December 24, 1492
I was sitting around a warm, roaring fire with my family. There was my mama, my papa, and my sisters. My mama and papa had four daughters all together. There was Victoria-the oldest, Tatiana, me, and...Katerina. I missed Katerina so much.
"I miss Katerina, Mama," I said.
"We do not speak of her in this household," Papa said sternly, reprimanding me for speaking of her aloud.
"I know, Уважаеми едно (dear one)," Mama said soothingly.
We have neither heard of nor seen a trace of my twin sister since she had a child out of wedlock and was banished. My twin and I were quite different. I was pale from being kept inside working on my studies, long, curling locks framed my angelic face. They were such a dark brown that they could be mistaken as black. I was labeled as the rebel-child. I couldn't resist getting into trouble and causing mayhem in my village. Katerina had tan skin, long, curling chestnut locks, and she was innocent. At least, that's what we all thought before we found out that she was with child. Christmas Eve had come and I found myself wishing that Katerina was here. She and I would always have fun playing in the freshly fallen snow together.
"...Are you even listening to me, Isobel?" Tatiana asked with an eyebrow quirked.
"Forgive me, Tatiana, I was just daydreaming..."
Her eyes were full of sympathy. We were all hurt by Katerina's crimes and banishment. Even Papa, who had been the one to make the decision to banish her.
"I asked you if you and Frederick planned on courting for much longer. Everyone in the village is anticipating an invitation to your wedding soon."
Frederick was my beau, whom I had been courting for almost a year.
"I don't know. I'm happy with the way things are now," I answered.
Honestly, I felt myself growing bored with Frederick. Suddenly a frightened scream ripped through the night. It was followed by a growling that I had never heard before. Papa stood up in alarm.
"Rose, take them to Isobel's room, hide them," Papa whispered fiercely as he grabbed for his sword.
"What is happening, Mama?!" I shrieked, frightened.
She said nothing as she guided my sisters and I to my room in the back of our huge cottage. Just as we huddled through the door into my room, we heard the front door being ripped from the house.
"Get away, Demon of the Night! This is a house blessed by God, the almighty Father!" Papa shouted.
I heard someone chuckle darkly. It was quiet before I heard Papa screaming in agony.
"Papa!" I started to scream as Mama clamped her hand down on my mouth, silencing me.
Screams erupted from everywhere in the house before if faded away into silence. Quiet footfalls could be heard getting closer and closer to my door as my sisters and I huddled closer. Victoria started praying for God to protect us. Tatiana and I started to cry as Mama told us how much she loved us. The door flew from its hinges and there stood a man. He would have been very handsome had his eyes not been blood red with black veins encircling them and blood dripping down his chin.
"Vampire," I whispered in awe.
He looked at me curiously before rushing toward us. The vampire grabbed Victoria by her neck and took a big bite out of it. Crimson blood gushed out of her neck as he tossed her body away, broken, lifeless. Tatiana tried to run, but the vampire sped up behind her, then snapped her neck. Mama stood up in front of me, shielding me from the unholy terror.
"Please! Spare my daughter! Spare my Isobel!" She pleaded. I held onto the skirt of her dress, as if I could hold her back.
The vampire paused before running forward. He ripped my mother from my grasp and threw her against the wall, across the room. She crumbled to the ground.
"Mama," I whispered.
The vampire stood a few feet in front of me. I stood on my feet and stared at him challengingly. He cocked his head to the side, as if studying me.
"Are you not afraid of me? I have just murdered your mother and sisters before your eyes. Why do you not scream or cry? Why do you not defend yourself?" He asked.
His eyes changed back to their original color, which was a beautiful green. The veins retreated, leaving the man with smooth, slightly tanned skin. Both complimented his long, wavy, blonde hair. I had been correct, he was very handsome.
"It will only stall the inevitable. You mean to kill me, as you have killed my family. If I try to run, you will only catch me. I do not know why I am not quaking in fear in your presence, but I am ready to accept my fate." I replied with a defiant voice.
The man stood quietly, pondering over my words. Suddenly, he appeared in front of me. His eyes were red once again and the veins peeked out.
"Your fate shall be a different one, my dear. Your courage has just saved your life."
I let out a breath in shock and relief. Was he really going to let me go? I watched as the man quickly bit his wrist before he forced it against my mouth. Warm, sticky droplets of blood pushed past my lips and I unintentionally swallowed. As the vampire's blood slid down my throat, he pulled his wrist away. He snapped my neck and my world went totally dark.