Title: "Ang bulong ng gabi"

Wasak ang dibdib, mga putol na piraso ng atay at kamay, paa na may malalaking butas, mukha na may galos, at leeg na may kagat. Ilan lamang yan sa araw-araw kong naririnig sa radyo ni tatang Kaloy. Noong una ay nakakabigla dahil hindi namin inaasahan na ganoon pala ang mangyayare sa noo'y payapa namin na sitio, pero ngayon? Mistulang naging paraiso ng mga mamatay tao ang aming lugar, dahilan kung bakit magsi-alisan ang mga dayo at wala na ring nagtangka pang bumalik.

"Basha, mahuhuli ka na sa trabaho mo... Bilisan mo naman kilos mo" Mahinahong sabi ni tiya Teresita.

Agad kong nilagay ang aking baso na ginamit sa pagkakape, at dali-daling kinuha ang mga gamit ko upang maka-alis na rin. Suot ang uniporme na pang nurse, pinagmasdan ko ang aking sarili sa maliit na salamin, pilit kinukumbinse ang sarili ko na maging handa sa kung ano man ang paparating ngayong araw.

" Hija, h'wag na wag mo itong kakalimutan na dalhin ha? Hindi mo naman siguro tinatapon ang mga binibigay ko sa'yo?" Biglang sabi ni tatang Kaloy habang binibigay ang isang piraso ng bawang, kamay niya na may balot na gloves dahil magtatanim pa ito sa kanyang lupain na 'di kalayuan sa bahay. Sa sipag ni tatang at tiya, minsan nagtataka ako kung bakit pa sila lubog sa utang, pero wala na ako sa usapan na iyon, at mas lalo akong hindi dapat madadamay, dahil inuupahan ko lang ang aking pagtuloy sa kanilang bahay. Kinuha ko ang piraso ng bawang at nagmamadaling nilagay ito sa bulsa ng aking uniporme. Humingi ako ng paumanhin at nag pasalamat, umalis na rin upang pumunta sa aking trabaho.

" Ayan na naman... "

Bulong ko sa aking sarili simula't sapol pa nga ng pag dating ko sa hospital. Rinig ko ang mga kaluskos at mahihinang daing ng mga tao sa di kalayuan na mga kwarto ng kada silid. Ilan ang umuungol sa hapdi, umiiyak sa sakit at minsan pa nga ay nagwawala at sumisigaw sa kanilang sarili. Tuwing sumapit ang alas otso ng gabi, ganito na ang sitwasyon sa hospital.

" Hija, tulungan mo ako "

" Anak, wag ka diyan..."

" Ang sakit! Sakit! a-ang sakit!"

Bulong ng kung ano man sa aking mga tenga habang ako ay naka upo. Hindi ko makita sila at hindi ko maramdaman ang kanilang presensya. At naririnig ko sila habang lubog ang araw at nakataas ang buwan, pilit pinapakita sa mundo ang bagsik nitong ganda at malas. Noong una ay ang hirap dahil nakakatakot, akala ko baliw ako, pero ngayon, talagang tama nga ang aking hinala at baliw nga ata ako.

" Beverly, tara kape tayo " Aya sa'kin ni Vince, ang aking katrababo, mukha niyang may mga ngiti. Nagsitahimik ang mga boses sa aking utak pagkatapos akong kausapin ni Vince, at ginawa ko itong opurtunidad upang mawala na ang mga boses na pilit bumulong sa akin.

Akmang babayad na sana ako, ngunit pagmamadali ay ang bawang ang aking nakuha, dahilan kung bakit namula ako sa hiya habang si Vince naman ay pigil na tumawa, pa'no ba naman kase ay nakakatuwa ang aking ginawa dahil sa mukha ng tindera ay nagsitula pa akong nagbibiro.

"Hija naman, nag j-joke time pa, akala mo ba aswang ako?! Hayst!"

Padabog na nilagay ang aking sukli sa mesa pagkatapos kong makabayad gamit ang aking pera. Sobrang nahiya ako, at nainis na rin dahil sa nangyare. Sa sobrang inis ay pa sekreto kong tinapon ang bawang habang sumisimsim na kami ng kape ni Vince. Dahil malalim na ang gabi, umuwi na rin siya dahil tapos na an kanyang duty samantalang sa akin ay mamaya pang alas kwatro ng umaga.

Habang nasa hospital na ako ay kinakabahan ako, pinapawisan ng malamig at hindi ako makapalagay, lalo na't mas naging agresibo at malakas ang mga bulong sa akin. Patagal ng patagal, mas lalo akong natatakot sa aking sarili, natatakot na sa 'di malamang dahilan kung ako ba'y binubulungan na ni kamatayan, o sadyang ako'y isang baliw lamang. Nang matapos na ang oras sa aking pagtratrabaho ay nagmamadali akong umuwi.

"Hija, bumalik ka!"

"Ate hindi diyan!"

Sigaw ng mga boses sa aking ulo, napahinto ako ng makita ko ang isang lalake na may hawak na laman loob sa kanyang mga kamay. Sa gulat ay hindi agad ako nakagalaw, at wala ring boses na lumabas kahit sa aking isipan ay pilit kong tumakbo. Dahan-dahang tumingin sa aking gawi ang lalake, ang kanyang ulo ay umikot habang ang katawan ay hindi gumalaw. Duguan ang kanyang bibig at leeg. Ilang segundo ang lumipas at bigla itong pumunta sa aking harapan, at wala na akong nagawa ng biglang dumilim ang mundo.

Nagising ako sa boses ng mahinang ungol ng lalake, kinakain nito ang laman loob ng isang dalaga, ang dugo ay dumadaloy sa bibig nito patungo sa kanyang tiyan, ngunit umiiyak ang lalake, umiyak ito ng umiyak habang mistulang kinakain ang laman loob. "Basha... Beverly.. pasensya na... Hija..." Bulong nito habang sumisimsim ito ng dugo. At doon ko napagtanto na ang katawan ko pala ang naging pulutan nito, at si Kaloy ang nagpapakasaya habang umiiyak sa dilim ng gabi.

Title: "Who Among Them"

"Janeli, open this damn door before I break it down!" I pound harder with my patience wearing thin. The sound of scrubbing continues from within her room.

"I'm sorry, Sister Reese, I can't!" Janeli's voice trembles.

"That's it!" I slam my shoulder against the door. It crashes open, and I freeze, stunned by the sight of my blind, crippled sister kneeling on the floor, desperately trying to wash blood from her only spare winter clothes.

"Sister, I didn't mean to... I'm sorry!" She sobs, her unseeing eyes wide with fear.

That evening, while feeding Janeli her dinner, our youngest sister Nerissa returns home late, joining us at the table. She hears about the incident from Janeli herself.

"HAHAHAHASDFGHJKL!" Nerissa doubles over, clutching her sides. "Our precious Janeli finally became a woman!"

"Nerissa, you insufferable brat! To your room, now!" I snap, watching Janeli's face burn with shame.

"But Sister Reese," Nerissa wheezes between laughs, "shouldn't we celebrate? Sister Janeli just got her period. Though Sister Janeli's reaction was rather—" She can't finish through her giggling.

"Just because you're the youngest doesn't mean you can act like a child. And Janeli, with the war raging outside, you're crying like a child over your damn period? No nobleman will ever wed either of you! Mother didn't raise us to be vulgar!"

"Mother? Raising? Us?" Nerissa's laughter dies. "You mean the lady whose hands are as soft as silk? While mine..." She holds up calloused palms.

"Your mouth, Nerissa. Our mother is a noble. She deserved that much. She deserved respect—"

"Respect ended when she chased after the man who abandoned her, then sought comfort with another! Or did you forget?"

"Nerissa! How could you be the only sibling to harbor ill thoughts about our birth mother? Janeli and I never—"

"Then I'm sorry I'm only your HALF sister!" Nerissa storms out.

Later that night, I lie awake, Mother's final words echoing through my mind: "Reese, whatever happens, promise me to protect your sisters." Six months since she met her end, beheaded for alleged witchcraft, and already I'm drowning in responsibilities. If not for that promise, I'd have abandoned blind, helpless Janeli and sold rebellious Nerissa to some nobleman.

Strange things have been happening. Nerissa's mysterious skin condition keeps her from daylight, while Janeli, despite her disabilities, somehow manages to keep the house spotless and rearranges heavy furnitures all by herself. There’s talk among townsfolk about vampires, and I catch myself watching Nerissa's aversion to sunlight and Janeli’s impossible feats with growing unease.

One night, returning from work with Nerissa, we hear Janeli's chilling laughter from her room. The darkness feels alive, watching, waiting.

"Sisters! You're home!" Janeli's sweet voice carries through the door. "The mister said you'd return together. I’m glad you two made up."

"Mister?" Nerissa's face drains of color.

"Wilhelm. He asked so many questions about you, Nerissa. He's been so kind, helping me with the chores when you're away."

"Run!" Nerissa screams. "Take Janeli and run!"

The panic in Nerissa's voice, my usually defiant little sister who's barely the size of a bean, makes me trust her words without question. I hoist Janeli onto my back, and we flee into the woods. I don't ask Nerissa what's happening, though her terror tells me she knows more than she's saying. Blood-drained animal corpses litter our path.

Something inhuman pursues us, its presence an icy knife between my shoulders. Both Nerissa and I know that once that thing catches up to us, it'll be the end for all three of us.

At the woods' edge, we encounter the town lord. After learning briefly of what happened, he offers us his carriage. To maximize our escape, he suggests splitting us up – Nerissa and I in one carriage, him and Janeli in another. But something's wrong – there's only one carriage, though he speaks of two...

"The town promised me the most beautiful girl in return for my protection from war," he confesses, his voice thick with hunger. "What the town seems to forget is that when they touched Helena, they also opposed me..."

His eyes gleam red in the darkness as we back away. Nerissa hurls a rock, buying us precious seconds. "Quick! Sister Reese! I'll buy you time!"

"How about you?" I cry out to Nerissa.

"If the rumors are true, that makes Wilhelm my father," she says with grim certainty. "He won't harm me—" Her words end in a wet thud. Her head rolls across dead leaves, her eyes wide with betrayal.

"Nerissa!!" I scream hysterically as I watch my sister slain by her own father. The truth hits me lile a physical blow— all my suspicions about Nerissa, all my fears about her being the monster among us, they had blinded me to the real danger. It was Janeli he'd been watching all along, helping with chores, moving furnitures, waiting for her to become a woman! And, I, fool that I was, had invited the vampire right into our home while suspecting my innocent little sister.

Cornered against trees, I clutch Janeli close. The creature that was once the town lord approaches, Wilhelm's true form revealed in moonlight.

"Give me the girl, Reese," he purrs. "Your mother ran from me, and that's why she died. But sweet Janeli, the spitting image of the woman I loved dearly... she won't be able to run away, nor be disgusted by my true form." His laughter echoes through the woods. "She's a woman now. She'll make a fine bride."

I think of Mother's last words.

Of Janeli's effort and innocence.

Of Nerissa's sacrifice.

"Never!!" I spit.

He smiles, fangs gleaming. "Then you'll both live. Running. Hiding. Forever looking over your shoulders, knowing I'm lurking in the shadows, waiting to claim what's mine."

We flee into the night, but his laughter follows. It will follow, echoing in every shadow, until the day he finally decides to end this game of his.

Title: "Puno ng Pagsisisi"

"What are the things that you like?"

Sa loob ng luma at abandonadong bayan ng Agrocia may kasabihan na patuloy na may naninirahan na pamilya rito. Ang pamilya na ito ay sinasabinh may katangian na mapuputing balat na animo'y sila ay takot sa araw, mapupulang mata, at matatalas na ngipin.

Ang storyang ito ay patuloy lamang na lumilitaw sa mga katabi nitong bayan ngunit may mga ilan na nag sasabi na ang pamilyang nakatira sa lumang bayan ay mga aswang na nakikihalubilo sa tao upang sila ay malinlang at kanilang maihain sa hapag.

"Neria! Ano na naman bang ginagawa mo dyan sa tuktok? Kanina ka pang hinahanap ng Inay!" Sigaw ni Leria, ang kapatid ni Neria.

"Wala lang ate, tinitingnan ko lamang ang abandonadong bayan ng Agrocia."

"Neria naman," sabi ni Leria ng may kunot sa noo "Ilang beses ba dapat naming sabihin sayo na ang bayan na iyan ay matagal nang walang nakatira? Wala kang mapapala sa pag tambay mo at pagmamasid dito."

"Oo uuwi na, di nyo naman kaylangan paulit-ulitin. Namamangha lamang talaga ako sa bayan ng Agrocia."

Tumayo si Neria at bumaba sa tuktok ng malaking puno ng narra. Habang bumaba sya ay napatigil sya ng may maaninag sa bayan ng Agrocia.

Binasag muli ng kanyang kapatid ang katahimikan, tila ba'y pagod na sa kakaantay sa kanya.

"Neria, isa! Bilisan mo dyan bago kkta kaladkadin pababa dito!" Hindi na sumagot pa si neria at alam nyang lalo lamang silang mapapatagal sa pagbalik sa kanila.

Pagkadating sa kanilang bahay agad nilang narinig ang boses ng kanilang magulang.

"Nay, tay are na ho si Neria. Nako pagsabihan nyo at nandun na naman sa narra at pinagmamasdan ang Agrocia."

"Ay hayaan mo na ang kapatid mo, wala naman syang ginagawang masama." Pagbabaliwala ng nanay ni Neria sa sinabi ng kanyang kapatid.

"Nag away ga nanaman kayong magkapatid?" Turo ng tatay nila sa kanilang dalawa.

"Hindi ho tay, si ate ay masyado lamang mahigpit sa akin. Palagi akong pinagbabawalan pumunta sa tuktok." Inirapan sya ng kanyang ate sa sinabi nya ngunit hindi na ito sumagot at tumulong na lamang sa gawaing bahay.

"Ano pong pinag uusapan nyo tay?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Leria habang nagahahain sa hapag.

"Ay nako ewan ko ga sa mayor naten, malamang ay binulsa na naman niya ang perang napag ipunan ng bayan! Sanay kunin sya ng kababalaghan ng Agrocia!" Pagsusumpa ng kanyang ama sa kanilang mayor.

"Tay, kaya naman lumalala ang pagkagusto ni Neria na pumunta roon eh ginagatungan nyo ang kanyang imahinasyon."

"Sya tumigil na kayong mag aama diyan, tayo'y kumain na."

Kinabuksan muling lumabas si Neria may balak na pagmasdang muli ang Agrocia

"Nay, tay lalabas lang po ako saglit. Babalik ako ng tanghalian, pasabi sa ate ako ay may ginagawa." Pagpapaalam ni Neria sa kanyang magulang, hiling nya na hindi sabihin ng kanyang magulang sa kanyang ate na pupunta sya sa tuktok.

Habang papunta sya sa tuktok uppang umakyat sa puno ng Narra, napansin ni Neria ang katahimikan sa kanilang bayan. Ang katahimikang ito ay bibihira sapagkat pagtilaok palang ng mga manok ay agad na nag sisigawa ang kanilang mga kapitbahay.

Nakarating sya sa tuktok ng walang nakikitang bata na naglalaro o mga magsasaka.Hindi ito pinansin ni Neria ngunit pag akyat nya sa puno ng Narra nakita nya ang bayan ng Agorica na tila ba may nakapilang mga tao.

Ang mga tao na nakapila kung gumalaw ay para bang sila ay walang buhay na mga tao. Nakapila sa labas ng bayan.

"Bakit kaya dumami ang tao bigla sa Agrocia? Hindi ba't ayaw nilang lumapit doon? At bakit ganoon sila gumalaw?" Sa pagtataka nya hindi na nya namalayan ang pagsulpot ng isang lalaki sa kanyang likuran.

"Gusto mo bang malaman kung bakit?" Sambit ng isang boses sa kanyang likuran. Nagulat si Neria at kamuntikan pa syang mahulog sa puno ng Narra nang linhunin nya ang nagsasalita ay nakita nya ang lalaki na tila ba'y nag aantay na bigyan niya ito ng espayo upang tuluyan syang maka akyat.

"Sino ka? Parang ngayon ko lang nakita ang mukha mo sa lugar namin at pano mo malalaman nag nangyayari kung mismong ako na taga kabilang bayan lamang ay walang alam sa nangyayari?"

"Wala ka ba talagang alam Neria?" Nakangiting sagot ng lalaki sa kanya. Ang ngiti ng kanyang kausap ay hindi maganda, nakakakilabot ang ngiti nito.

"Pano mo nalaman ang aking pangalan? At sagutin mo ang tanong ko, sino ka?" Kinakabahang sagot ni Neria, wala syang ibang magawa kundi ang kumapit ng mahigpit sa sangang inuupan nya. Wala syang takas, subukan nya mang tumalon panuguradong mababali ang buto nya.

"Isipin mo Neria, bakit nga ba sila ganon? Anong nangyayari? Alalahanin mo, gumising ka sa panaginip mo Neria!" Ang ngiti ng lalaking kausap nya ay palawak ng palawak, at doon napansin nya ang itsura ng lalaki.

Maputi, mapupula ang mata, at may matalas na ngipin. Natakot si Neria, sinubukan nyang kumbinsihin ang kanyang sarili na huwag maniwala sa isang hindi pa napapatunayang kwento. Ngunit sa kalagayan nya hindi nya maiwasang mag-isip ng masama.

Nabato sya sa kanyang kinauupuan at ang sunod na galaw nito ay ang nagpagising sa diwa nya. Walang nagawa si Neria, hindi na nya nagawang umiwas sa kamay ng lalaki at naitulak sya nito. Nalaglag sya sa puno ng Narra, ni hindi sya makasigaw sa gulat na naramdaman nya at hindi na muli sya nakagalaw. Ang huli nyang nakita ay ang mapupulang mata ng lalaki na may ngiti sa labi.

Naalala na nya, sya ang dahilan. Sya ang dahilan kung bakit wala na ang bayan nila. Ang kanyang kagustuhan na malaman ang sikreto ng bayan ng Agrocia ang nagresulta sa katapusan ng kanyang mga magulang, kapatid, at ng mga tao sa Agrocia.

Naalala nya kung paanong nalinlang sya ng isang pamilya sa Agrocia, kung saan sya ay inutusang lagyan ng gamot ang tubig na pinagkukuhanan ng inumin ng kanilang bayan, kasama ng pangako na ang kinabukasan nya at ng kanyang bayan ay sasagana. Sya ang may dahilan sa katapusan ng lahat, isang madugong katapusan na hindi nya innasahan. Inistorbo nya ang payapang pamumuhay ng pamilyang nasa loob ng Agrocia at pinarusahan sya para sa ginawa nyang kamalian.

Title: "The Shadow Weaver"

The old Victorian mansion stood sentinel on the hill, a monument to a bygone era, its once-proud facade now marred by time and neglect. Ivy, like grasping fingers, clawed at its crumbling brickwork, and the windows, shrouded in cobwebs, stared out like empty eyes. It was a place where shadows clung to the edges of the world, where whispers danced on the breeze, and secrets whispered in the darkness.

Elias, a young photographer drawn to the macabre, stood on the threshold of the mansion, his camera clutched tightly in his hand. He had heard the stories, the whispers of a creature that lurked in the shadows, a creature that fed on fear and left behind a trail of chilling silence. He scoffed at the tales, dismissing them as mere folklore, but a primal instinct, a deep-seated curiosity, had drawn him to this place.

As he stepped inside, the air grew colder, the silence pressing down on him like a physical weight. The dust motes danced in the faint light filtering through the grimy windows, casting long, distorted shadows that seemed to writhe and twist like living things. He felt a prickle of unease, a sense of being watched, but he pushed it aside, focusing on his camera, his lens capturing the eerie beauty of the decaying grandeur.

He wandered through the desolate halls, the echo of his footsteps the only sound in the oppressive silence.

The rooms were filled with remnants of a life long gone, faded tapestries, cracked portraits, and dusty furniture draped in cobwebs. Each room held a story, a whisper of a life lived and lost, but it was the shadows that intrigued him most.

He found himself drawn to a grand ballroom, its dance floor now covered in a thick layer of dust. The faded grandeur of the room, the ornate chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, the ghostly echoes of laughter and music, all whispered of a time when life pulsed through these walls. He raised his camera, capturing the scene, but as he did, he felt a shift in the air, a subtle change in the shadows.

He turned, his heart pounding in his chest, and saw it. A figure, shrouded in darkness, its form shifting and indistinct, its eyes burning with an unholy light. It moved with a predatory grace, its movements silent and deadly. It was the creature from the stories, the one that lurked in the shadows, the one that fed on fear.

Elias froze, his camera falling from his grasp, his breath catching in his throat. He had seen it, the creature that whispered in the darkness, the creature that haunted his dreams. He felt a surge of terror, a primal fear that threatened to consume him, but he fought it back, forcing himself to stay still, to remain calm.

The creature moved closer, its eyes fixed on him, its presence a palpable weight in the air. Elias could feel its gaze on him, its hunger for his fear. He knew he had to escape, but his legs felt heavy, his body frozen in fear.

The creature raised its hand, its fingers long and sharp, and Elias knew, with a certainty that chilled him to the bone, that he was not just a photographer, he was prey.

He stumbled back, his heart pounding against his ribs, his mind racing. He had to get out, had to escape the clutches of this creature, but his fear had paralyzed him. He felt a cold hand grip his shoulder, a touch that sent a shiver of dread down his spine. He turned, his eyes wide with terror, and saw the creature's face, its features contorted in a grotesque smile.

But as he looked closer, he realized it was not a creature of flesh and blood. It was a shadow, a swirling vortex of darkness that seemed to writhe and twist, a manifestation of his own fear. The creature was not real, it was a figment of his imagination, a reflection of his deepest fears.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down. He had to face his fears, had to confront the darkness that lurked within him. He opened his eyes, the creature still there, but its form was less distinct, its power waning. He raised his camera, his hand steady, and captured the image of the shadow, a testament to the power of his own fear.

As he left the mansion, the sun rising over the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, he knew he had faced his demons. The creature that lurked in the shadows was not a monster, it was a reflection of his own inner darkness, a reminder that the greatest monsters are often the ones we carry within ourselves.

Title: "The Final Prey"

In the eerie labyrinth of an ancient castle, shadows danced and twisted, concealing a sinister secret. Centuries-old tapestries whispered tales of a bloodthirsty past, their faded threads painting macabre scenes of victims long forgotten. Sarah, a young woman drawn by the allure of the unknown, ventured into the castle's depths, her curiosity fueled by the whispers of locals.

Every creaking step echoed through the desolate halls, amplifying her pounding heart. A chill ran down her spine as she felt the weight of unseen eyes upon her. From the darkness, a pair of glowing red orbs pierced through the gloom. Sarah gasped, her breath catching in her throat.

A tall, gaunt figure emerged from the shadows, its skin as pale as moonlight. Razor-sharp fangs glistened in the dim light, and a sinister smile played on its lips. The vampire moved with an unnatural grace, gliding towards Sarah like a phantom. Its cold, dead fingers caressed her cheek, sending shivers down her body.

Sarah struggled against the vampire's hypnotic gaze, but its power was irresistible. As the vampire leaned in close, its fetid breath sent a wave of nausea over Sarah. She felt its sharp fangs pierce her skin, and a searing pain coursed through her veins. Darkness enveloped her, and she knew no more.

When Sarah awoke, she was lying on a cold stone floor. Her body felt weak and drained, and a dull ache throbbed in her neck. As her vision cleared, she realized she was trapped in a dungeon, the walls adorned with gruesome carvings of torture and despair.

Suddenly, the door to the dungeon creaked open, and the vampire appeared. Its eyes gleamed with cruel amusement as it approached Sarah, its fangs bared. Sarah screamed and tried to crawl away, but her body was too weak. The vampire lunged at Sarah, its fangs sinking into her flesh once more.

She felt her life force ebbing away, her consciousness fading into oblivion. As darkness consumed her, Sarah knew that she had become one of the vampire's countless victims, forever lurking in the shadows of the ancient castle.

Days passed, and Sarah's transformation began. She felt an insatiable thirst for blood, and her senses grew sharper. The vampire, now her master, taught her the ways of the undead. Sarah's heart sank, realizing she was doomed to roam the earth, feasting on the living.

One fateful night, Sarah encountered a group of brave villagers, seeking to vanquish the vampire's evil. They stormed the castle, torches ablaze, determined to end the curse. Sarah, torn between her newfound nature and her humanity, chose to aid the villagers.

Together, they battled the vampire, and in a final, desperate bid, Sarah staked its heart, shattering the curse. As the vampire crumbled to dust, Sarah felt her own powers wane. She collapsed, exhausted, but free from the darkness.

The villagers, though wary, took Sarah in, nursing her back to health. She vowed to use her newfound strength to protect the innocent, a guardian against the forces of darkness. And so, Sarah's journey began, forever bound to the shadows, yet determined to bring light to a world fraught with terror.

Title: "Shadows of Midnight"

The moon hung high over the village of Silverwood, casting long, ghostly shadows through the dense trees that hemmed it in. Midnight crouched on the roof of the old chapel, her bow slung over her shoulder. Her midnight-black hair swayed slightly with the wind, and the scar on her right cheek tingled—a reminder of the first vampire she had ever slain. Below her, the town was shrouded in a thick, unnatural fog, as if the very air conspired to hide dark things.

She was used to this creeping unease. Raised by her grandfather after her parents were slaughtered by vampires, she had sworn to protect Silverwood from the ancient horrors that lurked in the woods. The villagers only knew the old stories of beasts and shadows, but Midnight knew the truth. They weren’t just stories—they were warnings.

Tonight, that sense of foreboding had deepened. Whispered rumors reached her ears—rumors of the Luxar clan stirring again, plotting to resurrect their queen, Azrael, whose bloodlust had once stained entire lands crimson. The elders spoke of her as a ghost story, a myth to scare children. But Midnight knew better. The Luxar were real, and so was Azrael.

As she prowled along the rooftops, her senses were on high alert. Every rustle of leaves and distant creak seemed magnified. Then, from below, she heard a faint movement—someone stepping deliberately between the trees.

Midnight leapt down silently, crouching low and ready to pounce. She took out her dagger, its silver blade gleaming faintly in the moonlight. She didn’t dare call out, her breath held as she crept closer. Then, the figure emerged into the open, and the sight of him nearly made her drop her weapon.

“Ciarán?” she whispered, her voice a mix of shock and dread.

The boy she had grown up with, who taught her to tie knots and told her ghost stories by candlelight, stood before her. His once-bright eyes were now a deep, unnatural crimson. The moonlight highlighted the pallor of his skin, making him look almost spectral.

“Midnight,” Ciarán replied, his voice carrying a hollow, mournful echo.

“What happened to you?” Midnight demanded, her voice tight. Her grip on the dagger faltered. She couldn’t hurt him—she couldn’t hurt Ciarán.

“They took me,” he said, voice almost breaking. “The Luxar found me…and turned me. I tried to fight them, but—” He took a step forward, and Midnight instinctively raised the blade.

“Stay back!” she snapped, but her voice betrayed her fear.

Ciarán’s face was wracked with guilt. “They’re trying to bring her back, Midnight—Azrael. I couldn’t stop them. They’re too powerful.”

Midnight’s mind reeled. The boy who once vowed to protect her, to always be there, was now a vessel of the very evil she had sworn to fight. But deep within those crimson eyes, she could still see the flicker of the old Ciarán, scared and conflicted.

“There has to be a way to reverse this,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Ciarán’s eyes darkened. “There is, but…it’s not something I’d ever ask of you.”

“You don’t have to ask,” Midnight replied firmly. “Tell me what to do.”

Two days later, Midnight found herself deep in the forest, the mist swallowing the sound of her footsteps. She was standing in front of Lucian, a rogue vampire exiled from the Luxar clan. He was an old creature with dark, knowing eyes that seemed to bore into her soul.

“You’re either very brave or very foolish to seek me out, hunter,” Lucian said, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of malice.

“I need a cure,” Midnight replied, meeting his gaze steadily.

Lucian’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “A cure for what? A lover’s ailment?”

“For someone I care about,” she snapped, her patience wearing thin.

Lucian’s smile widened, revealing sharp fangs. “There is no cure for vampirism, not unless you’re willing to sacrifice something dear to you—your blood, your humanity.” He leaned closer, eyes gleaming with malevolent glee. “The ritual will bind you to him, hunter. He must drink your blood willingly. But in doing so, you will transform, and you will lose all memories of your past life. You will become one of us.”

“If it saves him, I’ll do it,” Midnight replied, steel in her voice.

Lucian chuckled darkly. “Then let’s hope your resolve matches your bravery, little hunter. If you fail, you’ll doom not just yourself…but everyone you once loved.”

The ritual took place beneath a full moon, its light turning the clearing into a surreal, otherworldly scene. Ciarán and Midnight stood facing each other, the silence between them thick with dread and unspoken fears. Midnight took a deep breath, feeling the cold weight of what she was about to do.

“Midnight, are you sure about this?” Ciarán’s voice trembled with guilt and fear.

“I won’t lose you,” Midnight whispered. “Not to them.”

Ciarán’s hand trembled as he took her wrist. His eyes were filled with tears, and she saw the old Ciarán fighting to stay in control. But she nodded, giving him permission to do what must be done.

His fangs sank into her wrist, and searing pain shot through her. Midnight bit back a scream as she felt her blood drain, her strength leaving her body. The world around her blurred, memories flashing through her mind like fleeting shadows—her grandfather’s voice, the villagers’ smiles, Ciarán’s laughter—all fading into nothingness.

“Midnight?” Ciarán’s voice seemed distant, muffled by the encroaching darkness.

The last sound she heard was her own heartbeat slowing…until it stopped.

When Midnight awoke, she felt different. The world was sharper, clearer, but also…emptier. Her humanity felt like a distant dream. When she looked at Ciarán, there was no warmth, no familiarity. Just a lingering sense of duty to the Luxar.

“Midnight?” Ciarán’s voice was cautious, hopeful.

She turned to him, her lips curving into a slow, predatory smile. “I remember you,” she said, her voice smooth and almost sinister. “You’re the one who saved me.”

Ciarán’s eyes widened with horror. “No…”

“Yes,” Midnight replied, her smile widening. “And now, we know what we have to do.”

Title: “Ang Multo ng Nakamamatay: Isang Kuwento ng Tapatang Tapat at Habag”

Sa puso ng isang liblib na nayon na nakatago sa gitna ng malabong mga bundok, may isang nakasisilaw na nilalang na nagliligaw sa dilim. Ang mga bulong ng kaba at pangamba ay bumalot sa mga mamamayan, ang kanilang imahinasyon ay naglalaro sa mga kuwento ng hindi pa kilala na nilalang na bumabagabag sa kanilang mga kalye. May nagsasabi na ito ay isang kaluluwa na naghahanap ng kapatawaran, samantalang ang iba ay naniniwalang ito ay isang masamang espiritu na handang magdulot ng gulo sa nayon.

Si Sarah, isang batang babae na puno ng kuryosidad at kababaang-loob, ay naengganyo sa mga bulong. Hindi katulad ng iba na natatakot, si Sarah ay naakit sa misteryo. Ang kanyang ama, isang kilalang historyador, ay nagtanim sa kanya ng malalim na kuryosidad tungkol sa hindi kilala, ang pagnanasa na alamin ang lihim na nakatago sa dilim, dilim na hindi pa natutuklasan ng kahit sino.

Isang gabi ng may buwan, dala-dala ang isang pumipintig na ilawan at ang kanyang matatag na tapang, si Sarah ay naglakas-loob na pumasok sa kaloob-looban ng mga lansangan na puno ng anino. Ang hangin ay umigting ng tensyon habang siya'y naglalakad sa masalimuot na daan, gabay lamang ang mahinang ningas ng kanyang ilawan. Ang kanyang puso ay kumakabog sa halong takot at excitement, pinakakain sa pagnanais na maintindihan ang katotohanan sa likod ng naglilihing presensya.

Sa pagliko niya sa isang sulok, si Sarah ay natagpuan ang kaharap ng pinagmumulan ng takot sa nayon - isang anino na balot sa kadiliman, ang mga mata'y kumikinang ng isang hindi pangkaraniwang liwanag. Sa kabila ng kanyang nagugulong mga kamay at mabilis na pintig ng puso, si Sarah ay nanatiling matatag, may kislap ng determinasyon sa kanyang mga mata. Naalala niya ang mga salita ng kanyang ama, "Ang pinakadakilang tapang ay hindi nangangahulugan ng kawalan ng takot, kundi sa pagkilos sa kabila nito."

Sa kanyang gulat, ang anino ay nagsalita, ang boses ay isang nakapangingilabot na melodiya na nagpadala ng panginig sa kanyang balat. Iniharap niya ang kanyang sarili bilang isang nawawalang kaluluwa, na nakulong sa pagitan ng mga mundong mabubuhay at patay, naghahanap ng kapanatagan at paglaya mula sa kanyang walang katapusang parusa. Ipinaliwanag ng espiritu na siya ay itinaboy sa nayon matapos ang isang trahedya, hindi makapagpahinga hanggang hindi natatapos ang kanyang di natapos na gawain.

Ang boses ng espiritu, dating puno ng kalungkutan, ngayon ay nagtataglay ng bahagyang desperasyon. Ipinakilala niya ang kanyang nakaraan: isang binatang lalaki na nagngangalang Elias, isang bihasang manggagawa na nanirahan sa nayon kasama ang kanyang minamahal na asawa na si Amelia. Sila ay labis na nagmamahalan, ang kanilang buhay ay magkasama sa ritmo ng nayon. Gayunpaman, ang kapalaran ay nagdala sa kanila ng isang masamang palad nang biglang pumasok ang isang bagyong mapanira, na nagdulot ng kamatayan ni Amelia. Si Elias, sugatan at sinakop ng kalungkutan, ay naglakbay patungo sa kagubatan sa paligid, naghahanap ng kapanatagan sa yakap ng kalikasan. Nawawala at nalilito, siya ay natagpuan ang isang nakatagong kuweba, kung saan siya ay aksidenteng sumuway sa isang nakatagong patibong, na nagdikit sa kanyang kapalaran.

Nakatali sa mundanong daigdig, si Elias ay naging ang anino na yumayakap sa nayon, hindi makalipat hanggang hindi natatapos ang di natapos na gawain na nagpapabigat sa kanyang kaluluwa. Nagnanais siyang makahanap ng kapanatagan, na muling magkasama kay Amelia, ngunit siya ay nahuli sa isang siklo ng kalungkutan at desperasyon.

Si Sarah, na may kanyang likas na awa at di-matitinag na paniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pang-unawa, ay nag-aalok ng kanyang kamay sa pagkakaibigan, na nangako na tulungan ito patungo sa liwanag na hinahanap nito. Siya ay natanto na ang espiritu ay hindi isang halimaw, kundi isang nawawalang kaluluwa na nagnanais ng kapatawaran. Siya ay may malalim na koneksyon sa espiritu, nakikita ang isang larawan ng kanyang sariling pagnanasa para sa kaalaman at pang-unawa.

Nagsama-sama sila sa isang paglalakbay ng pagtuklas at pagbabago, inilalantad ang mga misteryo na nag-uugnay sa espiritu sa mundanong daigdig. Sa pamamagitan ng tapang, awa, at di-matitinag na determinasyon, binuo nina Sarah at ang anino ang isang hindi karaniwang kaugnayan, nililipol ang mga harang ng takot at diskriminasyon na dating naghihiwalay sa kanila. Sa pagtatapos ng gabi, ang anyo ng espiritu ay unti-unting nagsimulang maglaho, ang kanyang esensiya ay wakas na malaya na umakyat patungo sa kalangitan.

Sa ganitong paraan, ang nayon na dating natatakot sa mga anino ay natagpuan ang kapayapaan at pang-unawa, ang kanilang mga puso'y laging maaalala ang kuwento ng isang batang babae na ginawang pag-asa ang takot, at dilim ang liwanag. Si Sarah, na nagtupad sa itinatakda ng kanyang ama na maghanap ng kaalaman at pang-unawa, ay natagpuan ang kahulugan at kasiyahan, na alam na ang kanyang tapang at awa ay nagbigay-daan sa isang nawawalang kaluluwa na makahanap ng kanyang daan pauwi.

Title: "Among Us"

For 50 years there have been strange and unexplained incidents that occurs within our village. People would go missing only to have the body discovered within the woods that the hunters frequently goes. The bodies that are found would show multiple bite marks, draining the blood within without a single drop left. Following these incidents the village chief had to make counter measures for the safety of his people, ordering a new set of rules. As the killings happened, the chief notices that the people found dead would be those that are usually out at night and so it was implemented that once the sun sets it is forbidden for the people to leave their houses. Being the stupid person I was, I disobeyed this rule and went out after sunset.

I was 8 years old when I decided to play with my friends out in the woods. It was just like any other normal day, me and my friends were playing near the woods when a sudden thought came into our minds. “Wanna play hide and seek over there?” said by an 8 year old boy, Dolosus, while pointing directly into the woods. Everyone, even children as young as 3 would know of the so called monsters that drains the blood of his prey and leaves them by the woods. So having heard of this proposition from a friend I hesitated knowing that it is forbidden to enter such dangerous place without an adult. But the pressure of playing by my other friends got the better of me. Entering the woods felt uneasy and an overwhelmingly sense of negativity immediately left me frozen on my tracks. Another kid noticed me stopping, not wanting to get caught he eagerly pulled me into a hiding spot. I didn’t know why, but it suddenly felt like I was about to lose something important to me. As I hear footprints coming near us, I knew we were about to get caught when suddenly a loud voice alarmed us. It was the adults of the village who noticed us going in the woods. As I stood I noticed a figure as if someone was running back so fast, thinking it was just one of the other kids I disregarded it and quickly went back to the village. Everyone who was involved got an earful from the adults, repeatedly stating that what we did was dangerous. While going back to our house, the kid who hid with me asked everyone on who was hiding near us. A chill ran down my spine as they all paused and said…….. “You guys were the only ones hiding in that direction”. Having heard our conversation, the adults urged everyone to immediately go home and stay there.

The moment I reached our house, the sun was about to set so I hurried inside. Waiting by the door was my older sister Desdemona who was 4 years older than me. Having seen me come home so late, the worried yet irritated look can be perfectly seen from her face. As I came closer to apologize she quickly came to hug me and I can feel her trembling. 2 years ago, we lost our parents. My mother who didn’t go home one night was found dead in the woods the following day. My father who couldn’t accept what happened to his wife decided to seek revenge and waited outside after sunset and he too met the same fate. So it was just me and my sister who have been taking care of each other from then on. That hug that seemed eternal finally ended and we both ate dinner. As we started to get ready to sleep I suddenly remembered something. While playing earlier in the woods I accidentally dropped my stuffed toy. So I thought maybe that was the feeling I felt earlier, the feeling of losing something important to me. “I left it…..I left my stuffed toy in the woods” I told my sister while obviously looking disheartened. It was made by my mother and the only remembrance I have of her so feeling as though I will never see it again I mindlessly started running out and into the woods to find it. My sister who was in panic started following me screaming at me to go back. (Remembering it all now….I wish I never ran outside that night.) As I ran into the dark woods I could hear unusual noises in my surroundings then suddenly I blacked out. The very last thing I heard and saw before completely losing consciousness was the sound of my sister choking in her own blood and the figures lurking in the shadow slowly making their way towards my sister.

That was 15 years ago. That night, I lost the most important thing I only had left………my sister. The day after that incident I was found by the village chief, having seen the experience I had to go through he felt pity for me and so he decided to adopt me. Years passed and I became a full grown adult helping keep the peace within our village and all these times I thought I could live normally and peacefully……but I couldn’t. Once again, I felt that strange feeling of losing but this time it wasn’t the feeling of losing someone but the feeling of my time nearing to an end. And I guess that feeling was right, as I see myself right now in my own pool of blood. Luckily, my adoptive father was on time and so they couldn’t take me away. “But….. how could I tell them that even at daylight they will never be safe….How could I tell them that these monsters are harvesting us like livestock….How could I tell them that these people……..”. Reaching out my bloody hand, it was suddenly held by someone. “Shhhh it’s alright, it will all be alright” As I turned my head I saw that it was Dolosus. “You’re…..one of them”.....

Title: “Whisper of the Shadow”

The air was heavy with the weight of anticipation, making the skin prickle and tickle, a tangible tension that can be felt. It was midnight, and a hush fell over the night market as the chime of the clock tower echoed through the darkening streets. Vendors huddled together in stalls now deserted, faces set with fear. A creature, a shadow which lurked in darkness had spread like wildfire in those narrow alleyways.

A young girl, her name breathed almost in a whisper, as Maya, stood alone and her heart thumping feverishly against the rib bones. She had been warned, cautioned to be away from the market during the nightfall but with curiosity, that stupid unquenchable hunger to know the unknown, drew her in. Now she regretted the move.

A sudden gust of wind, cold and sharp, whipped around her, sending shivers down her spine. The air smelled of dust and something else, something metallic and faintly sweet. She spun around, her eyes searching the shadows, but saw nothing. Only the flickering lanterns, casting long, distorted shadows that danced and writhed like phantoms.

Then came a sound, a whisper, faint and not loud enough to hear. It came from everywhere and nowhere, that chilling sibilant hiss which gave her chills. She could feel the presence of a cold, malevolent entity coiling round her, its gaze piercing her soul.

Panic filled her. She fell backward, her breath getting stuck in her throat. Her feet tangled together and she fell, the impact jarring her bones against the cobblestones. She scrambled up onto her feet, her heart pounding in her chest. She had to get out of there, get away from the shadows, get away from the whispers.

As she ran, the whispers grew louder and closer. They followed her, weaving through narrow alleys, icy breath brushing against her skin. She could feel their presence, a cold, hungry hunger that seemed to consume her.

She ran out of the market, into the open plaza, the night sky a vast, inky canvas dotted with stars. She stumbled to a halt, her body shaking with exhaustion and fear. She looked back, but the shadows had vanished, leaving behind only the silence of the night.

But the whispers lingered, an icy echo in her head, a constant reminder of the darkness that lurked in the shadows. She knew, with a chilling certainty, that she would never be free from it. The shadow had claimed her, and she would forever bear its mark.

The next morning, the market was buzzing again, and the previous night's fear was all but forgotten. But Maya knew the truth. The shadow remained, still lying in wait, still looking, watching, with icy stare locked onto her face, and waiting to prey on another victim. She knew it with an icicle clarity: she wasn't alone who'd had the sensation of that existence. Other people heard its whisper and would carry the shadow onward, with threads of the thing, the darkness's feelers grasping, probing into all that is dark for prey.

Title: "Creatures of the Modern"

In the heart of a bustling city, skyscrapers gleamed under neon lights. Sebastian Terenzio, who appeared no older than thirty, hid his centuries-old hunger well, blending effortlessly into the crowd. The modern world, with its relentless pace and digital distractions, had made his hunting easy. Now, in a sleek suit and penthouse overlooking the city, he watched his prey from above, longing to satisfy the clawing hunger within.

Tonight, he entered an upscale bar with dark, atmospheric lighting, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. Beneath the bass beat, he sensed their warmth, the pulse of blood under their skin. His eyes settled on a lone woman by the window, her long dark hair framing a face lost in thought. She stirred her drink absently, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

Sebastian slid into the seat across from her without invitation. She looked up, more curious than startled, and studied him, as though trying to place his face.

"May I buy you a drink?" he offered, voice smooth and inviting.

"No need. I’ve got one." Her smile was slight, but it tugged at something deep within him.

"Perhaps just a bit of company, then."

"It’s a strange night." She tilted her head, giving him a knowing smile.

"Strange, indeed," he echoed, though for a different reason.

They spoke of trivial things — the weather, the view, the dull ache of modern loneliness. Yet the longer they talked, the more he sensed something unsettling about her, something he couldn’t quite place. Elena, as she introduced herself, met his gaze with unwavering calm, eyes dark and deep. When he leaned closer, she did the same, unbothered by his coldness. If anything, she seemed amused.

Finally, Sebastian decided it was time. The allure of her pulse was irresistible, calling to him. He reached forward, brushing her hair aside with his fingertips, the gesture intimate and predatory.

"You seem… different," he murmured, his breath cooling her skin.

"Perhaps I am." Her voice was soft, almost playful. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she tilted her head, exposing her neck. "If you’re going to bite me, Sebastian, you might as well get on with it."

He froze. She knew his name. And beneath her skin, there was no warmth.

"You…" His voice faltered, centuries of confidence shaken.

Her smile grew, revealing fangs that matched his own. "A hunter, like you. Though I savor my meals… differently."

He’d never encountered another vampire here, certainly not one so bold. He tried to rise, but her hand shot out, pinning his wrist with surprising strength.

"You didn’t sense me?" she taunted, her voice dripping with mockery. "You’ve grown careless, Sebastian."

The bar seemed darker, the music dulling as though they were slipping from the world of the living. The humans around them laughed, drank, and whispered, oblivious to the unfolding nightmare.

"Centuries of hiding, hunting, thinking yourself untouchable," she murmured. "You never questioned the shadows that watched you?"

He recalled brief moments of unease, dismissing them as mere paranoia, too arrogant to think he could be hunted.

"Why now?" he demanded, straining against her grip.

"Because you’ve drawn too much attention," she replied, her smile devoid of warmth. "The old ways are dying, Sebastian. And you, with your recklessness… you’re a liability."

Panic tightened in his chest as she leaned in, her voice a whisper in his ear. "The ones you killed, their families — you’ve left ripples. And ripples become waves. Authorities. Hunters. Those who would see us burn."

A sick realization dawned. She wasn’t here to feed. She was here to erase him.

"I’m no longer… useful?" he rasped.

"No." Her voice was a hiss, barely more than a whisper. "You’re a danger to us all."

Her other hand slid to his chest, and he felt a burning ache that spread outward. He looked down to see her driving a silver dagger between his ribs, his cold blood staining her fingers.

"No," he gasped, his voice a last, desperate plea.

But her gaze held no mercy. "Sleep now, Sebastian. It’s time we clean up our own."

As she twisted the blade, his vision blurred. The bar lights dimmed, shadows curling at the edges of his mind, swallowing him whole. In his last moments, he realized his end was neither glorious nor noble. His death was cold, calculated, and entirely without honor.

When she withdrew the dagger, his body slumped a lifeless shell. Around them, the humans carried on, unaware that one of their kind’s oldest threats had been extinguished.

Elena rose, smoothing her clothes, as if she’d only spilled her drink. Then she slipped back into the neon-lit night, leaving nothing behind but a lingering shadow.

Title: “Dreadful”

After a long day at work, Vanillius was eager to head home and get some rest. However, the sight of the crowded and noisy streets made him reconsider taking the usual route. Realizing that the thought of walking through the throng of people and noise was not appealing to him, so, Vanillius decided to take a less crowded shortcut home. Normally, he would use the same route in the morning, but as he walked now, darkness engulfed the city. The sounds of cars and conversations faded into the background as he moved away from the main streets and deeper into the shadows. As he navigated the dimly lit alleys, his senses heightened, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched.

As he continued down the narrow path, the darkness around him deepened, and the silence grew oppressive. The usual sounds of the city were now distant, replaced by an eerie stillness. Suddenly, he heard a soft whisper from the shadows, Vanillius froze in his tracks, trying to discern where the sound had come from. Fear began to creep into his heart as he realized he was not alone. He cautiously moved forward, trying not to make a sound, but a shadow seemed to move along with him, as if the darkness itself was alive.

The whispers grew louder, echoing through the alley as if voices were calling out to him. Vanillius quickened his pace, he could feel the presence of something lurking just on the edge of his vision, surrounded by the shadows that seemed to close in on him from all sides. The whispers grew more insistent, and the shadow seemed to take on a more sinister form, revealing glimpses of red glowing eyes in the darkness.

Kyvali, with a chilling smile, stood before the panicked mortal. He watched with amusement as the mortal's fear grew with each passing moment. With a voice that oozed confidence, Kyvali spoke, his words tinged with a hint of malice.

"Well, well, what do we have here? A lost little mortal, stumbling into my domain."

Vanillius, caught in a mix of fear and confusion, managed to find his voice again. "W-What do you want from me?" he stuttered, his fear barely concealed behind a shaky facade of defiance.

Kyvali took a step closer to Vanillius, his eyes shimmering with a cold, predatory gleam. He moved with an unnatural grace, like a shadow in motion. "You've wandered into a dangerous place, my friend. But don't worry, i'll take good care of you," he said with a chilling chuckle.

Vanillius's heart raced, his mind screaming at him to run. But he was trapped, surrounded on all sides by the dark as he spoke. Raising his tone. "Let..Let me go already..! what even are you..?!"

Kyvali continued his advance, his red eyes locked onto Vanillius like a hunter closing in on its prey. "Oh, i am what people call.. A vampire." Kyvali responded as he took a step forward making Vanillius stumble back.

Kyvali stepped closer to Vanillius, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "...I do wonder how your blood would taste," he murmured, his eyes gleaming with a dark hunger. He reached out a hand, his fingers tracing a line along Vanillius's neck, causing a shiver of terror to run down the mortal's spine. "M-my blood tastes horrible..! you..you shouldnt try it-" Vanillius hurriedly replied, desperate to survive in his situation.

Kyvali leaned in closer, whispering in Vanillius's ear. "Sorry.. but not sorry im hungry." Kyvali soon Bit Vanillius's neck, making him scream for help.

The screams of Vanillius echoed through the air, the city remained oblivious to his plight. The crowded streets and noise of the night life swallowed up his desperate cries for help. No one seemed to hear the screams, people just went on about their business, blissfully ignorant of the horrifying scene in the far distance. No matter how hard he fought or how loud he cried out, it seemed like his pleas for help were lost in the chaos of the night.

Title: "Shadows of Celest"

Celest stood in her dimly lit study, surrounded by the crumbling walls of her ancestral mansion. The air was thick with dust and secrets, a fitting atmosphere for a horror novelist. The only sound was the scratching of her pen against the paper as she poured her dark thoughts into the pages of her latest novel. Outside, the moon cast ghostly shadows, flickering like whispers in the night. Celest was no stranger to shadows; she had long learned to embrace them.

Once a bright-eyed girl with dreams of becoming a famous writer, Celest had been shaped by the harsh realities of her existence. Cursed to live forever in darkness, she had become a vampire. In her solitude, she had developed an affinity for the macabre, using her writing to explore the darkest corners of her mind. Yet, beneath her calm exterior lurked an insatiable hunger—not just for blood, but for fear.

Her stories were not mere fantasies; they were manifestations of her inner turmoil. Each character she created echoed a piece of her fractured soul, revealing her deepest fears and desires. As she wrote, Celest felt the weight of her own darkness pressing against her heart. She had always been the author of her own fate, but lately, she wondered if she was also the monster.

With each chapter, Celest unleashed a new horror upon the unsuspecting townspeople. Her pen had become a weapon, and the town, a canvas for her wicked imagination. As she meticulously crafted her tale, a series of mysterious disappearances began to plague the community. Stray animals vanished, neighbors went missing, and shadows danced in the periphery of the townsfolk's vision. Whispers filled the air, a chilling chorus of dread.

Celest reveled in the chaos she had created, feeding on the fear that permeated the town. Each scream echoed like music to her ears, and the blood of her victims fueled her writing. But as the bodies piled up, a gnawing guilt crept into her heart, forcing her to confront her duality. Was she truly a monster, or merely a reflection of the darkness that surrounded her?

One fateful night, while in the midst of a particularly harrowing chapter, Celest was interrupted by a knock on her door. The sound was sharp, cutting through her reverie like a blade. Reluctantly, she set down her pen and opened the door to find a tall, striking man with piercing blue eyes staring back at her. His presence was magnetic, drawing her in like a moth to a flame.

“Are you Celest?” he asked, his voice steady but laced with a hint of uncertainty.

“Yes,” she replied, her heart racing. “Who are you?”

“I’m Alaric, the new detective in town. I’ve been investigating the recent disappearances.” His gaze roamed her study, lingering on the scattered pages that hinted at her dark creations. “I’m here to ask you some questions.”

Celest’s mind raced. She had never been one to shy away from confrontation, but the reality of her situation began to close in around her. “What do you want to know?” she asked, forcing herself to appear calm.

Alaric leaned against the doorframe, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. “I’ve heard stories about you. They say you’re a reclusive writer, but some believe you might know more about the disappearances than you let on.”

A shiver ran down Celest’s spine. This man was dangerous, not because he sought her blood, but because he saw through the veil of her darkness. “I’m just a writer,” she said, a forced smile on her lips. “I’m not involved in anything sinister.”

He didn’t seem convinced. “You write horror stories, Celest. Your tales are rooted in fear. I want to know what you think is happening in the town.”

With a sudden boldness, Celest invited him inside, curiosity piqued by his relentless pursuit of the truth. As they talked, a strange connection began to blossom. Alaric's piercing gaze sent shivers down her spine, and despite the threat he posed, she found herself drawn to him.

As the days turned into nights, their conversations deepened. Alaric shared his insights, piecing together the mystery of the disappearances while Celest feigned innocence. Yet, beneath her façade, a battle raged within her. She longed to reveal her true nature, to share the weight of her darkness with someone who could understand.

But fear held her back. What if he rejected her? What if he saw her as the monster she had become? Each encounter left her more conflicted, and she began to realize that Alaric was more than just a detective; he was a mirror reflecting her own fears and desires.

One night, the tension reached a breaking point. Celest invited Alaric to her mansion for dinner, hoping to draw him closer. As they dined under flickering candlelight, a moment of silence hung between them. Celest’s heart raced as she toyed with the idea of confessing her secret. The shadows in the corners seemed to whisper her name, urging her to embrace the truth.

“Celest,” Alaric said, breaking the silence. “I feel there’s something you’re not telling me. You know more about these disappearances than you let on, don’t you?”

The shadows crept closer, and Celest could no longer contain her hunger for the truth. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “But I’m not the monster you think I am. I am both the author and the horror. I am a vampire, cursed to dwell in the darkness.”

Alaric’s expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief, then to something deeper—understanding. “Then why continue this path of destruction? You have the power to change your story.”

Celest’s heart ached with the weight of his words. “Because the shadows call to me. They remind me of what I’ve lost and what I’ve become.”

In that moment, the two were bound by their shared darkness, yet Celest feared that her past would consume her completely. As they ventured into the night, Celest was faced with an impossible choice: continue her reign of terror or attempt to find redemption in the light of Alaric's gaze.

But as the shadows grew thicker, Celest knew that the true horror awaited in the depths of her own heart. Would she succumb to the darkness or embrace the possibility of change, forever altering the narrative she had woven? The battle between light and dark would rage on, and Celest would have to confront her own demons before it was too late.

Title: “Asylum of Terror”

"Have you heard of the asylum just two miles away?" one of us asked, voice low and teasing, as the four of us we walked in the road

"What is that?" I wondered, feeling a chill run down my body

"It's a place where the most disturbed minds are locked," he explained, his eyes serious. "People with severe mental issues, violent tendencies, and those consumed by darkness."

"Some can't be controlled," he continued. "They're trapped in their own nightmares, forever lost. Others believe they're possessed by evil spirits, making them even more unstable. Rumors say strange things happen within those walls," he whispered. "Screams echo through the halls, and patients vanish without a trace, no one knows what's happening behind closed doors," he said.

"Let's not go near that place," I urged, feeling uneasy.

But he just smiled, his eyes glinting with morbid curiosity. "I think we should take a closer look."

Greg suggested, "Let's visit it!" Another friend agreed, "Yeah, I'd like to see it too."

I hesitated, "You can go, but I won't join you." They looked at me uncomfortably and said, "You're not good enough to be friends with us." Hurt, I walked away but secretly followed them.

Hours later, we arrived at the asylum. I trailed behind, nervous and scared as they vanished from sight. Gathering courage, I entered.

We entered the old asylum. It was empty and quiet. But then I heard loud noises, hunting voices, whispers and screams echoed down the halls.

The air felt thick with sadness and fear. Shadows danced on the walls like evil spirits. Every step I took echoed loudly. It felt like I am being watched.

"Ahhh!" I screamed as someone pulled my hair.

"Help! I'm not as crazy as they are!" a trembling voice pleaded, I saw a girl with one missing eye.

"W-what do you mean?" I asked, shocked.

"I've been hiding in the dark, pretending to be one of them just to survive," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "They dragged me here, kicking and screaming. I've been trapped for what feels like an eternity."

Her voice trembled as she continued, "I've seen unspeakable horrors, things that would drive anyone mad. The screams, the blood, the endless darkness... it's all I've known for so long."

She paused, gasping for air, her eyes wide with fear.

"They're not just patients, they're monsters. They're the product of twisted experiments, of cruel treatments. And I'm next."

Her words sent shivers down my spine. I felt a chill run down my back.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"They're experimenting on us, trying to create the perfect mindless killer. And I'm the next subject," she whispered, her eyes pleading for help.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hall, growing louder.

As I turned away, unsure if I believed her, my friends appeared, their eyes wild and unhinged.

"Raniah..." they said, brandishing a knife. I covered my mouth and burst into tears.

I ran down the hallway, my heart racing with terror. The sound of footsteps echoed behind me, growing louder with every step. I dared not look back, fearing what I might see.

Panic set in, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. My legs trembled beneath me, threatening to collapse. The experimental patients of the asylum's sinister experiments, closed in.

Suddenly, a group of them blocked my path, their eyes vacant, their skin pale and clammy. I froze, paralyzed with fear.

As I closed my eyes, a chilling whisper enveloped me: "You'll join us in the dark... welcome to Asylum of Terror."

The voice seemed to come from all directions, echoing off the walls. I felt cold breath on my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

Hands grasped my arms, pulling me back. I tried to struggle, but they held me firm.

"No, please!" I begged, my voice shaking.

The response was a chilling laughter, a cacophony of maniacal giggles and screams.

"You'll never escape," they whispered. "You'll become one of us."

I felt a needle pierce my skin, and a dark, icy liquid spread through my veins. My vision blurred, and my screams were drowned out by the asylum's eerie silence.

When I awoke, I was one of them.