You might call Solomon’s apartment a bachelor pad. It’s a bit on the small side with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a combined kitchen and living room. A beat-up leather couch and a small coffee table sat to one side just under a window. The wallpaper was covered in tacky symbols that stood out on the yellow background.

Solomon hung his coat on a coat rack he bought when he moved in. It was once used as a display in a thrift store and he had managed to convince the owner to sell it. Setting the bag in his hands on the table, he leaned back on the couch.

The backpack was small, something a middle schooler might bring to school. Middle school didn’t hold any good memories for Solomon. Neither did high school as a matter of fact. He always had a dream of moving somewhere once graduating, maybe go to a college in another state. Life got in the way.

Opening the zipper, he peered into the bag. Eyes roaming around, Solomon gave a small nod and gently removed the items from inside. First on out was a small knife with a blade around the size of his index finger. The knife had an ebony handle and shone softly.

Taking the tip to his finger, a drop of blood ran down his hand. His eyes were now trained on the smooth blade, now stained with a small spot of red. Slowly, he set the knife down on the table and stood up. Walking over to the kitchen sink, he opened the tap.

Taking a glass from the cupboard, he filled it to the brim. In one motion Solomon downed the water. The cool liquid lid down his gullet. Panting heavily, his eyes wandered back towards the backpack, with the knife laid innocently to the side of it. Solomon stood there… watching.

Solomon wondered if he was a coward. Once bitten twice shy as they say. While he could call it being careful, there was a nagging feeling in the back of his head saying otherwise. Deciding that he was being foolish, he made his way back to the couch.

Gritting his teeth, the rest of the contents were dumped on the couch. The bag had held a book filled with blank pages, three small emeralds, and two stoppered vials filled with liquid. Taped to the vials was a note.

~ Just in case

A long breath escaped out of him.

“Silly old man. I can’t use these, but it’s the thought that counts. Maybe I can throw it at someone.”

Satisfied, he arranged the materials on his table. Taking the knife, he held it up against his palm and took a deep breath. Blood dripped down onto the pages of the book. Leaving his hand above the book, Solomon picked up an emerald. He closed his eyes. He felt something leave him, something intrinsic. The gem in his hand crumbled into dust. Solomon opened his eyes.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The book in front of him was lit up in a soft blue light. Symbols appeared on the previously empty pages. They shined brightly before dimming. The book was half filled weird inane scribbles and drawings. Checking his hand, the cut made by the knife had disappeared.

Holding the book in his hand left hand Solomon infused it with energy. Three sets of symbols lit up along with a picture of a briefcase.

Summon

Holding his other hand out, he reached out, grabbing a brown leather briefcase as it fell in front of him. The drawing in the book faded into nothing.

Solomon held up the case in front of him.

“At least the sigil hasn’t worn away…” he muttered.

Popping open the locks, he opened the case. Inside was a set of clothing. A pair of black fingerless gloves, a black vest, a pair of faded dark blue jeans, and a grey shirt was haphazardly packed in. Reaching inside the clothes and groping haphazardly, the movements eventually stopped. A smooth texture could be felt in his hands. Plastic.

Taking his hands outside the clothes revealed a clear plastic pill bottle. Half a dozen red pills like rubies glistened inside.

Setting the bottle aside, Solomon grabbed the clothing and walked into his bedroom. Setting the clothing in his arms on his bed, he started stripping. Putting on his new clothes, Solomon stared at the man in the mirror.

He hadn’t changed much from what he can remember. Maybe a bit taller, around six feet. The clothes were a bit tight across his body. He could try to say it was because of exercise and healthy living but it would be a lie.

Charcoal grey eyes took in a sight that they never thought they would see ever again. Threading his hands though the gloves, Solomon channeled energy into a sigil on his vest.

Adjust

He shivered as he felt the magic run across his body. The clothing stretched and moved, stopping when everything fitted snugly. Checking the mirror, Solomon realized the color palate of his clothing was very dark. He wondered how edgy he was when younger. Looking at his dresser, Solomon picked up a dark purple tie. Tying it to his neck, he admired the splash of color. Something different. Hopefully.

Two sharp sounds echoed through the apartment.

Solomon paused. He wondered if it was his imagination.

It wasn’t.

The knocks at his door sounded again. How long has it been since he had someone look for him? He couldn’t remember exactly. He can’t imagine it being a coincidence. Not now.

Picking up the book on the table and holding it behind his back, he looked though the door’s peephole. The light outside illuminated a petite blonde in the hallway. She paced back and forth in front of the door. Solomon’s mouth set into a thin line.

Slowly, the door opened.

“Olivia. What a surprise. Why are you here?”

The lady leaned up against the doorframe. She gave Solomon a coy smile.

“And I thought you would be happy to see me. Care to let me in?”

Solomon raised an eyebrow. How audacious.

“Why would I ever let a vampire into my house?”

Her smile widened.

“I heard you’re back in business.”