Vampire Brides

Knock… Knock… Knock…

The sound echoed through the cold morning air, sharp and insistent. Amelia stirred beneath the thick covers, her eyes still heavy with sleep. The knocking continued, urgent now—followed by the sound of hurried footsteps and the creak of a door opening in haste.

She wrapped the blanket tighter around herself. The morning chill bit through her skin, sharp and unforgiving. It was as if this town had never known any season but winter. Since her family had moved here, the sky had remained an endless gray, and the wind whispered secrets no one could quite hear.

Downstairs, her father’s voice floated faintly to her ears. He was speaking to someone, though she couldn’t make out the words. Not that it mattered—she had no desire to leave the warm cocoon of her bed.

“We’re doing fine. Has something happened?” her father, Philip, asked. His voice held a hint of unease.

The town sheriff had arrived unusually early. His face was tense, his steps quick, and his eyes scanned the surroundings as though watching for something unseen.

“The town isn’t safe right now,” the sheriff said firmly. “Make sure you and your family stay inside. Lock every door and window.”

Philip frowned. “What exactly is going on?” he asked in a hushed tone, lowering his voice so Amelia wouldn’t overhear.

“Several girls disappeared last night,” the sheriff replied, his voice low but grave.

“Disappeared?” Philip’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Yes. Most of them are young. Keep your daughter close. We don’t know what’s happening yet—but this isn’t something ordinary.”

Philip nodded tightly. “Thank you for the warning. I’ll keep my family safe.”

With a final nod, the sheriff turned and disappeared down the path, continuing to alert the other townsfolk. The quiet little town, once peaceful and dull, now trembled with fear and mystery.

Philip closed the door with care. His steps were heavy as he returned to the warmth of their home, his face clouded with rising worry.

“Who was at the door, Dad?” Amelia called from the staircase, her voice groggy and hair tangled from sleep.

“You’re awake,” Philip said, forcing a small smile. “Just remember what I’ve always told you—don’t go anywhere without telling me first.”

“You haven’t answered my question,” she said, stepping closer. “Who was it? And why do you look so worried?”

“Go wash your face first,” Philip deflected, making his way toward the kitchen.

But his evasion only deepened her suspicion. She wasn’t a child anymore. Something was wrong—she could feel it.

“Dad, what are you not telling me?” Amelia threw off her blanket and followed him, her tone insistent.

“I’m not hiding anything,” he replied without turning to face her.

“Then tell me the truth. Who was at the door? Is it about those strange things that have been happening lately?”

Philip stopped. His shoulders sagged slightly. He knew he could no longer shield her from the truth.

“Forget it. It’s nothing.”

“Please, Dad,” she whispered. “Tell me what’s going on.”

He turned to her at last, meeting her gaze.

“The sheriff came by this morning. He warned me. Several young girls went missing last night.”

Amelia froze. Her breath caught in her throat. From the living room, her mother, Margareth, emerged. Her face was pale with fear.

“W-what happened to them?” she asked. “Did they… did they find them dried out again?”

Philip shook his head. “No. This time, they simply vanished. It’s like something, or someone is hunting them. Especially young girls.”

Amelia lowered her gaze, Philip’s words echoing in her mind. Were they victims of the vampires from that night?

“What’s happening to this place?” Margareth asked, her voice trembling. “Every day it feels more terrifying than the last.”

“I don’t know,” Philip admitted quietly. “All we can do is stay alert.”

Margareth clutched her arms around herself. “We never should’ve come here. When can we leave this cursed town?”

“You know we can’t leave yet,” Philip reminded her gently. “The bridge is still out. Until it’s repaired, we’re stuck.”

“We’re running out of food and supplies,” she said, voice rising. “We need to go out and get more. But is it even safe?”

“We’ll go together,” he said. “No one goes out alone.”

“C-can I stay home instead?” Amelia asked softly.

“No!” her parents said in unison.

“We stick together,” Philip said firmly. “It’s safer that way.”

“But I really don’t feel well, Dad. I have a headache. I’d rather stay in bed today.”

Margareth stepped forward, concern softening her features. She placed a hand on Amelia’s forehead.

“She’s warm,” she said, glancing at Philip. “Maybe she’s telling the truth.”

Her face grew more anxious. “And we’re out of medicine. If she’s sick, we need to get her something fast.”

Philip hesitated. The weather was cold, and the sky threatened rain. If they brought Amelia along, they might make her condition worse. But leaving her alone felt just as risky.

“Fine,” he said at last. “But you must promise not to go anywhere.”

“I promise, Daddy. I’ll lock all the doors and windows. I won’t leave the house.”

“Don’t open the door for anyone,” Margareth warned. “No matter what.”

“I won’t, Mom. I promise. I’ll be okay.”

“Good. We’ll eat quickly and leave right after,” Philip said. “We need to be back before sunset.”

The power had not returned. If darkness fell before they returned, the house would be swallowed in shadow again.

“I’ll be by the fireplace,” Amelia said. She would use the quiet hours to read the old book she had borrowed from the library. She needed to finish it before time ran out.

“All right then,” her father nodded. “Let’s eat.”

Sometimes time passed too quickly. But in this town, surrounded by whispers and secrets, time could also stretch endlessly, a slow, creeping dread.

Until the bridge was fixed, they had no choice but to endure. And hope they could survive whatever came next.

Before leaving, Philip and Margareth double-checked every lock on every door and window. Though it broke their hearts to leave Amelia alone, they had no other choice.