The Unexpected Visit

Lillith POV

As the school bell chimed, signaling the end of the day, I found myself lingering until 6:00 PM. I had to have a serious chat with the principal about my dismal math grades, which was not exactly how I wanted to spend my evening. With my dad out running errands in his car, I decided to walk home instead, hoping the fresh air would clear my mind and maybe even help me think of a plan to improve my grades.

I took a familiar shortcut through the woods, enjoying the tranquility that surrounded me. Just a few minutes into my walk, the serene atmosphere shattered when I heard a chilling scream echoing through the trees. "Help me, someone help me!" Panic surged through me as I sprinted toward the source of the sound, my heart racing. When I finally reached the clearing, I froze in horror at the sight before me-a grotesque creature, a nightmarish blend of sinew and twisted flesh, was feasting on a woman.

My mind raced with disbelief, and without thinking, I shouted, "Hey, get off her!" Grabbing a nearby stone, I hurled it at the monstrous figure, desperate to intervene.

The moment its face turned toward me, I was paralyzed by a wave of disbelief. What I saw was a nightmarish visage, a terrifying blend of raw strength and insanity. Its skin was leathery and sunken, tightly stretched over a sharply defined skull, while its eyes, deep-set and devoid of light, glimmered with a dull, menacing red. Pulsing veins criss crossed its face like grotesque worms, throbbing with a sinister energy, and patches of decaying skin peeled back to expose raw, bleeding flesh underneath. Its mouth was filled with razor-sharp fangs, stained with the remnants of its last meal, and it wore a constant, threatening snarl that sent chills down my spine.

As it finally rose to its full height, a low growl rumbled from deep within its chest. The creature was enormous, its body a chaotic tapestry of scales and scars, with thick, bulging veins snaking around its powerful arms and a chest that seemed as solid as a rock. Each movement showcased its inhuman strength, the skin stretched taut over muscles that looked like they could burst at any moment. Fresh blood trickled from open wounds, mixing with dirt and a dark, viscous fluid, as it dripped from its elongated claws, which glinted with an unnatural sharpness that hinted at the lethal potential they held.

The creature loomed large, its gnarled limbs and thick, cloven hooves sinking deep into the earth, radiating an intense, wild energy that seemed to warp the very air around it. It was as if this being had emerged straight from the depths of a nightmare, embodying a primal force that felt both ancient and unstoppable. The darkness it exuded was palpable, wrapping around it like a cloak, making it seem even more menacing and otherworldly.

In that moment, when its gaze locked onto mine, I noticed the fresh blood smeared across its form, and an unsettling urge to succumb to my darker instincts washed over me. I fought against it, reminding myself that I wasn't a monster, even as my heart raced and I instinctively took a step back, swallowing my fear. Panic surged through me, and without a second thought, I turned and sprinted away, not daring to glance back to see if it was pursuing me.

Bursting through the door of my house, I slammed it shut and frantically secured every lock I could find. "Mom!" I shouted, my voice trembling with urgency. When she turned to me, concern etched on her face, I could barely get the words out. "I-I-I saw a beast," I stuttered, my eyes darting back to the door. "I think it followed me from the shadow world."

"Hey, take it easy," she said, gently cupping my face in her hands before pulling me into a warm embrace. "You don't need to worry; the Silas brothers can't get through the barrier that is set up."

I pulled back, feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity. "What exactly are the Silas brothers?" I asked, trying to wrap my head around it.

"It's not a what; it's a who," Dad chimed in, cutting through the tension.

"They're these psychic vampires who can pick up on their prey's emotions the moment they sense any kind of insight from them," Mom explained, her tone serious yet calm.

Arden jumped in, adding, "As an immortal, you have the ability to sense and see them, but regular humans can't-unless you choose to share that vision with them." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Since you're still alive, they're not around."

"But Mom, I witnessed that creature ripping apart a woman, devouring her flesh and guts-everything!" I insisted, my voice steady but filled with urgency. "I saw the blood, and it was like I lost control. I felt this overwhelming urge to go to it and feed. My fangs were almost out! I had to sprint away to fight the pull of both the blood and the monster." I opened my mouth to show them my teeth, but my fangs had already retracted back into my gums.

Mom shot a quick glance at Dad, who returned the look before turning his attention to me. "Why don't you take a seat, sweetheart?" he suggested as Arden flicked on the television.

The screen lit up, and Arden chimed in, "Look, there's nothing on the news, so I doubt you actually saw a monster." Just as he finished speaking, a news report popped up, capturing our attention. The NYPD was busy setting up barriers around a crime scene, with photographers eagerly snapping away. One of the officers on the scene voiced a question that hung in the air, "What kind of creature could have done this?" There was blur on the scene where I had seen the woman.

I exchanged glances with my parents, feeling a sense of validation. "See? I'm not losing my mind," I said, trying to convince them.

Dad suggested, "Let's leave this to the professionals."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his words. "Come on, we all know the NYPD wouldn't stand a chance against whatever that is."

Mom nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "Exactly, and if we don't act now, there could be more trouble ahead." She turned to me, her eyes determined. "We should go talk to the council."

I stood up, shaking my head. "You guys can handle that. I've got homework to tackle."

Dad raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "Homework?" he questioned.

I shrugged, reminding him, "You said I should try to fit in with everyone else, remember?"

"Okay, you can hang out here, but we'll be back before the clock strikes twelve-make sure to lock the door," Mom instructed as she and the others headed out. Once I heard the car pull away, I secured the door and made my way upstairs to my room, feeling a solitude.

Just a few moments later, a loud thud against my window caught my attention. Who could that possibly be? I pulled back the curtains to take a peek and was taken aback to see Alaric Vale waving at me. In a moment of surprise, I quickly shut the curtains, but curiosity got the better of me. Why was he here? I opened them again after a few seconds.

"Let me in," he called out, climbing up the ladder and slipping through the window I had left ajar.

"What brings you here?" I asked, exhaling a sigh. "How did you even track me down?"

He replied, "I followed you, and honestly, your place is..."

I interjected, "Not your typical house... a bit isolated and tucked away in the woods."

He nodded, running a hand through his hair, and then I asked, "Wait-did you catch a glimpse of the beast?" I was eager to know, especially since Mom had mentioned that humans couldn't see them.

"What beast?" he replied, casually making his way over to my bed.

"Don't worry about it," I said casually, glancing around as he picked up my homework from the floor.

"I only spotted a couple of police cars in the woods," he continued, his tone light.

I felt a rush of urgency and said, "You really should go. My parents will be home any minute," even though I knew they were out for a while longer.

He shrugged it off, saying, "Chill out. I just came to lend a hand with your math. My aunt told me you were having a tough time, and your grades took a hit in class today."

I raised an eyebrow, puzzled, and asked, "Your aunt? Who is she?"

He looked surprised and replied, "You don't know my aunt?"

I shook my head, and he revealed, "Principal Taylor is my aunt."

I tried to act nonchalant, saying, "I'm not shocked," even though I was taken aback. "And yeah, I could use some help," I finally admitted.

He smiled slightly, as if he expected that response.

"Alright then," I said, handing him my pen, but he frowned at me.

"What are you doing?" he asked, taking the pen from my hand.

"What do you mean?" I replied, a bit confused.

"I can't do your homework for you," he said, closing the book with a firm gesture.

"Then why are you here?" I pressed, wanting clarity.

"I'm here to help you," he reiterated.

"Exactly!" I exclaimed, realizing we were on the same page after all.

"You've got it all mixed up; my goal is to help you grasp the concepts, not to do the work for you. There's a clear distinction between the two." I crossed my arms and shot him a disapproving look. "Take a seat," he said, motioning for me to sit down. "Let's go over the formulas together, and then you'll be able to handle the rest on your own." He flipped open the textbook again, and after what felt like hours of intense studying, a knock echoed through the room. It was after 7pm

"Are you waiting for someone?" Alaric inquired, glancing up.

"I didn't expect you to show up, but here you are," I replied under my breath.

"What did you say?" he asked, his eyes locked onto mine.

"Nothing," I said, brushing it off as I made my way to the living room to answer the door. Standing there were two uniformed officers, badges in hand.

"NYPD?" I questioned, concern in my voice. "What brings you here?"

"Where are your parents?" the first officer asked, his tone serious.

"They're not here. Why do you need to know?"

"I can't discuss this with someone so young. We'll return to speak with them."

"I'm 18, not a kid," I shot back, feeling a bit defensive.

"We'll be back," the second officer assured me as they turned to leave.

I glanced back at Alaric, who was still perched on the stairs, clearly intrigued by the unexpected visit.