• C H A P T E R + O N E

    Flying

    "And then I jumped."


    ++I sat, poised and motionless. My hands dug into the gritty earth, but my scrapes healed instantly. My jet-black hair flapped in the wind, whipping across my face. My eyes, dark and full of emptiness, pierced the darkness. The moon overhead accented my otherworldly features. My fangs shimmered, and the blood adorning my lips glinted in the moonlight.
    ++As you may have already guessed, I am a vampire.
    ++A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the churning waters below. The crags of the cliff I was perched on were now clearly visible. There was an earsplitting clap of thunder, but I was unafraid.
    ++And then I jumped.
    ++The sky opened up and battered me with rain. It pounded against my face and drenched what was left of my tattered clothes. My hair was like a wet rag, slapping my cheeks. My heart raced, slamming against my ribs. It was like drowning in midair.
    ++The world around me seemed to slow. I extended my arms, spreading them like wings. I maneuvered my legs like rudders. I closed my eyes and focused on staying aloft. Immediately, I felt a warm sensation spreading throughout my body. An invisible field of energy enveloped me, holding me up. I had done it! I was flying! The surprise felt like pin-pricks and caused me to falter, but I steadied myself before I could lose my concentration.
    ++I glided along, letting the wind carry me. After so many years, I had finally managed to master the art of telekinesis. It is an ability that nearly every vampire has, but it is not easy to use. After so long, I had finally managed to--
    ++A sudden flash of lightning caught me off guard. I had flown too long, I realized. The energy around me dissipated and left me helpless, hanging in midair. I plunged into the raging rapids below. I was thrown about and thrashed like a rag doll. I opened my mouth to scream, but water flooded in and filled my unbreathing lungs. I clawed and kicked and fought, but I could not break the surface. Of all nights, why had I chosen this one to go cliff diving?
    ++That was my last thought before I sank into the oblivion of unconsciousness.