Azreal

Azreal: 

  The sun had set and the moon awoke, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns of Eliana's family estate. As I approached the grand entrance, a sense of unease washed over me. I had come here under the pretense of a formal visit, but the truth was far more complicated.

A footman, his face etched with surprise, ushered me inside. The familiar opulence of the mansion was both comforting and intimidating. The grand staircase, the crystal chandeliers, the ornate paintings - all of it spoke of a life of privilege and power.

I was led to Eliana's father’s study, a room filled with leather-bound books and antique furniture. The old man sat behind his desk, his face etched with lines of worry and anger.

“You’re here,” he said, his voice low and menacing.

“I am,” I replied, my tone steady. “I couldn’t allow what happened at the ball to go unaddressed.”

“You couldn’t allow it?” he scoffed. “You, a mere viscount, interfering in the affairs of a duke?”

“I did what I had to do,” I insisted. “The Duke’s intentions were clear, and I wouldn’t stand by and let him harm Eliana.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re very protective of her, aren’t you?”

I hesitated. “She’s a remarkable woman. I… I care for her deeply.”

“Care for her?” he repeated, a cynical smile playing on his lips. “Or do you love her?”

I was taken aback by his directness. “That’s not the point,” I stammered. “The point is that she’s in danger.”

“And you’re her knight in shining armor?” he mocked. “Saving her from the clutches of a wicked duke?”

I clenched my fists. “I’m not playing a role, sir. I’m being sincere.”

“Very well,” he said, his tone softening. “I appreciate your concern for my daughter. But I must ask you to keep this matter confidential. Eliana must not know that you’ve been here.”

I nodded, understanding the implications of his request. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to cause her any unnecessary worry.”

As I left the study, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was walking a dangerous tightrope. I had risked everything to protect Eliana, but in doing so, I had drawn the attention of a powerful and dangerous man.

The fresh scent of blood filled my nostrils, a tantalizing aroma that sent a shiver down my spine. I turned to see Eliana , a vision of grace, ascending the grand staircase. Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes, usually so bright and lively, were now lost in the pages of a book.

The hunger gnawed at me, a primal urge that threatened to consume me. I yearned to taste her, to feel the warmth of her blood coursing through my veins. But I knew I couldn’t give in. Not here, not now.

I forced myself to look away, focusing on the door. I had to leave, had to escape the temptation. With a final glance at Eliana, I turned and walked out into the night.

The journey from New Orleans to Eliana's family estate had been long and arduous. I had come with the intention of a formal visit, a facade to mask my true nature. But as soon as I stepped foot into the manor, my senses were overwhelmed. The intoxicating scent of her blood, a siren song that called to the darkness within me.

I had tried to resist, to maintain control. But the hunger, relentless and insatiable, gnawed at my core. It was a hunger that transcended physical need, a primal urge that threatened to consume me. I knew I couldn’t stay. I had to leave, to escape the temptation, before it was too late.

As I made my way back to the city, the darkness enveloped me. The streets were deserted, the only sound the distant howl of a lone stray. The hunger grew stronger with each passing moment, a tempest raging within me. I knew I had to feed, and soon.

My gaze fell upon a lone figure, a young woman walking home from work. Her scent, sweet and delicate, was a beacon in the night. Without a second thought, I approached her, my voice low and seductive.

“Lost your way?” I asked, my eyes fixed on her neck.

She hesitated, a flicker of fear in her eyes. But I was too far gone to care. With a swift movement, I seized her, dragging her into the shadows.

My home, a gothic mansion nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, was the perfect place for this dark ritual. I carried her inside, my grip tightening as her struggles grew weaker. She begged me to let her go, to go home to her husband. I did not obey. The hunger took over my every movement.

Once inside, I laid her on a cold, marble slab. As I leaned in, my fangs emerged, sharp and deadly. I tasted her fear, her terror, a bitter and intoxicating elixir. With each bite, her life force drained away, leaving her a mere shell of her former self.

When there was nothing left to take, I broke her neck, a swift and merciful end to her suffering. The act of killing, once a necessity, had become a macabre dance, a ritual that both satisfied and repulsed me.

As I lay there, sated but restless, my thoughts turned to Eliana. Her image, a haunting vision, danced before my eyes. Her emerald green eyes, her raven hair, her delicate features - all of it ignited a fire within me. She was more than just a beautiful woman; she was a force of nature, a spirit untamed. Her courage, her unwavering belief in justice, it was intoxicating.

I longed to make her mine, not just as a lover, but as a creature of the night. To share with her the eternal existence, the power, the freedom. I imagined us, together forever, a pair of immortal lovers, bound by blood and desire.

But I knew that such a transformation would require her trust, her willingness to embrace the darkness. It would be a delicate dance, a game of seduction and manipulation. I would have to win her heart, to make her see the world through my eyes.

The obsession grew stronger with each passing day. She was my obsession, my fixation. The thought of her belonged to someone else, another mortal man, filled me with a primal rage. I would possess her, body and soul. She would be mine, forever.

The night before her wedding to the Duke of Ashton, the perfect opportunity presented itself. As darkness enveloped the city, I slipped into her room, a silent shadow. She lay asleep, her breath soft and rhythmic.

I hesitated, a pang of guilt shooting through me. But the allure of eternity, the promise of a life together, outweighed my doubts. With a heavy heart, I leaned in, my fangs piercing her delicate skin.

As her blood flowed, I whispered words of comfort, promising her a life beyond her wildest dreams. The transformation was swift and brutal, her body contorting and changing before my eyes. When it was over, she lay before me, a creature of the night, just like me.

As she awoke, her eyes, once filled with fear and confusion, now held a strange, otherworldly glow. I explained to her the truth about the Duke of Ashton, a man with dark secrets and sinister intentions. He was not the noble man she thought him to be, but a monster in disguise.

Together, we would expose his true nature, and bring an end to his reign of terror. Our destiny was intertwined, forever bound by blood and darkness. This was but one way I had thought about turning her, when it came down to the very moment and time to do so, events would have to unfold the way it wanted too. The way she wanted it too.

The moon cast long shadows as I emerged from the manor. The weight of my recent actions hung heavy on my conscience, but the thrill of the hunt still lingered. I had to dispose of the body, a grim task that was nonetheless necessary.

I loaded the lifeless form into my carriage, careful to conceal it from prying eyes. The journey to the desolate swamp was fraught with tension. With each creak of the wheels and each rustle of the carriage, I feared discovery.

Finally, I reached the swamp, a place of decay and despair. The murky waters, teeming with unseen creatures, seemed to beckon to me. I dragged the body to the water’s edge, the weight of it pulling at my strength. With a final heave, I tossed the body into the depths, watching as it disappeared beneath the surface.

As I stood there, the silence of the swamp was broken only by the sound of my heart beating rhythmically, effortlessly, a sense of relief washing over me. The deed was done. The sun was going to rise in a few hours and I need to rest for my next encounter with Eliana.

My heart, heavy with the weight of my recent indulgences, yearned for the solitude of my gothic mansion. The familiar scent of decay and the promise of eternal rest beckoned me home.

As I stepped through the grand, imposing doors, a sense of peace washed over me. The dim, candlelit room was a stark contrast to the vibrant streets outside. I made my way to my grand, ebony coffin, its smooth surface inviting. As I lay down, I closed my eyes, the darkness enveloping me.

My mind drifted to Eliana, her image a haunting presence in my thoughts. I pondered the implications of my recent actions, the consequences of drawing her into the eternal night. I knew that I would have to tread carefully, to guide her through this newfound existence.

A plan began to form in my mind, a sinister scheme that would allow me to keep tabs on Eliana, to be ever-present in her life. I would need to cultivate a relationship with her father, a man of power and influence. By ingratiating myself with the Duke, I could gain access to Eliana world, her secrets, her vulnerabilities.

A smirk played on my lips as I imagined the possibilities. The future held endless opportunities, a dark and twisted tapestry woven with desire, power, and eternal life. With Eliana by my side, we would rule the night, a force to be reckoned with.   

Author's Note

This is just another sample of my book, weather I've decided to put it my book, I'm not sure. So I'm sharing it here, tell me what you think.
I listened to this while writing, maybe if you chose to listen to it too, you could gain some more insight as to how Azreal feels. https://youtu.be/RFreppxL9WY?si=EToJuLSyElMu4DVS

Reviews

[maya_online]

Wish I read this sooner ! I love all things vampire, so this basically filled me up.

From the dialogue to the way you described how Azrael felt about Eliana, everything is perfect.
I think, if you ever plan to go back, or even make this into a novel, give more background knowledge, who is Eliana? More about the fact that Azrael is a viscount.

This is amazing work, good job antifrantic!

[Antifranticbabydoll]

This is from the current book I'm working on, the main narration from Eliana's account, adding chapters here or there with Azreals's narration, as if to give more insight into the full story before I get to the good part. :P I'm glad you liked it, it gives me hope, thanks for the review.

[maya_online]

of course and congrats on top writer !!

[Marie]

The title drew me in to read this chapter. I saw the name Azrael and thought it was a story about Archangel Azrael! I quickly realised it was a story of a vampire whose name was Azrael and I read on. The story is a gripping one, though I am not 'into' Goth, I still found it captivating. It is finely penned and narrated. Well done, dear poetess. I feel it's a winner...

[Antifranticbabydoll]

Thank you so much!

[Marie]

Most welcome always, dear...

[Twilight]

I liked reading this, certainly. The dialogue seems appropriate too, in keeping with the kinds of characters featured here. I like too, how you have made Azrael's motivations so clear; which helps the reader's understanding. In the context of this story's setting, her motivations make sense. The level of detail in how you depict how some locations look, could possibly be enhanced by a few added details; to help your readership imagine the action as it's taking place.? Of course, a balance has to be struck; because too many descriptive lines can potentially slow down the pace of a narrative. And, some writers like to leave more to the imaginations of their readers than others.? Thanks for sharing. I am writing this review, on a day off from my new job role; en route to London's South Bank area lol. Sorry for digressing, and I look forward to further "read requests" from yourself. Best wishes.

[Antifranticbabydoll]

Thank you for the thoughtful review, I will take what you said into consideration. :)

[Jeyanthi]

First I thought why it was from darkness point of view from the start...but as the story moves on i can understand it...
Is it for novel?
If so you can add little details about timeline...
The story definitely flowing...
Keep working on..
You are

[Antifranticbabydoll]

Its for a novel I'm writting, I just wanted to gain perspective from others before I moved on with it in my story. Thank you for the review.