absolutely exquisite!”
Malachi unbuttoned the collar of his shirt as he spoke, exposing his throat. A large vein pulsed on the right side of his neck. In th e dark chamber, Dorian couldn’t see how pale Malachi was. When the creature put his hand behind his head, pulling him close and his lips brushed the skin of his neck, he felt how cold and hard his flesh was.
“Do it now Dorian! If you hesitate any longer, it will be too late.”
“What will I become? A monster who feeds on the blood of others to live? I cannot!”
“Things aren’t always what they seem. I see you’re repulsed by the feel of my flesh. I’m cold because I’ve not yet fed. To the outside world you and I will pass as humans, as long as we feed. All will be explained to you once the deed is done. I will be by your side as your friend and teacher. I promise. Now drink !” Malachi pushed Dorian’s face against his throat and threw his head back.
T entatively Dorian bit down lightly.
“You must bite down hard and keep your lips on the wound until the blood ceases to flow.”
Dorian closed his eyes and did as he was instructed. He would take this new life, whatever it was and embrace it. He didn’t know where his strength came from, but his mind was clear and focused as he bit into Malachi’s throat. He felt the skin break. The blood flowed from the wound much quicker than he’d thought possible. Within mere seconds his mouth was flooded with it. Surprisingly, the liquid was not cold. It was warm and somewhat pleasant. He swallowed as fast as he could to keep up with the steady stream. Finally it slowed down and stopped.
Dorian leaned away from Malachi. He felt a measure of vigor come back to him. And the strength kept coming, wave after wave of it until he felt invincible. He was overwhelmed by it.
He was at once in awe of his power and the promise of immortality. There must be a price to pay for this gift , he thought.
He turned his attention back to Malachi who was speaking quietly to him. “You’ve almost passed over. Although, it will take many years for you to gain the powers I possess. I will school you in all you need to know to live in this new life. Look at your mortal wounds from the wolves attack and you will understand what you’re becoming.”
Dorian tore his shirt off quickly so he could examine his upper body. There was nothing there. No wounds or blood. Not even a blemish. His skin was perfect.
He gasped as a stabbing pain took hold of his stomach . It was the most intense pain he’d ever felt in his life.
Malachi reached out to steady him . “Your body is dying. You must rid it of all that you consumed as a human being. Come.”
He led him to a small room with nothing in it but a dresser table w ith a small wash basin and cloth on top of it. A wooden box with a hole was fastened to the floor.
I mmediately he emptied his body of all food and liquids. His stomach roared as he vomited the last of its contents.
Once this was accomplished, he felt better than he’d ever felt in his entire life. He was so strong! He could literally feel the muscles rippling in his arms, his chest, his torso and his legs. He felt the powerful blood coursing through his veins.
He looked down at his hands and stared at them for what seemed like forever. They were flawless. He wanted to see what he looked like now. And he was ravenous, although the thought of food made him queasy. He was starving for . . . what? For blood!
Malachi stood in the doorway watching him intently, his head cocked to one side, his arms folded as he leaned against the door frame.
“I want to see what I look like.” Dorian walked out into the large room where the fire in the hearth seemed to burn brighter now. Its flames cast an eerie light into the dark corners of the room. He looked for a mirror. There was none. Nor were the windows visible. At each hung heavy dark green colored velvet drapes. The fire and a few candles provided all the available