The Last Vampire

by Mary Danganan

  Without me knowing it, I was able to arrive at the pub where Peyton was working. I came ten minutes early. I was expecting them to come out anytime now since several writers leave early to attend urgent coverage and errands.

  Minutes passed and yet nobody had left the place. I checked my wristwatch and realized that it was already past five, but I had not spotted a single person leave the pub. I tried to walk towards the entrance and there I found a security guard approaching me. As he opened the door, I greeted him warmly with a worried smile.

  “Is Peyton Hunt still around?” I tried to keep my focus intact, but my heart started to beat in a race. There seemed to be a problem and I needed to know what’s going on.

  “Everyone left early today, Sir. Management’s instructions.” His expression did not change, and he looked unpleased to entertain any stranger asking for the whereabouts of the pub’s employees. “Name?”

  “Jorge. I’m Peyton’s boyfriend.” I watched as he logged my name on his record book. He did not change his expression though and studied me further with his critique eyes. “Got it.”

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  He answered me with a curt nod before he locked the premises and left. “No problem.”

  As I walked in the opposite direction, all the happiness running on my system had wilted. Everything was replaced with anxiety. I was reminded of the threat that was around, the man that was lurking in the shadows waiting for a chance to pounce on us. I felt the weight of the situation again evidenced by my fast heartbeats.

  In contrast with the long walk in the park, I was on my toes as I traveled to Peyton’s house. I ran as fast as I could to get to her.

  I was calling her name out like crazy when I reached her front door. Only when I saw her face did my worries vaporize.

  “Oh, thank goodness you’re fine.” I exhaled audibly upon seeing her well. She looked at me as if I was ridiculously overreacting, which I would admit I was.

  “I’m still a whole piece, you silly. Come on in.” She welcomed me back to her abode, which was now tidy and organized. In today’s visit, the place was warming and hospitable. I settled on her couch and relaxed there, while she went to the kitchen to get me some beverages.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about your early departure?” I asked her while I watched her pour some orange juice into a transparent glass. Her eyes were on the pitcher while she replied to my question.

  “Instructions were only sent out early this morning. Sorry for not letting you know.” There was remorse on her tone, but she tried her best to keep a happy expression. I stood up and walked towards her. As I approached her, a gorgeous smile welcomed me but her eyes seemed like a pool of secrets.

  “Is there something wrong?” I asked as I leaned on the counter, keeping my eyes on hers in the hopes of getting a candid answer. She avoided my eyes and reached the glass instead, changing the topic as she left me on the counter with an orange juice at hand.

  “Nothing, really. Just more work assigned.”

  I put the glass down and followed her on the couch. She sat there while I secured a spot next to hers. I held her hand despite her hesitation. Her eyes looked on the side, trying their best to averse my stares. I clipped her chin and lightly lifted her face. “You can tell me anything, Peyton.”

  “The EIC’s dead and I’m a hundred percent sure that my source has to do something about it.”

  Her eyes finally met mine. There was an obvious sign of fright on them. I squeezed her hand tighter, surprised by her shocking news.

  “How did you know about that?”

  “He sent me another box.” She stood up and hurriedly proceeded to her room. She came back shortly with an open present on her hand that was decorated in black and red colors. It was similar to the ones that were previously sent to her.

  She sat beside me as she unboxed what’s inside of her gift. She took what’s inside with her hand, and I was appalled upon seeing the thing on her grip. “This tells me so.”

  There was a photo of her early when I dropped her home. A stolen shot of her smiling beautifully, but the photo was ruined by the blood that was smeared all over the glossy paper. I tried to veil my fears as she showed me the threatening symbol of her mysterious source.

  Her life’s at stake.

  She’s going to be the next one.

  It can’t be.

  My weakness came knocking my entirety. It was as if pain and fear had been made into a concoction that would soon poison me to death. The success of that scoundrel’s plans was unfolding before us quickly, and we were left unarmed for what was yet to come.

  I could smell the scent of the blood smeared on Peyton’s photograph. It was clearly not that of an animal.

  “We can fight this as long as we are together.” She woke me up from my unconsciousness. Her hand was warm, and her eyes were filled with hope. The courage she had was inspiring and admirable. How I wished I was able to possess that valiance through this difficult time.

  “Promise me we can make it through, Jorge.” Her eyes were too sincere and hopeful that I could not knock her spirits down. Not this time.

  Halfhearted, I answered her with a forced smile on my face. “I promise.”

  ******

  “We’re not the only ones, aren’t we?”

  My father stood up upon my arrival, stunned by my question. He looked at me as if I had two heads. “We are the only ones left, son. I saw the village go down in flames, everyone’s in except the two of us.”

  “There’s still someone out there, I know it.” I contradicted him, frustrated by not hearing the answer I wanted to hear. My father’s denial of the fact unraveling before us was too much.

  “Son, I know that a lot of things happen around us. People should be cautious of the world, as it grows more dangerous to live in.” He made a point about the perils of crimes and violence spreading like wildfire, but that was not the real answer.

  “I’m going to prove you wrong, father.” My head could still vividly recall the things Peyton had received, and how much it led to the real culprit. The black and red colors marked in me, and they suggested the horror brought to Peyton’s doorstep each time a box was given to her.

  I left him and walked out of the room. There had to be something done about everything. I directed my attention to the library. Searching for some books that could help me solve the puzzle, I scanned the shelves for any related topics about vampire histories.

  One book, in particular, captured my attention. I took it out of its place and walked towards my reading chair. The book was old and unread for years, and I had not put interest on it until today.

  It had a simple cover of dark brown with calligraphy written on its center. The word Wicked was unusual as a title. I anticipated something was in it, and my gut feeling agreed as well.

  As I scanned the pages, I realized that there were sketches on the book. Some were a depiction of the rites on how to consume humans, as well as the torture they inflict on the innocent souls. As I flipped more on the pages, I had read about the ways on how vampires had planned to rule the world and conquer the humans as either their slaves or food. The drawings were traumatic, but the text was far more horrendous to read.

  Continuing my research about how the wicked ones lived in the early times, I smelled something around. There was an undeniable scent of a vampire. Faint to the humans, but strong to its fellow supernaturals. It was not the same as my father’s nor mine. It was distinct and new to me. It was overpowering yet calm as if it was luring yet waiting on its feet to devour its prey.

  I stood up, troubled by the new thing around me. I took slow, silent footsteps as I peeked towards the window. The forest was serene like the usual. Upon assuring that the place was clear, I stepped out of the library to view the scene on the balcony. My eyes skimmed the place. Everything was good, but the smell got stronger the moment I laid foot outdoors.

  Just when I was to go back inside my library, I heard a swift blow of wind aroun
d the trees near me. I turned around to check what it was. Again, nothing came to my keen attention that seemed to be harmful, except for the vampire scent getting more noticeable in my senses. Just when I was to walk back inside, I caught glimpse of a quick, almost invisible shadow movement on the forest that only vampires could perform. The direction where it was heading was clear to me, despite the fast movements.

  I needed to act fast. I did not think anymore.

  Leaping out of the balcony, I followed where the shadow was going.

  Chapter 20: Peyton Hunt

  Promising Jorge that I would stay at home all night seemed like a difficult pledge to fulfill. My head was preoccupied with thoughts of my boss, as well as the things my source had sent me. It was like slowly suffering from this cage, waiting for death to release me from my torment.

  It was restricting me, so I decided to go outside and refresh a little.

  Although it meant violating a promise, I was sure Jorge would understand. Also, it would only take a few minutes for me to return. I just needed to replenish some supplies in my pantry. It was a necessary trip to the nearest convenience store, so it could not be contended.

  As I made my way to my car and drove off of my lot, I came to realize how cold and quiet the night was. Something was off with the atmosphere, especially that it was a full moon. Despite the illuminations that it brought to the land, the town seemed to be suspiciously dark and silent than the usual.

  I checked the time. It was seven minutes before nine, but the streets were already empty. This was not the familiar setup here, especially near the market and shops. When I arrived at the convenience store, I finished my shopping as fast as I could to get back home fast.

  As I drove back to my house, the road turned dimmer. The eccentric phenomenon turned more bizarre when I came back at home. Carrying all the bags with my hands, I struggled with opening the door. Upon unlocking it, my body froze in fright. There in my living room, I had seen through the darkness a shadow. There was someone standing there, still like untapped water, waiting for my arrival.

  He moved on cue as the bags on my grasp fell on the floor, creating a clamorous sound against the wood. Through the faint light that penetrated my house, I watched as his face showed through the thin rays of brightness. Before me stood a man with a pallid complexion that wore a sly snicker on his long face. His light, gray eyes sparkled like diamonds, both alluring and horrifying at the same time.

  “Hi, Peyton. I have been waiting for you all night. It’s a pleasure to meet you, at last.” His deep voice hooked my attention in an instant. It was like a hypnotic spell, causing me to feel dazed and mesmerized by every word he uttered. My legs would not allow me to move so I had no other recourse than to watch him as he walked closer to me.

  “Who are you?” My voice sounded more like a squeak. My throat and lips were dry in horror, terrified by the unwanted guest that trespassed my private space while I was gone. Upon my question, he showed what he was holding and hiding beneath him. My jaw dropped open as I caught sight of what it was.

  “It would not hurt to give another present for today, right?” He was smiling, but it looked more like a threatening expression for me. It was like a greedy smirk, the ones psycho killers would wear before they smother their victims to death. It was a horrible view I hoped to avoid, but I was left with no choice.

  “Too impolite for a first meeting, eh? By the way, I’m Horace Knox. If you happen to meet Mr. Savage, then I hope they introduced me to you as a family friend.” He was now standing before me as he reached over the box on his hold. It was a decoration of black and red colors, vibrant and attention-seeking as always. I took it from him, although I did not want to see what he had in store for me.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I doubt it if the Savages happen to know you as well.” I tried to keep the conversation rolling, as I felt that it was the best thing to do. Allowing him to continue his generous talk would buy me some time before he plunged into my body and eat me alive.

  “Too bad. I’m certain Wilbur recognizes me. If he had not spoken of me, then I shall do it on his behalf.” He walked before me in a straight, back and forth path. He looked focused on his tale, which made me grateful for the precious seconds I was spared.

  I should have listened to Jorge, or if I did, then I would have died earlier. Whatever choice I made would make me suffer the same ending, I guessed.

  “I’m the last vampire standing… Soon.” He stopped before me. His eyes were blazing on fire, the mockery in his voice gone. The energy he emitted had changed as if he was now in a rage. My legs were trembling with unexplainable fear, helpless and without rescue. I had nothing against this beast, and I had no weapons to defend myself from his grip.

  “I shall avenge my clan. Let’s see how that child reacts after I make him feel what his mother did to me years ago.” I felt his strong hands seize my arms, his long nails in the pursuit of boring holes on my flesh. I was moaning in pain, the extremity of the torture causing me to cry in agony.

  “Please, stop! Please, I’m begging you!” I could feel the blood trickling down my fingers as he succeeded in tearing my skin through his nails. The pain was unending, and the worst part about it was that I could feel every little bit of his merciless deeds on my body. He was smiling at me, gratified to see how much pain I was enduring at the moment.

  “Don’t worry, Peyton. I’ll keep you alive if you cooperate, but I doubt it If you wish to survive after all this.” He pressed on his nails deeper, and I could feel my bones being crushed gruesomely. I was in dire pain that I could no longer scream for help. All I could do was cry and groan.

  Just when I was to black out, I felt Horace’s grasp loosened. I heard a loud thud afterward. Although my eyes were struggling to see the light, I could decipher what was going on around me. I felt hopeful upon seeing Jorge’s face behind Horace, suffocating him with his strong arms.

  “Leave her alone!” He shouted at him as he tightened his lock on his neck, but Horace was able to overpower him. He escaped his grip and lunged on top of him, knocking Jorge on the floor while Horace spread his hands on his throat.

  “You traitor! With you lies the blood of the vile ones!” He placed his other hand on his chest, his nails ready to snatch his heart out of his body. I was crying and shouting my lungs out for help, but Horace only gave me a crazed grin in return.

  “That’s useless, my dear. No one’s coming to help you. Don’t worry, love. After this, you’re next.” He turned his attention back to Jorge as he dipped his nails into his flesh. Jorge was wailing in pain, the terrifying experience was surreal and fatal. I could still see his eyes staring at me, haunting me as he screamed for help. I was immobile myself, unable to move as I suffered from too much blood loss. I knew it was the end and there was no hope for us to survive.

  “Love, don’t dare to look away. We’re going to end this with a grand finale!” Jorge’s hands were of no match of Horace’s superior strength and seasoned skills as he positioned to behead Jorge and snatch his heart after. I closed my eyes but Jorge’s cries were still there. I wished to have died first so I could not witness this scene, but Horace was too cunning to hit two birds with one stone.

  And then there was sudden silence. Everything was still, but my head was thumping as if it was beating like a heart. All I heard was static. My eyes looked around, but everything was a cloud of black and gray. Was I dying? Was I passing to heaven?

  But no. Soon enough, my eyes began to see clearly once more. I was squinting hard to see through the dark. I could not believe my eyes when I saw three shadows instead of two. One was lying flat on the floor, another was kneeling as he held his own neck and the last one was standing before the one kneeling, holding his opponent’s head. Groans and moans filled the room, making me more confused.

  I did not know who was who, but I was praying hard that Jorge was safe.

  And then, there was a long, pitiful moan which was replaced by panting and
heavy breaths. The one standing was holding a head, while the one on his knees dropped on the floor, headless. My heart was skipping beats, frightened by the scene before me. I wanted to see who it was, but both the absence of light and stamina disabled me of the privilege.

  Soon enough, the lights were turned on. I was lying on the floor, crawling like an amputee when I saw the scenario. Mr. Savage was still holding the head, which was that of Horace’s. Jorge was panting heavily on the edge as he held his fatal wounds. I managed to breathe upon realizing that the quest was over and that we succeeded together.

  “I’m sorry about everything. We need to return to the castle. My medicines and equipment are there.” Mr. Savage came to his son’s aid and afterward to me. Jorge raised his head to check me. He smiled upon seeing that I was still conscious and breathing.

  Jorge crawled on all fours to my side. Despite Mr. Savage’s reprimands, he still went to me. He caressed my cheek gently while he smiled at me. “We did it.” He looked at his father, facing him to express his gratitude. Thank you for saving us, father.”

  “I should be the one ashamed of this. I caused this trouble. I should have listened to you, son.”

  “I could not thank you enough.”

  Mr. Savage was touched by his son’s words. He was tearing up, but he decided to stand up and burn Horace’s cadaver to keep his emotions hidden. “I’ll be back in a heartbeat. We shall go then.”

  Jorge faced me, his eyes glowing as tears flooded the side of his eyes. “I thought I was going to lose you.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” Tears came rolling my cheeks.

  “From now on, I’ll never leave your side. We’ll live together and nobody’s going to hurt you as long as I’m with you.” He kissed my forehead as a tear dropped from his eye.

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.”