A loud knock on the door jolted Drake awake. His body still ached, the exhaustion lingering, but he had no choice. He forced himself to get up and slowly made his way to the door. When Drake opened the door, he saw Lyra standing there with a big smile, holding a tupperware in her right hand. Without waiting for an invitation, she walked right in, like she owned the place.
She placed the food on the dining table, while Drake just stood there, watching her, as she moved around like it was her home.
"Sit," Lyra ordered.
Drake didn't respond, just quietly sat down. Lyra placed the utensils in front of him and filled his plate.
"Eat. Finish it," she said, her voice firm.
Drake had no appetite, but he forced himself to eat, knowing Lyra was watching him closely, her eyes burning with frustration.
"What happened to you yesterday?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Drake's eyes hardened. "Are we that close? It's none of your business." His tone was icy, pushing her away.
Lyra frowned, her lips pouting slightly. "Come on. You're always like this with me."
"Vampires," he muttered, barely above a whisper.
Silence filled the room, thick and heavy.
"Then? That's it?" Lyra's eyes narrowed, clearly expecting more. "Make it more detailed."
Drake paused and Selena's request popped into his mind. He hesitated for a moment, his mind racing for an explanation. Finally, he spoke, fabricating the truth.
"They… there were two vampires roaming in the forest. They noticed me. I ran, but I slipped on a log and tumbled down the hill. Lucky for me, after they saw me rolling, they decided to run away instead of killing me."
He looked up to see if she believed it. Lyra's expression softened, and to his relief, she seemed to buy it.
"Be careful next time." Lyra said.
A knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
"Got it!" Lyra exclaimed, jumping up from the table. She rushed to the door. "Coming!"
She swung the door open, revealing a girl in a green dress, her face soft with a gentle smile.
"Hello," Lyra greeted warmly.
"Is Drake here?" the girl asked, her voice calm and measured.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "May I know who's asking?"
"Selena," the girl replied.
Drake watched as Lyra and Selena exchanged polite handshakes, both completing their introductions. Something stirred in him, and without thinking, he quickly got up and made his way to the door.
"What are you doing here?" he furiously asked.
"Let me explain." Selena pleaded.
"I'll think I'll do the dishes," Lyra excused herself, standing up from the table.
Drake didn't respond. He simply stood, gesturing for Selena to follow him into the living room.
Once they were settled, Selena broke the silence. "Yes, I'm the one who saved you that night. But we don't harm humans, unlike the Blackthorn Dominion."
"Blackthorn Dominion?" Drake asked, a frown tugging at his brow.
Selena nodded. "Yes. There are two vampire clans. The Feral Bloodline, which I'm from. We only drink animal blood. But the Blackthorn Dominion... they want to rule over us. They're the ones hurting your people."
Drake was still processing. "Why did you save me?"
Selena's eyes softened as she spoke. "I saw how scared you were that night. You didn't want to fight—you just wanted to survive. I could feel it. So, I saved you... by sucking your neck."
Drake's eyes widened. "Does that mean you turned me like you?"
Selena hesitated, looking unsure. "Maybe. I'm not entirely sure. History says that's what happens, but I've never... tried sucking human blood before. I don't know the full effect."
Drake nodded, still absorbing it all. "I see. Well, thank you. For saving me that night... and again last night."
A brief silence passed before Selena asked, "Did you feel anything strange after I saved you?"
Drake looked down for a moment, contemplating. "Sort of. I'm still figuring it out."
Selena's expression softened in concern. "Really? If saving you that night caused you trouble, I'm sorry."
"It's okay,"
Then, Selena hesitated, her tone becoming more serious. "But, can I ask something of you?"
"What is it?" Drake asked, sensing something important.
"Please... don't tell anyone that I saved you," Selena said, her voice pleading just a little.
Just as the tension lingered, Lyra suddenly popped her head into the room, a big smile on her face. "Hey, guys! Want some ice cream?" She entered, carrying a tray with ice cream and cups in her hands.
"Thank you." Selena responded.
Lyra sat down next to Selena, grinning mischievously. "So, are you his girlfriend?"
Selena's eyes widened, and she quickly exclaimed, "No!"
Lyra chuckled. "Well, that's good. I don't think he's capable of having one. He's just too cold, ahaha."
The two of them burst into laughter, their voices light and carefree. Drake sat there, feeling his face flush as he couldn't help but feel teased.