**Warnings:** Detailed sexual content, brief mention of blood.
**October 1882**
The hunter had found her prey, and it was already too late.
In the full moon’s pale ray, a vampire bent over an unfortunate creature. Double-inch fangs split severed flesh. A crimson pool blossomed like melting ice under the body. The vampire’s bloodied tongue swept dark from his fangs, and then his yellow eyes caught the moonlight.
Before the hunter could move, claws tore the collar of the hunter’s leather cover, baring the furred inner. Pink saliva hung from open lips as the vampire lifted his new prey from the black grass.
A tree hit her back, and a second set of clutching needles pinned the hunter’s thigh immobile. Her clenched fists relaxed, and she shut her eyes to block out the blood.
**February 1883**
In front of the hunter was the door of the vampire’s manor. It was thrice as tall as she, polished wood black as the sky around her, the knob gold. The hunter hesitated, but the door opened by itself with a soft creak.
Shivering in the frigid rain, the warmth was no comfort. There was a tall figure ahead, a blur against the faint glow of candles.