Transcending Mortality 

There is no single way to become a vampire, join the ranks of the undead, or roam between life and death. Each individual's experience after the bite is unique.

A sense of familiarity washed over me as I opened my eyes in a small room made of rough-hewn stone. It reminded me of my childhood home, with its sturdy walls and old-fashioned hearth. At that moment, I felt like I was waking from a dream, yet everything around me seemed so real. The fire in the corner roared and crackled, casting flickering shadows across the room. As I took a deep breath, I noticed a faint burning sensation in my chest - my breathing function had returned but with a new fiery edge. The smoke tickled my senses with memories of my past life. Every piece of the wood burned released its distinct scent, blending together into a comforting aroma.

My gaze fell upon the figure seated close to me. He was tall and broad-shouldered, exuding an air of strength and power. His long hair was a striking silver, cascading down his back like a shimmering waterfall. As he looked up at me with piercing eyes, I realized he appeared closer to my age than expected.

"Good evening," he greeted me with a polite nod.

I sat upright and surveyed the small room with fascination. Everything was surreal as if I were trapped in a confusing dream. But then it hit me–this is not my memory. This alluring man, the exquisite being who radiated an unearthly aura, was not human. He came from a world beyond our own, and he was the reason we were warned as children to never wander outside after dark, for fear of the monsters lurking in the shadows. And most importantly... he was the reason I was still alive - the reason introductions were in order.

"My name is Leonidas, a blessing bestowed upon me by the wise woman in my village."

As was customary, my people would share how we received our names in greetings, like the gods were known to do. "I am known as X this and that, named by so and so." In a way, through this act of divine recognition, you are immediately aware of your identity. My voice sounded weak, almost as if I were still half-asleep, yet I felt wide awake. I couldn't tear my eyes away from his every movement. It was like I was a deer being hunted, both nervous and drawn to him simultaneously. It felt like we had shared history together, though I couldn't explain it. Despite my guarded tone, tinged with fear of the consequences, a part of me who longed to be free - the same part who wanted to run toward him without hesitation.

His lips remained closed, yet I could hear his voice clear as day. It was something unexplainable, almost innate, a feeling in my body that allowed me to hear his thoughts. He introduced himself to me.

Malachi Zekrofel, leader of The Hartmoore Coven, Protector of The Mountains, Lord of all I survey.

At that moment, I couldn't help but think he was also the lord of my life. His actions and alluring presence captivated me, making resisting nearly impossible. Despite my lack of education, I was aware of the rules with these creatures - never fall for their seduction. But as he bit his lower lip with barely contained desire, I couldn't understand why I was so drawn to him. But I knew from the stories I was supposed to fear them.

"You have died," he stated firmly, standing tall and approaching me where I lay.

In my mind, there was still a tumultuous struggle, two complete realities battling each other to be proven right. The confusion consumed me, a constant battle between what I knew and what I wanted. A fierce desire ignited within me like a blazing candle, a need that clawed at the back of my throat - a hunger that consumed me completely. This intense pull towards something I couldn't quite understand was overwhelming.

"I am not dead," I desperately reached for his arm, just barely brushing against his icy cold skin before he stepped out of my reach. Every fiber of my being yearned for him, driving me to try and stand despite the weakness and helplessness I felt. But I couldn't move, my limbs unable to support me. Shame washed over me as I struggled to comprehend these new sensations. The anger bubbling inside me only added to the confusion.

"Yes. You are."

My human nature longed for life, for humanity. The idea that I was dead offered no comfort at all. Fear welled up inside me, fear of what was now to come. I was aware of my heart beating - but it sounded different now. Slower.

I had to go home! The images of my wife flooded my mind, her face filled with worry as she waited for me at the hearth. Memories of our small village and our children came rushing back, along with the ache for their presence and the warmth of our cozy home. Even the thought of our mischievous goats trying to eat all my belongings brought a bittersweet longing. But the realization that it could all be gone instantly struck terror into my heart, causing my fists to clench and anger to rise - until finally, I stood up despite my weakened state. Despite his seemingly calm demeanor, he had a sharp edge, like the point of a knife.

Yes—that is what being undead does, what being a creature of the night brings forth: a craving and desire so deep that you would fight and claw your way out of a chasm.

It was then that Malachi smiled, a small thing, almost more of a smirk. Of self-satisfaction. He knew he had me, as clearly as I did. There was an arrogant edge to his expression.

"Do you like children? Babies?" He asked, "You're married?"

I paused, taking a moment to consider his question. My eyes flickered down to his lips, as I processed the topic of marriage in my mind. "Yes, I am married. She's why I need to return to the world of the living. It feels like only moments have passed..." I ran a hand through my hair as the air around me tinged with electricity. A wave of dizziness washed over me. The realization that I was drifting away from the surface world became more apparent. "And she'll be worried sick...where am I?"

He raised an eyebrow and took a step closer, his voice calm as he asked, "What is her name?"

"Claudette," I replied without hesitation. Despite my fear of this unfamiliar entity, I was inexplicably drawn to him like a magnet to iron filings.

"Why are you a husband, brother, and father?" His question was gentle yet probing.

To answer him, I had to go back in time.

"My parents were very devout." I began, knowing that the story of me and my wife could fill an entire novel on its own - perhaps one day it should be told. "I was meant to marry a girl I had never met and produce an heir for my father's land."

"And did you? Have an heir?" His question held no pity or reassurance; he genuinely wanted to know. It was as if he had the curious mind of a young boy, but also the self-awareness of a powerful man.

I couldn't bring myself to lie. At the time, I still believed in the old gods who despised deceit. "Yes, two. They are still young boys, just learning their way in the world."

He chuckled softly, his tone taking on an even sinister edge yet still managing to sound alluring. His eyes held a mischievous glint as he spoke. "If you have achieved your purpose in life, then what reason is there to keep going? What's the point?"

I blinked slowly, confused by his question. I could feel my facade of lies crumbling in front of this being who could read my thoughts so easily. "I guess...there isn't a point if death is inevitable."

Instantly, Malachi moved forward at lightning speed and had me in a chokehold before I could even process that he had moved. I desperately grabbed at his arm, trying to break free from his grasp. A strange panic washed over me as if I was facing death for the first time. Under Malachi's intense gaze, it felt like the sharp edge of a knife slicing through me.

"What is the purpose of existing? What drives you, Leonidas, when our lives hold so little value?" His words were cold and calculating. Death meant little to someone like me. There would be no goodbyes or tears - just a brief moment of pain before I ceased to exist. "Do you honestly believe anyone will care when you're gone? Why do you even care about dying? Tell me."

A surge of anger overwhelmed me, a fire blazing within. The man's grip loosened slightly, allowing me just enough breath to speak, but his gaze never wavered from mine. As I struggled against him, thoughts flooded my mind - my deepest desires and ambitions that I kept hidden away. In that moment, I realized that while my simple life had its share of pain and hope, the idea of giving up and never having to struggle again was tempting. But something inside me yearned for more. I didn't want to die...yet there was a sense of satisfaction in remaining loyal to my wife and honoring what my family had done for me.

"...There is nothing...if I die." My voice sounded strained from his tight grip. Everything around me began to fade as numbness spread through my limbs - was this the end? "But I can't..."

"Why? Why can't you die?" An eerie feeling was in the air, almost like magic surrounding us. It took a moment for me to realize he wasn't reading my mind, but rather searching through my emotions like a stone rolling through a river, trying to find something specific.

"I'll be...alone," I finally realized. Throughout most of my existence, I had been surrounded by people who loved me - my brothers, sister - but I never seemed to take from them.

I never stopped to think about how lonely that realization was. Among a group of outcasts, I was still an outsider. And at the deepest layer within myself, there was a part of me that wished for companionship.

Something was eating away like acid - a longing for power and control, not just for protection but as something truly mine that couldn't be taken away.