The Oldest Dream of Eternal Night

*6 p.m.*

*Knock, knock.*

The door opened, revealing a man with weary features, wearing a simple gray t-shirt and jogging pants. His wary gaze scanned the young woman from head to toe.

"Good evening, Mr. Bradford. May I speak to Ben, please?" Sabrina's voice was soft and enchanting.

"Yeah, he's here. Who's asking?"

"Sabrina. I'm his girlfriend."

A slight frown creased Mr. Bradford's face.

"Really? That kid's pretty quiet. He's never mentioned you."

He let out a sigh, then stepped aside to let her in.

"Ben's got a fever. He might be asleep right now."

Sabrina let out a crystalline laugh as she stepped into the living room.

"I know... It might be my fault. We partied a bit too hard last night. I'm sorry. But don't worry, I brought him back safe and sound."

Mr. Bradford nodded and sank into the couch, grabbing a beer from the coffee table. He stared at the wall for a moment, his expression distant. Since his wife had left, he'd drowned his regrets in work. The apartment had grown silent, cold. His son was the only thing he had left, his greatest pride.

He popped open the beer, and as he heard voices coming from the bedroom, he shook his head.

"The reunion's a bit chaotic," he muttered, taking a sip.

...

In Ben's room, the atmosphere was starkly different. Far from a sweet, loving reunion.

Ben was on top of Sabrina, pinning her against the wall, his hand clenched around her throat. His eyes glowed an unnatural red.

"What the hell did you do to me, bitch?" His voice was rough, almost beastly.

Sabrina, far from panicking, smiled, revealing the white gleam of her fangs. She slowly bit her lower lip, letting a trickle of blood roll down her chin.

"Go on... Taste it."

Ben felt his breath catch. An irresistible urge pulled him toward her. His lips brushed hers in an electrifying shiver. They bit each other, exchanging a kiss mingled with blood and primal desire.

After long seconds where time seemed to stand still, Sabrina abruptly pushed him away and sent him tumbling onto the bed.

"Now, you're going to listen to me."

Ben ran a hand over his mouth, destabilized by what had just happened.

"What the hell did you do to me?"

Sabrina crossed her arms and sighed.

"Are you listening now?"

"No! You owe me a damn explanation!"

She raised an eyebrow, visibly annoyed.

"How is this possible..." she muttered to herself.

She raised her hand and sliced her index finger with a sharp nail. A thick drop of blood fell to the floor.

Ben couldn't tear his gaze from the crimson liquid. Its scent was intoxicating, like fermented honey. He swallowed hard, dropping to his knees, completely hypnotized.

"That's better." A satisfied smile spread across her lips.

"Now lick the floor."

She extended her foot and gently pressed her shoe against Ben's head.

"Now that I've turned you into a vampire, you're my property. You'll obey me to the letter."

But instead of the submission she expected, a growl rose from Ben's throat. His clawed hand closed around her ankle with terrifying force.

"A few drops of blood on the floor?" His smile stretched in an unsettling way. "Seriously, girl? The one from your carotid must be way more delicious."

Without hesitation, he pulled her toward him and sank his fangs into her neck.

Sabrina let out a small cry and tried to push him away, but Ben crushed her under his weight, his strength far surpassing what she'd imagined. She kicked him violently in the ribs, sending him flying to the other end of the bed.

He shook his head, slowly regaining his senses.

"Shit! Did I hurt you?"

Sabrina sat up, massaging her neck.

"You could say that... But I'm mostly confused. This shouldn't be happening."

"What shouldn't be happening?"

She stood up and smoothed her skirt.

"Get dressed. We're going for a walk."

She headed to the window and, with a graceful leap, landed on the ground three meters below.

Ben's eyes widened.

"Can I do that too?"

"Try it."

He took a deep breath and jumped. His landing was far less elegant: he crashed to the ground with a thud.

Sabrina burst into laughter.

"Ahaha! You'll learn."

They got into her car parked a little further away. She drove with confidence, one hand tapping the steering wheel to the rhythm of inaudible music.

"Where are we going?" Ben asked, arms crossed.

"You'll see."

He looked at her, then looked away.

They arrived at a park lined with tall trees, particularly deserted at that hour. Sabrina immediately got out of the car and dashed into the forest, laughing.

Ben frowned.

"Hey! What are you doing?"

"Try to catch me."

He hesitated for a second, then sprinted after her.

Sabrina was incredibly fast, leaping between the trees. But Ben, to his great surprise, felt lighter, faster. His strides lengthened, his vision adapting to the increasingly dark environment. He accelerated.

Before he knew it, he found himself perched on a branch, right across from her.

"Wow… I'm super high up!"

The sky above them was tinged with orange. The air was fresh, perfect for a romantic date.

Sabrina crossed her legs, sitting on the branch, and looked him straight in the eye.

"I'll start with the most important things."

Ben remained silent.

The night wind began to blow gently, rustling the foliage around them. He glanced at Sabrina, who wore a satisfied, almost predatory smile.

"I turned you into a vampire. One of the most powerful types of wonders. We're a tight-knit community, far more than other supernatural creatures. Unlike others, we can be born vampires or become one, like you," she explained in a calm but firm voice.

Ben looked away, staring at the ground below.

"We're faster, stronger. With better vision and especially enhanced hearing."

"From what you're saying, there are only advantages," he quipped.

She raised an eyebrow, her smile fading slightly.

"Not necessarily. Our biggest weakness is the sun. Prolonged exposure without protection, and you turn to ashes. And even though we're united among ourselves, our enemies are numerous."

"How numerous?"

She turned to him, her expression grave.

"Want the full list? The Order of Salvation, blessed by angels, demonic sorcerers, the Mysterienkult, the Zodiacs, other wonders like werewolves and ghouls... Needless to say, angels and demons are our enemies too. And there are others."