{Prologue}
Amanda lived with her grandmother.
They shared a close bond, enjoying laughter together.
Her grandmother taught her many things: how to be kind, never to give up on her dreams, and always shared stories during their daily walks to buy groceries.
"Amanda dear, I have a gift for you, and I want you to keep it with you forever," her grandmother said, smiling sweetly.
"What is it, Grandma?" Amanda asked, curious.
Her grandmother looked at her with a smile.
She went to the closet and took out a huge jewelery box. Inside, it was a ruby necklace and matching earrings.
Tears of joy filled Amanda's eyes as she was speechless.
"Now take this necklace and wear it; it's a small token of love from my end, sweetheart," her grandmother said.
Amanda hugged her grandmother tightly, smiling warmly.
"Thank you, Grandma! I will never forget your kindness and will always wear it."
As dusk painted the sky in hues of lavender, Amanda got dressed and was ready to leave.
Before she headed out, she gave her grandma a sweet kiss on the cheek and waved goodbye with a big smile.
On her way, she noticed an injured dove fluttering near the porch.
Concern etched her face, she rushed towards its aid, gently bandaged its leg, and placed it carefully in the sheltered birdhouse.
The next morning, the dove was gone, and in its place lay a folded note.
A faint, unfamiliar scent clung to the cool paper, and a cold tremor traced Amanda's spine as she picked it up.
It Read:
Your hands are the only thing I wish to hold forever - Unknown
A wave of nausea rolled over Amanda.
She crumpled the note, her heart pounding, and tossed it in the waste bin.
Unbeknownst to her, the vampire watched from a nearby bush, his stillness in the fading light almost unwavering, a faint glint in his eyes.
His expressions were a mix of anger and fascination.
"How dare she discard my letter?" he muttered, his fists clenching.
"I shall have my revenge!"
A tremor of rage shook him, but as his eyes swept over her form, his anger softened.
"Yet...such an innocent and pretty face she possesses," he murmured, his voice softening.
He gazed at her beautiful ocean-blue eyes and sweet cherry lips. A dangerous obsession began to form.
"I will watch her every day, every night....."
A cruel grin spread across his face.
"Then, I will manipulate her, lure her into my castle, and make her my slave."
A thrill ran through him. His eyes gleamed with cruel satisfaction.
"And then, I will kill her, just like my other victims," he whispered, a cruel anticipation tightening his features.
The air was filled with the sound of tearing flesh, and a sickening thud echoed through the silent woods.
Crimson stained the vampire's hands, his eyes burning with primal hunger as he discarded the lifeless body at his feet.
"Anyone who dares to enter my castle shall die!" he growled.
Across the distance, a prickle crawled up Amanda's spine; she felt eyes on her.
A wave of primal fear washed over her.
"Who's there?" she cried.
"Show yourself!"
The vampire, enraged, appeared behind her, seized her, and teleported them into the woods. She was never seen again. The vampire dragged Amanda towards the basement.
"W-where are you taking me?" she asked, her voice trembling.
He remained silent, continuing towards the depths.
When they reached the basement, the vampire threw Amanda in a dungeon and locked the door.
"Let me out!" she screamed, tears streaming down her face.
He merely smirked, ignoring her pleas. Amanda felt miserable; she didn't expect to encounter an angry vampire, ready to tear her into pieces.
The dungeon was cold and dark, lit by a single dim light.
Amanda sobbed, the sound echoing in the oppressive silence. She felt utterly alone, with no one there to help her escape.
Then suddenly, the vampire spawned right in front of her with a twisted smile. Seeing his presence, she choked with silence, not uttering a word.
The vampire only laughed menacingly, ignoring her sobs. That only made her cry harder. Her heart burned with pain.
"Please... let me go," Amanda sobbed.
He snapped back into her space. "You can't escape from me, my love..." he murmured, his voice a tantalising blend of danger and seduction.
She sobbed until her eyes were dry.
Against the vampire's cold, heartless power, she was utterly helpless.
The vampire handed the keys to one of his guards.
"Keep her locked in here, and don't let her escape!" he growled, his eyes glowing
The guard nodded. Soon, the vampire smiled playfully and vanished into thin air, leaving Amanda feeling miserable.
