Miria slowly opened her eyes in her room, bathed in soft light. Everything felt different. The colors were more vivid, the details sharper, as if the world had gained new depth. She rose with supernatural grace and observed the room: every grain of dust dancing in a sunbeam, every creak of the wood, every distant heartbeat in the house.
She approached the mirror. Two small puncture marks pierced her neck, still slightly pink. Her violet eyes were darker, almost hypnotic. When she opened her mouth, two sharp fangs appeared. A delighted smile lit up her face.
"It's… real."
Joyful, she left the room in search of Asher. But as soon as she stepped into the hallway, a burning sensation overwhelmed her. Her throat was on fire. An uncontrollable, devouring thirst rose within her. The scents of the house assaulted her: Marlie's, tempting… but especially Katrina's, irresistibly sweet and warm.
Miria lost control. With blinding vampiric speed, she found herself near Katrina. Her hand rose, trembling, ready to strike. At the last second, she held herself back and recoiled sharply. She breathed in and out deeply, fighting with all her strength.
"Asher… where are you?" she murmured, staggering through the house in search of his scent.
Not finding him anywhere, the thirst grew worse. She decided to leave the house to protect her loved ones. But the moment she opened the door, she came face to face with Asher.
His eyes widened in astonishment.
"Miria… you're awake!"
She didn't give him time to speak. She threw herself into his arms, desperately pulling at his jacket.
"Asher… help me… please…"
Asher immediately understood the urgency. He scooped her up in a princess carry and, with his vampiric speed, carried her far into the forest, away from the town.
Once they reached an isolated clearing, he set her down gently.
"Calm down, my love. Breathe."
He took her face in his hands.
"Let your senses expand. Look for prey."
Miria obeyed. She caught the scent of a nearby wolf. Her instincts took over. She gave chase, Asher right behind her. She spotted the wolf about to pounce on a deer. With a fluid movement, she pinned it down and sank her fangs into its neck, drinking greedily until she had drained it completely.
When she lifted her head, lips stained with blood, she realized the animal was dead. Asher watched her in silence. He approached slowly.
"Are you okay?"
Miria wiped her lips and turned with a reassuring smile.
"Now… yes."
She threw herself into his arms, in tears.
"I was so scared I'd never see you again…"
Asher held her tightly, first surprised, then soothed.
"Me too."
He kissed her passionately, with a mix of relief and desire. They parted reluctantly.
"Let's go home," Asher suggested.
"No," Miria replied with a mischievous smile. "I want to enjoy my first days as a vampire… and my birthday."
Asher smiled tenderly.
"That's right, I forgot. Today you turn 18. So… what do you want to do?"
Miria thought for a moment, eyes sparkling.
"I don't know. Do you have any ideas?"
Asher looked up, thoughtful, then held out his hand.
"I know a secret place."
"Really? Let's go!"
He took her hand and they sped off.