Step into the abyss

Downstairs, the party continued in full swing, oblivious to what had transpired in the guest room above. Marcus descended the stairs with liquid grace, and heads turned once again as he rejoined the crowd.

But this time was different. This time he could feel their pulses. Could smell the blood pumping through their veins. Could hear the rapid heartbeats of those whose desire spiked when they saw him.

A buffet. That's what they were. A room full of potential prey.

The flapper who'd been with Sarah earlier approached nervously. "Hey, have you seen my friend? The Cleopatra?"

Marcus smiled, showing just a hint of his now-sharpened canines. "She's resting. She needed to lie down."

"Oh." The woman shifted uncertainly. "Is she okay?"

"She's perfect." His eyes traveled down the exposed line of her neck. "But she might appreciate a friend checking on her. Guest room, end of the hall upstairs. Second door on the right."

"Thanks." The flapper headed for the stairs.

Marcus watched her go, already imagining her scream when she found Sarah. The discovery. The panic. The delicious chaos that would ensue.

But by then, he would be elsewhere. Feeding again, perhaps. Or simply enjoying the fear and confusion his actions would create.

The hunger purred with satisfaction, already rebuilding despite having just fed. This wasn't a one-time thing. This was what he was now. What he would be forever.

A predator among sheep.

And somewhere deep inside, the last remnants of the real Marcus finally went silent, smothered completely beneath the dark magnificence of the vampire lord who had claimed his body, his mind, and his eternal soul.