Hunter's Moon

Introduction

I first released Hunter's Moon in 2022, and it was fairly well received despite its flaws. I removed it from Literotica some time ago, along with all my other stories. This year I began to revisit my erotica writing, and resubmitted a few after some minor editing. Hunter's Moon was always my favourite given its unashamed embrace of the Halloween theme, so I decided to give it a little polish and added an extra scene, ready for this year's Halloween competition.

~

It was the eve of Samhain, October 1875, and Sophia Ashburner watched the comings and goings from her perch on the rooftops overlooking Covent Garden. It was her favourite haunt for choosing her victims, the hustle and bustle of a London night providing the perfect cover for her to strike or spirit away a favoured mark. She had rooms not far from here to take a glamoured target if she wished. Her ample wealth afforded her enough courtesy to avoid unwanted attention. She had been at this game a long time and although she had travelled far and wide, she had a particular fondness for the London nights and the varied souls they offered. A figure in the crowd caught her attention, and she shifted, readying herself for the moment to drop unseen into the throng...

~

She was the daughter of an aristocratic family whose estate had sat some fifty miles from London, and there she had spent her entire life, her education and recreation not requiring her to ever leave it. As such, though well read and in good physical health, she had been quite naive in many ways, lacking the experience of contact with people outside the circles her family embraced.

Complacent in the safety of her family's sprawling land, she often stayed out riding, reading or writing until well past dusk, arriving home after dark much to the annoyance of her Mother. "You will be the death of me and likely yourself one of these days," she often scolded upon her daughter's return. Sophia would laugh and shake loose her raven hair from her riding hat, chiding her Mother for fussing. She was afforded such latitude primarily because she was the youngest child and only daughter; her two older brothers were tasked with learning the family business and generally acting responsibly.

Sophia's responsibility, if you could call it that, was to choose a suitable husband from those eligible gentlemen deemed acceptable additions to their family. In 1773 she had just turned twenty and was expected to do this soon; her father had grown impatient on a number of occasions as she turned away proposals one upon another. Not short of choice when it came to suitors, she had little interest in any of them. Sophia had a secret and given her age and family's status, one she guarded vigilantly. Although pretending coyness and making the right noises to please her father just enough, Sophia only had eyes for a much fairer prize.

For her own pleasure, Sophia sought the company of women but in her limited world this was no easy task. The frequent dinners and functions her family enjoyed gave her opportunity to meet and mingle with many of England's gentry and while among the painted wives and daughters there were many she thought attractive, making any advance was fraught with risk. To be discovered would spell disaster for Sophia; such attraction was abhorrent to polite society and could bring scandal, forced marriage or even confinement at the will of her family.

There were two occasions when the circumstances aligned themselves to present opportunities and Sophia took them without hesitation, the frustration of needing to express her desires becoming paramount. The first was with one of the chambermaids, Katherine, with whom Sophia had shared many a private moment as she tended to the bedclothes or brought the warming pan on chilly evenings. Though several years older than Sophia, the two had found a shared love of folk tales and would talk and laugh easily together when alone.

Over time, Sophia found herself focusing more on Katherine's delicate features; the shape of her hazel eyes, how they sparkled when she laughed, the fullness of her unpainted lips, how they curved when she smiled, the softness of her delicately tapered fingers as they touched the skin of her neck when Sophia had asked for her hair to be brushed. On a few occasions while doing this, she had seen a faraway look in the woman's eyes as she watched her in the mirror, a slight smile on her lips, her gaze lingering on Sophia's neck and shoulders where exposed.

Quite deliberately on one cold evening, she had bid Katherine help her dress for dinner and the maid agreed with no complaint.

"I am stiff from a long ride today. Would you mind helping with my hosiery, Katherine?" She tried to keep her voice light but inside she trembled with daring and secret desire. She had locked her chamber door already as Katherine had tended the fire and was now planning to lure the object of her desire into a trap.

"Be right there, miss," came the cheery reply and a few moments later, she approached. Sophia sat on the edge of her bed wearing only her slip, the silk hosiery draped over the edge next to her. Katherine knelt in front of her and gently took one of Sophia's bare feet, placing it on her knee. She picked up one hose, gathering it to the foot, then beckoned Sophia to lift one foot while she slid it over. Then very slowly and with gentle stroke, she eased it up the shapely leg, her fingers caressing Sophia's smooth skin as she did. By the time she reached the top of the hose, her hands were on Sophia's upper thigh and the feel of those delicate fingers on that most soft skin drew a small gasp from her lips.

Katherine looked up in alarm; her attention had been entirely on the skin and shape of Sophia's leg and she had seen how the maid watched them travel up every inch of it with deliberate slowness. It was as she had hoped, of that there was no doubt; Katherine had an eye for Sophia and now she had seen it clearly. Sophia smiled warmly, placed her hands on the maid's cheeks.

"It's alright, you didn't hurt me. Quite the opposite in fact; you have the softest touch, enough to make a girl feel undone," she whispered with intent.

Katherine's mouth opened and closed twice before she spoke. "I didn't mean anything, miss. You have divine legs, skin like silk. I just..." She was cut off as Sophia gently pulled her face, urging her to come closer. She knelt higher and Sophia leaned in slowly, keeping her eyes locked on Katherine's until their lips were almost touching. The maid was trembling but did not move, did not pull away.

"Do you want this?" Sophia breathed the words at her. She pressed their slightly parted lips together.

A long moment passed and Sophia pulled back, the feel of their gentle kiss beginning a cascade of pleasure. She stood and still holding Katherine's face, gently urging her to stand. She kissed her again, feeling more urgency this time and the kisses became firmer, faster, still only with their lips but each pushing and exploring the other until Sophia felt she needed more. She pulled Katherine toward her as she fell backwards down onto the bed, the maid, not resisting the pull, falling on top of her. The press of their bodies, though the maid was still fully clothed, drove Sophia more into her passion.

She hooked her legs around the maid's, one arm around her waist, the other at the back of her head and pulled her nose to nose. "Teach me how to kiss if you would, Katherine," whispered Sophia, consumed with her desire.

"As you please, miss," the maid replied, almost breathless. With that, she pressed their lips together again, parting them slightly now, gently pushing her tongue into Sophia's soft mouth.

The Ashburner daughter was a fast learner and within moments they were locked together, their lips a seal as their eager tongues became acquainted. Sophia was soon lost in the joy of it, her focus entirely on the dance of tongues within their mated lips. Katherine's hips began to move against hers and she knew the maid was enjoying this as much as she. Pushing back she found their rhythm and they moved in harmony, each becoming more aroused as the dance of hips joined their tongues in union.

With one hand, Katherine reached down and took hold of Sophia's slip, pulling it up to her hips, exposing the milky skin of her thigh. Releasing the slip, the hand now returned to the thigh, the fingers tracing the curve of it, gently at first then with firmer grip, stroking the silken skin from knee to hip. The pace of their pelvic rhythm gradually increased as each sought more intimate pressure against the other and Katherine began to gently push her breath into Sophia's lungs, their lips still sealed in perfect union.

Following Katherine's lead, Sophia accepted each breath, taking each as deep as it was offered, then returning it, slowly, carefully. The wetness in her loins became a torrent and the desire for pressure became more urgent. The kiss was exquisite, the give and take of breath sublime but Sophia wanted more; the feel of skin on skin, the press of sex on sex, these things beckoned with imminent desire. The part of her mind still anchored in reality poked at her, reminding her she had been dressing for dinner and lost in the passion of her first real kiss, she had lost all track of time.

Katherine, also lost in their kiss of air, her hips betraying her own needful passion, continued to press Sophia down into the bed, still stroking her exposed thigh with sensuous fingers. Sophia was torn now between the nag of reality and the urgency of her physical desire, but the distraction broke her rhythm and Katherine sensed the change.

"Something wrong, miss?" she asked, slightly breathless.

"Call me Sophia. Seems silly to still call me 'miss' after such intimacy." Sophia stroked away the hair stuck to Katherine's rosy cheek. The maid looked so pretty in her aroused state, the sheen of her exertion giving her flushed face an ethereal glow in the lamp light.

"Begging your pardon, miss, but no, I cannot do that. Your passion is sublime and I want you something fierce but I'll not risk us to be found out by being so familiar. 'Miss' it is and 'miss' it stays." Katherine had a pragmatic look at life that Sophia admired and she had to agree the maid had a point.

"You're right of course," Sophia agreed and pulled Katherine's lips to hers for another brief but softly moist kiss. "No, nothing is wrong but I am supposed to be dressing for dinner and I have no idea of the time now." She laughed, still wet and aching for more time and intimacy with her sensual maid. "I'd better do my duty lest raise suspicion but come to my chambers tonight when the guests depart. I require more of your services, I fear," she announced with comic nonchalance.

Katherine kissed her firmly, her tongue swiftly but sensitively teasing at hers for an instant before she released her hold on Sophia's leg and raised her body from their clinch.

"As you please, miss." She breathed the words at Sophia, her own need still obvious from her dreamy eyes and pink tinged cheeks. With that she got up from the bed, smoothed down her dress, and rewrapped and tied her hair in a neat bun. "Will there be anything else for now, miss?"

"I seem to be wearing only one hose," giggled Sophia as she pushed herself up to sit on the edge of the bed. "Would you mind...?"

~

It was nearly midnight when Sophia finally made it back to her chambers, more than a little tipsy from the wine she had drunk. As she entered and locked the door, she was grateful for the quiet, the dimly lit lamps adding to the peacefulness after the noise and vexations of the party. Sophia was largely a private creature and though not antisocial per se, her life had been mostly quiet and free from human distractions. A noise from the fireplace drew her attention and she saw Katherine kneeling there, adding a fresh log.

Blinking away the fog of wine, she stared at the maid, struggling to focus on what it was that was different. The log now settled in place, she stood and turned, curtsying quickly to her mistress.

"An enjoyable evening, miss?" she asked, a mischievous edge to her voice.

Sophia's breath caught in her throat as she beheld the maid's nakedness, her long brown hair released from its bun, and brushed out to its full length, spilling around her naked shoulders like chocolate. The firelight and flickering lamp light played over her skin and Sophia gazed upon her with renewed desire. Trying to keep her eyes on the naked maid, she made her way to her dresser and began fumbling at the buttons on her dress, hands eager to remove the prison of cloth.

"If it pleases you, miss...?" Katherine was already next to her, holding her hands, then moving her own fingers to the buttons to deftly continue where Sophia left off. The raven-haired girl nodded, struck dumb by the reality of her quite beautiful maid, raised her hands and allowed Katherine to remove her dress. She continued to undress Sophia, her skilful fingers softly stroking her naked skin as it began to emerge from the clothing until she also stood naked, save for her silk hosiery.

Katherine stood back, looking now upon Sophia's exposed body with a glint of lust in her hazel eyes. She said nothing, merely looked her up and down, before kneeling in front of her and placing her hands at the top of one shapely naked thigh. Slowly, softly, she ran her hands down the length of Sophia's shapely leg, pushing the hose before them, repeating the action with the other leg so that her mistress stood as naked as she. Standing then herself, their proximity left them almost touching, and the ache she recalled from earlier in the evening returned swiftly as Sophia resisted the urge to simply grab the maid and pull their nakedness together.

Katherine raised her hands now to Sophia's hair, removed the combs holding it in place and pulled the long dark locks down over her shoulders. With a cursory glance, she seemed satisfied that Sophia was now completely unadorned and placed one hand on her neck, the soft fingers stroking her jaw as she did. The other hand she placed on the girl's hip, then slid it around her waist as she took one last step and brought their bodies together in a heavenly meeting of soft flesh.

Sophia shuddered as she surrendered to the sensations; the kiss of breasts as they cushioned together, the press of her tummy against Katherine's, pulled gently but firmly from behind by the arm around her waist. She mirrored Katherine's touch, putting one hand on her cheek and the other arm around the maid's waist, pulling them more firmly together. The tingle in her loins had fast become an ache, the wetness there now unmistakable. She wanted to throw herself onto the maid with reckless abandon but enjoyed the slow seduction, so continued to follow Katherine's lead.

Their lips were brushing each other with the faintest of touch, eyes locked to each other as if in hypnotic trance and Sophia allowed her breath to come and go in time with Katherine's. Her body grew hot, feeling in turn the heat from the maid as each woman allowed their desire to build. As Sophia felt her need begin to overwhelm her reason, Katherine pressed their lips together, sliding her tongue between them to reach for hers, finding it, teasing it. With tiny steps she walked their joined bodies toward the bed.

Sophia felt the bed behind her thighs and fell backwards still holding tightly to Katherine, pulled her face so their mouths could not part and as they hit the bed, their teeth grated against each other, momentum pushing them hard together. The maid grunted from the impact and Sophia absorbed it, thrilling in the forbidden pleasure. She slid one leg between Katherine's, wrapped around it, felt her do the same and they locked to each other as the kiss became more urgent. The moist heat against her told of the maid's pleasure, mirroring her own in intensity, and they almost gasped in and out of each other now, beginning to lose control of the slow-burning seduction. As she felt her lungs burn with the need for air but not wanting to break the exchange of breath, Katherine pulled away, breaking the seal, leaving an amount of spittle upon Sophia's wanton lips. She lowered her mouth again to the waiting lips and softly sucked away the remainder of their kiss before pushing herself off Sophia and moving down her body, kissing each breast softly as she did so.

Instinctively, Sophia did not move, merely closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of those soft kisses as they travelled down her body, over her tummy to her hips, then her inner thigh. She opened her legs more to allow Katherine's head to approach her swollen and needful sex. As the first soft kiss landed on her other lips, Sophia trembled, knowing something wonderful was about to befall her. The maid began to gently stroke the lips with her tongue, then softly pushed between them, teasing the waiting clitoris, alternately circling then pressing it gently.

She wanted to clamp her thighs around Katherine's head, hold her mouth against her sex. Heat was building in her, she knew not to what end, only that she needed this and did not want it to stop. Unconsciously, her hips began to move in opposition to the stroking tongue, which now moved down to taste deeper in her between its circling and pressing on her clitoris. Sophia felt tingling there, a pressure in her stomach, her heart thundered in her chest and now, bereft of reason, she gripped the bedclothes, throwing her head back to try and quell the building scream.

Like she could read the need of her body, Katherine's stroking tongue circled faster, pressed harder until Sophia felt her mind would break from such extreme sensation. Then, just as she thought she had reached her limit, white-hot fire hit her like a crashing wave, her sex burning, her mind awash with pleasure she had never felt, the waiting scream breaking forth. The tongue reduced its pace, with very gentle touches now, each sending a shock through Sophia's body which seemed to have taken a mind all its own, jerking and bucking with each soft touch.

Katherine stopped probing with her tongue and climbed back up the bed to straddle the exhausted Sophia, lowered her face and kissed her passionately. Her mouth was sticky, sweet with a musky aroma Sophia had never encountered. Knowing it must be the juice of her own loins, she kissed the maid with as much vigour as she could manage though she still shook, exhausted from the first orgasm she had ever experienced.

"Such pleasure as I never imagined," she whispered as the maid pulled back her face for a moment.

"Happy to be of service, miss," said the maid almost in a whisper, her lips stroking Sophia's as she spoke.

Feeling her strength slowly return, she grabbed the smiling maid with both arms pulling her body down to hers once more then rolled to the side, reversing their positions. She kissed Katherine hard for a long moment, then whispered in her ear. "I'm a fast learner, my teacher." In perfect imitation of Katherine's seductive ritual, she began to kiss her way down the glistening nakedness to return the pleasure she had just experienced, needing to know the beautiful maid was as satisfied as she.

They lost all track of time in the all consuming passion of their love-making and after several exchanges of secret kisses and the ensuing fire of orgasm, they lay together in Sophia's bed, a tangle of limbs, soft skin, perspiration and feminine aroma. Sophia was overwhelmed and now, utterly spent, she clung tightly to the architect of that pleasure, kissing her softly, feeling their well-oiled smoothness sliding easily together. She wanted to hold her forever, wrapped in their pleasure and each other, high society and its rules be damned. They both knew the danger of their passion, though and as they drifted into sleep, cradled in each other's arms, both wondered about the future and what fate may hold for this forbidden union.

~

When Sophia awoke, unaware of the hour, her arms and bed were empty, only the depression in the pillow next to her evidence that Katherine had been there. She let her mind drift back over their night of passion and smiled to herself; her maid was an extraordinary girl and she could not have guessed she was such a seductress. She rose and rang for hot water, the musky aroma of their love-making very much in evidence upon her. Expecting Katherine to bring the water, she was surprised to see one of the other maids arrive at her door and wondered where her lover had got to. She bathed quickly, dressed for walking and skipped downstairs to see who was abroad.

Finding her mother in the drawing room, Sophia wished her good morning and attempting as casual an air as possible, enquired after her absent maid.

"She asked to take her leave early this morning, some family trouble, I understand. I asked James to take her in the carriage to Sevenoaks. Lovely girl; I wrote a glowing recommendation should she need it and bade her return to us whenever she may be able." Her mother looked up from her embroidery. "Did you need her for something? Ask one of the other girls to help you, dear."

"I was going to ask if she could be my personal handmaid, she does my hair just how I like it," said Sophia, trying to hold back the tears, her voice nearly breaking.

"I could ask the girls to line up later if you'd like, take your pick of them..?" asked her mother obligingly.

Sophia turned, walking hurriedly away before she lost control. "No, it's fine, thank you, Mother," she called as airily as possible over her shoulder before running back up the stairs to her chambers, tears burning her eyes. Once the door was locked, Sophia allowed herself to cry, the pain in her chest as acute as her passion had been the previous night. Their lovemaking had been an awakening for Sophia and it was unthinkable that the lovely Katherine was gone just as their adventure had begun.

She walked slowly to her dressing table and sat down heavily, stared at herself through bleary eyes, trying to blink away the tears. There, propped against the mirror, was a small envelope sealed with a blob of wax, her name written on the front in delicate feminine script. She quickly broke the seal and removed the folded letter.

My Dearest Sophia,

By the time you read this I will be gone. I hope you will eventually forgive me for parting this way, with no goodbye but I feared if I should have to face you, I would have neither the strength nor resolve to leave. Though it breaks my heart to do this, to remain would mean danger for us both.

Our time together was divine, I mean that truly and I am not sorry for it but we risked too much to be together; I fear if we remained close, temptation would conquer us to our eventual ruin. Our world is cruel and some things just cannot be.

Please do not hate me too much for doing what I must. I will remember our time and our love forever.

Yours with purest love,

Katherine

With tears now falling freely, Sophia carefully refolded the letter, placed it back in the envelope and tucked it into her bodice. She knew Katherine was right, felt no hate toward her but the pain remained; lost love is never an easy thing, Sophia knew from the many poems that covered the subject. Katherine had been a revelation and she had learned much from the older girl, she would hold that dear if nothing else.

~

The next person to play their part in Sophia's love life was Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of the family whose estate bordered their own. One of three girls, her two older sisters had already married Sophia's brothers, thus sealing the future of their own wealth within the coffers of the Ashburner family. She and Elizabeth, being only one year apart in age, had spent much of their childhood together, receiving schooling from the same teachers. As they had grown into adult women, Sophia found herself thinking often about the softness of Elizabeth's skin, the movement of her lips, the shape of her legs when she had seen them as they dressed or changed to swim, the way her blonde ringlets framed her cherubic face.

She had never entertained any real intention of seducing her nor even attempting to initiate anything. Elizabeth was a gossip and very much prone to overreaction and exaggeration, qualities Sophia found to be most vexing. She was pretty though, and from what she had glimpsed as they changed or dressed in each other's company, equally attractive naked.

So far as she was aware, Elizabeth knew nothing of her secret desires and as they walked hand in hand or sat cuddled together in front of the fire, it was with the apparent innocence of two best friends comfortable with the closeness of each other. After the loss of Katherine, Sophia would allow herself to indulge her private fantasies about Elizabeth with a growing lust. Eventually, of course, the pot would boil over and when it did, it would scald all in its vicinity.

On a cold October evening some six months after Katherine's sudden departure, Sophia and Elizabeth had stayed out later than usual to talk privately after watching the sun set over the lake. The moon was full and bright and by its light the ride home would be relatively safe. Elizabeth had been talking of marriage since she, like Sophia, was expected to soon choose a husband. She complained of the roughness of men, of both skin and beard, and Sophia thought she heard an erstwhile almost sad tone in her friend's voice. Agreeing with humour, she raised Elizabeth's hand to her lips and kissed it softly, but with lingering intent. Elizabeth, giggling, returned the kiss with her own lips upon Sophia's hand.

"You will find no softer touch than that of a woman," Sophia whispered, still holding Elizabeth's hand and stroking the fingers with her own. It had started as a joke, in truth, but as she held the soft hand a small tingle began to grow in Sophia; a familiar tingle that almost casually guided her words. "Indeed you will find no softer touch than mine."

Still holding Sophia's hand, Elizabeth looked deep into her eyes for a long moment before speaking again.

"There I was thinking you were still pining for your lost maid," she said, holding fast her gaze.

Sophia flinched, the words a slap to wake her from her lustful thoughts. "What?" was all she could muster at the first attempt.

"No need to worry, I am fairly sure nobody noticed. Nobody but me of course," she said quite matter-of-factly. "No, I haven't told anyone, not that I think anyone would believe the 'perfect' Sophia could be such a deviant." She laughed lightly, genuinely amused.

Sophia regained some composure though she feared it too late to recover. "I have no idea what you are talking about," she said flatly, releasing Elizabeth's hand but maintaining eye contact.

"Please do not insult me," retorted the blonde, "I watched you watching her for a long time, the way your eyes followed her, the time you spent talking with her, a mere maid." Elizabeth was certainly a snob, cherishing her status most highly. "Then one night I saw her watching you, through dinner and most of the party; eyes following you when you walked by and secret looks between the two of you. Then suddenly she's gone and you spend the next three months sulking? I am surprised nobody noticed to be honest."

Sophia felt light-headed; of all the people that could know her secret, Elizabeth was the most likely to tell someone, her need for gossip outweighing her common sense on many occasions. There was only one detail her mind could pick out that might make a difference.

She went for broke. "Why is it you were watching me so closely anyway, if I may ask?"

Bold as she was, Elizabeth flushed and dropped her eyes for a moment. Sophia reached for her hand again and stroked it softly.

"I was jealous if you must know," said the blonde in a small voice. "There have been many times I longed for you as we sat cuddled together or walked hand in hand, just the two of us. There was a time, last summer, when we were caught in the rain and huddled beneath a tree. So close we were, I thought I would kiss you, confess my desire and you would smile and kiss me back...."

Sophia was astonished; she and Elizabeth had always been close but she never suspected her attraction. "I had no idea, you hid it well," she said quietly, still gently stroking her friend's fingers.

"After that day, I began to try and conceive of a way to make advances, watching you more closely to try and catch your eye and sometimes just for the pleasure of my own eyes. Then I saw it, the glint of lust as you watched your maid and those meaningful looks you shared when thinking you were not seen. Most would never notice but my jealousy made me a keen observer." She looked up again, her eyes misted from the tears she held back.

Sophia said nothing, her mind whirling with both the knowledge of her friend's attraction to her and the fact that she knew her secret. She had no proof of it of course but it served as an example that Katherine had been right and eventually someone would have discovered their relationship. She looked at Elizabeth's pretty face, the blue eyes moist from emotion, the blonde ringlets falling past her round cheeks, the carefully painted lips; the light of the full moon gave her face an angelic quality and Sophia still nurtured her own attraction.

With her free hand she gently stroked Elizabeth's cheek and smiled. "If only I had known," she said simply, before cupping the cherubic cheek. The blonde maiden had not pulled away at this intimate touch and she slowly leaned in, drawing Elizabeth's face toward her as she did, until their lips met in gentle perfect symmetry. She felt her friend stiffen slightly, squeezed her hand for reassurance, then sensed her relax again. Their lips now melted together, parting slightly, as they kissed more firmly, exploring each other with lingering pressure.

After a few seconds, Elizabeth pulled back to once again search Sophia's eyes, trembling still but growing passion replacing her sadness. The blonde girl had a dreamy glaze to her eyes and, smiling, she leaned in again, this time putting her hand to Sophia's face to hold her while they kissed. Using just the tip of her tongue, she teased at her friend's lips a little, felt them part, felt the warmth of her soft mouth as her tongue gently met its opponent. The touch of tongues ignited a new passion and their kiss gained momentum, mouths seeking more of each other, dancing tongues becoming bolder. Sophia grew hot and her mind began to work on what to do next when, quite suddenly and without warning, Elizabeth pushed her to the ground on her back and threw herself on top of her.

A whirlwind of desire, Elizabeth kissed Sophia fiercely, her tongue pushing deeply but tenderly into her inviting mouth. She surrendered to the kiss, moving her hand to the back of the girl's head and pressing more, locking their mouths together. Almost a frenzy of passion seemed to consume Elizabeth and she gripped her friend tightly, her hips pushing into her as the breathless kiss continued. Then Sophia felt hands move to her bodice, deft fingers unlacing it, tugging at it urgently and uncertainty began to taint the all consuming passion the deep kiss had provoked. She wants to strip me here, no doubt herself as well, she thought. If we are discovered here, naked together, we are finished.

She removed her hand from the back of Elizabeth's head, tried to end the kiss but still in the grip of her lust, the blonde did not release her pressure and Sophia tried to talk within their joined mouths. Aware of something, Elizabeth's eyes flicked open and her mouth withdrew a little. Multiple threads hung for a moment between their parted lips as she raised her head impatiently.

"What is it?" she gasped, moist lips still brushing Sophia's, her hands still pulling at Sophia's bodice.

"If we are discovered like this, or worse, naked together, we are finished. They will send us away, likely never to see the light of day again." She said, still breathless from the kiss.

"It was acceptable for you and your pretty maid, though?" She sounded impatient, irritated. "Oh, what's this?" She suddenly pushed herself up from Sophia and sat on her hips, legs straddling her. In her hand she held a small, slightly crumpled envelope.

In the grip of passion as Elizabeth had struggled with the lacing of her bodice, she had forgotten the note she still carried tucked within it. Her lustful friend's probing fingers had discovered it and Sophia felt a twinge of fear; Elizabeth was emotional, unpredictable and her reaction to the letter could not be foreseen.

"Please, Elizabeth, that's private," begged Sophia, reaching for the envelope. The blonde raised her hands out of reach as she slid the note out. She could have fought, wrestled the girl from her, tried to snatch the letter but with Elizabeth, the outcome of such a struggle could not be predicted. Likely the letter would be lost and they would have to explain why they had fought. So she lay still beneath her friend to await her reaction.

Elizabeth's face was a mask as she read the letter and Sophia had no clue what she may be thinking. Short as it was, the girl must have read it multiple times for the time it took before she carefully folded it, slid it back into the envelope and then tucked it into her own bodice.

"Can I have it back, please? It may seem like nothing to you but it's important to me," she asked softly.

"Maybe so. Maybe you won't need it when I've driven all memory of the lovely Katherine from your mind." Elizabeth spoke gently but as she began once more to unlace Sophia's bodice, her moonlit face looked almost manic. Sophia, her ardour now completely cold, felt that twinge of fear once more; in her lust and jealousy, Elizabeth seemed quite mad and she regretted allowing her own desire to surface.

Suddenly Sophia bucked her hips and rolled to the side, throwing Elizabeth from her and quickly pushed herself to her feet before the blonde girl could react. Growling, her former friend stood and moved toward her until they were nose to nose, bodies now pushing against each other. Without warning, Elizabeth kissed her wetly, swiftly, then pushed her back and turned, running wildly to her horse. She mounted quickly and kicked it into a gallop, riding toward the Ashburner house.

Sophia was now in a panic and cold fear gripped her. What was Elizabeth planning to do? The interaction between them all evening had been odd, even the passionate kissing had an almost manic energy. Now she had Katherine's note and driven by jealousy and madness, this would not end well. She mounted her own horse quickly and bade the startled mare run as fast as she would dare in the moonlight.

As they galloped away, a figure stepped from the shadow of the tree and stood for a few moments watching the receding horses, before dissolving once more into the night.

Elizabeth was a competent rider, her horse of fine stock and given the head-start there was no chance of catching her before she reached the house. Sophia arrived to see her already dismounted, the grooms running to take the reins of her excited mount as she dashed wildly through the front door. Not hesitating, the raven-haired girl followed as fast as she was able, entering the house to hear Elizabeth already shouting in the library. Slowing her steps, Sophia entered behind her, catching the end of her sentence.

"... and the proof is in this letter!" She was almost shouting, her tear-streaked face appearing feverish in the firelight as she leant to hand the envelope to Sophia's father, who was sitting next to the fireplace.

"Calm yourself, Elizabeth; I am not taken with such drama." Her father seemed calm but confused as he took the proffered letter, remaining seated.

Sophia's Mother entered from the far end of the room, looking at her with questioning eyes but saying nothing. Shaking her head Sophia returned her attention to Elizabeth, slowly approaching behind her and placing her hands on the near-hysterical girl's shoulders.

"Elizabeth, please...." she began but there was no calming her now.

"No, no, this must be known! I will not be silenced!" she cried the words, her strength of emotion brooking no debate. Sophia held her a little closer, a little tighter but Elizabeth shrugged her off, moving away.

"What do you know of this?" Her Father was on his feet now, nearly spilling his brandy as he shot out of the chair. His words were directed at Elizabeth. "Speak now!"

"She was in love with her maid. They met in secret thinking no-one saw them. Then Sophia took her to her bed and she, fearing their discovery, was forced to take her leave." She said it so simply, at first there was no reaction from anyone in the room, Sophia herself included. "She tried to seduce me this very night," continued Elizabeth, her voice shrill. "She is sick, I fear."

The revelations settled on the room and all eyes now turned to Sophia. She felt the blood drain from her face, thinking she might fall. The room was spinning and Sophia could not make out the storm of words that came in a sudden torrent. Her father was beside himself with incredulous anger; her Mother ran toward her but it seemed in slow motion. She staggered, pushing away from Elizabeth, who now approached and turned her face about, looking from one angry face to another, hearing nothing but a distant echo. Then turning, she ran wildly from the room, through the still wide front door and out into the night.

She ran as fast as she could, past the stables and into the woods that stretched from the edge of the rear gardens. The moonlight was scattered under the trees and she couldn't see clearly but dared not slow her pace lest they see her direction, catch her. She had no idea where she was running, only that she mustn't be caught; she had no answers for the questions that would come and the life of misery those questions would lead to. Elizabeth had lost her mind somewhere between her jealousy and lust, of that she was certain. They had been friends from childhood and now the blonde girl was the architect of her ruin.

She could hear voices from the direction of the house and continued to run with reckless abandon. They called her name and she could hear the shouts of her Father, her Mother and Elizabeth among them. She dared not stop, dared not face them, could not think of what would happen should they catch her and force the truth of her perversion from her. Deeper into the woods now, the light was more scattered, the shadows deceptive and as she felt her lungs begin to burn with the exertion, her foot caught a root and she was flung headlong, falling heavily. Her head struck a low branch, ending her flight and turning out the light.

~

Sophia swam slowly back into consciousness. She could smell wood smoke, it was warm, she was lying on something soft wearing only her slip, light flickered, a cool hand touched her brow.... Flinching, she tried to sit, winced in pain and lay still as the hand moved to her shoulder to gently but firmly restrain her. She turned her head slightly to try and see the owner of the hand, drawing a small gasp from her own mouth as the action caused further pain. A figure sat next to the bed but silhouetted by the oil lamp in the corner of the room, she couldn't make it out.

"Lay still, Sophia, you had a nasty fall." A soothing, velvet female voice floated from the silhouette. "Tea is brewing, be patient and it will help." There was an accent to the voice she couldn't place, something lilting and exotic under the perfect English.

"Who are you? Where am I?" They seemed the most obvious questions to ask.

"My name is Militsa, though that will mean nothing to you and you are in my house, ten miles from your family home as the crow flies." Militsa's voice was soothing, melodic almost and in spite of her confusion and the questions clamouring to be asked, Sophia inexplicably felt she could trust the mysterious woman. "Ask your questions, the order matters not. I will answer them honestly as best I can. Remain still, though, you need to rest." She stood as she finished speaking, moved around the end of the bed and headed out of the door of the large bedroom. "I will fetch the tea while you decide which questions are of the most import."

Sophia could see her back illuminated by the lamp as she left the room; black velvet figure-hugging dress, the flowing skirt almost to the floor, full-length sleeves ending in a lacy flourish, ornate embroidery adorned the bodice and long, arrow-straight hair as black as the dress hung down her back. So measured was the step, she seemed almost to float along the floor but Sophia glimpsed her feet beneath the dress, clad in black suede French-heeled boots. Whoever this woman was, her clothing, the furniture and decor of the room she now occupied spoke of wealth, her measured step of class, the voice of education. Calming her mind with her observations, Sophia pondered the questions she would ask.

Militsa returned a few minutes later, startling her; she had heard no footsteps upon the floorboards. The woman carried a wooden tray with two steaming cups upon it. More interested in the figure carrying the tray than the cups, she focused on the face as she re-entered the room. Now facing the lamp, she finally had a clear view of her enigmatic host. Her breath caught in her throat as the face came into focus, the questions she had readied dissolving away as she gazed upon this ethereal beauty.

Her skin was pale, so pale in fact that illuminated by the lamp it almost seemed to glow with its own luminescence. Delicate elfin features, narrow jaw, straight and slightly upturned nose, fine eyebrows sharply angled above the cat-flicked piercing eyes of pale green, which also seemed to shine with their own inner light. Curved lips that though relaxed seemed to smile of their own volition, curved and prominent cupid's bow giving the appearance of both humour and seduction simultaneously. Sophia had never seen a face like it, even in the imaginings of artists; almost magical and inhuman, it brought to mind the stories of elves and fae folk she had read in childhood.

Her mind now blank, mouth agape, Sophia could do nothing but stare at Militsa, her eyes trying to take in all of her at once, to see each and every feature in all its beautiful detail. Setting down the tray, the dark-haired enchantress returned to Sophia's side and looked down at her, smiling slightly. Her eyes had an eternal ageless quality and she felt as though the woman looked through her flesh to her very soul. Her skin was flawless, impossibly so; not a line in sight to betray her age, creasing only here and there with a smile or narrowing of her hypnotic eyes before returning to almost child-like perfection.

"Did you decide in what order you wish to ask your questions?" The silken voice did nothing to break Sophia's almost trance-like delirium.

"Who are you?" She had already asked this but as Militsa herself had said, merely a name meant nothing.

"Who and what I am are unimportant at this time, Sophia." She smiled, her eyes glinting almost mischievously in the lamp light. "Ask your other questions. I will explain everything in turn." She reached down and with gentle but firm hands, helped raise her patient to sitting, propping cushions behind her back and head to support her stiff and aching neck. The skin of her hands was just as smooth, only the knuckles showing the expected creases.

As she steadied herself, Sophia's hand brushed against one of them and she almost gasped at the sensation. Smooth as silk, slightly cool, but something more.... an almost electric tingle that she felt, not just in her hand, but that seemed to spread from the contact to fill her body with its energy. It was primal, sensual and Sophia felt the familiar tingle of arousal just as she had when she and Katherine had kissed. Her attraction to this mysterious woman was undeniable; she felt mesmerised by her and she already knew that she would do anything to remain here, in this house and Militsa's enchanting presence.

Sophia tried to clear her mind; arousal aside, she had questions that needed answering and she felt like her mind was swimming through fog. "From tonight's beginning," she began in earnest. "I remember running, falling. I assume I hit my head and blacked out. Then what? How did you find me? How long was I out? How did you get me here?" That would do for a start, she thought.

"I found you because you were never lost to me. I have watched you for a long time, my darling child and I would let no harm befall you, no matter the source of it. You were unconscious for at least an hour, time enough for me to carry you to a waiting carriage and bring you here." She held out a cup full of still steaming herbal concoction. Sophia jumped a little; somehow Militsa had gone from the bed to the table and back without noticing she'd even moved. Assuming her delirium and knock on the head were responsible, she considered the brew for a moment as her mind played over the answer to the first part of her question. '... you were never lost to me. I have watched you for a long time...'

"Drink, it will ease your pain and help you relax," said Militsa soothingly. She placed her fingers gently on Sophia's hands, urging the cup toward her lips, drawing a small shiver from the girl at the touch of skin. "A blend of ginger, cinnamon, liquorice, willow bark and valerian root, sweetened with honey."

Sophia sniffed it, smelling the familiar scents, sipped a little, tasted it, then took a larger draught; it was good, the burn of ginger and cinnamon seeming to spread from her tummy to the aches and pains. "You've watched me for a long time? How long? How, even? That makes little sense to me, I'm sorry." She sensed no threat from Militsa but the mystery of this woman had revealed another aspect.

"In truth, I've watched you grow from a charming young girl, to a poetic, romantic young woman who reads and writes in the moonlight, who dances naked in the woods on spring nights when the trees blossom and enjoys the pleasures of feminine flesh. The soul of a philosopher, the heart of a poet, mind and body in harmony with nature; you, my darling girl, are the very best that humanity can offer and I have been enchanted as I've watched you grow." Militsa's eyes seemed to sparkle as she spoke and Sophia drank in the sight of her, sensing the affection behind the truth of her words.

"How is this possible? You look no older than I.... How came you to watch me and from where, since I had no inkling of ever being so observed?" There was a thrill to it, though, she could not deny it. The thought of this beautiful enchantress watching her as she danced naked under the moon excited her and the tingle of desire grew stronger.

"Needless to say I am older than I appear," came the reply. Sophia wasn't sure if she'd heard the words aloud or within her mind and though she felt better for the brew, she could not shake the delirium that enveloped her when Militsa spoke or their eyes met. "Much older." That was definitely said aloud. "I saw you kiss Katherine for the first time, witnessed your love making, felt the passion of that and your loss when she left. I saw you kiss Elizabeth this very night, though she was already broken and your enchantment was more than she could bear. A shame, for both you and she but it was not meant to be."

While the words made sense, Sophia was confused by the entire conversation. This strange woman whom she had never before laid eyes on had watched her grow from a child? The things she seemed to know supported what she said but it still made no sense. How could she have seen these things? How could she have watched for so long?

"I have lived in this house since your Father was a child." Militsa's velvet tones broke her reverie, almost answering her thoughts. "It was I who had it built here in the woods away from prying and curious eyes. In the night I can fly far and wide, I see all, hear the hearts and minds of the souls I encounter. Even as a child, your soul sang out to me; a pure clear tone amongst the clamour and discord of those around you. So I came many times to watch in secret, seeing you blossom, watching you explore your potential, your desires." She paused and turned her head, her gaze running the length of Sophia's body to her naked feet and back up to her eyes.

Although not afraid, Sophia became intensely aware of the fact she was wearing only her slip and was naked beneath, her bare calves and feet protruding from it. Meeting Militsa's hypnotic eyes once more, she realised also just how aroused she was in her presence, how much she enjoyed the lilting voice; she longed for a touch from those silk smooth fingers, to feel their softness on her skin....

As if in answer, Militsa placed her hand gently on Sophia's naked foot and softly stroked in one fluid motion, the fingers running from her ankle up her calf, pushing up the slip as it continued over her knee, up her thigh. The touch became firmer as the hand slowly stroked up her thigh to her hip, pausing there to gently hold the flesh at the top of her thigh. Sophia could not look away from the enchanting eyes, their hypnotic inner light drawing her in. The touch upon her thigh was electric, seeming to spread from the fingers to all her most sensitive parts. She became hot, her loins tingling, yearning.

"You are beautiful, Sophia. I would have you stay with me if you desire it." The words were simple but the deeper meaning behind them seemed to call to her through the soft hand still gently stroking then holding her thigh.

"Kiss me," breathed Sophia. Her body yearned for more of the silken skin against it, the hand up on her thigh teasing her growing passion with the promise of unknown pleasure. Her eyes drank in the sight of this impossibly beautiful and enchanting woman whose words betrayed her own longing. She put up a hand to Militsa's face as she had to Elizabeth's earlier this same night. She felt the smooth skin of the cheek, let her fingers trace the delicate line of her jaw, held it, pulling gently. There was no resistance and the face moved towards her and the inviting, smiling, seductive lips met her own in slow motion collision.

As their lips met, Sophia gasped involuntarily, the sensation of the kiss and the hand still holding her thigh overwhelming her senses. As she did, Militsa parted her own lips, pushing her breath into Sophia's gasp, sealing their mouths in the perfect joining. Lost already in the moment, she placed her other hand upon the girl's face and pressed them more firmly together. Sophia gave in, opening her mouth to invite in the teasing tongue that waited there, met it with her own and returned the breath she had received. She wanted their lips to never part again, so perfect was the feeling of that union. Her passion grew and with it need, the kiss merely the beginning of her desire.

Sophia lost track of how long they kissed, she felt almost frozen in time as their tongues teased and tasted. As she felt Militsa begin to pull away, in desperation she tried to hold her face, keep their mouths so joined but part they did and as the hand left her thigh, the raven-haired girl thought she would burst with lust and need. The enchantress smiled warmly at the wanton girl, and her eyes once more travelled the length of Sophia's body.

"Do you want to stay with me, Sophia? I want you, I must confess to that. You make me feel things I have not felt for many years but if we are to join together, there are things you must know." There was a serious edge to her voice now and Sophia, though drunk with desire, heeded that.

"Then tell me if you will, my lady," she spoke as seductively as she could, pouting the words from her own shapely lips, drawing a sparkling smile from the seductress.

"I am not human, Sophia, although I appear to be. I was once, a long, long time ago in a country far from here. I was taken by a creature when I was but a young woman, not far from your own age now. He kept me for many weeks, like a kind of pet, feeding on me, teasing me until finally I thought he would kill me..." Her voice trailed off, a faraway look in her beautiful eyes. "That was not his plan, however and when he had drunk of me enough, he gave to me his own blood and I was transformed into a creature of the night, a hunter with a thirst for blood, eternal, unchanging; a killer and a monster."

Sophia gasped in spite of herself. She had been expecting a revelation of something preternatural; Militsa's physical appearance was so striking that she had already surmised she was something more than human, but a vampire? She was rapt, eager to hear more. As a child and even now as an adult, Sophia loved stories of faerie folk, the old Celtic myths, stories from far-flung countries of fantastical creatures and here was this beautiful, seductive, fascinating woman telling such a story of her own life. "Please, my lady, do continue."

"There is little more to tell of that. Once I awoke from my transformation, of my captor there was no sign; whatever his purpose, I was never to know it, nor see him again."

Sophia had never imagined such creatures were actually real. Yet here was this ethereal beauty telling such a tale of herself. There was no doubt in Sophia's mind of the truth of her words and that both excited and terrified her at the same time. "What did you do? How long ago was that?" she asked, fascination outweighing any sense of fear.

"I never went home of course but set about learning what I had become, my limits, my needs. I travelled far and wide to other countries, learned many languages, read all I could of folk tales and myths from different cultures and histories. I practised with my 'gifts', became adept at using them to remain hidden, ever cautious to avoid detection or unwanted attention. I searched for others of my kind but finding none, I focused on more fiscal matters and accumulated wealth, bought properties in which to hide and store the profits from my victims. I grew wealthy and as the years rolled past, I realised I was not ageing and made plans for a long future. I watched the world change and people grow old and die. I did neither, loneliness became my burden and so I thought to search for another with whom to share this 'gift' of eternal life."

A tear rolled unbidden down Sophia's cheek and a small sob escaped her lips. Militsa looked back at her, leaned in and softly kissed the tear away. Placing her forehead against Sophia's, she breathed deeply, closing her eyes, relaxing more for a moment. Pulling away again, she seated herself on the edge of the bed, pulling up one leg and placing her free hand once more on Sophia's naked thigh.

"I still had desires and physical needs. It is not true that vampires are the walking dead, cold flesh supernaturally animated. I had never felt more alive and with my preternatural senses, physical pleasure was enhanced along with everything else. I desired intimacy and began to choose victims on the basis of aesthetics. Beautiful young men and women I took a liking to, I would glamour and have my way with them, drawing whatever pleasures I desired, guiding their thoughts just enough so they could satisfy my needs. Some I let go with a vague memory of pleasure, some I fed a little on, some I killed.

"The loneliness remained but now largely devoid of conscience and empathy when it came to humanity, I cared less. In short I had become the monster of myth and then I understood those stories and the truth behind them. The loneliness was like a sword and shield, both energising me and protecting me from my dark deeds. Not one among them held my interest, nor gave me hope that they could join me in my eternal hunt.

"Then one night, as I passed over a country estate in England, I heard a female voice singing, a heavenly voice. Seeking the owner of the voice I came upon a girl, barely into her adolescence, reading in the moonlight and singing to herself. Her name was 'Wisdom' in ancient Greek and even at her young age showed the name was fitting. You are that child, Sophia and I have watched you often since that night, heard your thoughts and dreams, felt your desires grow. The more I watched, the older and wiser you became, the more I coveted you, desired you."

Sophia was astounded by the story and the admission that she was the child Militsa spoke of thrilled her. What a creature she was, this vampire, a revelation straight out of myth, glorious and powerful, beautiful and deadly; she knew she should be terrified in the presence of this being, a self-confessed killer but she felt no threat, indeed quite the opposite. She reached for Militsa, pulled her into as firm an embrace as she could muster.

"Oh my lady, such a sad tale, such loneliness would make a monster of anyone." She meant it with her whole being.

"You're not horrified?" asked the vampire, pulling gently back from the embrace to search Sophia's eyes. "I would not blame you but you needed the truth. A truth I have never told another soul in point of fact."

"Shocked, indeed but horrified? No, not horrified. It's a strange feeling I've had being around you since I woke. I feel warm and dreamy, safe, cared for and against good reason some might say after hearing such a story. You did not answer one question though; how long ago were you changed? How old are you?" Sophia felt so drawn to the vampire, so enamoured of her, a small part of her wondered if she knew her own mind or had been glamoured in some way.

"As a human girl, I was twenty three when the creature took me and I have seen 247 winters pass since that night." She held Sophia's face as she spoke, holding firm her gaze with earnest eyes.

Sophia pondered on the answer, trying to imagine what it must have been like to spend so much time alone. All that knowledge and the wisdom it nurtured, the places she had seen, the people she had known and here she was, offering Sophia her hand. Placing her own hands on Militsa's face in mirror of her, she drew their lips together again, gently but firmly. She held the soft pressure for a few moments before pushing her tongue slowly but insistently into the inviting mouth. The vampire surrendered to the girl's advances and opened fully to the kiss, their tongues slowly feeling the length of each other, tasting and caressing. Shuddering with pleasure as she felt Militsa's deft and gentle fingers stroke up her inner thigh, she pulled hard, pushing her tongue as far into that warm welcoming mouth as she could.

Sophia's immediate physical attraction to the vampire had been strong; indeed she was stunned by her beauty. The delicate sensuous touch of her fingers made her hot and wet with passion as they kissed deeply and with more vigour. Militsa continued to gently stroke up her thigh, stopping short of her sex each time, causing Sophia to squirm and try to push down on her hand, to feel those silken fingers caress her secret lips. It was maddening but she sensed that it wasn't to tease her that the enchantress hesitated. She broke the kiss herself to once again look into the hypnotic green eyes.

"Have you glamoured me? I have to ask; since I woke here I have felt almost deliriously calm, even happy, despite the drama from earlier this night. Part of me is telling me that makes no sense. I feel like I know you, that I want to be with you but is this my own mind and heart?" She tried to push the thought and feeling into Militsa's mind, wanting her to know what was in her heart.

"I can hear your thoughts, read your feelings and yes, I could coerce you if I chose to. It would not last, however; free will is a fickle thing and no glamour is everlasting. I want you, I make no secret of that but if you would join me, the choice must be yours and not by any trick of mine. You have a family, despite the unfolding drama. Your love for and loss of Katherine is still fresh..." She drew her hands away from Sophia, stood once more, straightening her dress.

It was an odd thing to see this wise and beautiful woman show uncertainty but in part, it made Sophia feel all the more assured that she was in no danger here.

"I have no life there now. What life I could have had washed away with Elizabeth's revelation." She spoke the truth of course but it was strange she seemed to feel nothing but pity for them, her family and friends. They would never know nor experience such as she could in the company of this ancient and powerful being. The life she had lived, the things she had read and learned seemed to have prepared her for this moment and the wonders that Militsa represented. "I want to be with you, my lady. I loved Katherine I think but know that could never be. I desired Elizabeth too, of course, but it was childish and I should have kept it hidden for the sake of all concerned. Though it is that, in fact, which led to me being here right now, so maybe not so ill-conceived after all."

Militsa laughed, the first time Sophia had heard her do so. It was music to her ears, a momentary loss of the supreme control she sensed in the vampire, in every word and action.

"Oh my girl, I truly cherish that mind of yours, so quick to learn and adapt. For all your innocence you have wisdom entirely of your own making." She laughed again, the sound filling Sophia with joy.

"What do I need to do?" she asked simply, holding fast to her desire.

"You truly want this, knowing what it means, the sacrifice you make?" The earnest seriousness returned, the control.

"I have no doubts, you know this." Sophia knew she could hide nothing from the vampire even should she wish to. "You saved me from myself, now I am yours. My question is, do you truly want this? If I give myself to you, will you cherish what I give, nurture it?" This was her only fear, she could not bear to exist with the terrible loneliness Militsa had endured for who knew how long. Her own sense of loss when Katherine had left was painful enough and she could hardly imagine an eternity alone.

"I knew your heart before you were even aware of it. That you are the one I want, I have no doubt." The sparkle in her eyes returned, mischief, joy tinged with lust; it made Sophia want her all the more.

Ignoring the still nagging pain in her neck, Sophia pushed herself up to kneel on the bed, pulling her slip up and over head as she did, dropping it carelessly on the floor. She watched Militsa's eyes running over her naked form, could see the lust there more clearly now, pleased that the perfect seductress liked what she saw. She raised her hand, beckoned to the still motionless vampire with a finger.

Join me if you will, my lady, she spoke only with her mind.

Militsa smiled, her eyes still lustfully coveting Sophia's lithe nakedness, then began to unbutton her exquisite velvet dress. She slid out of it carefully, straightened it and then draped it over the chair next to the table that held the lamp. Raising her foot to the chair, she unlaced her boot, removed it, then the other, placing them carefully side by side next to the chair. Next came her slip, black silk and as exquisite as the dress, which she slowly slid seductively up, over her hips, past her breasts and over her head, before folding it carefully over the dress.

Stood now in only her silk drawers and hosiery, she looked as magnificent as Sophia had imagined. Every inch of her seemed flawless and the lustful young woman was eager to feel that skin against her own. Her lust made her brave and she beckoned to Militsa again.

"Come here," she said, speaking aloud this time, her tone gentle but instructive. She had still been kneeling on the bed, struck motionless as she watched the vampire slowly disrobe. Now she moved, standing smoothly to finish the undressing herself.

As Militsa drew close, Sophia gently placed her fingers in the top of the drawers, sliding them down over the curve of her hips and bottom, letting her fingers glide over the pale skin as she did. Not dropping them, she stopped to ease them over first one foot and then the other, folded them neatly and placed them on the end of the bed. Repeating the motion with each silk hose, her hands caressed every inch of the long legs as she slid down each to remove them. Trembling all the while both with desire and at her own daring, Sophia still marvelled at every exquisite detail of her preternatural saviour.

They were both naked now and although Sophia wanted nothing more than to crush their bodies together, to feel that satin skin against her own, she resisted, attempting to mimic the control she saw in Militsa. She wanted the enchantress to be proud of her, aspiring to be her equal, if such a thing was possible.

"I am already proud, could not be more so in fact. Everything in the flesh I knew you were in spirit," she said, her lilting voice warm and comforting. She stepped a tiny step toward Sophia so now they were nose to nose, their exposed and aroused nipples a hair's breadth apart. "I will be gentle, Sophia but I won't lie; there will be discomfort and then there will be pain, this I cannot change." Then she closed the gap between them.

The meeting of flesh was sublime and Sophia gasped again at the intensity of sensation. She felt enveloped by Militsa rather than simply the pressure of skin on skin. Frictionless but intense, it was hard to encompass what her senses told her. As Militsa's arms slid around her, holding them together, she was lost simply in the feel of her skin, the gentle pressure of their breasts flattening together. One arm around Sophia's waist, the other the base of her neck, she guided their lips together again. Kissing deeply, Sophia breathed her in, returning the breath once before the seductress pulled back to look her in the eye, face betraying her lust.

Sophia threw her arms around the beautiful vampire; she knew what was coming and while she would have confessed to some fear, she had no doubt she wanted this. Militsa smiled and widened her mouth just a little to show the dark-haired girl her teeth. The canines were prominent, her teeth almost white as chalk against her dark mouth. As she watched in delirious fascination, the fangs grew longer and now protruded very noticeably beyond her other teeth. This was the smile of a predator, there was no mistake but she still felt no danger from the exquisite creature and she held her tightly, readying herself for what was to come.

Militsa's mouth moved gently to Sophia's neck, caressed it with her lips, kissed it tenderly before she widened her mouth, slowly, softly, then bit down with equal slowness. She felt the fangs enter her neck like white hot knives, cried a single note aloud before the pain subsided to be replaced with warmth and a slight tingle at the point of penetration. She held fast to the vampire, pushing back her instinctive fear, reminding herself she had given herself willingly; if Militsa had wanted to kill her, she could have done it easily at any time.

She felt herself becoming weak, her legs seeming to want to fold beneath her, arms struggling to hold on to Militsa's satin skin. The vampire, sensing her failing strength, tightened her grip just a little and lifted Sophia from her feet as if she were no more than a child. It seemed to the girl that she became weightless, like a feather in the breeze and she weakly wrapped her legs around the woman's hips. She had lost track of time but her mind was receding and it was hard to think. Unsure of where she was now, she thought she felt herself flying, then something against her back. Did I fall? she thought vaguely but she could still feel the strong yet soft arms around her, the warm tingling at her neck.

She was slipping in and out of the moment now, thought she might have passed out but was dimly aware of flickering lamplight and something touching her mouth. She tasted something, her focus switching to the new sensation. It tasted strange, a little spicy, hot like fresh soup and a flavour she couldn't fathom in her semi-conscious state. Her mouth felt dry and as she swallowed a little of the unknown liquid, it seemed to fill her with warmth. She wanted more, felt it on her lips, dripping from somewhere. She couldn't focus to see what it was, saw only flickering light but reached up to feel something above her face and pressed it now to her mouth.

She began to suck at the source of the dripping liquid and closed her eyes, feeling it flow more freely, filling her mouth now to swallow more than mere drips. The effect was almost instantaneous and exhilarating, one mouthful filling her with renewed energy and awareness. She took another mouthful and swallowed, the effect doubling in strength. Her eyes flew open again and awareness came flooding back. She was lying on the bed on her back, Militsa on top of her, their still naked bodies moulded tightly together. Her legs were wrapped around the vampire's hips, her hands on the back of her head as she drank deeply from a wound on her neck.

The blood tasted good and the feel of its warmth and energy as it seemed to spread through her whole body was addictive, euphoric almost. She continued to drink, savouring each mouthful before swallowing, then waiting to feel the wave of energy pass through her before taking the next. She knew not how much she had drunk, nor how much she should be allowed to drink, just continued until finally Militsa raised her head and spoke.

"Enough," she said quietly, pushing her body up from Sophia's. The girl tried to cling for another moment, for one more mouthful but the vampire sat up and gently pulled her hands away. "Much more would be dangerous for us both." Sophia fell back to the bed, smiling, feeling the warmth and energy spreading to every part of her body, making even her fingers and toes tingle with renewed vigour.

"The next part you must face alone. I cannot help, cannot change it but you will endure so maintain what calm you can until it is passed." Running her fingers delicately over Sophia's naked breasts, then down her tummy to her thighs, Militsa smiled warmly at her. "Your blood was exquisite, made me strong and now in turn will make you strong." With that she slid smoothly from the bed and dressed herself next to the chair.

"How long will it take?" asked Sophia, watching the play of light on the vampire's ethereal skin as she dressed.

"You will feel the first pain in a few minutes. Lie still, focus your mind, remain as calm as you are able. You will lose consciousness at some point and how long you remain so will depend on how readily your body accepts the change. You are healthy and vital, your blood was the finest it could be and you are willing; I think it will not take too long." Fully dressed now she turned, a look of genuine affection on her angelic face. "There is nothing to fear, you will be strong," she said, the satin voice soothing. "Lie still and wait, I shall return presently." She turned and left the room, that floating gait giving her a phantom like appearance as she disappeared into the shadows through the open door.

Sophia lay back on the bed and tried to relax, watching the flickering lamplight making the shadows dance around the ceiling beams. She pondered over the events of the evening, from her ill-advised encounter with Elizabeth to her flight from the house and panicked dash through the woods. It seemed distant already, a dream of another life, that this was who she really was and the naive girl who grew up in a mansion was just a shell waiting to be cracked. Smiling, she brought to mind Militsa's otherworldly face, her angelic touch, the feel of their skin gliding over each other, the breathless passion of their kisses; she had no doubt this was who she was and what she wanted.

A burning began in her stomach, quickly spreading to her chest. She drew breath sharply but the air itself burned her lungs. Turning on her side, she drew up her knees, hugging them to her body but the burning was now travelling inexorably through her limbs, reaching her neck and then her face and head. She wanted to cry out, but she couldn't breathe as the burning increased in intensity, becoming a cramp that followed the path of the burning. She clung fiercely to her knees, as spasmodic waves of pain wracked her from her core to the tips of her fingers and toes. Beginning to fear that she would not endure the agony, blackness swallowed her as she lost consciousness for the second time that night.

~

Sophia awoke with a start, unsure for a moment where she was. She flinched, remembering the pain before she had blacked out but felt no trace of it now. She felt good, she realised, alert, refreshed. Breathing deeply, the aromas she remembered seemed more acute; the wood smoke she knew was birch, a little hint of herbs behind that - the herbal brew Militsa had given her. A greasy smell of lamp oil made her wrinkle her nose and as she looked at the flickering flame, she noticed the imperfections in the glass chimney made sparkling rainbows as the flame danced behind them. Mesmerised for a moment, a noise from the lower floor of the cottage drew her attention away.

Leaping lightly from the bed, she felt surprising vigour, her legs strong and nimble, all pain in her neck had vanished. She exited the room to the darkened landing which, in fact, no longer seemed so dark, the shadows receding giving her a clear view of the stairs. Recognising her senses were much sharper, charged with preternatural energy she squealed with delight, skipped lightly to the stairs and descended them in one bound. She landed lightly, laughing, delighted with her renewed body and its abilities, wondered what its limits were.... Plenty of time to find out, she thought amusedly to herself as she looked around the rest of the cottage for the first time.

Stone walls, largely unadorned, arched doorways and windows, sturdy beams across the ceilings, the cottage was a Gothic-inspired charm. Woollen rugs filled each room including the hallway and although sparsely furnished it felt homely and comfortable. A log fire smouldered in the parlour and Sophia added a couple of logs from the basket nearby and urged it back into life. Used as she was to the opulence and indulgence of her family's manor, Sophia found the cottage charming and inviting; it was a real home, affording comfort and privacy the manor did not.

More details of the cottage and its contents drew her attention. She ran her fingers over the books on the shelves that lined one wall of the parlour; some of them looked old and were in languages she had never seen. A cello stood serenely in its cradle in a corner next to the books and it too spoke of age and looked to have been much played. What a fascinating character her new mistress was, such history, what knowledge she must hold. Sophia thrilled at the thought of spending her life with this woman, learning her secrets, sharing her stories and new experiences alike.

She felt so alive, so complete, she thought she might burst with the joy of it. There was no pang of guilt or regret for her past life and the events of earlier in the night seemed dim and unimportant. Skipping again in sheer delight, she made her way to the front door; carved oak adorned with ironwork, it looked almost like a castle gate in miniature, nestled in its arched doorway. Every detail of each charming feature seemed to jump out at her with her enhanced vision, each sight increasing her love of both the house and her new self. She pulled open the door with ease despite its obvious weight and ran out into the wonder of the moonlit woods.

As with the house, new and unexpected details leaped out at her from the night's splendour. She had always thought it dark and quiet but it was far from that, experienced with her new eyes and ears. She could see through the shadows, hear the creatures of the night rustling and rummaging as they went about their nocturnal business, even see their heat trails if she focused hard enough. Far from quiet, the night was full of tiny sounds, a symphony of nature unheard, unseen by the limited thing she had been before. She was mesmerised by the beauty of it and lost for a moment, then started in surprise at a voice behind her.

"Well, it seems my lovely nymph enjoys the night with her new senses." The velvet voice was light with mirth. "Naked too in the chill of autumn."

Sophia spun round, laughing, having heard nothing of Militsa's approach. She looked down at herself, laughed again; she'd completely forgotten she was naked so consumed was she with the wonders she'd beheld. Oddly enough, she had barely noticed the cold, feeling warmed by some inner energy. She skipped two steps toward the vampire and leaped lightly into her arms, wrapping her legs around her, hugging her tightly and kissing her lightly on the lips.

"Thank you, my lady, for this gift and for wanting me, having faith in me and saving me from that other life." She looked on the face of her saviour, seeing her ethereal beauty with her enhanced vision for the first time. The heightened clarity only deepened the impression, almost taking her breath away. She kissed the exquisite lips again and again until Militsa, laughing herself at the bubbling joy Sophia displayed, held her face and kissed her deeply and passionately. After a minute of such kissing, Sophia allowed their mouths to part.

"I feel incredible. I know you have experienced this, this is your reality but I feel fit to burst with the joy of it. I am lucky, I know; you chose me and I accepted this gift willingly, so I have not the fear you had. I feel invincible." She squeezed Militsa tightly again, kissing her soft lips wetly once more.

"I am happier now than I think I have ever been thanks to you, Sophia. I am the lucky one to have found such a soul as you, who wants this and fears me not. You are a wonder and I am quickened by the future we can share." She paused, face assuming a more serious demeanour. "We are not invincible, though; there are limits to our strength and things we must avoid. We are strong, much more so than any human and we can heal from most injury but you must be wise in your endeavours.

"Remember always, we are creatures of myth and feared by all; if we are discovered, they will be driven by their fear to seek our destruction. If we are consumed by fire, we will die just as surely as any creature. If your head is cut from your neck, it will be as expected. While it is not true that the sun will kill us, we are weak in its rays and it will burn your preternatural skin in short order. We are strongest at night, so sleep by day and while it need not be in a coffin, they are well designed for the purpose.

"Your strength and abilities will increase with time, some manifesting earlier than others. Some require much practice to perfect and can overwhelm your senses at first, even be dangerous with lack of control. Be wise, be cautious and if you are uncertain, do nothing without my help or supervision. If I were to lose you now, I would murder the world in my rage."

Sophia listened carefully, nodding sagely at the words; joyful as she was, she was no fool and did not intend to disappoint her enchanting saviour. Militsa squeezed her gently, kissed her lingeringly once more before letting go and Sophia released her legs, sliding lightly to the ground. Taking her hand, the vampire turned towards the house.

"Come inside, my nymph, I have something for you," she said, a smile upon her lips.

They entered the living room together and the fire was burning warmly again, the room felt cosy and Sophia became aware of just how cold her skin had become. She didn't feel cold but in the warmth of the cottage she was aware of the difference. Releasing her hand, Militsa walked to the leather settee and began to remove her clothing, until she stood in all her naked splendour once more. She beckoned seductively for Sophia to approach, shaking her from the enchantment of watching her mistress disrobe.

She stopped just short of contact and they stood eye to eye, their nipples pointed at each other a mere hair's breadth apart. Militsa held her gaze fast, the sparkling eyes hypnotic, magical.

"Hear my thoughts, Sophia," she said aloud. "Look into my mind, and sense my feelings, hear my words unspoken."

The new-born raven-haired vampire focused on her mistress, looking deep into her eyes, trying to see past the flesh to the mind beneath, straining with senses she barely understood. For just a moment, it seemed a veil was drawn back, something warm and powerful touched her mind and she tensed, withdrawing.

"Relax, breathe deeply." Militsa's voice was hypnotic and soothing. "I felt your mind for just a moment. You will not fall or lose yourself, nothing can hurt you here."

Sophia took several deep breaths, maintaining eye contact with the enchantress as she reached out once more with her growing awareness to touch her mind. The veil, as so it seemed, drew back again and she tried not to tense again, sending her awareness forward, sensing once more something powerful and ancient reach out for her. She opened herself to it, imagining her arms enfolding it, holding it as it in turn enfolded her and then, as if a switch were thrown, the connection was complete.

It was, in short, beyond description. The meeting of minds was not simply a link of speech, or exchange of words and thoughts but a blending of consciousness. Sophia saw, or rather felt, Militsa's essence, though neither word sufficiently described the experience. The loneliness she had known, the deaths she had experienced, the wisdom of her years, now unfolded to the girl as if she had lived them herself. There was something else, something powerful just out of reach and she tried to push herself towards it. It hovered just beyond her and with a renewed effort, she followed it, touched it and it enfolded her with new sensation.

Indescribable warmth flooded her being; this was passion she had found within Militsa's mind, powerful, hot, invigorating. Sophia was overwhelmed by it, crying out within her own mind at the joy it inspired. For she was the object of this passion, the inspiration for it and she saw and felt all the years of watching and waiting as the vampire had observed her grow and blossom. She reflected the passion with her own joy at the revelation Militsa represented, her gratitude to her saviour and her own desires for her. Like a hall of mirrors, the merging of their feelings for each other was endlessly reflected desire and each of them felt consumed by it.

Sophia allowed herself to drift in their union of minds, safe and overwhelmed with the strength of it. Without retreating or letting go of her hold, she tried to focus some awareness on her physical body. They still stood eye to eye, not touching and with growing control Sophia stepped into Militsa's physical embrace, to reflect in the flesh what they shared in their joining of minds. As skin met skin, their nipples meeting first with gentle pressure against the cushioning of their breasts, each shuddered, the pleasure of the flesh now being reflected in their joined awareness.

Like echoes, each felt the touch of both the other and themselves, multiplying the sensation and the joy it brought. As their silken skin slid together, their bodies moulding to each other, arousal grew in both with fierce energy. Sophia grew hot, wetness already evident in her aching loins. She had wanted Militsa since first laying eyes on her and now, joined as they were, knew they wanted each other with equal fervour. They kissed again, their mouths opening to each other without hesitation, each touch and taste a perfect mirror of the other's sensations. She felt almost lost in the wonder of it. Who is doing what to who? she questioned in part of her mind.

We are doing it to us, came the unbidden answer and she felt Militsa's unbridled joy in their union. Are you ready Sophia? Take of me as I take of you and trust we will not fall.

They broke the kiss, passing one look between them before tightening their embrace. Sophia felt the change in her mouth as her fangs prepared themselves and following Militsa's lead they struck as one, each sinking their teeth into the neck of the other, gripping tightly to each other as they began to drink in unison, consuming each other's energy and essence. Sophia forced her thigh between Militsa's, felt her accept it, their legs snaking around and locking to each other as they continued to drink. Even with their conjoined minds, the feel of skin on skin, the perfect frictionless softness of it felt exquisite to Sophia, her renewed senses enhancing each pleasure.

A rhythmic beat seemed to grow in force and momentum, and Sophia drew and swallowed in time with it, realising it was Militsa's heart she sensed. It filled their joined minds with a hypnotic beat and she recognised her own heartbeat joining with the other, so they beat as one as they drank of each other. Euphoric energy filled her and she knew they shared this too. Seemingly weightless, they clung to each other fiercely, their passion mingling, both physical and ethereal. Her sex was wet and hungry and she used their locked legs to push against Militsa's thigh, feeling it slide over the silk skin. Her vampire lover responded in kind and she felt both in her mind and body the joy of mutual friction.

Still drawing of each other, Sophia could feel her passion build, knowing from her experience with Katherine that it would soon reach its end. She knew not how much they could take of each other's blood but trusted in Militsa to lead them and joined in both mind and body, she knew their moment would be shared, the pleasure of each entangled with the other. Pressure built between them, slick and wet, swollen sexes hot against each other's thighs. As the wave approached, she sensed Militsa slow the pull against her neck, mirrored her and in silent accord both released their bite and their eager mouths now sought each other.

With no time to tease, they locked together once more, the heat of their ardour leading the dance of tongues, breath falling into rhythm around their still synchronised heart beats. Sophia could no longer tell where she ended and Militsa began; their skin felt fused and locked in their embrace, both of flesh and mind, they were as one, complete in the all consuming ecstasy. The wave broke upon them, an exquisite pain that echoed within their shared awareness, each sensing their own climax alongside that of the other, reflected and re-reflected, drawing out the moment until they released their kiss to scream aloud with primal energy.

Still clinging together, a tightly bound fusion of flesh, they gazed deeply into one another's eyes, seeing as well as feeling the continued echo of their supernatural orgasm written in the seductive beauty of each face. As the waves finally began to ease, Sophia became aware of herself again, the pleasure contained with her own flesh and something else, something strange... She glanced away from the mesmerising eyes before her and noticed the reason for the sensation of weightlessness; they clung together, both arms and legs, gently turning in the air some twelve inches above the floor. As the fact dawned on her, so she felt again the weight of her body and began to fall.

Militsa clung tight to her, laughing like angelic bells, and held her as they slowly descended. Legs folding beneath them as they touched the rug, they came to rest with legs scissored around each other, arms wrapped around each other still. Sophia felt Militsa's mind release from their joining and disentangled her own mind from the singular entity she had felt as they climaxed. She almost felt she had lost the ability to talk aloud, so consumed had she been in their melding.

"You are everything I had hoped you would be my young and vibrant nymph. Old as I am, I can still be surprised; our meeting of body and soul was something wonderful I could not have predicted," she said aloud, her velvety voice still slightly unsteady, betraying the strength of her climax.

Sophia opened her mouth to speak but no words came, her mind not yet fully adjusted to being alone after such a melding. She laughed at her own inarticulate pause, and kissed Militsa warmly and softly instead, drawing more laughter from the vampire. Hearing her laugh, this serious, deadly creature, was a joy in itself and wise and controlled as she was, her laugh could have been that of a young girl, tinkling and innocent.

Sophia found her voice. "I am undone, my lady. Never could I have imagined such pleasure. I have not the words to describe it, save to say it was incredible beyond reason." To her own ears her voice sounded strange, distant, and she knew it would take time to practice this transition between joining with Militsa and being simply Sophia. She felt a pull against the back of her hips as Militsa tightened her legs around her and focused once more on her body which still tingled, lit from within by their intimate bond and magnified by her enhanced sensitivity.

Militsa pulled once more at Sophia's hips and she pulled back, recognising her purpose and urgency. Interlocked as they were, the mutual pressure brought their still engorged sexes into firm contact, still wet and inviting labia opening to each other in the perfect imitation of a kiss. Hot and hungry, they slid together, the press of their legs at each other's backs squeezing the sensitive clitorises hard together. Still at the cusp of her climax, Sophia shuddered, nearly falling immediately into another orgasm. The heat between them, the exquisite press and slide, was so intense, so rapturous, she pressed harder with more of her supernatural strength.

Militsa cried out aloud, betraying her own struggle against the imminent swelling of her lust and impending second orgasm. They pulled with their arms now too, seeking to fuse their bodies to each other, the joining of flesh just as they had joined their minds as they first made love. As breast pressed against breast, their swollen clitorises pressed each other flat, the impossible pressure sending waves of quivering ecstasy through each of them. Completing the circle, Sophia pressed her mouth to Militsa's once more, sealing their lips, taking her breath, pressing them together with strength that would have crushed a mortal body.

The moment hung frozen as time itself paused to hold back the inevitable crescendo, then impossible pleasure struck them both; a hammer blow of preternatural force and exquisite pleasure that washed over each, shaking them to their core. They did not release their hold upon each other and the impossible press of their sexes continued to pulse with orgasmic fire. Gasping in turn within their sealed kiss, they stretched the moment as long as they were able, feeling the hot secretions of their joining spilling out and over their labia and thighs like sweet, musk scented lava.

Eventually the intensity subsided and they relaxed their hold, the crushing force they had applied felt by both though neither were injured by it. Still breathing slowly within the seal of their perfect lips, they took one last long draught of each other and then separated to gaze dreamily into each other's eyes.

"We are one," said Militsa, the inner fire that lit her eyes vibrant and bright.

Sophia was once more lost for words, merely nodding slightly, her eyes holding Militsa's gaze, reflecting the passion and pride she saw there.

"Dawn approaches, my insatiable nymph. We should retire." With that, they untangled themselves, pulled each other to standing. Sophia slid her arms around Militsa's naked shining body once more, pulled them together, addicted to the feel of their skin pressing and gliding together. The older vampire laughed her sweet tinkling laugh and hugged her for a moment before holding her away.

"We must retire; the burn of the sun is not something I want you to endure so early in your new life." With that she led Sophia to the cellar door and, locking it behind them, made her way down the stone steps to a room that was empty save for a large casket on a dais at the far end. Large enough for two and made of sturdy oak, it was lined with padded velvet, a velvet cushion at one end. She climbed in, reclining on one side and beckoned Sophia to join her.

As she settled in beside her mistress, Sophia cast her mind once more over the events of the night. What an adventure it had been; the ending of one life and the beginning of a new one, a magical and unbelievable journey into eternity with this impossibly beautiful creature of the night. She smiled, laughed aloud, filled with the joy of their love-making. Militsa closed the lid and bolted it, sealing them in their dark embrace.

"Sleep well, my angel, for tomorrow we hunt."

~

Elizabeth Capell stared out over the dark lake, the pale light of dusk lending a foreboding aspect to the mirror-flat water on this oddly still evening. With sunset a mere half-hour away, she knew it would be unwise to remain much longer, but the weight of her guilt held her fast. It was the last night of October 1774, the anniversary of the fateful night that had irrevocably transformed her life, as well as the lives of the nearby Ashburner family. A change not borne upon some chance trick of fate, but rather by Elizabeth's own hand.

Elizabeth reached inside her bodice and pulled out the crumpled letter that had led to Sophia's hysterical flight. It was a brief missive, penned in delicate feminine script; a message of farewell from Sophia's maid, Katherine, professing her love, and written proof of their forbidden tryst. For Elizabeth had desired Sophia, desired her with a passion approaching madness.

After her flight into the woods, they'd searched for days, sparing no hand or hour of daylight in their grief and fear, but to no avail. The only evidence of her passing was a shred of silk here and there as the undergrowth had torn at her dress while she ran. Upon accepting the fruitlessness of the ongoing search, Lord Ashburner had turned his anger upon Elizabeth as the harbinger of Sophia's shame, and banished her from his house and lands.

It was on the Ashburner land she now sat, grieving for her lost friend, neither tears nor regret able to balance the guilt she bore. So many nights for so many years, the two of them had sat together at this spot under the willow by the lake, laughing, planning, writing and sharing their secrets. All secrets save one, she thought bitterly. You chose your maid over me.

The sun was lower, daylight fast receding, and with no moon, it would be dark as pitch if she didn't leave soon. She tucked the crumpled note back into her bodice and stood, untethered her horse and mounted, cast one last look over the lake, then turned toward home. A figure detached itself from the shadow of the tree, startling the beast, and she reared violently in surprise. Elizabeth, equally stunned, tumbled from the saddle, hit the ground hard and passed into darkness.

She swam slowly back to consciousness, becoming aware she was lying on her back, her head cushioned while gentle hands cradled her face. Straining to see the face above her brought pain and she winced, shutting her eyes again.

"Lay still, Elizabeth, you had a nasty fall." The voice was gentle, feminine, sounded faintly amused and familiar... so very familiar...

Her eyes flew open again and in spite of the pain, she quickly sat, turning to the owner of the voice. Even in the failing light there was no mistaking the beautiful visage.

"Sophia...? Sophia!? What...?" Words failed her, and a torrent of emotions from stark surprise to deep-rooted guilt washed over the blonde girl.

"Shhh, don't trouble yourself with questions now; the answers won't assuage you." Sophia stood and gracefully extended her hand.

She took it slowly, still reeling from the shock of seeing her friend alive and well. Sophia pulled her to her feet so fast she stumbled forward, colliding bodily with the dark-haired girl who put her arms around her to steady her. They were nose to nose now, and in the last light of dusk, viewed so closely, she could tell that something was different about the young woman she'd known for so many years. Is it her eyes? Sophia's pale grey eyes seemed brighter somehow, luminescent, as though lit from within, lending her an ethereal aspect in the shadows of twilight.

Putting aside her shock and nagging questions for a moment, she allowed herself the luxury of relief that her friend was alive, and that here she was, once again in her embrace. She threw her arms around the raven-haired girl, burying her face in her shoulder, feeling one hand leave her back to gently stroke her hair as they held each other.

"I'm so sorry, Sophia, truly. Madness consumed me that night. It's a poor excuse, I realise, but I've tortured myself each night since." She sobbed uncontrollably into her friend's shoulder. "Where did you go? Where have you been this past year?"

"I fell as I ran through the woods, hit my head and blacked out. An angel saw me, carried me to safety, and in her arms I was reborn, renewed with purpose. It barely seems a year since that night..." The dark-hairedgirl paused, her hand still gently stroking Elizabeth's hair. "... since you unleashed your spiteful jealousy upon me and my family. You've always been quite the irksome thorn, Elizabeth. It vexes me now to think of the strife your gossips have caused but, in reality, I owe you my thanks for the part you played in facilitating my liberation."

There was an almost casual indifference to Sophia's tone that seemed incongruous to the words and Elizabeth struggled to understand. Has she gone mad? Saved by an angel?

"An angel? Liberation? Your words make little sense..." She glanced at Sophia's dress, smoothed her fingers over the fabric of it, feeling the finest velvet, black as night. 'Twas no convent she found herself in, then. Where has she been to still afford such finery? "What can I say but that I'm sorry? If you wish to punish me, I will endure such as you see fit, but for some hope that you will see it in your heart to forgive me." She pulled her face away from the comforting shoulder to look Sophia in the eye. Those eyes... not quite the eyes I remember.

Sophia's mirth remained as she watched Elizabeth struggle with both her words and the shock of her reappearance. Unable to quell her amusement at the blonde girl's graceless fall, she was enjoying her game of cryptic teasing.

"Forgive? Forgiveness is irrelevant, my dear. A kiss perhaps? For old time's sake? With a kiss it began and with a kiss it will end." She stopped stroking the blonde girl's hair and gently pulled their lips together.

Elizabeth didn't resist; Sophia had known she wouldn't. Not that it would have made any difference if she had but it was more pleasant this way, without the dramatics. She enjoyed the kiss in spite of herself and quickly it became passionate, Elizabeth's tongue seeking her own with unashamed eagerness. She slowly began to tighten her arm around the girl's chest, pressing them ever more firmly together. As she was forced to exhale, Sophia breathed her in, gradually, slowly, waiting for the moment she would realise...

Ah, there it is. She felt Elizabeth stiffen as she became aware that something was wrong. Sophia continued to tighten her grip, now also holding the back of her neck more firmly to keep their mouths locked together.

Elizabeth had no more breath to give but Sophia's vice-like grip allowed no relief. How can she possess such strength? Her eyes flew open, panic beginning to overwhelm her as she struggled vainly against the crushing arms of the raven-haired girl. She began to thrash and kick, pushing desperately against Sophia's face and shoulders.

In little more than a minute, her struggle slowed as, starved of air, her strength began to fail. She sagged a little in her friend's grip, tears once again rolling freely from the blue eyes. The dark-haired girl, still holding the breath she had stolen, slowly returned it as she gradually released her grip.

Elizabeth, wracked with panic as she felt consciousness begin to recede, eagerly received the breath, and as she felt Sophia's arms begin to loosen, burst free of them and stumbled backwards. She was terrified.

What devilry is this? Never have I felt such strength! "Sophia, what happened to you? What is happening here!?" she cried, backing away from the friend she no longer recognised.

Sophia smiled, a cold, calculating smile and took a step toward the panic stricken blonde girl, who turned and fled. It was nearly dark now but she could see the lights of the Ashburner house in the distance and ran wildly toward them. She got no more than a dozen steps before running bodily into Sophia, who was somehow now standing on the path before her. She collided with her heavily and recoiled.

"How did you...?" she started, panic overcoming reason. As the figure slowly approached she saw this was not, in fact, Sophia, but another dark-haired woman in a similar dress, around the same age and height, with eyes of pale green that appeared to glow in the darkness. Another? Is this, then, the angel she spoke of? As her eyes met the intense gaze of the mysterious woman, she felt her legs begin to buckle as if drained of all strength.

She turned back to Sophia, who was now directly behind her. Her former friend, still with that wicked smile upon her face, moved suddenly, impossibly fast, grabbing Elizabeth's wrists and pushing her back violently until she was sandwiched between the two. Her resistance gone, the iron taste of fear upon her tongue, Elizabeth sensed her doom.

"Sophia, please, please... I'll do anything, please...!" She frantically looked from one piercing grey eye to the other then to the smiling, seductive lips. The lips parted, and what light remained glinted on her teeth - impossibly sharp and prominent teeth - the smile of a predator, beyond all doubt. "W... w... wh..."

This was all the fear she could draw from the helpless Capell daughter. Her mind was leaving now, terrified beyond thought and as she savoured the last drop of Elizabeth's sanity, Sophia struck slowly, expertly piercing the artery of the neck, and drank. She felt the heartbeat slow as it struggled with the sudden loss of blood. A face hovered next to her, impatient hunger, and in perfect synchronicity, she relinquished her hold and allowed her companion to drink.

Between them they felt Elizabeth's life drain away as her sanity had done only moments before. In the last moment, her companion relinquished her hold and Sophia drank once more until she felt her childhood friend's heart beat its last. She raised her face to the heavens, relishing that final moment, enjoying her vengeance as much as the blood she'd drunk. Then, still holding the blonde's lifeless body by the neck, she turned, and with preternatural strength, threw it far into the lake.

Militsa Volenskii, Sophia's vampire saviour, her Mistress and lover, felt proud of the avenging angel her protégé had become. She slipped her arms around Sophia's waist as she stepped up behind her. "It was as you predicted, my darling." Militsa's embrace and lilting voice broke through Sophia's reverie as she stood, still staring at the lake, where only ripples marked the passing of Elizabeth. "Was it also as you desired?"

"It surely was as sweet and fitting a reward as my good friend deserved," quipped Sophia before turning to face her mistress, kissing her passionately, almost breathlessly. In truth, the drama had played out precisely as she had hoped, and the thrill of it coupled with the taste of Elizabeth's stark terror had excited her in unexpected ways.

Militsa laughed lightly, something she had done much more frequently since she and Sophia had been together. "This fell from her dress as she struggled," she said quietly, handing her a small, crumpled envelope.

Sophia took it and straightened it out. In neat feminine script on the front it said 'Sophia'. Unbidden tears rolled from the grey eyes as she refolded it and tucked it away in her bodice. "We are avenged, my Katherine," she whispered, closing her eyes briefly to recall her lovely maid. Meeting Militsa's loving gaze again, she smiled and narrowed her gleaming grey eyes. "Let's away, my Lady; I've reminisced enough, and now, I fear, may require a little more of your attention..."

Militsa's tinkling laughter rang out louder than before. "You are insatiable, my girl."

They turned simultaneously toward the east, seeming to blur into the shadows as they did so, becoming indistinct, and in a blink their solid forms dissolved into two diffuse clouds of dark vapour that vanished impossibly fast into the night.

~

Sophia had found her marks; a middle-aged woman and her younger companion walking away from the crowd toward an alley just to the right of her perch. She had seen their minds, finding there a corrupt and insidious greed that had driven them to murder the woman's husband for his money and property. Within the thoughts of the young man, she saw a further plot to liberate the money from the woman, who believed him trustworthy and devoted. Such deeds and all-consuming greed were not uncommon and Sophia enjoyed the fear she could draw from such people as she taught them the error of their ways.

She looked to her companion on the ledge beside her, smiling as their eyes met in wordless communion. She was ready now and stole a soft kiss from the waiting lips.

"Perfect as always, my love," Militsa said softly before they turned as one and dropped silently from the ledge.