“Well, that was a bit of letdown.” The phantom remarked.

“Can you shut up?” Alek turned to the copy of himself.

“I’m sorry, please don’t hurt me.” Another feminine voice said meekly.

Looking down, Alek could see the poor rape victim huddled in the corner. She was terrified; her fear directed at him.

“I wasn’t talking to you,” Alek asserted.

“Oh yes, you were just talking to yourself. I'm sure that will convince her of your sanity.” The phantom mocked.

Alek growled at the vision; his fangs descended. The display had no effect on the imaginary man. However, it was most effective for the frightened girl. Casting his gaze to her, he quickly retracted his fangs. He was getting better at that. It now felt natural to do so.

“I’m not talking to you, so just calm down.” He suggested.

His words fell on deaf ears. She, in fact, did the exact opposite. Curled up into a ball and descended slowly into a fit of hysteria. Holding his head, the stress rose. Leaning down, he tried another tactic.

“It’s alright, they're dead. You can stop crying.” He explained.

His words of comfort fell on deaf ears. Instead, she shrieked loudly, punching and kicking. Alek allowed these ineffectual blows to land. They barely registered.

“Stop that.” He said, more than a suggestion, then an order.

The blows didn’t cease, in fact, they continued with more intensity. The girl had tears streaming down her face and babbled incoherently. Despite all that, she kept fighting him, punching, kicking and throwing every ounce of force she had.

“Can you stop?” He requested, again falling on deaf ears.

“Stop!” He roared indignantly, trying to put every ounce of command into those words.

Surprisingly, she looked up, peered into his eyes, and her own grew dim. Her hands limp, the hysteria dying down. Naturally confused at this sudden turn of events. Alek felt a strange sensation behind his eyes. It was not pleasant and a tad painful. Regardless, he had got her calm.

“So, what you going to do with her late-night snack?” The phantom asked mockingly.

Alek ignored the creature, instead he was thinking on his next step. He could just leave them to their fate. The other one had witnessed himself murdering her parents. She would likely want revenge. No matter how many memories he lost, revenge was something he understood well.

Then again, his father, his sire and creator, deplored such actions. He could feel it, the emotions beyond words warped into him. He could resist them if he dared to. Yet something compelled him not to. Uncertain why he was going along with this line of thinking. Perhaps it was the contrast between who he was and was now. Perhaps it was nothing but a whim, but he acted differently.

Directing the girl to stand, he helped her up and out of the cell. She was shivering. The lack of clothing and the cold dungeon were not ideal. Going back, he grabbed one of the deceased's clothes. A grey, simple jacket mended several times by hand. Draping it over her shoulders, her shivering slowly subsided.

Once that was done, he released the other women. They all had similar reactions, horror, fear and one even tried to attack him. The more combative ones were subdued by him, temporarily convinced. He was leading them to safety. He led them down the hall and into the room he once had a mental breakdown.

“What do you want from us?” one woman demanded.

“I want you to go in there while I make sure no one is coming. I'm going to get you out of here.” He explained, trying to sound confident.

“You are one of them. I remember you!” Another woman accused.

She looked vaguely familiar, likely she was one of the many victims of his past. This would make things a lot more difficult. He was already dreading his next encounter with the last cell.

“That is correct. It doesn’t change the situation. Do you want to remain here as a plaything or escape and be free? Make your choice.” He delivered an ultimatum, giving them pause.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Eventually, he nodded, moving in his direction. Piling into the room, he shut the door behind them.

"Built up quite the larder." The phantom said glibly.

“What part of shut up do you not understand?” The vampire queried.

The phantom merely smiled, shrugging as if innocent. Alek ignored him. It seemed to be a sound strategy. Turning his thoughts to the girl just down the hall. Convincing her to vacate with him will require much convincing.

Stepping slowly towards the cell, he could almost feel his dead heart beating. It was strange how uncomfortable he was now. Based on his memories, he had little concern for such things. Women were disposable pleasures and killing was acceptable if it made a profit. The children left behind by his killings only bothered him in the quiet moments. Not because of some long dormant conscience, simply because he worried they might stick a dagger in him for revenge.

Arriving at the cell door, he exhaled a breath. It was a pointless gesture, since he didn’t need to breathe. Still, it comforted him. He was about to greet the epitome of all his former sins. Reaching for the iron handle, he hesitated. The sound of the heartbeat coming from the cell was steady. She had no fear and was calm. He knew what that meant. Ever since becoming a vampire, his understanding of humans took an interesting turn.

Not that he got smarter; it was because he learnt to listen. All those times he remained silent; he spent it listening to the faint traces humans gave him. Their heartbeat, perspiration, subtle gestures ranging from an intake of breath to the gulping of saliva. They all painted a beautiful mosaic of what they wanted to conceal. He received the message. She was likely going to kill me. Her resolve was firm, her heart steady, her reasons understandable.

Opening the door, he found an empty cell. Confused, he ventured in and inspected the area. He was already inside when he recalled he had enhanced senses. Still, it was too late. The dagger sank into his back. Three thrusts in quick succession, the last leaving the blade embedded. He was not entirely sure, but the dagger seemed to have punctured his heart.

Exhaling an unnecessary breath, he turned to face his attacker. She appeared more confused than frightened. Likely she expected a man stabbed thrice would fall. Alek pulled the dagger from his back, the blade stained with black blood. He had not seen the colour of his blood or just hadn't noticed.

“You can’t kill me. I'm already dead.” He declared, handing the dagger back.

She took it without taking her eye from the supposed to be dead man.

“How... How are you still alive?” She mumbled a question.

“That is a long story. Someone killed the man you know as Thomas, weeks ago. I am not exactly sure who I am. I'm still figuring that out.” He answered, the last statement more for himself than for her.

“In the name of Pyrus, you think I would believe that?” She cursed, spitting on the ground.

She had changed from his memory, no longer the cowering girl. Now she was cold, indignant with righteous fury, simmering underneath the skin.

“Belief is not required. You just stabbed me three times and yet I stand.” He answered.

She thought for a moment, inspecting him from toe to head. Taking up her weapon, she gripped it tightly. Her gaze flitting to her periphery, likely gauging an exit.

“Then I guess you have finally become the monster you always were!” She spat angrily.

“Perhaps I have. That doesn’t change the situation.”

“What are you talking about?” She asked.

“I plan to help the other women escape this retched place. You included.” He declared, keeping his eyes trained on her.

Instead of getting on board so they may escape to safety. She slipped slowly into a chuckling fit, her shoulders bouncing up and down.

“That is the funniest thing I have ever heard. The man that butchered my parents took me as a slave, along with most of the other girls. Is going to rescue us.” She stated emphatically, not believing a word.

“You know she has a point.” The phantom remarked.

Ignoring the voices in his head, Alek veered into a different tack.

“Yes, I called them. I make no excuses. However, the priority is getting you women out of here.” He declared, remaining firm in his resolve.

His words prompt silence. Her thoughts churn, struggling against conflicting forces.

“Listen, we get out of here and you can try to kill me to your heart's content.” He offered, waiting for her to bite.

Eventually, she agreed, with her own condition added. She would accompany him, not letting him out of her sight. He agreed, convincing her to play along with whatever plan they had come up with. Slipping the dagger into her sleeve, she walked up beside him. It was a coin flip if she would accompany or stab him.

They made their way to the other women. They learned they knew her and her name was Sara. She calmed the few that had absolutely no trust in Alek, something he appreciated. Eventually, they came up with a plan. The rest of the women would move deeper into the bowels of the castle. Alek showed them a secret entrance he discovered last time he was here.

He suspected the secret door led to a chamber constructed by some past lord. A hidden button on the back of the knight's neck opened the entrance, which was concealed behind the statue. Leading them through, his memories of exploring the place returned. Luckily, his past self was selfish and didn’t inform anyone of his find.

Passing through the hall, they entered an anti-chamber. Disused shelves, all stacked with urns, lined the anti-chamber. The urns, filled to the brim with the crimson liquid, reeked of spoiled blood. Ignoring this for now, he led them further into a luxuries room. It was still dusty and out of order, but well furnished.

He could see a four posted bed, with strange iron rings attached to the head post. Dressers and shelves scattered around. To the right looked to be a door to a bathroom, open and revealing the sight of a large copper tub. The sight of the bed caused the group of women to gasp. Alek was not sure why they did so. They just stared at him while he looked back, confused.

“You all will stay here while I figure out our exit,” Alek declared.

With that done, he turned to leave, a plan slowly forming. Before exiting, he noticed a secondary room. Curiosity compelled him. He entered through the portal. Coming upon a slight nook, what dwelled within was intriguing.