CHAPTER 38: THE VAMPIRE

All around the world, the black mist retreated, slithering back into the shadows, putting an end to the overwhelming thunderstorms and blizzards that terrified everyone. The skies were clear once more, much to the joy of the people and soon, many came out of hiding, snapping pictures of the cloudless skies and taking selfies, posting them on social media to proclaim the good news.

Everyone around the world was celebrating, except for the people of Seoul, Korea. For up in their skies, the black mist appeared, looming over the city, sending every last person who dared to venture out earlier scampering for shelter.

A young man and his sister peeked out from their apartment window and snapped a photo of the mist as it headed for the Gangnam. In a matter of minutes, the photo went viral, sending a tremor of terror down the spines of all who saw it, for, within the mist, a shadowy face could be seen.

It was the face of the devil himself.

***

The banging at the bedroom door awoke Tom from his slumber. He rose from the comfort of his bed, naked from his waist up and rubbed his eyes only to see Suzanne standing in front of the glass door to the balcony in a trance. It was cold but she was naked as a newborn and had nothing on.

“Suzanne! Tom! Open the door! It’s coming!!”

It was the twins and they were screaming at the top of their lungs. The banging of the door continued.

*What the?* Tom leapt from his bed and quickly opened the door for them. In stumbled the twins, heaving and panting, out of breath. One of them held up her phone and shoved it in Tom’s face, “The mist! It’s heading our way!”

Tom peered at the illuminated screen, his eyes widening, “Shit!”

The twins jumped up, “Hans said to gather at the foyer! Come! There’s no time to lose!”

“Suzanne? Suzanne!”

Suzanne did not answer. She continued to stare out the glass door, still as a statue.

Tom ran over to her, gripped her by the shoulders and spun her around to face him, “Babe! This is no time for daydreaming!”

As he looked into her eyes, he felt a sudden soul-shattering chill, “Ohhhh…” and stumbled backwards, falling flat onto the carpeted floor. What Tom saw terrified him.

“Suzanne….your eyes…”

They were different from the eyes he remembered, darker and larger, like saucers. They seemed to fill the room and for a moment, he could see nothing else. Then he began to cough, unable to catch his breath. He had to tear his eyes away.

***

In the secret room, Hans and Marcelino emptied the shelves into a brown woven bag, trying to bring as many vials as they could get their hands on. A slightly drunk Thomas tried to help in bottling up some of the shimmery white powder from the mini cauldron. He spilt more than he did in bottling them up.

The twins were already at work in the giant foyer, starting to form a protective cocoon around the mansion. The twins were young but a formidable force when it came to enchantments, and as they chanted the words from ancient times, their glowing fortress became stronger and stronger.

The passing minutes were hard on Vlad for his sensitive hearing had caught the sound of the mist heading their way. With hands at his back, he closed his eyes and waited.

***

“Suzanne….babe, please…answer me,” Tom pleaded, walking on his knees, inching towards Suzanne who still stood motionless staring back at him. Sweat dripped from his forehead and stung his eyes.

“It’s me, Tom….oh God ….Suzanne…please, I beg you. Don’t be like this.”

With great effort, Tom got up and took hold of Suzzane’s hand, still averting her gaze. Her hands were freezing. He was scared shitless but this was his wife for goodness sakes! He gripped her shoulders again, shaking her. Her head shook like a ragged doll.

*No….please….come back to me. We need you. I need you.*

Quickly he grabbed the nearest sweater he could lay his eyes on and slipped it over her head, she made no move to stop him. The sweater was oversized, it was Tom’s but he didn’t care. As he pulled her hand out the sleeves, his chest felt heavy and a tear appeared from the corner of his eye.

His hands went to her face and he gently squeezed her cheeks in his hands, “Suzanne? Sweetheart? I know you’re in there…”

There was no response. It was as if her soul had left and all that was left was a shell of her former self.

*Suzanne, please tell me you’re in there….*

Another tear formed and he wiped it with the back of his hand. He looked around for her pants but could only find her underwear. It was black, just like her eyes. His hands shook as he slipped it on for her, she remained still, void of any expression.

Tom shook his head. What of the tarot readings? What of Hendrick’s inscription? Were they all a lie?

He was losing it.

*Get a grip! Get a grip! Get a grip! Damnit!*

Then gently he closed his eyes, lifted his head and kissed her forehead, his tears flowing into her eyes. His heart shattered into a million pieces, piercing him ways he never knew existed and he started to cry.

“Tom?”

***

Down the winding road, two ominous figure stood, looking up at the mansion. The black mist descended from the sky, settling behind them, swirling restlessly.

“They are strong,” one pointed at the mansion. The snow-covered plants withered under the figure’s outstretched arm.

The second figure looked on at the mansion. Rays of golden light illuminated from it, making the mansions extremely visible to the naked eye, even from miles away. The place was heavily guarded by the twin’s barrier now.

“We are only at our beginning, they are at their end,” the second figure finally said, phasing through the wrought iron gates.

“Come, the time has come to end it all.”