Unseen beside an old barrel, Sern sat half-asleep when a dark figure sneaked past him along the narrow street. He followed the character with sleepy eyes, briefly wondering if it was a man or a woman. He settled on a man despite the graceful movements because of the stature and wide shoulders. The stranger stopped to peek into an open doorway, the light from inside allowing Sern a glimpse of the figure's clothes. Green coat, brown trousers, high leather boots, and a grey cloak. The raised hood obscured the face in shadow. Too nice quality to be from these parts, Sern noted. Maybe a merchant? That could mean coin. As the man moved, something glinted on his hip. A sword?

His curiosity piqued, Sern got up and followed as soon as the stranger vanished around a corner. He wondered what such a person did in these parts? What could he be looking for? A place to hide? Or meeting up with someone? But after following for a while, it became clear he didn't know where he was going.

When Sern looked around yet another corner, he spotted the man a short way down an alley, pulling at a door of a partially collapsed house. Sern doubted he'd be able to get in. The stranger looked around and Sern froze, barely breathing for a moment. But the man didn't appear to have seen him. However, to be safe, Sern backed away from the corner, listening carefully instead. A loud slam and some scuffing, soon followed by a louder bang, squeaking, and tumbling. Had he got the door open after all?

His pulse racing, Sern dared to peek around the corner again. The stranger was nowhere to be seen. He couldn't tell from this distance in the dark if the door was open or not. He pondered for a moment, then turned and silently left. He needed backup.

Sern walked into an old hovel a few minutes later. Quietly passing the first two rooms, he opened the third and carefully stepped over a few people sleeping on the floor.

´Oi, Storca,` he half-whispered. ´Wake up!` He crept up to a big young man, sprawled on top of a bunch of sacks. ´Storca.` Sern shook him by the shoulder.

The big man's eyelids fluttered open. ´What?` he grouched.

´Come. We gotta check out this stranger,` Sern whispered.

Storca sat up and yawned, brushing his hands through his mussy blond hair. ´Check out how?` He fixed his eyes on Sern.

Sern took a careful step back. ´There's a new fella here. He broke down the door t' the ruined house. Looks like he dunno what he's doin' here though. New guy. Maybe lost.` Sern pursed his lips thoughtfully. ´He was wearin' fairly fine clothes. Might be worth checkin' out.` He grinned.

Storca stood with a wicked smile, clapping Sern on the shoulder so hard he winced. ´Alright. What do we need?` he asked as he readied up.

´He's got a sword, might be good at fightin' so grab a weapon.`

Storca looked up with a frown. ´A sword an' fine clothes?` he snapped, his face darkening. ´Have you lost your mind?` He smacked Sern across his head, making the much smaller young man jerk back with a whine.

Sern gritted his teeth and put a hand to his stinging temple but didn't complain. Best not to upset him more unless he wanted another one. Besides, it was worth the pain. Storca wasn't nice, but he didn't allow anyone else to touch him at least. ´He's not gonna be a problem,` Sern assured, keeping his voice flat. ´It's not like he's a noble or a knight.`

´You're sure he's someone we can mess with then?` Storca asked, still hesitant as he picked up a cudgel and weighed it in his hands.

´Yeah, I don't think he's in his right element so t' speak. He seemed lost, outta sorts. Like someone who's had a really bad day... 'bout t' get worse.` He smirked.

´Look,` Storca said. ´I dunno how a little fart like you can have such an attitude, but at least you're usually right 'bout the people you pick.` He shoved Sern towards the door, making him stumble. ´Let's go.`

They walked to the old house in silence. They didn't like to take unnecessary risks, but a two on one usually worked out in their favour. Especially since Storca was such a bulky man. Dwarfed beside him, Sern barely reached his shoulder. Being small and with unremarkable looks, short light-brown hair, and simple clothes, he often got overlooked. Perfect for a thief. Fast and agile, he was skilled with the knives he always kept close at hand. Even so, he needed someone strong to keep his back. That was the only reason he put up with Storca's rough treatment. It was better than being alone in the streets where Sern's small size made him a constant target.

They arrived and peered inside the door, hanging ajar on its hinges. No lights shone inside.

´Did he look very strong?` Storca whispered as he studied the broken lock on the floor. ´I don't like surprises.`

´Not really,` Sern replied in a hushed tone and lit a small torch they'd brought. ´More like slim an' agile maybe.` Storca shrugged as Sern knew he would. That wasn't a problem for him. Strength always won over agility, he used to say. Hit them once and they were floored. He'd demonstrated that on Sern more than once. Edging the door open with one hand, Sern tried to keep the hinges from creaking. Storca slunk inside and Sern followed.

´There.` Sern pointed to the floor. ´Footprints.`

Storca nodded. Scraping, as of something heavy moving across the floorboards, emanated from down the hall. Sern pointed and they sneaked forward as silently as they could.

They came to a doorway on the left and peeked in. A tall but slender man stood with his back toward them, long black hair falling across his shoulders. He pulled on a big crate, moving it through the kitchen.

They entered the room and Storca announced in a threatening voice, ´Lay down your weapon, an' hand over your money, now! Or else!`

The dark-haired man tensed.

´Oi! Din't you hear what I said?` Storca growled. ´Now! Or I'll bloody kill you where you stand.`

The man sighed, shook his head, and gripped the edge of the crate so hard the wood creaked. Storca gave Sern a worried look.

´Look, man, we mean it,` Sern added with a threatening hiss, wishing he could sound more intimidating.

The man visibly trembled. Maybe frozen stiff with fear, Sern thought. Storca laughed derisively but was cut short by the man's soft voice.

´You have to leave,` he said in a strained tone, ´or I'll kill you both.`

The would-be robbers looked at each other in confusion. Sern hadn't expected the man to threaten them back, especially not since he seemed so scared. He tossed the torch onto the hearth to allow him the use of both hands. The light flickered and shadows leapt high.

´Now you're asking for it!` Storca bellowed and moved in for a blow against the man's head with his cudgel.

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The man spun with astonishing speed. His face contorted into a fierce grimace, baring sharp canines as he screamed at them. Glowing orange eyes burned in his dark face.

A chill cut to the very core of Sern's being, temporarily freezing him. This was no ordinary man. This was something far worse. Straight out of a fairytale to scare children, a living, breathing monster. He hadn't believed such tales but here they stood, face to face with what could only be a vampire.

As the cudgel sped towards the monster's face, he grabbed it with his bare hand and tossed it aside like a mere stick. Off-balance, Storca stumbled forward and the vampire hissed, grabbed him by the throat, and used his momentum to toss his heavy frame into the wall.

Sern's eyes nearly popped out at the sight but as the vampire lunged towards him next, he dashed to the side, barely escaping the vampire's outstretched hand. The draft of the blow brushed his face. Too close. He spun and threw a knife. It hit its mark with a thud. The vampire screamed. Sern wasn't sure if it was a good or a bad thing. He stared in shock. The knife protruded from the man's chest, dark blood spreading over his grimy shirt.

Sern had the vampire's full attention, and thankfully, he didn't notice Storca climbing back up.

Rubbing his bruised neck, Storca's face flushed a deep red. He charged the monster with a roar, leading with his elbow. Sern cheered as they went down, Storca on top. But no sooner had his happy cry ended than the monster stood, hauling Storca back up. Storca bellowed and tried to escape, kicking with his legs. But it was futile. The vampire held his arms firmly pinned behind his back.

Sern stared, his breath shaky, as Storca struggled helplessly against the much slighter vampire's grasp. The monster opened his mouth and sank long sharp fangs into his friend's thick neck. Blood spurted from the wound, spattering the floor and Sern's dirty shoes. Storca's scream rang in his ears as he stood rooted to the floor, mouth gaping. He couldn't believe his eyes. He raised his second knife in a shaking hand.

´No no no...` Sern breathed in distress. ´This wasn't how it was meant t' go.` He tore his eyes from the scene before him, looking for an escape, and locked on the window behind him. Barred with wooden planks. His guts clenched, bile rising in his throat. The only way out was past the vampire and out the same way they had gone in. Sern cursed. He had to get away now!

He bolted, stumbling towards the door on shaking legs while the vampire was still occupied. But the monster stepped out in front of him, blocking his path. Storca's body struck the floor with a sickening thud. Sern wheezed, barely able to breathe. His entire body trembled. Storca's open eyes stared from a slack face, blood seeping from the gash in his neck. The vampire stood over him, eyes burning red, blood smeared on his lips.

´Oh gods, have mercy,` Sern moaned as the vampire advanced, slowly, purposefully. Sern retreated, positioning the box between himself and the monster, like a protective wall. He threatened the vampire with his knife, hand shaking.

´Don't get any closer!` His voice sounded awfully thin and powerless.

The vampire swiped at him over the box. Sern jumped back, barely evading the swift move. He sidestepped another swing, desperate to keep the box between himself and the monster.

´Please!` he tried with a shrill voice. ´You've wasted my best pal already. Lemme go!`

The vampire hissed. But something he'd said must have got through because the vampire hesitated for a second before attempting to get him again.

Ducking another swipe, Sern tried a different tactic. ´Listen! I can help you! You can hide 'ere. But someone's gotta guard it.` He panted from talking and avoid getting hit at the same time. ´It's almost mornin'!` he screamed.

That got the vampire's attention. He stopped and stared at Sern, his strange amber eyes glowing. Sern didn't dare move as their eyes met in tense silence. Then the monster snarled and turned his attention to the knife in his chest instead.

Sern watched the creature with wide eyes, sweaty and shaking. Waiting.

Ranloo had never felt so out of control in his entire life. He trembled, a red haze clouding his vision. He'd been hurt before, but never had his hunger and pain overwhelmed him like this. He wasn't even sure what he'd done. He tasted blood in his mouth, hot and life-giving. Powerful. He wanted more. Another one stood right there, a few feet away. The beating of his heart called, the smell of fear strong and inciting. An easy kill.

But with his hunger stilled, coherent thought slowly returned. And with it, horror and disgust at his own deed, mixed with confusion and desire. Pushing them aside, Ranloo snarled at the boy behind the box and looked down. A knife protruded from his chest. Painful, but not as bad as it should have been. He stared in shock. His shirt was totally ruined. That seemed important somehow. Something tangible, something he could understand.

He grabbed the handle with a shaking hand. After a moment's hesitation, he pulled it out. An involuntary scream escaped his bloodied lips. The boy behind the box jumped, his heartbeats like a fast drum. Distracting. He dropped the knife to the floor with a clatter. The young man gasped, clearly scared out of his mind. His boyish face pale and wide-eyed. He flinched as Ranloo turned his attention his way.

´L-look,` he stammered, ´I just wanna live. Please. Lemme go.` He licked his lips. ´I won't tell anyone 'bout this. I... I can help you even.` He shifted nervously from foot to foot, ready to run.

´Just... leave me alone,` Ranloo slurred, struggling to keep his eyes open. Every movement heavy, slow. He would fall asleep soon. The sun was rising. Cursing, he leaned back against the kitchen wall, his gaze lingering on the bloody knife on the floor.

The boy watched him warily but lowered his blade a fraction. ´Um, sorry 'bout the knife...`

Ranloo yanked his head back up and glared at the boy, making him back off against the window, gulping.

´Leave!` Ranloo yelled, suddenly furious. ´I don't care where you go or what you do. Just leave!` Then he sank to the floor, exhausted. He let his head rest against his knees. A sob racked through his entire body. Everything had gone so very wrong.

Irresolute, Sern watched his dead partner on the floor. Flaccid face, blood-spattered neck, and open vacant eyes. Staring at him. Accusing. Shuddering, Sern looked away, to the box of potatoes that had saved his life, and the sobbing vampire on the floor.

The monster didn't seem inclined to eat him for now. A tremor coursed through him at the thought. He avoided looking at the gaping wound in Storca's neck and the spreading pool of blood on the dusty floorboards. Heart pounding and with a headache beginning to beat at his temples, he inched out from behind the box. Careful to avoid the blood, with his back against the opposing wall of the vampire, Sern sidled past. Then he stopped.

His eyes returned to Storca's body. A surprising void gaped inside him. He'd lost his companion. That Storca was his best friend had been a lie. He hadn't known him for long. However, seeing him disposed of so easily shook him. He was alone now. Easy prey, without protection. He'd always known the end for people like them one day would be brutal death. But he'd never imagined it would happen so soon, or that a vampire would be the one to end it. What were the odds? He wiped sweat from his brow with the back of a shaking hand. What was he supposed to do now?

´What are you waiting for?` the vampire slurred, without turning his head.

Sern skipped back towards the hall. ´I'm just –`

´If you're going to kill me,` the monster mumbled and glanced up, his eyes no longer glowing, ´now's your chance.` Then he slid down on the floor, almost like an afterthought, his eyes closing.

Sern stood for what felt like an eternity, staring at the lifeless bodies. The silence buzzed loudly in his ears and light dots swam across his vision. Eventually, he approached the vampire and nudged him with the tip of his shoe, all the while wondering why he wasn't running already. Or, like the vampire had said, killing him. That seemed like the proper action at this time. A sleeping vampire, defenceless on the floor. He'd never cared about fair fights. That's hardly a good way to win, Sern thought. But this, this was something new and terrible. Morbidly curious, he eyed the motionless vampire. Besides, he wasn't sure how to actually kill a vampire. Would it be enough to stab him in the heart? The knife he'd thrown into the man's chest hadn't exactly stopped him.

Bending down, barely daring to breathe, Sern reached out and brushed the vampire's long wavy hair from his face with trembling fingers. The man's slender features, high cheekbones, dark skin, and pointed ears were the features of a desert-elf. A vampire elf. He straightened and studied him a while longer, noting the lack of movement or breath in horrified fascination.

A daring idea began to take form in his mind. He just needed a way to survive that idea. That'd be the problem. That was always the problem. Survival. His eyes went unbidden to Storca's body again, then swivelled back to the vampire. He turned around and picked up the knife from the floor. It was covered in dark, almost black blood.

Only touching it with his fingertips, he wiped it off on a cloth he found in the box. He didn't want that blood on himself. Then he grabbed the still sputtering torch, sneaked past the vampire, and out into the hall. He jammed the bloody cloth between the door and the door frame, hoping it would keep the door closed during the day, keeping curious people from entering. He left the scene and went to get what rest he could before everyone woke up again. He had much to do before the next night.