Prologue
Elizabeth "Effy" Stonem has a secret. A big secret.
All of the boys love Effy Stonem. It's a fact. So do a lot of the girls. But do you want to know why? Of course you do. Everyone wants to know my special little secret, how and why everyone wants me. It's quite obvious though, once you think about it. And especially once you know we're here.
I like to say it's my natural charm that makes the boys and girls fall for me. Which, strictly speaking, is completely true but not the whole story. A part of it is my stunning beauty, which by the way I'd still have if I were human, just so you know. Some people are just... Naturally absolutely fabulous.
I thrive in the night. But I guess you've realised that, haven't you? That's when I really come alive. The night is mine, you see. The night hides everything. You can do anything, be anyone. Because no one can see properly in the night. Well, apart from me and my rather special friends.
There are a few myths about my race which I should dispel right away. Especially that sunlight one. I won't die if I go out in the sun and I most certainly won't sparkle. I just won't be able to control your mind or use my immense strength or extend my fangs to drink your blood. I am pretty easy to kill, though. Wood will certainly do it. And if I am still drinking blood from a human as the rising sun hits me I will die; I'll turn in to a pile of ash. I've seen it happen.
It's a good thing that all of the boys love me. And some of the girls too. Because I have a very healthy appetite. I probably drink a bit too much, but I love the rush. It's better than any rush alcohol or drugs has ever given me. I do have to drink blood to live, but I definitely don't have to drink as much as I do. What can I say? I'm addicted to that wonderful high. Mmmmm.
I like to drink for as long as possible. From the moment the sun goes down my fangs are there, pointed and ready for feeding. It's a dangerous thing for a vampire to be addicted. We're supposed to drink blood because we have to, not because we want to, because we crave the high. If you're addicted you over-do it, you see? Have too much. And too much of even a good thing is bad for you. Even a vampire can drink too much blood.
I've always wondered what would happen if you added vampires in to the mad mix that is Skins. How do you think I did?