blended vampire-human Sire , this occasionally curdled generation had shown no interest in creating the next one . Something Richard as host could not do on his own . After meeting Mercy , the prospect of company was welcomed . Pursued .
Partitioned from the vampire ’ s resources as he currently found himself , he was left with one option to satiate his curiosity . He lifted Mercy ’ s limp arm and broke the skin over her wrist with a flick of his nail . Bending over her , he lapped at the bitter liquid flower that blossomed from her vein . Whatever illusion – or truth – the vampire ’ s glamour performed in her head ; it excited her heart so that the drug in her blood burned like a long fuse . And as the poppy ’ s influence faded , the vampire ’ s influence grew . Richard ’ s awareness encroached on the edge of the glamour , using Mercy as his ensign .
Mercy ’ s sense of self stood barefoot in the halflight of a grainy dawn , unaware or unconcerned she wore only a nightdress . Long dark hair cascading tangled and unrestrained down her back . There was no obvious source for the light , and the landscape bore no identifiable features .
Is the vampire conserving its resources or naturally disinclined to set a stage ?
“ Show yourself ,” Mercy demanded , turning …
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