Dahlia

Weeks went by with me held captive. The longer I stayed, the more comfortable I felt there. It was terrifying, yes, but if I was going to escape I would have to bide my time. For the most part I was safe, as long as I complied. I didn't want to ignite Vlad's temper. I was in utter disbelief at first, but his claims at being a... a vampire did not seem so far-fetched. He tried desperately to make me believe. One night, he came to me with a tray of dinner in one hand and a squirming rat in the other.

"Get that away from me!" I squealed.

His lips curved up into the most vile of grins as he set the tray in front of me. "I wish to eat supper with you tonight, and I know you would be more afraid if I brought a human in. I'm trying to ease you into the lifestyle you will soon live," he explained.

I nodded numbly, too shocked to speak as he pierced the creature's neck with the nail of his thumb. 

I was both fascinated and repulsed as he drained it dry, a trail of crimson liquid dripping down his chin. I wanted to run, to scream; alas, I couldn't. He sucked the life out of that rat and would likely do worse to me if I upset him. I looked away when he finished and disposed of the rat.

"Delicious, but nothing compares to human blood," he sighed contently, eyeing me like I was a gourmet meal.

I have to get out of here now! I thought, quickly formulating a plan.

My mind could not catch up to me, like I was watching the events unfold from outside of my body. He leaned in close, blood still staining his mouth, and with a growl I reared my head back and slammed into him. He toppled backwards, and that's when I ran.

Sliding down the halls barefooted, I tried to navigate through the dark house. The only way I knew to get out was through the kitchen. I sprinted, my legs screaming in protest as I burst through the heavy wooden door and out into the night. 

"Dahlia!" an angry voice bellowed from inside the manor. 

I kept running, not even sparing a glance back as I made my way through the dewy grass. The stable was just ahead, and light shone from inside. I could make out the silhouette of the stable boy tending to one of the horses. 

"Damien!" I shrieked, so close to salvation.

I slipped, crashing face-first into the mud. I tried to get up, but a heavy weight on my back kept me down and caused me to cry out in pain.

"You were going to leave me. You attempted to flee even though you knew what I would do to you. Stupid little girl," Vlad snarled, tangling his fingers in my hair and yanking my head back.

I felt something cold and sharp glide across my throat before warmth began to gush out. I couldn't speak; my breathing was thick and garbled with hot liquid that tasted like rust. 

My vision blurred, and the pain in my side was hardly noticeable as he rolled me onto my back with the toe of his boot. His sadistic smile loomed above me, inching closer with every strained breath I released. 

This is it. I am going to die. I am dying, I thought, the liquid squirting out as I began to hyperventilate.

Panic soon subsided as I felt myself fading faster and accepted my fate. They say your life flashes before your eyes when you are dying. That is not the truth. What I saw as I died was a sick man- no, a beast- closing in on his prey.