punished by the vampire curse

The snow had melted, leaving behind soaked ground, puddles, and a few broken branches. But in the city, everything seemed to be catching its breath again.

And with the return of the sun came… school.

At the heart of Newheart stood the Royal Academy of Valthorne, an elitist institution often mentioned with pride at lavish dinner parties. It was said that children who graduated from it were destined for great careers—ministers, lawyers, famous artists—provided they had the right name, the right bank account, or… exceptional results.

My family belonged to no influential lineage.

But thanks to Mother's efforts, to all the sacrifices, my two older siblings and I had managed to get in. A privilege, they said.

But I, Audrey… I saw it only as a constant reminder that I did not belong.

Each day, I walked through marble-white corridors, passing perfectly styled faces, haughty glances, and ever-shiny shoes. The other girls carried expensive leather bags, shared discreet smiles and gossip in a language I didn't always understand. And me, in my itchy uniform and slightly worn boots—I stood out.

But I endured. I pretended. I smiled when I was ignored. I lowered my head when they laughed.

That morning, in the academy's grand hall, the students trickled in one by one after the break. Silk scarves and expensive perfumes floated in the air like an invisible parade.

I had settled at the back of the large study hall, by the window. As always. Where no one ever sat. Where I could disappear.

— Excuse me… is this seat free?

I looked up, surprised.

A girl with chestnut hair carefully tied back with a navy-blue ribbon was looking at me with a soft smile. Her voice was gentle, a bit hesitant despite her impeccable appearance.

— Uh… yes, of course, I said, shifting a little.

She sat down, placing her embossed leather bag beside her chair. Her uniform was perfectly pressed, and she wore lace gloves—a rare detail, even here.

— You're Audrey, right? she murmured after a moment.

I nodded, a little embarrassed.

— I'm Claude. Claude d'Erenwald.

I did my best to hide my unease. The name d'Erenwald was well known. Their estate covered nearly half the southern valley. Her family owned lands, horses, titles… and now she was sitting next to me?

— You… know who I am? I asked.

She smiled shyly, playing with a strand of hair.

— I heard about you. You came first in history last year. That's impressive…

I looked down, blushing.

— Oh… it's nothing.

— Yes, it is. I've never managed to get above average in that subject, she admitted with a quiet laugh. Maybe you could help me? I mean… if you'd like to.

I looked at her, a little surprised by her sincerity. She wasn't arrogant. Just strangely gentle. Almost fragile.

— Alright… why not.

Her smile widened, radiant.

— Thank you. Truly.

And for the first time since I had entered this school, I didn't feel completely invisible.

I had just finished my sentence with Claude when a sudden breeze lifted the hems of our uniforms. The door had opened.

And suddenly, the room fell silent.

He entered.

Tall, self-assured, his blond hair impeccably styled, a posture worthy of the nobles you only read about in history books. His uniform looked tailored to his frame, as if he wore the Academy on his shoulders. And his eyes… coral blue.

He didn't smile. He didn't need to. Every student in the room stared at him with awe—especially the girls.

— That's Edward, Claude whispered to me. Top of the class. Son of a very powerful minister… And every girl is mad about him.

I stayed silent.

But as I was about to look away, his eyes locked on mine.

I didn't know why, or how, but I felt as though I'd been caught doing something wrong. Like I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

And he… was the kind of boy I should never have crossed paths with.

Without looking away, he walked down the aisle, slowly, with unsettling confidence. I felt my cheeks flush. Why was he coming toward me? I hadn't done anything. Said anything.

He stopped right in front of my desk.

And before I could react, he placed a hand against the wall, right next to my head, trapping me between him and the cold stone.

I froze.

His eyes pierced through me, as if I were invisible to everyone else—but completely exposed to him.

— You don't belong here, he murmured in a neutral, almost curious tone.

You're from the countryside, aren't you? Your shoes are worn. Your fingers tremble. Do you really think this Academy was made for you?

I couldn't speak. My heart was pounding so loudly I was afraid he could hear it.

He leaned in slightly, his gaze studying every detail of my face.

— I'll beat you in the next exam, he stated calmly. Just so you understand. This school… is a world you'll never reach.

I tried to look away, but I couldn't.

— Edward, stop! Claude called out.

He remained silent for a moment, then slowly pulled back, as if releasing me from an invisible trap.

— Shame. I expected more of a comeback. Well… you'll learn.

And without another word, he turned and left the room.

I still hadn't moved. I could feel the stares. The stifled murmurs. The whole class had witnessed it.

And I… I felt like I couldn't breathe.

— Ignore him, Claude said softly. He thinks he's above everyone. He loves provoking those he sees as weak.

The long school day ended. I had dinner with my siblings.

The meal was quiet.

As usual, Father wasn't there. He almost never was. Yves, Fiona, Jean, and Mari sat around the table, looking tired, their eyes cast downward. Claude had left me at the Academy right after class, too nervous to say another word. And I… I was still shaken.

I couldn't get Edward Whitmore out of my head. That stare, that almost cruel tone. I'd felt like he had seen me… truly seen me. And not in a pleasant way.

But my thoughts were interrupted by the loud slam of the front door.

Mother entered the dining room in haste, her cheeks red from the wind, her eyes dark and worried. She hadn't even taken off her coat.

— Are you all here? she asked, breathless.

We looked up at her.

— Mom? Are you alright? Fiona asked.

She nodded, but her expression hardened.

— Listen to me carefully. From now on, no one goes out after six o'clock. Understood?

A heavy silence fell. Even Jean, who was always fidgeting, froze.

— Something's happening… in the streets. Something dangerous.

My heart tightened.

— What kind of something? I asked, voice low.

Mom took a deep breath, as if hesitating to speak.

— Last night… seven bodies were found in the city. Seven. All drained of their blood. No witnesses. No noise. Nothing.

A chill ran down my spine.

— Drained… of their blood?

— I don't want you to panic, but the guard suspects it might be an animal… or something worse. We've never seen anything like this. The authorities are still investigating.

Yves frowned.

— Where exactly did it happen?

— All over… two near the East quarter, three by the bridge, one behind the school… and one… in the woods.

My fingers tightened around my spoon. The woods.

The memories came rushing back. The cave. The man. His eyes.

"I'll drink every drop…"

I stood up suddenly.

— Audrey? Mom asked.

— I'm not hungry anymore, I murmured. I'm just… tired.

I left the room in silence, Fiona's worried gaze following me.

I closed my bedroom door with a sharp gesture. The wood echoed behind me, leaving me alone with my swirling thoughts.

My breathing was shallow. My heart raced, too fast. I leaned against the door, trying to calm the anxiety clawing at me.

And then, like a breath in the night…

I turned around.

He was there.

Standing in my room, silent… still in the shadows, lit only by the pale moonlight streaming through the slightly open window behind him.

His black hair fell over his temples, his spectral blue eyes gleamed in the dimness. He was watching me.

I froze, unable to speak. Unable to breathe.

— You…?! I gasped. What… what are you doing here?

I stepped back, throat dry. It wasn't a dream. He was real. He existed.

— Get out of my room! I shouted, my voice shaking.

But he didn't move. On the contrary, he stepped closer, slow, almost feline.

I fumbled on my vanity… my fingers closed around a hairpin. Ridiculous. But it was all I had. So I raised it.

— I told you to leave! This is my last warning!

In the blink of an eye, he vanished.

And reappeared right in front of me.

I had no time to react. He grabbed my hand with a cold, firm grip, still clenched around the useless pin. I tried to break free, but he trapped me against the wall, his body so close to mine.

His breath grazed my neck.

Then… his tongue ran slowly against my skin, just under my ear.

I shivered violently. My heart thundered in my chest. I no longer knew if it was fear… or something else. Something nauseating.

— Let go of me, I said, voice cracking.

He whispered, almost in my ear:

— No one… has ever satisfied my hunger. It seems you're the only one who does…

I tried again to push him away, but he was too strong. His gaze darkened, and I saw his fangs grow—white and fine, ready to pierce my flesh.

— No… please… leave me alone! I… I won't tell anyone. I swear!

He smiled. Coldly. A cruel smile.

— You've awakened a thirst long buried, he murmured. It's a blessing… to die in the hands of a lord.

My blood ran cold. But my mind searched for a way out.

— If… if you kill me… you'll never find anyone else who can give you blood like mine.

He froze. Was he really listening?

I continued, more quickly:

— What if… what if we made a pact?

He raised an eyebrow.

— A pact…? he repeated, almost amused.

— Twice a night. I give you my blood… but you let me live. You don't touch me… not more than necessary.

A heavy silence fell. His eyes fixed on mine, unreadable. Then, slowly… he released my hand.

— Very well… for now. But remember one thing, Audrey…

He leaned in close to my ear, so close I felt the cold of his breath.

— The day I tire of this method… you'll die.

And he vanished, as if he'd never been there.

I collapsed to the floor, unable to move. My hand still trembled. My neck burned where his tongue had touched me.

I had just made a pact with a monster.

She lay on the cold floor of her room, unable to move. Her breath was ragged, her hands trembling, and yet, she knew it was over.

For tonight.

Audrey had sealed a pact with a vampire.

What she didn't know yet…

Was that this pact was only the beginning.