why?

Natalie: LEAVE. NOW.

Elena: What??

Natalie: I just saw something. Damien—he's not—just get out of there.

Elena's heart pounded.

Natalie was never this dramatic.

And she had never sounded so… terrified.

A cold chill crept down Elena's spine as she glanced at the empty library around her. The school was almost deserted, except for a few teachers in their offices.

Outside, the storm had started. Rain drummed against the windows, and the wind howled through the trees.

She grabbed her bag and rushed toward the hallway.

That's when she heard it.

A low, guttural growl.

Not human.

Not normal.

Elena froze, gripping the strap of her bag as she turned the corner.

The hallway lights flickered, casting long, eerie shadows across the floor.

And there—at the end of the hall—stood Damien.

But he wasn't alone.

Another figure was with him, half-hidden in the darkness.

Elena's breath hitched.

The stranger was unnaturally tall, their eyes glowing red in the dim light. Their lips curled back, revealing sharp, inhuman fangs.

Vampire.

The realization hit her like a punch to the chest.

She had always thought vampires were just myths—legends meant to scare people.

But this?

This was real.

And Damien…

Damien wasn't running.

He was fighting.

With inhuman speed, he dodged as the vampire lunged at him. The sound of their impact echoed through the hall, lockers denting under the force.

Damien moved like a shadow, his silver eyes glowing in the dim light. His hand shot out, grabbing the vampire by the throat and slamming them against the wall.

The creature let out a snarl, baring its fangs—

Until Damien whispered something too low for Elena to hear.

And then—

With one swift movement—

He ripped the vampire's throat open.

Dark blood splattered across the floor.

The creature collapsed, unmoving.

Silence.

Elena couldn't breathe.

Her legs trembled as Damien slowly turned toward her, his silver eyes locking onto hers.

His hoodie was torn, his hands were stained red, and his expression was unreadable.

"Elena," he murmured.

She took a step back, her heart racing.

"W-What are you?" she whispered.

For a long moment, Damien just stared at her.

Then, his lips parted—

And he said the words that changed everything.

"I'm exactly what you think I am."

A monster.