Shadow Dracula

Night had fallen with a damp weight on the rooftops of the old district. Fog danced through alleys like aimless ghosts. My boots echoed on the damp cobblestones, and every step I took seemed more... wobbly. Damn.

—Tch… not again…

I leaned against an old, rusty lamppost, taking a deep breath even though I didn't need to. The dizziness wasn't severe... yet. But that sharp pang in my chest, that emptiness in my throat... it was hunger. And I hated it.

Not because of the act of feeding me. But because of what it did to me. Clumsy. Slow. Vulnerable. And worse… emotional.

My stomach rumbled. By all the dark skies… had that sounded that loud?

"It's... it's nothing, just a passing weakness..." I muttered, straightening. My cloak flapped in the wind as if trying to hide my embarrassment.

Then I saw him. Walking along the edge of the plaza, silhouetted against the moon. His scent was sweet, strong, throbbing…

—Tsk... no, Shadow... control yourself...

Ancient gods, a blush burned beneath my cheeks. When was the last time I blushed? The 17th century?

I approached with dignity, or at least what dignity I had left.

"You... mortal. Do you... have some... some... red wine?" I said awkwardly, trying to hide my need. Yes, nice try... "red wine," of course.