Young Writers Society

1

18th century.

Kassa fiddled with her skirts impatiently, never before had the introductions been so slow! Beside her, her brother watched her wondering why she was so eager to get into the ballroom. Finally the herald introduced them and her brother offered her his arm and walked her down the long elegant stairway. The carpet was a deep red and the banisters were pure gold polished until they were as good as mirrors.

“Why are you so eager?” He whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

“I am not eager.” Kassa cried indignantly but she was a poor liar, she ignored what he said next, her eyes sweeping across the ballroom for her love. She could see him standing in the shadows; he blended in with them so well it was eerie.

Almost an hour had passed before Kassa could break free of all the young men crowding around her. She crept into the shadows and let herself be embraced by Jok. His ruby red eyes studied her face as he kissed her gently.

“I missed you.” She said gently, Jok smiled at her and looked her up and down.

“You look beautiful.” Kassa smiled and curtsied, she wore a deep blue dress almost as blue as her sapphire coloured eyes. The bodice was tight to show of her curved elegant figure, yet the sleeves and the skirts of the dress were full and swam about her as she moved. Around her waist was a silver chain decorated with tiny sapphire droplets. The same droplets shimmered in her hair that was pinned up into a loose bun leaving a few midnight strands to frame her elegant face.

“Thank you…” Kassa said struggling to say how he looked, he was beautiful but even that was too weak. He had midnight black hair like hers but his swept off his face and tied into a pony tail. He wore black satin breeches and a satin tunic trimmed in silver. His shirt was silver silk with full sleeves. His eyes as red as rubies were soft and gentle when he was around her, but she had seen them around other people. Then they were empty and cold, as if he was afraid to get close to them. As if they would find something out.

“Would you like to dance princess?” He bowed offering his arm, smiling Kassa curtsied and accepted his arm laughing happily as he spun her about and led her onto the dance floor. Kassa was grateful for the hand that clasped her waist firmly keeping her upright. She felt giddy and…dangerous. Something about Jok made her feel wild and dangerous.

She didn’t realise he had led her out into the balcony until she felt her hot skin cooled by the soft breeze. Jok led her into the shadows and kissed her again, his lips were soft like a butterfly’s wings and barely touched her own.

“I have to leave.” He said it suddenly and Kassa could feel her world falling apart. She knew he had to leave sometime but…the reality was a lot more painful then she had pictured it. I really am in love with him! A voice in her head cried, she shook it away. Of course she was in love with him…

“When?” she forced her voice to sound steady and calm. She would not cry in front of him.

“Tonight…” Jok looked down at her, his eyes burned into hers and Kassa felt herself been drawn into a trance. “Kassa do you love me?” His voice sounded distant and far off, yet clear.

“Of course I do! I have never felt this way about anyone,” her voice came out in a dazed whisper. She tried to break free of his gaze but he held it firmly, she could see something flickering in those deep ruby eyes. But what was it? Fear?!

“Come down to the courtyard with me.” He said finally breaking his gaze; Kassa nodded and slipped her hand into his. She tried to bite back the tears but it was too hard. When they reached the courtyard Kassa sat on a bench sweeping her skirts around her feet graciously. She watched Jok carefully, his skin was even paler during the night then it was during the day. Is that even possible? A small voice whispered in her head, sometimes Jok could be so pale it was like his body was empty of blood but when she saw him the next day – no night…she hardly ever saw him during the day – his skin would be glowing!

“Why must you leave tonight? Can you not stay for a week? Please?”

“No I have to leave tonight it is important.”

“Why?” Kassa persisted feeling tears trickle down her cheeks, Jok was at her side in an instant brushing them away gently with his thumb. He held her chin with his index finger and thumb and tilted her head up towards his.

“Something about me has being,” he paused struggling for the right word, “discovered. I must leave tonight before word gets around.” Kassa opened her mouth to ask him what had been discovered. What was so important that he had to keep it a secret…and then flee when it had been found out? “If there was a way – any – way we could stay together…would you take it?”

“Of course! Jok I would die for you!” Kassa cried and in that moment she knew it was true. She would give up everything she had just for him! Her royal title, her family, her friends, her jewels and other possessions but most importantly…she would give her life up for him. “But there is no way…is there?” Jok lowered his head and Kassa watched him curiously, the hand holding her chin moved towards her cheek and petted it lightly. “Jok?” When he lifted his head again she could feel her heart pounding in fear. “Oh my god,” She whispered, “oh…my…god.”

Two fangs that sparkled pure white in the moonlight shone at her, Jok’s eyes met her own and held her gaze. She could feel the hand on her cheek working up towards her hair, he tugged at something and then she felt something soft brushing her neck. Reaching up Kassa found that he had pulled her hair out of its bind so that it hung down loosely.

“Please Jok!” She cried quietly standing up and preparing to bolt. Jok stood up with her and wrapped a firm hand around her waist. “No please!”

“You said anything Kassa,” he reminded her, “this way we can be together…forever.”

"No!” She cried but already she could feel herself being pulled into that trance. She tried to fight it; she tried to blink back the tears that trickled down her cheek. She could feel herself been lost in those deep eyes, she tried to struggle one more time and then gave in. she could have screamed…but apart of her wanted this. He was right, they could be together forever.

Slowly Jok bent his head down and brushed his lips along her lips, Kassa let him still crying silently.

"I am sorry but…I have to do this.” Gently he wove one hand into her soft hair and pulled her head to the side gently exposing her soft pale throat. His lips brushed the base of her throat looking for her pulse, he found it beating frantically. He could almost taste the fear in her blood.

Kassa let out a small gasp as his fangs pierced her neck, but the small pain only lasted a split second. Then she was surrounded by warmth, she was thankful for the strong arm around her waist as she was sure she’d collapse without it. Without even thinking she wrapped her arms around Jok’s neck and sighed.

She could feel Jok sinking into her mind; she let him and smiled at what he saw. He found her memories of him, their first kiss, the first time he held her and the first time she had seen him.

Jok lifted his head and smiled at her, Kassa could feel herself smiling back but she also felt herself falling asleep. Quickly Jok reached into his cape and pulled out a long sharp dagger. Kassa shook her head at him as he pressed it against the base of his throat. He only smiled at her as he nicked the skin; she stared in amazement as his blood welled in the cut and dripped to the floor.

Gently Jok cupped the back of her neck and pressed her lips against the small cut, Kassa was unsure of what she was supposed to do. The blood welled up in her mouth and eventually she swallowed it. Eagerly she drank his blood; Jok wove his hands through her hair stroking it gently.

"Rest now.” Jok whispered gathering her up into his arms; Kassa sighed and rested her head against him. She could feel darkness tugging at her mind and she let herself fall into it.