This is part of short story that I am trying to write alongside a whole bunch of other stuff—including some university work. Therefore, I am apologizing for the delays. I am almost done with Ch.3 of Promotion in War (I know it has been more than a year >.<). I just need to add a few more scenes to it, but that will be released in the summer. In addition, thank you for the feedback and patience. I really appreciate it! :D
Here is a brief summary to give an idea of what is going on:
John and Sophia were due for marriage, as they felt certain that each was the rightful partner for the other. They had surpassed all obstacles, desiring nothing else than to be with each other forever.
One unfortunate night, a week before their wedding ceremony, they fell into the hands of an unknown attacker where John was murdered in cold blood. Sophia was devastated; having to cancel her wedding plans, watching her life fall apart after the murderer admits that she was the one he was truly trying to kill; forced her to seek isolation from the people whom she mostly cared for.
In the midst of running from John's attacker, Sophia finds herself in the hands of an underground rebellion against the forces of darkness. Discovering acceptance in her ability to move water with the power of her mind, she felt right at home. It didn't take long to figure out that the rebellion was the key to end the tyranny of the monster who destroyed her life.
Years pass as Sophia learned to cope with the difficulties of her life and attained custody of orphaned baby Gabriel. Sophia finds herself juggling a double life. One where she was a proud businesswoman and mother, the other, evil's worse nightmare. And with dark magic and an imminent threat of an uprising, she discovers that John is very much alive, except the lone goal of his undead existence is to get Sophia to look past his dark curse, and to welcome him with open arms .
Story:
"I hate patrolling." Sophia mumbled under her breath. It was not that much of a cold night. She was able to wear a knee-length white sundress with a beige cardigan. Her matching white flats were minimally comforting on the hard concrete path. The ally was dark, only a small light at the end allowed her to see the adjacent street.
She was not even supposed to patrol tonight. It was a favor for Betsy; she felt sick and was unable to lead patrol.
Too bad everyone else bailed too. So, she was alone, her utility belt carrying two bottles of holy water and two stakes; she held her knife on the other side. Sophia hugged her crossbow close, ready to fire if necessary. It is always important to have that around. It was also one of her most powerful skills.
Something was off though. She felt apprehensive, like there was something amiss, and she had no idea what was happening. She looked around, not seeing anyone there; not even a predator. Yet, she was still feeling watched.
It was oddly silent. Deep inside, Sophia's intuition was screaming at her for not being vigilant enough. She hated the dark. Out of all things, it was where she felt the most vulnerable. She always managed to see things that were never there, and not see things that were. Moreover, the spell to sprout fire from her palm was non-mastered, and she wished she had taken the time to do that now.
The wind blew, moving the baby hairs on the back of her neck around, sending a shiver down her spine with every touch. Her breath came out heavy, exposing her anxiety to the night breeze.
Her senses felt limited; the darkness enveloping her in a cloud of uncertainty, the burning silence filling her being with an ache for safety. She wanted company. She wanted to know that she had someone in this dark alley with her. She wanted someone she could trust.
"Hello, princess." A familiar voice said behind her. She jumped in surprise before realizing who it was. She felt herself smile. Rarely does he call her "princess;" he only did it when they were dating. She turned only to see John twenty feet away. At least, someone heard her wish. She sighed in relief when she realized that she was no longer alone. But, little did she know that there were different intentions in John's mind.
"Hi, John." She said cheerfully as she put down her crossbow as she began to walk towards him. "What brings you here?" She stopped short when she noticed his nostrils flaring, his eyes were black as coal, his stance tense and strained. She stopped in her place as the hairs behind her neck stood towards the cool night air. The alarm in her brain sounded off, telling her to run as far away as possible.
"Your scent," He simply stated. Sophia's eyebrows came together in confusion. He gave her a sinister smile before stating: "I am hunting. And you, my princess, are my prey."
Sophia paled, "Y-you're hunting." She stuttered to herself, trying to comprehend the words. She started to take steps back, creating subtle distance between them.
John's fangs elongated; his face contorting as the monster released a deep, animalistic growl. John has had enough of Sophia's reluctance; he was finally giving into his monster. And the monster wanted her.
He saw Sophia break into a run, leaving her cross bow abandoned. He knew she was armed elsewhere, but that was going to be of no use to her. She was going to satisfy him tonight.
"I love it when they run." His monster stated as he broke into a run after her.
She will not get away this time,
he decided.
Sophia ran, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, adrenaline filling her blood, making her run as fast as she could. She had to put down the crossbow; she just
had
to! She quickly turned, her white dress flowing behind her like a cloud, her shoes clacking loudly on the concrete.
Suddenly, before her appeared John with elongated fangs ready for use. She tried to stop herself, momentum landing her on her rear a few feet in front of him. She quickly turned and ran off in the opposite direction. John's smile grew wider. He knew she understood that she was now unmatched.
Sophia ran; her eyes wide in fear. She really had no idea why she ran. Normally, she would stand up and fight. She was known to be good at slaying. She was almost as good as the slayer herself.
