p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="8417f62f7933b72d731010af38baa353"strongAuthor's Note /strong/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="69d3fcab1fbe9aed13254ba3de62c274"So this is actually a different version of the encounter that happened between Clary and Edward in the alleyway. I realized the way Clary handled the situation does not fit her character well. I think she would have been more guarded during her encounter with Edward. So, let me know which one you like more and Ill continue with that storyline. I am always open to suggestions and new ideas so pls feel free to leave comments, I'll try to incorporate your ideas into the story. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a21808ef4bbefa59538cedba223a9b1c"Happy Reading./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a21808ef4bbefa59538cedba223a9b1c" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a21808ef4bbefa59538cedba223a9b1c"Clary POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="ab5f4b03b98a8a6adab8a18c4604e16e"Well... might as well get this over with. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="38c938a5ef4422168957a907f39d3fa1"I made my way toward him. Every step I took made him tense even more, as I finally reached him I searched his eyes looking for any sort of emotion, yet all I saw was guarded curiosity. Neither of us spoke for a while. I needed to think quickly. I do not know who he is, nor why I keep running into him. He might be a spy sent my valentine. He could be a spy sent by Valentine, or perhaps one of Valentine's loyal followers. Regardless, he had witnessed something he shouldn't have, and I couldn't simply let him leave with his memory intact. Unfortunately, I have no time to go to the Silent brothers, being on the run and all that. I did the only logical thing I could think of at the time. I knocked him. One big punch and he was on the floor. em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Huh, I thought it would be more difficult to take him out. /emAfter a quick look around to make sure no one is nearby, I created a portal to my apartment. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="cc018527f93d118aac33125d7be8bb75"Once there, I wasted no time in securing him to a chair. I needed to act swiftly before he regained consciousness. In the basement, I found a chair and a pair of handcuffs, cover in runes, specifically designed to hold supernatural beings. With practiced efficiency, I bound him tightly, knowing that there was no way he could escape these restraints./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="3404f329f6c6511e6b8ec9a66242ec47"After an hour, I saw him stir. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="53bce4857bcdd14508e28d200ef32926"It took him a few moments to fully regain consciousness and even longer for him to realize where he was. When the realization finally hit him, he began struggling against his restraints./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="4e47a29c8f3228e4b54ccfcb53003543""I wouldn't do that if I were you" I replied, pulling his attention onto me. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="c25279b18b26ab8726c77f255a34a1ae""Wha- Where am I? Why am I chained? I demand you release me this instant!" The vampire spat, his eyes filled with fury. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="db22d33aec107fab988dd39e130acfd0""Oh 'you demand', do you?" I question sarcastically. "You do not get to make any demands, vampire. I have you imprisoned. You will answer my questions, and if I believe you only then will I let you go.:"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="7dcc90dba82af2ddb427302b377b1c5f"The vampire made no attempt to reply, choosing instead to glare at me and pull against his restraints, hissing in pain./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="5f2279504f4356b1d6a626230f45c9aa""I wouldn't do that if I were you. You see this circle?" I say pointing to the circle I had drawn around him. Various ancient runes were drawn around the circle. "It binds you to this chair and nullifies your supernatural abilities. Until you step outside this circle, you're completely powerless."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="49eb4c1c1f69300016b4fcb5cbaf9d0e"Realization and shock floored his face when the realization dawned on him of his demise and how utterly powerless he was. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a5c561701ead0a576e02e97072095f3a""What do you want? Why am I here? Is it because I saw what you did back in the alleyway? If so you have my word I will not tell anyone about your... extracurricular activities." the vampire grunted. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="58f4869873fb97b474bf934fee46ae05"I couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh at his words./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="332fe668a5f81e7e5a27ef025c1cdb49""Ding, ding, ding! It sure is about that incident. Now you see you were at a very wrong place at a very wrong time- which is highly unfortunate. Because you see, I am a highly untrustful person, and I do not believe in coincidences. So tell me, vampire. How is it that you always seem to find me at the most unfortunate of places?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="f6f144163a1b51d9743ee4b10be1c23d""I do not care if you believe me or not, but my meeting you both times was indeed purely coincidental. The first time, I was running when I found you, and the second time well... I saw you in the garden and curious I followed you... just to make sure you reached home safe, purely because the last time we had met, well, you weren't looking your best self.. It had nothing to do with anything else."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="bccfac6a8757a210fcf5809667692f1f"What? Stalking a habit of yours?" I reply glaringly. There is nothing I hate more than being called someone who cannot take care of herself. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="395b7531b29f5314b03b03fe48dae408""No, I was just going to follow you till I saw sure you were safe" he replied, his gaze still holding traces of anger but also a hint of sincerity that I reluctantly acknowledged./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="0fd7a4795043727423bd3f789b361f2d""Well, your habit of 'ensuring my safety' only puts you in a rather terrible position. It gives me even more reason not to trust you and what you're saying," I pointed out. "So, what are you doing here, in Italy , our last encounter is far from this place./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="55d757fcba549d153d2b131706878c75"The vampire remained silent, choosing to glare at me instead. I smirked, realizing that the real fun was about to begin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="f5116c35e23e262a7c1a1aa643318552""Don't feel like talking? Very well, you see I have many tools arranged out for you. They'll make you talk in no time," I replied, oddly cheerfully (Iem style="box-sizing: border-box;"shouldnt be so cheerful at the prospect of troturing someone/em). I point to the table that hold several tools. Daggers, knives, whips and so much more. "This is going to be fun," I thought, before picking up a dagger./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="cc799fbeadae48033db6738ae1105eb5""Do you know the significance of this dagger, vampire? It's specially designed to pierce the impenetrable skin of creatures like you. It can cut through a vampire's flesh as easily as a knife through butter. Have you ever felt pain, vampire? I assume this will be a first for you since your transformation."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="5afd9f2719b947a7a5f7e53689887d78"You reply, teasingly swirling the knife on his stomach, trailing a path from his stomach towards his chest, pressing it into his neck, hard enough to hurt but not to draw blood. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="03114f74a51065d6555a6e677fc98ec1""Now I don't really want to injure this smooth skin of yours, so tell me why you are here. No need to make this difficult." I taunted. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="cdf03b405da6230996d8f2ff38d873fa"The vampire just continued to glare. I clicked my tongue in disappointment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="d488a71f4ce413c48907611a84cc40f7""Oh well" I said, forcing the tip of the blade against his jugular, surprised to see something other than blood oozing from the wound./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="2fce603a468cb00187bf68bef93ec7e2""Now, isnt that interesting. You really are special, aren't ya." I mused, observing the wound. His eyes were filled with shock, having experienced pain and now being confronted with even more when I pressed the blade deeper. "I could go on like this for days. Trust me, I would love nothing more. But I have other matters to attend to. So, vampire, tell me why you're here, and maybe I'll consider setting you free."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="05dafa5b1891578533f3b0fa7a6d6fb2"The Vampire still does not bulge. This is getting annoying now. As a last resort you pull out the blade of truth, holding it before his eyes. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="c29ae444bf0e8ce67836269fd0da2e2a""Now, this blade is called the Blade of Truth. It's similar to the one used by the Silent Brothers, but I've added my own runes to it. With a mere slice, I can see the truth for myself. I'll witness every thought, desire, and emotion you've experienced from the day you were born until now. Quite fascinating, don't you think? I don't particularly enjoy using this blade on anyone, but you've left me no choice."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="50116acc992c61aca79eb14f511590a5"I informed him, slicing his skin lightly without giving him a chance to resist./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="b0c8f4aa3223983559e685785f5b279d"Suddenly, I was pulled into the vampire's memories, experiencing his life as if it were my own. I witnessed his transition into a vampire, his struggle with bloodlust, his attempts to sustain himself on animal blood, his relationships with his family, his love for them, and his growth over the years. I saw the darkness within him during his radical years of hunting and killing humans, his eventual return to a more controlled diet, and his increasing loneliness. I witnessed his fascination with a particular human, their complicated relationship, her betrayal, and his subsequent retreat. I saw how our paths had crossed before, the accident in the alleyway, and everything that had transpired since./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="714300a7a33ff56c3b4a9767c9cde344"It was an overwhelming flood of information, and then, just as suddenly as I had been pulled in, I was released from the vision, nearly stumbling backward./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="00a3c71361c23e5631a39c497befe36f"Gasping for breath, I realized it was the longest I had ever been inside someone's mind. Witnessing the history of a vampire's life was truly exceptional, and it reluctantly confirmed that the vampire was telling the truth. It had all been purely style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;" Oh, hell./span/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="69d3fcab1fbe9aed13254ba3de62c274" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="9ffb178357b98d7cf7687c26dbdbe94a" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="69d3fcab1fbe9aed13254ba3de62c274"So this is actually a different version of the encounter that happened between Clary and Edward in the alleyway. I realized the way Clary handled the situation does not fit her character well. I think she would have been more guarded during her encounter with Edward. So, let me know which one you like more and Ill continue with that storyline. I am always open to suggestions and new ideas so pls feel free to leave comments, I'll try to incorporate your ideas into the story. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a21808ef4bbefa59538cedba223a9b1c"Happy Reading./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a21808ef4bbefa59538cedba223a9b1c" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a21808ef4bbefa59538cedba223a9b1c"Clary POV/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="ab5f4b03b98a8a6adab8a18c4604e16e"Well... might as well get this over with. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="38c938a5ef4422168957a907f39d3fa1"I made my way toward him. Every step I took made him tense even more, as I finally reached him I searched his eyes looking for any sort of emotion, yet all I saw was guarded curiosity. Neither of us spoke for a while. I needed to think quickly. I do not know who he is, nor why I keep running into him. He might be a spy sent my valentine. He could be a spy sent by Valentine, or perhaps one of Valentine's loyal followers. Regardless, he had witnessed something he shouldn't have, and I couldn't simply let him leave with his memory intact. Unfortunately, I have no time to go to the Silent brothers, being on the run and all that. I did the only logical thing I could think of at the time. I knocked him. One big punch and he was on the floor. em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Huh, I thought it would be more difficult to take him out. /emAfter a quick look around to make sure no one is nearby, I created a portal to my apartment. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="cc018527f93d118aac33125d7be8bb75"Once there, I wasted no time in securing him to a chair. I needed to act swiftly before he regained consciousness. In the basement, I found a chair and a pair of handcuffs, cover in runes, specifically designed to hold supernatural beings. With practiced efficiency, I bound him tightly, knowing that there was no way he could escape these restraints./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="3404f329f6c6511e6b8ec9a66242ec47"After an hour, I saw him stir. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="53bce4857bcdd14508e28d200ef32926"It took him a few moments to fully regain consciousness and even longer for him to realize where he was. When the realization finally hit him, he began struggling against his restraints./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="4e47a29c8f3228e4b54ccfcb53003543""I wouldn't do that if I were you" I replied, pulling his attention onto me. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="c25279b18b26ab8726c77f255a34a1ae""Wha- Where am I? Why am I chained? I demand you release me this instant!" The vampire spat, his eyes filled with fury. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="db22d33aec107fab988dd39e130acfd0""Oh 'you demand', do you?" I question sarcastically. "You do not get to make any demands, vampire. I have you imprisoned. You will answer my questions, and if I believe you only then will I let you go.:"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="7dcc90dba82af2ddb427302b377b1c5f"The vampire made no attempt to reply, choosing instead to glare at me and pull against his restraints, hissing in pain./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="5f2279504f4356b1d6a626230f45c9aa""I wouldn't do that if I were you. You see this circle?" I say pointing to the circle I had drawn around him. Various ancient runes were drawn around the circle. "It binds you to this chair and nullifies your supernatural abilities. Until you step outside this circle, you're completely powerless."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="49eb4c1c1f69300016b4fcb5cbaf9d0e"Realization and shock floored his face when the realization dawned on him of his demise and how utterly powerless he was. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="a5c561701ead0a576e02e97072095f3a""What do you want? Why am I here? Is it because I saw what you did back in the alleyway? If so you have my word I will not tell anyone about your... extracurricular activities." the vampire grunted. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="58f4869873fb97b474bf934fee46ae05"I couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh at his words./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="332fe668a5f81e7e5a27ef025c1cdb49""Ding, ding, ding! It sure is about that incident. Now you see you were at a very wrong place at a very wrong time- which is highly unfortunate. Because you see, I am a highly untrustful person, and I do not believe in coincidences. So tell me, vampire. How is it that you always seem to find me at the most unfortunate of places?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="f6f144163a1b51d9743ee4b10be1c23d""I do not care if you believe me or not, but my meeting you both times was indeed purely coincidental. The first time, I was running when I found you, and the second time well... I saw you in the garden and curious I followed you... just to make sure you reached home safe, purely because the last time we had met, well, you weren't looking your best self.. It had nothing to do with anything else."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="bccfac6a8757a210fcf5809667692f1f"What? Stalking a habit of yours?" I reply glaringly. There is nothing I hate more than being called someone who cannot take care of herself. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="395b7531b29f5314b03b03fe48dae408""No, I was just going to follow you till I saw sure you were safe" he replied, his gaze still holding traces of anger but also a hint of sincerity that I reluctantly acknowledged./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="0fd7a4795043727423bd3f789b361f2d""Well, your habit of 'ensuring my safety' only puts you in a rather terrible position. It gives me even more reason not to trust you and what you're saying," I pointed out. "So, what are you doing here, in Italy , our last encounter is far from this place./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="55d757fcba549d153d2b131706878c75"The vampire remained silent, choosing to glare at me instead. I smirked, realizing that the real fun was about to begin./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="f5116c35e23e262a7c1a1aa643318552""Don't feel like talking? Very well, you see I have many tools arranged out for you. They'll make you talk in no time," I replied, oddly cheerfully (Iem style="box-sizing: border-box;"shouldnt be so cheerful at the prospect of troturing someone/em). I point to the table that hold several tools. Daggers, knives, whips and so much more. "This is going to be fun," I thought, before picking up a dagger./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="cc799fbeadae48033db6738ae1105eb5""Do you know the significance of this dagger, vampire? It's specially designed to pierce the impenetrable skin of creatures like you. It can cut through a vampire's flesh as easily as a knife through butter. Have you ever felt pain, vampire? I assume this will be a first for you since your transformation."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="5afd9f2719b947a7a5f7e53689887d78"You reply, teasingly swirling the knife on his stomach, trailing a path from his stomach towards his chest, pressing it into his neck, hard enough to hurt but not to draw blood. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="03114f74a51065d6555a6e677fc98ec1""Now I don't really want to injure this smooth skin of yours, so tell me why you are here. No need to make this difficult." I taunted. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="cdf03b405da6230996d8f2ff38d873fa"The vampire just continued to glare. I clicked my tongue in disappointment./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="d488a71f4ce413c48907611a84cc40f7""Oh well" I said, forcing the tip of the blade against his jugular, surprised to see something other than blood oozing from the wound./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="2fce603a468cb00187bf68bef93ec7e2""Now, isnt that interesting. You really are special, aren't ya." I mused, observing the wound. His eyes were filled with shock, having experienced pain and now being confronted with even more when I pressed the blade deeper. "I could go on like this for days. Trust me, I would love nothing more. But I have other matters to attend to. So, vampire, tell me why you're here, and maybe I'll consider setting you free."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="05dafa5b1891578533f3b0fa7a6d6fb2"The Vampire still does not bulge. This is getting annoying now. As a last resort you pull out the blade of truth, holding it before his eyes. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="c29ae444bf0e8ce67836269fd0da2e2a""Now, this blade is called the Blade of Truth. It's similar to the one used by the Silent Brothers, but I've added my own runes to it. With a mere slice, I can see the truth for myself. I'll witness every thought, desire, and emotion you've experienced from the day you were born until now. Quite fascinating, don't you think? I don't particularly enjoy using this blade on anyone, but you've left me no choice."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="50116acc992c61aca79eb14f511590a5"I informed him, slicing his skin lightly without giving him a chance to resist./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="b0c8f4aa3223983559e685785f5b279d"Suddenly, I was pulled into the vampire's memories, experiencing his life as if it were my own. I witnessed his transition into a vampire, his struggle with bloodlust, his attempts to sustain himself on animal blood, his relationships with his family, his love for them, and his growth over the years. I saw the darkness within him during his radical years of hunting and killing humans, his eventual return to a more controlled diet, and his increasing loneliness. I witnessed his fascination with a particular human, their complicated relationship, her betrayal, and his subsequent retreat. I saw how our paths had crossed before, the accident in the alleyway, and everything that had transpired since./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="714300a7a33ff56c3b4a9767c9cde344"It was an overwhelming flood of information, and then, just as suddenly as I had been pulled in, I was released from the vision, nearly stumbling backward./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="00a3c71361c23e5631a39c497befe36f"Gasping for breath, I realized it was the longest I had ever been inside someone's mind. Witnessing the history of a vampire's life was truly exceptional, and it reluctantly confirmed that the vampire was telling the truth. It had all been purely style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;" Oh, hell./span/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="69d3fcab1fbe9aed13254ba3de62c274" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px; color: #222222; user-select: text !important;" data-p-id="9ffb178357b98d7cf7687c26dbdbe94a" /p