Commissioner and Writer Information
This story was commissioned by DerMonarch#7127 on Discord, and written by Natalia509 .
Natalia509 can be found and hired on Fiverr!
“Cluj?” It wasn’t the first time Isabella had heard about the city.
She was a vampire, travelling across Romania and trying to find a new territory for herself. Going from city to city, she had heard of Cluj several times. The city was on rise. Rich people of Romania were gathering up and moving into Cluj to build new, fancy houses along with roads for their horses. The city laid on one of the biggest trade trails. Exotic coffee, alcohol, spices and fabrics were all available once a month for those who possessed the means to afford them. This naturally lured rich people in. The city was bound to slowly become a metropolis.
“I have heard of a vampire residing in Cluj!” Was an information Isabella had heard about more than once. She was using every opportunity to speak to ordinary folks along the way, in hopes of scoring a good place no vampire has heard of.
As the sun set down that day, Isabella was out, visiting local taverns and watching life go by. She had no trouble getting the information she needed with her irresistible charm and mysterious character. As she had soon found out, Cluj sounded more than promising.
“I should pay it a visit.” Isabella thought to herself. The small city that was her previous territory was burnt down during the war. Isabella was sick of wars. She wanted a calm place to settle in and to enjoy the fresh blood of rich folks. Isabella loved rich people. It was always so easy to hunt among them.
“They are such penny pinchers, yet very trustworthy when it comes to a promise of money.” Isabella pondered.
They would invite her to their houses and boast about their fortune. Rich men had many times tried to impress Isabella, in hopes of getting her affection. She knew very well how picturesque her face was and was fully aware of the effect she had on men. Isabella’s body was pale and slim, yet possessed the beautiful curves of a woman men would dream of. The beautiful, dark samet dresses she would wear only highlighted her beauty. Her hair was dark and thick, often braided on the sides and tied in the back into a short braid. Isabella was often the centre point of attention wherever she would go, and rightfully so.
She was wearing ordinary clothes that night. A burgundy shirt with a high neckline that was lined by a black lace, with puffy sleeves and golden buttons. Her skirt was simple, made of a thick material and reaching just under her ankles, where it was lined by black, rabbit fur. The shoes Isabella was wearing were made out of shiny, black leather, reaching over her ankles. She topped the outfit with a long, black cloak.
Isabella was in a local tavern in Arad, collecting information about Cluj. After having decided on visiting it, she wanted to know as much as there was to know. Finally, a city that seemed promising. She had heard the rumors about a vampire residing in the city and wanted to know more. Isabella was not counting out a potential fight for territory.
“Yes, I heard about Cluj. People in the rich parts of the city vanish without any trace, never to be seen again. Scary stuff, let me tell you.” A man sitting across her chimed in when he heard what the young woman was after. He turned out to be a traveller, moving from city to city, selling his handmade leather products and buying out pelts for further processing.
“What have you heard?” Isabella asked him, all curious. She smiled at the man. Isabella knew what effect her smile had on men.
“I- it’s only rumors. Fairy tales to scare the kids. I’m sure there is something better to talk about.” The man was trying to change the subject.
“I am interested in fairytales.” Isabella smirked at the man.
“Oh well. I’ve visited the city a few months back with my vagon to sell my craft, as usual. One day a man came and wanted to buy a leather pouch, one with animal decor. He looked well off, let me tell you. The more it surprised me when he started to haggle me over my craft. He was quite a talker, so I told him I’ll give it to him for thirty cents less if he tells me something interesting. His face lit up and he told me about his neighbor going missing. I thought he was just wasting my time at that point, you know, a guy seemed to have all the money in the world but did not want to pay the damn price for my stuff. The neighbor was an elderly gentleman, living on his own, he said. Beautiful house, the guy told me. Well one night, as the rich have nothing to do, he peeked on him and saw his neighbor with a lady. Only a glimpse. He said she looked quite young, was dressed, all in black. It was night, but the gentleman told me her skin was pale and thin, almost like paper! But who knows. These rich crooks. I ended up cutting him twenty cents off, you can never win with ’em.” The man said as he looked over and took a sip of his beer.
“Oh, I see.” Isabella said, thinking.
“But let’s talk about something merrier! What’s bringing you into Arad? And why the sniffing around Cluj? It’ll do you no good.” The man asked Isabella.
“I’m a traveler, I’d like to visit many cities. I’m looking for a city to settle in, Cluj caught my attention. I fancy Arad as well.” Isabella said.
“Arad is a beautiful city. So your next stop is Cluj? I haven’t been to Cluj for a couple of months. I could keep you company on your travels! It gets dangerous for a single, beautiful lady such as yourself.” The man proposed and smiled at Isabella.
Isabella smiled and was trying to find a reason to decline the offer.
“I have a room in the town for the night. The discussion would be better in there.” The man was getting courageous.
“Of course.” Isabella agreed and smiled at the man. It had been a couple of days since Isabella had fresh blood and the man was more than offering himself.
They headed out of the tavern to the nearby inn. The man led Isabella to his room. As he sat down onto the bed, Isabella spoke up.
“A mistake you have committed.” She said softly while mysteriously looking at the man.
Just before he could even give her a confused look, Isabella was already behind him, opening her mouth and revealing her two sharp, deadly fangs that immediately glistened in the light of the oil lamp that lit the room.
A second it took to end the courageous man’s life. One quick bite into his neck and Isabella was feeding on his fresh, still warm blood. He did not even get to react. The expression on his face did not change a bit from when he was looking at Isabelle, not knowing who she was. So mundane it was. His soul drifted away and what was left was a pale body lying on the bed of the Inn room, waiting to be discovered the next day with two mysterious marks on his neck. Isabelle would be gone by then.
Isabelle finished her dinner and robbed the man of his money. She quickly returned to the tavern where she had hitched her horse and stepped in, getting hit by the cheer of the civilians and the music of a Friday’s night.
“You returned quickly.” The tavern keeper said.
“I’ll take my baggage. It’s time to hit the road.” Isabella said. She paid for her drink as well as for keeping her baggage and her horse.
“Hitting the road at night.” The tavern keeper was shaking his head. He had met all kinds of people during his time at the tavern and they never stopped to surprise him.
Isabella walked out and greeted her mare Artax who was a white, loyal Ardennes horse. She hopped on, never to be seen again by the Arad’s residents.
Travelling during the night was Isabella’s only choice. She had to hide herself as soon as there was a sign of the sunrise, usually staying in local inns, but sometimes hiding in the deep forests, where the sun would never shine and the foot of a human would not step.
Isabella headed east. Cluj was north-east from Arad, a couple of days on the road. Isabella knew the map of Romania very well. She had memorized all of the major cities as she started seeking a new territory to hunt. Hunting on the road worked relatively well for her, but she was sick of travelling and changing places. She wanted to settle.
“Let’s see what Cluj has prepared for us Artax.” Isabella spoke to her horse.
Isabella had fought with quite a lot of vampires during her life. She had always won, even though she had been seriously injured several times. Even though she was experienced, the vampire awaiting her in Cluj was making her worry. To control such a big and wanted territory, the vampire for sure had to be very powerful and feared. This was to be perhaps the biggest challenge of Isabella’s life.
Isabella had not visited any major cities on her way to Cluj. There were only a few villages and a couple of smaller cities between Arad and Cluj that she had ridden through.
Before getting to Cluj, Isabella spent one day and one night in Turda. It was the closest city to Cluj and Isabella was trying to find out more about the mysterious vampire. There was only one small tavern in Turda, providing accommodation as well. It was the only choice for Isabella.
As she ordered her drink, Isabella started talking to the tavern keeper.
“Where are you headed, Miss?” He asked Isabella.
“To Cluj.” Isabella answered.
“Of course. Everyone is travelling to Cluj these days.” The tavern keeper said. “Really?” Isabella asked curiously.
“Yes. The travelers to Cluj staying a night are the only reason I’m able to keep this business running.” The tavern keeper said.
“Why is that?” Isabella kept asking.
“You know, there is always some kind of a war going on. People don’t travel that much anymore. Last I’ve heard, things in France are getting heated. I hope they will keep it among themselves!” The tavern keeper said.
“And what about Cluj. What is so attractive about it that people are gathering up there?” Isabella was only interested in one thing.
“Everyone who is trying to make money is making their way to Cluj. Rich people see money in it. And everyone wants to be where rich people are, hoping to grab what falls out of their hand, like malnourished dogs.” The tavern keeper explained.
“So it started with the rich. I have heard there is a vampire?” Isabella asked innocently. The tavern keeper laughed.
“Don’t tell me you believe in such. I have heard about it before. A beautiful lady, pale as a ghost, dating rich men, only to be seen once and then never again. What nonsense. I see the rich perhaps have too little to worry of.” The tavern keeper looked amused.
“Folks have been whispering her name – Amber! A bunch of crap in my opinion. I had one guy, he was some kind of a vampire hunter, convinced of the pale woman to be what he was looking for. Kept telling me how he is going to find her. Has been several months and it’s like he had never existed. I bet he found nothing and felt so embarrassed he hit the road again!” The tavern keeper laughed again.
“Amber.” Isabella mumbled for herself.
“Sorry?”
“I am just thinking about it. I have heard about her on my travels and wanted to know whether the rumor changes as I get closer to Cluj.” Isabella excused herself and left to her room.
She decided to spend the rest of the night and day in the tavern. Having covered the window with a thick, dark cloth, she was contemplating her next moves. Once she would get to Cluj, she needed to find Amber. It would be only a matter of time until Amber sensed her, anyway.
“At least I know your name now.” Isabella was satisfied with the new information she managed to get.
“I’ll start in the rich part of the city. There must be someone who will know Amber. I’ll take her down and the rich will be mine. All the beautiful houses, expensive dresses and luxurious life. It will be over with travelling, staying in inns or forests. I cannot wait to taste you, Amber!” Isabella’s goal was clear.
As it got dark and the sun was over the horizon, Isabella stepped out of the Tavern, ready to head out. She saddled her horse and got going. As she was leaving the small city, she started thinking about what Cluj is going to be like.
Isabella always liked the comfort of the upper class. It was how she was raised, after all. Her parents were very affluent, as you could expect from the vampires of the high class. It was also what killed them in the end. But Isabella saw a different future for herself. One with luxurious houses, expensive furniture and clothing, things that all mattered so much to Isabella. She loved to feel comfortable and to not have to worry about anything. She loved the rich life as much as the rich life loved her.
Travelling to Cluj took one night. Isabella travelled through forests and fields, as well as small villages. As the sun began to rise, she was finally seeing the gates of the city.
“Cluj.” She spoke to Artax as she covered herself with her cloak.
Artax started feeling the steady pavement under his hooves, which signaled that their travel was over.
The city was at the reach of Isabelle’s fingers. Finally. The gates themselves were of great quality, crafted by Cluj’s most prominent blacksmiths. Having beautiful details and elaborate designs, Isabella knew that this was the city she was destined to make her own.
“Quickly now.” She hurried Artax as the first sunrays began to hit the roofs of Cluj.
It didn’t take long and Isabella managed to find a guest house. She hitched Artax and accommodated herself.
“Would you have a map of Cluj?” Isabella asked the owner.
“Here you go Miss.” The man handed Isabella a map of Cluj. There was a church in the middle of the city – St. Michael’s.
“Could you show me where we are now?” Isabella wanted to get an idea of the city. “We are right here.” The owner pointed at the southern part of the city.
“I have heard there is a rich district, could you show me where it lies?” Isabella asked the man. “It spreads around the church.” The owner pointed at St. Michael’s church. “First time in Cluj?” He asked Isabella.
“Yes.” Isabella admitted.
“What are you here for? Selling something?” The owner asked her. He assumed since Isabella was asking about the rich she wanted to sell them something.
“No, I’m here to settle down.” Isabella said. She took the key to her room and handed the map back. Her memory had always been great. She had already memorized most of the city center.
As Isabella settled in her room, she started planning. She had the whole day for it. Isabella decided to spend the first night in Cluj walking around the rich part of the city, trying to talk to people and locate Amber. Hopefully she would find her.
As the sun went down, Isabella headed out. She got to the city center on her feet. It was dominated by the church. Isabella wanted to go inside, but had other priorities.
She was walking through the streets near the church. The houses were stunning. Large and fancy, with columns and big windows. Isabella wanted such a house for herself. She noticed that people were gathering in front of one of the houses. She approached the house herself. As she knew she was to visit the rich part of the city, she dressed herself in an emerald green dress from her collection of expensive clothes. Fitting in was an important part of her plan. She needed to gain trust of the local people so they would tell her what she needed to know.
Isabella approached the house. It looked exceptionally well kept and luxurious, with many statues and decorations.
“What is happening?” Isabella asked one of the women standing in front of the house. “There is a ball inside. Didn’t you get the invite?” The lady answered.
The lady was roughly in her fifties. Her ocean blue dress was screaming “affluent”.
“Ball. Of course, I got the invite. It must have slipped out of my mind.” Isabella was pretending to be a local.
“Oh, you look like you dressed yourself for the ball.” The lady pointed out Isabella’s dress.
“I was attending a dinner with my friends. I’m on my way home. But I may pay a visit to the ball since I’m here already.” Isabella explained.
“You definitely should. Have you already been inside of lord Vlad’s house?” The lady asked Isabella.
“No, no I haven’t. I have moved recently; I don’t know the neighborhood that well yet.” Isabella answered.
“Oh that’s why I don’t recognize you. You are new! Let me introduce myself- I’m Dorothy.” The lady introduced herself while trying to look as posh as possible.
“I’m Isabella.”
“I should go back in. My husband is waiting for me. I just went out to get some fresh air. Come with me and I’ll show you the house and introduce you to some of your new neighbors!” Dorothy proposed.
As they entered the house, Isabella was struck. This was by far the most luxurious house she had ever been to. The ceilings were painted, displaying many bible stories. The chandeliers hung high and were made out of millions of gemstones that glistened so brightly they hurt Isabella’s eyes. The food was rich, all placed on silver trays, just waiting to be eaten. The music echoed through the whole mansion and sounded somehow melancholic.
“I wish for this to be my life.” Isabella knew what she wanted.
Dorothy led her into the ballroom. There were couples dancing, as well as people standing aside, talking to each other. It looked almost hypnotic. The music seemed to never stop and all the beautiful women with their fancy dresses seemed to have been dancing for centuries! How beautiful it was.
“I’m back darling.” Dorothy approached her husband.
“This is Isabella, she just moved to the neighborhood.” Dorothy introduced Isabella. Dorothy’s husband was standing next to the dance floor, talking to another couple.
They all introduced themselves to Isabella. She did not care enough to memorize their names, but politely smiled. All she wanted to know was where to find Amber. Isabella was trying to find a way to ask about the mysterious woman.
“What brings you here, darling? Into the greatest city of all Romania?” Dorothy asked Isabella while cheerfully laughing.
“I have known many people of this city. Some came here from where I come from. My hometown got burnt down during the war and I needed a new city to settle. I opted for Cluj, it seemed to fit my interests. I am looking for a dear long lost friend of mine. I have been very unsuccessful in finding her. You, Dorothy, seem to know people around. Maybe you could help me?” Isabella asked Dorothy.
“Oh of course dear Bella. Reuniting lost friends has turned out to be my gift from the lord.” Dorothy answered, playfully grabbing her husband by his shoulder.
The music was still playing and the people were spinning and dancing in the light of the chandeliers.
“The problem is, Dorothy, I have no idea of how she may look now. Her name is Amber. She has always had a very comely face, skin pale, almost as if she was born in the moonlight. It had been years since I saw her face.” Isabella described the woman she was looking for.
“Amber.” Dorothy was thinking.
“Darling, do you know any Amber living in this area?” Dorothy asked her husband. Isabella could see a change in the facial expression of Dorothy’s husband. He knew something.
“Amber? I have heard about such a woman. She is told to visit the church at night. But you know how rumors are!” Dorothy’s husband said.
Isabella could see that he was lying. He knew much more. Perhaps even met Amber. But it was all she needed.
“The church at the square, St. Michael’s?” Isabella wanted to be sure.
“Of course, is there any other church?” Dorothy’s husband laughed.
“Only appears there at night. That would fit.” Isabella was getting close to Amber.
Isabella talked to a few other people that night. Every time she asked about Amber, people either knew nothing of her, or were keeping something for themselves. Two other men said that they have heard about Amber appearing around the church at night.
“You seem to have them under control.” Isabella had to admit she was impressed by Amber.
As the night progressed, Isabella decided to leave. She silently disappeared from the ball, leaving through the main hall and slipping out unnoticed through the door leading to the garden. Headed towards the guesthouse, she knew where to go the next night.
Isabella got into her room and patiently waited for the upcoming night. She chose a red dress for the next day, shorter than her usual ones, but not one that would reveal her knees. It was made out of soft silk, very light yet warm.
Once the Sun was down, Isabella headed straight into the church.
Entering the church, Isabella was very careful. She was expecting Amber. She could appear from anywhere. The church itself was stunning. The high, white columns seemed massive, the kneelers assigned for praying were made out of beautiful wood, and the majestic gothic altar was unimaginably detailed. Isabella was pleasantly surprised.
“I want this.” Ran through her mind. The sheer beauty of the church, as well as the houses she had seen the previous night had convinced her that Cluj was indeed a place to stay. There was only one obstacle standing in between Isabella and Cluj.
“Is anybody in there?” Isabella asked. The church seemed to be completely empty. Her only company were candles and lanterns, taking care of the light in the church.
As Isabella was looking around, she saw something move at the corner of her eye. The air in the church changed. She could see shadows move, but was unable to spot Amber.
“Amber?” Isabella said loudly, without a sign of fear in her voice.
“Who are you to come here and disturb this place?” A strong woman’s voice echoed through the church.
“I came here to meet you. I am Isabella.” Isabella answered.
“Show yourself to me. I have heard rumors of your beauty, are they true?” Isabella added.
“What did you hear, Isabella?” Amber asked her. She was still not showing herself. The air in the church became heavier the more they talked.
“I know of your control of this city. The men fear you. You must have stunned them with your beauty. How many of them have you feasted on? How many of them have you freed of their mortal body? Speak to me.” Isabella was paying respect to Amber.
“I have charmed many men in this city. They come with lust for my body. They give me gifts, shower me in gold, only to miss the obvious.” Amber said.
“There have been countless of them. But you must know what I’m speaking of. You yourself have seen a luxurious life. The dress you are wearing is not poorly crafted by any means. Your beauty is indisputable. You are just like me, aren’t you? Thirsty for blood and gold.” Amber asked.
“It is what brings me to Cluj. I have heard of this city as a source of fortune in this country. I have heard of all the rich people building spacious houses and spoiling their spouses with gold and dresses.” Isabella said.
“Show yourself. Let me see your beauty.” Isabella was standing in the middle of the church. She was only guessing where Amber was.
“It is true, what you heard of Cluj. But this city has no room for the two of us. There have been countless who tried to fight me, who tried to conquer the city for themselves. But they all failed. Why do you think you will succeed?” Amber was confident in herself.
“Even though many have come here and fought you, you do not know my strength.” Isabella said.
Amber laughed.
“Oh, how many times have I heard this. These words are often the last they say before I bite their neck and drink their blood.” Amber said.
“Come out and show yourself.” Isabella said once again.
“Are you sure you want to see me? I’m giving you a chance. Leave. Go out and leave the city. Shall you stay, this will be the end of your life.” Amber gave Isabella a choice.
“Show yourself. I’m not going anywhere. This city will be mine.” Isabella stood her ground.
A slim, dark figure appeared in front of the altar. Amber was slowly walking towards Isabella. She was dressed in a black dress which was complimenting her slim body with round breasts and wide hips. Her pale face was stunning. Her black curly hair was in a knob as she was slowly approaching Isabella. Amber’s lips were bloody red and her eyes were brownish, almost red as well.
Isabella had to admit Amber was stunningly beautiful. No wonder she enchanted the men of Cluj.
“I used to look like you. A long time ago. Young, fearless, but with something missing. You are brave, but foolish. You shall never beat me. I have killed countless vampires, seduced hundreds of men. Look at my body. It is a clear sign of my success. And it will be your death.” Amber stopped. She was about five meters away from Isabella.
“You are underestimating me. I see your beautiful body, but you haven’t seen mine. Not in full beauty, in action. I have traveled many cities, conquering them all. The men were kneeling in front of me, they would do anything to be with me. Their blood is now pumping in my veins and so will yours.” Isabella wasn’t intimated at all. She knew what it took to beat a vampire this feared.
“You are too confident, young one. A little bit of respect would suit you.” Amber looked amused. She wasn’t expecting any troubles from Isabella.
“I respect you. But that doesn’t mean I won’t kill you. You are disrespecting me with your underestimations about me and my experience. You can see my beautiful, flourishing body and yet you seem to give me no respect at all.” Isabella was staying polite. It was the way she had always been. Polite but dangerous. You would never expect someone so polite, sweet and beautiful to be so merciless. But Isabella was.
“Kill me? Don’t be silly. You wouldn’t be able to even scratch me.” Amber was starting to get irritated. She was ready for the fight. It was clear that there was no other way to resolve the situation.
Amber looked Isabella in her eyes. The tension between them was growing. They were on the verge of jumping on one another.
“We will see.” Isabella said.
Isabella quickly dashed forward. She jumped onto Amber. As Isabella hit Amber’s body, they both fell down onto the ground. Amber and Isabella started wrestling each other, both trying to get the upper hand. First to succeed was Amber. She managed to get on top of Isabella, pinning her hands down to the ground. Isabella was lying on her back as Amber was sitting on her belly.
“You are so naive, trying to fight me.” Amber said. As she opened her mouth, two sharp fangs were ready to bite into Isabella’s pale neck. As Amber leaned forward, almost reaching Isabella’s neck, Isabella managed to get her hands free and punch Amber right into her nose. Amber became disoriented for a second as a stream of blood bursted out of her nose. Isabella managed to escape Amber, standing up.
Amber wiped the blood off her face.
“I would not be so confident if I was you.” Isabella mocked Amber with a smile on her face. “Oh, poor Isabella. You think of yourself as a winner already? How pathetic.” Amber laughed.
After the initial skirmish, they were now both standing, facing each other again. This time, Isabella was more patient. She knew she had to come up with something smarter, more surprising, should she win the fight.
Amber was keeping her distance. She had a major advantage. Knowing every corner and every part of the church was strongly beneficial to Amber. Isabella knew that as well. She was not planning on getting pushed somewhere unknown to her. Isabella’s best bet was to stay there, in the middle of the church, where nothing was to surprise her.
“You seem hesitant. What happened my dear?” Amber was taunting Isabella.
Amber decided to take an initiative. She took a few steps back, in the direction of the altar. There was a small stage in front of it, where priests were officiating Masses. Amber decided to use the stage to her benefit. Isabella slowly followed, attempting to guess what were Isabella’s next moves. As they were both on the stage, Amber struck first. She quickly approached Isabella, sweeping Isabella’s legs with her right leg. Isabella felt down. Amber quickly approached her, trying to pin Isabella down. But Isabella, laying down, hit Amber into her chest with her leg. Amber gasped for air. Isabella used this opportunity to stand up and kick Amber into her knee. Amber fell down on her knees, still trying to breathe. Isabella opened her mouth. Her sharp fangs, similar to Amber’s, were ready to taste Amber’s blood. Amber was prepared for that. Just as Isabella leaned her face forward, Amber forcibly slapped Isabella’s right cheek, leaving a red stamp on it.
“It won’t be that easy.” Amber said, standing up.
Isabella took a step back. Her cheek stung and she felt foolish. Amber had a surprising strength to her.
Amber was amazed by the sheer aggression Isabella was displaying. She had to admit, Isabella was by far her toughest enemy. It showed just how much she craved her territory.
Isabella was not wasting one second. She attacked again. As before, they ended up on the ground. This time, Amber used another tool of hers. Her long, sharp nails. She buried them deep into Isabella’s left cheek. Creating deep wounds, several blood streams started flowing down Isabella’s face. Isabella was laying on her back, getting her face cut by Amber. Amber quickly scratched Isabella’s already red, right cheek as well. Isabella had to get free. She herself used her nails, burying them into Amber’s chest. Amber shouted out of pain. She quickly jumped up and stepped back from Isabella.
Isabella wiped her face. It was severely cut, with a lot of small blood streams covering her cheeks in red. Amber’s chest was injured as well. The deep cuts from Isabella’s nails were very painful and burned, causing Amber immense discomfort.
The smell and taste of blood hung in the air as Isabella and amber kept fighting. The church was rather modestly lit, benefiting both of the vampires.
“Your blood smells fresh. I cannot wait to taste it.” Amber said. She was as confident in herself as ever. Even though Isabella was giving her troubles, the idea of losing didn’t cross Amber’s mind for even a second.
“You won’t. I will be feasting on you today.” Isabella was fearless. It was clear to her that Amber was one of the most powerful vampires in the country. Beating her would mean receiving an enormous amount of success and prestige. She would truly become feared.
Amber jumped forward. She approached Isabella inhumanly quickly. Amber ran past Isabella, hitting Isabella’s neck with her arm stuck out. Isabella went to the ground. Amber stomped Isabella’s knee, which made Isabella scream out in horrible pain. The pain was unbearable. Isabella was sure a bone in her knee had broken.
“You lack experience, my dear. You can’t be falling for this if you want to beat me.” Amber was playing with Isabella. She even sat next to her, showing her how truly powerless Isabella was at that moment. Amber decided to spare Isabella for the moment. She wanted to play with her, to display her full power to Isabella before killing her. But it wasn’t over quite yet.
They both stood up. Isabella was visibly injured, with many scratches on her beautiful face and on the brink of exhaustion. She was limping as her right knee was seriously injured. But Amber wasn’t feeling the best either. It seemed like the fight was slightly more difficult for her. She was, after all, older than Isabelle by about one thousand years. Even though she had a clear advantage at the moment, her exhaustion started to be visible. Amber couldn’t afford to play with Isabella much longer.
“You shall give up before I tear you to pieces.” Amber said. The tone of her voice was cold and confident. She wanted Isabella to give up herself. To humiliate her before killing her.
Isabella did not say anything. Instead, she took a few deep breaths and attacked again. She swiftly jumped at Amber, grabbing her by her throat and scratching her face deep. Amber seemed to be in shock. Isabella’s limp seemed to cause no problem. Isabella didn’t lose her speed, nor agility at all. Small drops of blood started bursting out of the deep wounds Isabella had caused. They soon covered Amber’s face.
“You will pay!” Amber shouted while Isabella was still holding her by her neck.
Amber grabbed Isabella’s hand, burying her nails deep into her wrist. Isabella screamed and let go of Amber’s neck. She swiftly jumped back and distanced herself from Amber. She looked
at her hand. Four deep wounds were left of Amber’s nails. They stung and burnt. Isabella gasped and tried to not think of her injuries. But it was hard. Her body ached and Amber seemed to have better stamina.
Amber smiled.
“How long will this go on? I have better things to do. Shall I finish you now, or will you give up by yourself?” Amber gave Isabella two options.
“You think you won? We are quite far from finishing the fight.” Isabella said. It was the first time she wasn’t fully convinced by her own words. She was hurting and Amber’s experience and strength were, seemingly, unbeatable.
Amber wanted to taste Isabella’s blood. She was so thirsty. Approaching Isabella, Amber used her nails to quickly rip Isabella’s red dress. Isabella followed, ripping Amber’s dress. They weren’t trying to hurt each other for a second. Their goal was to uncover each other’s bodies, to have access to the bare skin underneath. As their dresses were ripped, they were both in their corsets and chemise undergarments. The corsets were barely covering and holding in their round breasts.
Isabella was wearing a white corset. Her pale skin was almost as white as the corset which was highlighting her slim figure. Amber’s black corset, matching her dress, was in a great contrast with her paper white, thin skin. They now had a great view of each other’s bodies and great access to each other’s flesh. The veins of their bodies were on display, as their skin was almost transparent. The thirst for blood in them intensified.
“I have to admit it will be a pity, killing such a beautiful vampire.” Amber said.
“Of course, you cannot match my beauty, but you were indeed doing well in your life. Up until this night. Your decision to fight me shall turn out to be fatal.” She added.
“I cannot wait to destroy your body. The men of Cluj will worship me after this night.” Isabella threatened her.
Amber started taking steps back. She slowly went down off the stage and vanished into the darkness of the church. She used a small door towards the staircase, leading up to the bell room. Amber’s plan was to ambush Isabella, to surprise her by emerging from the shadows.
“Have you ran away? Your cowardness knows no end!” Isabella was angry. She knew Amber didn’t run and was in fact trying to lure her somewhere. Isabella wanted to provoke Amber to come out and fight in the open space, where Isabella had the same odds of winning as Amber.
Amber kept quiet. She wanted to see what Isabella would do. Isabella, limping, went down off the stage. She stood right in the middle of the church, in the aisle between the kneelers.
Isabella was looking around, trying to guess where Amber went. She didn’t want to be attacked from behind.
Amber slowly and silently went back down. She was staying near the walls, where the light of the candles didn’t reach. Staying in the shadows, Amber was sneaking around.
“Face me and we shall finish this once for all.” Isabella dared Amber. She was sick of Amber hiding.
“How come, that such a strong and successful vampire has to hide in the shadows in order to win against me? Has fear caught up to you?“ Isabella was trying to provoke a reaction.
“Using the advantage you have is not hiding. The reason why I endured so many fights and kept my power in Cluj is because I’m not only strong, but also smart.” Amber said. Isabella turned towards her right.
Amber came out of the shadows. Her elegant steps and stunning beauty impressed Isabella once again.
“But you are right. Let’s finish this fairly. Face to face. I will beat you anyway.” Amber was still self-confident.
“We will see about that.” Isabella said. She jumped towards Amber. Amber was in between the kneelers. They fell down as their bodies collided. Isabella quickly stood up and ran to the middle of the church. She wanted to fight Amber in open space.
Amber slowly collected herself. She had enough. Enough of the pain Isabella was causing her. Enough of always having to prove herself. Enough of the constant fighting. The fight was going on for a long time and Amber had enough. She wanted to finish Isabella.
Amber’s face changed. The anger, the rage boiling inside of her was coming up to the surface. Isabella looked at Amber and got terrified. She could see that something had broken in Amber. Isabella could sense something bad was about to happen. The air in the church was unbearably heavy and both of the vampires found it hard to breathe.
Amber shouted. A chill went down Isabella’s spine as it echoed through the giant church.
“Oh no.” Isabella thought to herself as Amber bursted forward. Amber knocked Isabella down. She pinned Isabella’s hand above her head with only her right hand. Amber’s left hand started scratching Isabella all over her body. Isabella’s whole face was soon covered in deep cuts. Her neck and chest were next on the menu. Isabella was wiggling, trying to get free but Amber’s strength was immense. Isabella knew she was dead, should she not come up with something.
Amber was scratching Isabella’s beautiful, perky breasts. She ripped off Isabella’s corset. Amber wanted blood. She wanted to get as much blood out of Isabella as possible. To inflict as much pain as possible. She wanted Isabella to suffer. Amber wanted to completely destroy Isabella, before drinking her blood and feasting on her.
Isabella was helpless. She didn’t know what to do. She was trying to get her hands free, but couldn’t. Amber’s hold was too tight and strong.
“You should have never come to Cluj.” Amber screamed, cutting Isabella’s nipples open.
Isabella was in unbearable pain. She wasn’t even shouting at that point. She could feel the pain in her whole body as the blood was covering her chest as well as her face. Amber leaned forward. She licked Isabella’s chest, tasting her blood.
“I cannot wait to suck it directly from your veins.” Amber said, licking her lips. Amber leaned forward again. Her fangs touched Isabella’s bare neck.
“Let me see if it tastes even better fresh.” Amber continued. She was ready to finish the fight.
“This should serve as a lesson to all vampires trying to beat me. No one can. I hope the word about your defeat will spread into every corner of this country.” Amber wanted Isabella to hear what she has to say before ending her life.
Isabella had to try something. Her last, desperate attempt. She closed her eyes and bashed Amber’s head with her own. As Isabella’s head hit Amber’s, Amber shouted. She was stunned. A loud crack could be heard. Isabella broke Amber’s nose. Blood burst out of Amber’s nose as she gasped.
Isabella collected all the energy left in her and managed to shake Amber down. Amber was stunned after the hit she received. Isabella took advantage of that fact and pushed Amber down onto the ground.
“You should have killed me when you had the chance.” Isabella whispered into Amber’s ear.
Isabella wasn’t playing around. She bit right into Amber’s neck. Sucking the fresh blood out of her, life was escaping from Amber’s body.
Isabella came to think of all she had faced to get to this moment. All the hardships, the nights in the woods, the few people that she took the life of while trying to get to Cluj. It all seemed to have paid off. Amber’s blood was filling her stomach and it tasted both sweet and bitter, cold and warm. Isabella sighed. At last.
Different thoughts filled her head. “I must-”
Isabella felt her head get dragged down onto the ground. Her skull hit the paved floor of the church in a second, resulting in a loud crack that echoed through the church.
She laid still. Isabella did not know what was happening. She felt something warm touch the side of her face that she laid on. She could not move her eyes. Looking at the decorated floor of the church, she saw what it was. Blood. Blood was rushing out of her own head.
“What…happened to me…” Danced around in her head. The confusion filled her brain and Isabella started to feel extremely tired and weak.
Then she saw Amber, crawling, trying to get to her. Isabella tried to move her body. She couldn’t. She could only watch. It was Amber. Amber must have reached for the last bits of power that was left in her. It all happened so fast, Isabella was not able to comprehend how exactly did Amber do it. She desperately tried to move, but her body was paralyzed. She realized that she could not see the beautiful details of the church floor anymore. All she could see was her own blood in the deep shade of red, spilling and spreading further and further.
Amber, on the brink of falling into a coma, finally reached Isabella. She could not speak. Isabella had sucked too much of her blood. Amber did what she had to do.
She opened her mouth, reaching for Isabella’s neck. Isabella felt her neck get pierced by Amber’s two, sharp fangs. She could only lay still.
Isabella felt the life leaving her body. She felt her legs and the tips of her fingers become cold as it only spread further, slowly draining Isabella of her strength. Isabella felt herself falling asleep, only this time to not wake up. Her eyelids became heavy and existing became
unimaginably difficult. She closed her eyes. Her whole life flashed before her eyes and some unknown force was telling her to let go. Isabella did.
“And you should have finished me properly.” Were the last words Isabella heard before her passing.
Amber robbed Isabella of her most treasured possession. Amber dragged Isabella’s lifeless body out. It was still deep in the night, without a living soul on the street.
Isabella was left to lay dead behind the church, hidden from people but on display for the Sun to do the job.
As Amber vanished into her luxurious home she had acquired from one of her countless victims of Cluj, first rays of Sun reached Isabella’s body, burning her down to ashes.
The End