He released his hold, the body fell down on the cold floor clumsily. His shirt stained with blood. The deed was done, the sweet taste of revenge on his lips. So sweet. So satisfying. A creak in the floorboards urged him to flee the scene, but he held back, hidden in the shadows.

The house was just as cold and dark as it had been a few hours previous. A blanket of blackness covered the interior. Creeping silently to the foot of a grand staircase, Bill then began to climb. Other than the dozens of rodents, scurrying about, the house was uninhabited. Tom had made sure of that. Reaching the top of the spiral staircase, Bill was faced with a series of doors. Most bore scratches and deep gouges, as did the exterior of the mansion. Bill was drawn to one in particular. This door, unlike the others, was smooth, finished in a layer of dust. No scratches, no damage. A shiny crystal knob tied the enchanted image all together.

Bill gripped the knob tightly and turned. It held it's position. Pushing against the door with his body, it now opened. He had been right to stick with his gut. The small room, that oddly resembled that of a tiny school classroom, reeked of a familiar stench. The walls were blackened. There were no windows, or light switches, only an old lantern, burning dimly on a desk. Along the back wall were floor to ceiling shelves. Using a large box as support, Bill stood high enough to reach the one at the top. Lined up there were several vials full of the familiar dark green liquid. Ten to be exact. Next to them, 6 small circles clear of dust. Leading Bill believe that there had been more. Someone else had been using them.

Hastily he snatched up the bottles and stowed them away in a deep pocket. He stepped down carefully, his feet connecting with the floor again. Backing away from the shelf, gazing about the tiny room, his leg brushed against something quite warm and smooth. He turned to see a large vat-like object, a cauldron. Kialbay gurgled and bubbled inside it. Bending down, Bill thrust his wounded wrist into the murky substance. Biting down on his lip, he tried to ignore the pain. Withdrawing his hand, he licked at it's coat of potion as he exited the room, closing the door firmly behind him.

The creak in the flooring he had heard, could have just been one of many rodents. But now, another presence filled Tom's senses. He slid deeper into the shadows, waiting. Tom knew what had entered into the hallowed halls, and he was intent on finding that being.

Bill's breath caught in his chest as his body was unexpectedly shoved up against the wall!

"Stay away from her!" Generally, Bill wasn't frightened by Tom. Wary yes, but not frightened. Although, this night he knew he'd have reason to be.

"Who? Tarra? What's it to you if I don't? You don't care about her. You don't care about anyone. You never have." Tom released his grip from his brothers' collar. Bill landed in a heap, on the floor, at Tom's feet. Tom plunged his hand into his breast pocket, and pulled out a small, crystal bottle. He threw it down at Bill's feet, where it shattered into sparkling shards. Collecting a few into his palm, Bill briefly examined the pieces. A recognisable scent hit his nostrils. He could now see that it was tinged green. His jaw hung as he stared back up at his brother. The missing bottles! Tom, ...had he been drinking it too. Why, why would he do this? Why now?

My eyes fluttered open. My eyes instantaneously adjusting to the dark surroundings. I was still alone, Bill had not yet returned. I no longer felt faint, but still exhausted. I sat up, supporting myself with the structure of the couch. Out of curiosity, I ran my fingers over my neck. From what I could tell, all that remained were two small rises on my skin.

"It's amazing... isn't it?" I scanned the room, stopping at the doorway, where Tom now stood. I shifted where I sat. Not entirely sure how to answer him, or react to his presence.

"I'm not sure I know what you mean?" My cavalier tone surprised me. I spoke with confidence, but still, I slid back to the farthest point of the couch. Tom moved towards me, taunting me with every step. I watched him approach, the way he moved. Licking my lips, with one thing on my mind. I felt like a totally different being. Fear was pushed from my mind. I remained focussed on one thing. Blood, I needed it. I wanted it, and Tom was looking good enough to eat! My first feast, as a new woman, as a Vampire!

"Our powers of healing…" he provided a delayed response to my previous question. Now sitting next to me on the ratted piece of furniture. This time, instead of moving away, I inched in closer. He raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"You do not fear me?" I lifted my hand and traced my finger along his jaw line.

"Should I?" A smile crept across my face, I could feel it. He returned my smile, but then his eyes fell to my dress.

"Is that,… My, my mothers dress?" He glared at me briefly, then stared off avoiding my gaze. I couldn't read him. Had seeing me in his Mother's gown offended him? He then turned back, and looked into my eyes, a small grin curling the corner of his mouth.

"It does look amazing on you, but..." he caressed along my collar with back of his fingers, and with the same stroke, knocked the flimsy strap down over my shoulder.

"...I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist… you take it off." His tone was flirtatious, although I detected he was all to serious in his request. Still, I laughed

, sweeping my hair away from where it cascaded down my chest, and rose on my feet. Standing in front of him now, I slowly proceeded to unfasten the long strip of tiny buttons that ran down the length of the gown's boddess. Tom's hand found my waist, the other, assisted me with my task. His fingers, nimble and swift as the fabric which stood between my body and his touch fell open. Tom stood then. His eyes never leaving mine as he slides an index finger simultaneously under each strap, freeing my shoulders. The dress, his Mother's dress, fell from my body. Tom was quick to grab it up and whisk it away for safe keeping.

No sooner then he had left, he was back, returning to my side. Snatched from my footing, I was tackled and together we tumbled to the couch. With a flick of his head, the dreads that had fallen to our faces were now lying down his back. My eyes traced from his lips, to his jaw, to his now exposed skin, in search of the perfect spot. I held him close to my body, as he did me to his. He showered my neck with kisses, grasping my back so hard his nails began to create painful scratches. Grasping at the collar of his shirt, I yanked at it. Tearing his shirt but more importantly, revealing the smooth skin beneath it. The tender bit at the base of his neck as it curved into his shoulder. The perfect spot. My mouth opened, my fangs bared and ready.

His scream of pain echoed, reverberating off the walls. Whether he had wanted me to or not, my teeth sunk in deeper. Burrowing as far as I could, ignoring his cries. Reaching my limit I pulled away from the gaping holes that I had left. Tom looked to me then, his eyes held not even a glint of red in them. They were a gorgeous hazelnut brown. His kisses now on my lips, he erased all traces of blood.

"Well... How do you feel?" he asked, his breathing heavily.

"Unlike anything I've ever felt." This was true. What I felt now could only be described as Euphoric. Tom eased away from me, and pulled his ripped shirt over his head, casting it aside. Blood still trickling down his back. He sauntered out of the room. Though I had just had more than my fill for the night, I was fighting to keep myself from him, from attacking him one more like a lioness on he prey. Modesty returned, reminding me of my lack of clothing. I reached for Tom's shirt. It covered me almost completely from my neck to my knees, save the torn neckline. Pulling my hair up from around my shoulders, I twisted it into a messy bun. Then set off to find where Tom had disappeared to.

I followed his sent (another new skill this metamorphosis had given me). Turning the corner I entered what appeared to be a bed chamber. There he stood, before the large bed. Heavy velvet curtains hung from the high ceiling in a canapé that swaged to each of it's tall postered corners. Tom was dawning a fresh shirt.

"Wait!" I stepped up behind him. A single drip, trailing down his back was nearly all that remained of my earlier indiscression. With a single finger, I followed the blood from his lower back to the wound on his shoulder. Placing a coated digit into my mouth,

"Mmmm, so good." I moaned under my breath as I savoured one last taste. I hadn't even realized I had done so, until Tom responded.

"So I'm told. My blood is quite a delicacy amongst the maidens." I wasn't sure if he was kidding or being truthful.

"Oh ...so, females come back here with you often?" I wondered, casting him a serious stare.

"Not willingly…and they don't stay for long,… alive anyway." Tom pulled the shirt across his shoulders, and fastened a few buttons. I moved around in front of him, coming in close, so I stood no more than an inch from his face.

"Are you going to kill Me, Tomas?" Not giving him time to answer, I locked my lips to his. 'Tarra? Wait, what are you doing?' I no longer felt the 'hunger'. I was not needing to satisfy my thirst. Why was I still advancing on Tom? 'You despise this guy! You… - But, oh his lips taste so good!' I couldn't blame my behaviour on my 'condition'. I was drawn to him, thirst or no thirst. With Tom and I still in intense lip lock, my human self (or what still remained of her) battled the monster that was taking me over. My mortal life condemned, my destiny to drink on the blood of others for eternity! 'Why did he do this to me? This is terrible!' But then, the demon inside spoke up; 'No! He has done me a favour! I've never felt more alive!' Tom broke our kiss,

"Auh,…little brother, your home. Did you enjoy your swim?" His back to the doorway, he detached me from him as he spoke. Bill stood in the doorway, dripping wet. His hair plastered to his back. Uncertain how he had gotten this way, but sure Tom, no doubt had something to do with it. Not responding to Tom's snide comment, Bill brushed him aside and hurried me away to a corner of the room. His back to his brother he spoke in hushed tones. Rummaging into one of his pockets, he pulled out 5 vials and forced them into my hands.

"I know what Tom's trying to do. He will convert you completely to his way of conduct. Don't listen to him! I know there is some of the real Tarra, left in there. Fight the urge. Fight it!…" Now that I was parted from Tom and before Bill, my sanity returned. For now, I had managed to lock my other half away, but for how long? How was I to know when it would come back?

"…go, go now!" A nod was all I responded with. I turned and began to walk towards the door.

"Oh, and Tarra…" Bill tossed a small silver object to me and I caught it with surprising accuracy. It was a cell phone, my cell phone.

"…I found this in your things." Tom didn't even flinch as Bill handed me the key to freedom, but did I want to take it? My own questions stirring my mind, I headed for the door, but turned back upon hearing my name. Tom spoke this time.

"I'll see you at work, beautiful."

"Thank god your okay! Where've you been? I've been worried sick! I assumed you went to your Mom's, but then I called and you weren't there." Amber ambushed me at the door and held me in a close, bone-crushing hug.

"Well it's nice to know I've been missed. Can you let me in now please." I stepped into the doorway. She closed the door behind me.

"Where are your clothes? What are you wearing…?" I was still wearing Tom's oversized t-shirt. I had found my cloths clean and neatly folded on a stool near the bar before I had left, but I only took the time to pull my jeans on.

"Why are you - WHAT the? What'd you do to yourself? You're covered in blood!" I was hoping she wouldn't have noticed, but really, how could she not? It covered my complete left side.

"Amber, calm down. I'm fine, really." I tried to reassure her, but it was clearly not working. With reluctant fingers, she peeled back the bloodied t-shirt from my shoulder.

"Hmm, no blood? Well if this isn't your blood, then who's is?" I was unsure as to how to answer her. Do I tell the truth? If I even tried to expose them for what they were, I would only be bringing myself down as well. I decided instead to ignore the question, for now, and just walked past her.

Amber began to scream,

"Oh no! Gosh Tarra!?!…" She pointed at my back. The deep scratches to my back had bled through. Large moist streaks showed all down my back.

"…Tarra... you're bleeding! I'm gonna get some ice, water ...something! I'll -" Amber began to panic.

"Amber, calm down. I said that I am fine."

"You most certainly are not! You're covered in blood! Cuts down your back? That's NOT 'fine'!" I turned to her. She was not going to buy anything I was selling. She's my best friend, I owe her the truth.

"I've got to tell you something, and I need you to listen without interruption."

We sat in the living room. I spoke calmly and slowly. I explained everything. About Tom, Bill,…and finally, my transformation. Her face became even more distraught with each word I spoke.

"Tarra seriously, I'm your best friend. Why do you feel have to make up such things? If you're in trouble, you've done something, you can be honest with me. The whole 'Vampire' bit was amusing in the beginning, but now you're just starting to piss me off." O.K., this obviously wasn't working. There was only one other way I could think of to convince her. I opened my mouth wide, and bared my smooth fangs.

"Oh, lovely. Where's you buy those? The local gag sho -" She leaned in for a better look. Amber gasped, she scrambled to her feet only to topple over the end table as she backed away from me.

"Oh my...Oh my God! You,… your seriously a… a -"

"a Vampire. Yes. So, what do you think of my 'Hot' co-worker now? He did this to me! He's the reason I'm like this! How do you like him now?!" I cried. I wasn't upset with Amber, I didn't blame her for not believing me before. But this secret had been eating me up (no pun intended). It was good to get this out after so long.

Still keeping her distance she eyed me carefully. I could smell her fear of me, her thoughts. She's afraid I'll attack her, add her blood to that that I already wore. She pointed to my bloody shoulder.

"So... that's from… from…" I nodded. "…Who's is -" she stammered to ask.

"Tom."

"You bit Him?" Amber looked like she was about to hurl. Tears began pouring down her face.

"Amber, it's okay. I promise I'd never harm you! Vampire or not!"

"How can you be so sure?" I wasn't.

"I,... let me show you something." Cautiously, Amber moved in closer. I pulled out one of the tiny glass bottles that I had stashed in my pocket.

"What is that?"

"'Kialbay'. Bill called it ...uhmm...'Black Night'. It halts my cravings. As long as I keep drinking this, ... everything will be alright." Of course, I didn't entirely believe this. "Well .. how many of those do you have?" She wiped the slow stream of tears from her cheeks.

"Five.." I swirled the dark liquid around in the vial.

Tom sat across the room on a torn bar-stool, his head hung downward. The homestead was quiet. Possibly the quietest it had ever been in a long time. With Tom constantly bringing home "take-out" their abode was scarcely ever peaceful. Bill rummaged inside a desk drawer for his dagger (his brother continually hid it from him). Finding it, he pulled it out and shoved the drawer shut. In the dim light of the moon he twiddled the small utensil around in his fingers.

"You don't have to keep doing this you know?" Bill's head turned up to meet Tom's gaze. He shrugged looking away. Back down at his palm, which was now outstretched in front of him. Bill attempted to ignore his brothers' words.

"I'm sure I don't know what are you talking about?" Bill spoke quietly. He knew what Tom was referring to, but preferred to act as if he didn't.

"Don't act stupid with me, William. You know very well what I am talking about! Doing this to yourself may keep you at bay for a while, but you become weaker by the day. It's gotta' stop!" Bill laid his arm out across the dusty surface before him. He dug the blade's tip into his skin, creating a small hole at the base of his forearm. Dragging the blade down the length, he followed along with his tongue, and licked up the crimson trail.

"What else do you expect me to do? I'm not you! I will not go out and kill innocent people. Taking lives for my own satisfaction ..." Bill explained slowly, in between licks, until every trace was gone. He set down the knife and closed his eyes. The deep gash that decorated his arm began to fade, but ... the pain remained. He stood from his seat and headed over to where Tom still sat.

"I will not be made the monster here! I don't kill because I enjoy it ..." Tom spoke slowly but angrily, "I do it for you!" He shoved Bill aside and tossed himself in a small wooden chair, oppisite the couch. Bill spied a small glass on the table nearby. Tom snatched it up, nearly spilling the scarlet contents, and began to drink. He drained the glass in one gulp and threw it down at his feet, where it smashed into many tiny pieces.

Bill stood there alone, in shock, with only his thoughts to comfor him. They seemed to connect together on their own. Those glasses of blood, always being shoved at me; The vials of Kialbay... always seeming to appear out of nowhere. It was Tom! He wasn't doing it to tempt me. He was trying to save me. Bill's thoughts took over.

"...you...you took those extra vials...for me?" Tom nodded, licking the blood from the corner of his mouth. But why?, thought Bill, glancing down at his hands. The scars had gone, his hands held no evidence of being torn.

"I didn't do it for you!!" Tom snapped, repositioning himself before his brother. "I promised Mother I would take care of you. When I saw that you had taken her route and decided to sacrifice your own blood for sustinence, I knew I had to do something. I had to!" Unexpectedly, Bill brought his brother into a hug. Tom struggled for freedome from his brothers grasp, which only tightened. Giving up, he comforted his baby brother.

"Well, well ..., I see you two are in the middle of a ...'moment'. Guess I should have knocked!" Tom pushed himself from his brother, switching instantly to night vision, to see an all too familiar face staring back at him.

It had been no more than 2 hours, and already Amber was back to her normal self. She acted as thought nothing had ever happened. She eemed more excited than she was fearful. I guess she had a stronger faith that the Kialbay wouldn't wear down, than I did. Every new moment I spent with her, since my full transformation, felt ...awkward.

As I stood behind the counter, assisting customers, Amber to my left, disturbing images filled my mind. About Amber, my coworkers, Me!! It could happen any second. It was only, a matter of time.

With, what I was sure was a very unconvincingly happy smirk, plastered on my face, I handed the final customer the plastic bag I had just crammed full of groceries. I glanced down at my watch. 1:38 PM. I continued to stare down at the flashing numbers until the digits began to burn my eyes. So little light, but the pain was immense. I just wanted it all to end, even before it had even started.

I unfastened the leather strap and slid the digital across the counter. It stopped in front of Amber, where she stood leaning on the wall next to me. My vision transferred to my wrist. My skin was extrememly pale and I could see the blood blotted up beneath my flesh -- The only colour in my skin. I was tempted to swoop down and quench my thirst, right then and there. I held back. My eyes grew big, as I watched my pusling veins.

"I'll be back. Watch the register!" I announced my departure and started to the door.

"Where are you going?" Amber's voice held a worrysome tone.

"Uhmm ...going out for ...a...a. smoke," What!?

"You dont smoke!!" she called after me.I stopped at the door, they slid open, responding to the weight on the floor beneath them as I stood.

"I do now!" I dissapeared into the darkness avoiding the bright beams of light dazzling the entrance. I searched for somewhere to hide while I feasted. The juicy meatball sub I had packed myself, hardly filled the endless pit known as my stomach. I was enticed by a dark alley across the road. Dodging cars, wandering pedestrians, and street lamps, I made it there in one piece. It wasn't until I reached my destination that I realized this wasn't the best place to be.

A crowd of people were huddled at the far end of the alleyway. In the middle, stood Tom. He spied me and motioned me over with his unoccupied hand. A small burning cigg parted two fingers on his left hand. I closed in on where he stood; He took another puff.

"Hey!"

"Hey..." I reached for the smoke, inhaling what I could, then throwining it down at my feet. I had never smoked before in my life, and I wasn't entirely sure what drew me to. I held back my urge to cough on the cloud of nicotine.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

With a snap of his fingers, a young woman appeared at his side. Tom handed her a small silver lighter. She stowed it away in her pocket and slinked her arm around his. The crowd of pale, sickly people parted, and Sarah camada into view. She looked just as beautiful as before. God I envy her! Long silky hair, dark make-up applied just so, and jewelery from head-to-toe. But, her skin was almost white, unlike the girl huggin close to Tom's side.

I eyed the rest of the crowd. They were all women. (This didn't surprise me). Some, were a similar shade as Sarah, and others remained their original colour. From what I could see, I gathered that some had not yet been converted. Were they all drawn here because of Tom? Again, if they were, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.

I snapped out of my daze as Sarah pushed by me. Her upper arm was covered in blood, from where it trickled down to her fingers.

"Tomas ..." she cooed, "Can I treat you to a drink?" Sarah had always been this way. Always trying to outdo everyone. Always wanting to be the center of attention. My body decided it wanted more, attempting to throw me towards the blood. I stopped it with not much composure, and eneded up doing a little dance to hold myself back. Tom smirked at me. I felt my cheeks grow hot. He then preceded to slurp up his meal.

Sarah seemed to grow more pale with every ounce that left her body. Maybe I was just seeing things. I continued to stare, watching Tom as he feasted off of Sarah's bloodied limb. It became to much to watch; I had to look away. Not because I was disgusted. No, not at all! That sensation dissapeared upon entry to this new lifestyle. I only looked away to smother the urge to devour her. As I turned I was brought face-to-face with ...

"...Bill!" I smiled so brightly I thought I'd blind him. He pulled me closer to him, I looked into his eyes. Brown. As chocolate. Pools of perfection -- they had always been. But ... not this night.

With taloned hands he grasped tightly onto my bare arms. My grin quickly faded. As his nails dug deepers, my skin cried out -- Producing its own variation of tears, I knew to be .. Blood! Bill ..?? What are you doing? I was thrust up against the wall behind me. What was he doing? I don't understand. Bill had always been so nice to me. As he repetedly slammed my body against the brick, I struggled to free myself from his grasp.

Looking over, I could see Tom in plain view. His gaze was locked on Bill. His eyes, ..black! The mass of people that had surrounded him, were now crammed against a wall on the oppiste side of the alley. They all held the same expression. Fear!

The pain in my head increased suddenly and my vision became blurred by the vibrant stream pouring down my face. With what seemed like the last bit of energy I possessed, I looked back at my attacker. Peeringthrough my bloodied peepers I looked deep into his eyes once more. I lost all willingness to fight (or was it strength?). The last thin I remember was a familar voice in my head saying

"I'm sorry"