What We Feed On

The first bell of the new semester rang loudly through the halls of Crestfall High. A project highschool opened recently, meant to become a social experiment where humans, werewolves and vampires would coexist as students in a mixed highschool located in friendly territory for all species that attended its campus.

Vampires, humans and werewolves all packed in the same building under the pretext of education and networking opportunity. A rainy day awaited ahead.

The time of year when new transfer students arrived, fall. Buses filled with transfer students, and among them was present Umbra Nopții, a 17 year old vampire teen who was going to live in the same dormitory with her big brother Lucien and a human girl named Selene. A new beginning after her last educational endevours at an all vampire school North that didn’t end very well. A new semester that would prove to be more than it was promised. The first day of her last ever semester of highschool without her even realising it yet, as Umbra’s life would take a different path sooner than she anticipated.

Umbra wasn’t very comfortable when she found herself in crowds, she had the odd feeling of being watched. She usually stood out unintentionally, her red hair wasn’t really helping her very much in that regard. As she got off the bus and walked through the gates she was already expected by a blonde figure on the other side, Lucien Nopții, age 19. She didn’t greet her big brother, just kept walking forward unimpressed, letting him behind. She didn’t care to make first impressions for other people that might be watching her, and in all honesty she didn’t look nothing alike Lucien. She was taller, while being 2 years younger.

He on the other hand was the oldest and she knew it, she had to respect that, but not necessarily in public. She disliked how their father Aurelian was favoring him over her, even if she showed more affinity towards shadow use than he did because he looked like him. The Nopții were known best for their shadow manipulation, being their specialty. Aurelian also had blonde hair, and he once said how Lucien will grow up and replace him as the head of the Nopții. Aurelian was a Count of his own dominion and the current Nopții leader. He favored Lucien to take his place, but that didn’t mean power and influence weren’t important in the decision.

We follow the two eldest Nopții siblings around the school as Lucien and his roommate Selene wanted to show Umbra the vampire designated locker rooms. Selene was in a relationship with one so she was essentially protected by one, no reason to be afraid of Lucien or Umbra. After they got the needed materials for the day they met one of their seniors blocking their path, another vampire boy, Caspian. Caspian cornered Umbra near a wall and began to interrogate her about things in a way others found intimidating.

Caspian:“Ah!You must be the new transfer, the red hair gives it away. Nopții right?“;Umbra:“Yes”she spoke while avoiding eye contact

Caspian:“Your magic affinity shows it...looks like you’re almost ready to immerse in that shade on the wall and dissapear on me. But before you do just that I need to have a word with you, since you’re a new student and all”;

Umbra:“What’s this about? Make it quick I don’t have all day”;Caspian:“I certainly will. I heard that you’re not very active in any extracurriculars and wondered if I should even bother asking if you’d want to participate with your class but I guess that greeting to your senior just told me all I need to know.“;

Caspian then took a step back and said:“Specialised houses of vampires like yours are usually more open to making new allies. Looks like I was misinformed-“but he couldn’t finish his thought as Umbra intrerrupted him.

Umbra:“It looks to me that you were too well informed especially about my affinity which I find quite personal and not everyone’s business to be discused so frugally out in the open...Caspian. You’ve got a notorious reputation yourself without needing me to cause a scene here, so I suggest you step aside before I take offense in your presence. If I recall correctly you’re from the house of Draven, and last time I checked your father works for mine not the other way around”;

Caspian:“Pfft...look at the mouth on this one.” he said t0 another vampire behind him before continuing:“She knows her family’s alliances. No matter, Draven won’t be beneath the Nopții forever, I’ll make sure of that”he said as he walked away irritated.

Selene:“Not bad if I may, most newcomers mess up their introductions, you don’t have such problems.“;

Umbra:“Pfft! I had that under control from the start..What did he want to accomplish anyway?“;

Selene:“That I am not sure. Anyway, I’m Selene. I’ve been Lucien’s roommate for a while now and since you’ve moved in with him I’ll be your roommate too. I look forward to making your accquintance”she said as she bowed a bit out of respect.

Umbra stopped her and said:“Nice to meet you too”;Selene:“Come on, let’s show you around the school first.

After that Umbra walked with Selene because Lucien had classes to attend to until 20 minutes later when they met one of Selene’s friends, Vey.

Vey approached them and high-fived Selene.

Then she shifted her focus on Umbra and said:“Welcome! I heard you met the jerk of the school too early in the morning and I thought to myself let’s go and bring equilibrium to this girl’s first day so she won’t get the wrong impressions of our beloved Crestfall High. But seriously now, don’t mind him, he does that with all newcomers!“as she referred to Caspian;

Umbra:“Oh don’t worry about my impression. I’ve got other things I’m more interested in”;

After a few small exchanes Selene grabbed her purse from a locker and began to walk with Vey while Umbra was keeping up behind them, trying to memorise as much as possible from the new information she was recieving about the school and the cliques it had. After 30 minutes of walking and listening Vey and Selene gossip about their usual stuff, Umbra slowed down a bit, until she heard Vey say:

Vey:“Come on, let’s go to class. We already missed one to show you around but I don’t intend to miss anymore.We can be friends if you want”;

Umbra looked at her a bit surprised, not familiar with the kindness and responded:“I don’t see why not”and then they walked together to their classroom.

The day flew by without any major incidents. Next day the cafeteria was packed at lunch time.

Umbra sat at a table with a new book she picked up, while Selene and her new friend sat opposite her talking.

Vey:“So, how do you deal with being...you know, a vampire in school?“;

Umbra:“You just have to know what to flaunt and what to hide”;

From another table Caspian and his friends were talking loudly, the topic of choice seemed to be the new transfer students.

Caspian:“Look at them. Barely survived one day and already taking other people’s spots. I won’t go over and help them when the werewolves start a fight over their usual place, that I can assure you of”;Kaito:“Oh come on dude you know it’s not that serious-“;

Caspian:“Until they make it that serious. It doesn’t take much to become a fight”;

Meanwhile at Umbra’s table, the atmosphere had already begun to tense if even slightly.

Umbra:“They’re staring right at us...annoying seniors”;

Selene:“I think they like you”;

Umbra:“Liking has nothing to do with it, they’re observing us.”

Selene:“Try not to cause trouble with the werewolves. I’ll talk to Caspian later and tell him to mind his business”;

Umbra sighed, and continued to eat. Until, 5 minutes later Caspian and his friend Kaito got up and took their trays with them, walking right to their table.

Caspian:“Trying to blend in so easy? You wouldn’t mind us joining you, no?“;

Selene:“Caspian..what’s this about?“;

Caspian didn’t mind her, and continued to talk to Umbra:“So, you caught on we were talking about you. Good sense of observation, not good enough to realise this table is wolf taken though.“;Umbra:“I don’t see any werewolves around right now”;

Kaito jumped in:“I don’t think you’ll make many friends with that attitude in our school. You know it takes more than observation to get people’s respect”;

Umbra:“I know, and I intend to earn mine.“;

Caspian:“Good. I like students that speak with precision. See that you keep your word, because I’ll hold you to it”;

Umbra glanced away and said:“You can leave now”;

Caspian got up and left without much thought, after all the lunch break was near it’s end.

The first week passed soundly, with no major incidents between the werewolves, humans and vampires.

But good things never last forever.

Umbra was sitting one afternoon on a bench in the schoolyard with her big brother Lucien when a group of werewolves approached from a distance.

Aiden:“Well well, if it isn’t the quiet new tranfer we kept hearing about”;

Lucien, who was reading a letter sent from home said without looking up:“I prefer you state your intentions when you’re talking to my little sister in my presence”;

Aiden:“Or what, are you actually willing to fight all of us for such a small incovenience? I heard vampires were dumb but I didn’t want to take their word for it”;

Lucien:“I didn’t start this but I’ll end it if you don’t tell us why you’re here-“;

Aiden:“Straight to the point, I got you!“;A fellow werewolf yelled from the back:“Save your breath cap!“;

Aiden:“Point is...you’re wasting space sitting there. This is our usual meeting spot. I heard that your sister here also used one of our spots in the cafeteria a few days ago but I didn’t want to believe it with no proof. Yet here you are! Sitting all pretty, not even looking me in the eye properly when spoken to”;

Lucien got up without missing a beat and said:“Come on! We’re leaving”;Umbra sighed and followed her big brother.

Lucien:“Don’t consider we’re moving because we’re intimidated by you. I usually don’t yield space unnecessarily but today I’ve got more important matters to attend”;Aiden smirked, unimpressed;

Aiden:“Words are cheap. Let’s see if you hold them up from now, leech”;

The pack of wolves reclaimed their bench under the old oak tree with loud laughters after the Nopții siblings left.

After 20 minutes, the two of them arrived in their dormitory on campus.

Umbra:“Why did you make me leave? I was looking forward to a fight”;

Lucien:“Not now. I just got word from father that he’s going away on a campaign for some time and he’s dropping off Eliza and Elara tomorrow.We’re going to have to take care of them while he’s gone”;Umbra:“Ughh...but I don’t want to watch over them. I barely managed with the maids back home”;

Lucien:“It’s not negociable. Stop being so insensitive, they’re your little twin sisters as well”;

Umbra:“Fine..But I swear If Eliza begins annoying me again I’m making a shadow clone and sneaking out”;

Lucien:“Then I’ll have to tell father that you’re irresponsible”;

Umbra:“Whatever...hey by the way I wanted to start a fast soon”;

Lucien:“I don’t know. Keep it private for as much as you can, it’s never a good idea to have rumours circling around about a vampire abstaining from blood. Especially when you’re in a school filled with fearful humans, territorial werewolves and other vampires that would just love to make it a big deal when it’s not the case”;Umbra:“I’ll keep it a secret alright. Don’t think I’m that stupid”she replied lazily while looking outside the window.

The night passed and a new day followed. At exactly 8 in the morning a knock was heard on their door.

Lucien groaned:“Get that for me will you”;

Umbra got up from her bed and walked to the door.She looked through the visor and saw her father Aurelian sitting on the other side.

He was a count of his respective region, and he was planning to leave that title to his eldest son Lucien soon.

Umbra opened the door slightly and said:“Good morning father.“;

Aurelian walked in, past her while with no greeting, two 13 year old girls following in his footsteps.

Eliza and Elara, Umbra and Lucien’s little sisters.

Umbra sighed and closed the door, then returned to the living area where her father was already giving instructions to Lucien.

Aurelian:“I believe you can take care of them son, like you’ve done before. If you need anything don’t hesitate to write me”;

Lucien:“Sure dad...“he said as he crouched down to Eliza and Elara before continuing:“How was the trip?“;

Eliza smirked, then responded:“I won our quizz competition”;Elara hugged him slowly and said:“I missed you big brother.“;Umbra who was watching from the sidelines grabbed a tiny bag of blood and said:“Any of you feeling hungry?“;

Eliza:“Not really. I’ll tell you if I am” she said and then walked away curious to look around the dormitory that would serve for her new home for a while.

Aurelian turned towards his oldest daughter and said: “Make sure to help them meet new people, I don’t want them to sit around all day in this room”;

Umbra:“I will, you can count on me father”;Aurelian:“Good.I’ll be back in a few months, hopefully I won’t hear you couldn’t keep up with your little sisters” he said as he patted Elara’s head filled with brown hair a bit before saying his goodbyes and leaving.

A few days passed slowly at Crestfall, as the students begin to notice Umbra hasn’t shown up for lunch in a while. At a table Kaito, Caspian and some of their classmates are talking about the possibilities of why.

Kaito:“Have you noticed that she doesn’t even bother showing up lately?“;

Caspian:“I did. What is she like sick or something?“;Kaito:“She’s new and already making a bad impression around the school”;

Vey:“I don’t think that’s the case. Selene has kept her distance from them too but because of other reasons”;

Caspian:“I just don’t get why she’s still not moving out. I personally wouldn’t want to sleep next to vampires if I were a human”; Caspian:“She likes having her own space if things don’t end up working out between her and Eric”he referred about Selene;

Vey:“I just hope this doesn’t attract attention”;Caspian:“I agree with that statement”;

Kaito:“What if she’s on a fast?“;

Vey:“A fast?“;Caspian:“That’s not good. She should share that, especially with other vampires”;

Vey:“Why?“;Caspian:“What do you mean why? What happens when she loses control around someone and goes feral?“;

Kaito:“Eh come on it won’t happen-“;Caspian:“Won’t happen doesn’t mean can’t happen”;Vey was looking visibly tense before asking:“What happens when a vampire goes feral?“;

Caspian:“It depends if they’re powerful or not, but all of them lose counsciousness and attack whoever is in their sight”;

Kaito:“Pretty awful thing. Reason we don’t usually go on diets like these”he added.

Caspian:“Exactly. And if I find out it’s true I’m going to have a reasonable conversation with her about it”;Vey looked at Kaito for assurance for a while, not too convinced entirely by the words that left Caspian’s mouth.

Kaito:“Translation, he’s going to threathen her to stop fasting the very first time he spots her”;Caspian drank some blood from a cup with a straw while looking away.Vey:“..I hope you know what you’re doing”;

Kaito waved a hand dissmisively, then said:“Don’t you worry, he can handle his stupidity without other people’s help”;

Caspian:“HEY! Who’s side are you on?“;Kaito:“Oops. I meant, yea he’s the class rep for a reason...communication skills~“he said while continuing to eat his lunch with a big smirk. Meanwhile at another table a few human students were whispering about the news of Umbra’s fast, turning it into a rumour.

Mina:“Have you notice that one of the new vampire girls hasn’t shown up to lunch in a while. I heard that she’s abstaining from blood”;

Julie:“No way! She doesn’t even eat normal food anymore? Is she trying to lose control or what?“;

Mina:“I have no idea! Nuts....sick, who knows. What I care about it her not going on a rampage that can be easily avoided.“;

After a few minutes Selene walked over to their table and sat down without asking for permission.

Selene:“Hey girls. What’s today’s topic?“;Mina looked away, a bit ashamed.

Julie:“We were talking about your roomie. Is it true you left because she went on a blood fast?“;

Selene frowned, then said:“I didn’t know about that. I left because I wanted to spend more time with my boyfriend Eric”;

Mina:“Whatever...don’t bore me with the details. Just..is she dangerous?“;

Selene:“What do you mean? Don’t tell me you’re afraid of Umbra-“;

Julie:“I swear...she doesn’t even show up anymore. How can you stay so calm. Vampires can’t survive without blood right? Or am I going crazy over a stupid diet choice?“;Selene:“N-no...of course they can’t. That’s why there’s blood banks all around town”;Mina:“See...she obviously left because of it but doesn’t wanna just come out and say so”;Selene:“But I really didn’t know-“;

Mina got up, annoyed and said:“Save your breath. I’ll keep an eye on her and you from now on. Come on Julie”she said as she grabbed her coat and walked away.

In another 2 weeks the ripple effect of the rumour begin to show. One day at lunch a few humans began to worry, meanwhile at Caspian’s table the conversation was tense:

Caspian:“You noticed too right...I’m not the only one RIGHT? She hasn’t fed in almost a month”;Kaito:“More like 3 weeks dude”;

Caspian:“POINT IS-“;Vey:“We know....she’s going to be more unpredictable”;Caspian:“You of all people shouldn’t be this calm, you’re a human”;

Selene:“Oh come on stop worrying so much. Umbra can control herself”;Caspian:” I don’t like the attention it bring to the rest 0f us. People are nervous knowing a transfered vampire is fasting for almost a month now.“;Vey:“Do you think maybe she just wants to know her limit?“;Kaito:“Her limit also runs the risk of going overboard”;Caspian:“FINALLY! Someone gets it. She’s dangerous, needs to be stopped”;But from behind them a voice said calmly:

Umbra:“So stop me then”she said then added :”Draven“prolonging it’s pronunciation deliberately, meant to be provoke a reaction; Caspian turned around and looked at Umbra, but he didn’t say anything for a while.

Kaito:“Why are you even doing it?“;Umbra:“I have personal reasons. No one has authority to say otherwise-“;Caspian:“Besides the Count. Maybe I’ll tell him about your stupid choices when he visits the school”;Umbra smirked, then said:“Be my guest I don’t hide this from my family”;

Vey:“Just...be careful”;Umbra smiled, then began to walk away towards the hallway to go to the bathroom before saying a final:“I will, don’t worry about me”;

15 minutes later Umbra left her stall and when she tried to leave 2 senior girls stopped her. They were werewolves.

The loudest one, Andra walked in front of her and said:“Look who we have here. The school’s most debated bloodsucker”;

Umbra:“What do you want?“;Kathia:“Oh don’t play dumb with us. Why are you starving yourself..is it some sort of sick pleasure of yours?“;Andra laughed loudly in a high pitched voice before saying:“Don’t tell me you’re a masochist hun?“;

Umbra pushed her away, irritated from the mood change she was experiencing once in a while when she was abstaining from blood for too much.

Umbra:“Get out of my way mut!“; Andra stumbled back but caught herself easily. Andra:“HEY! Watch yourself..you’re doing too much”;

Umbra:“Says the one who’s trying to pick a fight”she yelled. Kathia:“Come on let’s walk away...she’s losing it”;Andra:“Right....I do wonder how long can she last without blood”;Kathia:“Don’t bother. She’s going to end it sooner or later”;

Umbra:“I’m on a deliberate diet you hear? None of your business. I didn’t cause any problems”;Andra:“Not yet. Just...drop it soon. No one likes you either way, this way you’re more issuferable-“;Umbra walked past her, annoyed and went back to the dormitories.

Umbra opened the door and shut it with a loud thud.

Lucien:“OI! What’s that for?“;Umbra:“Annoying, WORTHLESS MUTS”she yelled then went on to say while catching her breath:“Always in my business for no reason”;Eliza and Elara were playing a board game in the corner of the room, watching Umbra for a bit.

Eliza:“What’s wrong big sister?“;Umbra:“Nothing is wrong Eliza. I swear....it’s just this stupid school-“;Elara, looking a bit sad:“Are we going to move again?“;

Umbra sighed, then said:“No! Not anytime soon”;Eliza:“Maybe if you’d make some friends they’d stop annoying you”;

Elara:“I agree. You’re pretty much a loner Umbra one-san”;Lucien:“I told her the same things ever since she transferred here.“;Umbra:“How about you all leave me be instead?“;Lucien:“Come on...look, there’s a sleepover in 2 days. Some vampires, some werewolves and some humans. Plenty to choose from”;

Umbra sighed, then looked at Elara and Eliza who were just two 13 year olds that wanted a place that finally felt like home and said:“Fine! I’m going but I don’t expect to actually make some friends”; Eliza:“Can we go too?“;

Lucien:“NO!“;Elara:“P-Pleaseee! Oni-san”;Eliza:“YEA! COME ON, I’M BORED-“;Lucien:“Why are you shouting so much? UGHHH. Fine, but under no circumstances you tell father I said this”; Eliza:“YEY!“;Elara:“Yipeee...thank you oni-san, Umbra one-san”;

Umbra:“Yea yea....“she said before muttreing to herself :“Annoying little brats”with no real sass behind it;

Lucien giggled, then said:“They’re your twin sisters too”;Umbra:“They don’t even look like me”she said as she pointed at their brown hair.

Eliza and Elara pouted then both said at the same time:“MEANIE!“;Lucien:“Pfft. Look they’re definetely related to you too”;

Umbra:“Ughh...what a pain. You 3 are like some of the lousiest siblings”;Lucien:“Shut up you love us!“;Umbra looked at Eliza and Elara who were for once actually feeling safe and said:“Pfft! Unfounded assumptions”;Lucien:“What was that?“;Umbra blushed a bit then looked away, before saying:“Nothing! Now go prepare dinner, I’m not their maid nor yours for that matter”;Lucien:“..More like you can’t cook to save your life”he said.

Umbra:“I HEARD THAT JERK!“she yelled while Lucien began to walk to the kitchen.

Umbra:“Something bothering you?“she asked Eliza; Eliza:“Pfft! Why would you care?“; Umbra:“That’s not-...ughh, why are you like this? I’m trying to spend time with you two”; Eliza:“Yea ’cause father told you to”;

Umbra:“That is not true. You should stop just assuming I care that much because he says something, you’re my little twin sisters too”she said indignated.

Elara placed her head on Umbra’s shoulder and said in a low voice:“We want to stop moving around and be all together....that’s all”;

Umbra looked at her, she had watery eyes.

Umbra:“Elara....poor thing, c’mere”she said as she hugged her. Eliza:“Gross-“but she couldn’t continue her idea because Elara grabbed her and dragged her into the hug.Eliza, wheezing:“Aghhh! Let go, LET GO. Baka, baka one-san”;Umbra:“Umbra”she said as she grabbed her nose teasingly.Eliza:“Oni-san! ONE SAN’S TEASING-“but Umbra covered her mouth fast.Umbra:“Shhh.You little rascal-“; CHOMP.

Eliza bit Umbra’s hand. Umbra re-tracted her hand in small pain.

Umbra:“OW! WHY YOU LITTLE-” but she couldn’t continue because just then Lucien came back to check up on them, drawn by the noise they were making.

Lucien:“What’s happening around here?“;Umbra yelled in protest:“SHE BITES-“;Eliza (while pouting):“You deserve it! HMPF....Baka one-san”.

Lucien sighed and knelt before Eliza, then said:“You know you can’t just bite people left and right Lizzy-“;Eliza didn’t care to listen as she trew a remote after him.

Eliza:“I’ll do whatever I want you’re not dad!“;Lucien ducked in time, but he was visibly more furious;

Umbra:“What’s the matter Lucien nii-san? Trouble with taking care of our little siblings-“she asked with a smile;Lucien:“SHUT IT JARHEAD! Maybe spend more time with your little sisters instead of running off all the time, they could learn a few things on what a lady should and shouldn’t do from you”;

Eliza:“Pfft! Yea and you found the best example”;Elara grabbed her twin’s cheek and twisted it slowly.

Elara:“Enough being difficult Eliza”;Eliza:“H-hey...hey hey..OW, Owieeee!Stop it...Elaraaa”. Elara let go after Eliza stopped making a scene out of nothing.

Elara was able to control Eliza’s rebelious side the best, she was the closest one to her after all, being twins. Eliza finally got away after running around the room for a bit and said:“I’m older than you! How dare you betray me this way-“;

Elara, sitting down besides Umbra, not a care in the world:“Don’t underestimate me! Now sit down and wait for your food!“;Eliza:“Or what?“;

Elara:“I’LL TELL DAD WHEN HE COMES BACK!“she yelled at her twin. Eliza gasped theatrically, then plopped down besides Elara.

Eliza:“Fine...“;Umbra then got up and walked to the kitchen area, and after a few moments came with 2 plates and made sure her twin sisters ate without making a mess out of the food Lucien prepared. Umbra:“Come on eat already and stop complaining”she said, as she looked at them with a proud look only a big sister could feel once in a while but she soon hid it when Lucien saw it.

After that Eliza and Elara ate and Umbra helped them fall asleep. She and Lucien stayed a bit longer before eventually going to their separate rooms and clocking out for a well deserved night’s rest.