The Vampire King - Prologue

The Vampire King - Prologue

He stood tall, broad shoulders squared and chin lifted definitely. A shadow of a smile played at his lips, twisting his proud expression while scarlet eyes looked out on the crowd evenly. Not a hint of fear or doubt showed on his face. He knew what he was doing.

Tens of thousands of people were crowded around him. He could feel the cameras on him, flashing angrily; this would be broadcasted around the world for everyone to see. For everyone to hear.

He stepped forward and walked up to the tall stand. Heads turned. Even if they were only human, they could feel his power, his strength and they shifted nervously. He said nothing at first, just stared out at them and waited. Silence fell in seconds.

“I am here to make you an offer.” His words rang clear and strong. “You have heard the stories and I am here to confirm them.” He paused graciously as whispers and faint shrieks ran through the crowd. Vampire, vampire, vampire…

“I am different from you, humans. I have strength and speed you can’t imagine.” he looked out toward a group of young boys. “My kind is a beautiful and perfected race.” his eyes locked with a tired looking woman, three children played around her skirt. “And I am immortal.” He could feel them now, the disbelieving eyes on him. Judging him. “I never have to sleep. I never grow tired or sick. Even the worst injuries will heal almost instantly.” A small girl standing toward the front snickered and whispered something rude to the child beside her. He directed his attention toward her. “I can hear everything you say.” The small girl’s plain brown eyes darted to meet his, but she didn’t back down. The one is brave… and stupid.

“I believe what I can see.” the girl challenged loudly, crossing her thin arms.

“Is it proof you want?”

The girl nodded and he could practically hear the crowd’s sudden intake of breath.

He shrugged as he knelt down and pulled a silver dagger from the inside of his boot. He didn’t hesitate as he held out his left arm and lifted the blade to it. He dug deep and slow, tearing the skin from his palm all the way up to his elbow. Dark inky blood seeped from the wound, staining his pale skin. He lifted his injured arm, displaying it to the coward and waited. A familiar tingling sensation began around the cut and he sighed as he felt the skin being pulled back together by some invisible thread. Their whispers and gasps started again, but he stepped forward and talked over them. “I can give you this!” He shouted, “Your sick, your injured, your dying. I can save them, I can save you all. Follow me, I can protect you. I can free you from your mortality. I can give you life!” He pounded his fist in the air and the coward cheered wildly. “Sickness, death, hunger. It will all be a thing of the past. We can start a new world!” He continued, his voice carrying easily over the noise, twisting its way into every ear. “Join me for the sake of your family, your loved ones.” He shouted, spreading his arms wide. His words trickled quietly into their minds, spreading like a disease. “Join me!” he shouted and they obeyed.