Bloodlines: A Vampire’s Legacy

Lucian's body burned with hunger. His throat felt dry like sandpaper, his stomach twisted in pain. The scent of blood filled his nose, calling to him, pulling him forward. The man walking at the end of the alley had no idea he was being watched. His heart pounded in a steady rhythm—loud, tempting.

Lucian took another step forward, his fingers twitching, his new instincts screaming at him to attack.

But the stranger in the black coat grabbed his shoulder again, holding him back.

"Not yet," the man said firmly. "You must learn control."

Lucian turned his head sharply, his eyes glowing red for a brief moment. "I can't control it!" he growled. "I need… I need…"

"Blood," the man finished for him. "Yes, I know. But if you give in without learning control, you will become nothing more than a beast."

Lucian's hands trembled. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice shaking.

The man's golden eyes studied him for a moment before he answered. "My name is Viktor. I am like you. And if you want to survive in this new world, you need my help."

Lucian didn't know what to believe. He didn't understand what was happening to him, but the pain in his body was unbearable. He felt like he was dying all over again.

Viktor sighed and let go of his shoulder. "Fine," he said. "You are too weak to resist. You must feed."

Lucian swallowed hard. His eyes darted back to the man walking alone. He didn't want to hurt anyone, but the hunger was too strong. His legs moved on their own, carrying him forward.

Viktor followed closely behind. "Watch and listen," he said. "Do not kill him. Take only what you need."

Lucian barely heard him. He was too focused on the sound of the man's heartbeat. He stepped out of the shadows, moving fast—faster than he ever had before.

The man turned, his eyes widening. "H-Hey! What do you—"

Lucian grabbed him, pulling him into the alley. The man struggled, but Lucian was too strong. His fangs ached, his mouth watered. He didn't think. He just acted.

His fangs sank into the man's neck. Warm blood rushed into his mouth, sweet and rich. The moment it touched his tongue, the pain in his body faded. Relief washed over him. The hunger, the burning thirst—it all disappeared.

But the man's body went limp in his arms. His heartbeat slowed.

"Enough," Viktor said sharply.

Lucian didn't stop. He couldn't. He didn't want to.

"Enough!" Viktor's hand grabbed his collar and yanked him back. Lucian staggered, blood dripping from his lips.

The man collapsed to the ground, unconscious but still alive. His chest rose and fell weakly.

Lucian wiped his mouth, his hands shaking. His mind was clear now, the hunger gone, but guilt crept in. He looked at the man lying on the ground.

"I… I almost killed him," he whispered.

"Yes," Viktor said. "And next time, you might."

Lucian looked up at him. "Next time?"

Viktor smirked. "You are a vampire now, Lucian. This was only the beginning."

Lucian clenched his fists. His old life was gone. His new life had just begun.