[Hey, beautiful souls! If you haven't read Part 1 yet, make sure to check it out before diving into Part 2.
Don't forget to comment and vote - let me know if you're enjoying it! 💗]
One beautiful early evening.
She went to retrieve the empty bowl that had once been filled with blood for him.
As she always did, she placed it at the door on every full moon night, a small offering to show her gratitude. It was always empty, clean, and... shiny.
But today, she entered the palace. The memories flooding back of what happened to her that night. And how she was saved! Mysteriously.
"I know you are here! The black rose, the red eyes before I passed out that night."
Lumi's voice echoed through the dusty royal palace. But there was no response.
She waited, her eyes scanning the empty halls. Nothing.
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the black rose and the clean bowl that was once filled with blood for him, and headed home.
When she got there, she saw a crowd of villagers huddled together, faces pale, moms covering their kids' eyes. Lumi pushed through, anxious to see what had everyone so spooked.
Her eyes widened. Seven dead bodies lay sprawled on the road, faces as pale as snow, eyes empty and lifeless.
Their families crying, clutching the lifeless bodies. Lumi's gaze dropped to their necks.
Two puncture marks. Fangs. Blood drained.
Her mind went straight to the vampire. But no. He had never done anything like this before.
She rushed home, her heart pounding with shock, fear and suspicion.
But outside her house, a ragged, crazy-looking mid-man stood, waiting for her father. Old jewelry dangled from his neck, and his eyes wild.
Lumi hid behind a tree as her father, Michael, approached. The man's eyes locked onto him, and he lunged forward, trying to sprinkle ash on Michael.
Lumi reacted without thinking. She stormed forward and shoved the man away hard, instinctively protecting her father. He stumbled back, glaring at her with burning eyes.
He left but not before muttering some curses under his breath and vanishing down the road.
"Lumi, well done,"
Michael said softly, though his voice carried a strict, firm edge.
"But do not intervene with such men. It can be dangerous."
"But, Papa-"
He gave her a stern yet gentle look that silenced her. She nodded reluctantly, pouting.
He picks her up easily, and kisses her forehead while stroking her hair.
He walks into their small, cozy cottage, sitting her down on their worn but comfortable wooden rocking chair.
"My little princess. Are you going to pout at your papa? I'm just trying to keep you safe, okay?"
Her pout deepens, but she nodded in understanding.
"Now, no more pouting. Smile for Papa,"
He says, his voice soft and loving, still stroking her hair gently.
When her pout doesn't fade, he starts to tickle her sides, making her giggle and squirm.
That night, Lumi stayed awake, her father's soft snores the only sound in the house.
Months passed. The deaths continued. The men of Wheatford - those who worked late in the fields - started disappearing. When they were found, their bodies were cold and pale, with two fang marks on their necks.
The crazy man? Gone. Without a trace.
But rumors whisper that the crazy man is behind all the deaths.
Some say in hushed tones that it's the vampire who lives in his palace across town - the one who has never revealed his menacing existence.
Except for that one night when he saved Lumi.
One evening, Lumi stood at the door as Michael came, her arms crossed, her face stern despite her innocent features.
"Papa, you will come home before 5 PM. Not 7 PM anymore! I feel anxious when you're late."
Michael laughed softly, ruffling her hair.
"Alright, my little princess. I promise."
He kissed her forehead, gave her a reassuring smile, and headed out.
But that night -