Discovery
It was dark, very dark.
I could barely make out the beast even with my enhanced eyes, curse the moon for abandoning me at a time like this. I felt the wind on blowing through my long hair as I circled the beast. I let my instinct guide me along, left to right to left again. It matched my pace, not letting me get a clear shot at its neck. I growled in frustration as I attempted miserably for its neck again, only to be clawed in return. I leaped back out of its reach, using the trees to cover my movement. It was smarter than I had thought it capable of, judging from its size.
It moved fast, hit hard and had a brain bigger than a nut, maybe the size of a human. I start to retreat, leaping to the safety of the treetops. It follow silently on the ground as I jumped from tree to tree, I raced on in despair as the forest began to thin. Of course, it would not let me escape that easily, I had stumbled upon something that I should not have and now I had to pay the price, with my life. As the trees began to grow further apart, I leaped to the forest floor, landing in a dead sprint as it chased. The breeze should have been cold but it felt warm to me as I ran. I was slowly tiring, slowing down only a fraction from my previous pace but it was more than enough for the beast. It was gaining ground as I tired, the forest was coming to an end, if I could just reach the end the clan would know of this abomination.
Moving on pure instinct, I dodged to the right just as I felt the sudden change in the wind, barely escaping the beast. It was flanking me now, still running faster than me. I would not make it out of the forest, that I know. Without any other choice, I took a deep breath and screeched, the beast stumbled a little from the high frequency of my screech. Knowing it was only a matter of time before others came, it rushed in for the kill. I leaped backwards as it tried to bite me. Tired and in despair, I failed to notice my surroundings and jumped straight into a tree. The tree trembled from the impact, and groaned in protest. My breath was knocked out of me from the impact and I fell to the ground. I looked up at where the eyes of the beast should be, willing myself to show one last act of defiance. I felt the air shift as it swiped its claw. There was a sudden sound of thunder as the beast flew away from me. I recognised the scent of a fellow vampire, Marcus, a tall and muscular vampire with short black hair who was also my mentor, I could hear him and two others fighting with the beast in the distance.
Are you going to kneel there till sunrise, young one? came Marcus s deep voice, I looked up to see Marcus and the two others approaching. The two other vampires looked the same, twins, both tall with shoulder length brown hair. Nardin and Nardel, Marcus's friends.
You have much to explain, once we are back in the safety of our walls. I could only nod, too exhausted to speak.
Marcus turned to his followers, Alert the guard, recall all who have left the city, we hold council at the next sunset. The two nodded and departed swiftly without a word.
Can you walk Tris? nod, I slowly got to my feet, setting off towards the city at a jog.
I found my voice as we passed through the gates, Did you kill it? Marcus looked at me, sizing me up. He seemed satisfied with the summary he saw.
No, it ran off. I nodded quietly, of course.
I will take you straight to the elders. Marcus cast a sideway glance at Tris, Do not worry, they are not to be feared without good reason. Marcus ran towards the city center with Tris following close behind. The city of Balon was inhabited fully by vampires since its creation about two hundred years ago. Humans can and went through the city during trade seasons but rarely did they stay for long. Balon was build as a fortress of war during its creation but it was never put to use, therefore not many knew of its secrets except those who inhabited it now. The elders had taken this city as their own and had since explored its secrets and build their own within.
We have arrived. Marcus stopped in front of the town hall, the center clock tower of Balon. It was a magnificent building made to observe the entire city during a battle, though it was made from stone it could withstand attack from siege engines. The elders tested it themselves, making sure that this place was worthy of being their home.
Tris gulped, this was the first time he would enter the clock tower since he was born one hundred and twenty years ago. Marcus pause at the door, waiting for Tris to move in first.
Do not fear the elders. They protect our culture and way of life to the best of their ability, they are humble unlike rumours say. Marcus turned and walked in first, giving up on Tris s hesitance. Tris looked at Marcus and swallowed his fear, walking in after Marcus to meet to the elders.