First Encounter

Eden and I don't speak for the rest of the journey. The confusion and tension is not lost on me as I tremble at the thought of what comes next. This absurd notion that I've somehow transformed into a vampire has me partly wanting to laugh but I couldn't process any amount of positive emotion. Eden also doesn't elaborate any further during our walk.

We end up in a neighborhood I recognize. We approach the modern home that housed Eden and his five roommates - one of which includes Pepper. I've visited a few times in the past but only the outside. I would wait on the front porch for Eden so we could go to campus together. Now I was actually going inside, scared for my life, and covered in my own blood. It felt as if I was stepping into a high security prison and was mere seconds away from being shot on sight. And who knows? Maybe I was.

Eden clasps my wrist when we step onto the porch and are inches away from the front door. He doesn't turn in my direction. Chills rush throughout my body and the innate fear scrambles my brain.

"I know you're confused and probably scared," Eden says. "But I promise, I'm trying to keep you alive. Even if you don't believe me."

I say nothing.

"It's the truth."

I'm shaking. I stare down at our touch.

"Why-" I start to say but the fear is unbearable. "Why can't I run away?"

Eden face is so cold. "Because I told you to walk with me," he says. "I'm the vampire who converted you, therefore you cannot deny any of my commands."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Now that you're my follower I can prevent you from doing many things. That includes walking, talking, and running away. I can also tell you to do things you don't want to do no matter how hard you resist. But it's all temporary since it's a toll on my own energy to do so."

"This is so messed up."

"When Pepper stabbed you, she was killing you. You would've perished on the ground back there if I hadn't converted you."

"I'm not thanking you."

"All I was trying to do was keep you alive."

I say nothing. Eden sighs.

"I've brought you here to meet my leaders in hopes they will allow you to live."

My face goes white. "Eden I-"

"No more talking freely until after we meet Vicky and Selene. For now you will only speak if and when spoken to."

With that I feel my own vocal cords cease to work. My mouth opens but only small grunts come out and I'm annoyed. Eden leads me into the house.

The main foyer is dark, very clean, and overall average-looking. There's a scent diffusing into the air that I couldn't quite place but seems to be floral. Maybe lavender? My heels make a satisfying clacking sound as we make our way down the hall. I peak at the living room we pass by and observe the polished furniture, tidied countertops, and bare walls. There is a decent lack of personalization in this home, almost like real people didn't actually live here.

We reach the kitchen and my heart sinks once again. Just like the living room the kitchen countertops are clean and polished, but hung on practically every inch of the kitchen walls are knives and blades of different shapes and sizes. The blades were sparkling and I saw Pepper at the sink scrubbing the blade she just moments ago had rip out of my flesh. I wanted to run, cry, or scream but again I couldn't do any of those things. 

I focus on the other two women stood on the other side of this room. I presume they are Vicky and Selene. They are both stunning and bear some sort of unworldly aura. Both had bright-blue, round eyes that send chills through me as they stare me down. One of them has dark, black hair cut short while the other has platinum blonde hair that was almost a silver color which was also cut very short.

The blonde one takes steps towards me. Without even a second for me to process what's happening, she takes her right hand to the top of my head and pulls it towards herself. My face is two inches from her serious expression as she turns my head around and inspects me. My heart beats even faster. With whatever ounce of strength or dignity I have, I try to keep a neutral expression. I have a feeling any slight sign of weakness or terror I demonstrate will bring me this much closer to death.

 She finally releases my head and yanks my hands close to her. Her grip is strong and firm. She twists my arms around to assess me and after a moment or so she lets go and goes back to stand next to the dark-haired woman. "She doesn't appear to have any obvious shortcomings," she says.

"I wouldn't have even thought to bring her here if she did," Eden says.

"You don't need more than one follower, Eden," the dark-haired woman says. "She is unnecessary."

"We can find ways to make her useful to us," Eden says.

The two of them make eye-contact with each other. Silence fills the room until the blonde one speaks again, "Fine. Make sure she learns how to be useful or you will dispose of her yourself, Eden."

"Understood."

The blonde ones stares at me once more. "What's your name, dear?" She asks.

"J-Jade," I say.

She smiles in a very unsettling way. "It's nice to meet you Jade. If you do anything to betray us like calling the police or alerting authorities, I will personally come find you and dispose of you myself."

"Yes ma'am."

"My name is Vicky," she says, reaching out her hand to shake mine. "And this is my sister, Selene."

I nod and shake both of their hands. Terror spreading throughout my entire nervous system.