Fifteen

‘Help!’ Only a thread from afar, making its way through the haziness in my slumber. ‘God, it’s too much!’ A whisper, barely there, anguished, tormented, then pain. Horrible and excruciating pain ripping through my insides, tearing everything in its path.
There was only one time I felt this kind of ache, and it was when I lost my heart and the remnants of my soul. I was so consumed by guilt and hatred, the devil in me rose to the surface and I spared nothing or anyone on my path.
I snapped my eyes open as one more jolt of electricity coursed through me, frying my flesh as I bared my fangs and hissed, my body heating to a searing point, and convulsed. What was wrong with me? Late punishment for my evil deeds?
‘Please… Stop!’ The yell was stronger this time in my mind. Someone cried for help. Another heat wave washed over my skin. Each of my muscles cramped in such a terrible way I swore they were being ripped apart or something. The agony was too much! When I thought death would welcome me, my body relaxed, leaving me painting and gasping for air. ‘You’re a walking corpse.’ It was an angry promise, and the last I heard of the voice.
“Liz!” I dragged air into my burning lungs. I knew it was my Liz. She was in trouble. But how? Power surged, overrunning me, and in one swift movement I exploded from my resting place. Rocks, stones, and dust erupting all around. I fell to the ground on my knees, breathing large amounts of fresh, cold air. Coughing and vomiting. I felt so disoriented, and after so long, I looked to the sky so full of stars, and it spun out of control, making me even dizzier.
“Alizandra!” I looked at the chilly night sky and her name came out in a low growl. Animals scurried and flew away as they felt the disturbing power from the monster who had risen once more. I was back again…
My mind was in a jumble, and the grogginess made it worse. I wanted to align my thoughts and remember what I had done the last time I was awake, but it was impossible at the moment. Everything was silent around and by the moon in the sky, we were close to dawn. Hunger hit me like a blow, and I felt the starving need of all my body cells. I knew I had to find nourishment, and fast. God, how long have I slept to feel so weak and drained?
My first few tries to stand up didn’t work well. I looked around and found a nearby tree. I crawled to it without caring for the pain on my knees and palms while dragging myself on that rocky soil. It was a blessing to breathe again. Filling my lungs with air. The only thing in my mind was to put myself together and find Liz, and she wasn’t far. The intensity of the pain resounding all over the place was too strong, beating at me in tidal waves.
My hands were thin and rugged, my clothes filthy and ragged. I touched my face, and I barely found myself in the middle of so much beard and hair. I must’ve slept for a long time. Weakness assailed me, and it was unnerving. What the hell happened to me? I sat against the tree trunk, feeling my bearings. Memories came to me, and I remembered those woods. It didn’t change that much. I didn’t have a clue which year I was, but that was a thought for later.
A few gifts came along with the curse. Lure animals and people were one of them. First, I had to attract some prey to me. I didn’t like human blood, much less animal blood, but that would have to do it since there was no one close. I shut my eyes, concentrating and sending signals of distress, and to my surprise a few minutes later I found myself surrounded by wolf-like animals, about five of them. That should be enough for now.
I was very fond of animals, humans were another story. The first one came to me and nuzzled my leg as I laced my cold, stiff fingers in its fur. Softness and warmth spread on my skin. That felt so good! The wolf tensed a bit, but I assured them nothing was going to happen to them. I just needed their help.
“Ok little man, you and your friends will help me get on my feet again,” I said, looking into its eyes, and I brought its neck to me. I felt my canines lengthen again. My mouth watered once I punctured the vein, and the warm liquid flowed into my starving body. My eyes rolled to the back of my head with the high I was getting from it, making the blood rush to all my cells, organs, tissues, and muscles like a trail of fire, bringing strength back to my battered body. It was exhilarating! I took one by one until I had my fill, and no, I didn’t kill them.
They would be fine once they had rested, drank some water, and ate food. I made myself get up, and I staggered a little. The blood worked on my system already, but I’d get full power once I put my fangs in some puny human’s neck, at least for now I had enough to work with it. I closed my eyes and let my spirit wander, feeling my surroundings and from which direction the waves of pain were coming from, and I walked towards it. After a few minutes I ran, and after that, I sped.
Strength and speed. Two more gifts besotted upon me from this damn curse. I took the woods route and didn’t think of anything else, letting her face guide me to where I had to go, the first rays of the sun made their way into the sky, and suddenly I was in front of a cabin in a very wooded area. Everything was quiet. I didn’t sense any creatures nearby, but a low and sluggish heartbeat coming from the house.
I followed the sound, and once inside, the beats got louder. The scent of flowers and berries mixed with sweat and blood lingered in the place. I found stairs leading to the level below, and in the middle of a mess of broken glass, wood, and torn metal, a woman laid face down on the ground.
Rushing to her side, I turned her body to me and gathered her in my arms, and I buried my face in her hair. The same flowery perfume. I inspected her face and put some strands of hair away. It was then, painful moans came from her, and the next minute my world stilled. Those lavenders were once more staring at me.
“I’m here, Liz. Stay with me!” She was cold and trembling, but her eyes fixed on mine.
“You…” She tried to raise her hand, but it was too heavy for her, so I caught it and brought it to my lips. I couldn’t believe she was in my arms again.
“I found you again, dragă.” dread took me as I whispered and prayed not to be another déja vu.
“Please… help!” She slipped into unconsciousness.