Chapter 2: The Dawn of a Millennium
I am Evelyn Swanson, a vampire who has existed in this world for thousands of years. For me, time is an endless night filled with solitude. Despite my ageless beauty and formidable powers, the sun that hangs in the sky remains an insurmountable barrier.
I have witnessed the rise and fall of human civilization, the ebb and flow of dynasties, and the chaos of war. I silently observed it all from the shadows. In ancient times, I could only slip through castles and alleys under the cover of night, interacting with other creatures hidden in the darkness. It was then that I heard whispers of many mysterious things in the world: magic, alchemy, and the distant promise of science.
As time passed, modern society emerged like a fierce beast. Skyscrapers reached for the heavens, neon lights flickered, and an array of new inventions constantly appeared. Cars roared down the streets, planes sliced through the sky, and humanity's technological advancements left me in awe. Yet behind this splendor, I harbored a dream—a dream that would allow me to truly integrate into this world: the freedom to walk in the daylight.
When I learned that Olivia’s scientific laboratory was researching a potion that might change my fate, I could hardly contain my excitement. Ignoring the risks, I infiltrated that mysterious lab. The moment I laid eyes on Olivia, I felt a glimmer of hope. Her focused demeanor and the pure, determined light in her eyes convinced me that she might be the one to help me.
During my time with Olivia, I experienced a warmth I hadn’t felt in ages. She was not afraid or repulsed by my vampiric nature; instead, she was willing to try to help me. Her kindness was like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating the cold corners of my heart.
After leaving the lab, I returned to my residence—a secluded old manor on the outskirts, surrounded by dense woods, quiet yet eerie. Lying on that lavish but lonely bed, my thoughts drifted back to Olivia. Her smile, her serious expression while researching, kept replaying in my mind.
“Can I really achieve this dream? After a millennium, can I finally bask in the sunlight?” I murmured to myself, filled with both hope and anxiety. I worried that all of this might be just a fleeting fantasy, that Olivia could be in danger. After all, this supernatural world was fraught with the unknown and peril, and I had many enemies.
My arch-nemesis, Lucas Dracula, another ancient and greedy vampire, would certainly not stand by and let me succeed. He had long sought to dominate the vampire world, and if I could truly walk freely in the daylight, his position would be severely threatened. Then there were the werewolves; although we maintained a delicate balance, I couldn't rule out the possibility of their interference at such a critical moment.
I knew the path ahead would be fraught with thorns, but I had waited a thousand years and would not give up. The next night, I eagerly returned to the lab. When I appeared before Olivia, she seemed a bit weary, but her eyes sparkled with light upon seeing me.
“Evelyn, you’re here. I’ve been thinking a lot today, and I believe we may need to adjust our previous approach,” Olivia said as she organized the instruments on the lab table.
I stepped closer and gently took her hand. “Dear, thank you for your hard work. As long as you’re here, I believe we can find a way.” My touch made Olivia flinch slightly, and a blush crept onto her cheeks, her shy demeanor making my heart flutter.
In the days that followed, we conducted experiments, trying various formulas and methods. Olivia's intelligence impressed me; she could always identify issues from subtle details and propose new solutions. Meanwhile, I drew on my thousand years of experience and knowledge of the mystical to offer her unique insights.
“Did you know? In ancient times, some alchemists tried to find similar methods but failed. However, some of their ideas might inspire us,” I told Olivia.
She looked up, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Really? Please tell me more.”
I smiled and began to share those old stories, and Olivia listened intently, sometimes gasping in amazement and sometimes deep in thought. Amid the tense research, we also shared lighter moments, discussing our preferences and dreams.
“Olivia, if I can really walk in the daylight one day, I want to go to the beach with you to watch the sunrise,” I said dreamily.
Olivia looked at me, her eyes soft. “That would be beautiful.”
However, the peaceful days did not last long. One day, while we were focused on our experiments in the lab, a powerful dark presence suddenly approached. My heart raced, and I became alert.
“Olivia, there’s danger. Stay behind me,” I warned, feeling my magic surge within me.
Though frightened, Olivia nodded firmly and grabbed a stun gun for protection. The lab door was suddenly flung open by an overwhelming force, and Lucas Dracula entered with a group of minions. Dressed in a long black coat, his eyes gleamed with malice and arrogance.
“Evelyn, do you really think you can succeed? Do you think this human can help you achieve that laughable dream?” Lucas taunted.
I glared at him coldly. “Lucas, don’t even think about stopping me. This is my chance, and I won’t give up.”
Lucas laughed heartily. “You’re so naïve. If this potion succeeds, it will shatter the balance of our vampire world. I won’t allow that to happen.”
Knowing that arguing with him was futile, I launched an attack. My magic transformed into black beams of light aimed at Lucas, but he easily dodged them and commanded his minions to charge at me. A fierce battle erupted in the lab, with instruments shattering and potions spilling everywhere.
Olivia watched anxiously from the side, trying to help with her stun gun, but it seemed insignificant against such powerful vampires. In the chaos, I did my best to shield Olivia from harm.
“Evelyn, watch out!” Olivia suddenly shouted. I sidestepped just in time to avoid a lethal blow from Lucas.
“Do you care so much for this human? She’s just a pawn to you,” Lucas sneered.
“No, she’s my friend and the key to my dream,” I shouted, unleashing my magic to push back several of Lucas’s minions.
But Lucas was a powerful vampire, and while I was distracted, he attacked again. I was struck and sent crashing into the lab table. Olivia rushed over to help me up.
“Evelyn, are you okay?” she asked urgently.
I wiped the blood from my mouth. “I’m fine, Olivia. It seems they won’t back down today.”
Just then, a howl echoed from outside the lab. My heart sank—had the werewolves come too? The situation was becoming increasingly complicated. Lucas, hearing the howls, showed a flicker of unease on his face.
“Evelyn, I’ll let you go for today. But remember, you will not succeed,” Lucas said before hastily leaving with his minions.
I stood up, looking at Olivia's worried expression, filled with guilt. “Olivia, I’m sorry. I’ve dragged you into this danger.”
Olivia shook her head. “No, Evelyn. This is my choice. I won’t give up on helping you.”
Her words warmed my heart, and I embraced her tightly. “Thank you, dear. But we must be more cautious now. Both vampires and werewolves will not let us succeed easily.”
After this sudden crisis, I knew the challenges ahead would be even more formidable. Yet, the bond between Olivia and me grew stronger amidst the flames of battle. I gazed at the wreckage of the lab, silently vowing that no matter how many obstacles lay ahead, I would fulfill my dream, protect Olivia, and find our happiness and peace in this unpredictable world.