Page 10 of Forever Bound

What just happened?

His heart was silent, and then it wasn't.

Is that normal?

What the hell do I know about normal for Russian vampires anyways?

I run through the halls, more frantic this time, needing to find a way outside. Needing fresh air, even if it's freezing.

He didn't leave me a coat, likely assuming I would stay inside, so I find a fur blanket and throw it over my shoulders once I discover the way out.

The cave opening, which is blocked by a large oak door.

It takes all my strength to push the beast of a door open, and I know intuitively that I would not have been able to do this a few days ago. The blood within me is making me stronger.

Let's hope that happy side effect lasts.

Outside it is a bright cold day. Snow covers the ground, but the sky is clear and the sun is shining. I inhale the fresh air and tilt my face to the heavens with a small smile before I begin my trek into the village.

Assuming I can find my way.

But I have a secret super power, as my family used to call it.

I'm ridiculously good with directions. I can find my way anywhere. Even places I've never been. It's an instinct I've learned to listen to over the years and makes me a great travel companion for my friends.

Trusting my intuition, I head north and see the tracks made last night by the vampire carrying me to his den. Bingo!

I slow my pace as the village comes into view, hut-like homes made of stone and wood lining the dirt-packed streets. I'm standing on a hill, which gives me a good view of the surrounding area. There are farms further back, and one building that looks like a church in the center of the village surrounded by the marketplace. It's bustling today, likely due to the nice weather, as families trade with each other.

I need to find help, someone sympathetic. My mind turns to last night, to the woman who stood up to the man with the whip. Maybe she'd be willing to help me, if I can find her.

Keeping trees in my path, I slink closer to the village, fear making the blood in my body pump harder.

I definitely do not want to run into that sadistic man again. But if I do, at least I won't be unconscious and injured this time.

It doesn't take me long to reach the edge of the village, and as I'm about to leave the forest I hear something. A sound in the bushes. Probably just a wild animal.

Though I realize with alarm that the woods are unnaturally quiet.

No birds.

No animals scurrying up the trees.

Nothing.

That's not normal.

I freeze, staying very still, and move towards the direction of the sound.

Cuz I'm smart like that.

I'd definitely be the first one to die in a horror movie. That's a given.

Something whips past me, knocking me into a bush. I fall to my hands and knees, blinking in confusion at what I've landed on.

And then I scream.

I can't help it.

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