I awoke back in my chambers, the pain had simmered to a dull ache throughout my body. I guess I should have been grateful I was out cold to the remaining ordeal. The remnant pain left me exhausted, with a burning sensation in the back of my throat. I hope I am not getting sick I thought to myself nervously.
I attempted to pull back the warm covers and get myself out of bed. With the quick movement of my arm I groaned in pain; my muscles were weak. I surely have to be coming down with something.
I peered at the curtains, expecting to strain my eyes in the pitch black but...I didn't. I could see perfectly in the darkness for the first time in my life. I noticed every intricate pattern on the thick cloth; even a loose thread hanging on the cuff at the bottom. I blinked my eyes as I saw beyond the parted curtain; it was nightime. Natalia would be due in anytime soon.
Almost, as if on que I heard a brisk knock on my bedroom door. I breathed a heavy sigh of relief as I called out "Come in".
The door creaked open and in bustled Natalia. A fresh scent of lilac and sandalwood greeted my nostrils. "You smell good" I croaked. Why hadn't I noticed this before?
I could see Natalia's smirk through the darkness.
"How are you feeling?" She asked as she placed a small, wrapped package on my bedside table.
"Sore" I moaned. "My throat is burning, I must be developing a cold so be careful".
Natalia let out a small chuckle. "Do not fret m'lady I have the cure for that". She reached to the small package and tore it open. She pulled out an antique looking goblet and a transfusion bag, filled with thick, dark liquid.
"This should do the trick". She mused as she opened the packet and squeezed the contents into the goblet.
Whatever she tipped in smelt divine; tangy and sweet. My mouth began to water. She handed me the goblet as she sat down on the bed next to me and chuckled a quick "drink up" before I lifted the chalice to my lips and hesitantly took a small mouthful. The liquid was thick and smooth in texture as well as delectably candied. The moment it flooded my throat, it extinguished the fire just above my tonsils. I savoured the flavour and the scent as I quickly finished every last drop from the goblet. I licked my lips clean; the sweet elixir had coated my teeth and left a filmy residue over my tongue. The aftertaste was metallic.
"That was delicious!" I exclaimed. "What was that? It made my throat feel completely better!" I was able to swallow now without feeling the burning sensation and scratchy pain.
"That, my dear Ilona, was your first blood consumption as a newborn Vampire". I noticed her teeth sparkle in the darkness as the blood drained from my face.
The traumatic events of last night were coming back to me in fragments; I was speechless. I released a sharp exhale of air.
"So last night...with Viktor..h-he.."
"Yes sweetheart, Viktor turned you. It is a painful process I know...but now that you have ingested your first meal, you should start to feel better soon." Her voice was soothing "One of the best attributes of being immortal is we heal fast". She grinned excitedly at me. "I'm so glad he did turn you, your blood was really beginning to smell so, so sweet". She laughed, hesitancy creeping into her tone that I still remained lost for words.
So Viktor had turned me into one of them?
"You better get up soon, a brand new night is upon us! I am sure Viktor anticipates seeing you in your transformed state". She cooed as she left my side; striking a match and lighting the candles sitting on my beside table. The room flickered a comforting amber glow as the candles came to life; their flames casting shadows and dancing on the walls. "What would you like to wear?" Something elegant I hope!"
I lifted my head up off the pillow "Surprise me" I mumbled.
Excited to have free reign of the wardrobe this time, Natalia squealed in delight and immediately hurried over to the closet doors; throwing them open. She quickly grabbed garments from the clothes hangers and placed them neatly on the bed. I looked them over before sighing and forcing myself to leave the comfort of my berth. The outfit she had picked was a crimson silk evening dress with black lace accents and a matching corset paired with black heels; the attire she had attempted to dress me in previously.
"I suppose I better dress like a Vampire now that I am one" I admitted dryly; trying for humour but the words sounded wrong.
Natalia chuckled "That's the spirit!" before helping me dress.
I eyed myself in the wardrobe mirror, taking in my smooth, alabaster skin and flawless figure.
"Viktor will admit you to the Council now that you have recovered from the transformation" Natalia admitted hesitantly. "And we must not keep him waiting, lets leave now".
Anxiety flooded my system as I finished twisting the front strands of my hair into intricate loops on either side of my head.
"Now I am being presented to a Council?" I asked tentatively.
"Our Council keep order and serve as our law, It is standard procedure" Natalia stated. "You will be fine m'lady, do not worry yourself".
"I've heard that one before". I muttered under my breathe as Natalia led me through my bedroom doors and down the familiar twisting maze of corridors and stairs to the Council Chambers I had inhabited a mere 24 hours ago.
The dread pooling in the pit of my stomach told me that this would be a substantial affair.