• There was a smell in the air. As much as I fought to breathe, the smell was something I could never deny myself of. Everyone fell silent as the last few stragglers inched themselves into the crowded cockpit. The metal door was dragged shut as the Shipmate closing it took in a weary breath.
    The first lock bellowed deeply as it secured itself. To the passengers around, it gave them hope. Looking into their eyes, of the distressed mothers and innocent children, made me hate the very thing I had been born to be.
    “Careful, Analeese.” My mother’s melodic voice was a mock to the ignorance humanity had given itself today. “Keep your eyes steady. You’re the only one who can spot them.”
    “Isn’t there another way?” I protested in a hushed tone. “Look at all these innocent souls. They don’t deserve this.”
    “Innocent?” Zander hissed cynically. “For all we know this whole ship can be filled with them.”
    My green eyes searched the cramped cockpit edgily. My mind fought with each facial expression that seemed to be placed on the unknowing faces that glanced back to me.
    “Maybe we could wait until the ship stops. Until we all get off? It’ll make things a lot easier to clean up.” I suggested calmly.
    “Everyone knows I’m strong enough to clean up any mess on my own.” Zander announced angrily.
    “Patience.” Victoria urged in a hum as she placed her hand on his shoulder. “We don’t need a reminder of the breaking of Bastille.”
    “You know very well that it was not my fault.” Zander challenged back as he let his bloodshot eyes flicker to Victoria. “So what if I let a couple of newborns run amuck in the middle of Europe? The king had it coming.”
    “Hush now,” my mother instructed. “Analeese has work to do.”
    My eyes resumed their job, glancing at the people around. In the middle of the cockpit laid a newly wedded couple with a baby in their arms. As the baby groaned happily reaching for her mom’s hand, they smiled with admiration. They smiled with determination. Setting their intentions on giving their infant a chance at a better life. Breaking fear of the cruel lives they had been unfortunate enough to lead.
    By them stood an old, and very humble man, staring at a picture of his child and her children. With a kiss, he snuck the sentimental picture back into his tattered jacket pocket and lifted his head up high. As if out of pride; as if in a sense of confident faith.
    His gaze fell over two female best friends who had bought matching party gowns and headpieces. Giggling quietly to themselves, they tried to keep their pale cheeks from blushing as the eighteen year old that stood in the corner turned their way.
    He was a very ambitious person. The way he held himself, even at a standing pose, he seemed to be very happy. The spark in his hazel brown eyes spoke of his wishful dreams. The cloth bag he had hitched over his shoulder was loosely packed with family photos and Farwell letters. After blinking twice the male had made eye contact with me and smiled.
    “No, Zander.” I commanded.
    My brother had noticed the eighteen year old’s action and tensed his body. Preparing himself to attack with the sharp pearl knives that took shelter in his mouth.
    “My patience is wearing thin, Analeese.” Zander breathed heavily as the green in his eyes swirled into a deep scarlet red. “This will end once and for all. We will be victorious.”
    At the bitter sound of his hiss, the Shipmate standing near the door grew alert. His body stood still, much like a statue marble would.
    “They’re here.” Victoria whispered under her breath as she made eye contact with the Shipmate.
    Within a second, Zander leapt out of his seat ready to attack. The people around screamed in horror as they saw his true form.
    Two more Shipmates rose out of their hiding spaces, holding wooden swords. Out of instinct both Victoria and my mother attacked.
    It wasn’t as if they had a choice. It wasn’t as if I had a choice.
    My kind was one that could never coexist with the slayers of the world. Especially because my kind was the one of which slayers were trained to kill off.
    Vampires.