Dark Love

Chapter 1

Princess Ayana stared at the young man before her. "Who are you?" she demanded. He said nothing but suddenly leapt forward stake in hand. She just barely dodged what would have been a perfect strike, then spun around to face this assailant. Cloak was impressed by her speed as she managed to evade his attack. 'She's good' he thought. He easily landed on his feet and turned to meet her. They stared at each other for a few moments. He started to circle looking for an opening. Ayana refused to look away from him, knowing one moment of distraction could mean her death. 'I'm facing a vampire hunter' she thought.

Cloak attacked again. This time she met his attack with one of her own. They clashed several times, neither of the two gaining any advantage over their opponent. The only sounds in the clearing were the sounds of their breath. Each was beginning to tire. 'His energy is boundless!' Ayana thought in wonder. Cloak seemed impressed with her resilience as well. Finally, Cloak leapt away from her, but not before she made a grab for his neck and pulled his hood down. His skin was very pale, and his dark brown hair was artfully tousled. His eyes were as cold and grey as the winter sky. She lost her breath at the sight of him. 'He has such exquisite features' the young Princess thought. Then without warning he threw his stake into the ground at her feet. She looked down in surprise. When she looked up all she saw was a swirl of black as he faded back into the darkness. "Well, that was odd." She said to herself.

Cloak left the forest wondering many things. Who was that young vampires, why did she seem different from other vampires why was she only using a deer for food, why did he leave his best stake there, and most importantly, why did he let her live? It was very late when he got home. He had taken residence in the old Belmont mansion. It had been empty ever since Richter and Layla had mysteriously vanished without a trace. No one had lived there for 15 years. He decided he needed to get some sleep. Things would undoubtly be more clear after he felt rested.

After picking up the stake and hiding it in the waistband of her trousers, Ayana started for home. It had been a weird night. She climbed onto her balcony wondering how she had been captured by his appearance. She finally decided on the exhilaration of a fight and his seemingly endless energy. The sun was beginning to rise. She changed back into her nightgown drew her curtains and lay down to sleep. Her last thought was of his eyes and his hair.