secured wheel , and fastened her to it . The leather straps already there for just such a purpose , as the wheel was frequently used to administer discipline to the crew . The rain pouring upon her face made it difficult to distinguish her tears but I knew they were there . A rumble of thunder proceeded a noticeable escalation of the wind , and the waves battering the ship began cresting over the railings . I became concerned that the severity of the storm might raise concern from the crew below , and curiosity might follow , leading them topside .
Suddenly , a loud clap of thunder along with huge , multiple branched bolts of lightning ripped across the sky . In that same moment , the door to the captain ’ s chambers burst open and he strode out into the storm . I could see already that the bloodlust was fully upon him . He stretched out his arms in a great , reaching arch , rearing back his head , roaring into the angry sky as his three-inch incisors dripped spittle and froth .
The fear that had been growing in the girl ’ s eyes instantly transformed into sheer terror , as a beast beyond her imaginings turned and focused his attention on her . When the hunger was upon him , the Captain could be many things . He could be the cunning hunter , tracking and cornering his prey . He could be the seductive lover , satisfying the flesh while he drained it of its vitality . Or , like tonight , he could surrender to his most basic instincts .
The girl quieted for a moment , her next scream catching in her throat , as he reached out and gently lifted a lock of her hair . She held her breath as he leaned forward and tasted her scent . Her heart pounded , and he smiled , with a cruelty that chilled her , as he watched the veins in her neck throb with the strain of her panic .
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