Skinny blue jeans moulded themselves to her rounded figure. A black puffy-sleeved top with a sweetheart neckline borrowed from her sister. A pair of black pumps completed her look. It was the closest Daciana came to looking respectable. The one elegant dress in her wardrobe was from the wedding, and blue was not her colour. Luliana crunched the thick layer of moose in her hair. She squeezed into a short, mint green dress. A square neck and gathered across the bust. Leticia lent her a pair of low-heeled black sandals. Luliana grinned, latching onto her sister. She hated how Patrick and Casimir kept them apart. Daciana shrugged her off. In part, this was fear, her growing hunger unsated by plasma packs. She craved blood fresh from its source. The other was annoyance, Luliana was cute, in flowing dresses and colourful fabrics. The twins were the same size, about all they had in common. Daciana hated choosing clothes from her sister’s wardrobe. Patrick decided Daciana possessed nothing suitable for dinner at the Chez Llama. So here she was in the compromise of a cute top and jeans.
Daciana resented how her family hesitated before hugging her. No one trusted her to behave. When Daciana teased Luliana, threatening to bite her, it reaffirmed their fear. She tried to explain how her sister seemed blatant in her tormenting and not reprimanded. Luliana tied her hair back, wore low-cut tops and wanted to hug Daciana. It appeared to Daciana that Luliana was testing her sister’s ability and control. Luliana seemed unaware she was the intended target of Daciana rather than Leticia.
The family relaxed as the restaurant appeared empty. Casimir gave the family space, placing himself out of sight at the bar. Luliana twisted her hair in her fingers. She wondered if they served pancakes since it was all Daciana ate. The older twin turned, baring her teeth. Luliana rolled her eyes, walking past to the table. Daciana was a danger to the family, but Luliana remained convinced. Daciana would never hurt her. They were sisters and as twins, they were a bonded pair, unable to survive without each other. Daciana flinched as Patrick touched her arm. He stepped back, adding to Daciana’s frustration and anger with the situation.
The conversation and food failed to be a distraction. Daciana watched the Plasma Jane, sitting with its lime slice and a stick of olives. A human attempt to normalise and distract from what they were serving. Blood. It was cold, devoid of interest and flavour. Casimir had hoped they were in time to help Daciana enjoy meals with her family, but she refused to try. The memory of all the pain proved too much, and her stomach recoiled. Daciana wanted fresh hot blood, the taste of their last meal entertaining her senses. It was a gift she had in spades. Casimir explained many failed to pick out those finer notes. Chefs would envy her ability. If she could harness it, she could be a formidable force of good. Previous vampires with her talent had worked in kitchens and science.
Contemplating the future seemed daunting, in equal measure to the present she lived. Warm bodies filled with flavour surrounded her. Given the chance, she would take a sip from each. She scoured the restaurant observing the meals and the food they selected. The aroma’s filled her nostrils, spices, sauces, and meat. Salvia flowed, and Daciana wet her lips, pushing her tongue between them. Patrick and Eliza continued reminiscing about their teenage years. Luliana engrossed by their stories wanted her life to hold such promise. No one noticed Daicana. She felt invisible. Invincible.
Daciana tuned into the elevated heartbeats as they force-fed their ageing bodies. She watched as her prey converse about their day or flirted with their date. Silent servers glided through the restaurant delivering food and taking orders. She locked onto a conversation. The diner would need to pass on their way to the restroom. Daciana adjusted her position. Bowing her head, she used her hearing to judge the distance. The woman stepped within a few feet of Daciana. A strangled cry as pain rushed through her body. Daciana sucked as the flavour exploded in her mouth. It was a dry-aged beef with a light seasoning, cooked medium rare. Daciana could taste the cow’s grassy edge as elements of their blood remained on the meat. The human blood carried the rich buttery tenderness the woman enjoyed.
Daciana felt a force pulling her back as she gripped tighter to the delicious meal. Casimir peeled Daciana from the woman. Eliza and Scarlett lowered the woman to the ground keeping her head elevated. Daciana struggled in Casimir’s grip as he dragged her from the restaurant. Breath held, eyes widened in fear burning into her. Daciana did not care if she was a monster. Let them fear her. Leticia clutched Patrick, her life raft in this and all events. Luliana remained seated, her lips sucked into her mouth as the tears rolled down her cheeks.
Darciana and woman: https://www.patreon.com/posts/simmerianne93-08-73004434
By the Grace of Sim Gods 