Valeria Balan lived on the outskirts to Transylvania, she was only 16 and was not old enough to leave her parent's home without their consent, everyone even remotely around Transylvania was at the risk of being stalked by vampires. After all, the year was 1889, almost the end of another century. Valeria never liked being cooped up inside her parent's cottage, it was cramped and reclused and Valeria always longed to break free of her parent's grasp for a few moments. She went to her father, Roman Balan, and kneeled at his side.

"Father...If I were to fetch some water from the well in the woods but promised to not go any further than the old willow tree. Would I be able to perform this task alone?" Valeria asked

"Valeria, it is almost dark. When the sun loses day, they will come out to play." Roman muttered

"You have also said that Freedom is right, expect for at night. It's not night yet, Father." Valeria remarked

"This is a losing battle..." Roman sighed "Go no further than the willow tree." He warned

Valeria planted a kiss on her father's head and grabbed the bucket that she would always use to fetch the water. She exited the cottage and headed for the woods, humming a soft little song as she exited the town. She went into the woods and draped her shawl over her head as she approached the well. She began to turn the crank when the she realized the sun had set a little bit before it's time, this was a sure sign that there was evil around. She tried to act as calm as possible when she heard footsteps approach from behind her.

"What is a young woman doing in the woods all by herself?" A male voice asked

"I was only drawing water from the well..." Valeria stated, her voice quivering

"A woman your age should not be working her hands in such a laboring fashion." The voice insisted

"I do not mind. Fetching the water is often one of my chores." Valeria explained in a calm tone

"Why will you not face me?" The voice asked

"I was told by my parents to never face anyone after dark." Valeria said solemnly

"Haven't they also told you that it is considered highly rude to have your eyes narrowed upon first meeting someone?" The voice asked

Valeria thought about this, she had been taught that it would be extremely rude if she were not to face the person whom she was speaking to. Valeria slowly turned around and faced the stranger, he was very handsome and seemed to be harmless. His hair was about the shade of brown and long in length, his eyes were an almost crytsal green, he was most indefintely not plain to look at. Something about this stranger was very tempting, and Valeria was never one for temptations.

"You seem a bit...entranced." The stranger noted

He placed his hand against her cheek and caressed it with a light touch of his fingertips.

"Are you...entranced?" The stranger asked

"I'm...not very sure what I feel." Valeria said reluctantly

"I suppose you should be returning to your cottage. Can I just request one thing?" The stranger asked as he brushed his other hand against Valeria's arm

"If it is a simple task..." Valeria said in a faint-like voice

"I only request a simple kiss." The young man requested

"Just a kiss?" Valeria asked, the stranger nodded

Valeria slowly pressed her lips against the strangers before she knew it: she was caught in a web of passion with the young stranger as the kiss grew stronger and longer. She suddenly felt something sharp press against the inside of her mouth, as blood spoured down her lips. She quickly pulled apart from him and found herself choking on her own blood, she grabbed the bucket and began running out of the woods. Pretty soon, she stopped and began to hack up the blood as a painful jab stung her throat. She fell to the ground, unable to move, the stranger hovered over her.

"You are no man, are you?" Valeria asked

"I am a man...but I may also be considered...monster." The stranger said in a cold voice

Valeria finally fainted from the impact, the stranger lifted her off the ground and took her in his arms.