The Downfall by Kateryna Moldakhovska

At the moments like these,

when the rage was blinding him, he saw James on the edge of his consciousness. All the blood around, people crying for help, he didn’t see them. Tearing their flesh to pieces, he was drinking, and with each sip, the pictures in his head were getting clearer.

Killing people wasn't always easy, actually most of his life he was a vegetarian. The vampire who transformed him was disappointed, and Regulus was excluded from the community for many years. Being alone at that time wasn’t easy at all, people were superstitious and suspected everyone. The man who was living on the edge of the forest and never got out during the day was odd, but luckily, he had weapons and was quick to run away in time.

As time passed, he got used to this lifestyle. Always hiding and running away, always nauseous, and tired. Plant food was good, but his vampire body couldn’t fully digest it, many times he was ready to drop, but his human mind reminded him of who he was. He wasn’t a murderer, just a person trying his best to live the life he was given. He was good at gardening and foraging; forest animals loved him, as he was always careful and kind to them. If humans weren’t so scared and angry, he would come back at once.

Regulus was always loved, and this life was truly difficult for him. Being excluded from the vampire community, hated by family and terrifying for humans around, he felt lonely. He had no one to give his love and no one to receive it from.

Still, years changed, he was able to adapt and pretend. He found friends and the vampire community had new rules, he was excepted back. Furthermore, he felt his life was getting better after all this time.

The people around were all dead now. No more noise, no more tears. Only silence. He looked around, the old mirror was portraying an awful scene. Corpses all around the room, bloody stains on the walls, guts being torn of and mixed. And in the middle of this chaos was him, sitting there on top of something resembling a torso. The moonlight from the window highlighted this mess, all covered in blood. He felt shivers going down his spine. Regulus stood and started running towards the window. At the moment, he jumped and turned into a bat, flying away from the frightening scene he created.

Late summer wind welcomed him in its hugs as vampire was flying, hurrying, trying to move away. The night was coming to its end and the first sun rays started to appear on the horizon. Regulus went down, hiding between the bushes. Dark forest covered him, huge trees were secure, no sun could go through them. He turned back to human form and let himself fall as soon as the grass was near. Trembling, he stood up. His secret hut was near, so Regulus decided to just go to it by feet.

Soft cool grass felt good between his bare toes, light wind and early morning forest sounds worked perfect for calming his distorted mind. Coming closer, he reached the hut, a small forest cabin that was abandoned many years ago and the only visitors are teenagers that come to see is legends about this place being haunted is true. Regulus always helped them with this, making scary noises and using his hypnotizing power. He didn’t kill them, it would be foolish to draw attention to such a good spot.

‘Hey, Reggie, catch me!’ His sister was giggling and running away. ‘Bet you’re too slow for this.’

‘It’s not fair!’ Regulus yelled back.

Marlene was getting farther as he tried to get to her. Somehow, her little legs were moving with an insane speed. Maybe the one to blame was an exhausting day behind them, or perhaps it was the fact that they both are just children, little creatures, that get tired easily.

‘Help!’ He didn’t even notice the moment Marlene disappeared. He hurried to the side where her voice was sounded.

Marlene was hanging, with her little hand holding on a huge tree root. Underneath her was a river, she could barely touch it with her shoes. She likely didn’t notice the end of the ground and started falling. The big old tree was there, giving her something to hold on. Regulus descended, holding on the same roots as her. He stood in the river, but it appeared to be just shallow water. Evening made it darker, hiding the real depth, making it look deep.

‘It’s okay, you can let go, it’s safe, and I’ll catch you.’

Marlene looked down and relaxed her hand letting herself fall right into her brother’s hands. They both shook and crashed into the water. Laughing, they noticed a tiny squirrel that was looking at them curiously. It squeaked and ran, Marlene and Regulus followed. After a few minutes of this race, they saw a clearing. A small cabin was standing there, moss was covering it in green and ivy branches framed the door. No one was there, it seemed to long be abandoned. They exchanged sly glances.

Tired, he opened the door. The last thing he was expecting to see there was James’ gloves. Black lace gloves with their initials on the ribbon. He was the one that found them and presented James for their second date.

‘Oi, pretty! Whatcha doing here?’ Hiding from your crazy girl?’ A man was standing near the saloon.

Regulus was tired, he was trying to find a safe spot to sleep for so long, and now this weirdo was standing right in front of the open door, covering it with his body. The dawn was near, and he had to get inside as soon as possible.

‘Could you, please, let me in?’ He asked politely. ‘I want to rest.’

A man didn’t want to give up. ‘Maybe we can get a pint or two? Whatcha think? I’d love to share this night with you,’ he winked. W-i-n-k-e-d.

Even though Regulus was fascinated, he already started feeling the burn in his uncovered hands.

‘It’s morning already, you moron. Get away!’ He shouted.

The man was totally bewildered by such an aggressive behaviour. He moved to the side, watching the pretty stranger coming inside, noticing how nervous he was, the way he was hiding his hands with the cloth. The welcome sigh was swinging.

The day was bright, the sun was shining, letting people enjoy the warm summer day. Regulus was sleeping, his room was dark, the door was closed, and the window was covered. No sun rays were able to get through.

Suddenly, the door crack opened, and a group of people came inside. They were holding garlic and ropes. ‘Kill the monster,’ they screamed, running towards Regulus’ bed.

Awoken by the loud noises, he opened his eyes. The terror paralysed his body. 'I wasn’t doing anything!' He yelled, trying to save himself. ‘Please stop!’

Nobody was listening to his pleading. They took his legs and pulled, throwing his body on the dirty floor. Some villagers stood behind and started tying his limbs. Unable to move, Regulus froze. He could do nothing against.

‘Tonight, you will be killed. I would love to do it now, but the public needs its entertainment. We’ll let you live for a few more hours, so enjoy, you have time to repent for all the people you have killed.’ They left, leaving a man with a wooden stake to guard him.

The end of his life was close. Well, not like it deserved to be saved. Yet, it was tragic. Left alone, he had nobody to help him. No one will miss him. Quite a miserable death.

He was again awakened by a noise; a familiar voice was saying something about changing the guards. In a few minutes of this argument, someone left. The other person came approached him. The air moved when someone tilted to his ear.

‘Oi, beautiful, how about running away?’

Regulus turned around. The same man from the early morning was squatting next to him. The room was dark, yet the vampire was able to see some phials hidden underneath his cloak.

‘Who are you? And why are you doing this?’ He asked with a shattered voice. The man smiled.

‘You see, you aren’t the one they would like to kill. I’m a witcher. Today it’s you, tomorrow I will take your place. Also, you are pretty, we will make a good partnership. So, wanna join?’

A note was lying under the gloves, “You have to be glad we let you live”. Full of hate, he raised his head. There was a woman standing behind the door. She smiled, showing her fangs. Her torn old white dress, that was once a bridal gown, was covered in blood. Lilith. She was just a novice, still a bright learner and dexterous killer. She loved her blood with all the passion, murdering her victims like a devoted lover. She wasn’t doing it to survive, just for a sweet delight.

‘Poor Reggie, you thought it was people, who killed him?’ She laughed and Regulus shuddered hearing her crazy voice.

She started to come closer. ‘What a shame for such an old, respectful vampire to be bonded with a human.’ Lilith raised a hand, and her sharp nails scratched his cheek. ‘Not only a human, a witcher!’ her tone went up. ‘You’re such a disgrace, Reggie. It’s a pity they didn’t let me do the same to you.’

Vampires took her hand and shook it as if he could besmear her. She looked at him for the last time and turned into a white bat. Hitting him with her wing, she flew away.

Regulus fell on his knees. All the madness and anger were storming inside. Still, he felt something cold going down his cheeks. He was crying. Clear tracks washing red and shining in darkness. He was devastated.

Bawling his eyes out, he realized something. It was never the rage. It was gr