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This story started out as a series of short stories, then progressed to a novel and finally a screenplay. This novel is based on the first two stories. I'll post them at some point.

All characters, incidents contained within this text are copyright of Rachael

It was a dark, windy night in Amsterdam. Dionne McGuire sat in a window in her apartment, staring down at the cobbled square below her. The strong wind pushed autumn leaves into little piles in doorways. The branches of the old trees creaked in the wind. Clouds raced across the moon, casting eerie shadows over the other buildings that made up this little corner of the city.
Dionne sighed and turned back to her computer. As a web page designer to big companies, her workload could be overwhelming. Working from home as opposed to an office sometimes didn't help. There were different distractions, which seemed to catch her attention a few hours before a deadline. Television, VCR, stereo and her cat, Mitzi, were a few of these problems. Dionne had come to Amsterdam about two years beforehand. Naive and innocent, she had packed up all her worldly belongings and followed her boyfriend. He had made her a million promises, called her beautiful and his 'angel' but now he was dancing with a different lover. He had left her the apartment so that she wouldn't be homeless. Suddenly a gentle purring pulled her out of her thoughts. Pushing a lock of plum coloured hair out of her eyes, she looked up. Her cat was sitting on her keyboard, smiling at her. Dionne reached out a hand and gently stroked the cat's head. Sliding down from the window, she picked the cat up and tucked her under her arm.
'Are you hungry?' she asked, gently tickling the cat between her ears.
The cat carried on purring, stretching out her claws. Dionne walked into the kitchen and placed Mitzi onto the work surface. The tabby cat stretched her front legs out, yawning as she did. Dionne smiled at her as she fetched the various dishes and foods.
'You know, Mitzi,' Dionne said, 'I think you're my only friend in this world.'
Mitzi stared at her before scratching an ear.
'You better not have fleas.'
Dionne scooped the remaining cat food into a dish and carried it over to the cat. Mitzi danced around her feet, expectant, almost tripping her.
'Stop it,' Dionne scolded, 'stop it or you won't be getting any food.'
Crouching down, she place the dish on the floor. Mitzi ignored her and attacked the chunky pile of slime with a vengeance. Dionne curled her nose up at the smell.
'This is gross. I can see why you always want my food.'
But Mitzi wasn't listening anymore, her nose stuck in her food, happy. Dionne sighed and turned around.

In the corridor between the kitchen and the lounge, Dionne caught sight of herself in a mirror. Shoulder length hair dyed a deep plum, soft brown eyes which showed every emotion, a small, perfectly formed mouth. Lowering her head Dionne went back to her computer, ashamed at the sight of herself. A short, fat web site designer with no life to speak of. How anyone found her beautiful, she didn't know. She loved the city but she knew she had to get out. For the sake of her sanity.

The screen-saver scrolled across the screen. Sitting behind it, Dionne tapped the keyboard and the images disappeared. But she wasn't interested anymore. The rain outside was more interesting. It was relaxing. Dionne rested her head against the cool glass and watched the tiny rain drops trickle down the panes. She followed the drops until they made little puddles on the ledge outside. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she saw something. It moved round the edge of the square, following the path. Dionne soon got a good view of what ever it was. It was a person, a man she assumed. He was tall and dressed all in a black. A long, black frock coat brushed the back of his legs and he carried an ebony walking cane. Long, black hair swept down his shoulders and to his waist. Dionne couldn't see his face because it was shadowed by a top hat and obscured by sunglasses. A few seconds later, he was gone as he turned a corner. Dionne moved away from the window, certain that he hadn't seen her. Who was he? She was certain that she'd never seen him before and now she was intrigued.

The man moved swiftly through the back streets of the city. A shadow of the night, fleeting, running from the light of the moon and the stars, Orion was one of the city's population of vampires. But Orion was superior, one of the elite, the head vampire. He had control over the rest of Amsterdam's undead. He told them what to do, where to hide, who to feed from. But there were also things that he knew, information he rarely shared with the others for fear of frightening them. He knew the location of different slayers, the bars they frequented and the areas they worked. Because of them, he had set up a number of underground safe houses in the tunnels and sewers that lay beneath the city. The safe-houses were places where the vampires could hide from the slayers or, come daybreak, they could stay there until the sun set again. Orion turned down a narrow side alley. The tip of his cane clinked on the cobbles beneath his feet. As he walked deeper down the alley, carved hands protruded from the crumbling walls, flickering candles caught in their grip, lighting Orion's way. The alleyway led him deeper and deeper, away from the red light district, away from the drunken tourists, away from the dangerous tourist traps which littered the city. His footsteps echoed on the flagstones, making him realise how alone he was in this teeming city of sin. Eventually, a doorway come in to sight, it's dark, gaping mouth lit by two of hands. Slowly, casually, he turned into the low doorway.

On the other side of the doorway, Orion straightened up. He removed his hat and held it close to his body. There still wasn't much clearing over his head. The corridor was narrow and dark like the back stage corridors in a theatre. Black candles stood in tiny alcoves, barely lighting the dark walls but casting enough light for Orion to see where he was going. Suddenly a figure turned off a side corridor and stepped straight into Orion. She looked up and, once she saw who it was, stood back in awe.
'Oh, Orion, sir,' she whispered, 'please forgive me.'
The woman looked in her late twenties but she was probably over a hundred years old. She was dressed in the clothes of the Victorian period. A long black dress which trailed on the floor. A bustle held up a lot of the material while a tight corset made the woman's waist seem slimmer than it was. Orion looked at her and smiled, bowing his head slightly.
'It's okay,' he whispered in a heavily accented voice.
The woman carried on looking at him, not quite believing that it was him.
'Are you going to be joining us for the entertainment tonight?' she asked.
Orion slowly shook his head, taking his time.
'I doubt it greatly, sweet madam. I have other things that I must attend to.'
'I'm sorry to hear that,' said the woman, 'I hope that you will be able to join us one night.'
Orion bowed his head before carrying on down the corridor.

Eventually he came to a stage door. Quietly he opened it and stepped into the area beside the stage. Taking his hat off, he hung it up. He did the same with the frock coat. Underneath, he wore a long robe. It was made of the darkest midnight blue velvet. Silver embroidery snaked up and down the back of it. A mixture of leaves and snakes. It swept the floor around him. Resettling his hair around his shoulders, he stepped out onto the stage. Candles in open topped glass jars provided the foot lights, casting the first few rows of his audience into shadow. Chandeliers of candles hung from the ceiling, flickering, casting eerie shadows across the walls and the high ceiling. Looking up, Orion could see the paintings in the high, arched ceiling. Despite being almost three hundred years old, the head vampire could still find something new every time he looked. Turning his eyes back towards his audience, he took a breath and addressed them.
'Ladies and gentlemen,' he said, 'I have grave news. Last night another of our people was killed. Cruelly burnt to death by the slayers. They are being to close in on us. We need to multiply, need to make more of us. But please, be careful. Be careful about who you bring into our realm. The slayers are going to be trying to join us.'
The vampire bowed his head slightly.
'Good evening.'
Slowly he turned and left, the robe rustling on the floorboards.

As he walked off the stage, someone handed him a delicately engraved marble goblet. Orion looked deeply into the liquid contained in the goblet, lost in his thoughts, before lifting it to his mouth. Slowly he sipped the blood, savouring it. Eventually, he finished it and handed the goblet back to the human servant that stood before him. The servant nodded and left. Orion picked up his frock coat and cane and began to leave.

As he walked through the corridors, he thought about what was happening. He knew that the slayers were after him. They wanted to stalk him and kill him in any way possible. He feared for his life and knew that he may have to go into hiding. But then something else swept across his mind. The girl who lived across from him, the one that he wanted to bring into his world, into the world of the vampire. She was going to be his companion, his contribution to their population. He had to seduce her in some way, get her to love him. But how? He asked himself. He was a vampire, one of the walking undead, heartless, soulless. How could anyone love him?

Eventually he emerged into the street. It had stopped raining. Somewhere in the distance, a clock began to strike the time. Once, twice, three times. Eventually, after the fifth chime, it faded into the night. Orion walked down the dark alley. In the distance, his sensitive hearing could pick up the sounds of the city's population. He could smell their blood but he didn't want it. Their blood was laced with alcohol, weakening it. The alcohol would make him ill and, while the slayers were after him, he needed to be fully aware of what was going on around him. He turned a corner and walked across one of the many bridges that arched across Amsterdam's canals. His boots caused the ageing timbers to creak beneath him. Quickly he moved across the road and into the square. As he walked across the cobbles, he looked up into the girl's apartment.

In her apartment, Dionne was sleeping. She had fallen asleep in the window, which over-looked the square; Mitzi curled up beside her. Little did she know that she was being watched. Quietly she sighed and moved in her sleep. Her movement woke Mitzi. The cat stretched and jumped down from the window. She quietly padded over to the bed and jumped up onto it. Curling into a ball, she went back to sleep. Dionne's laptop sat on a nearby shelf, still switched on, casting bluish shadows on the walls. Dionne's dreams were plagued with images of the man she had seen that night. He had captured her imagination and now she wanted to know more about him. Who was he? Why did he dress like a 19th Century gentleman? Maybe she'd find out one day. But for now, she was caught up in her dreams of him.

The next morning, Dionne woke to a loud purring. Opening her eyes, she saw the cat lying on her chest, two blue eyes staring straight into hers, a tail swishing back and forth.
'Morning,' Dionne groggily whispered, 'Has it stopped raining yet?'
Mitzi yawned, already bored by her mistress's inane ramblings. Dionne slowly slid out of bed, carefully pushing the cat off of her. She walked into the kitchen, the sound of four tiny paws quietly padding along behind her.

Dionne stood in front of the kitchen window. From here, she could see the street below. People going about their business on foot or on bicycle. Crossing the bridge of the canal that was just a stone's throw from the square. A bell began to ring and Dionne instinctively looked to her right. A bridge further down the road was slowly beginning to open, the two halves arching gracefully skywards. Then, the one opposite her building began to open, the mechanism pulling the old bridge apart. Then the boat appeared. It was nothing really. Just an empty barge heading back into the city, no doubt to finish dredging the bottom of a canal. But it didn't matter to Dionne. She got to see her beloved bridges open and that made her happy. As they slowly began to close, ready for pedestrians, Dionne became aware of something soft rubbing her ankles. Looking down, she saw Mitzi. Quickly she swept her up into her arms.
'Oh honey,' Dionne exclaimed, 'I'm sorry. I completely forgot about you.'
Mitzi gave her one of her 'I noticed' looks.

Later that day, in an effort to get out of the apartment, Dionne headed into the city. Even after two years, the city still fascinated her and she was always finding new places, new little shops, new streets. Quietly, she turned into a shop. A tiny bell above her head tinkled, alerting the shopkeeper to her presence. This was Dionne's favourite bookshop. She had found it one day on one of her many exploration trips. It was a tiny bookshop, down one of the many narrow side streets that made Amsterdam so famous. It was also old, with a low roof and cramped dusty shelves. It housed old, curio books on many different subjects. Dionne loved to browse and she knew she was welcome, any time, day or night, to just sit and read. Suddenly, a noise caused Dionne to look up. The shopkeeper had finally discovered that he had a customer. He was an old man, in his late sixties Dionne had guessed; yet he was still full of life. Despite his age, he still stood tall, which was a good foot taller than Dionne was. Long grey hair swept down his back and twinkling blue eyes shone from behind a pair of tiny glasses.
'Dionne,' he exclaimed in a beautifully accented voice, 'how nice of you to drop by.'
Dionne smiled.
'Richard, you know I always come by when I get chance and I had some free time so I thought I'd come and see how you were.'
The old man looked at her and his face cracked into a smile. He walked up to her and took her face in his hands.
'Oh I have missed you,' he replied, 'how long has it been since your last visit? Three, four days?'
'About four days, I think. I promise not to leave you for so long next time.'
Richard smiled again and Dionne couldn't help but smile back. He had been a good friend to her ever since she had arrived in the country. After her break-up, the first in life, he had taken her under his wing and taken care of her. He had been there through the tears and the heartache and, on one occasion, a failed suicide attempt. She would remember that night forever. After she had phoned him, he called the ambulance and came with her to the hospital. He spent the entire night with her, not leaving until the doctor's said she was in a stable condition. For some odd reason, he seemed to understand her, understand her pain and agony. But Dionne had to hand it to him; he was a lot older than she was and a good deal wiser. Suddenly, the shop-owner looked up with a start.
'I almost forgot,' he said.
Quickly, he moved across to the counter and reached underneath it. Fumbling in a box he pulled out a brown, paper wrapped parcel and handed it to Dionne.
'This came the other day and I decided to keep it for you. I hope you like it.'
Slowly, Dionne unwrapped the package, letting the paper fall away. Inside was an old, leather bound book. A metal clasp kept it locked. The key dangled on a velvet ribbon. Dionne trembled with delight; she loved old and interesting books and this one fitted both categories perfectly. Slowly, Dionne lifted the key and inserted it into the lock. It was hard to turn but eventually it clicked and the cover fell open. The first page, the title page, was covered with intricate, copperplate handwriting. Richard interrupted her train of thought.
'It's said to have belonged to a witch who lived in the mountains of Norway. It's over a hundred years old,' he whispered, trying not to break her fascination, 'I knew you'd like it.'
'Thank you,' she whispered.
Slowly she wrenched her eyes away and looked at him.
'How much do I owe you?' she asked.
Richard gestured, as if pushing her away.
'Nothing,' he replied, 'It's a present. To celebrate the new deal you've got to do whatever job you do.'
'Designing web sites,' Dionne helped him out.
'That's it,' the old man smiled, 'I'm not up to speed on all this modern technology. I wouldn't know a computer if you handed one to me.'
'You've seen me using one a million times.'
'What? That tiny thing you carry from around with you?'
'Yes, that tiny thing I carry around with me,' Dionne couldn't help but smile.
Leaning up onto the counter, she gently kissed Richard. The old man seemed slightly taken aback by her gesture.
'You're perfect, Richard, perfect and completely precious.'
He smiled at her.
'Thank you,' he replied with a slight bow of his head.
Dionne slid the book into her rucksack before turning her attention back to Richard.
'Richard?'
'Yes?' he replied.
'You know where I live, the apartment on the square?'
'Yes?'
'Do you know anything about a man that lives there.'
'I've known hundreds of people from this city, my dear, I'm not sure if I could pick one out.'
Dionne sighed, thinking of how to word it.
'Well, as far as I can tell, he's kind of young. Mid twenties maybe and he dresses in Victorian clothing. Long hair. Ring a bell?'
Richard thought for a second, remembering places, names, and faces.
'I think I know who you mean. He's been in after hours, once it's dark. Never comes in during the day.'
'Do you know his name?'
Richard shook his head.
'No. He browses, maybe buys something, occasionally talks and then disappears into the night.'
'So you don't know his name?' Dionne asked.
The shopkeeper shook his head.
'Sorry.'

Dionne spent the rest of the day in the shop, browsing, talking with Richard and drinking coffee. It was nice to be curled up in a corner with a cup of coffee and a friend. Dionne enjoyed it but all too soon it was time for her to leave.

It took Dionne nearly thirty minutes to reach her apartment. She wanted to savour the setting sun, the tourists sitting by the canals, watching it, the way it reflected in water. Dionne loved this time of day, just as the sun was setting, the twilight period between day and night. She stood for a minute, in a quieter part, watching it, relaxed and happy. Leaning against a tree, she sighed slightly. How beautiful it all was, the reds, oranges, pinks and yellows bouncing off of the water. A boat swished through the water, mixing them up. The occupants of the boat waved and shouted to her. Smiling, Dionne waved back before carrying on home.

Opening the door to her apartment, she almost tripped over the cat.
'What are you doing?' Dionne asked, staring down at her.
For reasons unbeknown to Dionne, she was standing directly behind the door, sniffing something. Pushing the cat away, Dionne picked it up. It was an envelope with an ornate design in the top left-hand side. Her name was written on the front in beautiful, scrolling handwriting. Slowly, Dionne opened it. She pulled out a sheet of paper. It was heavy with a rough texture to it. Again, the ornate dragon design appeared in the top left-hand corner. Dionne quietly read what was written.

You don't know who I am but I would be most honoured if you would meet me tonight for dinner. 21:00, under the tree in the square.

PS: Should there be doubt in your mind, I solemnly promise to take the greatest care of you.

Dionne stared at it for a few moments before slowly sitting on a nearby chair. Mitzi rubbed her ankles, demanding attention, but Dionne ignored her. Thoughts ran through Dionne's mind. What if he was a psychopathic killer on the look out for his next victim? What if he wanted to rape her? Or sell her into prostitution? All of the questions were 'what ifs'. Taking a deep breath, Dionne decided to do it. She had nothing to lose. If she didn't like the look of him should could always make an excuse and go back into the apartment. She looked up at the kitchen clock. It was eight in the evening, leaving her just an hour to get ready.

All too soon, it was time for Dionne to leave. As she walked to the door, she took one last look at herself in the mirror. She was dressed in a long green velvet dress complete with a velvet choker. Her hair was pined behind her ears instead of falling in her eyes. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and walked out of the door.

Outside, Dionne could see a shadow standing under the tree. Its head was bowed as if it was thinking. As she approached it, it became aware of her presence and stepped out into the light. Instantly, Dionne felt her breath being taken away. The man who had sent her the letter, Orion, was the man she had seen from the window, the man she had spoken to Richard about. He walked up to her and took her hand in his. Gently he kissed it.
'Sweet Dionne,' he said in a deep, accented voice, 'I am Orion.'
Dionne could barely speak.
'Pleased to meet you,' she finally managed to whisper.
Orion smiled.
'Madam, the honour is all mine.'
He sighed, savouring the cool night air. Tentatively, he tucked a loose lock of hair behind an ear.
'Thank you for coming to meet me tonight. I have seen you on many nights, looking down into the square.'
Dionne smiled shyly, not quite sure how to react to this beautiful man. Orion saw her smile and returned it, careful to keep his fangs hidden. With that, he took her hand in his and led her into the night.

Hand in hand, they walked deeper and deeper into the city, past places and buildings that Dionne had never seen before. She soon realised that she didn't feel the slightest bit scared. She felt comfortable and relaxed in the presence of this beautiful stranger. Slowly, almost sensitively, he led her down a tiny, dark, winding alley. At the end of were a set of misted glass doors. Soft light shone through them, shadows cast onto the glass. People sitting, people moving, people dancing. As the couple neared the doors, two servants slowly opened them. Dionne watched, fascinated. As they entered, the matre dee approached them.
'Orion, sir,' he said with a slight bow, 'your private table is ready.'
'Thank you,' Orion replied.
Slowly, they were led through a winding arrangement of tables. Other diners watched them, whispering among themselves, taking discreet glances at them. Dionne noticed, to some amazement, that everyone, diners and waiters were all dressed in Victorian clothing. Looking around herself, Dionne noticed that the decor of the cafe also met her ideas of the Victorian era. Candles created soft, intimate feeling, making her feel relaxed. Looking up at Orion, she smiled. Why had he picked her for his date tonight?

The matre dee opened a pair of doors at the back of the back of the room and led them in. Orion nodded slightly and tipped him.
'Your wine will be with you in a moment,' the waiter informed him.
'Thank you,' Orion acknowledged him.
The matre dee left them, discreetly closing the doors, nodding to Dionne as he did. Orion turned to his guest. Gently he took one of her hands in his and led her towards the table. He could feel her emotions, her timidness at being approached by him. He bent his head and whispered to her.
'There's nothing to he scared of,' he whispered to her, 'I'm not going to hurt you.'
Pulling away, he looked at her and smiled. She timidly returned his smile. Letting her go he did the gentlemanly thing and pulled out a chair.
'Come and sit down. I want to talk to you.'
Dionne slowly walked over to him and sat down, tucking her legs beneath her.
'Thank you,' she whispered.
The door opened and the matre dee walked in, a bottle and two glasses in his hands. He placed them on the table.
'Your wine, sir,' he said.
Orion smiled.
'Thank you.'
He tipped the waiter and turned his attention back to Dionne. She was gazing dreamily through the frosted glass windows, the shadows moving across them. There was a slight smile, her eyes glazed.
'Dionne,' he said.
She sighed and looked up.
'Yes?' she asked.
'I was just wondering if you were okay.'
She smiled.
'I'm fine.'
Orion picked up the bottle and poured a thick red liquid into the two glasses. He smiled.
'It's from a far Eastern country,' he said, 'you probably won't have heard of it.'
He handed her a glass.
'Enjoy.'
He watched, entranced, as she drank. Slowly she placed the glass back on the table, liquid staining her lips. Leaning forward, Orion took her face in his hands and gently kissed her, wiping it away. Dionne responded to him and gently kissed him back. It shocked Orion slightly; he had come under the impression that Dionne had some intimacy problems. Leaning back in his seat, he looked at her. She looked back at him, bewildered yet fascinated.
'Why,' she hesitated, 'why did you do that?'
'I don't know,' he replied, 'I just felt like it. Did you not want me to do that?'
Dionne shook her head.
'No, no,' she was finding it hard to place words, 'I didn't mind at all.'
Orion smiled at her and gently stroked her face, his long fingers stroking her skin.

The evening passed by all to quickly and soon daybreak was only a matter of hours away. Orion slowly walked, arm in arm with Dionne back the way they came. He was slightly disappointed that the evening was over but he knew that he could see her again any time he wanted to. All he had to do was close his eyes and there she was. The moon shone down on them, the stars twinkled from high above the earth. As they reached the square, Orion pulled her to a stop. He pulled her into his arms and looked down into her soft brown eyes. His fingers gently stroked the small of her back, feeling the velvet beneath them. Dionne responded and tentatively draped her arms around his slender waist.
'Will I see you again?' she asked.
Bringing one of his hands forward, he gently stroked her face. His thumb gently stroked her cheekbone.
'Tomorrow night,' he replied, 'if that is okay with you.'
She smiled and nodded. Orion took a deep breath. He had been battling with his hunger all evening. He could smell Dionne's blood; laced with the absinthe-laced blood he had given her earlier in the evening. Soon, in a few days time, she would be his, immortal, deathless. Bending his head, he kissed her throat. His fangs extended and he plunged them into the throbbing vein beneath his lips. He heard Dionne gasp and felt her hands grip his back. Her breathing was heavy and she pulled in pain at Orion, crying out at him. He lapped at the blood, which flowed from the wounds. Slowly he pulled away, being careful not to rip her muscles. As he fangs retracted, he licked his lips, cleaning the blood away. She looked at him, not quite believing what had just happened. However, the look wasn't hate or loathing, it was curiosity. Slowly, Orion softly kissed her. He felt her arch against him, enjoying it. He didn't want it to end. Slowly, he pulled away.
'Good night,' she whispered.
She pulled away from him, her arms lingering at his waist before she left. He watched her go, not knowing if he'd see her again.

Dionne quietly walked up the stairs and unlocked the door. Mitzi wound herself around her ankles, purring. Reaching down, Dionne picked her up and hugged her.
'He was beautiful,' she whispered, 'so beautiful.'
She walked through the apartment, the cat in her arms, until she reached the lounge. Looking out of the window, into the square. Orion was still watching her; startling kiwi coloured eyes fixed on her, hands clasped behind his back. Dionne watched as he slowly turned and walked away. She sighed and pressed a hand against a window.
'Did you see him?' she asked the cat, 'Did you see how beautiful he was?'
The cat didn't stop purring. Instead she squirmed and jumped down from Dionne's arms.
'Fine, don't listen then,' Dionne whispered.
She went back to sitting in the window, staring at the space where Orion had been standing. Reaching out, Dionne pulled her laptop onto her knees. She had to do some work, get Orion, her beautiful stranger, out of her head. For a little while anyway. Her blue welcome screen popped up.
'Welcome, Dionne,' said the little, tinny computer voice.
It brought a smile to her face, it always did. She opened the current file she was working on, a web site for a florist in the city. It didn't pay a lot but she was also employed to maintain the site over the period of time that it was needed for. She already had three or four to 'watch over', so to speak. She enjoyed her job, knowing that she could never do a regular nine to five job. At least this one allowed her to pick it up and put it down as and when she wanted to. But no matter how much she tried, she couldn't put Orion out of her mind. Eventually, she closed the lid of the computer and put it to one side. It was no use; she couldn't get him out of her mind. Leaving the computer on the window seat, she slid down and walked slowly to her bed. Lying on it, she stared at the stars she'd painted on the ceiling. Her eyes searched the different constellations until she found Orion. She smiled quietly to herself. He was beautiful, so beautiful and perfect. His dazzling kiwi eyes and long black hair. Dionne took a deep breath, clearing her mind. Sleep was coming quickly and she knew that she couldn't fight it any longer.

Orion lay on his bed, his raven hair spread out behind him. Slowly, he ran his hands through his hair and closed his eyes. The evening had been wonderful. He couldn't remember the last time he had been really happy. Ever since his companion had been killed by slayer, a hundred years before, he had been depressed. He had spent many nights by himself, wondering what to do. He had considered ending it all but had never had the courage to go through with it. But now, now he was happy. Dionne seemed perfect. She was the one he wanted as a companion, the one he wanted to spend all of eternity loving. Slowly, he sat up and walked to the window. The first, purple streaks of dawn were appearing on the horizon, the stars slowly fading away. Standing at the window, he looked out to Dionne's apartment. Her curtains were drawn against the morning light. Closing his eyes, he let his conscious mind wander into hers. A smile spread across his face as he realised that she was dreaming about him. Stepping back from the window, he closed the curtains. The sun was rising and to be in its first rays would be lethal to him. It wouldn't necessarily kill him but it would hurt him and weaken his powers. Lying down again, he thought about the future. It seemed brighter now and tonight they would be together again.

Tiny little paws poked Dionne in the face. Slowly Dionne stirred and woke up. The cat was sitting inches away, staring at her, demanding to be fed.
'What time is it?' she asked, reaching out for her watch.
She looked at it, trying to make out where numbers met hands.
'It's eleven o'clock!' she exclaimed, 'Oh cat, why didn't you wake me?'
Sitting up, she threw back the covers and stood up. Mitzi jumped off the bed, landing perfectly on all fours. She quickly followed her mistress into the kitchen.

Dionne stood at the counter dressed in only a long T-shirt. The name of her favourite band was written across the front with their logo on the back. She took a few deep breaths, staring out of the window. She looked at the tiny coffee shop on the corner, the people sitting outside, drinking coffee and talking. She wished she could be part of that, have friends, talking about everything and nothing. She wished she could drink coffee by the canals playing chess with Richard. That one was a possibility. She smiled to herself as she put the dish of cat food down. She needed to tell her friend about last night and what better way was there to do it.

Sitting beside the canal, Richard drank from a take-out coffee cup. A chessboard sat on the table between Dionne and himself. Dionne was sitting back in the chair, eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of the autumn sun.
'I never knew you played chess,' Richard said.
Dionne sat up and turned to him, opening her eyes as she did.
'I don't,' she said, 'which is why you're going to teach me.'
She smiled at him. Richard made himself comfortable.
'So tell me exactly why you dragged me out of the shop.'
Dionne rested her head on the table and smiled.
'I met him,' she replied.
'Met who? The Pope?' Richard asked.
Dionne sighed and closed her eyes.
'A beautiful stranger,' she whispered.
'So who is this mystery man?'
'His name's Orion and he lives in the apartment across from mine. He's tall with long black hair and bright green eyes.'
'The man who comes into my shop sometimes?' Richard asked.
Dionne nodded, eyes still closed against the sun.
'He's so perfect.'
'So are you seeing him again?'
'Tonight.'
Richard reached out and moved one of his pawns. Dionne watched, relaxed.
'So, what do you think of him?'
Dionne sighed in the way that only a person who's completely in love can.
'He's wonderful,' she whispered, 'a real gentleman. He dresses in some weird clothes.'
Her voice trailed off as she saw the look that Richard was giving her.
'You think he wears weird clothes?' Richard asked, 'Have you seen some of the clothes you wear recently?'
Dionne smiled and laughed.
'I know, but his seem to have come straight out of a history book. Beautiful Victorian style clothes. Oh Richard, I'm so happy.'
Richard smiled and reached out a hand, gently stroking her face.
'I'm glad you're happy. You deserve it.'

Soon, the sun began to sink and another day was ending. But not for Dionne. Tonight she would see her beautiful prince again. Standing in her room, she slowly prepared herself for the evening. She dressed herself in a long black dress, knowing that she would feel out of place if she wore anything else. Slowly she fastened a black velvet choker around her milk white neck. A silver Celtic cross dangled from it. Gently she repositioned it so that the cross lay down the centre of her throat. Picking up a black translucent scarf and draped it around her shoulders. Looking in her full-length mirror, she smiled. Mitzi ran into the room and jumped onto the bed and pawed the covers, making herself comfortable before lying down. Dionne turned and smiled at the cat.
'Do I look good or what?'
The cat just yawned and closed her eyes. Shrugging, Dionne bent down and kissed her.
'Don't do anything I wouldn't.'
Turning, she left and headed out into the night.

Outside, a frost was starting to settle. Dionne shivered slightly as she walked towards Orion. Her beautiful prince watched her and stepped out from the shadows. She saw him stare at her choker. Something flashed through his eyes but he didn't say anything. Instinctively, Dionne reached up to her throat.
'What's wrong?' she asked.
Orion shook his head slightly, his hair slipping from behind his ears.
'Nothing.' he replied, repositioning his hair, 'You look beautiful.'
He slipped his long frock coat from his shoulders and draped it around hers. Dionne looked at him, about to protest but he gently placed a long, bony finger across her lips.
'I shall take no refusal. It is cold tonight and I don't want you to catch a cold,' he whispered in his beautifully accented voice.
Reaching down, he gently took her hand in his. Slowly they headed into the city.

They arrived in a crypt below the city, a chamber of one of the safe houses. Dionne had no clue that it was one of the safe houses, she was just trying to enjoy herself. Hundreds of candles had been lit, lighting the dark, dank walls. Dionne stood in the centre of the crypt, while Orion finished lighting the candles. She watched as his long, thin arms reached out to each candle, tiny orange flames lighting the room. Dionne looked around herself, her arms wrapped around her body. To one side of her was the heavy wooden door they had come through. In one corner was a four poster bed, tapestries of red, gold and black draped from it. Dionne turned back to Orion.
'You live in the apartment across from me, right?' she asked.
He turned to her and nodded.
'Why do you ask?' he enquired.
'It's just I was wondering why you had a bed here.'
He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Dionne relaxed in the warmth of his arms.
'This is my other residence. Occasionally I feel the need to come and stay here,' he said with his lilting accent.
Dionne melted against him. He was dressed in a robe of soft, midnight blue velvet and Dionne was comfortable against him. Her fingers slowly explored the gold embroidery, which snaked across his chest. His long fingers gently tickled the bottom of her spine, sending short, sharp shivers through her. One of Orion's hands crawled up her back and under her chin, lifting her eyes to his. She couldn't help but look into his crystal clear green eyes. They were beautiful, flecked with gold. Orion's hand moved from her chin and cradled her head. Dionne closed her eyes, enjoying the way he stroked her face. His fingers felt her skin, stroked her hair. Suddenly, Dionne felt his mouth on hers, his soft lips gently touching her. It took her breath away and Orion knew this. Dionne felt his arm tighten around her waist pulling her closer. Eventually they slowly pulled away. Dionne carried on looking into Orion's eyes, captivated by him.
'Why did you find me?' Dionne asked.
Orion's hand carried on stroking her cheek.
'Because I'm lonely,' he whispered, 'and I could sense that you were too. I had seen you sitting in that window so many times, no-one to love you, no-one to take care of you.'
He carried on stroking her skin.
'And I thought to myself, what a waste. Someone so beautiful, so passionate. I had to have you as my own.'
Dionne felt her innocence and naivety return, washing over her. She lowered her eyes.
'Do you really mean that?' she asked.
He nodded his head close to hers. Looking up, Dionne couldn't resist it. Holding her breath, she slowly reached out and stroked his hair. He rested his head on her shoulder. Hesitantly, Dionne's fingers ran through his raven hair. It was so soft, so well cared for. Resting her head against his, she breathed in his scent, his unique smell. She held him close, feeling him against her, his heart beating next to hers. He was so beautiful. Eventually he straightened up. His arms were still holding her.
'I have something to tell you,' he said.
Dionne looked into his eyes, feeling herself drown in them.
'What?' she asked.
Orion stroked her face and took a deep breath.
'I'm,' he hesitated, 'I'm a vampire. Last night I took some of your blood.'
Dionne looked at him, a hand gently stroking his back.
'I know that you took some of my blood You expect me to turn around and leave, don't you?'
Orion nodded, his hair falling into his eyes. Dionne reached out and gently tucked it back behind his ear.
'I'd never do that,' she whispered, 'I like you and I want to get to know you for who you are, not what you are.'
Orion smiled, showing his retracted fangs. Dionne returned his smile, her eyes lighting up. Orion tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Gently he kissed her. She gasped and moaned slightly. She felt Orion smile as he kissed her. Slowly he pulled away.
'Open your eyes,' he whispered.
She did. He was standing in front of her, as beautiful as ever. Gently he took her hand in his and started to lead her towards the bed. Dionne hesitated, pulling back. Orion turned to her.
'Have no fear,' he said with a slight smile, 'I have no intentions of using you. We'll take everything at your pace.'
Dionne's eyes widened and a smile spread across her face.
'Does this mean . . .?' she stumbled over her words.
Orion nodded slowly, smiling serenely, closing his eyes for a second.
'Yes,' he replied, 'I like you and you seem willing to return my love so I see no reason why we shouldn't.'
Dionne smiled and allowed herself to be led to the bed. Orion held up one of the heavy hangings and she sat on the bed, curling up as she did.
'Make yourself comfortable,' he whispered.
Dionne moved further onto the bed so that she was sitting in the centre of it. The candles on the other side of the curtains made for a relaxing atmosphere. Orion joined her, spreading himself out as he did. In his hands were two glasses and a bottle of wine.
'Here,' he said, holding out a glass to her.
Tentatively, Dionne took it from him. He the bottle and slowly poured a thick red liquid from it into her glass. She looked at it, slightly suspicious.
'It's okay,' Orion said, 'it's not going to hurt you.'
Dionne smiled timidly and sipped from it. The wine was thick and sweet and ran easily down her throat. She couldn't identify the taste but it was divine, a heady mixture of fruit and herbs. Dionne placed the glass to one side of her and lay down, eyes closed, a smiled on her face.
'What is it?' she heard Orion's beautifully accented voice say.
Dionne smiled and laughed.
'This wine is delicious,' she laughed.
She opened her eyes and smiled at him.
'Where did you get it from?' she asked.
'A country in the East, hidden away, beyond mountains and trees.' he smiled and reached out a hand to stroke her face, 'You won't know of it.'
Dionne closed her eyes, the wine making her slightly light-headed, enjoying the touch of Orion's fingers. She felt the glass being removed from her fingers. She could feel Orion moving around the bed. Then the bed to one side of her depressed and she could feel the warmth of Orion's body next to hers. Fingers gently stroked her face and neck, tickling her. The fingers began to move down her body, feeling her curves. Dionne smiled and relaxed. The fingers, long and bony, moved to the fastening on the front of her dress. Grasping it, they began to pull it down. Dionne sat up, pushing Orion away.
'No,' she said, 'not now.'
Orion looked at her, a look of hurt in his eyes. Dionne quickly fastened her dress closed. She looked at Orion in shock and hurt.
'You told me that we would take it at my pace,' she said.
She stood up and brushed down her dress.
'There was something in that wine.' she stared at him, 'you tried to drug me.'
Orion reached out and tried to take her hand. Dionne pushed him away.
'How am I supposed to trust you if you drug me so that you can rape me?' she asked in disbelief.
'Let me explain,' he whispered.
He was close to tears.
'No,' said Dionne, 'I don't want to hear it. You tried to rape me.'
'No,' Orion whispered, burying his head in his hands.
Dionne turned and headed towards the door. Opening the door, she could hear crying, Orion crying in pain. She left, slamming the door in disgust.

Orion sat on the bed, head buried in his hands, blood tears streaming through his fingers, his already fragile heart breaking. His hair covered his hands, soaking up the blood. Why had she walked out? He had had no intention of drugging her. He hadn't realised that the wine would have that kind of reaction on her. Looking up, he wiped the tears from his face. It was at the moment that he decided that as the first rays of dawn would come over the horizon, he would step into them and end his miserable existence. There was no other choice. The one person he had thought would love him had rejected him.

Outside, Dionne stood in the light of the moon, staring at the stars. She sighed and began to start towards her home. She thought that a new relationship would help to heal the wounds of her past. Obviously not, she thought but something suddenly came into her mind, a stray thought. How could she hurt him? He seemed to be a really nice person but so had her last boyfriend. He'd turned out to be a complete bastard. But she could feel her heart breaking. She couldn't do this, not to Orion. Suddenly, she turned around and walked back towards the entrance she had just come out of.

As the heavy wooden door creaked open, Orion looked up. His face was still stained by the bloody tears he had cried. The door opened right into the chamber and Dionne stepped in, her head hanging, her hair hiding her eyes. He could hear her crying.
'Orion,' she whispered, 'I'm sorry. I can't do this. Not to you. Please forgive me.'
'Look up,' he said.
She did. Salt tears stained her cheeks, hair streaked her face.
'Come here.'
As she tentatively walked to up to him, he opened his arms. She stepped into his arms and he pulled her close. Gently he kissed her.
'I would never forsake you,' he quietly said.
As she stood in his arms, he gently stroked her back. Dionne looked down at him, her eyes sad.
'I never tried to drug you,' he whispered, 'the wine must have had had an adverse reaction to your body. It wasn't me. I would never do that to any lady.'
Dionne looked at him, her eyes softening. Reaching out a hand, she gently stroked his face. Orion closed his eyes, savouring her touch.
'I shouldn't have been so quick to accuse you,' she whispered, 'I should have listened to you.'
Her fingers were soft; her thumb gently stroked his eyebrow before moving to his finely boned cheek. He felt a soft kiss on his forehead, her hand moving into his hair. Slowly Orion opened his eyes and looked at her.
'We need to talk,' she whispered.
She sat on the bed, taking her hands in his.
'Please listen carefully,' she said.
Orion listened patiently as Dionne told him about her life.
'When I was in England, I was harassed so badly that I lost all my confidence and self-esteem. I couldn't let anyone near me, especially men. I was terrified of what people would do to me. Eventually, after some persuasion, I began to see my last boyfriend. I was innocent and naive and I didn't realise he was using me. He made me a thousand promises and then, the night before we moved here, I lost my virginity to him. That was a year ago. Two months after we moved here, he left me. I got the apartment but he moved in with a new girl. I was heartbroken.'
As she finished, Orion pulled her close. She was upset and needed comfort and love. Gently, he lifted her head and brushed the tears away.
'It's okay,' he whispered, 'you're safe now. There's nothing to worry about. I'm going to care for you now.'
Through her tears, she smiled at him. He smiled back at her but behind the smile he was fighting his hunger. He hadn't fed yet and he was starting to feel it. All his senses focused on Dionne and the pulsating vein at the base of her throat. He could feel the salvia forming in his mouth; his fangs began to extend, scrapping his lower jaw. Lowering his head to her throat, he gently kissed her soft flesh. She moaned contentedly and reached up to hold his head in place. Breathing slowly, the tip of his tongue gently cleansed the area he wanted to feed from. Then, his fangs plunged in. Dionne screamed and arched against him, clinging to him. The pain for her lasted only a matter of seconds. Orion could feel her pleasure, the enjoyment she was getting from being fed upon. He lapped at the two tiny wounds that his teeth had made. Her blood flowed easily down his throat, warm and sweet, nourishing him. Slowly, he pulled away, not wanting to leave. Dionne looked at him, slightly heady. As she watched him, he licked his lips, cleaning the blood away. He held her, supporting her back like that of a new-born child's.
'You're for real,' she whispered, her eyes dilated.
He nodded. She reached out a hand to stroke his face.
'What did you think I was?' he asked.
'I thought you were a role-player, someone who liked to imagine that they're immortal,' she whispered.
'I'm for real, everything you ever thought a vampire could be,' he said with a whimsical smile.
'Will you make me immortal?' she asked.
Dionne looked at him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
'I have every intention of making you immortal.' he replied, 'Ever since I first met you, I knew that I had to make you mine.'
'When?' she asked, 'When will you make me a vampire?'
'When you're ready,' he replied.
He saw her go to say something, to challenge what he had just said, and he placed a finger over her lips.
'Don't say that you're ready because you're not ready for immortality yet.'
She looked at him, confused and upset.
'How do you know?' she asked.
'I can tell. I can read your thoughts and emotions. I know when you're happy, sad, tired or thirsty. I know everything about you Dionne.'
Gently he kissed her.

Dionne lay against the pillows, a sleeping Orion in her arms. His head rested against her chest, his hair spread across her body. She was sunk against the oversized pillows, the covers from the bed wrapped around her, her legs tucked underneath her. Her fingers gently stroked his hair; the silky strands of midnight black hair creeping in-between her fingers. They hadn't made love rather they had spent the rest of the night talking and teasing each other. Her arms and throat were covered in tiny bites and bruises, which Orion had created during their playfulness. He had spent the night teasing her and nibbling at the fleshy parts of her arms. Bending her head, Dionne gently kissed his forehead. Orion smiled and stirred in his sleep.
'I love you,' she whispered.
She knew that he could hear everything she said to him. Dionne wondered what he was dreaming about. Yawning slightly, Dionne slowly began to drift into unconsciousness. She knew that she was slowly turning from a mortal into a creature of the night. It scared her, not knowing what it was going to be like. Soon, she knew that she would be standing on that fine line between life and death. The line of immortality, neither alive nor dead. Slowly, she lay down, Orion's head resting in the hollow that her body created. As she closed her eyes, her hand carried on gently stroking Orion's head.

The next evening, Dionne was awoken by a gentle kiss. Tiredly, she opened her eyes. It took her a moment to focus on Orion. He was standing in front of her, holding a plate of some kind. Slowly she sat up, pushing her hair out of her face. Orion sat beside her and held the plate out to her. It was piled high with various kinds of fruits.
'I thought you might be hungry.' he quietly said, respecting that she was still very tired, 'Besides, after last night you need to build up your blood sugar again. Fruit is a good, natural way to do this.'
Dionne smiled and turned her attention back to the plate. Carefully, she picked out a peach and looked at it. Her fingers felt its soft, delicate flesh. Lifting it to her mouth, she bit into it. The sweet juice ran freely down her throat, refreshing her and wakening her tired body.
'I want you to go to your apartment,' he said, 'fetch anything that means anything to you and bring it here.'
He reached out a hand and stroked her face.
'You're ready,' he whispered, 'I can feel it. Tonight I want to make you mine.'
Dionne stared at him, eyes wide.
'You're going to make me immortal?' she asked.
He nodded, his hair falling into his eyes.
'Tonight is going to be the start of your immortal life. After tonight, you're never going to look back.'
Smiling, Dionne got to her feet. She stood in front of Orion and linked her arms around his neck.
'I'll be back as soon as possible,' she whispered.
Bending down, she quickly kissed him before turning and leaving.

Quietly, Dionne walked into the apartment. Her foot hit a pile of mail. Reaching down, she picked it up.
'The one day I'm out of the house and everyone wants to know who I am,' she said to herself.
Slowly she walked through her apartment, surveying the contents. Quietly she pushed open the door to her bedroom. Everything was exactly how she'd left it. Suddenly, she heard the sound of four little paws running along the corridor. Dionne turned and smiled.
'Hello,' she said, bending down and scooping the cat into her arms.
Mitzi curled up close to her, purring loudly. Dionne stroked her, running her hands over her soft fur, thinking back on the night before. Orion, bloody kisses, his fangs entering her flesh, the pain and the pleasure. Snapping out of her thoughts, Dionne held the cat up in front of her face.
'You're coming with me,' she said, gently tickling her under the chin.
Gently she lowered the cat to the floor and looked around herself again. Seeing the laptop, she bent down and picked it up. Holding it in her hands, she turned its slim, black form over and over, thinking, looking at it. She wondered if she'd need it in her next life or not. After a few moments, she decided she would and carefully packed it into its bag. She placed it on the bed and turned her attention towards something else. Pulling a bag out from under the bed and started to open drawers and cupboards. Taking out a few clothes, she carefully placed them in the bag. Closing it, she sat on the bed, thinking. What was she doing? She had no idea but she was curious now and wanted to explore her new-found freedom. Sighing, Dionne stood up and looked around herself.
'Mitzi.' she called, 'Puss. Where are you? Come here.'
She left the bedroom and walked through her apartment.
'Puss, puss, puss,' she called as she entered the kitchen.
The cat was sitting on the table, staring at her. Dionne knew that she could sense a change. Fetching her cat basket, she placed it on the table beside her and opened the wire mesh door.
'Please go in.' Dionne pleaded, 'I know you don't like the basket but this is important to me.'
Much to Dionne's surprise, Mitzi stood up and walked elegantly into the basket. Slowly Dionne closed the door and secure it shut. Picking her bag of clothes, she put it onto her back before picking up her laptop and finally the cat. Slowly, she surveyed the apartment once more before closing the door. She didn't know when she'd be back; if she'd be back.

In the stairwell, she took a deep breath of the cool air and began to walk down the stairs towards her new life.

Hearing the sound of feet outside the underground chamber, Orion stood up. Walking over to the door, he slowly opened it inwards. Outside, Dionne was waiting to be let in. He smiled and reached for her computer bag.
'Hello,' he whispered, 'you didn't bring much.'
Dionne shrugged.
'Just the essentials,' she replied.
They walked back into the chamber. Suddenly, there was a noise from the basket. Orion turned and crouched down.
'You brought your cat,' he said.
She nodded and smiled.
'Yeah, I couldn't leave her in the apartment.'
Orion looked up at her, his eyes soft.
'No, you couldn't.'
Straightening up, he put her computer down beside the bed. Dionne followed him, dropping her bag of clothes and carefully letting the cat out. Orion watched, captivated by her. As she finished with the cat, she turned to him. He sat down on the bed as she walked towards him. She reached out and took his face in her hands. Orion watched as a smile crossed her face. She bent and kissed him on the mouth. Orion placed his hands on the back of her head and pulled her as close as possible. For the first time since his companion had been killed, he was enjoying himself. Eventually he pulled away and looked at her, a smile playing on his lips. His fingers gently stroked her face. His eyes softened.
'I love you,' he whispered.
She smiled and sat on the bed beside him. Her hands reached out to hold him. He let her, wanting her affection. Gently she stroked him.
'There's something I want to tell you,' he said.
She pulled away and looked at him. Her hands still played in his hair, gently stroking, gently caressing.
'What?' she asked.
Orion took a deep breath and lowered his head, hiding his eyes from Dionne. He knew what he was about to tell her was going to be very difficult for him. As he composed himself and thought about how he was going to word it, painful memories flashed through his mind. His companion being dragged from their home, being horrifically raped by the slayers before they ran a stake through her heart and her battered and bloody body was raised above the city. Orion had spent months in hiding, depressed and upset, unwilling to accept what had happened. Now he was ready to face the world and tell another. He looked up and reached out to take Dionne's face in her hands.
'Just over a hundred years ago, my companion was killed. She was the most beautiful woman in the world and I couldn't have loved anyone more. She was my love, my life, my all. Then, one night, the slayers came and took her away. I went after them but couldn't catch them. They raped her before they cruelly murdered her. She was left on a stake on the city limits, a warning to every other vampire. I became depressed and reclusive. I hid away from the world and from my family. You are the first mortal I have fallen in love with in over a hundred years.'
Dionne looked at him, compassion in her eyes. A hand reached out to stroke his face.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered, 'I never knew.'
'It's okay,' he replied.
'You mentioned a family,' she said, a quizzical look in her eyes.
'Not a mortal family like you have. An immortal family. I'm the head vampire.'
Dionne looked at him in awe, a smile playing on her lips.
'Wow,' she whispered.
Orion moved closer to her.
'Now is the time,' he whispered, 'to take you into my world.'
Leaning forward, Orion moved towards her and took her in his arms. Placing a hand on the side of her head, he gently moved it to one side. He could feel his hunger growing, his fangs itching in his jaw. Gently he kissed the soft, white flesh of her throat. His fangs extended and scratched at a throbbing vein. It pulsated beneath his mouth and eventually Orion couldn't hold his hunger back any longer. As his fangs entered Dionne's throat, he felt an over-whelming sense of relief wash over him as her blood rushed down his throat. Dionne's pained scream echoed through his head as he drank. He carried on drinking, draining her to the point of death. Eventually, Dionne lay limply in his arms, barely conscious. Orion looked at her, bloody tears running down his cheeks. He had come this far; there was no going back now. Gently he pulled her into a sitting position. Her head lolled back, her glazed eyes rolling open. Orion looked into them, seeing Dionne's dying soul writhing in them. Reaching out, he picked up a tiny, ebony handled knife. Bringing it up to his arm, he drew it across a wrist. The incision was clean and blood began to seep from the wound. Orion looked at it for a moment, the blood glistening under the soft candlelight. Lifting his wrist, he placed it against Dionne's mouth. She stirred slightly and licked the salty fluid from her lips. Opening her eyes slightly, she began to drink from the wound. Orion closed his eyes and let his head loll back, a slight smile on his lips. The sensation of the blood leaving his body and entering Dionne's was pleasant. Eventually, he opened his eyes and looked at her. She was fully conscious, her hands gripping his wrist to her mouth, her eyes greedily looking up at him. Gently, he pulled his wrist away from her mouth.
'Enough,' he whispered, 'there will be more later.'
He ran his hand under her chin and lifted her eyes to his.
'Your change has started. It will cause you pain for a while but I will be here for you.'
Dionne nodded and clung to Orion. The change had started, her internal organs were going through Armageddon, and she was dying a mortal death. Orion wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she writhed in his arms. It seemed to last for hours, her pain and her screaming. Eventually, she fell back, sweating and breathing heavily, arms flailed above her head. Orion reached out a hand and gently stroked her tired body.
'It's all over now,' he whispered.
She lay on the bed, the silk sheets tangled around her body, eyes closed. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked at Orion. Her eyes were now those of a killer, a predator. She smiled evilly, two new fangs extended from her jaw. Slowly she licked her lips. Orion backed off, a smile on his face. She was now a fully-fledged vampire and she was hungry. Getting onto her hands and knees, she began to crawl towards him, the smile on her mouth widening. Orion carried on backing away, still smiling. Eventually, Dionne caught up with him. Crawling over him, she pined him to the bed. Orion spread his arms and let her, playing along with her little game. He smiled up at her.
'What do you want?' he asked.
'You know what I want,' she replied, 'you created me and now I'm hungry.'
Orion raised his arms and placed them at her waist.
'What would you like to dine on tonight?'
She smiled at him, her fangs fully extended. They glinted in the soft candlelight, throwing off tiny sparks of light.
'You,' she replied.
As she moved in for the kill, Orion gently but forcibly pushed her away. She sat on him, hands resting on his chest and looked at him, hurt. Her fingers gently stroked at his clothing, picking at the fastenings. She was aroused; her breathing was heavy, tiny beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Orion watched as one trickled down the bridge of her nose. He reached out a hand and gently brushed it away.
'You're not ready,' he whispered, 'I want to teach you which veins to focus on. I couldn't have you killing people, could I?'
Dionne looked at him, head on one side. She didn't move from where she was sitting.
'Teach me now,' she said impatiently, hands massaging his chest
Orion smiled.
'You're amazing,' he said.
Gently he pushed her off of him and sat up.
'Are you ready to learn?' he asked.
She nodded, her fangs seeming to grow longer in the light.
'I want to learn,' she said, breathless, waiting.
'Okay,' Orion replied.
Brushing the hair away from his throat, he tilted his head to one side. Slowly, he ran a finger down a vein in this throat. At the base of the vein were two tiny, faint fang marks, a long dead reminder of his change.
'This vein,' he said, straining to see Dionne, 'this is the one I want you to go for.'
He saw Dionne move closer to him, her fangs glinting pearly white. He watched as her deep crimson tongue deftly ran across her teeth. He could see the salvia building in her mouth, moistening her tongue and teeth. Slowly she crawled closer and then he could feel her there beside him, her warm breath on his flesh. He stiffened slightly, worried about where her first bite would hit. Then he felt it, her hot tongue gently caressing the throbbing vein, cleaning it, her sharp fangs scrapping at the vein. Then, she sank them in. Orion screamed in pain, holding her head close. It was a long time since he had felt someone sink their fangs into him. Her tongue lapped gently at the wound she had created, it comforted Orion, relaxing him. He felt her hands on his head, pulling him close, her fingers stroking his hair. Eventually, she pulled away. Orion sat up and looked at her. She was slowly licking her lips, cleaning the blood away. Slowly he closed his eyes and breathed deeply, feeling the wounds in his throat heal.
'How was it?' he asked.
Dionne smiled slyly, the eyes of a predator smiling at him.
'Sweet,' she said, her tongue flicking over her now dormant fangs, 'I want some more.'
-'Not now,' Orion replied, 'Later, I'll find you a beautiful young man for you to feed off.'
Dionne smiled.
'What will he look like?' she asked.
Orion couldn't help but return her smile.
'He'll be beautiful,' he replied, 'the most beautiful man you will ever see. He'll have blue eyes and the softest black hair.'
Dionne curled into a ball and looked at Orion, giggling to herself. Orion watched her rock herself back and forth, giggling.
'Why are you laughing?' he asked, curious.
'I can't wait to see him,' she said.
Orion reached out and stroked her face. He smiled, his own dormant fangs glinting in the light.
'I know you can't.'

As Dionne rested beside Orion, a million thoughts past through her head. Turning over, she looked at her sleeping companion. His beautiful eyes were closed, his long, black hair spread out across the comfortable pillows. Dionne reached out a hand and stroked his hair, letting the soft strands run through her fingers. The cat was curled up close beside her, her tail curled over her nose. Staring at the ceiling, Dionne thought about the evening she'd just spent with Orion. He'd made her immortal, a vampire, one of the walking undead. She ran her tongue over her fangs, feeling them for the first time. They were still sensitive and weird to her. Sighing, Dionne tried to settle down. Gently she slung an arm across his motionless body and, for the last time, closed her eyes against her mortal past.

The next evening was pretty much the same as the one before. Dionne felt a mouth on hers, gently waking her. She opened her eyes to find herself looking into a pair of soft, kiwi coloured eyes. Smiling, she took the face in her hands and gently kissed the mouth again.
'Hi,' she whispered.
'Hi,' replied the beautifully accented voice, 'did you sleep well?'
She nodded.
'Yes, thank you,' she replied.
Gently she stroked Orion's finely boned face, her fingers running over his cheekbones and gently massaging the edges of his eyes. One hand wandered and tucked a stray lock of hair behind an ear.
'I'm hungry,' she whispered.
Orion smiled.
'I thought you might be,' he replied.
He held out a hand to her. Gently Dionne took it and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. Orion wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Dionne was taken aback by his gesture but decided that she should get used to it. After all, they were joined, married even, in blood.

They walked through the dark and empty city. It was a clear night and a frost was beginning to settle. Dionne clung to Orion, the cold biting through her clothes. She looked skyward and could see a million stars. The moon shone down in all its glory. Dionne took pleasure in seeing the night sky as it was now. She had given up a living, breathing life for this. She smiled at the stars; they were her new friends. They cast eerie shadows. Then, she heard it, the voices deep inside her head. Shaking with fear, she clung to Orion, eyes wide, mouth dry. He turned to her.
'What's wrong?' he asked, concern in her eyes.
'Voice,' she whispered, still shaking, 'there's voice in my head.'
Orion turned to her and held her in his arms. He looked down her, his eyes soft, a slight smile on his face.
'Those voices you can hear are part of your change. Your hearing is going to be more sensitive; all of your senses are going to become more sensitive. It'll be a little strange for a while but you'll get used to it.'
Gently he stroked her face.
'It's going to be okay,' he said, reassuring her, 'I'm here for you.'
Dionne looked at him, eyes still scared, mind still not quite adjusted to what was happening around her.
'Thank you,' she whispered.
'It's okay.'
Gently he stroked her hair before they carried on walking.
'Where are we going?' she asked.
'We're going to go to a bar,' Orion replied, 'A lot of other vampires haunt this bar. The clients are nice and I'm sure we'll find your beautiful man for you.'
Dionne smiled, showing him her fangs. She was excited and hungry and she couldn't wait. She could feel the salvia building in her mouth. The walk to the bar seemed to last forever. Eventually, they reached a building. From the outside, it looked welcoming. Soft lights shone from behind frosted windows, low music played. Orion stopped her and pulled her around to face him. Gently he held her hands in his.
'When we get in there, I'll pick out someone for you. Then it's up to you. Once you look into his eyes, he'll be hooked. After that, we'll take him back to the crypt.'
'Why do you want to take him back to the crypt?' Dionne asked.
'I want to watch you drink from him,' Orion replied.
'Why? Do you get off on it?'
Dionne watched as he shook his head, his raven hair falling into his eyes.
'No.'
Dionne could see that her comment had deeply wounded him Reaching up, she stroked his face, brushing the hair away.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered, 'I just thought it was kind of a weird comment, that's all.'
Standing on tiptoes, gently she kissed him. His mouth was soft and warm. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, pulling her close. Gently Dionne stroked the soft velvet of his clothing. Both of them were wearing the same clothes as the night before. Eventually they pulled away. Dionne looked into his eyes.
'Did that make up for what I said?' she asked.
Orion nodded. Dionne smiled.
'Good.'
Turning, they walked into the bar.

The young man walked in and sat at the bar. Orion looked at him from the corner booth. The man was in his early twenties, young and naive. Blonde hair hung to his shoulders and blue eyes looked around the bar, sussing out the other drinkers.
'He's the one,' whispered Orion, 'the one with the blonde hair.'
Dionne looked at him.
'I see him. So, what do I do?' she asked.
'Sit beside him. The second he looks into your eyes, he's going to be captivated. He'll be completely under your spell. After that, he'll follow you like a lamb to the slaughter.'
Dionne smiled.
'Okay,' she said.
Slowly, Dionne got to her feet and walked over to the bar. Pulling herself onto the barstool, she looked at the man. He was too engrossed in his drink to notice. Quietly she coughed to herself, clearing her throat. The man looked at her. She smiled a tiny smile at him.
'Hi,' she said.
She watched as his eyes became dilated slightly.
'Hi,' he replied, 'how are you?'
She shrugged and carried on smiling.
'I'm fine, and you? How are you tonight?'
The blonde man sighed and hid his eyes.
'I broke up with my girlfriend,' he whispered.
'I'm sorry,' replied Dionne, 'are you okay?'
He nodded.
'Love hurt, huh?' she asked.
He nodded again.
'I've been there myself. I'm only nineteen, I moved here a year ago from England and then my boyfriend decided he wanted nothing to do with me.'
Gently she reached out a hand and rested it on his shoulder.
'It's going to be alright.'
She sighed.
'Look, I have to go. I know this has only been short but I wish you all the best.'
The man looked at her once more and tried to smile. Dionne returned his and slid down from the barstool. She could see Orion waiting for her by the door. Slowly she walked towards him. As she approached Orion, he bent towards her.
'Look behind you,' he whispered.
Dionne slyly looked over her shoulder. The blonde man was sliding down from his barstool and clearly looking towards her. Slowly she smiled to herself, happy that she'd found her own meal.

Quietly Orion closed the heavy wooden door behind them. Dionne had wandered to the other end of the crypt with her meal. She was standing in front of him, talking to him. The blonde man was still entranced by her. His blue eyes were watching her, glazed over. Orion smiled to himself and walked over to the bed, leaving Dionne to her food.

Gently Dionne held the man's hands and stared into his sparkling blue eyes. Slowly she smiled and stood on tiptoes to gently kiss him. The man responded and wrapped his arms around her. Dionne felt her fangs scrapping at her jaw; her newly found hunger was killing her. Her fangs extended and she gently kissed the man's throat. He moaned slightly and held her head against his flesh. Dionne realised that she couldn't hold her hunger back a second longer and sunk her fangs into the throbbing vein beneath her lips. The blood shot from his vein into her mouth. His scream echoed through her mind, the pain shooting through his skull. Dionne realised that she could read his thoughts and his feelings. It was a strange feeling knowing that he was thinking, knowing that he was enjoying what she was doing, knowing that his life was flashing through his mind. Eventually, Dionne pulled away. The man slumped down, unconscious, falling into Dionne's arms. Dionne expected to drop him but instead her arms supported him perfectly. Slowly she lowered him onto the cold stone floor. She turned to Orion, blood dribbling from her chin. Quickly she wiped it away.
'I'm finished,' she said, a smile playing on her lips.
Orion looked up from his position on the bed. He smiled at her, a look of pure love in his eyes.
'Come here,' he whispered.
She walked over to him and let him hold her. His arms delicately rested at her waist, his hands linked behind her.
'How was he?' Orion asked.
Dionne smiled and sighed, something flashing through her eyes.
'He was good,' she replied, 'I want more.'
Orion reached out a hand and brushed speckles of blood away from her mouth. His fingers quickly brushed over her lips.
'Not tonight,' he whispered, 'you'll only make yourself ill and there's nothing worse than an ill vampire.'
Dionne looked at him with innocent, baby-doll eyes. She pouted her lips at him.
'Why?' she asked.
'Because you'll be sick if you're not careful and you'll have horrible stomach pains.'
Dionne relaxed as Orion stroked her back. She smiled and rested her head on one side.
'I love you,' she whispered, 'you're so beautiful.'
She reached out a hand and gently stroked his face. Orion smiled and lowered his eyes. Leaning down, she gently kissed him.
'You have the softest mouth,' she whispered.
Orion kept his eyes lowered and his smiles to a minimum.
'Why are you so shy about it?' she asked.
Orion shook his head, his hair falling into his eyes. Dionne sat on the bed and gently tucked his hair behind his ears.
'The most beautiful eyes, the softest hair. I love you, I'm so happy you found me.'
Orion didn't look up, hiding his shyness away from her. Gently, Dionne kissed his forehead and wrapped her arms around him. She stroked his back and neck, enjoying feeling his body close to hers, the warmth of his body seeping through her clothes. His unique smell drifted into her nose, delighting her senses. She was happy, happier than she'd ever been since she'd arrived in the country.

Orion slept deeply that night, his mind completely blank except for the knowledge that Dionne was sleeping close beside him. One of his hands unconsciously stroked her, comforting her. After her meal, Orion had fed from her. She had enjoyed it, lying on the bed beneath him, wrapped in the silk sheets, laughing as he had kissed and touched her. Now he held her in his arms, sleeping. She was so precious, so very precious. He couldn't believe that he'd found her and that she'd fallen in love with him.

The next evening, Orion was woken by a pressure on his chest. Opening his eyes, he slowly focused on Dionne sitting on his chest, her hands resting in front of her. He smiled at her, his hands coming to rest at her waist.
'Did you sleep well?' he asked.
She returned his smile.
'Yes, thank you for asking,' she replied, 'I dreamt about you.'
Orion gently stroked her, his fingers feeling her curves.
'What did you dream about?' he asked.
'I dreamt about this beautiful bed, with silk sheets and big, oversized pillows. There were hundreds of scented candles and roses on the bed. You were dressed in black velvet and you were waiting for me, here in the crypt.'
Orion's fingers began to crawl under the long shirt that she'd slept in. He felt Dionne stiffen and shiver as his fingertips made contact with her flesh. Her quiet intake of breath aroused him. Everything about her position, the way she was sitting on him, the way she was dominating him excited him.
'And what did we do when you arrived?' he asked.
'You held me in your arms and kissed me, like this,' she bent and gently kissed him. Orion savoured it, closing his eyes.
'And then,' Dionne continued, 'we laid down on the bed and made love.'
Orion looked up into her eyes, captivated by her story.
'What was it like?' he quietly asked, 'our union. What was it like?'
Dionne closed her eyes and smiled. She quietly sighed.
'It was beautiful. Romantic and passionate. You were amazing. I loved every minute of it.'
Orion's hands crept higher up her shirt, slowly pushing it up her body as he did. He closed his eyes, his breathing becoming heavier.
'Do you want to try it now?' Orion asked.
Dionne shook her head.
'Not yet. Later maybe.'
She looked at him, concern in her eyes. She reached out a hand and gently stroked his face.
'You do still love me, don't you?' she asked.
He nodded.
'I will never stop loving you. I understand that you have problems that you need to get over and I'm willing to give you time.'
Dionne smiled and bent to kiss him. Orion gently stroked the back of her neck.
'Thank you,' she whispered as she straightened up.
He watched as she slowly climbed off him. He closed his eyes and sighed. She had an amazing power of him. His body was in turmoil and he had no clue what to do. Slowly he ran his hands over his body, wishing, hoping, that later Dionne and himself could come back here and finish what they'd started.
'Orion?' a voice penetrated his thoughts.
Orion opened his eyes and turned his head. Dionne had changed into clean clothes and a jacket.
'I'm going out for a bit,' she said, 'I need some fresh air. I'll be back later.'
Orion smiled. Perfect, he thought.
'Okay,' he replied, 'stay safe.'
Dionne smiled and left. Orion closed his eyes and went back to fantasy.

Outside, Dionne inhaled the clear night air. She looked up at the sky and stared at the stars, thinking, remembering. Her heightened senses could smell blood, pure, unadulterated blood. Smiling to herself, she turned into a nearby bar.

The bar was virtually empty. Stale cigarette smoke hung in the air; music played quietly on hidden speakers. Behind the bar, the lone bartender polished glasses. He looked at her, staring at her like she was a ghost. That was when she caught the very first sight of herself as a vampire. Her reflection stared back at her from a nearby mirror. She was pale; her plum coloured hair stark against her skin. She was starting to become gaunt, her flesh starting to pull over her bones. She looked like a ghost but Dionne suddenly realised that she had begun to discover her true self, the real Dionne that for so many years had been repressed. Smiling, she turned towards the bar and its clients. There were just two clients; an old man sat at the bar and a young man sat in a corner booth, nursing a glass of red wine. Dionne estimated that the man was in his late twenties, early thirties. He had dark brown hair. Liquid brown eyes stared at her. Long, bony fingers were wrapped around the thin stemmed glass. Smiling to herself, Dionne walked over to the booth and sat down. The man kept on staring at her.
'Hi,' she said.
He hid his eyes from her.
'Hi,' he quietly replied.
Dionne smiled.
'Look at me,' she said, 'don't be scared. I'm not going to hurt you.'
He shyly looked up at her and forced a weak smile. Dionne felt him begin to fall under her immortal spell.
'I know,' said Dionne, playing on her English accent, 'you're wondering why I'm sitting here talking to you. Well, I'm new to the country and I'm bit lonely so I thought I'd come over and talk.'
'Do you want a drink?' he asked.
Dionne shook her head.
'No thank you,' she replied.
'Why?' he asked.
'I'm not really thirsty.'
She carried on looking at him. His eyes were dilating as he began to fall under her spell. She smiled inwardly to herself and slowly slid from the booth. The man watched her.
'You're leaving already?' he asked.
She nodded.
'I'm sorry I have to leave so soon.'
'But I want to get to know you better,' the man was on the verge of whining.
Dionne smiled seductively and bent a finger towards him before turning away and walking towards the door. As she came closer to leaving the bar, she turned and looked over her shoulder. The man had slid from the booth and was willingly following her. Turning, she smiled and carried on walking out into the night.

Outside the man walked up to her and grabbed her.
'I want to know your name,' he demanded.
Dionne shook him away and carried on walking.
'I'll tell you in a minute,' she replied, 'just follow me.'
He willingly did, following her like a lamb to the slaughter. Dionne turned down a tiny, dark alley and leaned against the wall, waiting. The man turned up the alley and walked up to her. He pinned her against the wall, a hand on either side of her, not wanting her to escape.
'What's your name?' he asked again.
'Dionne,' she replied.
Then she grabbed him and pulled him towards her. She kissed him, hard, her tongue plunging deep into his mouth. He responded to her, pulling him against her, his hands exploring her body. Slowly Dionne moved her mouth away from his and into his throat. She could feel her hunger growing, waking the predator deep inside of her. Her tiny, dormant fangs scratched at her jaw, waiting to be let loose, to scratch, to bite, to kill. Eventually the time came and Dionne plunged her fangs deep into the man's throbbing vein that lay beneath her mouth. He screamed in pain, arching against her. Her fangs ripped through flesh as he moved, causing him more pain than was necessary. Using her immortal strength, she pulled him close and held him still, his blood rushing into her mouth, filling her, satisfying her. The sweet, warm blood ran across her tongue and down her throat. Eventually she let him go. He slumped against the opposite wall, unconscious, totally oblivious that he had just been bitten. The next morning, he'd never remember one moment of what had happened. Dionne took one last look at him and fled.

She opened the crypt door as quietly as was humanly possible. As she walked into the crypt, she let out a gasp of surprise. Hundreds of scented candles on hundreds of candle stands lit the empty chamber. The bed was made up in crisp, fresh silk sheets. The bed and the floor were scattered with hundreds of rose petals. Standing in the centre of the crypt was Orion. Her lover, her companion, her lord and master. He was dressed from head to foot in a black velvet suit. One arm was bent behind his back; his long raven hair was brushed down his back and shoulders, the candlelight catching in the soft waves. Dionne stood staring at him, her breath taken away. Orion smiled and walked up to her. He held out a single red rose.
'For the lady,' he said.
She smiled and took it, lifting it to her nose to smell it.
'What's all this in aid of?' she asked.
Orion smiled at her, reaching out an arm and wrapping it around her waist.
'I can feel it,' he whispered, 'I know that you're ready. I want to make love to you.'
Dionne smiled and stood on tiptoe, reaching up to kiss him. Orion responded and kissed her back. Slowly they pulled away and looked into each other's eyes.
'Tonight,' she replied, 'tonight you shall have me.'
Orion firmly wrapped an arm around her waist and led her towards the bed. Dionne let him sit her on the edge. She ran her hands over the soft silk sheets, feeling their coolness beneath her fingertips. She turned her attention back to Orion and watched as he knelt in front of her. His arms went around her waist, his mouth moved to hers. Dionne draped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Her fingers gently stroked the velvet beneath her fingers, enjoying the closeness. Slowly, Orion began to push her onto her back, steadying her as he did. From her lying position, she stared up at him in all his immortal beauty. She watched as his hand went to her waist and slowly undid her zipper. Dionne gasped slightly. Orion picked up on her panic.
'It's okay,' he whispered, 'it isn't going to hurt.'
Slowly he removed her trousers and slid his hands under her shirt. He lifted it over her head and dropped it beside the bed. Dionne lay back onto the bed, closing her eyes as she did. She didn't want to think, she didn't want to watch. To her, this kind of intimacy was just too painful. It reminded her of the relationship she'd had with her ex, the harassment she'd had back in England, the thoughts of her ugliness, how anyone could ever love her.
'Relax,' a voice whispered in her ear.
She felt the soft velvet against her naked flesh. A kiss was laid on the base of her throat, another on her breast. The ends of Orion's hair brushed her skin, sending shivers through her. Orion began to move his way down her body, kissing her breasts and her stomach. Each kiss he placed on her skin made her shiver but she couldn't do it. Reaching out, she pushed at Orion.
'No,' she whispered, 'I can't do this.'
Orion pushed himself up and looked down at her.
'What is it?' he asked, 'What's wrong?'
Dionne closed her eyes, bloody tears seeping from the corners of her eyes. She shook her head.
'I don't know,' she whispered.
Orion gently stroked her face. Dionne moved away from him and wrapped herself in the covers. She felt a hand gently stroke her back.
'It's alright,' she heard Orion whisper, 'if you don't feel ready we can try again another day.'
'I promised you we'd do it tonight,' she whispered, hiding herself away.
Orion's hand carried on stroking her back, a desperate attempt to ease her tension.
'It's okay,' he whispered, 'there is no rush. Just take your time.'
Dionne tried to smile but found it difficult. Yes, earlier in the evening, she had felt ready but that had been washed away. She didn't want to be scared; she wanted to be brave. She wanted to love and to be loved. She wanted to get rid of the baggage, the intimacy problems, which weighed her down. As Orion stroked her back, she slowly fell asleep. As blackness took over her mind, a mouth gently kissed her and a voice quietly whispered,
'Sleep well, my love.'

The next evening, Dionne slowly awoke. Her lover was sleeping soundly beside her, his long hair spread across the pillows. Sitting up, she quietly woke Orion. Something inside of her had changed. She felt different, she felt like a different person. It was then that she decided that now was the right time, now she was the time that she wanted Orion to make love to her. Gently she kissed Orion. His kiwi eyes slowly opened, focusing on her.
'Orion,' she whispered.
Slowly he woke up.
'Orion, now is the time.'
He looked at her, his beautiful eyes relaxed.
'If you say so,' he replied.
Slowly he knelt up, pushing the bedclothes off of himself. Kneeling up, he was still taller than Dionne. She looked up into his eyes and smiled slowly.
'Easy, okay?' she asked.
He smiled and nodded. Gently he placed his hands on her back. She relaxed and let herself be lowered back onto the bed. Orion knelt over her, looking down at her. Dionne looked up at him and smiled. Reaching up, she slowly unbuttoned the velvet jacket that Orion was still wearing. Slowly she slipped it from his shoulders and let it slip down his back and onto the floor. She smiled as she ran her hands over his naked skin. Her fingers gently stroked the soft, pale skin, her sensitive fingertips finding the tiny, invisible hairs. Orion moved between her legs; she was still naked from the night before. He reached out and took her face in his hands.
'It's not going to hurt,' he whispered as she closed her eyes, 'it's not going to hurt.'
Dionne heard herself gasp as he slid himself inside of her. She felt herself react, tensing up against her lover. Orion's fingers gently stroked her naked flesh, comforting her.
'Relax,' a voice whispered in her ear.
Dionne kept her eyes closed, trying not to focus on what Orion what was doing to her body. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his mouth down to hers.

An hour later, it was all over. Dionne lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was blank. She felt like she had been violated, raped. It had not been fun for her; the pleasure had been all Orion's. He had offered, insisted even, to bring her pleasure but she had pushed him away. He had told her that he was here to make her happy. Dionne, feeling empty and alone, had turned away. Orion was now lying beside her, propped up on an elbow, looking at her. Dionne turned her head to look at him.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered.
He looked at her, confusion lining his perfect face.
'Why?' he asked.
'I pushed you away,' she replied, 'you told me that you want to make me happy and I pushed you away and ignored you.'
He reached out and stroked her face. Dionne closed her eyes, attempting to relax.
'It's okay,' Orion replied.
Dionne shook her head.
'No, no it's not,' she said. 'I shouldn't say no to you.'
She watched as Orion rose himself over her, taking her face in his hands.
'You have every right to say no to me. You've been through a lot and what happened today was only your internal defensive mechanism to prevent you from getting hurt again. With time, you'll relax. Just let everything take it's course.'
He bent and gently kissed her. Dionne wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Eventually, he pulled away and looked down at her. Dionne reached up and gently stroked his face, her fingers gently straightening his eyebrows.
'Anyway,' said Orion, 'we must rise and get ready.'
Dionne looked at him quizzically.
'Why?' she asked.
'Tonight, I must address the city's vampire population. I would like you to meet them.'
Dionne watched as Orion stepped down from the bed, wrapping one of the throws around his naked form. Dionne watched, a slight smile on her lips. She watched as Orion walked to the opposite end of the crypt. Sitting up, she wrapped the covers around herself. She was cold now that Orion wasn't there to keep her warm. She was watched as he walked back, holding something in his arms. Sitting on the bed, he held it out to her.
'Here,' he said, 'this is for you. I want you to wear it tonight.'
Dionne unfolded it and held it up. Her breath was taken away. It was a dress, made of the most beautiful, midnight blue velvet. Silver embroidery snaked over the front and back.
'It's beautiful,' Dionne whispered, still taken aback by its beauty.
She looked at Orion and watched him smile.
'I knew you'd like it,' he replied.
Standing up, Dionne slid it over her head, her insecurities forgotten for the moment. Once she had it settled around her body, she swung around to show it to Orion, a smile playing on her lips.
'It's beautiful,' she said again.
The soft velvet felt comfortable against her skin. She had expected it to chaff and cause a rash but it hadn't. She ran her hands over the material, smoothing it out. She looked up; the smile hadn't left her lips. She watched as Orion got to his feet and walked over to her. He wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close. A smile played on his lips and he kissed her.
'Let me get dressed and then we shall leave,' he said.
Dionne stared up into his beautiful eyes and felt herself begin to drown in them, falling under his spell. He let her go and began to dress himself. Dionne stood, watching him, her hands clasped in front of her. Orion moved around, picking up clothing and dressing himself. He picked up a brush and ran it through his hair. As he finished brushing his own hair, he stepped up to Dionne and took her chin in his hand. Without speaking, he gently pulled it through her hair, tucking it behind her ears and making her look pretty. Dionne appreciated the small gesture and smiled at him.
'Thank you,' she whispered.
He returned her smile and reached for her hand. Dionne let him take it and let herself be led into the cool night.

Quietly, they walked through the night. Dionne looked around herself, still not quite used to her vampiric transformation. Her hearing picked up the slightest sounds; a rat running through a sewer pipe, two people arguing, an insect in a tree. Dionne was fascinated by everything around her, her sensitive hearing, smell and sight. She felt the salvia build in her mouth as different blood smells drifted into her nose. She licked her lips, feeling her fangs itch in her jaw, desperate to set free. Quietly she snarled to herself, hungry. All to soon, they turned into an alleyway. Dionne let herself be led down the dark, twisting passageway and through a set of heavy wooden doors.

Dionne looked around herself in awe as they walked down the low-roofed corridor. The tiny candles threw soft light over the deep red walls. They walked down the corridor, hand in hand. Orion kept looking down at her, his soft eyes constantly checking on her.
'Are you okay?' he asked.
Dionne nodded.
'I'm okay,' she replied.
Orion pulled her to a stop and held her in his arms. Dionne looked up at him, in awe.
'I don't think I've ever told you this,' Orion said, 'but I love you more than you can ever imagine.'
Bending his head, he gently kissed her. Dionne let herself enjoy it, letting herself enjoy the touch of his lips on hers. Dionne lifted her hands to the back of his head and gently stroked his hair. As he pulled away, he rested his head on her shoulder. Dionne gently stroked his head, enjoying the feel of his mouth nuzzling her throat. She enjoyed the closeness, the feel of his arms around her, pulling her close. Eventually he pulled away, breaking the contact between them. Dionne looked up at him.
'We need to go,' he whispered to her.
She smiled and, for the first time, reached for his hand. He smiled down at her, her insecurities falling away. Slowly, they began to walk away.

Eventually, they reached the side of the stage. Orion left Dionne in the wings, bidding her goodbye with a kiss.
'It's not for long, my love,' he whispered, 'I'll be back before you even know I'm gone.'
She smiled and stood, watching him, her hands clasped behind her back. Orion stood out on the stage, addressing the vampire population. Dionne loved his voice, dripping with a beautiful European accent. She loved everything about him, his tall, lithe body towering over hers. His beautiful green eyes staring into hers, a smile playing on his lips. The way his long, raven hair flowed down his back, eventually ending at his waist. But what Dionne loved the most was the way he treated her, the way he treated her like a lady, the way he spoke to her, the way touched her. It was his attention to tiny detail like the night before. The roses, the silk sheets, the black velvet suit. He had made her night perfect.
'Dionne,' Orion's voice pierced her thoughts.
Dionne looked up. Orion was looking towards her, his arms outstretched. Smiling, Dionne walked towards him and stepped into his arms. He wrapped them tightly around her, pulling her close, a hand stroking her hair. Eventually he turned her towards the audience of vampires.
'This young woman,' Orion said, 'is my companion. I love her very much and I would like you to treat her with the same respect that you give me. She is part of our family now.'
He bent and gently kissed her. Dionne closed her eyes and forgot about the world around her, the hundreds of vampiric eyes focused on her. All she could concentrate on was the beauty of her lover's kiss, of his touch. Slowly he pulled away, still holding her in his arms.
'I love you,' he whispered as he slowly led her away from the stage.

Away from the stage, a lady in a green Victorian style dress approached them. She had a dark green choker around her neck. She fascinated Dionne. On a silver tray, she carried two glasses containing a thick red liquid. She handed one to Orion and one to Dionne. She turned to Dionne and smiled, two tiny fangs appearing from behind blood red lips.
'Hello Dionne,' she said, 'welcome to the family.'
Dionne smiled and lowered her eyes. The vampiress bowed her head and gently kissed her on the cheek. Then she was gone. Orion turned to Dionne. He gestured to the glass.
'It's blood,' he said, 'drink it while it's still warm.'
Dionne smiled and lifted it to her lips, drinking it slowly and savouring the taste of the warm blood flowing over her tongue. She closed her eyes, the only thing on her mind being the sweet taste that took over her senses. Suddenly she was pulled out of her thoughts. Slowly she opened her eyes. A small group of older vampires stood in front of Orion. They looked older than him in appearance and, Dionne guessed that they were older than him in age. One of them stepped up to Orion so that they were on an eye level with him.
'You shouldn't have turned her,' he said.
Orion looked him straight in the eye, challenging him.
'Tell me why I shouldn't have turned her,' he said, his eyes hardening.
For the first time, Dionne was scared. He was angry, challenging. But she knew that Orion would never become angry with her. He loved her; he would never try to hurt her in any way.
'She too young,' said another of the vampires.
'Why is she too young?' asked Orion, 'she was hurting, she needed someone to love her, someone to take care of her. Someone who was going to be around for eternity.'
The elders stared at him.
'Orion,' another of them stepped forward; 'there are better females out there that you could have brought into immortality.'
Orion pulled himself up to his full height.
'I am the head vampire,' he said, malice in his voice, 'you are mere elders. I can choose those who I bring into immortality. I wanted to bring someone I loved into the life of a vampire not just someone who would bring good into our family. I love Dionne and I promise you she will do well in our family. She will not bring anything against us.'
The vampires eyed him, their eyes filled with pure evil.
'We'll see about that,' said one.
They turned and walked away. Dionne looked up at Orion. He looked down and gently cupped her chin in his hand. She collapsed into his arms. Orion supported her. Concern played in her eyes. Orion saw it and smiled slightly.
'It's okay,' he whispered.
'It isn't,' Dionne buried her head against his chest.
Orion cradled her head against him, trying to comfort him. Tears streamed down Dionne's face, staining both hers and Orion's clothing.
'They hate me,' she cried.
'They don't hate you; they've just got to adjust to you.'
Dionne shook her head, ruffling her hair against Orion's clothing.
'They're going to kill me,' she whispered.
Orion slid his hand under her chin and lifted her eyes to his.
'No-one's going to kill you. I'm here to protect you,' he said.
Gently he took her hand in his. His fingers gently caressed hers. Dionne watched as his fingers crawled across her hand.
'Let's leave,' he whispered.
Dionne let herself be slowly led her from the building.

Outside, they stood under the stars. Orion pulled her to a stop. He noticed that she was still crying, bloody tears streaming down her cheeks. Gently he wrapped her in his arms and rested his head on top of hers.
'Everything's going to be okay,' he whispered, 'it's all going to be okay.'
Gently he stroked her. She seemed to be calming. Bending his head, he gently kissed her head. Slowly he rocked her, making soft, soothing noises. Eventually, he pulled away. Dionne's pitiful cries had quietened. As he pulled away, Dionne looked skywards, past him and towards the night sky.
'Look at the sky,' Dionne said.
Orion wiped her tears away before looking up. Stars glittered from above, the moon hidden behind a cloud. He had seen the stars a million times before but they still fascinated him. Before his transformation, he would spend hours staring at the sky, studying the stars. As a young man, he had studied astronomy and mythology. He remembered the hours he had spent in his father's study, reading the books of the ancients. His knowledge of witchcraft and magic exceeded that of any other member of the vampiric population. That was why he was the head vampire and not one of his elders. It was his knowledge and not his heritage that had given him that title. Dionne's voice suddenly pierced his thoughts.
'They're so pretty,' she whispered, 'the stars, they're so pretty. I love the way they reflect in the water.'
Orion smiled and stroked her hair.
'Yes,' he replied, 'they are pretty.'
Cupping her chin in his hand, he gently lifted her eyes to his as he had done so many times during the evening. He briefly looked away from her eyes and saw the first purple rays of dawn arching over the horizon.
'The dawn is on its way. We must leave. But before we leave, a little something.'
Bending his head, he gently kissed her, his lips gently caressing hers. Slowly, he pulled away, not wanting to break the contact. His fingers gently stroked her face.
'You're beautiful,' he whispered.
Slowly he reached for her hand, eager to prolong their time out of the crypt. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he began to lead her home. Quietly he smiled as she laid her head against his shoulder, her own arm wrapping around his slender waist.

Back in the crypt, Dionne lay on the bed, staring at the many candles. They had arrived back to find their living quarters spotless, as if many tiny hands had been cleaning. The petals were gone from the bed, the bed sheets had been changed and the burnt down candles replaced. The tiny flames fascinated her, hundreds of them, all flickering for her. Lighting even the darkest corners of the crypt. Lighting even the darkest corners of her heart. A slight pressure on the bed caused her to turn her head. She found herself looking into a pair of deep green eyes. Smiling, she reached out a hand and stroked his face. Leaning forward, she gently kissed his soft, slightly smiling mouth. He responded and placed a hand on the back of her head, his fingers gently stroking her hair. Dionne enjoyed the kiss, warm and relaxing, never intending to hurt her. Slowly, happily, they pulled away from each other. Orion gently touched her nose with the tip of a finger.
'Get some sleep,' he whispered, 'the sun is rising and you've had a long night.'
Dionne smiled and lay on her back. She felt the pressure of Orion lying beside her. A hand gently stroked her body, lulling her into sleep. Dionne moved so that she was on her side, facing Orion. Orion's fingers moved to her throat and then to her face, stroking her, relaxing her. Eventually she felt sleep begin to take over her body and she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next evening, Dionne awoke, groggy and tired. Opening her eyes, she slowly focused on Orion. He was awake and pacing the crypt, one hand lifted to his face, deep in thought. Dionne sat up and wrapped the covers around her shoulders.
'Orion,' she hoarsely whispered.
The beautiful vampire looked up, his train of thought broken. Dionne was beginning to sense that something was wrong.
'What's wrong?' she asked.
Orion smiled slightly and walked over to her. Bending down, he took her face in his hands and gently kissed her. His lips lingered on hers before he pulled away.
'Nothing's wrong,' he said, 'everything's fine.'
Gently he kissed her again.
'We need to go out,' he said, 'to the theatre.'
Dionne looked at him, a quizzical look in her eyes.
'Don't worry, there's nothing wrong,' he said, a slight smile playing on his lips. Get up and get dressed. We need to leave as soon as possible.'
'Okay,' she replied, reaching out a hand to stroke his hair.
Slowly she got out of bed and began to prepare herself. Picking up the hairbrush, she began to pull it through her hair. Normally, Orion would have done this for her but he seemed otherwise occupied and not interested in her. A pang of worry shot through her heart. What if he was losing interest in her? What if she was just a phase he was going through? What if he had found someone else? She tried to put it to the back of her mind but it was difficult. There was definitely something wrong.

Quietly, they began their long walk to the theatre. But tonight, Orion didn't hold her in his arms. Instead, he walked a few feet ahead of her, hands clasped behind his back. Dionne walked as fast as she could but she found that keeping up with him was difficult. Something on one of Orion's thumbs caught Dionne's eye. It was silver and the light of the moon glinted off of it. But not even her sensitive eyesight could make it out. Sighing, Dionne carried on following him, believing that the end for her was near.

Dionne stood at the side of the stage and watched as her beautiful prince spoke to his family. She felt scared, her fear was growing. She couldn't quite hear what Orion was saying and strained her sensitive hearing. But it was no good. Suddenly, Orion turned to her, his arms outstretched, a smile on his face. For the first time, Dionne could make out what he was wearing on his thumb. It was a long, claw-like ring, which sparkled, in the dim candlelight. Dionne was captivated by it but Orion's voice spoke directly into her brain.
'Come here,' he said, 'I'm not going to hurt you.'
Something in Dionne's brain told her not to be so sure but she stepped out onto the creaking floorboards and into Orion's arms. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, pulling her close. She looked up into his eyes and felt herself drown in them. His hands gently stroked her hair and he gently lifted her lips to his. But the kiss was cut short as Orion plunged his claw ring into a vein in her throat. Dionne screamed and pulled away but Orion had a firm hold on her. He attached his mouth to the wound in her throat and sucked at the blood, which seeped from it. It was painful and Dionne screamed in agony, writhing against him. She was helpless, powerless. This experience wasn't like the other, more pleasurable blood letting ceremonies. It felt like Orion was draining every drop of blood from her body. Eventually, Orion let her drop to the floor. Dionne fell to the floor and curled up, hiding her eyes as best as she could. Cautiously she looked up into his eyes. What she saw could only be described as pure evil, like nothing she'd ever seen before. A smile slid on to his lips, evil and unloving. Tears, bloody tears, trickled from her eyes. She was too scared to say anything but Orion spoke anyway.
'You may as well be quiet,' Orion hissed, his voice evil, 'for it is not the first time nor the second, that your veins have appeased my thirst.'
Dionne felt the tears of bewilderment, hurt and anger stream down her cheeks. Obviously the love that Orion had given hadn't been real. It had been an evil plan to bring her into the world of the vampire and turn her into this, a blood drinking monster of the night. Why would he want to deceive her? Hurt her? Humiliate her? Slowly, she got to her feet and left, looking at the audience, the vampiric family that had refused to accept her, through her tears.

Heartbroken, Dionne leaned against a wall and cried. How could he? How could be just reject her like this? Slowly, she wiped her eyes and began to walk away. She felt alone, so alone. None of the other vampires had accepted and now Orion, her beautiful vampire, wanted nothing to do with her. She turned out of the alleyway and turned onto the walkway by the canal. She dragged her feet, walking slowly, the tears prickling the backs of her eyes. Eventually, she found a bench and sat down. She thought about the possibilities that lay ahead of her. She could stand in the stand of the face of the sun. It was only a few hours away and it was a quick and easy way to end the pain. But she couldn't do it; she couldn't end her life. Slowly, she turned her wrists over and looked at the two inch long scars, one on either wrist. The painful memory of a past life which she would carry with her for all eternity. She looked up, unable to bare any of her painful memories a minute longer. She looked at the canal and watched the moonlight bounce off the dark, quiet water. It lapped gently at the banks of the canal, reminding her of why she had moved to Amsterdam in the first place. The sheer beauty and history of the place had been some of it. Her boyfriend had been another. The boyfriend she'd rather forget. Sighing, she bent down and picked up a pebble and threw it into the water, breaking the eerie silence and causing ripples to race across the water. Suddenly, a familiar voice punctured her thoughts.
'Dionne,' it said.
Dionne stood up and swung around. Orion stood a few yards away; hands clasped in front of him, raven hair hanging down his chest and back. He was beautiful, so painfully beautiful, yet all Dionne felt was pure hatred for him. Orion held out a hand to her. Dionne stared at him, backing away as she did. Her eyes flared.
'Stay away from me,' she hissed.
Orion stared at her, hurt. Tears trickled from his eyes. He made no move to brush them away.
'Dionne, I'm sorry,' he whispered.
Dionne stared at him, unable to take he eyes of this embodiment of evil, which stood in front of her.
'Didn't I tell you to stay away from me?' she demanded.
Orion hung his head, his hair hiding the sadness in his eyes.
'I didn't mean it,' he quietly repeated.
Dionne stared at him, her eyes boring into his head.
'I don't believe you,' she replied, her voice hard and unloving, 'you hurt me. How can I trust you again?'
Orion slowly raised his head, his eyes blood shot, bloody tears streaking his face. His hair was laden with blood, wisps spread across his face.
'I love you,' he whispered, 'I know you're not going to believe me but I do.'
Dionne carried on staring at him. Her hands came to rest at her hips, her fingers stroking the velvet beneath them.
'You're right,' Dionne harshly replied, 'I don't believe you. You know I've been through this before but why did you chose to humiliate me like that in front of so many people?'
Orion hung his head again. He didn't answer her. Dionne felt the anger rise in her and did her best to control her inflammatory temper.
'Answer me, Orion,' she said, showing him her temper for the very first time, 'why did you do it?'
Slowly he lifted his eyes again. He was still crying, obviously ashamed of what he had done to her, knowing that he had hurt the fragile bond between them.
'I wanted them to accept me again,' was his quiet reply, 'they hate me for making you a vampire. They believe what I did was wrong and they you should have stayed mortal.'
Dionne felt something begin to stir in her, something in her heart. Emotion, feeling, it was cutting into the red-hot wall of anger which was blinding anything she felt towards Orion. Slowly, she felt herself become calm.
'Would you like me to leave you?' she asked, 'would that make it easier for you among the family?'
Orion slowly shook his head.
'I don't want you to leave me. Ever,' he replied, 'I don't care what they think. You are far more important than they ever will be.'
Dionne cocked her head to one side.
'But obviously not tonight.'
'Dionne, I don't know what possessed me to do what I did but I am truly sorry. What can I do to make you believe in me again?'
Dionne walked towards him and stepped onto the bench beside him. Taking his slender face in her hands, Dionne slid her hands under his hair and cradled his head. Leaning down from her position on the bench, she gently kissed him. Orion's hands reached up and came to rest on the back of her head. The kiss was long and warm. Dionne didn't want it to end but she knew it had to. Pulling away, she looked down into his eyes. Gently she stroked the strands of bloodied hair from his face and tucked it back behind his ears. She smiled and gently kissed the bridge of his nose.
'You're forgiven,' she said, 'I love you and I will never stop.'
Stepping down from the bench, she began to walk home, back towards the crypt. As she approached a nearby bridge, she turned. Orion was still standing beside the bench, watching her. She smiled and held out a hand.
'Come on,' she said.
She stood and waited for Orion to catch up with her and take her hand. Looking up into his eyes, she smiled, her fingers gently caressing his.

Slowly Orion unlocked the door of the crypt and pushed it open. It creaked, the noise echoing through the empty room. Walking through the door, he led his young lover inside, the tips of his fingers brushing hers. She smiled up at him as he closed the door and swung her towards him.
'You are so perfect,' he whispered, a hand stroking his hair, 'so perfect and beautiful. I love you so much.'
Bending his head, he gently kissed her.
'Come,' he whispered, 'let's rest. You've had a long evening.'
He watched as she smiled. Gently he walked her over to the bed. Moving the tapestries, he let he creep into their secret place, their hideaway from the world. Then he climbed in after her, letting the heavy hanging fall back behind him. Dionne sat in front of him, relaxing on the heavy throw cushions, legs crossed in front of her, hands resting in her lap. A delicate smile played on her lips. Seductively, she motioned him to come closer, curling a finger towards him. Orion smiled, showing off his fangs, and willingly went to her. Dionne rested her head on his shoulder and quietly whispered to him.
'I could keep you up all day,' she whispered, 'give me some of that blood you had earlier and I can promise you the best time of your life.'
Orion pulled away from her and looked into her eyes, shock and passion flaring through them.
'You have never reacted like this,' he said, 'what has come over you?'
Dionne looked at him, slightly hurt.
'I thought you'd like it,' she said, her face falling.
Orion reached out a hand and stroked her face.
'I do like it,' he replied.
'Shall I continue?' she asked, the smile returning her lips.
Orion nodded and smiled. He watched as Dionne's fangs slowly slid from her jaw. Licking her lips, she moved as close to him as possible and brushed the hair away from his throat. He gasped as her lips touched his throat. The scrapping of her fangs cause him to cry out until they sunk into a throbbing vein. Orion shouted, his hands clinging to the back of her head, pulling her mouth as close as possible. Eventually Dionne pulled away, trails of blood trickling from the corners of her mouth, her fangs extended and bloodied. Orion watched, transfixed, as her fangs slowly slid back into their sheaths. Leaning forward, Orion kissed her, wiping the blood away from her lips. Smiling, he gently pushed her to the bed. Dionne lay beneath him, smiling.
'Ready?' she asked.
Nodding, he bent again to kiss her.

It was perfect. Everything that happened between them was perfect. Orion lay beside her, watching her. She looked at him, brown eyes tired. Slowly, she smiled and the words 'I love you' formed on her lips. Orion smiled and stroked her face.
'Sleep, my love,' he whispered.
He watched as she closed her eyes against the world and drifted into sleep.

The next evening, Orion felt soft lips gently caress his own, a hand stroked his hair. Slowly he opened his eyes and focused on Dionne. She lay next to him, her soft brown eyes looking directly into his.
'Hello,' she whispered, her mouth mere inches from his own.
'Hello,' he replied, reaching out to touch her, 'thank you for what you did this morning.'
She smiled.
'That's okay. I enjoyed it,' she replied.
Moving across the bed, Orion reached out to kiss her. Fingers curling under her chin, he lifted her mouth to his. He let her enjoy herself, her kiss growing deeper and deeper. Orion started to move her onto her back but was suddenly disturbed. The heavy wooden door swung open and in its place stood the vampiric elders. They were all dressed from head to foot in black. They stepped into the darkened crypt, causing Dionne to shrink back against the bed. Orion reached out a hand to calm her.
'What do you want?' Orion demanded.
One of them stepped forward. She had been in her mid-sixties when she had died. Her hair was greying, her face lined. She had none of the immortal beauty that Dionne and himself would spend eternity dwelling in.
'It is time to die, Orion,' she said.
Orion looked at them before looking at Dionne. She was scared, shaking and clinging to him. Orion stroked her hair, comforting her.
'You brought a mortal among us. Now it is time for you to pay.'
Orion looked at the female vampire in front of him before letting his eyes linger on the rest of them.
'You've never felt love have you?' he asked, 'none of you have ever felt an emotion so beautiful as the one that I am feeling now.'
They all looked at him, their eyes boring into him, their thoughts and feelings demanding a vampiric execution and blood.
'I brought Dionne among us because she needed someone. She needed someone to love and believe in.'
'That is irrelevant,' the vampire said, 'but last night did you not try to kill her? Did you not humiliate her in front of an audience? What possessed you to do that to your so called love?'
Orion lowered his eyes.
'Madness,' he said, 'I had no idea what possessed me.'
'Madness it may have been,' said the vampire, 'but we have come to the conclusion that you should die.'
Orion looked at them; his eyes alight with anger.
'I am the head vampire, I make those decisions.'
'Not any more.'
The vampire turned to the others.
'Take him away.'
The vampires stepped forward. One of them grabbed him by his hair and pulled him from the bed and the security of Dionne's arms. He stumbled and fell to his knees, humiliated and degraded as the prince of vampires. He let his head drop, his hair covering his eyes, hiding them from Dionne. He did not want her to see his eyes, the bloody tears that were welling in them. His arms were dragged behind his back and a chain run around his neck. Orion just knelt on the floor, letting them do what they had to, chaining his slender wrists behind him. He knew he had the power to escape but he knew it was not even worth trying. Soon, one of the vampires leaned down, grabbed hold of the chain around his throat and hauled him to his feet. Orion choked, the cold links of metal digging into his flesh. He stood before Dionne and the group of vampires, degraded as the beautiful, dark prince that he once was. That was all gone now. Hanging his head, he listened as his sentence was read out.
'Orion, as an associate to the slayers, your sentence is to be carried out before the dawn. You will be taken from here and to the main square where a stake will be driven through your heart and your head removed from your body.'
The male vampire turned to the rest of the group.
'Proceed, he said with a nod of his head.
Two of the group stepped forward and, seizing the chain that bound him, began to lead him from the crypt. Turning his head as best he could, he looked at Dionne. His lover, his companion, was standing a few feet away, fear in her eyes. Orion pulled the vampires to a halt. Dionne began to walk up to him, a hand outstretched to touch him. A vampire stepped forward and pulled her back.
'Let he go!' Orion screamed.
The vampire backed off slightly but kept a firm grip on Dionne's arm. The vampires that had a grip on Orion began to lead him from the crypt. He took one last look at Dionne. He was shocked and horrified to find that they were bringing her with them, part of the execution procession. She was crying, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was going to witness his execution.

The execution procession slowly made its way through the deserted streets of the city. Dionne's eyes were constantly on her beautiful companion. Orion's steps never faltered as he was led closer and closer to his place of death. The tears that she was crying just kept coming, streaming down her face, staining her skin. She couldn't understand why they were taking him away from her. She wanted someone to tell her but the black clothed vampires weren't even looking at her let alone talking to her.

Eventually, they reached the main square in the centre of the city. There was a pillar in the centre, hundreds of vampires surrounding it. They were gathered there to witness Orion's death, all of them hungry for blood and death. Orion was led towards it, the chain being removed from around his neck as they came closer. As he was chained to the stone pillar, Orion tried to steady his fear. He was so scared, for Dionne, for himself and for what lay beyond his death. He did his best to hide his fear; he wanted them to believe that he was strong and that his death was going to have a purpose. The chain from his wrists had been removed and his arms pulled around the pillar. Orion moaned slightly as the chain was pulled tight, the flesh catching in the links of chain. Hands pulled his hair into a ponytail and tied it into the nap of his neck. A piece of rope was secured around his throat, pulling his head back and exposing the soft, white flesh. The rope chafed at his throat, burning him but there was no way of loosening it, no way of escaping. A slayer stepped forward. He was of the same build as Orion, dressed from head to foot in black and carrying a long, sharp knife. It hung at his side but Orion could see it out of the corner of his eye. He looked Orion in the eye.
'Orion, you have been accused of bringing a mortal among us. You took her life too early and for this, your life must be ended. Do you have any last words?' he asked.
Orion moved his eyes from the slayer's and looked across at Dionne. She was standing a few metres away, one of the elders restraining her. Tears were streaming down her face and her eyes quivered as they looked into his. He could feel the emotion welling inside of him and he did his best to fight it but he could hold it back no longer. A tiny, bloody tear trickled slowly from one of his eyes. It slid over his cheek and towards his chin.
'Dionne,' he said quietly, 'I love you more than anything else in this or any other world. When I die I won't be gone; I'll be in your heart and I'll be watching over you as your guardian angel. Always.'
He kept his eyes on Dionne, aware that the slayer was moving. Suddenly, the knife was plunged deep into his heart. He gave a scream which only an immortal could emit. His scream carried on as the knife was brutally twisted in his chest, ripping his heart from its bindings.

Dionne watched, in horror, as the slayer withdrew the knife from Orion's chest. Orion was still alive, gasping, eyes wide with terror and pain, writhing against the chains that held him. Dionne watched as the slayer held the ebony handle of the knife in both hands. Bringing it up to Orion's throat, he slid it across the flesh, opening major arteries, severing Orion's vocal chords and tearing open his windpipe. Dionne screamed, unable to bear the terror anymore. The vampire that held her discreetly covered her mouth with a hand. It was still taking Orion time to die and Dionne could sense his pain, the agony he was going through. Blood streamed from the wounds in his throat and neck. With every gasp he gave, more blood gushed from the wounds. With every beat of his dying heart, blood pumped from the wounds. Dionne watched as the slayer walked away from the dying vampire and towards a blanket to one side. Lifting it, Dionne watched as he took out an axe, its newly sharpened blade glinting in the light of the moon. He walked back towards Orion, swinging it as he did. Lifting it up, he took one last look into the dying Orion's eyes.
'May God have mercy on your soul,' Dionne heard him shout.
'NO!' she screamed as he swung the axe, severing Orion's head from his spinal cord.
She watched as the slayer grabbed a handful of Orion's soft, raven black hair and lifted his head a loft for all to see. The tears streamed down her cheeks, she felt so alone, so hurt. But Orion's words lingered on in her heart.

ONE YEAR LATER

A black booted foot hit the cobbled street. Dionne strode out from the smoky bar, eyes hidden behind sunglasses; short, plum coloured hair slicked back from her face. She was dressed all in black, black boots slinked up her legs, a long leather coat brushing her ankles. She surveyed the people through the dark sunglasses, which were propped on her nose. People spilled out from the bars, which lined the long cobbled street. Since her vampiric change, her eyesight had become sharp and perfect meaning she had been able to get rid of her glasses. It was eighteen months since Orion's death and she had moved from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam in the north to the more laid back life of Tilburg in the south. The life suited her. The city was smaller than Amsterdam and she could remain as anonymous or as prominent as she wanted. Right now, she was doing a bit of both. No one in this street of bars and clubs knew her name yet many of them turned and stared in awe at the black clothed, long jacketed vampire that walked among them. Yet the beauty of it was that none of them knew that she was one of the walking undead. She could pick and chose her victims at will depending on her mood, leaving them unconscious in one of the many tiny back streets that dotted the city. She had just eaten and was beginning to make her way home, to the tiny apartment she lived in. Alone. Loneliness played a big part of her life. Friends were few and far between and her computer played a big part in her life. She couldn't remember the last time she had had a conversation with a human being unless it was to seduce them for their blood.

Lying on a bench, Dionne stared up at the stars. Behind her, the town hall towered over her, the shadow stretching into the night, enveloping Dionne and everything around it. High above the sleeping city, the stars twinkled down on her. She smiled as her eyes skimmed the sky and eventually came to rest on Orion. Watching over her for all eternity.

Quietly, she unlocked the door to her apartment. After Orion had died, she had inherited his fortune. Most of it was sitting in a bank but she had splashed out to buy the apartment. It was in nice part of the city, overlooking lush green grass and trees. From her sixth floor balcony she could sit and watch the stars and the late night party people heading home. She could sit there with her laptop and a cell phone and surf the Internet, searching for other people like herself. All by the light of the stars. Hanging up her keys, she decided that was what she was going to do. Collecting the laptop and cell phone from the dining table, she unlocked the balcony door. Outside it was cooler than she had expected it to be so she left the computer on the concrete floor and went to fetch a blanket from her room. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she went back to the balcony. Settling herself on the cool concrete floor, Dionne switched on the computer. As it moved through its welcome screen and logged itself onto the Internet, Dionne turned her eyes towards the sky. Stars twinkled down on her. She could pick out many different constellations. Including Orion. She felt tears prickle the backs of her eyes as she thought about her precious lover who had been so savagely murdered. Suddenly a whistling sound coming from her computer caused her to look back down at the blinking monitor. A tiny crescent moon icon had appeared on the screen. She smiled and clicked on the icon. A private chat box came up, a message from her friend Moonlight written in it.
Hello Vampyre! The message read.
Dionne smiled. The cursor on her screen flashed on and off. Reaching for her keyboard, she quickly tapped at the keys.
Hello Moonlight. How R U?
She pressed the send button and sat back, resting her head against the wall. Within seconds, another message flashed up on her screen.
Ok.
What did U do 2day? Dionne asked.
The usual. Hung around, went to work, went to band practice.
Jeez Moonlight! I never knew you were in a band? What kind of music? Dionne fired another question.
Metal.
Have I heard any of your stuff? She asked.
Probably not.
When's your next gig? I want 2 meet U so maybe that would B a good place 2 meet. Dionne felt something about this man, it would be nice to meet him, make a few new friends.
U really want 2 meet me?
Dionne smiled.
Uh-huh.
Tomorrow night. Paradox. 9pm.
Dionne smiled again, quickly noting the time. She turned her attention back to the keyboard.
Ok. I'll C U there. How will I know who U R?
Moonlight's response was fast.
I'm the bass player.
Ok. Look Moonlight, I have 2 leave U, U know I hate doing this 2 U. But I have stuff 2 do. Goodnight Moonlight, sleep well.
U 2 Vampyre. Sweet dreams.
Smiling, Dionne switched the computer off and rested her head against the cool brick wall. Tomorrow she was going to meet someone new, a man no less. Closing her eyes she imagined what he would be like. From his messages and the conversations they had had through the computer, he came across as a gentle, quiet man. She couldn't wait to meet him.

The next evening, Dionne dressed carefully, all in black. Ever since Orion's death, she had been dressing mainly in black; her mourning for her beautiful vampire prince was prolonged. Picking up her long coat, she wrapped it around her shoulders and pulled it closely around her body. It was cold, coming up to winter. Checking her watch, she grabbed her keys from beside the laptop and left.

Dionne walked into Paradox, confident. The music was loud, just the way she liked it. Over the past eighteen months her taste in music had changed drastically from the quiet, soft rock that she had enjoyed to the thundering sounds of Kenny's Dead, the band that played on the stage before her. She walked through the crowd, people moving aside, whispering about her above the noise and went to the bar. She pulled herself up onto a barstool and focused her eyes on the band. Moving her eyes across the stage, she eventually saw him. He was very tall and thin, his lithe body moving in order to cradle the heavy guitar. Long, wavy hair flowed down his back and chest eventually ending in the small of his back. Two natural blonde streaks decorated the long lengths of hair, which hung over his face. The various coloured lights caught in his hair giving him a mystical air. Long bony fingers riffed up and down the neck of his guitar, Dionne's sensitive eyesight not even able to keep up with him. Piercing blue eyes swept briefly across the audience gathered in front of him. Dionne watched, feet tapping against the metal bars of the stool. Eventually, the music ceased and the singer placed the microphone back on its stand, making an announcement as he did.
'We're going to take a break no but we'll be back so don't do anything stupid.'
Smiling to herself at the singer's sarcasm, Dionne slid down from the stool and walked towards the stage, hoping to catch the bassist before he disappeared into the crowd. Reaching out a hand, she grabbed his hand. The longhaired musician swung round and looked at her.
'Moonlight?' she asked.
The beautiful blue eyes lit up and he pulled her outside. Dionne was slightly taken aback but went along with him anyway.

Outside, Moonlight pulled her round to face him. His blue eyes, soft and beautiful, looked down at her. A slight smile swept across his lips, hidden slightly by a moustache. Dionne felt her eyes soften and her own lips curve into a smile.
'Vampyre?' he asked.
She nodded. His smile didn't fade.
'Finally we meet. I never,' he paused, 'I never imagined you to be this way.'
For the bass player in a metal band he was very softly spoken. Dionne looked at him. He caught the look in her eyes.
'I thought you'd be taller with a meaner face,' he quietly said, 'I mean, you call yourself 'Vampyre'.'
Dionne smiled.
'Well, you're exactly how I imagined you,' she said.
It was Moonlight's turn to smile and he lowered his eyes, his hair falling into his face. Dionne gently removed the strands of hair, tucking it behind an ear. She moved her head to look into his eyes.
'Is there something wrong?' she asked.
He shook his head.
'No, nothing's wrong,' he quietly replied.
He looked up.
'I have another half to play. Do you want to go out for a drink afterwards?'
Dionne smiled at him.
'I'd love to,' she replied.
She looked up into his eyes and felt herself drowning in his eyes. He gently returned her smile, lowering her eyes as he did. Slowly they turned and began to head back into the club. Dionne was aware that Moonlight was close behind her. She could feel his hand resting in the small of her back, not quite touching her, just hovering there, protecting her. Dionne didn't mind; if he wanted to protect her, he could.

Dionne enjoyed the second half as much as she had enjoyed the first. She had resumed her position at the bar, watching avidly. Her eyes were focused on the beautiful bass player, his hair falling into his eyes. She smiled to herself, her heart missing a beat every time he looked in her direction. Maybe, just maybe, she was falling in love again.

Eventually, the band finished. It was the early hours of the morning and Dionne was very awake. She looked up as Moonlight approached her, a smile on his lips, his guitar slung over a shoulder.
'Ready?' he asked.
She nodded and slid down from the stool. The bassist towered over her, a good eight inches taller than her. She looked up at him and smiled.
'Are you okay?' he asked, 'you're being really quiet.'
She lowered her eyes, flattered that her new-found friend was concerned about her.
'I'm fine,' she replied, a smile on her face, 'let's go then.'
As they left, Dionne caught a glance of Moonlight looking back over his shoulder and smiling at the rest of his band. Dionne shook her head and smiled.

In a quiet corner booth of a bar, Dionne finally told him her real name.
'Dionne,' she said.
'Dionne what?' he asked.
Dionne shrugged.
'Just Dionne. I don't remember my surname. What's yours?'
He looked at her, blue eyes sparkling.
'Moonlight.'
She reached out a hand and playfully pushed him.
'Your real name, not your screen name.'
He carried on looking at her.
'It really is Moonlight.'
He reached into a pocket and pulled out a driving licence. He handed it to Dionne. She flipped it open and studied the card inside. The name read Moonlight Stafie and the photograph matched the man sitting in front of her. A smile spread across her lips. She looked up and handed him his licence.
'I can't believe your name is really Moonlight. That is incredible.'
She watched as he lowered his eyes, embarrassed.
'It is,' he quietly whispered.
Dionne smiled to herself. Moonlight was wonderful, beautiful and sweet. There was something in his sparkling blue eyes, something that Dionne could only place as innocence. Tentatively, she reached out a hand and stroked his hair.
'You're not shy are you?' she asked.
He looked up and shook his head. Dionne smiled.

Quietly, Dionne unlocked the apartment door. She didn't know whether bringing Moonlight back to her apartment was the right thing or not. Then she remembered that the old worrying Dionne had died when she had become a vampire. If she needed, she could kill Moonlight with the flick of her wrist. But something told her that Moonlight wouldn't hurt anyone, not even her. Touching the tips of her fingers to his, she led him into the lounge and switched the lights on to a low setting. Collapsing onto the couch, she watched Moonlight look around himself, a serene little smile on his face.
'This is where you talk to me from,' he whispered.
Dionne nodded.
'The computer's on the table,' she replied.
She watched as Moonlight walked over to the dining table and ran his fingers across the sleek black lid of the laptop. He turned and walked towards her, sitting on the couch beside her. He didn't say anything, just looked at her. Dionne felt herself slip into his spell, becoming lost in the deep blue pools of his eyes. There was something about him, about his eyes, just about him. He was innocent; his experience of the world seemed limited. There was something unexplainable; some kind of hidden love. Dionne didn't move away as he moved closer. She didn't pull away as he slid a hand under her jaw and pulled her mouth to his. She felt his lips on hers, his mouth gently, tentatively, touching hers. Her breath was taken away but she couldn't do it. Quickly she pulled away. Moonlight looked at her, a hurt look in his innocent eyes. Dionne hung her head.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered.
Moonlight reached out a hand and ran his bony fingers across her face. Dionne shivered at his touch but she couldn't look up. She couldn't look at the man who was trying to make her happy and whom she had now hurt.
'What's wrong?' he asked.
A tear slid from her eye and on to the couch. Dionne felt a hand on her face, lifting her eyes to his. Bloody tears stained her face.
'I really am a vampire. It's not just a screen name,' she whispered.
She looked into his eyes. He wasn't responding. Dionne penetrated his thoughts; he knew that she as deadly serious.
'Prove it,' he whispered.
Dionne had found herself extremely attracted to Moonlight and she had been battling with her hunger all evening. She moved closer to Moonlight and gently brushed his hair away from his throat. Resting one hand on the back of his neck, she moved her mouth to his flesh. Her lips gently caressed his soft skin; her fangs itched, slowly, teasingly extending from her jaw. Her mouth found a pulsating vein and her fangs scratched at it, preparing to enter. She heard Moonlight's almost silent gasp as she began to draw blood. Her breathing became heavier and she couldn't hold it back any longer. Her fangs plunged into Moonlight's throat, opening the vein beneath her lips. Moonlight cried out, jerking his head back. Dionne gripped at the back of his head, bringing the wound back to her mouth. His blood streamed from the two fang wounds and into her mouth. Dionne gulped it down, the sweetness of it electrifying her taste buds and her senses. Eventually she pulled away, blood trickling from the corners of her mouth and down her chin. Moonlight stared at her; Dionne knew he was watching as her fangs receded. Quickly she licked the blood away, enjoying the last few tastes of sweetness. Moving her eyes, she looked back at him, her eyes sparkling, hunger sustained.
'You're for real,' he whispered, 'you're a real vampire.'
Dionne nodded strands of hair falling into her eyes.
'Yes, I'm for real,' she replied.
'I thought vampires were fictional,' Moonlight was quizzing her heritage.
'No,' she quietly whispered, 'we're real. When you walk through the city at night, any one of the people you see could be vampires. Although I doubt it very much. I moved here because I know that there were no other vampires.'
She smiled seductively, lowering her eyes.
'Until now.'
She watched Moonlight smile. Dionne enjoyed making him smile. She hadn't had anyone to smile or laugh with for so long. He looked at her, his smile fading slightly, his precious blue eyes looking at her.
'Will you make me immortal?' he quietly asked, 'I hate this life and I want to start over.'
Dionne looked at him and sighed. Her mind was pulling her in one direction, her emotions in another.
'I've only just met you,' she quietly said, 'maybe later on but not tonight. I have to be absolutely certain that it's the right thing.'
She looked up into his gentle eyes and forced a smile.
'I like you Dionne,' he quietly replied, 'I really do. I'm willing to wait if that's what you want.'
'Thank you,' she whispered, 'I like you too.'
She watched as Moonlight moved closer. One hand went under her jaw, the other on to her back. Then he gently kissed her. Dionne gasped, letting him take her breath away. Gently she wrapped her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers in his long hair. She had fallen madly in love again and it was wonderful. Beautiful and wonderful like a million candles burning in her heart and in her soul. She could sense, just from what he was thinking as they kissed, that he had fallen in love, possibly for the very first time in his life.

The next evening, Dionne woke to find Moonlight sleeping beside her. She stared at his sleeping form, trying to remember how they had come to be in bed together. They hadn't made love and she hadn't made him immortal. Then a slight, serene smile drifted across her face as she remembered that they had spent the remainder of the evening on the bed, in each other's arms, talking and kissing. It had been relaxing, lying close, eyes inches apart, fingers caressing the other. Moonlight gently kissing her mouth, then the tip of her nose, then her eyes, lulling her in to sleep. His arms around her, hers wrapped around his slender waist. Lying back on the bed, Dionne admired the beautiful man that lay beside her, his long hair spread across the pillows, his gentle eyes closed against the world. Dionne knew that he was dreaming, dreaming warm, happy thoughts. She could tell that he was happy in his unconscious state. Reaching out a hand, she ran her fingers under the hair on his neck and gently began to stroke his neck. Her fingers gently stroked and massaged the soft flesh. Slowly, her fingers crawled round to the side of his throat, finding the tiny, sensitive fang wounds that she had created the night before. As her fingertips gently touched the tips of the two bruised, red lumps, Moonlight's eyes snapped open.
'That hurts,' he whispered, his expression vaguely innocent.
Dionne smiled faintly, her eyes soft.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered.
'That's okay,' Moonlight sighed, slowly opening and closing his eyes tiredly.
Dionne lay looking at him, a tiny serene smile on her face. She had only known him a matter of hours yet she had fallen head over heels in love with him. She didn't want to let him go. Moonlight lay looking sleepily into her eyes. Leaning forward, she gently kissed him, a tiny brush of her lips against him. She heard his contented sigh and began to penetrate his thoughts. He wasn't thinking of much, just the warmth and comfort and of the person that was lying beside him. She smiled as she read his warm thoughts of love and happiness. But there was something else, something in the back of his mind. Dionne couldn't make out what it was but she could see pain and confusion. Reaching out a hand she touched his face. Moonlight smiled at her, not realising that she knew what was on the dark side of his mind. His eyes entranced Dionne; windows to a fragile soul. She could feel tears start to fill her eyes but she quickly brushed them away.
'What time is it?' he quietly asked.
Dionne reached down and picked up the clock by the side of the bed.
'Nine thirty two,' she whispered, 'why?'
'Band practice at ten thirty.'
Dionne smiled and closed her eyes. Moonlight's gentle voice penetrated her thoughts.
'You can come and meet everyone if you want,' he gently asked.
'Band practice,' she said semi-sarcastically, 'that sounds so tempting.'
Seeing the hurt look in his eyes, she smiled, leaned forward and kissed him.
'I was joking,' she said, 'I'd love to meet them.'
She sensed that meeting the rest of the band would help to build the bond between her and Moonlight. She watched as Moonlight sat up and climbed off the bed. His tall, lithe form stood in front of her and he offered her one of his hands. She took it and he pulled her to her feet, pulling her close to him. He wrapped his arms around her. Dionne looked up into his eyes, warm and comfortable in his arms.
'When was the last time you were loved?' she asked, trying not to break the atmosphere between them.
Moonlight dropped his eyes, hiding them from her. He sat on the bed. Dionne looked at him for a moment before kneeling before him. His head was still bowed, his long hair hiding his gentle eyes.
'I was never really loved,' he whispered.
Dionne reached out and took his hands in hers and gently stroked his long fingers.
'Why?' she quietly replied.
She could tell that he was struggling to tell her, struggling to tell her what was on the dark side of his mind.
'I was abused,' he whispered, never lifting his eyes.
Dionne went to gasp but stopped herself. Gently she stroked him, comforting him.
'You don't have to talk about it if you don't want,' she said.
She heard Moonlight sigh.
'I want to talk about it,' he quietly replied, 'I was raped and, on one occasion, gang raped.'
Dionne was in shock. She didn't know how anyone could do that to someone so gentle and sweet. Gently she caressed his fingers.
'Who did this to you?'
'An uncle and some friends of his. My parents were killed in a plane crash and my uncle took over the house. He started raping and abusing me after something at school. As soon as I could I ran away from home. I lived on the streets for a while. I've had a string of girlfriends but after they found out that I had been raped, they left, assuming that I was gay.'
Slowly he looked up. Dionne could see the tears, streaming from his eyes. Reaching out a hand, she brushed them away.
'Will you love me?' he asked.
Dionne's eyes softened.
'I already do,' she quietly replied.
He lowered his eyes slightly, his hair streaking his face. Dionne brushed it away, tucking it behind an ear.
'Thank you,' he whispered, trying to smile.
Dionne returned the smile. Moonlight rested his head on her shoulder. Slowly she wrapped her arms around him, his tears trickling onto the flesh of her throat. Gently she rubbed her hands on his back, comforting him as he cried out the years of pain and abuse. She could see it in his mind's eye, fleeting across it, his uncle pinning him down, raping him, hurting him. Tears pricked the back of her own eyes and slowly she cried with him.

They quietly walked into a rehearsal room, hand in hand. The other members of the band had already gathered. Dionne shrunk behind Moonlight, slightly scared. Spotting Moonlight, they smiled and walked over. One of them, another tall, thin man with spiky blonde hair, approached them. He stood in front of Moonlight, a smile on his face. Dionne looked at him from behind Moonlight's elbow.
'So,' the guy said, 'did you . . .?'
Dionne stepped forward slightly and looked at Moonlight. He rolled his eyes and smiled.
'Jeez,' replied Moonlight, 'you're so childish. No we didn't.'
He turned to Dionne and saw her standing behind him. Dionne watched the smile on his face. He offered her a hand and she gently took it.
'Come on,' he whispered, 'don't be scared.'
She walked in front of Moonlight and stood, staring, at the man in front of her.
'Dionne,' she heard Moonlight say, 'this is Dexter. Dexter, Dionne.'
Dionne took Dexter's hand and shook it.
'Hi,' he said.
Dionne's face creased into a smile.
'Hi,' she replied.
She watched as the rest of the band walked over to them. All of them were tall and thin with varying lengths and colours of hair, different styles of dressing and different eye colours. She felt Moonlight's arms wrap around her and pull her close.
'Phil, Randal, Jeremy, this is Dionne,' he said.
Dionne shrunk back against Moonlight as they gathered around her to greet her. She felt a hand under he chin, pulling her head back to look into Moonlight's eyes. She rested the back of her head against Moonlight's chest.
'I have to go and rehearse. Are you going to be okay?'
She nodded as best she could.
'Okay,' he said.
Gently he turned her in his arms and she let herself be kissed. Moonlight's soft lips caressed her own, his arms wrapped around her waist. A cough penetrated her thoughts. They pulled away from each other. Dexter was standing very close, a little too close for Dionne's comfort.
'Okie dokie,' he said, 'now that you two love birds have finished removing each other's tonsils, how about we get this show on the road?'
Moonlight pulled away and smiled at her, walking towards his guitar. Dionne returned his smile and slumped in a corner. She pulled her knees close and wrapped her arms around them, hugging them close. She watched Moonlight play; a slight smile on her lips, feeling sexily attracted to him. Closing her eyes, she thought about what they would do tonight. She really didn't want to rush into anything. If neither of them felt like it or felt ready then they wouldn't make love. But if they did, the maybe tonight they would make love. Turning her attention back to the band, she became entranced, watching Moonlight, his hair streaking his face, his fingers moving at the speed of light. All sound seemed to disappear from around her until she just seemed to be watching a silent band. Closing her eyes, she became lost in her thoughts, deep in her mind. Suddenly, she was pulled out of her thoughts by a gentle kiss. Opening her eyes, she found herself looking into Moonlight's beautiful blue eyes. Reaching out her hands, she took his face in her hands, captivated by his eyes, the deep pools of blue. For a moment, she caught a fleeting glimpse of his soul, the pain. Her thumbs gently stroked the area under his eyes. Leaning forward, she gently kissed the tip of his nose. He smiled at her, eyes closed, as she pulled away.
'We've finished,' he said, 'and we're going to get a drink. Do you want to come?'
She smiled.
'Sure,' she replied.
She took the hand he offered her and let herself be pulled to her feet. Arms wrapped around her waist and they headed towards the door.

In the bar, Dionne nursed a glass of red wine. She rarely drank most of it was because she was a vampire and alcohol wasn't good for her. The second reason was after her boyfriend had left her she had turned to alcohol, spending many a night with a bottle of wine and her computer. It had become worse and worse and becoming a vampire had, in some strange way, helped her come to terms with her alcoholism. The band sat around her, talking about their plans. A hand rested on the back of her neck, gently rubbing the muscles beneath the fingers. Dionne closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling. She felt relaxed, for the first time in many months her hunger wasn't the primary thing on her mind. In fact, this was the first time in nearly twenty-four hours that she'd thought about it. But she wasn't hungry. The only thing that was on her mind right now was the person to her right. The beautiful, passive, emotional Moonlight. She had never met anyone like him in her entire life. He was patient and quiet. She felt that he wasn't going to hurt her, wasn't going to push her into anything. For the first time, she felt like she was an equal and not just something to use or play with. The hand slid from her neck to her throat and up to her chin, pulling her face round. She smiled as she looked into Moonlight's eyes.
'Are you ready to leave?' he asked.
She nodded. Moonlight turned to the rest of the band.
'Okay peeps,' he said, 'we need to start making a move.'
He slid out from the booth. Dionne slowly followed him, savouring the feeling of having people around her, of having people taking an interest. She didn't really want to leave but she knew that if Moonlight was sticking around then so were his friends. Dionne took his hand in hers. She looked down at the four other men gathered around the table. Dexter looked at them, a cigarette resting in his right hand, a smile on his face.
'Have fun, kids,' he smiled.
Moonlight looked at him and gave him a twisted smile. Dexter backed off, hands raised slightly.
'I'll see you later,' said Moonlight.
Slowly him and Dionne left. Dionne shrunk against him, enjoying his warmth and the safety he provided.

Outside, Moonlight draped an arm around Dionne's shoulder, pulling her close. He looked down into he eyes and smiled. She was beautiful, her gentle brown eyes smiling at him. He shivered slightly as her fingers gently stroked the small of his back.
'Where are we going?' he found himself asking.
Dionne looked up at him. Gently he stroked her neck.
'I don't know,' she said, 'It's only one in the morning. We have hours until the sun comes up.'
She went back to resting her head under his arm. Moonlight felt warm and relaxed with her against him. His fingers gently explored her neck and shoulders, gently stroking. He heard her sigh, a relaxed, happy sigh. Why she loved him he would never know. When he looked in a mirror he saw himself, an ugly duckling, a wreck. He didn't know why anyone would be with him because of his looks. Yet Dionne had spent the previous evening lying on the bed, exploring his face with her mouth and telling him how beautiful he was. His eyes, his mouth and his hair fascinated her. Her fingers had explored his hair as her mouth had kissed his eyes. As they had lain on the bed, she had gently touched his lips and moustache, her gentle whisperings telling him that he was beautiful. He didn't know whether she meant what she had said and when he had mentioned it she had told him not to be stupid and had kissed him. As they had drifted into sleep, he had held her close and she had told him that she had really appreciated the closeness. Soon he was pulled out of his thoughts as Dionne took his hand and began to lead him down a narrow grassy path into a wood. Gently he curled his fingers around her tiny ones and let himself be led down the path.

For all he knew, she could be leading him to his death but she wasn't. She couldn't do that and beside, she hadn't killed any of her victims in a long time. She was taking him to her secret place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Dionne smiled as she felt his hand in hers, his fingers curling around hers, keeping her safe. Soon, they entered a clearing. In the centre was a pool of water. The light of the stars reflected in the water. Slowly she led Moonlight to the shore of the pool and sat down. Moonlight stood over her, looking down at her, still gently holding her hand.
'Why are we here?' he asked.
'This is where I come,' Dionne replied, 'when I get lonely.'
Moonlight sat beside her. Dionne took both of his hands in hers and looked into his eyes.
'But you're not lonely anymore, are you?' he asked.
Dionne smiled and lowered her eyes.
'No, I'm not.
She looked up and watched him smile. Lying back on the grass, she looked up at the sky. She waited a second for Moonlight to join her. As they stared up at the night sky, Dionne began to pick out constellations. Reaching out, she pointed them out.
'Look, there's the Phoenix and that one is the Sculptor.'
The words caught in her throat and tears trickled from her eyes.
'That one's Orion.'
As she turned her head, she saw Moonlight watching her, watching her tears. Reaching out, he brushed them away.
'What's the matter?' he asked, genuine sincerity in his eyes.
Dionne pulled herself into a sitting position. Moonlight followed her, draping an arm around her shoulder.
'What is it?' he quietly repeated.
Dionne lowered her eyes, her shoulders slumped.
'Orion was the name of my last companion. He made me a vampire.'
'Where is he?' she heard Moonlight ask.
'The slayers executed him. They drove a stake through his heart for making me a vampire.'
Moonlight looked at her, innocence floating in his eyes. It was then that Dionne realised that he knew nothing of her world, nothing about the world of the vampire. She watched as he reached out a hand and caught one of her tears. Dionne carried on looking at him. She took one of his wrists in her hand and turned it over. Gently her fingers stroked at the soft under flesh of his arm. Looking up, she saw Moonlight's innocent eyes watching her. Lifting his wrist to her mouth, she gently kissed the throbbing veins beneath his skin. She heard Moonlight's gasp of surprise. Her hunger was growing, her fangs throbbing in her jaw, the salvia forming on her tongue. Her fangs slid from their sheaths and she plunged them into Moonlight's wrist. Moonlight cried out and Dionne restrained him as he tried to pull away. Dionne let his sweet tasting blood flow over her tongue and into her mouth. She swallowed slowly, savouring the taste. Eventually, she pulled away, blood trickling from the corners of her mouth. Moonlight looked at her, slightly hurt, slightly bewildered by what had just happened.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered, 'I was hungry.'
She licked her fangs clean as they slowly retracted.
'It's okay,' Moonlight replied.
Dionne reached out a hand and stroked his face.
'When we get back to the apartment, I'll fix you a drink. With plenty of sugar. You need to rebuild your blood supplies.'
Leaning forward, she gently kissed him, wiping the blood from her mouth. As she pulled away she watched Moonlight lick his lips, tasting the blood. She smiled.

The rest of the night was spent lying on the grass and staring at the stars. Moonlight sighed happily and stroked Dionne's hair. She was lying next to him, her head resting on his chest, his arms wrapped around her.
'Moonlight,' he heard her say, 'why did your parents call you that?'
Moonlight smiled to himself.
'I think I was conceived on an acid trip you,' he said, quietly laughing.
He heard Dionne laugh. Moonlight gently kissed her hair, enjoying every moment that they were together.
'How old are you?' she asked.
'Twenty six,' he replied, 'and you?'
'I don't remember,' came the reply, 'I can't even remember how old I was when I became a vampire.'
Moonlight placed a hand under her chin and gently lifted her eyes to his. Her soft brown eyes watched him.
'Will you make me immortal?' he asked.
He watched as Dionne closed her eyes and sighed.
'One day,' she whispered, 'one day.'

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months but Dionne and Moonlight's commitment to each other never faltered. Dionne knew that sooner or later she would have to turn Moonlight, make him immortal. Make him a vampire. She enjoyed their relationship, the closeness they felt to each other even when they were apart. Why had it taken her this long to find him, to find the one that she would love for all eternity? She loved Moonlight with an undesirable love. A love that could never be broken, never be taken away.

Waking up one evening, Dionne found that Moonlight had already woken and left. He still hadn't changed over to her vampiric sleeping habits. Lying on the pillow beside her was a single red rose; a note tied to the stem. Picking it up, Dionne held it above her and read the note.
'I had to leave early. I'll be back later. All my love, Moonlight.'
Dionne smiled and sank into the pillows, laughing with happiness. She hadn't felt this good in a long time. Eventually she decided that she should get out of bed. Wrapping the blankets around her shoulders, she walked out of the bedroom and into the lounge. The curtains were drawn against the night sky. Walking over to the windows, Dionne pulled them open. Outside the moon shone down from the sky, illuminating the freshly fallen snow. Clouds drifted in front of the moon, threatening more snow later. Smiling to herself, she turned away and drifted through the apartment, switching on the lounge lights as she did. Sitting on the couch, she picked up the remote control to the CD player and pressed 'play.' Soft music came from the speakers, drifting through the apartment to Dionne's ears. She closed her eyes only to be pulled out of her daydream by the apartment intercom. It buzzed, digging into Dionne's brain. Getting up, she walked over to the door, the blanket wrapped around her shoulders, and pressed the button.
'Hello?' she said.
'D, it's me,' Moonlight's voice crackled over the intercom.
Smiling, she opened the door and leaned out. Footsteps echoed on the stone steps, a deep voice humming to itself. Moonlight rounded the last corner on the stairs and headed towards her. Dionne backed into the apartment, giving him room to enter. Leaning against the wall, she smiled as he walked in and closed the door. Reaching up, she kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Pulling away, Dionne saw the smile on Moonlight's face.
'What are his you so happy about?' she asked.
Dionne gasped as Moonlight swept her up into his arms and carried her to the couch. He slowly lowered her onto it and knelt beside her. Dionne looked at him, a tiny smile on her face. He took a deep breath and smiled.
'The band's been signed,' he said.
Dionne screamed and threw her arms around Moonlight's neck, hugging him close.
'Congratulations,' she said, barely able to contain her happiness.
Slowly, they pulled away. Dionne watched as he pulled away and reached into his coat pocket. He pulled out a tiny ring box and handed it to her.
'A present for you. To celebrate the signing.'
Dionne slowly opened it, savouring the creak of the box. She gasped in surprise as she took out a silver ring. Not just any ring a wedding band. She turned back to Moonlight. He took it from her and gently slipped it onto her ring finger.
'I want you to be mine,' he whispered, 'forever.'
Leaning forward, Dionne gently kissed him.
'I'm all yours,' she quietly replied.
Moonlight reached out and caressed her face. Dionne smiled slightly.
'Will you make me immortal?' he asked, 'I want to spend the rest of my life with you.'
His eyes were filled with a gentleness Dionne had never seen before. She reached out and stroked his face, smoothing the hair around his face.
'Later,' she whispered, 'I'll make you mine. But not today.'
Suddenly, Moonlight turned on her. Within seconds, his quiet, passive front had disappeared.
'So why am I here?' he asked, the tone of his voice ripping through Dionne's mind, 'why did you bring me here if you didn't want to make me immortal?'
Dionne sat staring at him, taken aback by the way he was reacting. She was shocked and scared, not knowing what he was going to do next.
'Dionne, I am not your fuck toy!' he screamed, his anger coming to a head.
Dionne felt her own feelings, her own frustrations, coming to the surface.
'I never said that you were my fuck toy,' she screamed back, letting it all out, 'I wanted someone to love. It's been a long time since I've had someone to love.'
She buried her head in her hands and began to cry, the bloody tears trickling through her fingers.
'I don't care,' Moonlight retorted, 'You obviously don't love me enough to take me into your world. You have no idea what kind of abuse I've been through.'
Dionne looked up, her face streaked with blood.
'Moonlight, I would take you into my world,' she whispered, 'but there are many consequences to becoming a vampire. Yes, with time you would forget the past and what's happened to you. Right now, it just doesn't feel right. If you're going to leave, please do it now. If you want to return, you're most welcome to.'
Dionne lowered her face back to her hands and sobbed, the pain and hurt coming out. In the back of her mind she heard the apartment door slam shut. Lowering herself onto the couch, she cried herself into sleep.

Nights past. Dionne spent the majority of them in front of her precious computer, searching for Moonlight, her precious love. The same question kept running through her mind: why? Why had he left? Why had he broken her heart? He knew about what happened to Orion, about him breaking her heart, about him dying. Getting up from the computer, she knew that there was only one thing left to do. She had been putting it off but she would have to call him She searched her apartment until she found the scrap of paper with his number of. Because he had spent most of the last six months living in her apartment she had never needed to call him. She did now. Picking up the phone, she dialled and waited. The phone rang and rang but was never answered. Sighing, Dionne hung up. As she went to screw up the piece of paper, she spotted a number on the other side. Dexter's number. Quickly she dialled, her heart beating rapidly. It rang for a few seconds before being answered.
'You have reached the weirdo hotline. If you would like to talk to . . .'
'Dexter, cut the crap,' Dionne snapped.
There was a pause, the almost silent hiss of satellite silence. Then the voice spoke again.
'Dionne?' it asked.
'Yes, it's me,' she said, 'listen Dexter, have you seen Moonlight?'
Again there was a pause and the unnerving hiss.
'Haven't you heard?' he asked.
'Heard what?'
'Dionne, sit down,' Dexter ordered.
She did.
'The night you two fought, Moonlight tried to kill himself. He was heartbroken. He believed that the one person who loved him wanted nothing to do with him anymore.'
Dionne felt tears welling into her eyes.
'Which hospital Dexter?' she quietly asked, tears choking her.
There was just silence, eerie and unnerving.
'WHICH HOSPITAL?' she screamed.
'The central one,' came the quiet reply.
'Thank you,' she managed to whisper before hanging up.
Grabbing her coat, she fled for the door and into the city.

The hospital reception was quiet as Dionne ran in. Panicking, she looked around herself. Tears streamed down her face, the clean, antiseptic smell bore into her. Eventually, she managed to stumble towards the reception desk. Leaning on it, she caught her breath and looked up at the receptionist. She looked back, her eyes unsympathetic.
'I'm looking for a man called Moonlight. He was admitted for attempted suicide,' she managed to say between sobs.
The receptionist stared at her for a moment before tapping at a computer.
'Moonlight Stafie is in room one four five,' she replied.
Dionne didn't hear what else she said.

Running through endless corridors, Dionne became confused and disorientated. She may have been lost but her powers were still intact. Dionne stood and took a deep breath, focusing, feeling for Moonlight's thoughts, feelings and emotions. Suddenly, something shot through her mind. It was brief, a second of Moonlight's suicide attempt. Dionne feel to her knees and gripped her head, the pain of the cold blade in his wrist as clear as the day he did it. Slowly she got to her feet and, using Moonlight's weak brainwaves, she found his room.

Quietly she pushed open the door of the room. Dionne gasped as the sight inside met her. Moonlight was stretched out on a bed, a heart monitor watching over him. His slender wrists were bound with bandages; a tube had been fed into his mouth. Needles had been inserted into veins, feeding Moonlight' body and replacing the lost blood. Dionne sat by the bed and buried her head in her hands.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered, 'I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it to come to this. Please forgive me.'
'He can hear you,' a voice startled Dionne.
Turning round, she saw a nurse standing behind her. Slowly she approached Dionne and looked down at the unconscious Moonlight.
'He can hear every word you say,' she quietly repeated.
She turned to Dionne.
'Are you his girlfriend?' she asked.
Dionne nodded.
'I'm probably his ex-girlfriend,' Dionne quietly said.
The nurse sat beside Dionne and gently took her hand in his. Dionne watched as she stroked her fingers.
'Do you want to know what happened?' the nurse asked.
Dionne sighed and nodded.
'About three weeks ago, someone admitted Moonlight for attempted suicide. He had slashed both his wrists.'
Dionne cut the nurse off.
'Which way?' she asked, 'which way did he cut himself?'
The nurse sighed and closed her eyes for a second.
'Vertically,' she replied, 'commonly known as the correct way to cut your wrists. Anyway, by the time he reached us, he was unconscious and moments away from death. He was rushed through accident and emergency. Blood transfusions were given immediately. At one point, his heart stopped but luckily we were able to restart it.'
'How long has he been here?' she quietly asked.
'How long have you been apart?' the nurse asked.
'About three weeks,' Dionne replied.
'That's how long he's been here,' she quietly replied.
The nurse stood up.
'I shall leave you in peace,' she said before quietly leaving.
Dionne turned her attention back to the comatose Moonlight. Gently she stroked his face.

Dionne spent the next three weeks in transit between the apartment and the hospital, waiting for Moonlight to regain consciousness. She told him all about immortality. She warned him about the consequences, the slayers. She told him about her life, about Orion, about Amsterdam.

It had been about six weeks since Moonlight had been admitted. Dionne walked into the hospital and turned down the corridor towards Moonlight's room. As she approached it, she noticed that the door was open, people were coming and going. Dionne picked up her pace and ran towards the room. She grabbed a nurse on her way out.
'What's happened?' she asked, desperate.
She smiled down at Dionne.
'Are you Dionne?' the nurse asked.
Dionne nodded. The nurse gestured towards the room.
'He's asking after you. Go straight in.'
A smile spread across her face and she ran towards the room.

Dionne ran into the room. Doctors and nurses surrounded Moonlight. She heard his quiet voice say something and they moved away. Dionne smiled when she saw him and walked towards the bed. He was awake, his blue eyes tired. A slight smile played on his lips.
'Hi,' he whispered, his voice quiet and rasping.
She returned the smile.
'Hi,' she quietly replied, walking over to the bed.
She sat beside it and reached for his hand. He watched her gently stroke his fingers, eyes tired, exhausted. As she stroked his hand, the painful memories of his suicide attempt flashed through her mind. She closed her eyes, blocking out the people around her. In her mind's eye, she could see it all. The cold metal blade, the pain as it cut into flesh, the blood, the emotion, and the pain. Opening her eyes, she looked down into Moonlight's gentle blue eyes.
'Why did you do it?' she asked.
He closed his eyes and sighed.
'I felt I couldn't live without you. It was like I was living off of you. I didn't think you'd ever want me back.'
Dionne held up her hand.
'Look,' she said.
She watched as a gentle smile spread across Moonlight's lips as he spotted the ring that he had given her.
'I will never stop loving you as long as I live.'
Dionne lowered her eyes.
'There's something I have to show you,' she whispered.
Rolling up her sleeves, she held out her naked wrists to Moonlight. He took them an examined them. He ran his fingers across the scars.
'I tried once as well. I was so depressed I felt I couldn't live any longer so I tried to end my life.'
Leaning forward, she gently kissed Moonlight.
'I have to leave,' she whispered, 'and when you get out, I'm going to make you immortal. I can't live with myself if I don't.'
She got to her feet and quietly left. She was hungry.

Outside, she grabbed a doctor.
'Do you know when they're going to release Moonlight?' she asked.
'As early as tomorrow,' he replied.
'Okay,' she said, 'I'll come back tomorrow evening.'
With that, she left the building, her hunger getting too painful to bare.

Dionne walked through the centre of the city, sunglasses covering her eyes. She surveyed the scene, looking for the perfect meal. Eventually, she saw him. He was tall and thin, shoulder length blonde hair pushed behind his ears. Brown eyes looked around him, making it obvious to Dionne that he wasn't from the area. In his hands, he held a half-empty pint glass, a cigarette trapped between two fingers. Slowly, almost cautiously, she approached him, a smile spreading across her face.

Moments later, she had him exactly where she wanted him. He willingly followed her down a dark alleyway behind a bar. Leaning against a wall, she waited for him, her hunger ever growing. Her fangs itched in her jaw as the man approached her. Eventually he stepped up to her. He took her in his arms and pulled her close. Without speaking, he kissed her. Dionne didn't push him away, her own arms going around his waist. As they kissed, Dionne felt her fangs begin to extend, forcing their way out of their sheaths. She moved her mouth away from his and kissed his throat. She heard his breathing deepen.
'That's sexy,' she heard his voice whisper to her.
She scrapped at the flesh, the pressure building in her brain, her fangs aching. Eventually, she couldn't hold back any longer and she plunged her fangs into the throbbing vein beneath her lips. He screamed and pulled her close, gripping her to him. His blood squirted out of his vein with a pressure Dionne had never experienced before. As fast as she swallowed, her mouth was filled again. Soon the man slipped into unconsciousness. Dionne let him slip to the floor, slumping him against the wall. Slowly she licked her lips, savouring the last drops of blood. That meal was going to have to feed her for the next couple of days while she brought Moonlight home from the hospital.

As the night wore on, Dionne prepared the apartment for Moonlight's return. She placed candles in the bedroom, making the bed with satin sheets. Red roses stood in a vase of water beside the bed. A bottle of thick, red blood stood alongside the roses. As she finished, she sat on the edge of the bed. Slowly she stroked the satin sheets beneath her fingers. Eventually she got to her feet and walked back into the lounge.

Sitting down at the laptop, she logged it on to the Internet and downloaded her e-mail. She hadn't done it since Moonlight had left. If she had ever switched it on, it had been to work or search for Moonlight. As her mailbox opened, one particular message caught her eye. It was from the Apollo bookstore. She clicked on it and opened it. A smile spread across her face as she realised who it was from, Richard.

TO: dionne@moonlightproductions.com
FROM: apollo_bookstore@amsterdam.nl
SUBJECT: Hello

Hello Dionne,
I have finally found out how to use this Internet thing that you talked about so often. I am sitting in the corner of the bookstore. You know, the one that you and I used to sit in. I have not heard from you in what seems like such a long time. I hope to hear from you soon.
Richard.

The message brought a smile to her face. Reaching for the mouse, she clicked the 'reply' button. Quickly she began to type a reply.

TO: apollo_bookstore@amsterdam.nl
FROM: dionne@moonlightproductions.com
SUBJECT: Hello Richard

Hello Richard,
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply to your message. My companion has been in hospital and I had to spend time there. Luckily he is coming home tomorrow. One day maybe I'll get the chance to come to Amsterdam to see you. I would love to introduce you to Moonlight. He's my new companion and I love him dearly. I have told him everything about you. Good things though! I still occasionally miss Orion but I know that I can't live in the past. I still see him every night. Anyway, I must go. Take care and write soon.
Dionne.

She pressed 'send' and watched the message disappear into cyberspace. Sighing, she shut down the computer and headed to bed. She was exhausted and she needed all the energy she could save for tomorrow night.

The next evening, Dionne went by taxi to collect Moonlight. Dionne pushed him out of the main entrance in a wheelchair.
'I feel so stupid,' whispered Moonlight, turning to look at Dionne.
Dionne looked down at him and smiled.
'It's a humbling experience, isn't it?' she replied.
Moonlight nodded.
'How do you feel?' she asked.
'Sore,' he replied, rubbing his wrists.
'Well, you'll be home soon and tonight is the night. By the early hours of tomorrow morning, you'll be immortal.'
Dionne helped him into the taxi and climbed in beside him. She closed the door and the car headed back towards the apartment.

Moonlight stepped into an apartment lit by candles. Hundreds upon hundreds of candles, on every available surface. As the door closed behind him, he felt Dionne's arms go around his waist. He turned and looked at her, a smile forming on his lips. She stood on tiptoes and gently kissed him. Her soft lips caressed his, her arms moving up and draping her arms around his neck. They pulled away and looked into each other's eyes.
'Are you ready?' she asked.
He nodded. Dionne took his hand and gently led him towards their bedroom. He followed her willingly, knowing that his human life wasn't going to be for very much longer.

In the bedroom, Dionne sat on the bed, looking up at him. Moonlight held her hands. Dionne lifted his wrists to her mouth and gently kissed the wounds.
'These are never going to heal,' she whispered, 'you'll be carrying them with you for eternity. Can you handle that?'
Moonlight nodded. He watched a smile form on her lips.
Sit,' Dionne said to him, stroking the satin sheets.
Moonlight smiled and looked around himself. There were hundreds more candles, satin sheets and red roses; petals scattered on the bed. He sat beside her and watched her. She leaned forward and took his face in her hands and kissed him again. As she pulled away, he watched as her fingers crept to his mouth. She gently explored his mouth and moustache with her fingers.
'It's very soft,' she whispered.
He smiled. Her hands reached behind him, into his neck, and untied his hair. She kissed him again. Moonlight sensed that she felt uneasy with the situation.
'Okay,' she said, 'I'm going to start now.'
Moonlight held her face in his hands and watched her fangs slowly extend. They glinted in the candlelight, needle sharp and ready for action. He let go of her face and she kissed his throat. Moonlight braced himself for the pin prick entry of her fangs. He savoured the feel of her lips on his skin, the tip of her tongue caressing a vein in his throat. Then, there it was, the razor sharp pain as her fangs entered his vein. He heard his scream, felt his hands grip at the back of Dionne's head. He felt his life being dragged from his body and into hers. Consciousness began to come and go, his mind blacking out. Eventually, he could no longer hold on and he slipped into unconsciousness.

Dionne looked at the unconscious man in her arms. She could do anything to him, rob him, rape him, kill him. Instead, she lowered him to the bed. He lay there, a picture of perfection. His long hair spread across the soft satin sheets, his mouth open slightly, one hand tangled in his hair, the other slung across his chest. Reaching beside her, Dionne picked up a small, ebony handled knife. She ran it across her wrist, opening a vein and letting the blood flow. Bending down, she lowered the wrist to Moonlight's mouth.

Suddenly, Moonlight found himself being pulled from the warm, dark sanctuary of his mind. Every organ, every muscle in his body screamed out, as they went through Armageddon. The pain screamed through his brain like red-hot pokers. Dionne had warned him that it would hurt for a while but he had not imagined it to be like this. He writhed on the bed, his back arching, as Dionne's blood flowed into his mouth. He swallowed it, feeling her power flow into his body. Trickles of blood escaped from his mouth and down his chin. Eventually, Dionne pulled her wrist away. Moonlight lay still on the bed and opened his eyes. Dionne sat over him, her hands resting on the bed. She smiled slowly and one hand reached out to wipe away the trails of blood.
'It's all over,' she whispered.
He watched as she opened her arms, inviting him to sit up and be held. Willingly he did. He rested his head on Dionne's shoulder and let himself be held close. Dionne's heart beat close to his, her warm breath moving through his hair. The pain still throbbed through his body, fading with every heartbeat. The feeling of Dionne's hands stroking his hair relaxed him and eventually he feel asleep in Dionne's arms.

Dionne watched Moonlight sleep. He was finally immortal. He was never going to die, never going to leave her again. Gently she lay him on the bed. Automatically, he curled into a ball, his hands resting under his head. Dionne lay beside him and gently stroked his back. It reassured her to feel him beside her and eventually she too fell asleep.

The next evening, Moonlight woke up with a thumping headache. He sat on the edge of the bed and held his head in his hands. It ached and he suddenly realised why he had it. A smile slowly drifted across his face. He turned to look behind him and saw the person who had created him. She was sleeping in a tight little ball, hands tucked under her head, tiny feet tucked safely under the covers. Crawling across the bed, he gently kissed her cheek. Dionne stirred and slowly woke up. Moonlight watched her smile gently and reach up to stroke his face.
'All mine,' she whispered, 'so beautiful.'
Moonlight helped her to sit up. He held her close and felt her body close to his. He smiled to himself, enjoying the closeness. Dionne whispered into his ear.
'Tonight I have to teach you how to feed,' she whispered, her lips moving against his ear.
He pulled away and looked at her.
'You mean feeding off another person?' he asked.
Dionne nodded.
'Don't worry,' she whispered, 'you can practice on me.'
Moonlight smiled and leaned forward to kiss her. Dionne reluctantly pulled away.
'Do you want to begin now?' Dionne asked.
He nodded and smiled slightly, watching Dionne. She pulled away and straightened up. Her head tilted to one side and she brushed the hair away from her skin. Moonlight stared at the pale white skin. He could hear the blood pounding through the veins. Dionne reached out a finger and stroked the base of her throat.
'Here,' she said, 'this is where you need to aim for.'
Moonlight moved closer and lowered his mouth to her soft flesh. He heard her gasp. As his lips caressed the vein, he felt his new fangs begin to extend. The sensation of them leaving their sheaths made him shudder. Then, he sunk them in. He heard Dionne's scream and her hands grip the back of his head. It was now that he experienced the power that Dionne had held over him for so many months. His hands came up to the back of her head and held the wound close to his mouth. Dionne arched against him, in pain and in pleasure. Eventually, he felt Dionne's hands gently push him away.
'Enough,' she whispered, 'if you drink too much, you'll kill your victim.'
She sat before him, her hands resting on his chest. He looked down into her eyes. Curling a finger under her chin, he lifted her mouth to his. Moonlight felt her tongue flick over his fang teeth, cleaning the blood away. Slowly they pulled away. Moonlight felt warm and safe, enjoying their closeness. Dionne rested her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close, his hands gently stroking her back. Suddenly, the sound of the intercom pulled them apart.
'I'll get it,' Dionne whispered.
She climbed down from the bed and went to walk to the door. But as she did, she turned and quickly kissed him. Then she was gone.

Dionne walked out into the apartment and pressed the button on the intercom.
'Hello?' she asked.
'Hi, is Moonlight there?' a voice replied.
'Yeah, who is this?
'My name's Eclipse,' came the crackily reply, 'I'm Moonlight's brother.'
Dionne heard herself gasp.
'Moonlight has a brother?'
'Yes.'
Dionne pressed the door release button.
'Come on up,' she said.

Seconds later, there was a knock at the door. Dionne opened and, standing before her, was a man who was Moonlight's double. He was slightly shorter, with short dark hair and piercing eyes. A tattoo snacked up his neck, finishing just under his left ear. Dionne smiled and held out her hand.
'Hi, I'm Dionne,' she said.
The man took her hand and shook it.
'Eclipse,' he said.
'I'll go get him for you. Why don't you make yourself at home,' she offered.
Eclipse nodded and walked over to the couch. Dionne walked into the bedroom.

Moonlight looked up at her.
'Who was at the door?' he asked.
'I never knew you had a brother,' she said.
Dionne watched a smile form on Moonlight's face.
'Eclipse is here?' he asked.
Dionne nodded. Moonlight slid off the bed and headed out into the apartment. Dionne followed, eager to see the reunion.

Moonlight stood and stared at his brother. Eclipse rose to his feet and turned to face him. Moonlight tilted his head to one side and smiled. Eclipse stepped up to him and hugged him. Moonlight couldn't help but return the gesture. Eclipse pulled away and looked at him.
'How long is it since I last saw you?' he asked.
Moonlight smiled.
'Ten years,' he replied.
'You have changed so much,' Eclipse said, tucking a strand of hair behind Moonlight's ear.
Moonlight reached out and pushed Eclipse's head to one side. He admired the tattoo.
'What's this all about?' he asked, 'you were all against tattoo's.'
'What can I say,' Eclipse said, a smile on his lips, 'I changed my mind.'
Moonlight felt a head at his elbow, someone resting against him. He pulled away from Eclipse.
'Eclipse, this is my companion Dionne.'
Eclipse looked down at Dionne and smiled.
'We've already met,' he said with a smile, 'but I didn't realise that you were together.'
Moonlight nodded, lowering his eyes and smiling.
'Congratulations,' he heard Eclipse said.
Moonlight looked up. He watched as Eclipse gently took Dionne's face in his hands and lifted her eyes to his.
'Moonlight, she's beautiful,' he said, 'promise me, you'll take good care of her.'
Moonlight smiled at his brother.
'I promise,' he quietly replied.
He looked down at Dionne. She looked back at him, a smile on her lips.
'Look, I'm going to leave you for a while. You really need to spend time with your brother.'
Moonlight bent and kissed her forehead.
'I'll see you later,' he whispered.
She smiled and left.

Dionne walked through the city. Walking through the strip of bars and clubs, Dionne knew that she was being watched. People stared and pointed, at her dark hair, her pale skin, her piercing eyes. She smiled, enjoying the attention she was attracting. Eventually, she turned into 'Darkness', a Goth bar in the heart of the city. She walked up to the bar and sat down. The lone barman looked up from polishing glasses and walked over to her.
'Evening, D,' he said, 'the usual?'
She nodded.
'Please,' she replied.
As he went about his business, Dionne looked around herself. There weren't many people in the bar. A few of the city's teenage weirdoes were clustered together in a bar. They, like the clubbers before, stared at and pointed at her, quietly whispering. The barman walked back up to her and placed a glass in front of her. It was a shot of blood, brought from a nearby butcher, spiked with vodka and brandy. It was a lethal cocktail, not recommended for mortals. Dionne loved it. Lifting the glass to her lips, she threw her head back and threw it down her throat. She closed her eyes and shook her head as it stung her throat. Dionne opened her eyes and found herself looking into the eyes of one of the wannabes. She was dressed from head to foot in a black dress. She had paled her face and her lips and fingernails were painted black. She looked at Dionne, fascinated.
'Are you a real vampire?' she asked.
Dionne looked at her.
'What rumours have you heard?' Dionne replied.
'Someone said something,' the girl said.
Dionne opened her mouth and showed off her fangs, running her tongue over them as she did. She watched the girl's reaction and smiled.
'I'm real,' she replied, 'very, very real.'
The girl was astonished and amazed.
'Will you drink my blood?' she asked.
Dionne shook her head and pointed to the empty shot glass.
'I just drank,' she replied.
The girl grabbed at her, her sharp fingernails digging into her flesh. Dionne didn't try and push her away, she decided to hear the girl out.
'Please,' the girl begged, 'please drink my blood.'
Dionne pushed the girl away and stepped down from the barstool.
'Not tonight,' Dionne said.
She turned and began to walk away, leaving the bar.

Outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. She found herself occasionally being stalked by the town's weirdoes, all of them demanding to know what she was. Once they found out that she was a vampire, they wanted her to drink their blood. The thing that amazed Dionne was that the weirdoes kept her secret to themselves, never telling anyone else. She never took their blood. She didn't want to give them the pleasure of telling their friends that they had had their blood taken by a real vampire. It was too risky. She knew that she had to keep both hers and Moonlight's secret as quiet as possible. Collecting her thoughts, Dionne turned and headed back towards the apartment.

Quietly, she opened the door and walked in. A smile swept across her face as she saw the two brothers deep in conversation. They were so deep in conversation that they didn't even notice that she had walked in. Quietly she walked up behind Moonlight and gently cupped his chin in her hands. Pulling his head back, she lowered her mouth to his and kissed him. Slowly she pulled away.
'Hi,' she whispered, 'how was your evening?'
He smiled at her, quiet and sedate.
'Interesting,' he quietly replied.
Dionne pulled away and walked over to an overstuffed chair. Collapsing in to it, she watched the two men talk. They spoke very quickly in Dutch; their accents and odd words of English confusing her. Eventually, Eclipse stood up and spoke.
'I need to leave,' he said.
Dionne stood up.
'I'll show you to the door,' she said.

Quietly they walked out into the hallway. Dionne reached past him and opened the door. He stepped out onto the landing. Dionne leaned on the door, propping it open.
'Thanks for letting me come by,' he said.
Dionne smiled.
'Well, you just turned up. We had to be hospitable,' Dionne shrugged.
She looked around herself for no apparent reason.
'I know I should be going but do you want to go out for a drink tomorrow night?' he asked.
His question hit Dionne like a bullet. She knew that no matter how hard she tried, she could never refuse.
'Sure,' she replied.
Eclipse bent his head and gently kissed her cheek. As Dionne stepped away from the door, it swung shut, the lock shooting home. Dionne was too slow to stop it.
'Oh shit,' she whispered.
She pointed awkwardly pointed towards the door.
'I have to go. It's going to take me ages to get Moonlight to let me back in.'
She watched Eclipse shrug and smile.
'Okay,' he said, 'I'll see you tomorrow evening. Is eight okay?'
Dionne nodded, a twinge of discomfort flashing through her heart.
'Sure, eight's fine,' she replied.
She turned her attention back to the door as Eclipse left. Reaching out a hand, she hammered on the door, desperate to get Moonlight's attention.
'MOONLIGHT!' she shouted, 'MOONLIGHT! LET ME IN!'
Suddenly the door swung open and in its place stood Moonlight. The beautiful, quiet, longhaired, thrash metal playing Moonlight. Something in Dionne clicked. Why was she going out with Eclipse tomorrow night when she had everything that she had ever wanted standing in front of her? Lowering her head, she quietly walked in to the apartment. She now had a dark secret, which she had to hide.

Dionne lay on the bed, watching Moonlight prepare himself. He was naked from the waist up and his hair hung down his back, sweeping his waist. Slowly he pulled a brush through it, letting it fall back in smooth, shining waves.
'Moonlight,' Dionne whispered, 'come here.'
Her beautiful companion turned and walked towards her. He knelt on the bed and moved towards her. Dionne lay back on the overstuffed pillows and welcomed him with open arms. She smiled and pulled him, her arms wrapped around his neck. She felt him reach between them and undo his trousers. He moved slightly, releasing his erection and settling himself between her legs. Dionne moaned quietly and buried her face in his hair, breathing deeply. Moonlight's soft, musky scent drifted into her nose. She loved that smell; the one he got from spending a few hours playing with the band. She gasped as he entered her, arching against him slightly. He thrust into her, once, twice. Suddenly he moaned and pulled away, withdrawing from inside of her. Dionne lay back on the pillows, her eyes closed. As the warm fluid slowly ran down the inside of her thighs, she realised what had happened. Opening her eyes, she saw Moonlight sitting on the edge of the bed, head hanging, his beautiful eyes hidden by his hair. Wrapping the blanket around her shoulders, she crawled along the bed towards him. Kneeling up, she wrapped her arms around Moonlight's neck and rested her head against the back of his.
'It's okay,' she whispered.
'No it's not,' came the silent reply.
'Moonlight, just because this happened doesn't mean that you don't make me happy.'
'D, there are other issues not just the happiness thing.'
Moonlight shrugged her away, clearly upset.
'Moonlight,' she whispered, 'what is it? What's wrong?'
Moonlight didn't move from his position. He sat, head hanging, hands in lap.
'You know what happened,' he said.
'Yes,' Dionne replied, 'you came.'
'I came early,' whispered the hoarse reply, 'a premature orgasm.'
'And?' Dionne asked, sensing his reply.
'I feel inadequate, D, like I can't satisfy you.'
Reaching out, Dionne wrapped her arms around him and gently kissed the back of his neck.
'Moonlight, I will love you no matter what. You came early, so what? You still satisfy me. I love you for a billion other reasons, not just the sex. Despite what you may think.'
Moonlight turned to look at her, blood tears trickling down his cheeks.
'Do you mean that?' he asked.
Dionne nodded.
'Just because something went wrong once doesn't mean I'm going to hate you. I love you more and more every day. No matter what happens.'
'Thank you,' whispered Moonlight.
Dionne smiled and moved closer. Brushing the blood-streaked hair away from his face, she leant forward and gently kissed him. As she pulled away, she gently stroked his face.
'I can make you happy now if you want me to,' she whispered.
Moonlight looked at her.
'How?' he asked.
Dionne slid from the bed and knelt before him. She looked up at him and smiled slyly.
'What are you going to do?' Moonlight asked.
Slowly, she massaged the growing bulge in the crotch of his trousers, watching the expression on his face. He watched, the look on his face one of complete amazement. His eyes watched her fingers caressing him. She smiled up at him and gently unzipped his trousers. She listened, contented, to his gasp as she freed him from the confines of his clothing. She watched the expression change on his face from hurt to surprise. Slowly, teasingly she lowered her mouth to his crotch. She heard him gasp as she took him in to her mouth. Dionne knelt up and placed her hands on the tops of Moonlight's thighs as he lay back on the bed. He moaned and writhed beneath her, his pelvis thrusting upwards. Moments later, Moonlight climaxed. His cry echoed across the room and the hot, thick fluid surged into her mouth, almost choking her. Dionne pulled away and swallowed, wiping her mouth as she did. She looked up at her companion. He was lying flat on his back, eyes closed, breathing heavy. Getting up, Dionne crawled on to the bed. Lying beside Moonlight, she gently kissed him. He opened his eyes and smiled at her.
'You taste funny,' he whispered, a slight smile on his lips.
'I swallowed,' she replied.
Moonlight lay back on the bed, eyes closed, laughing.
'Oh D,' he laughed, 'I can't believe you did that.'
'Well, I did. Any time this happens again, I will happily repeat what I just did.'
Moonlight turned his head to look at her.
'Really?' he asked.
Dionne nodded.
'Really.'
Gently she stroked his chest, her fingers finding the shallow concave below his breastbone. She stroked the jutting bones of his collarbone. Dionne worried about him. He had been thin when she had first met him but now he seemed to be losing weight faster than he could put it on. Dionne propped herself up on her elbows.
'Moonlight.'
He turned his head to look at her, his beautiful blue eyes watching her.
'I'm worried about you,' she whispered.
His eyes became questioning.
'Why?' he asked.
'You are so thin. You've lost even more weight since you became immortal.'
'I thought you said that was to be expected?' Moonlight asked.
Dionne nodded.
'Yes, but not to this extent,' her fingers traced his ribs.
Moonlight watched her, eyes curious.
'I've always been really skinny,' he protested.
'I know, I know,' Dionne responded, 'tomorrow I'll go and find you something to eat. Try and get something to put some weight back on you.'
Reaching out, she gently stroked his face.
'Sleep,' she whispered, 'it is almost dawn.'
She lay beside him, an arm slung across him. Gently she stroked him, falling into a deep sleep as she did.

Dionne woke early the next evening. Slowly she dressed quietly so that she wouldn't wake Moonlight. A long black dress swept her ankles. Reaching down to the bed, she picked up her long black coat and slipped it on to her shoulders. As she walked towards the door, she heard Moonlight stir. Slowly she turned and looked at him, terrified that her companion had woken. But he hadn't. He was sleeping quietly on his side, the covers tucked around him. Sighing, Dionne quietly left the room.

Quietly she shut the apartment door behind her, favouring to wait out on the landing. She paced nervously, scared that Moonlight, having awoken in the few minutes she had been gone, would come out to collect the mail. Suddenly she heard footsteps on the stairs. Racing to the edge of the stairwell, she looked down. Eclipse was only a few feet away. Turning, she headed towards the top of the stairs and quietly began to walk down. She smiled as she rounded the corner and saw him. He looked up and saw her.
'Hi,' he said, 'I see you escaped without my brother catching you.'
Dionne nodded, her fake smile holding out. Her mind was continuously wandering, thinking back to Moonlight. What would he say and do if he found out? Dionne knew that he would probably leave her for sure. She didn't react as Eclipse reached out and took her hand in his, slowly, quietly, leading her out in to the night.

They walked through the city, hand in hand. Dionne tried to ignore the flirtatious little gestures that Eclipse gave her. The way he stroked her neck, the way he touched the end of her nose, the way he caressed her fingers. He slowly led her down a dark alleyway and pulled her to face him. Dionne knew what was coming next. She hid her eyes but a hand reached out and touched her chin, lifting her eyes. Eclipse's fingers gently stroked her face. Then he kissed her. Dionne did her best to resist him but found it impossible. Her body seemed to have taken over her mind and she responded to him. His kiss deepened and he pulled her close. Eventually, Dionne broke the trance and pulled away.
'Why did you do that?' she asked.
Eclipse shrugged.
'Because I felt like it,' he replied.
Dionne averted her eyes. Eclipse's voice pierced her brain.
'You're thinking about Moonlight, aren't you?'
Dionne looked up.
'It's written across your face. What you're doing isn't wrong. He's not going to mind.'
He bent and kissed her again. Dionne reacted and wrapped her arms around his neck. Something in her was telling her this wasn't right, that what she was doing now against everything she had promised to Moonlight.

Quietly, guiltily, Dionne walked into the apartment. It was quiet except for the sound of the television and the near silent tapping of computer keys. The sound of the computer keys stopped.
'Dionne, is that you?' Moonlight's voice asked.
Dionne decided to stop hiding in the hallway. Slowly she walked into the lounge, ready to face the music. Sitting on the floor, behind the coffee table was Moonlight. The laptop rested on the table in front of him; the TV was tuned into the twenty-four hour news station. His long legs were wrapped around one of the table legs; his long fingers rested on the keyboard.
'Hey,' he whispered, 'where have you been?'
Dionne shrugged and sat on the couch behind him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she rested her head on top of his.
'Out,' she replied, 'looking for food and stuff.'
Moonlight didn't move from the computer to look at her.
'Did you find any food?' he asked.
'Sorry.'
Gently she kissed the top of his head.
'Tomorrow maybe,' she quietly said.
Moonlight turned away from the computer and the TV and towards her. He knelt up in front of her. Gently he kissed her. It was a brief kiss. Dionne stroked his face, a tiny smile on her lips. Her fingers stroked his hair; his dark, soft hair and she tried to forget what had happened between herself and Eclipse. Suddenly Moonlight pulled away. Dionne was shocked.
'What is it?' she asked.
Moonlight reached out and took her face in both of his hands.
'I can see my brother.'
Dionne stared at him.
'Are you reading my thoughts?' she asked.
Moonlight looked at her, a little scared, his eyes widening slightly.
'It was an accident,' he quietly whispered.
'I was thinking about you and your brother. I think you have very interesting names.'
Moonlight smiled, relaxing.
'Well,' said Moonlight, 'my brother and I are twins. We were conceived on the day of an eclipse. He was born first so they decided to call him Eclipse. I'm the youngest and on the night we were born, there was a full moon. My mother could see it from the room she was in so they decided that I should be called Moonlight.'
Dionne gently stroked him.
'That's really romantic,' Dionne whispered, 'did you ever get teased because of your name?'
Moonlight shook his head, loose strands of hair falling into his face.
'I didn't really have many friends in school. Except for one.'
He paused and cocked his head to one side, remembering.
'She was sweet. She was my only real friend. We fell in love. She was the first person I ever made love to.'
'Why did you leave her?' Dionne asked.
Moonlight sat for a second, remembering.
'My uncle knew about us. He threatened to kill her. So I wrote her a letter telling her to find another route to school. To look after herself. Then I ran away.'
Dionne looked at him, feeling the pain inside of him.
'What was her name?' she asked.
Moonlight shook his head.
'I don't remember. I probably have it written down in one of my journals though.'
Dionne looked surprised.
'You used to keep a journal?'
'Yeah,' Moonlight replied, 'they were my only real escape from the world. I used to write my thoughts and feelings in them. I haven't kept one in ages. Well, not since I met you anyway.'
Dionne couldn't help it. Leaning forward, she kissed him. Long and hard. Her tongue penetrated his mouth. Eventually she pulled away.
'I love you so much,' she whispered.

Moonlight lay in bed, looking at Dionne. She lay, sleeping, with her back to him. Reaching out, he gently stroked her back. Something was worrying him. For the first time he was beginning to doubt their relationship. Something was nagging the back of his mind, like Dionne wasn't telling him something. Slowly, he began to probe her mind, trying to find something. But his powers were not yet strong enough to find all the information he needed. Moonlight moved away from Dionne and rested his head on the pillows. He was tired and, closing his eyes, he fell into a deep sleep.

Dionne was woken early by the apartment intercom. As she slipped out of bed, she looked down at her companion. Moonlight was sleeping beside her, one hand tucked under his head, the other one resting on top of the covers. Quietly she left the room to answer the intercom.

The intercom buzzed again as she walked through the lounge.
'I'm coming,' Dionne said to herself.
She opened the door and stood back. Eclipse stood before her. He stepped forward, causing Dionne to step back into the apartment.
'Why are you here?' Dionne asked, shocked.
Eclipse reached out to her, wanting to touch her.
'I had to see you again,' he seemed flustered.
Dionne looked around herself, checking for Moonlight. Her lover was a heavy sleeper. She kept walking back into the apartment, desperate to get away from Eclipse.
'You can't see me,' she said, 'not here.'
She stopped walking and looked at Eclipse. He walked up to her and stood in front of her. His hands reached out and held her face. Fingers stroked her skin. Dionne looked into his eyes, captivated. There was something deep in his eyes, something she couldn't name, something Moonlight didn't have. It kept her enchanted and she couldn't resist.
'How about somewhere else?' Eclipse asked.
'Let's go,' she whispered, captivated.

Dionne allowed herself to be led through the city. It was the early hours of the evening, eight or nine. Eclipse held tightly onto her hand, not wanting to let her go. Something deep in Dionne's mind told her that she shouldn't be doing this, that she shouldn't be deep in the heart of the city with Eclipse. Something wasn't right but whatever it was, her desire to be with Eclipse was far greater. Thoughts of Moonlight were fading fast. By penetrating his thoughts, she knew what was going to happen. She knew it shouldn't happen but she was going to let it. She wasn't going to resist.

The hotel room was spacious; floor to ceiling windows let the moonlight flood the dark room. Dionne stood in front of the windows, staring down at the city below her. The door quietly clicked shut behind her. Slowly she turned and looked at Eclipse. He switched on the lights, keeping them low. Just being in his presence scared her. He moved closer to her, she moved back. Again he moved and she took another step back. Something banged against the back of Dionne's legs and she fell onto the bed. Lying on the bed, she stared up at Eclipse. He stood over her, dominating. Slowly, he knelt on the bed beside her. Dionne shrunk back into the pillows and covers, trying to hide. Eclipse moved over her, pinning her down. He moved his mouth so that it was close to her ear.
'This is going to be our little secret. Moonlight need never find out.'
He moved on top of her. Dionne let him. His hands gripped hers, holding them above her head. Dionne didn't struggle. If he was going to have his way with her then so be it. She closed her eyes and rested her head back into the pillows. Eclipse kissed her as he penetrated her. Dionne gasped and focused her mind on something else. Moonlight's mind.

Dionne lay still, trying not to disturb Eclipse. He slept beside her, his job finished. Dionne had to admit to herself that she had enjoyed what had happened. She looked over her shoulder at the man sleeping beside her. Kneeling up, she opened her mouth. Her fangs slowly slid out of her jaw, her hunger building. Bending down, she kissed Eclipse's throat. His skin was soft, like Moonlight's. Her lips found a throbbing vein. Saliva moistened her mouth and she sunk her fangs in. Eclipse moaned in his sleep but he didn't wake up. Dionne closed her eyes as the blood ran into her mouth. Sweet, nutritious, life-giving blood. It flowed down her throat; refreshing her and making her feel alive. Slowly she pulled away. She licked her lips, cleaning her fangs as they slowly retracted. She looked down at her victim, drops of blood seeping from the wounds. Slowly she slid out of bed and began to collect her clothing. Quietly she dressed herself and picked up her bag. Suddenly, a noise behind her caused her to turn. Eclipse was standing behind her, a sinister look in his eyes, an evil smile on his lips.
'Where are you going?' he asked.
'I have to go back to Moonlight. He's going to be getting suspicious.'
Eclipse stepped up to her and placed his hands at her hips.
'Answer a question for me,' he said, 'what are you?'
Dionne looked at him.
'What do you mean?' she asked.
'These marks on my neck. What are you, Dionne?'
Dionne stared at him.
'You really want to know?' she asked.
Eclipse nodded.
'I want to know,' he said.
'I'm a creature of the night. An immortal, one of the walking undead, nosferatu. A vampire.'
Eclipse stared at her, almost unbelieving.
'You don't have to believe me,' she said.
Eclipse stepped forward and gently kissed her. His mouth was soft and warm; exactly like Moonlight's.
'I believe you,' said Eclipse, 'and remember. Tell him nothing.'
Dionne couldn't smile. Lowering her head, she turned and left.

Quietly she let herself into the apartment. Slowly she walked in, head hanging.
'D, is that you?' a voice asked.
Dionne walked through the hall and into the lounge. Lying on the couch was Moonlight, peaceful in all his immortal beauty. His hands were tucked behind his head, the TV control resting on his stomach.
'Where have you been?' he asked.
'Out,' she quietly replied.
She watched Moonlight shift his body and offer her part of the couch. Dionne slowly, guiltily, sat down. She leant back against his stomach. One his hands gently stroked the small of her back. Dionne hung her head.
'Where did you go?' he asked, 'I woke up and you were gone. It's not like you.'
Dionne turned and smiled weakly at him, a forced smile.
'I went to find some food,' she replied.
'Did you find any?'
She shook her head, her hair falling into her eyes.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered.
The hand stroked the back of her neck.
'Hey, it's okay,' he replied.
She turned and looked at him. The guilt racked her. How could she have cheated on this, this painfully beautiful man? He lay there looking at her, his beautiful blue eyes searching hers. Reaching out, Dionne gently ran a hand through his hair. It was soft and silky, running through her fingers like delicately spun silk. Her fingers moved to his face and she gently stroked the delicate features of his face. His eyes, his cheekbones, his jaw. Leaning forward, she gently kissed his mouth. She felt Moonlight's hand come up to hold her jaw, pulling his mouth against hers. His mouth was warm and soft, like Eclipse's. Dionne desperately tried to put Eclipse out of her mind and enjoy Moonlight's company. Slowly they pulled away and Dionne looked into his eyes. They stared back at her, innocent and naive, unknowing of what had happened between her and Eclipse. Dionne bent and kissed Moonlight's forehead.
'I'm going to bed,' she whispered.
Climbing off of the couch, she walked into the bedroom.

Moonlight sat on the couch and stared into space. There was definitely something wrong with Dionne. Her moment of affection had been appreciated but it had been the only one he had experienced in the past few days. Normally, when Dionne came in, she couldn't keep her hands off of him but since the accident a few nights ago, Dionne had been disinterested. Slowly Moonlight got to his feet and walked into the bedroom.

Dionne was sleeping, facing away from him. He sat on the bed and reached out a hand to touch her.
'D?' he asked.
Dionne stirred slightly and made a tiny noise. Moonlight moved onto the bed and sat beside her, legs curled beneath him. Gently he stroked her hair.
'D, wake up,' he whispered.
Dionne rolled over and opened her eyes.
'What?' she asked.
'I miss you,' he whispered.
'I'm right here.'
Moonlight sighed.
'D, I want you. I want you to touch me. I want to touch you. Please, Dionne.'
Sighing, Dionne sat up. She looked at him, eyes tired.
'Please,' he begged.
She leaned forward, intent on kissing him. Moonlight pulled away, wanting to play with her. If she kissed him, she still loved him. If she lay down and went back to sleep, the fire between them was dying. He watched as Dionne smiled slightly and shuffled across the bed. Her hands reached out and grasped the back of his head. Her eyes glinted mischievously and a smile spread across her lips. Then, she was upon him; her mouth firmly attached to his. She was pushing against him, causing him to lie down. She knelt over him, her hands tangled in his hair, her mouth bruising his. Moonlight reached out and placed his hands at her hips, pulling her down on top of him. He pulled her close, enjoying the feel of their bodies intertwined. Eventually, Dionne pulled away and sat up, resting back on her heels. Her hands rested on his chest.
'Do you want me to make love to you?' she asked.
Moonlight shook his head.
'Not tonight. You're obviously tired.'
Dionne slid off him, a disappointed look in her eyes. She lay back down. Moonlight bent and kissed her shoulder.
'I love you,' he whispered.

The next evening, Dionne quietly, guiltily, walked into the lobby of Eclipse's hotel. She ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time. She swept along the corridor of the second floor until she came to his room. Stopping, she knocked on the door. Suddenly the door opened and Eclipse stood before her.
'Dionne,' he said, 'what brings you here?'
His reaction wasn't what Dionne had expected. She had expected him to be shocked and surprised at his reaction.
'Do you want to go out?' she asked.
Eclipse nodded, a sly smile on his lips.
'Sure,' he said.
Dionne turned and headed back down the corridor. She checked behind her. Eclipse was close behind her, slowly catching up. He draped an arm around her shoulder.
'Where are we going?' he asked.
Dionne shrugged.
'To a bar I frequent. I need to pick something up and I thought maybe you'd like to join me for a drink.'
'You drink?' Eclipse asked.
'Occasionally,' she replied, 'in big amounts, it can be dangerous but in small amounts, it's okay. This particular bar also serves blood.'
Dionne looked slyly at Eclipse and smiled. The look on Eclipse's face made Dionne smile inwardly.
'Really?' he asked, 'human blood?'
Dionne shook her head.
'Animal blood. From a local abattoir. It's not brilliant but it does its job.'
Reaching to her shoulder, Dionne took his hand and led him out into the night.

Quietly, hand in hand, they entered 'Darkness'. Dionne stopped and turned towards Eclipse.
'Go find us a booth and I'll get something to drink. What would you like?' she asked.
'Red wine will do me fine,' Eclipse replied.
Dionne smiled and walked towards the bar.
'Prizm,' she said, curling a finger toward the tall bartender.
He walked over to her, drying a glass as he did. His brown eyes focused on Dionne.
'Hi D,' he said, 'what can I do for you?'
'Can I have one red wine and one of the usual for me,' she paused, 'and a bottle of blood.'
Prizm smiled and set to work.
'So who's the guy you're with?' he asked, 'where's Moonlight?'
Dionne turned to look behind her.
'That's Moonlight's brother,' she replied.
The skinny bartender rested his elbows on the bar and looked over Dionne's shoulder.
'Oh yes, I can see the resemblance,' he said.
'Prizm,' Dionne said, 'how about going and fixing my drink.'
The bartender smiled and turned back to the job in hand. Dionne turned and looked back at Eclipse. He was looking over at her. As she caught his eye, his gave her a sly smile. Dionne quickly averted her eyes and turned back to the bar. She looked up just as Prizm placed the drinks in front of her.
'So where's Moonlight?' Prizm asked.
'At home,' she replied.
'So what are you doing out with his brother?'
Dionne sighed and smiled, knowing that she wasn't going to get rid of Prizm very quickly.
'He's passing through the city and I thought I'd take him out for a drink.'
Prizm leaned on the bar and examined her eyes. Dionne smiled stiffly.
'What are you doing?' she asked.
'That's not what your eyes say.'
Prizm pulled away.
'You've slept with him,' he said, 'your eyes tell it all.'
'Prizm, you are one incredible man,' Dionne smiled.
She became serious.
'Just don't tell Moonlight, okay?' Dionne asked.
Prizm leaned on an elbow.
'What? That you've been sleeping around?' he asked.
'Please?' Dionne begged.
Prizm smiled.
'Okay, I promise I won't tell him.'
Dionne returned the smile.
'Thanks.'
She picked up the drinks and, with a smile she walked over to Eclipse. She placed the glass of wine in front of him. She sat and watched him sip from it. Slowly she drank from her glass. The blood ran into her body, refreshing her.
'How is it?' she asked.
Eclipse nodded.
'It's nice.'
Dionne smiled. Eclipse looked at her drink.
'What's that you're drinking?' he asked.
'Blood, vodka, brandy and a few other bits and pieces. Lethal to humans, fine for vampires,' she said with a smile.
'Sounds great,' Eclipse replied.
Eclipse reached out and stroked her face.
'Why did you come back?' he asked.
'I had to see you again,' she quietly replied.
She watched a sly smile flit across his face.
'Good,' he said.

Later that evening, Dionne and Eclipse walked through the city, hand in hand. As they walked along, Eclipse gently stroked the side of her face. Dionne smiled and hid her eyes. He pulled her to a stop and to face him. His hand slid under her chin and lifted her eyes to his.
'You are beautiful,' he whispered.
Dionne smiled. She gasped as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. She looked up into his piercing blue eyes and saw something, pure evil. Something evil, something harsh, flashed through his eyes.
'You're beautiful,' he repeated, his mouth curling into a sly smile.
Dionne shuddered, a chill running through her. Eclipse's other hand came up to her jaw and held it solidly as he kissed her. Dionne couldn't help it; she slid her arms around his neck and held him tightly. There was something about evil that attracted her to Eclipse. Something that Moonlight, her beautiful lover, didn't have. The kiss deepened as did Eclipse's hold on her. The arm around her waist, tightened, his fingers stroking the small of her back. Slowly they pulled away. Eclipse kept a hand on her jaw, her eyes looking into his.
'Wow,' Dionne whispered, 'that was amazing.'
Eclipse smiled.
'Come back to my hotel again,' he whispered.
Dionne shook her head.
'I can't. Not again,' she replied, 'last night Moonlight wanted to make love and I was too tired. He wanted to know what was wrong. Sooner or later, he's going to find out.'
Eclipse kissed her again, his soft lips caressing hers.
'Not unless you tell him,' he said.
Dionne pulled away and looked at him. His hands rested at her waist.
'He's not that stupid. I know you haven't seen him in over ten years but he's changed since the last time you saw him. Believe it or not, he's really smart.'
Eclipse's hand gently stroked her face.
'Don't worry, I know he's smart. If he wasn't, he wouldn't have found someone like you.'
Dionne pulled away.
'I need to go home. Moonlight's going to be worrying.'
Eclipse took her hand and they began to walk back towards the apartment. Dionne hung her head, thinking back over what had been happening the past few days.

Outside the apartment building, Eclipse pulled her to a stop. He held her hands in his.
'Come back with me. I want you again. Tonight.'
Dionne shook her head.
'Sorry, I need to go. Maybe another night,' she replied.
'Once more,' he pleaded.
Dionne smiled and shook her head.
'No,' she said.
She pulled away and headed towards the building. Something pulled at her heartstrings and she turned. Eclipse was standing, watching him. With a slight smile, she blew him a kiss. Taking a key out of her pocket and let herself in.

Moonlight heard a knock at the door. Unwinding himself from the couch, he got to his feet. He took his usual, loping strides to the door and opened it. Dionne stood in front of him. He stared at her.
'Where have you been?' he asked, 'this is the second night running that you've just disappeared out of the house. I thought you were dead.'
Dionne walked past him and into the apartment. She crashed onto the couch and curled up.
'Sometimes, Moonlight, I wish I was,' she said.
He turned and walked over to her. He stood in front of her. She looked up at him.
'So, where have you been?' he asked again.
'Out, just out.'
He sat beside her. Placing one hand on her head, he pulled her close. Moving closer, he began to smell her. Dionne tried to look at him, a confused look in her eyes.
'What are you doing?' she asked.
He pulled away and looked at, anger flashing through his eyes.
'You were with Eclipse last night, weren't you?' he asked.
She looked at him.
'You were, weren't you?' he demanded, 'I can smell him on you.'
Dionne lowered her eyes.
'Are you having an affair with him?'
Dionne shook her head. Moonlight grabbed her jaw and forced her to look at him.
'Wrong answer,' he said, 'I know that you two have had sex.'
He looked deep into her eyes. It was there, everything he needed to know was written in her eyes. He had never been so angry before. How could she? How could she just go out and do it? How could she fuck his own brother? A wall of red-hot anger passed through his mind.
'What was it like?' he demanded, 'was it better than what you get here? Is that why you went to him because you knew that sooner or later that backstabbing bastard would fuck you? Is that what this is all about? Is this why you wouldn't kiss me the other night? Because he'd already had you?'
Dionne stood up and walked away from him. Moonlight stood up and followed her. Towering over her, he grabbed her and swung her to face him. He shook her violently.
'I WANT ANSWERS, DIONNE,' he screamed.
Dionne lost it. She lashed out at him, her hands hitting him on the chest, bloody tears streaming down her cheeks. Moonlight didn't know why but he let her hit him. Her hands struck him again and again, bruising his flesh but never really hurting him. All his thoughts, all his feelings, all his emotions were compounded into one tiny ball of heated anger and hurt. As she beat him, the same question was continuously running through his mind. Why? Eventually, he grabbed her wrists, holding her. She fell to her knees, head hanging, arms suspended above her head. He heard her sniffling. Slowly he knelt down and lifted her eyes to his. Blood streaked her face. He felt himself calming down, his old self returning. Gently he stroked the tears away.
'Why did you do it?' he asked, his voice becoming soft, 'why did you fuck him?'
'Just because,' she said.
'Are you bored with me?' he asked, 'is that what it is? You're bored with me so you thought you'd find someone else?'
'I'm not bored with you,' she quietly replied, 'I'd never become bored of you. You're beautiful and I love you. I could never wish for anyone better. You've never left my side. I suppose that's why. You're too safe, too loyal. I wanted someone . . . dangerous.'
Moonlight pulled away and sitting back on his heels. Anger flashed through his eyes. He let go of Dionne.
'But you got me instead? Great, I'm second best to that bastard of a brother of mine.'
Dionne reached out for him but he backed off, angry.
'No,' said Dionne, 'I didn't just 'get you'. I feel blissfully and happily in love with you. You're perfect. Sometimes too perfect.'
Moonlight stood up.
'I'm leaving you,' he said.
Dionne looked up at him, the look on her face saying that she didn't quite believe him.
'Again?' she asked.
'Yes, again,' he said.
He started to walk towards the door, never looking back. Behind him, he could hear Dionne crying but he didn't stop. He couldn't. She had hurt him and he couldn't be around her. He had to get out, get out and think, get his head straight. His mind was a mess. A bundle of questions. Opening the door, he walked out, slamming the door behind him.

As the door slammed shut, Dionne burst into tears. Bloody tears streamed down her cheeks, staining her skin and her clothes. She held her head in her hands, the blood seeping through her fingers. Taking her hands away, she threw her head back and screamed a powerful, immortal scream. It echoed through the apartment and through her skull.

Outside, Moonlight stopped and turned. Dionne's pain-ridden scream echoed through his skull. For a moment he was tempted to turn and go back to the apartment to comfort her, to tell her everything was going to be okay. Then it hit him. What she had done had violated the way he thought about her. When he had met her, she had been the most amazing person he had ever met. She had been kind, loving and gentle. She had given him everything he had ever wanted. He had loved her with all of his heart and now she had dashed that away. His heart had been torn into a thousand pieces and tossed into the wind. Bending down, he unlocked his car and got in.

Dionne walked into the kitchen. Sobbing, she opened and drawer and took out a knife. A long, steel kitchen blade, cold to the touch. Through her tears, she stared at it, the harsh kitchen light bouncing off the blade. Shaking, she laid her arm on the cold work surface. With her right hand, she placed the sharp tip of the blade on her wrist, pressing it into the soft flesh. Slowly she cut into the flesh and drew it down her arm, into veins and arteries. She cried out slightly, closing her eyes against it. Pulling away, she dropped the knife on to the floor. Opening her eyes, she stared at the wound. Blood streamed from it, over her arm and on to the floor. Then, before her eyes it began to heal, slowly but surely, the two halves of the wound bound themselves together. They bonded and healed, leaving no scarring, no evidence except for the blood. Dionne stared at her wrist in disbelief. Frustrated tears streamed down her cheeks.
'NO,' she screamed, 'PLEASE NO.'
Taking the knife in her hand, she plunged it again and again into her wrist, slashing veins and breaking bones. Blood flowed from the wounds. She screamed in pain and frustration, slamming the knife down and again and again. As it caught in the work surface, Dionne yanked on it, wrenching it out, ripping through her flesh as she did. The cold blade tore through skin and bone. Eventually, bloodied and exhausted, Dionne dropped the knife and fell to the floor. She sat on the floor, her wrist in her lap, watching as the wound healed, the bones knitting themselves back together. Blood covered her clothes, the floor and the work surface. Gently she stroked her wrist, cleaning the blood away. Curling into a tight little ball, she fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

In an alleyway, Moonlight pinned a young woman against a wall. His fangs were deep in her throat, ripping through flesh and muscle, the blood spurting into his mouth, feeding him; relieving his anger. There was no feeling in his feeding. Somewhere, deep in his mind, he could hear the woman screaming, pleading with him to let her go. Moonlight ignored her; his mind completely focused on feeding. His arms tightened around her body, squeezing the life out of her. Eventually he let her go, her lifeless body crumpling to a heap on the ground. He looked at her for a brief moment, wiping a hand across his bloodied mouth. Catching his breath, he turned and left. He carried on down the alley, not caring where it ended. The alley got darker and darker, his footsteps echoing deep into the night.

Day dawned and night fell again. Dionne slowly woke from her dreamless slumber. Tiredly she looked around herself. The kitchen hadn't changed. It was still a mess of blood. It had dripped down the white walls; the cupboards and the surrounding floor area were covered in it. Dionne managed to drag herself to her feet. Her mouth was dry and there was a funny taste in her mouth. Opening the fridge, she found a bottle. It was the bottle she had brought for Moonlight a few days before. Opening it, she smelt it. Recoiling away from it, she put it to her lips and drank. It tasted foul, cold, three-day-old blood was not high on Dionne's list of food sources. She winced and shook her head, trying to rid herself of the taste. Slowly, tiredly, she walked out into the lounge. Her hair was matted with dried blood, her face was pale and drawn, her eyes listless and tired. Lying on the couch, she pulled the low coffee table towards her. Her laptop rested on it, closed from the last time Moonlight had used it. Lifting the lid, she switched it on. There was nothing left to do except to immerse herself in work. Some had arrived a few days before. An assignment for a graphics company. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Wearily, Dionne slid off the couch and walked towards the door. As she opened the door, two burly men, dressed in black suits, reached out and grabbed her. Dionne tried to scream but a hand was placed across her mouth, silencing her. She was dragged down the flights of stairs and out of the building. Outside, a sleek black car waited for them. Dionne was pushed over the bonnet of the car. Her arms were dragged behind her back and her wrists chained. The links of the chain pinched her flesh, making her gasp. A blindfold was wrapped around her eyes, closing the world off from her. She was helped o her feet and bundled into the back seat. The door slammed shut.

Dionne sat on the back seat. She heard the locks shoot home, trapping her inside. As the car moved forward, she was jolted into the seat. Suddenly Dionne was aware of someone else in the car. They moved closer to her. She tried to move away but found herself trapped. The person's warm breath touched her throat; a hand gently caressed her skin. Their thumb came up to her jugular and held her head. Then their lips touched her throat. Dionne stiffened. She heard fangs slowly slide from their sheathes in the person's mouth. Dionne shivered, wondering who it was. Then razor sharp fangs plunged into her flesh. Dionne cried out but a hand quickly snapped over her mouth. As the mouth drank her blood, draining her, she slowly slipped into unconsciousness.

Dionne didn't know how long she had been unconscious. It could have been minutes, it could have been hours, and it could have been days. Slowly she woke up, her head dizzy and her mouth dry. Her hands were still chained behind her back but the blindfold had been removed. She rested her head against the cool, damp brick wall. Her eyes looked around herself. She was in some kind of crypt. The room was chiselled from solid rock giving Dionne the impression that she was deep underground. Candles provided the only light. They rested on little ledges and alcoves, the wax dribbling down the bare rock. Water dripped down the wall, forming puddles on the floor and ledges. The door, which held her in the room, was made from solid wood. There was no way out. It was then, for the first time, that Dionne noticed that she was wearing a long black dress. It was made from velvet and lace, black ribbon tying it at the front. Suddenly the door opened and the two men who had kidnapped her walked in. They walked up to her and grabbed her, dragging her to her feet. One of them spoke.
'It's time to go,' he said in a deep voice.
'Where to?' Dionne demanded.
Neither answered her. They began to drag her towards the door and whatever was beyond. Dionne pulled back, trying to stop them from taking her but it was impossible. They were going to take her anyway, whether Dionne liked it or not.

Dionne was led through long, winding tunnels, all of them deep underground. The sound of dripping water unnerved her. She had no idea where she was going or what was going to happen. Her feet scuffed the sandy floors, sending up little flurries of sand and dirt. A million thoughts ran through her mind. Who? What? Where? Why? Soon they turned into a big, high roofed hall. Hundreds of people, all of them clothed alike in black robes, had gathered. Huge chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting eerie shadows on the walls and people. Dionne stood at the top of a long aisle. At the end was an altar. Standing before the altar were two hooded people. Dionne assumed that the one holding the book was facing them. The one standing to his right was dressed in a black robe, gold embroidery snaking over it. Dionne let herself be led down the aisle. Her stomach was in knots, Dionne felt ill. As the came to a stop the man in the embroidered robe stepped up beside Dionne.
'Why am I here?' Dionne asked.
The man holding the book lifted his head.
'Dearly beloved,' he said, 'we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Dionne and Eclipse in unholy wedlock.'
The words shot through Dionne's brain like a bullet. She screamed and began to back away. She was restrained by the two men and forced back to the altar. The robed figure turned to her and lowered his hood to reveal Eclipse.
'YOU,' she screamed, 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING?'
Eclipse stepped up to her and took her face in his hands. Dionne tried to pull away but was too slow. His fingers gently stroked her face, caressing her cheeks.
'I'm having you married to me,' he said.
He turned to the priest.
'Carry on.'
The priest nodded.
'Do you, Dionne, take Eclipse to be your spouse in darkness.'
Dionne shook her head, her hair catching in her face.
'No,' she said, 'no. I'm already married.'
Eclipse turned back to her and went to touch her face. Dionne flinched away.
'Only in your heart, my dear, not in name.'
'Do you,' the hooded priest said, 'Eclipse, take Dionne, her mind, her body and her soul as your companion in darkness?'
Eclipse reached out a hand and stroked her face. Dionne wasn't fast enough to move away. The back of his hand gently stroked her face, his eyes evil and heartless.
'I do,' he said.
The priest looked up.
'Then I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your unholy bride.'
'NO!' screamed Dionne, 'PLEASE NO!'
But she couldn't stop the inevitable. Eclipse stepped up to her and wrapped one of his arms around her waist. He pulled her close and leered into her face. His other hand gently stroked her face. The hand held her jaw and pulled her mouth to his. She blocked out everything, the hall, the people watching, Eclipse. Eventually he pulled away, and, linking an arm through hers, he began to lead her back up the aisle. Dionne looked around herself, panicking. Her eyes swept across the crowd of people, looking for someone to help her but there was no one. They all looked back at her with the same glassy eyed stare, all of them brain washed zombies. As they walked through the hall, Dionne's eyes saw someone who might be able to help her. Moonlight. Dionne dragged her feet.
'MOONLIGHT!' she screamed, 'MOONLIGHT, HELP ME!'
But her beautiful lover just stared, never moving, another of the brain washed zombies. Eclipse led her out of the hall and into a narrow, winding corridor.

Eclipse kept hold of her, his hand tightly holding her elbow. He stayed close to her, his new prize. As they walked, Dionne felt him place his mouth against her ear.
'Behave,' he whispered, 'and I won't hurt you. Try anything and I'll kill you.'
He pushed her forward, towards a door. With one hand still firmly holding her, the other reached deep into the robe and pulled out a key. Inserting it into the lock, he opened the heavy wooden door. It creaked on rusty hinges, swinging inwards. Dionne let herself be led into the room.

In the room, Eclipse released her for a second while he closed and bolted the door. She stood, chained and helpless, in the middle of the room. Behind her was a huge four poster bed. Drapes hung from it; big pillows piled on to it. Cupboards and shelves were built into the walls. The room, like the cell and the hall, was carved out of solid rock. Eclipse walked back over to her. Taking her elbow again, he led her to the bed. Gently he sat her down. Dionne was taken aback by his sudden gentleness, the way he had led her, the way he had sat her down on the bed.
'Let's get you out of those chains,' he said.
Dionne tried to watch him as he knelt on the bed behind her. She felt a key be inserted into the lock and the chains were pulled away. Bringing her wrists in front of her, she rubbed them. She felt Eclipse move and sit beside her. She turned to look at him.
'Why am I here?' she asked.
'You have asked that question again and again during your time here,' he replied.
He reached out a hand and stroked her face. Dionne didn't flinch away; something deep inside of her stopped her.
'Why did you turn Moonlight into a vampire?' he asked.
'He was a willing victim,' Dionne replied.
Eclipse stroked her face, his fingers crawling across her skin. His eyes bored deep into hers.
'That's not what he told me,' Eclipse said.
Eclipse cupped her chin in his hands, holding her eyes to his.
'He's deeply wounded that you slept with me. You enjoyed it, didn't you?'
Dionne didn't respond to him, just kept staring into his eyes, trying to block out all thoughts of him. Eclipse changed his tone.
'You're beautiful. I can see what my brother sees in you. Although what you see in him I don't know unless you're heavily into thrash metal.'
Dionne carried on looking at him, letting him do the talking.
'Moonlight is, was and always will be a loser.'
Dionne couldn't keep quiet a moment longer; she had to speak.
'I happen to love Moonlight a hell of a lot,' she retaliated, 'I became attracted to Moonlight because of the person he is not because he's in a band. I fell in love with the quiet, withdrawn Moonlight.'
Eclipse pulled away from her and laughed.
'My dear, you have a lot to learn,' he laughed, 'how long have you been together?'
'Not long,' Dionne replied.
Eclipse gently stroked her back.
'Make yourself comfortable.'
'I can't,' she said, 'I have to go and find Moonlight.'
'Moonlight's not going to be waiting for you,' he said, 'he's probably off with some other woman now, shooting crack or something.'
Dionne felt him move him closer to her, his arms going around her, his head resting against the back of hers.
'Time to get comfortable. It's our wedding night and I want you to make me immortal.'
He began to pull her back on to the bed. Dionne let him, not wanting to argue with him. Climbing on top of her, he pinned her to the bed. Dionne looked up at him, fear in her eyes.
'No,' she whispered, 'please no.'
He reached out and stroked her face.
'It's going to be okay,' he whispered, 'It's not going to hurt.'
He moved over her, lifting her dress as he did. Dionne struggled and tried to fight him off but Eclipse grabbed her wrists.
'No,' he said.
Dionne gave up and closed her eyes, letting her head loll to one side. She felt Eclipse thrust against her. Quietly she moaned to herself.

Moonlight relaxed in another room. He lay on a divan, reading an old hardback book. The sound of the turning pages was the only sound that broke the silence. His hair hung loose to his waist, neatly brushed. A servant had been in earlier in the evening to tend to him and make sure that he was comfortable. Now he was settling down to sleep. Ever since he had met Dionne he couldn't remember when he had last had time to sit and relax. Her paranoia about the slayers and about being found out had started to drive him insane. Now he was rid of her and her whining. He could start to rebuild his life and, in a few days, he would return to the surface and start over. He had seen her marriage to his brother and now he wanted nothing to do with her. She had cheated on him and now he didn't need her.

Dionne lay on the bed. She felt violated and alone. She wondered how Moonlight, her one true love, could do this to her. Just leave her to be married off to this animal. Suddenly she felt a hand stroke her back and a mouth touch her ear.
'Again,' a voice said.
It was a demand not a question. Dionne rolled over to look at him. Eclipse leeringly looked at her, an evil glint in his eyes. Dionne sighed.
'No,' she said.
Eclipse took her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him.
'You're my wife, Dionne,' he said, 'you will do as I say.'
Dionne recoiled at the sound of her name. She was used to people calling her by a shortened variation of her name. Eclipse lay back down.
'Which reminds me. I want you to attend a ceremony tomorrow evening.'
Dionne looked at him.
'What kind of ceremony?'
'You'll see,' he replied.
Eclipse rolled over and went back to sleep. Dionne did her best to go to sleep but it was difficult. The feelings of rape were still there. She wanted to be back in the apartment with Moonlight. Curled up in their big bed, warm and safe.

A servant waked Eclipse and herself the next evening, or at least what Dionne assumed was evening. The lady, dressed in black, lit the candles and quietly woke them by tying back the drapes. Dionne sat up, blinking in the light. Eclipse sat up beside her and, as the servant left, he leaned over and kissed her. Dionne didn't respond, just stared into space.
'Come on,' he said, 'we have to get ready. There's a new dress hanging in the closet for you.'
Dionne got out of bed, icily ignoring Eclipse. She opened the closet and there hung a beautiful dress of wine red velvet. She turned and looked at Eclipse, a quizzical look on her face. Eclipse caught the look.
'It's yours,' he said, 'only the best for my wife.'
'Can I have some privacy?' she asked.
Eclipse shook his head, smiling evilly. Sighing, she turned back to the dress. Slowly she slipped out of the dress she had worn the night before. It fell to the floor, rustling into a pile. Standing in her underwear, she took the dress from the hanger and slipped it over her head. It rested easily against her flesh, soft and warm. It brushed the floor behind her, the fabric a million different shades of red. Arms went around her waist and pulled her close.
'You look beautiful,' he said.
Dionne pulled away and turned to him.
'Can we get this over and done with please?' she asked
Eclipse smiled.
'Sure,' he said.
He took her hand and led her towards the door.

They walked through the winding corridors, passing robed people as they did. Eclipse was still dressed in the robe he had worn the night before. Candles cast eerie shadows on the stone walls. Like the cell she had been kept in, water dripped down the walls. As they walked, he looked down and smiled at her.
'Not far now,' he said.

Eventually they turned into the hall. Again, hundreds of people had gathered, all of them dressed in identical robes. Heads turned as Dionne and Eclipse entered the room. Slowly they walked along the aisle that the previous night Dionne had walked to her marriage. Keeping her head low, she walked beside Eclipse, her hand in his. He led her to the front of the hall and stood her by the altar. Eclipse stepped away from her and up to the altar. He turned to the crowd of people.
'Good evening,' he said, his voice echoing through the hall, 'tonight, on the night of a full moon, we have the privilege of being able to replace one of the bodies of the four princes. As you know, our sacred tomb in Nepal was lost during a war and the bodies of the four princes and one princess were lost. We have waited nearly forty years to replace them and now I have the privilege of being able to replace the forth body.'
At the back of the room there was a clatter of chains and everyone, Dionne included, turned to look. Four robed people walked into the room and in the centre of them was a chained sacrifice. Their head was lowered to hide their eyes, their feet were bare. They dragged their feet, leaving long trails in the thin layer of sand which seemed to coat the underground prison. As they walked past Dionne she gasped. It was Moonlight. Dionne tried to step away but a hand held her back.
'No,' she whispered, 'please no.'
Moonlight was led up to the altar. His chains were removed and he stepped up to the altar. As he did, he lifted his eyes. They were dull and lifeless, drugged even. Dionne watched in shock as her beautiful companion was chained to the cold stone of the altar. His wrists were secured above his head and his ankles fastened together His chin was pulled back, exposing his throat. The robe he was wearing was unfastened to expose the top of his chest. Eclipse stepped up to the altar, a long stake in one hand, and a mallet in the other. Dionne watched as he looked down at his brother and placed the stake against Moonlight's immortal heart. He raised the mallet but as he was about to bring it down, Dionne screamed.
'STOP!' she screamed, 'YOU'RE GOING TO KILL HIM!'
Eclipse turned to look at her. Dionne stepped away from where she was standing; pulling herself away from the hands that restrained her. She walked up to Eclipse and looked him in the eye.
'How can you?' she demanded, 'your own flesh and blood?'
Eclipse smiled evilly and cupped her chin in his hand.
'I have to,' he replied, 'now let me finish.'
Gently he bent and kissed her. Dionne pushed him away.
'Don't insult me,' she said, 'you lay one finger on Moonlight and I'll kill you.'
'No you won't,' Eclipse replied.
Dionne carried on looking at him. Eclipse stroked her face.
'My dear, I'm going to drive a stake through his heart and then cut off his head. It's the only way to kill a vampire.'
With lightening speed, Dionne grabbed the stake and mallet from Eclipse's hands. Eclipse stared at her.
'I wouldn't do that if I were you,' he quietly responded.
'Why?' Dionne replied, slowly feeling her immortal power flowing through her body.
'Because you'll regret it.'
'No I won't,' Dionne quietly said.
She stepped up to Eclipse and brought her knee up between his legs. Eclipse screamed and fell to his knees. Hands landed on Dionne's shoulders and began to drag her away. Pulling away, Dionne turned and plunged the stake deep into the member's heart. There was a nasty squelching noise as the sharp point entered the chest area. The cult member writhed on the stake before Dionne pulled it out. He fell to his knees and writhed on the floor for a few minutes before dying. Dionne turned her attention back to Eclipse. As her eyes swept across the hall, she noticed that many of the cult members had disappeared.
'Cowards,' she said.
Eclipse was sitting on the floor, holding his crotch. Dionne looked down at him.
'Bitch,' whispered Eclipse.
Standing in front of him, Dionne lashed out and kicked him in the jaw. Eclipse fell back, gasping and gripping his jaw. Dionne lowered herself onto his body and sat on him, her knees tucked under her. She placed the stake over his heart and raised the mallet. Eclipse watched her, terrified of what was about to happen.
'Just remember that I was the one that sent you to hell,' she said.
As the stake plunged into Eclipse's heart he screamed and tried to rip it out but Dionne held it there. He writhed on it, his mouth a constant O of pain. Eventually, he took his last breath and died. Dionne looked down at him before climbing off of his body. Turning around, she looked at the altar. The scream that she uttered echoed through the hall. The altar was empty. While she had been killing Eclipse, her precious Moonlight had been spirited away. Running along the long centre aisle she left the hall.

Dionne ran through the twisting, winding corridors. She screamed her lover's name over and over again. Her footsteps echoed through the dark passages, her voice reverberated of the jagged stone walls.
'MOONLIGHT!' she screamed, 'MOONLIGHT!'
As she ran down one of the passages she came across a low doorway. Stopping, Dionne looked into it. It was pitch black and Dionne couldn't see further than a few feet. Strange moaning noises came from deep within what Dionne assumed was a cavern. Picking up one of the nearby candles, she fearfully stepped through the doorway. A steep set of stone steps led down into a cavern. The flickering candlelight lit two rows of cells. Prisoners in various states of undress and restraint occupied each one. The prisoners looked at her, desperate. They quietly whispered to her to get them out. Afraid, Dionne kept walking down the row, looking from side to side. Eventually, the candle lit up the sorriest sight she had ever seen. In a cell, naked from the waist up, was Moonlight. He was standing, his arms suspended by chains above his head. The muscles were strained and tense and, to Dionne, it looked uncomfortable. He was slouching forward, his head hanging, his long hair hiding his eyes.
'Moonlight,' she whispered, 'Moonlight.'
Slowly, almost painfully, he looked up. His deep blue eyes were dull and listless. In the faint candlelight, Dionne could make out faint trickles of blood on Moonlight's chin.
'Can you hear me?' she asked.
Moonlight kept on looking at her, not responding.
'Did they feed you?' she asked.
He slowly nodded.
'I need to get you out,' she quietly said.
Moonlight kept on looking at her, never blinking, never smiling. Stepping forward, Dionne took hold of the bars of the cell and stared at her beautiful lover.
'Do you still love me?' she asked.
There was no response. Moonlight just stared at her. Dionne sighed and carried on staring at him, wondering what had happened to him.
'Moonlight, I'm worried about you.'
Again he never responded. Turning away, Dionne began to leave, wondering what had happened to her beautiful lover. She walked back up the stairs. She was distraught and losing all hope. She knew that drugs were involved and that Moonlight had been drugged, possibly against his will. He had been fed which, for now, kept her satisfied.

Dionne quietly wandered through the silent passages, her head hanging, hands clasped behind her back. The image of her beautiful companion hanging from the ceiling haunted her. It ran through her mind again and again, chilling her. Suddenly, a hand came down on her shoulder. Dionne swung round, shocked and scared. She gasped as she bumped in to Eclipse. As she turned to run, his hands grabbed her and pulled her back. Dionne stared at him in horror and denial.
'I killed you,' she hissed.
'That's where you're wrong,' he hissed back, placing his face close to hers.
Dionne tried to pull back but wasn't fast enough.
'You killed me but my brother resurrected me.'
Dionne's eyes narrowed.
'That's where he got the blood from,' she quietly said.
Eclipse nodded. He grabbed her elbow and began to drag her down the passage.
'It's time,' he hissed.
Dionne stared at him in horror.
'Time for what?' she asked.
Eclipse paused and looked at her.
'For the sacrifice. Come with me.'
He continued to lead her away. Dionne pulled back, dragging her heels, screaming and protesting.

Eventually, they reached the hall. Dionne struggled but Eclipse's vampiric power was enough to overcome her. She knew that she had deliberately not been fed to keep her weak. She felt Eclipse's hand slide down from her elbow and hold her hand.
'Relax,' she heard him hiss into her ear.
She tried but it was hard. Eclipse led her closer and closer to the altar. She could feel the eyes of the cult boring into her, hard and uncaring. Instead of taking her to one side, this time he led her straight to the altar. He held her tightly; forcing her to stare at the blood stained stone altar.
'I forgot to tell you,' he hissed, 'there was the body of a princess in that tomb and you're going to replace it.'
'No,' she cried, 'please no.'
She felt Eclipse step away from her and two cult members stepped up to her. Hands clasped her elbows. As she was helped on to the altar she struggled, crying out as she did. There was nothing she could do and she was lain out on the cold stone. Her arms were chained above her head. The cool links of the chain caught her flesh, making her gasp in pain. As her ankles were chained together, four candles were lit, one at every corner of the altar. Eventually, it seemed that the preparations for her death were complete. Her head had been secured so that her throat was exposed but she could just see out of the corner of her eyes. Eclipse, clothed in a black hooded robe, stepped up to the altar. He carried an old, heavy looking book. As he stood over her, he began to read from it, reciting passages from it in an ancient language. She could see the members of this strange cult watching in anticipation. They wanted blood and death. That was what this cult was about. The killing of innocent people like herself for the sake of some religious purpose. The book was taken from Eclipse and in its place he was handed the hawthorn stake and a heavy mallet. Hands reached in and loosened Dionne's clothing, exposing her heart. She wanted to struggle, get the hands off of her but she couldn't. It would be no use anyway. The sharp point of the stake was placed against her flesh. The mallet was raised, high above Eclipse's head. He looked down in to her eyes. Dionne did her best to show no fear.
'May God have mercy on your soul,' Eclipse whispered.
Dionne closed her eyes and prepared herself but it never came. Instead, she heard Eclipse scream and cult members move across the solid stone floor. Dionne opened her eyes and saw Moonlight. He was standing over his brother, pinning him to the floor with a foot. The ceremonial hall was empty except for them. Moonlight looked down at his brother, his long hair streaking his face.
'You promised me,' he hissed, anger in his eyes, 'you promised me that if I turned you, you would leave Dionne alone. You said that you would only sacrifice me.'
Out of the corner of her eye, Dionne saw an evil smile creep across Eclipse's lips. Moonlight obviously saw it as well because he kicked his brother in the ribs. Eclipse moaned and curled up in to a ball.
'You promised me,' Moonlight said again.
'So I went back on my promise,' Eclipse said through the pain.
Again Moonlight's foot made contact Eclipse's ribs. There was a nasty crunch and Eclipse moaned in pain. Moonlight bent down and picked up the stake. Lowering himself on to his brother's body, Dionne watched Moonlight lift it high above his head.
'Remember,' hissed Moonlight, 'that I was the one that sent you to hell.'
Dionne closed her eyes and heard the noise as the stake entered Eclipse's chest. Eclipse's powerful immortal scream echoed through the hall. Then there was silence. Beautiful silence. Dionne opened her eyes and looked up. Her beautiful lover stood over her, a peaceful look in his eyes. In his hand he held a key, the key to the lock. Without saying a word, he placed the key in the lock and twisted it. There was a reassuring click as it came undone. Hands pulled the chains, freeing her and then pulling her in to a sitting position. The hands supported her back, a head rested against the side of hers.
'It's okay,' the voice whispered.
Dionne turned her head and saw Moonlight for the first time in what seemed like a million years. His blue eyes were was beautiful as ever, his long brown hair spilling over his shoulders. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as she knelt up on the altar and took Moonlight's face in her hands. She kissed him hungrily, feeling everything she had ever felt for him come flooding back. Eventually she pulled away and rested her forehead against Moonlight's.
'I'm sorry,' she whispered through her tears, 'I'm so sorry.'
She felt hands come up to the back of her head and held her close.
'It's okay,' he whispered, 'everything's okay.'
They held each other for a few more moments before pulling away. Moonlight took her hands in his and helped her down from the altar. He draped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. Slowly they began to leave, walking past Eclipse's decapitated body. They walked in silence, out of the ceremonial hall and in to the low, empty passages. Dionne rested her head against Moonlight and closed her eyes for a second. The horror of the past few days were etched deep in to her mind. She knew that she wasn't going to forget this experience for a long time. She knew that it was going to take Moonlight a long time to forget too. It had been a long few days and now she wanted to put it all behind her. Moonlight quietly led her through the many winding corridors.
'How do you know your way through this place?' Dionne quietly asked.
'My brother showed me,' he quietly replied.
Dionne felt a gentle kiss on the top of her head.
'Why did you kill him?' she asked.
'Because he was going to kill you.'
'But he was your brother.'
Moonlight stopped and pulled her to look at him. He held her face in his hands.
'He wasn't my brother anymore. At least not the brother I remember. I was angry with you for cheating on me so I handed you over to my brother to be his bride. He promised me that he would give me somewhere to live, clothes, money, everything. Instead, he tried to kill me and had me chained up in some hell hole of a cell.'
Moonlight crouched down so that he was the same height as Dionne. He looked straight into her eyes.
'He could have given me all the riches in the world but it could never have brought you back.'
Gently he kissed her, very lightly, very quickly.
'I missed you,' he whispered, 'I should never have done it.'
Dionne smiled gently.
'I missed you too,' she quietly replied.
Moonlight straightened up and took her hand. Slowly they began the walk out of the underground prison that had held them for so long.

As they stepped out in to the open of the night, they found themselves standing on the edge of a city. A few miles away, at the bottom of a slight hill, hundreds of lights glittered in the night. Behind them was a huge, Gothic cathedral, decaying and abandoned. Dionne stretched her neck back to look up at the two spires, which arched away in to the night. Gargoyles stared down at them, their evil eyes unblinkingly watching them. Shivering, Dionne tightened her grip on Moonlight's hand and allowed herself to be led away and out onto the empty road before them.

Moonlight shivered. He was still naked from the waist up and the night air was cool. He wrapped an arm around Dionne's shoulders and pulled her close in an effort to keep warm. Out here, on this empty open road, she was the only thing he had. He looked up at the full moon, which hung in the clear sky, surrounded by thousands of stars.
'They say that moonlight is the purest form of light,' he quietly said, 'unlike the sun, it doesn't cause any illness, it doesn't heat up the earth and it doesn't damage our fragile flesh. Yet it guides us in the darkness.'
Dionne pulled him to a stop and looked at him.
'Does that mean that you're the purest human?' she asked.
Moonlight smiled and lowered his eyes, hiding them behind a curtain of hair, flattered by her comment. Gently he shook his head.
'D,' he whispered, 'I have done some things you would never believe.'
Taking her hand, they began to walk again. Moonlight kept his eyes averted from hers.
'Dionne, you know about my life before I met you. I lived on the streets, I sold my body, I was abused. I'm no pure light.'
Dionne kept quiet, processing a thought. Eventually, she quietly spoke.
'For me, you're the sunrise in a dark world,' she whispered.
Moonlight stopped and pulled her to face him. He could feel tears prickling the back of his eyes. He slid a hand under her chin and lifted her eyes to his.
'Do you mean that?' he whispered.
She nodded.
'My world was the darkest, most morbid place you can imagine. I was lonely and depressed and when you walked into it you were like a ray of sunlight. The most beautiful ray of sunlight I can imagine.'
Moonlight's arms went around her waist and pulled her close. His eyes softened as he looked at her, bloody tears glazing them.
'I love you,' he whispered, 'I love you so much.'
Bending his head, he gently kissed her. He felt her hands on the back of his head, pulling his mouth towards hers. Eventually he pulled away and they carried on walking. They were silent; the only noise was their breathing and their footsteps. In the still night air, their footsteps sounded like claps of thunder. Moonlight slowly penetrated Dionne's thoughts. He knew he shouldn't but he wanted to know how she was feeling. If she still loved him like she said she had. Then there he was, seeing the world through her eyes. She was scared, wondering where they were going to end up but behind that he found what he was looking for. The dark, warm place where Dionne's darkest fantasies lived. Her darkest fantasies and her thoughts on him. He felt a smile sweep across his face as he found her thoughts on him, stored away in her mind. She loved him and that was all that mattered to him. As slowly as he had entered, he left, leaving her to her own private thoughts.

Eventually they entered the city. It was empty. Nothing moved. It was eerie walking through a completely empty city, feet caressing the cobbles of the street. Dionne looked around her, searching for a clue to their whereabouts. None of the buildings gave any clue to their whereabouts. She sighed and carried on walking, following Moonlight. As they rounded a corner, Dionne suddenly knew exactly where they were. Atop a tall stone pillar, sat a beautiful golden dragon, its mouth open in a never-ending roar, its tail coiled around the pillar. Wings were spread open behind it but it had no where to fly to; it was never going to leave its stone home. It was the city's watcher, occasionally permitting strangers to enter and maybe to stay a while. Moonlight pulled her to a stop and, for a moment, they stared at the beautiful creature before them, watching over his sleeping city. Somewhere, deep in the city, a bell began to toll, telling them the hour. It pulled them out of their trance. Moonlight looked down at her.
'It's five,' he whispered, 'the train station is just around the corner. We'll sleep now and then tomorrow we can go home.'
He began to lead her away from the dragon and across an empty road. Dionne turned to take one last look at the watcher who had permitted them a few hours in his city to stay and rest.

Moonlight slowly slid down the dewy bank towards the river. He managed to stop inches away from the moving brown water. Dionne was a few metres away, taking her time. He opened his arms to catch her. She slid into them and he pulled her close. They walked along the narrow ledge of slippery grass and under the bridge. Sitting down, Moonlight leaned back against the cold, slimy wall. A few seconds later, Dionne sat at his feet at leaned against him, her head resting his chest. Gently he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. He looked down at her tiny face; her sleeping eyes turned to him. She looked so peaceful now that she was sleeping. Gently he ran a hand over her hair, soothing her in her unconscious state. Her breathing was shallow and relaxed, her chest moving against his. Resting his head on top of hers, he too fell in to a deep sleep.

The next evening, as the moon rose silently over the city, Dionne woke. Moving slowly, she turned to look at her beautiful companion. He was still in a deep sleep, his head resting against the wall, hair matted with dried algae from the brickwork. Leaning forward, Dionne gently kissed him. Slowly he woke, his eyes opening and focusing on her. A smile slowly pulled at his lips. Standing up, she held out a hand to him.
'Are you ready?' she asked.
Nodding, he took her hand and she helped him to his feet. Slowly, precariously, they began to make their way from under the bridge and up the slippery bank of the river.

The city was again bathed in a beautiful silver light. Moonlight led Dionne across the road and on to the pavement. As they passed the dragon, Dionne pulled him to a stop. Staring up at it, she quietly spoke.
'Thank you,' she whispered, 'for letting us stay a while. It was much appreciated.'
With that, she lowered her head and began to walk again. Moonlight didn't seem to find her behaviour odd in any way. She was always talking to herself but he had concluded long ago that that was something to do with being immortal and having very few people to talk to. As they rounded the last corner, the train station came in to view.

The platform was a cold and windy place to be. Moonlight wrapped his arms around himself in an attempt to keep warm. His eyes quickly scanned a timetable. The next train was only a matter of minutes away. He turned and watched Dionne. She was standing a few feet away, arms wrapped around herself. She jumped a few times to keep herself warm. Walking over to her, Moonlight wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her shoulder. Dionne seemed spaced out, as if she was watching someone or something. Following her line of sight, he could see that she was watching a tall, thin man with long black hair. Unlike his, it was tidy. Moonlight's thick hair was matted and tangled through days of neglect. He couldn't wait to get back to the apartment and take a shower, get rid of the dirt and hopefully the memories.
'Him,' he heard Dionne whisper, 'him, him, him.'
'What about him?' Moonlight asked, not wanting to raise his voice for fear of being heard.
'Dinner is served,' Dionne said, turning in his arms and smiling evilly, her tiny, dormant fangs glinting in the light.
'Just don't kill him, okay?'
'I promise,' she quietly replied.
Moonlight wasn't quite sure if he believed that answer. He knew, from reading her thoughts that Dionne was starving. The sooner she was fed the better. He didn't have much more time to dwell on the thought. A low rumble on the tracks tickled his sensitive hearing. He looked up and a train rounded the corner, its brakes screeching on the metal rails, tiny sparks jumping in to the air. It screeched to halt beside them, the sound of its brakes a nasty metallic sound which made Moonlight wince. The doors hissed open and himself and Dionne stepped on board.

Inside, he sat down, desperate to get off of his legs and finally begin to relax. Resting his head against the back of the seat, he closed his eyes. Even though he couldn't see her, he knew that Dionne was standing in the aisle beside him, watching. Opening his eyes and sitting up, Moonlight moved around to see what had caught her interest. Through the partition at the end of the carriage, Dionne could see the man she had selected. He was completely unaware that he was being watched by a hungry vampire. Moonlight suspected that he didn't even believe in vampires.
'Sit down, D,' he said, leaning back in the seat, 'he'll still be there when we get to Tilburg.'
'I want to make sure,' she replied, still watching.
Moonlight closed his eyes.
'This train doesn't stop until it gets to Tilburg and you know it doesn't. Now sit.'
He heard her sit down. Seconds later, the train began to pull out of the station.

About thirty minutes later, the train slowed and pulled in to Tilburg station. Dionne looked up from her lying position on the seats. She had been keeping watch over her meal like a vulture watching its prey. As he began to gather his belongings, Dionne slowly eased herself out of her seat and disembarked the train, eager to keep up with him.

Out on the platform, she looked back at Moonlight. He was watching her, a smile on his face, shaking his head in disbelief. Smiling back, Dionne turned and followed the man.

He walked down to the dark car park below the station. There were very few lights and no people. He had a lot of bags with him and Dionne decided that he was with either a tourist or a student. Quickly scanning his thoughts, she discovered he was an art student, returning for the weekend. Tourists, Dionne decided, never came this far south. Although, that was how she had discovered this, her safe-haven. As she stalked him, Dionne couldn't resist penetrating his thoughts a little deeper. He was looking forward to taking a break and seeing his family and boyfriend. Dionne smiled to herself. He was gay. As quiet as a mouse, she began to close in on her prey, eager for food and eager to please Moonlight. Her sensitive nose could pick up the scent of his blood. Salvia gathered in her mouth and she licked her lips. Her fangs itched in their fleshy sheaths. Slowly they began to extend. Dionne ran her tongue over the sharp points and gasped. Her pace quickened and she caught up with the man. Reaching out, she grabbed his ponytail and swung him against a wall. The man shouted out, dropping his belongings as he did. Dionne placed a hand over his mouth.
'Be quiet,' she hissed, 'unless you want to die that is.'
The man looked at her, eyes terrified, mouth wide.
'What do you want?' he asked, 'cigarettes, money? Take it. Please don't hurt me.'
Dionne reached out a hand and stroked his face.
'It's okay, honey,' she said, 'I'm not going to hurt you. All I want is a little of your blood.'
The man looked at her, terrified.
'No,' he whispered, 'please no.'
He kept whispering to her as she placed a hand on the side of his head and gently pushed it to one side. The soft white skin of his throat was bared and Dionne stood on tiptoes, pressing herself against his chest in an effort to stop him from moving away. As she moved in to kiss his throat, the man jerked his head away.
'It's okay,' Dionne whispered, 'it's not going to hurt.'
Her thumb pressed into his jugular, holding his head still. She tried again. She felt him shiver as her lips touched the soft white flesh. Her tongue gently caressed the soft flesh, cleaning the vein she wanted to feed from. Then her fangs penetrated the throbbing vein. The man cried out loud, his voice echoing through the still night air. Dionne brought a hand up to his mouth to silence him. She drank and drank, the sweet, warm blood flowing down her throat. She closed her eyes, enjoying it. Her tongue lapped at the two tiny wounds, keeping them open. She felt the man began to get drowsy, his body relaxing as the blood flowed from his body and in to hers. Eventually, Dionne knew that she had to pull away for fear of killing him. He slumped to the floor, against the wall. Dionne stared at him for a moment before turning and leaving.

Across the car park, Moonlight leaned against a pillar, watching Dionne as she walked towards him. He stepped out of the shadows and up to her. Stretching out his arms, he watched as she stepped into his embrace, her own arms going around his slender waist.
'Hungry?' she asked him, lifting her head to look in to his eyes.
He nodded. His hunger was painful, a pressure on his skull. His fangs scrapped at his jaw, begging to be released. Slowly, teasingly, they slid out of their sheaths, glinting in the moonlight. He watched a smile form on Dionne's lips as she tilted her head to one side, presenting him with the creamy white flesh of her throat. The salvia formed on Moonlight's tongue and he couldn't hold it back any longer. Bending his head, he gently kissed her throat, finding a vein. It throbbed painfully beneath his lips, the sound of the blood pounding through his skull. Then his razor sharp fangs plunged in to Dionne's flesh. He heard her gasp and move her head slightly, moving against him. Moonlight drank hungrily, lapping at the two tiny puncture wounds. He could hear Dionne's voice in his mind, her quiet laughing, enjoying what he was doing. Eventually he pulled away and straightened up. Looking down at Dionne, he took her hands in his. He felt the blood course through his veins, refreshing him and healing wounds. Hands let go of his and arms went around his neck. Dionne's mouth kissed his, very briefly, very quickly.
'There was blood on your lips,' she said, her voice echoing through the empty car park.
He smiled down at her. Taking her hand again, they began to walk back towards their apartment building.

Their apartment building was shrouded in darkness bar a few lights belonging, Dionne guessed, to the late night party people. It was nearing four in the morning and despite knowing that they had a few more hours until sunrise, Dionne was exhausted. She could sense that Moonlight was exhausted too, both physically and emotionally. The past few days had drained him. It didn't surprise Dionne in the slightest. Moonlight had been through hell over the past few days. Now it was all over and it was time to start getting their lives back together. Quietly Moonlight let them in and they began to make their way up to their apartment.

Their apartment was dark. The moon's blue rays floated through the windows, lighting everything with a gentle silver light. Moonlight flicked a switch, lighting up their apartment. Dionne walked over to the window and stared out at the building opposite theirs. A plot of grass separated the two buildings.
'I'm going to run a bath,' she heard Moonlight say, 'do you want to join me?'
Dionne nodded without turning.
'Sure,' she said.
She heard Moonlight leave the room. Slowly she reached for the door, which would let her out on to the balcony. She stepped out and leaned on the railing, staring across at the other building. A few lights were on. Closing her eyes, Dionne entered the apartments. One couple was making out, another was arguing and in one apartment, a lone person sat watching TV. One of the curses of being a vampire was being able to know how people were feeling. Sometimes it was a blessing and sometimes it was a curse. Dionne looked at me as a curse than a blessing. She hated being able to know other people's thoughts and feelings. Suddenly, a soft kiss to her throat brought her back to her senses. Arms wrapped around her waist. She turned to look at Moonlight. Slowly she smiled.

Moonlight relaxed in the warm water of the bath. His long hair snaked down his back and shoulders. Dionne had sat and washed it, carefully picking out any debris, which had been caught in the soft, dark waves. She was resting now, her head against his chest. He had his arms around her. Her eyes were closed and her breathing was shallow. Gently Moonlight stroked her naked skin, silky and wet to the touch.
'How are you feeling?' he asked.
'Tired,' came the quiet reply.
Gently he rubbed her shoulders, feeling her tense muscles beneath his fingers. She sighed and he watched her smile.
'That's nice,' she said.
He smiled to himself and sighed. It was nice to finally be home. Dionne suddenly pulled away from him.
'What is it?' he asked.
She turned and smiled at him. He watched as she moved in the bath, water splashing over the edge. Lying on her front, she rested her chin on his chest, an evil smile playing on her lips. Gently, she laid a kiss in the hollow of his chest. Moonlight closed his eyes and sighed.
'Not tonight. I'm too tired,' he quietly said.
'In my experience,' came the reply, 'you're never too tired.'
Moonlight couldn't help but smile. Another kiss was laid on his wet skin. A tongue gently tickled him. Moonlight let his head loll back.
'Please no,' he whispered.
He knew it was no good. She was going to do whatever she wanted. And he couldn't blame her. She had been deprived of her companion and this was her way of showing him that she was happy to have him back. He was powerless against her and, in some odd, twisted way, he didn't mind. He just closed his eyes, took a deep breath and enjoyed it. As Dionne's mouth explored his flesh, he felt himself relax. In turn his mind relaxed and he began to drift in to sleep. His hands reached out and touched Dionne's hair, stroking her. Her fangs scrapped at his skin, the tip of her tongue finding old wounds. And suddenly he was pulled out of his safe warm place as a razor sharp fang entered his belly button.
'What the fuck?' he screamed, attempting to sit up.
An immortally strong hand held him down. Looking down, his eyes were met by two, playfully evil, brown ones. He could make out a smile on Dionne's face as she drank from the wound she'd made. Her tongue deftly cleaned, flicking in and out of the tiny hole. He knew she was enjoying this, he could read it in her thoughts. Eventually she pulled away, fangs extended, blood dripping from her lips. Moonlight couldn't help himself. Reaching down, he grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her as hard as he could. He was so in love with her. He didn't care what she had done. He didn't care that she had cheated on him. That was all in the past. They were here, in the now. Breathlessly he pulled away and, keeping hold of her face, he looked down in to her eyes. Dionne was still lying in the water, propped up on her elbows.
'Let's start over,' he said, 'let's forget everything. Let's forget that you cheated.'
Dionne smiled and slowly, carefully sat up.
'Okay,' she replied, 'let's start over.'
She held out her hand.
'My name's Dionne. I believe that you're my companion for all eternity.'
Moonlight smiled, took her hand and pulled her as close as possible. He felt legs wrap around his waist.
'My name's Moonlight,' he replied, a smile on his face, 'and you're damn right about the companion thing.'
Gently he kissed her again. He knew that he would never get tired of Dionne and her weird and wonderful ways. Not in a million years. She was always doing something new, which only left him wondering what she would do next.

The next evening Dionne woke, wondering if the night before had just been a dream. Turning over, she saw her beautiful companion lying beside her, eyes closed against the world, long, silky hair spread out over the pillow. Reaching out under the covers, she slid a hand down Moonlight's lithe body until she reached his belly button. Her fingers gently explored until she found what she was looking for. The tiny, almost healed wound, where, the night before, her fang had entered. Smiling to herself, she leant forward and kissed Moonlight. The musician stirred in his sleep, hands tiredly reaching out in his sleep to pull her close. Slowly he woke up, his blue eyes slowly focusing on her. Slowly he smiled.
'Hi,' he whispered.
She couldn't help but return his smile.
'Hi,' she replied.
Moonlight reached out a hand and gently stroked her face.
'Is there something you're not telling me?' he quietly asked.
Dionne smiled and lowered her eyes. He was roaming through her thoughts, trying to find information. Crawling as close to her companion as possible, she gently kissed him.
'I love you,' she whispered.
He smiled and stroked her, his hand running up and down her back. Sighing, Dionne looked in to Moonlight's eyes.