I slowly  tried opening  my eyes,  I looked around the dimly lit room as I tried to recall how I got here.

I stood up slowly,  my body aching from every angle.

I was lying in a really small and dusty room, though the room was dark, I could tell that it wasn’t furnished, the interiors looked like that of a cottage, it seems like a really old cottage. It was cold and the only thing keeping me warm was the little fire in the fireplace .

 Still staring at the unfamiliar place, trying hard to get a  grip of myself, suddenly there were noises coming from outside. Some one was trying to open the door, I stood up, alert, I looked around for a weapon, or at least anything that I can use to protect myself, but there was nothing! I stood in fear as  I watched  door  open. I  charged quickly towards the person, using my fists I hit him, I was about to hit him again when I heard him say “Kara!” I stopped immediately and raised my head,  It’s Max!

I moved closer and hugged him. He put his hands around me and comforted me.

Then realization hit me!

Last night, those vampires! They killed mom! And she happens to be a Vampire too, and Max, he’s also a Vampire!.

At the thought of this, I backed away slowly, leaving his embrace, I sat on the floor, looking at him.

As if he knew, he bent close to me and said, “ I know you have many questions, and I promise I’ll answer them. But first, have something to eat”

That’s when I noticed a  Mac Donald’s burger package and soda, lying on the floor, It must have fallen when I hugged him.

I picked it up and started eating. God! It feels like I haven’t eaten anything in ages. Halfway through the burger, I noticed Max was looking at me, as if, trying to see through me! I stopped eating immediately and asked.

“want some?” while holding the burger towards him.

He nodded in disapproval. So, I excitedly went back to my burger.

I was done in just a few minutes. I then Faced him, this time as serious as ever.

“Max, mind explaining what’s going on”   I asked, Even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear what he had to say. I was a bit terrified of what the answers may be.

Max, just sat there, his eyes fixed on the chimney! It was as if he was trying to figure something out.

“Who are they, and why did they do that to my mom?” I added, after a few seconds of silence.

Waiting for his answers eagerly, I put my hands on his shoulder just to make sure he was in there.

“Shush”. He said, a bit audible as he placed his fingers on my lips, signaling me to shut up. My lips burned at his touch, but I quickly reminded myself that this wasn’t the right time  to daydream.

Max grabbed my hands, standing up, he dragged me across the room and  I followed obediently. He stopped when we got to a darker part of the room. It was Soo dark my eyes couldn’t see a thing! Not even Max.

Next thing I knew was that, he was shoving me into a wooden box, it was so tiny I could barely fit in. He closed the box. I heard footsteps and I knew he was leaving. But I didn’t say a word! I had nothing to say.

Few minutes later, I heard a big bang. I could tell that that was the door going down.  

 Sounds of  marching soldiers foot steps filled the room.

I noticed a crack on the wooden box I was in, so I put my eyes through it so I could see. The room was dark so I couldn’t see anyone clearly, but I could see their silhouettes, there were about fifteen.  

Goosebumps were on my skin within seconds.

“General, there’s someone here,” a   voice said, he was standing close to the fireplace and pointing at it. I could see his features a bit clearer, thanks to the lights from the fire. He had a thin face with curly hair, his teeth made it clear that he was a vampire.  But unlike other Vampires I saw yesterday, he looked really young, may be eighteen or seventeen.   

“Sir, there’s no one here” another voice said.

“Search the place very well, you should split up and search the woods,  she can’t go far. Find her and bring her to me” The guy whom I assume is the general said angrily.

I gulped hard because now I was sure it was me they were looking for. But why did Max leave me behind. Hiding me in this stupid box won’t protect me. Or Maybe he left me on purpose, maybe this is all an act that his mom planned. Plus, dad said I should stay away from them. Or maybe I’m being paranoid again.

“Sir, we need to leave, his highness called for you.” A soldier Said, fear visible in his voice.

“Where is Max?” the general asked. my heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name.

“He is outside your highness” the soldier replied.

“Good, at least we have something to show the prince. Maybe it’ll save our heads from his torture” the general replied and walked out.

After a few seconds the room was empty as if no one was there a moment ago.

I let out a sigh, and started thinking about what to do next, Max was caught and might get killed, and I couldn’t help but feel like it’s all my fault. He saved me and got caught. I can’t believe I started having doubts about  him.  

I have to help him, I don’t Know how but I have to try. I need to find a way. Maybe call the cops or something.

.

I pushed the box as quietly as I could. And hopped out of it.  The first thing that welcomed me was a  ray of sunshine. I can’t believe it’s morning already.

Now, I could have a clear view of the cottage. It was just as I guessed, small and empty.

I looked at myself from head to toe. I looked disgusting. My white crop top was  stained with blood and it reminded me of two things, Mom, because it’s her blood. And she’s probably  turned to ashes by now. And then Max.

He’s still alive and I need to find him, I need to find Kendra too.

I was about to leave the cottage  but stopped and turned around when I heard a voice say  “you aren’t that good at hiding beautiful”.