Crimson Moonlight

The night was unusually quiet. The full moon cast a pale glow over the darkened streets, illuminating the deserted alleyway where a lone figure staggered. His breath was ragged, his once-pristine black coat tattered, and his usually sharp crimson eyes dulled with exhaustion.

Lucian Draven, a vampire of noble blood, had never felt this weak before. His body ached with hunger, his limbs trembling from the lack of sustenance. He had been ambushed by hunters, forced to flee after barely escaping with his life. Now, he was at his limit.

"Damn it..." he muttered under his breath, leaning against the cold brick wall. His vision blurred as his fangs ached painfully. He needed blood—soon.

Just as he was about to collapse, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the alley. A girl, no older than eighteen, ran into view. She had long chestnut-brown hair tied in a messy ponytail, her deep hazel eyes scanning her surroundings anxiously. Dressed in a school uniform, she clutched a plastic bag filled with snacks and drinks, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

She froze when she saw him.

"A-Ah! Are you okay?" she asked, hesitantly stepping forward.

Lucian gritted his teeth. He didn’t have time for this. He needed to disappear before she got too close, before—

"You’re bleeding!" The girl dropped her bag and knelt beside him, completely ignoring the way his eyes glowed faintly in the darkness. "Oh no, this is bad... Here, let me help—"

She reached out, but Lucian grabbed her wrist before she could touch him. His grip was weak, yet his presence was overwhelming.

"Leave," he rasped. "You… shouldn’t be here."

Instead of fear, her face filled with determination. "No way! You look like you're about to pass out!"

Lucian’s head spun. His hunger was getting worse. The scent of her blood—warm, sweet, intoxicating—filled his senses, making his fangs elongate. He tried to push her away, but his strength failed him. His body collapsed, and before he knew it, he was in her arms.

"Jeez… You’re really out of it, huh?" she muttered. "Alright, let’s get you somewhere safe."

Lucian barely heard her. His consciousness was slipping, his world fading into darkness. The last thing he registered was the warmth of her embrace and the rhythmic beat of her heart.

For the first time in centuries, Lucian—an immortal vampire feared by many—felt the warmth of a human.

And it was intoxicating.

— End of Chapter 1 —