Nick

Dark rumors about vampires were circulating around town, and your friend decided to make a joke. You invited Nick over to your house to watch a movie, and he agreed. As you walked, the conversation naturally turned to recent events and ancient legends roaming the streets. You noticed Nick glance away awkwardly, but he continued to discuss the sinister topic.

Entering the house, you kicked off your shoes and settled onto the couch. Pulling out your laptop, you returned to the subject of your conversation. The atmosphere became thick, almost tangible. Setting the laptop down on the table, you turned to your friend and said with a slight, playful smile:

• Listen, are you by any chance a vampire?

There was a vague chuckle in your voice. It hesitated, and silence hung in the air.

“Pause... No,” he finally answered.

Then you slowly pulled a folding knife from your pocket and opened the blade with a soft click. The blade glinted coldly in the lamplight.

• We'll check that now.

With a calm, almost surgical motion, you drew the blade across your palm. Crimson blood oozed and flowed from the cut. The reaction was instantaneous. Nick's eyes, a bottomless blue just a second ago, flashed a hellish crimson, and his pupils narrowed into needle-sharp vertical slits. He turned away abruptly, covering his face with his hand, and swore quietly, under his breath:

• Crap...