PROLOGUE Transylvania, Romania, Year 1821 The party was in full swing. All of his closest friends and family were gathered in the back of the Michea home to celebrate the joyous news. Engaged. The word still sounded strange to Iosif’s young ears. At eighteen, he was certainly considered a grown man but he still felt like a child at heart. As much as he adored his beloved Theodosia, he found it difficult to get used to the concept of being married and, God willing, becoming a father someday soon. Where did the time go? he wondered to himself as he glanced in Theodosia’s direction. As if sensing his eyes on her, the young beauty tore her gaze away from her friends to meet his own. Iosif felt a rush of warmth flushing to his cheeks; one that had nothing to do with the wine he had been drinking. He knew in that instant that he was making a choice that he would never regret. Most of the men he knew of his age were marrying because they were expected to, but he was marrying for love. As much as he would miss his days of boyhood, he felt ready for this new chapter of his life. “I see you’re not having any second thoughts,” his best friend said, appearing by his side. A smirk he knew all too well was creeping across his face. “Don’t tease,” he replied, unable to stop himself from smirking as well. “I’m not teasing. Not entirely, anyway,” his friend said with a wink. “I am very happy for you. It must be nice, having a lady to settle down with, children to look forward to…” There was a flash of something in his striking blue eyes. At first, Iosif thought that it was jealousy, but upon closer inspection, he realized that it was sadness. His eyes traveled down to the glass of wine his friend was refilling. How many of those had he had already? “Oh, I’m sure you’ll be next,” he said. “No, I don’t believe love is in the cards for me,” his friend replied. At this, Iosif had to laugh. “Surely, you must be joking. You’re the most handsome man in town, even my woman says so. If you were not my best friend, I’d be bothered by that comment, but I can’t even disagree with her. Between the two of us, you’ve always been the one to get all the attention of women. I just got lucky with Theo,” he said lightly, watching as his friend downed his glass. “It may be wise to slow down with those,” he added. “I did meet this one girl earlier,” his friend said, ignoring his advice and pouring another drink. “She had the most beautiful dark hair and pale skin, like porcelain…” he trailed off, his voice slurring. “Well, that’s wonderful that you’ve met someone!” Iosif’s smile was genuine. “Why didn’t you invite her? We may be celebrating my engagement tonight, but it is your birthday. You’re within your rights to bring anyone you’d like with you.” “I’ve got no time,” his friend said, looking pale and sickly. “It’s just not in the cards for me…” Iosif’s brow furrowed with concern, “Why on earth would you say that? Of course, you’ve got time! You’ve just turned 18. Your life has just begun!” Before he could say anything more, Theodosia walked over, putting a hand on his arm. “Come my darling, give me the pleasure of dancing with you,” she said with a bright smile. “Excuse me,” said Iosif’s friend, as he turned on his heels and hurried off towards the woods. “What’s wrong with him?” asked Theodosia. “I’m afraid he’s had too much to drink, love. Do you mind keeping an eye on him while I go fetch him a glass of water?” he asked, raising his fingers to her chin, gently tilting her face up towards him. “I promise I’ll dance with you after.” “Well, if you promise…” she said with a smile. “You’re a great friend, you know. I can only imagine you’ll make an even greater husband.” “I’ll certainly do my best,” he said and kissed her softly on the lips. *** In the woods behind the Michea home, Iosif’s comely friend was retching into a bush. Sweating and drunk, he leaned against a nearby tree and slumped onto the ground, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. He closed his eyes and barely a moment passed before he heard a familiar voice. “Good heavens! How does one look so disgusting and so beautiful at the same time?” The young man opened his eyes, surprised to find the beautiful girl with the porcelain skin standing before him. “It’s quite impressive really,” she smirked. “You,” he breathed hoarsely. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?” “The better question is,” she responded, carefully seating herself across from him, “Why did you run from me earlier? I really thought we were getting along and then suddenly you disappeared without so much as telling me your name.” “I did not want to mislead you,” he said. “It’s not right to mislead a lady.” “Mislead me how?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you spoken for?” “No,” he said, looking up into her eyes. “I’m sick. Dying, truthfully. I have just found out yesterday. The doctor reckons I’ve got very little time left. You’re the first person I’ve told, actually.” He didn’t know what sort of reaction to expect from this confession. Shock or tears would perhaps seem appropriate. Instead, the girl smiled cunningly. It was a smile that sent chills down his spine. “Well, lucky for you I’ve got just the cure,” she said and leaned in to kiss him. Weakened by exhaustion, intoxication, and disease, he found himself unable to resist her. She pressed her lips hungrily against his own, running her fingers through his hair. Despite his current state, he had to admit that it felt lovely to be kissed like this by such a stunning woman. I might never get another chance again, he thought to himself, giving in, and willing his lips to kiss her back. It was his final thought before the pleasure of the kiss turned into a stabbing pain as her teeth suddenly sunk into his neck. *** Theodosia had barely made it into woods when she screamed in horror at the sight that awaited her. The dark-haired girl looked up at her, her face contorted in a gruesome sneer and blood dripping down her chin. She hissed furiously, flashing bloody, needle sharp teeth at her. Theodosia turned and ran as fast she could back towards the party, but the girl got up and chased after her, moving so impossibly fast that her body became a blur against the darkness of the night. “Theo!” the young gentleman gasped weakly, pulling himself up from the ground. He began to slowly limp after them, pressing his hand to his bleeding neck. *** Iosif lost grip of the glass of water he was drinking as he heard sounds of terror coming from the party. It fell to the ground. He ran to the door and could not believe what he was seeing outside. The bodies of his friends and loved ones were slain across the grounds, and more were falling dead right before his eyes, as a vicious monster attacked. It could shockingly be mistaken as a fine young lady because of its physical appearance. But there was no mistaking what he was seeing. The creature whatever it was, definitely was not human. The horrifying scenes continued as Iosif could just stare in utmost terror, immobilized by fear, shock and disbelief. Throats slit, limbs askew, lifeless eyes open in expressions of pure horror. Iosif’s gaze fell upon a decapitated head in the grass. Theodosia. No! he thought. No, it can’t be! “Iosif!” He looked up to see his wounded friend emerging from the trees up ahead. He looked so weak; his clothes soaked in blood. “Run!” he urged Iosif right before the monster tackled him to the ground. Although he was paralyzed with fear, Iosif did as he was told and ran from the monster. He ran as fast and far as he could, until his body gave out and collapsed. It took him several days to recover from the exhaustion and he never recovered from the grief of losing his beloved Theodosia. He made a made a vow that if he ever encountered that monster again, he would not run from it, he would destroy it, along with every other of its kind. And that is exactly what Iosif Michea did. He dedicated the rest of his life hunting the creature he would later know was called a vampire. Vampires posed a threat to humanity, and he owed it to Theodosia and every one of his friends who perished that night, to wipe out every vampire that ever existed in the world…