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"You look beautiful, Quinn."

It's to be expected, isn't it? The picture of a beautiful blushing bride primed for her wedding day? Then why was a tear forming in lifeless eyes of a girl who could be no more than twenty years in age? The surly bride stared into a piece of polished metal when a hollow laugh escaped her lips. As though in jest, the frosty morning wind answered her sorrowful call.

"Your husband will be pleased."

Quinn met the weary eyes of her father in her reflection before bristling in an failing attempt to shake her weighty sentiments. It is what it is, and this fact was more difficult to deny when her expectant father looked at her so proudly. As a female of a certain rank, her sole purpose - other than bearing children- was to merge the strong blood lines of noble families. A bargaining chip used to form alliances and achieve political gain. Why then did her knees feel so weak, and her mouth so dry?

Vikings……

Regrettably, her father had suffered the unfortunate curse of only being able to produce one heir, who was in fact female. Logically, Quinn understood his position; it only made sense that he would barter her off to some lacklustre warrior.

Perhaps that wasn't a fair description…. Her intended husband was considered the strongest and bravest warrior within Quinn's father's army. He had been afforded the title of Ulf the Fearless of the Ulfhednar. He was the leader of the notorious wolf berserkers and carried much of the army's respect. Ulf had riches, women and fame. Despite all of this however, he craved the one thing he couldn't have – Quinn. That was until Quinn's father caved in to his constant pestering, much to Quinn's mortification.

"Father, please…" Abandoned hope seeped out with Quinn's whispered words.

Although not a standard behaviour, Quinn bore her passions openly in the hope that her father would consider her wishes above the pride and tradition of the family house. What she received however was a stoic answer which held no warmth nor disapproval.

"Not again Quinn. I thought you'd be proud to do your duty."

Ah, yes. The solemn duty of being born the wrong gender to a noble family. Quinn clutched the pendant around her neck counting the deep breaths she swallowed. Her intention was to remain calm, but she felt as though she was drowning under the weight of her house and responsibilities. Like all young girls, Quinn had selfishly thought that her marriage would be filled with love and desire…. What a pathetic notion – A hopeless dream.

"I'm sure she is Ulrich. Most probably just feeling pre-wedding jitters. Isn't that right, dear? "

A hopeless dream which seemed to float to the top of Quinn's every thought when Shelby, the unwelcomed visitor, decided to grace them with her presence. Her affection for Shelby was uncontested and thought-consuming. Would Quinn classify this desire as love? No – but it felt like it should be considered a dangerous longing with impossibly stupid consequences. Quinn's mutinous body, already weak from distress associated to her upcoming nuptial, nearly swooned when Shelby drew closer. Why wouldn't it? Shelby was everything Quinn longed to be – strong, gorgeous, talented and respected amongst men and women alike. Then, of course, there was the slight (but overpowering) want that Quinn felt each time Shelby's dark eyes found hers. Energy radiated off Shelby and like a moth to the flame, Quinn couldn't resist how much she wanted to taste every inch of Shelby's body.

Oblivious to his daughter's thoughts, Ulrich prompted her with a quick and gruff bark, "She addresses you Quinn. Show some respect"

Quinn faltered unexpectedly and blood quickly rose into her cheeks; colouring her pale skin. It was a stark contrast to her wedding attire that consisted of a fine, form-fitted Ivory dress and emerald shawl which clung to her shoulders. The silver embellishments on the shawl denoted her rank within the community, as did the jewels layered across her body. It seemed as though Shelby also found her attire quite interesting when her eyes travelled across each inch of Quinn's body. The older woman's obvious appreciation resulted in a thunderous storm deep within Quinn's chest. It was so loud that Quinn almost forgot to appreciate the ageless beauty in front of her. Shelby's recalcitrant hair cascaded down her bronzed shoulders onto a thick and lush fur coat which hid most of her sin-inducing figure.

Not for the first time, Quinn desperately wished that – in some haphazard twist of event – Shelby had come to "save" her from the gilded cage her father sentenced her to. Alas, why would she? Instead of futile hoping, Quinn simply nodded her head in response to Shelby, forcing a soft smile onto her features.

Ulrich's eye rolled as Quinn's defeated spirit suffocated the small quarters. The rebellious essence which ran through Ulrich's bloodline should've prepared him for Quinn's stubborn reaction to the wedding, but he had secretly hoped that Quinn would see that his choice was in her best interest. Ulrich would not be here forever so he had to ensure that his daughter would be taken care of…. That she was afforded the life she was accustomed to.

After a stifling silence, Shelby finally spoke up. Her words were followed by swift movements when she approached Quinn.

"Ulrich would you mind giving me and your daughter a moment? I would like to speak to her privately", Shelby said warmly.

A deep breath, which Ulrich must have forgotten was lodged in his lungs, slipped through his unseen lips. It was a dulcet tone of relief signalling that Shelby – the beacon of wisdom – had come to save him from his insufferably wilful daughter and her perceptions. The last thing he wanted was to drag his resilient daughter down the aisle to her waiting Karl.

"Of course. I'm sure Quinn would be more appreciative of a woman's presence. Especially one such as yourself."

Without a second thought, the bearded Jarl swiftly moved forward to kiss his daughter's temple. Ulrich only hoped that this small gesture expounded the love and pride he felt seeing Quinn as the strong, beautiful woman she was.

A bride fit for the King.

Quinn's eyes briefly closed until her father's lips left her head. It was a reticence acceptance of her fate…. An acceptance of his apology.

Once Ulrich had made his exit, Shelby replaced him and rested her hands on Quinn's shoulders. The movement was subtle, but upon connection an involuntary gasp fell from Quinn. Horrified, Quinn unsuccessfully tried to convince herself that her awkward inhale was simply due to the artic temperature of Shelby's delicate hands.

"You make a beautiful bride. No doubt everyone will be jealous of…. whatever his name is"

Quinn muffled a giggle. Sometimes she forgot Shelby was not part of her tribe despite her proficient grasp of Quinn's mother tongue. Quinn had first met Shelby when her father moved his campaign and company to this new land. Shelby was a local native and wealthy landowner within these lands. As Quinn's crush flourished, Ulrich and Shelby sought to extend friendship. This resulted in an amicable agreement where Shelby avoided raids and war and Ulrich could feed his army unhindered.

"Ulf" Quinn responded resting her eyes on Shelby distinguished nose and rosy lips.

How did this woman make her feel this flustered? One compliment, one lingering glance and Quinn can barely still her roaring heart.

"Hmmmmm…." Shelby hummed in acknowledgement before directing her attention to Quinn's hair which held at least three complicated braids. "You do know your father is just looking out for your best interest"

Although Quinn' father believed Shelby had come to convince Quinn to marry Ulf, Quinn didn't actually think that Shelby would try. Her eyes rolled automatically. Quinn could accept anyone from her clan lecturing her on this…. But not Shelby. Shelby – The free, resilient ballbuster who bows to no man.

"Though... sometimes Fathers' see their ambition and pride as your best interest" Shelby whispered against Quinn's ear.

Quinn drew in a deep breath before turning to search deep brown eyes. Being this close, Quinn could almost count each individual eyelash surrounding Shelby's searching eyes. Again, in the matter of seconds, Quinn found herself in awe of the woman in front of her.

"It's my duty!" Quinn murmured with a rushed tone of finality

"Your duty?" Shelby snapped, taking Quinn a back. As quick as Shelby snapped, she drew back in. She dragged a deep breath from around her subsequently looking down to focus on the silver pendant that Quinn wore around her neck. Her fingers reached out to drawn across the image of the silver bear.

"To be married to a warrior who will have no regard for you? You are nothing more than a trophy to be collected! Like the deer heads on his wall."

"Like all good daughters, I will do what is expected from me."

The finality and acceptance of her cage seemed more jarring than the way Shelby's fingers slipped from Quinn's necklace to her chest. Despite her cold fingers, Quinn's skin burnt and radiated outwards.

"Or you could come with me" Shelby dared to utter. "Run"

"What?" Quinn stuttered, forcing Shelby to look up at her "I can't do that. The repercussion alone would be…."

"Dire?" Shelby offered, "I know, but I don't think I could stand sharing you with someone else"

Quinn was flabbergasted. Not once had Shelby shown any interest in her. Yes, they flirted innocently, and Shelby always brought her gifts and small items, but Shelby had never courted her nor had she given Quinn any indication that she was interested in any sort of relationship. If she had, things might have been very different.

"That would imply that I belong to you"

"Some part of you does Quinn. I've seen you look at me… The longing in your eyes" The older of the two rebutted.

Quinn couldn't deny that this was exactly what she had always hoped would happen. Shelby would come rushing in and save her from the big, bad berserker. That being said, staring the ultimatum down made Quinn queasy with nerves. A fantasy is not real, even she knew that at her age. Shelby persisted though. She moved closer to Quinn, closing the small distance between their bodies.

"My father will kill us for such treachery" Quinn whispered as her eyes danced between Shelby's eyes and lips.

Perhaps it was the danger of it all, or the drama of her sapphic crush, but Quinn suddenly wished that Shelby would claim her mouth

"Then I will give you immortality"

Odin and Thor! This woman has lost it, Quinn thought. Immortality? The blessing bestowed on the great warriors of Valhalla? The very immortality given to the virtuous and strong. How could running away from your duty underneath a rumour of a sordid affair be virtuous or strong? No…

"Immortality to ponder on how I betrayed my family?" Quinn stated coolly

"Immortality to be with me..."

Shelby took another step closer to Quinn, lifting her hand to cup Quinn's sharp jaw. She dipped her head when Quinn failed to answer, tickling Quinn's lips with her breath.

"Come with me" Shelby breathed out

Quinn's every nerve desperately tried to cling to the intimacy Shelby offered, but she pulled back.

"It would be wrong"

"The guilt will disappear over the centuries" Shelby argued.

Surprisingly, Shelby seemed irritated by Quinn constant disagreement and her struggle. Was it so surprising that Quinn couldn't put her own personal desires above that of her family? Couldn't Shelby see that she had little choice? Additionally, there was no way Quinn was going to go galivanting with a woman who thought immortality was actually a possibility.

"I cannot. My place is with my father." Quinn stated with conclusiveness "And my husband"

If possible, Shelby's features darkened, and her eyes turned cold. No doubt, she was cursing Quinn's stubbornness and stupidity… her grooming. Quinn, despite what Shelby may have thought, did not think that staying was honourable, but she knew that it wasn't shameful. She hoped that she relayed this to Shelby respectively, but the glint in Shelby's ever-darkening eyes told her that the older of the two had not shown all her card just yet.

"Then I pray you forgive me one day for this" Shelby countered as she leaned in and breathed a soft kiss onto the corner of Quinn's mouth.

When Shelby pulled back, Quinn was greeted with a terrifying sight. Long, beastly teeth protruded from Shelby's alluring lips and golden eyes greeted Quinn. Quicker than any worldly creature, Shelby dove towards Quinn.

"What are you..." Quinn couldn't even finalise her sentence before Shelby's mouth found her neck. With predacious intent, Shelby split open Quinn's vein and greedily savoured the flowing blood.

"Shel..."

Quinn grew weaker with each second that slowly ticked on by until finally, her body couldn't fight no more. Following a sharp, involuntary twitch, Quinn consciousness was consumed by darkness.

"Hopefully, you'll thank me one day" Shelby whispered softly as Quinn finally closed her eyes.

A few hours later...

In the dark bowels of a formidable fortress, cries of agony rebounded off the walls in the early hours of a crisp May morning. Following the corridor, Shelby drew closer to the sobs of pain.

In a stark room, Quinn arched her back as the vampire curse contorted her muscles. The pain, which was otherwise indescribable, could only be compared to being skinned alive. Every inch of Quinn cried out desperately for reprieve, but none was forthcoming.

"HELP ME!" Quinn screamed. "Please... Shelby! PLEASE!"

Her cries went unanswered until hours later, when the pain was replaced with an excruciating thirst. Quinn could sense Shelby behind the door but couldn't will her body to move unless it was to curl into a foetal position. Was this the grand immortality which Shelby spoke of? The Immortality which Quinn carelessly refused? Was this Quinn's punishment…

"I'm glad to see you survived the transformation" As sudden as Shelby had attacked her, she appeared in Quinn's confined room. The room was quite plain save for a large window and bed. Standard human comforts were nowhere to be found... evidence of humanity was nowhere to be seen.

"What have you done to me?" Quinn groaned not daring to look up at Shelby. Right now, who knew if Shelby was the woman Quinn had admired or the beautiful fiend who had stolen her life. Quinn would rather avoid finding out.

"Quinn..."

Quinn was moved gently until she was on her back, staring into bottomless eyes searching her soul. The last remnants of fight or flight abruptly triggered and fists flew out to meet any solid surface. Quickly, she was subdued by Shelby pinning her down. This left Quinn in an awkward position as her mouth brush the soft skin found between Shelby's throat and shoulder.

"Don't make this harder than it has to be, please" Shelby rumbled.

"Just tell me what is happening to me!"

The anguish that ripped from Quinn's lips brought to mind the weeping of a young mourning daughter. She was scared and helpless; truly terrified of what Shelby had done and what laid ahead of her. Quinn's distressed tears fell onto Shelby's skin without hesitation.

"You are turning" Shelby soothed

Another sob burst forward from Quinn. She was confused, so tired and so… so hungry. She couldn't make head from tail and Shelby's poetic rambling did nothing for her perilous state. Shelby realised this and tried to offer some clarity and comfort. She unpinned Quinn's hands and leaned back, watching large green eyes filled with aching.

"You will be immortal…." Shelby continued "…like me"

Shelby could not stand watching, who she had hoped would be her righthand, cowering and broken. She didn't expect a parade or a whirlwind romance, but she had hoped for some sort of gratitude. If anything, she had saved Quinn from a lifetime of unhappiness.

"You know. You could show some gratitude" It came out more juvenile than expected but Shelby lacked the conviction to actually care what she sounded like right now.

When Quinn's quiet sobs ceased, Shelby knew that her words had not gone unheard. Before she could temper her approach however, Quinn jumped. Weak or fragile, Quinn was a lioness…. Even if she had yet to learn her full protentional.

"You want me to be thankful? For what exactly? Turning me into a monster?" The little lioness roared.

"For turning you into a god, you silly girl!"

"There is a price for this treachery, Shelby! And I've heard stories of your kind. The horrors you inflict on the innocent. Your unquenchable bloodlust. You have destroyed me!"

Shelby launched herself away from Quinn rapidly. The words had met their mark and the impact was ruthless. Quinn's judgement felt noxious and dense.

"And you don't think your father's campaigns inflict horrors, Quinn? How did I turn you into a monster when your very heritage makes you one?" Shelby lashed out. "I'm giving you the opportunity to make your filthy bloodthirsty father proud, Yrsa"

Once Shelby's laden missiles struck her designated target, she walked to the locked door. Her raised shoulders and straight back justly reflected her true size and dimension. Unable to stop herself now, she allowed another poison tipped flurry to escape her mouth:

"You need to feed, Quinn. Perhaps I should release you to see just how strong your brethren are. I'd wager you could rip them up…. Piece by piece… before they even have a chance to slaughter you. We'll see who is truly the monsters. What poetic justice that would be? Hmmmmm"

"No…. Shelby…. No" Quinn responded just as Shelby left "You can't do this!"

A few hours later...

When night had finally fell, Quinn was racked with nerves. Her fears were only paralleled by her deep hunger and thirst. Tired of lying on her back, she rose and stalked her small prison cell like a caged animal. She thought about her father and her people. Even Shelby didn't escape her reflections when she contemplated how the hell she found herself in this mess. Quinn didn't know what she would do if Shelby held true to her words. Would she be able to refuse? Rebuke her new base desires?

Quinn was ready to rot in the dungeon. Alone and away from everyone she cared about.

A gentle tap stirred Quinn from her musings as a slight woman walked into Quinn's quarters. Attractive with doe-like eyes, she couldn't have been any older than Quinn. Something in her eyes, however, told Quinn that she was older than expected.

"I've been asked to get you cleaned up and dressed for the evening"

The caller's voice was unassuming, but confident. She seemed almost cheerful and impossibly warm. How could it be, though when reality was so dark?

"Sorry. Where are my manners? My name is Rachel. I'm Shelby's daughter"

"Shelby has a daughter?"

"Yes" Rachel answered nonchalantly "Perhaps I can tell you more over dinner. Like I said, I've been tasked to get you ready"

Quinn nodded before following Rachel. She'd hate to admit it, but it was nice speaking to another individual. One who hadn't just spun her world off the axis. Rachel offered her a small smile and lead her down a corridor which was impossibly dark.

"Quinn"

"Hmmmm?" Rachel mumbled when she turned the corner.

"My name…ah… it's Quinn."

When they finally got to the baths, Quinn deeply inhaled the dense scented steam. Although it hadn't been that long, Quinn felt as though she had not enjoyed the feel of cleansing water for centuries. Her skin felt oily and caked in dirty. No more than a figment of her imagination and conscience, she eased herself quickly into the soothing waters. Rachel had been her constantly talkative companion since learning her name, but for some reason the brunette was now quiet…. Staring….

Unable to standing it, Quinn threw out the first thought that came to mind:

"Are you one too?"

As soon as it fell from her mouth, Quinn regretted her lack of compassion. She wasn't stupid…. She knew it was an insensitive question especially considering what she had just experienced, but what else could they talk about?

"My mother and her two brothers were cursed by a witch because of my grandfather's lust for power. They became monsters filled will bloodlust with an unending hunger. A plague struck down my village because of the evil which walked on the earth. The plague killed my father and my mother realized the fragility of humanity. When the plague attacked me… my mother turned me."

It was short and rehearsed, that much Quinn knew. It lacked all emotion and personal experience. Shelby was smart to send her daughter. Her profound concerned eyes and the unfortunate anecdote made Quinn want to get to know her more… sympathise with her.

"That's terrible. I'm sorry" Quinn uttered.

"Don't be. My mother was just doing what she thought was best. She is ruled by her emotions but I know she loved me enough to save me." Rachel noted. "She is impulsive and ill-tempered but she does it out of love not cruelty"

And that, it seemed was the last bit information Raquel decided to provide. She smiled politely and said her farewells. She gave Quinn a quick wave and left without another word Rachel left.

Solitude followed shortly thereafter and it continued until a wisp of air passed by Quinn. If Quinn wasn't so edgy, she would have missed the jostle of energy across the room.

"I hope I'm not interrupting"

The sultry, dulcet tones of Shelby's voice rose the hairs at the back of Quinn's neck.

"Why did you turn me, Shelby" Quinn asked suddenly.

"I did it to spare you from a life you didn't want"

Shelby's response was plain and simple. There was no flourishment or a neat wrapping. Just honesty laid bare at Quinn's feet.

"You need to feed, Quinn" Shelby prompted again when Quinn didn't respond. "You need to feed, or by sunrise tomorrow you will die. Your body won't handle the curse without blood"

"Then how exactly did you spare me, Shelby" Quinn's words were venomous and raw. "Your reasoning seems foolish"

"Quinn… "

With the ease of a swan, Shelby slid into the bath in front Quinn. Her focus never veered off Quinn's form, which laid naked beneath the cloudy water. An unexpected bout of virginal embarrassment fell over Quinn as she attempted (but failed) to cover her chest and desirables. It seemed to be such a funny action considering that Shelby knew her desires. She knew all about Quinn's licentious desires and amatory crush

"I gave you my blood so you could live" Shelby explained as she moved closer to Quinn "I want you to live."

"So the stories are true? Am I too expect to drink blood then? Is there no other way?"

"No, Quinn. There is no other way."

Shelby raised her hand to cup Quinn's face tenderly.

"What if I can't do it? What if I refuse" Quinn growled, looking away from Shelby for the first time since this interaction started.

"Don't force my hand, Quinn"

Before Quinn could interject, a middle-aged woman emerged from a small passage way just beyond the bath. In her hands was a large metallic dish with a goblet of unmoving liquid. Whilst Quinn was distracted Shelby drew closer. Sliding her hand down to Quinn's chest, Shelby shoved Quinn against the submerged bath wall hastily.

A primal growl rose in Quinn's chest. Quite the new sensation, the blonde was surprised by the ferocity and the drive to push forward, challenging Shelby. Each base desire emerged – Lust, hunger, anger and bloodlust.

Quinn's reaction to Shelby, brought a smile to the latter's face. Perhaps it was surprise? Quinn didn't know, but she had the sudden desire to claim Shelby as her own.

"Calm down young one" Shelby purred

Quinn's eyes darkened when her pupil swiftly blew out. Shelby hesitated for a moment, enthralled by Quinn's sudden appetite and near untameable strength. Shelby thought she knew what she was getting into when she set her sight on this rare Viking jewel - her strong bloodline, steely strength and surprising intelligence. Nothing had prepared her for when Quinn looked at her with unbridled desire. Snapping out of her trance, Shelby called to the servant who had just entered.

"Please bring our guest some blood, Cynthia"

By uttering the very intention, Quinn's visage was clouded by hunger. She lunged forward, towards the human only to be slammed back into the wall by Shelby. Both the action and reaction were quite unexpected, and Shelby grew apprehensive once more. New born fledglings were never this strong when turned.

"You need to calm down, Quinn." Shelby stated. "I do not agree with the slaughter of humans for blood and I will not have a rouge vampire in my domain"

Quinn snarled defiantly and attempted to shove passed Shelby once more. Without a moment of hesitation, Shelby pushed her back and bore her fangs in an act of dominance. A low rumble emanated from Shelby's body forcing Quinn back. This immediately lifted the blood haze from Quinn's sight.

"I…. uhm… I…." Quinn tried to say, but nothing surfaced.

Quinn couldn't think straight whilst the alluring smell of fresh blood pulsated from Cynthia's figure. The hunger kept clawing at her mind; pounding against the steel trap of her will. Cynthia's frightened eyes only confirmed what Quinn knew…. She was a murderous beast.

"Place the goblet down, Cynthia, and leave"

Cynthia did so without hesitation and walked away from her mistress and her new fledgling.

When the human left the room, Shelby grabbed the goblet and brought it to Quinn's lips. She watched in frustration as Quinn turned her head. Obviously, her lack of basic control had shocked Quinn more than expected.

"Drink it, Quinn!!" Shelby commanded.

When Quinn failed to heel to her demand, Shelby threw the goblet in frustration to the end of the room. Frustrated, tired and unwilling to accept Quinn's rejection, Shelby thundered:

"Don't make me use your nature against you, you silly girl. Don't treat my gift with such disregard"

Quinn tensed.

"This is a curse" She whispered.

If it had not been for Shelby's super hearing, she would have missed it.

"You stupid, stupid little girl. You have no idea…." Shelby was exasperated

"Cynthia!" Shelby bellowed, releasing Quinn to get out of the bath.

Dripping onto the marbled floor, her dress clung to her wicked curves drawing Quinn's attention for a moment. Her mouth went dry. Even her wildest dreams had not compared to the image before her now. A flustered and soaked Shelby.

The servant rounded the corner quickly with worry apparent in her eyes. Quinn could see that the woman was truly surprised and unsure why her mistress had called to her in frustration

"Ye –" Before the last letter crossed her lips, Shelby grasped her tightly sinking her teeth into Cynthia's supple neck.

"Noooooooo" Quinn shouted in horror.

When Shelby pulled away, her pump lips and teeth were coated in glistening blood. She stared Quinn down when dropping Cynthia limply to her side.

"I tried to make this easy Quinn…. But I am the master here. You will do as I command"

Quinn tried. She really did, but next thing she knew, she had left the bath to kneel next to Cynthia. Blood poured from her body, coating the marbled tiles, sweeping into little rivers of their own. The smell was glorious.

"Drink" Shelby commanded

Quinn was faltering between control and desire. Everything that still claimed to be human within her tried to hold her back. The rest demanded a blood tribute.

"Shelby… please"

"Drink, Quinn before the blood loses its lifecycle"

Shelby's movements didn't go unnoticed as she moved to the side of Quinn.

"I…."

"So be it!" Shelby swooped down and kissed Quinn deeply. The young vampire devoured her blood drenched lips without an ounce of reluctance.

Quinn's eyes, once hazel, bore a silver ring around the irises. Her jaw seemed to over stretch as her canines pulled and grew. When Shelby retracted herself (reluctantly) from Quinn's sensational mouth, she was greeted with the famished expression of a vampire.

Shelby found herself indescribably captivated by this image…. By Quinn's lips.

Had it not been for Quinn attacking Cynthia's body with newfound vigour, Shelby may have believed that Quinn felt something other than desire for her too.

2018

My life was perfect.

Almost surreal… but that's what you would expect from a popular, smart and beautiful Cheer Captain. Right? The hallowed halls of my High School were my dominion. I was praised and worshiped, loved and respected… well feared anyway. I was the Queen and ordered regular slushy-assaults to ensure that no one challenged my ever-ruling hierarchy. All of this would've come to an end though… eventually.

Thereafter, my projection continued. I was scheduled to attend college on a full cheerleading scholarship. I was so thrilled to take on whatever challenges Life chose to throw at me….

But life is a cruel circus and Fate, a menacing Ring-master. Even in the last minutes of my dying breaths, memories of my life play in front of me like twisted, ill-versed movie. The pain in my neck is the only reminderthat reality is still clinging onto me proving that I'm not dead.

Not yet anyway…

The burning on my throat seems to keep me conscious as the sensation in my legs start to fade. The numbness starts to crawl through my veins, up my torso and through my chest. I can feel my lungs start to restrict as every one of my last few laboured lungsful burn with each exhale. But soon, the end of my torture was at hand….

The beating of my heart slows…

5…

Ice grips my chest as I feel frost crawl up my throat, across my jaw.

4…

Over my lips 9it continues.

3…

Only the warm touch of metallic fluid on my bottom lip still stirred my diminishing thoughts.

2…

A warm iron taste travels down my throat.

1….

This was my death.

Silence…

Darkness…

Emptiness…

Or it was suppose to be.

….

My name is Santana Lopez and this is my story.