chapter 1: catalyst

Oh, becoming a vampire, hm? Don't you have bigger devish to fry? Well...I suppose since it is a hot topic around the burrows, I shall entertain you the story of my vampirism while I have the time. So, sit down, relax, and have a glass of wine with me~

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Our clan, the ones controlling this mafia, have always been vampires as a way of controlling the ones below us, if you want to know the truth. However, it isn't as simple as just turning each other into a vampiric being. My adoptive father and the adoptive father before him were changed by the great and merciful Calla, and so, I would be changed as well as the up and coming boss of our clan and mafia.

I remember my father stating that it wouldn't be painless, it would be quite startling if I would be able to remember my transformation, but I knew I could withstand such a task. However, I would come to realize that it would be much more than that, being painful, but that's a part of this story for another time.

I met Calla around my fifth year in the burrow, and her demanding presence was rather nauseating. And I thought my father's presence was intimidating! Hers was unmatched, and I practically wanted to give in then and there to her, to lay my soul down, to give up. Though I was able to stand my ground, I was still rather intimidated by her.

"You are the new leader of the Duke clan, I presume?" I remember her saying to me for the first time, her voice echoing in my ears, "Good. I can tell you'll be perfect for the position..."

We spoke for a long time, but my memory tends to get fuzzy after that. We had spoken for so long that it feels like she had taken over my mind! Perhaps she did, but I doubt that she would have done that to me. Probably...

After we had met and spoken, I returned home with my father with much to think about. He reassured me that if I chose not to become a vampire that I wouldn't be outcast, but I wouldn't become the clan leader as previously expected of me. I assured him that I would do so, become a vampire, but I was beginning to have my worries...

What would become of my soul, I often asked myself, often believing that I would become this monster that sank their fangs into every living being that came my way, but surely that wouldn't happen. My father wasn't that way, and definitely nor was Calla. Nonetheless, I still had this doubting feeling that I wouldn't be able to control myself, but surely someone would put an end to me if that were the case.

My servant and partner that laid down their life for me after I found them homeless on the streets, Matteo, was just as worried about me. He was unsure of what vampirism meant to me and my clan at the time, but was sure about one thing, he wouldn't give up on me. He would still lay his life down for me, even if it meant that I drain him of his lifeforce, but he wouldn't care as long as it satisfied myself. I assured him, with a gentle kiss and touch of his hand, that I would not cut his life short for my own benefit. I would never do that to a man such as Matteo. We had spent much time together in the days after I met Calla, talking about what would happen and many what ifs. My beloved Matteo, oh, my lovely Matteo, assured me that no matter what happened, he would love me all the same. I assured him the same, even if my mind had not been my own anymore.

My father and I spoke after this, and while he didn't outright state that my mind would be my own still, he was confident that fhe bloodlust wouldn't take over. However, I would have to drink blood eventually to retain my form and sanity. Matteo offered himself up for this, but I was extremely wary about doing that to him as I didn't want the possibility of killing him to arise. He gently assured me he was fine with any outcome, though I was still unsure.

Regardless of how I felt about harming the ones I loved, the days went by and the time of my 'date' with Calla came closer and closer, I could feel my heart swell for affection towards my new maker, almost like a parental affection I had towards my father. After meeting with her once more for the final time before my reckoning, I felt drawn to her. Her gentle voice echoing in my head, the way she touched my hands to reassure me it would all be okay, assuring me I will not become hungry for all the blood in the burrow...I could feel myself close to her, her strength and willingness to change me. Such a powerful and daunting soul. I told myself, surely she will be kind to me...

Our final meeting before that fateful day had calmed some of my thoughts that had been feverently bumbling around in my head, and for that I was grateful. Matteo was glad I had seen her one last time before that day because no matter how much he reassured me, I seemed to be more and more anxious about the transformation. And so, the time was nigh...

The day had come, the day of my reckoning. I was about to lay myself down to the vampire lord, Calla, to become a vampire myself...Now that I look back at it, it seems quite rediculous, quite fantastical, right? But- Ah, look at the time...

I think that is enough of my story for today, you should probably head home, correct? Perhaps I shall tell you more of my story if you come to me once more, but not today. Go home safely and rest, and don't let the vampires bite~