He smiled back and kissed me on the forehead. I closed my eyes and savored this heavenly feeling.
“That was the most beautiful thing I had heard after so many years. Thank you, darling.”
I wasn’t able to answer when Ingram took me in his arms again. When I opened my eyes, I felt something fluffy against my back. I was surprised when I found out that we were now in my room and I was now lying on my bed with Ingram on top of me.
“How did we get here this quick-“
“I’m sorry, darling. Your boyfriend happened to be a Vampire,” he said while taking my clothes off. “And right now, that Vampire was having trouble letting you know how grateful he was to have you back in his arms again. So, he will just show you instead.”

“’CARE TO share your thoughts with me?” Ingram whispered as we watched the raindrops through the glass door of our room which was connected to the balcony.
Ingram was standing beside the door as he carried me from behind. I requested it and he obliged willingly. I wanted to feel him and touch him at all times. I wanted to be assured that finally, I’m no longer alone. Finally, I have someone to be with. Finally, I have someone I could call my own.
To avoid our neighbors’ suspicions about Ingram’s unique lifestyle, I agreed to live with him in his mansion in Tanay, Rizal. Today was my first day in his place. He helped me unpacked my things in the master bedroom before he toured me around the mansion.
There were eight rooms in the mansion. I finally met the family he once talked about. It was his mentor Erasmus and Kiara, a former Seeker. I still feel flabbergasted until now. There were many things I needed to process. The world kept growing more and more for me every time I’d hear something new about the Vampire life Ingram led.
Even if Erasmus and Kiara were staying with us in the mansion, I didn’t mind. Because I could feel that they were nice people, too. Besides, Ingram’s place was too big that it would be hard for us to see each other. The master bedroom was on the third floor. While Kiara and Erasmus’ rooms were both in the ground floor. It was a good thing there was an elevator there.
Erasmus was playful while Kiara was reserved and quiet. Through them, I found out that the curse couldn’t be stopped or avoided even if Ingram ended up turning me into a Vampire. That’s why when the two saw me with Ingram, the happiness and worry on their faces cannot be denied. Still, they were very supportive.
Erasmus also caught my attention. He and Ingram were both tall, muscular, and good-looking. The first time I heard his name from Ingram, I had an odd feeling since I once heard that name from Ellen. And when I asked him if he knew a novelist named Ellen, he brightly smiled.
According to Erasmus, he already confessed his real identity to Ellen. The latter accepted him which made them a couple now. I was surprised but I have no qualms about it. It seems like Ellen and I have a lot of stories to share once we meet again. We just couldn’t do it for the meantime because just like me, she seemed to be busy in discovering this new world we just entered.
“Brianna?”
“I’ve been asking myself. What should we do now that our time is limited?” I whispered and held him tightly. “How am I supposed to start with this whole thing knowing that any moment, we could die? Three nights ago, when we became steady, I promised myself I’d never think about these things anymore. But after talking to Erasmus and Kiara, I finally felt the weight of our decision to be together. I was wondering if our remaining time is enough to live the kind of life that we both dream to have.” Ingram’s whole body tensed. Still, I continued. “How limited is our time? How would we die? When?”
“Are you having doubts now?” he asked in a low voice. “Do you regret that you came here with me? Do you regret that you chose me over a normal life with someone else? With someone who could give you things I couldn’t?”
“You gave me happiness, Ingram. And no other man could give me that except you. While watching the rain, I realized something. There isn’t really anything that I’d miss in my life now that I’m with you,” I replied and lovingly kissed Ingram on the cheek. “After my father’s death, the search for someone to love me again began. For the past years, I prayed for someone to love me as me. I prayed to have a home. I prayed for someone who could give shelter to my wandering heart. And then came you. You gave my heart a shelter when you loved me. You were the answer to my prayers, Ingram. I also realized just now that a human life was just like the rain. It’ll come and then it’ll disappear.
“It’s fleeting. That’s why my life was just like a rain shower. It doesn’t last. If my days are numbered, then I’d choose to love every day. I’d choose to celebrate life every day. And no, I don’t regret that I chose you. And I’m not going to regret ever, Ingram. Because we are not supposed to regret the things that made us happy.”

Ingram reached for my hands and gently squeezed them. “Every time you feel afraid, just remember that whatever happens, you won’t be alone. I’ll never leave you. You will never die alone, Brianna. I wouldn’t wait for three hundred years again for your return,” he said while shaking his head. “I’ve waited for so long and I wanted to rest, too. I don’t want to wait anymore. If you’d die, I’ll join you. I want to join your peace. We will travel into the unknown together, Brianna. But while we’re still alive, let’s make each moment worthwhile. Let’s begin with the things you want to do. What are they?”