Chapter 6
Chapter 6: First Victim:
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I waited for Brix’s car to leave before entering the gate. It wasn’t even eight in the evening yet, so Aunt Ophelia hadn’t locked the doors. From the window, I could still see the lights on. Eliyah was probably still playing Xbox—and most likely, waiting for me to do his assignments.
I paused for a moment to compose myself. A lot happened today, but I shouldn’t let it show. Knowing Aunt Ophelia, once she senses something strange, she won’t stop until she finds the answer. No—I’m too tired. Being questioned about things I can’t even understand myself is the last thing I need right now.
I jumped back in surprise when Tati, our dog, suddenly appeared in front of me. My brows furrowed when he started barking aggressively. I tried to touch him, but he backed away and became more hostile. It was as if he didn’t recognize me.
“Tats, it’s me, Astra.” I tried to approach him, but he ran to a corner, still barking nonstop.
He doesn’t recognize me anymore. Maybe it’s because I’ve become a vampire. The thought hit me hard, making me feel even worse. Among everyone, it was this dog I was closest to—I was the one who bathed him, fed him, and walked him. And now, he no longer knows me.
“What the hell is that?!” Aunt Ophelia suddenly opened the door. She was already wearing her white face mask, so I couldn’t see the arch of her brows. As usual, she was in a red dress. “Well, well. So you came back, Astralla?” she said, folding her arms.
Tati ran behind her.
I swallowed before replying.
“Auntie… I missed Mom,” I suddenly said.
I had no excuse left to save myself. As much as Auntie can be difficult, she still loved her sister. At the mention of Mom, her brows would soften and her sharp mouth would fall silent. I rarely brought up Mom because even I got sad—but I had no choice now.
Sorry, Mom...
Her eyes lowered to my dress, and her expression turned more skeptical.
“You missed your mom so you bought a new dress?”
I cursed under my breath, realizing too late what I was wearing. I didn’t respond.
“Eliyah! Come take Tati!” Aunt Ophelia called into the house.
Eliyah lazily appeared and carried the dog. He glanced at me and smiled right away. “You’re here already, Astra. My stuff is on the table in the living room. Once you’re done, put it back in my bag. Don’t forget.”
“I’m tired, Eliyah. Can’t you do your own assignment?” I protested.
“Why would I? You’re here, anyway.” He turned and went back inside.
My gaze returned to Auntie.
“So what if you missed her? Where did you come from?” Her eyes swept over my dress again. “Where did you get the money for that fancy outfit? From Dahlia? Where’s my coffee?”
“I went to visit Mom at the cemetery.” Tears welled up in my eyes. The story may be made up, but the emotions were real.
If only Mom were here, maybe I wouldn’t feel this heavy. I know she probably wouldn’t believe anything I said right now, but at least she would listen and comfort me. Damn. Being alone never felt this awful.
“You went to the cemetery wearing a dress?”
“Auntie… I can’t take this anymore. I miss Mom so much.”
“I-I don’t know what to do with you, Astra.” I saw her gulp, clearly affected. “Go inside. Wash the dishes before doing Eliyah’s assignments.” She turned around and went in.
I looked up at the sky. Stars filled it. I wiped the tears from my eyes before forcing a bitter smile. I sighed deeply and went inside. The TV was still on, and Eliyah’s stuff was all over the table. Auntie must have gone to her room already, probably to keep Eliyah from getting scared.
Even though I was sleepy, I went straight to the kitchen to wash the dishes, yawning constantly. I shook my head to stay awake. After finishing, I turned off the TV and organized Eliyah’s things.
I sat at the table and did his assignments. That guy’s ridiculous. There are instructions and examples, but he still won’t follow them. I don’t even know how he passes. Or maybe he’s just plain lazy.
When I finished writing, I massaged my hands, leaned back in the chair, and stretched.
What a day.
I placed Eliyah’s things back in his bag. Thankfully, Eliyah’s childish. If he found out Dahlia had a crush on him, he’d surely use it to his advantage. Poor Dahlia.
I went to the bathroom to wash my face. I frowned when the hem of my dress got wet as I bent down. I took it off since it was itchy anyway. I wrapped a towel around myself, grabbed the dress, and headed to my room.
I ignored the open window.
I hung the dress in the closet and looked for pajamas. After finding one, I sat in front of the vanity. I picked up my comb and started brushing my hair.
I noticed how red my eyes were from crying.
Suddenly, I remembered what Brix said—he’d pick me up again tomorrow. Which means I’ll see him again. Just thinking about everything that happened earlier makes my chest tighten.
I don’t want to see him anymore. I wish I never see him again.
I turned when I heard a rustle by the window. I didn’t see anything—just a white plastic bag sitting there. I dropped the comb and went to pick it up. I sat on the bed and opened it.
I frowned when I saw snacks… and wine?
I looked out the window. No one was there, but I knew it was Brix who left it.
I returned to the bag and found a small note.
“For sleep,” it said.
I scoffed. He thinks I’m like him—unable to sleep without alcohol?
I put the items back in the bag and shoved it under the bed. I wasn’t going to touch them. Who knows what could happen to me. We just met and he’s already done enough damage. I really hope I never see him again.
I lay on the bed and quickly fell asleep.
---
A miracle happened—I woke up on my own the next morning. No one knocked.
I thought I had woken up early, but when I looked at the clock, it was already 9 a.m. It’s Saturday, so there’s no school. Even on Saturdays, Auntie usually wakes me early to help sell at the market.
I yawned and stood in front of the mirror. I brushed my hair, fixed the bed, and went downstairs. I could already hear Auntie’s sharp voice from the kitchen—and she was laughing. Which is rare, especially in the morning.
What’s going on?
I stood at the entrance of the kitchen and saw a table full of food. Aunt Ophelia and Eliyah were happily eating and hadn’t noticed me. I walked slowly to look at the food.
I froze.
These were the same dishes from the Cardinals’ mansion yesterday.
“Oh, you’re up, Astra,” Auntie greeted me with a wide smile. “Someone sent all this food earlier. There were flowers too.” She pointed at the sink where a bouquet of red roses sat. “Looks like I have a secret admirer.”
Eliyah burst out laughing. “Dream on, Ma.”
She smacked him. “What do you mean dream on? Who else would they be for if not me?”
I approached the flowers and read the note:
“Get well. – B.”
“Eat up, Astra. I’m going to share some of this with our neighbors. I’ll brag that someone’s courting me,” Auntie laughed. “They all said no one would ever like me again. Well, looks like some foreigner fell for me while I was walking down the street.”
I looked back at the food.
“What’s this?” Eliyah held up a bag with red liquid.
My eyes widened when I realized what it was.
“Looks like wine.” Auntie grabbed it and a glass. “Let’s see how it tastes.”
I ran toward them and snatched the bag. “This one’s mine! You can have all the food—just not this!”
Damn you, Brix!
“You sure?” Auntie raised a brow. “No take backs?”
“Yes, ma’am. I just need to get something from my room,” I said quickly.
“Get dressed, Astra. After I share food with the neighbors, we’re going to the market. Maybe my admirer will be there too,” she said teasingly.
“You’re gross, Ma,” Eliyah added.
Instead of going to my room, I went to the bathroom. I locked the door and opened the bag. I gasped when the scent hit me. It was intoxicating. Something inside me awakened with that smell.
I swallowed as my throat felt tight.
I shook my head, poured the liquid into the toilet, and flushed. I watched the stained water return to clear. After making sure no trace was left, I threw the bag in the trash.
I waited a few minutes before heading out. When I got to the kitchen, only Eliyah was there. Half the food was gone. Auntie must have gone out to distribute the rest.
I grabbed a can of food and ate that instead. I wasn’t going to touch anything that came from him. I was done. Even if he showed up and begged me to go with him, I wouldn’t budge.
“You don’t want any of this? It tastes amazing!” Eliyah commented, already focused on his phone after finishing his meal. “Wait. This food—it’s for you, isn’t it? No way it’s for Mom.”
I didn’t respond. I just kept eating.
“Who gave it to you? Was it the same person who gave you that dress? Do you have a suitor?”
I chewed my food before replying. “I don’t really know, Eliyah.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
“When I woke up, my dress was different. I was on my way home last night when it suddenly changed. It was scary, but it felt like… some mythical spirit was courting me.”
He froze mid-tap on his phone. Then he moved his chair closer to me.
“A-are you crazy? I’m telling Mom!”
I just smiled and continued eating. Eliyah inched closer—almost sitting on my lap. What a coward.
“Spirits don’t exist!” he insisted. “You’re just making that up to hide your suitor.”
I stood to get a glass of water. I could feel him following me.
“Spirits, huh? Like I’d be scared of that,” I heard him mutter.
I poured water and drank it. But I hadn’t even finished half of it when I suddenly felt like I was going to vomit. I rushed to the sink and threw it all up.
“You’re screwed, Astra. I think you got pregnant by a spirit!” Eliyah blurted out.
I leaned on the sink, weak and trembling.
What the fuck? Are vampires not allowed to drink water? I winced. I’m thirsty…
“Mom! Mom!” Eliyah shouted repeatedly, still staying beside me.
I turned to him. “Can you shut up?”
He pushed me. “You’re scaring me!”
I rolled my eyes.
I couldn’t eat anymore. I just cleaned up the mess. Even when I headed back to my room, Eliyah followed me. I ignored him. I was used to this. Sometimes he even made me accompany him to the bathroom. He just wanted to hear my voice every second to make sure I hadn’t left.
“I’m getting changed, Eliyah. Get out,” I said while looking for clothes in the closet.
No answer.
When I turned around, he was holding the bag I had hidden under the bed. He was eating the chips while holding the wine in the other hand. He grinned when he saw my glare.
“I won’t tell Mom that a spirit’s courting you. Just let me keep this, okay?”
“Eliyah!” Auntie’s voice echoed from downstairs.
I sighed and nodded. “Fine. Go now. Your mom’s calling.”
He stood and sprinted out of my room. “Mom! Mom! Astra’s being courted by a spirit. She’s pregnant, too!”
I had planned to just change clothes and bathe later when I got home, but I felt too hot, so I took a shower anyway. I had been in the bathroom for several minutes, but I wasn’t getting wet.
I stared at the water.
Will I die if I get soaked?
I swallowed hard and dipped my hand under the stream. I quickly pulled it back and checked.
Nothing seemed wrong. Maybe water only affects me when I drink it?
---
I finished my bath, but the heat in my body still lingered.
We dropped Eliyah off at Auntie’s friend’s house. That’s where he usually stayed in the afternoon when Auntie and I sold at the market. There’s no way we could leave that coward alone at home—he’d die of fear.
When we got to the market, I immediately arranged the vegetables and meat. This was how we earned our daily living. Auntie made good money, especially during special occasions like fiestas, Christmas, or New Year when customers flooded in.
“Good morning!” I froze when Dahlia suddenly appeared. She handed Auntie a bag. “Here’s a week’s worth of coffee, Tita. Don’t overwork Dahlia, okay?”
Auntie smiled from ear to ear. “Thanks, Dahlia. Wow, I’m really lucky today.”
“Why, Tita?” Dahlia asked.
I just focused on slicing and weighing meat. A woman handed me cash and I gave her change. As soon as I put down the knife, another customer showed up.
“Someone gave us tons of food this morning. I think someone’s courting me!” I heard Auntie say, giggling. “There were even roses with a note that said ‘get well.’ I just want to know—where’s the well? Maybe he wants me to go there and we’ll meet up.”
I chuckled quietly at her words.
“Oh, Tita! ‘Get well’ means he hopes you feel better soon!” Dahlia laughed hard. “Seriously, Tita. You’re unbeatable. You’re even worse than Astra, who’ll be a spinster because she doesn’t want a boyfriend.”
Dahlia stood beside me. “So? Feeling better?” She brushed her hand on my forehead.
“Here, ma’am—₱145 in total,” I told the next customer. She handed me ₱150, so I gave her ₱5 in change. “Thank you, ma’am! Please come again.” I greeted her with a big smile, just like I did with everyone else.
I stretched once I put down the knife.
“Oh? You need anything?” I asked Dahlia.
She pouted. “So just because I came to visit means I need something? Can’t I just check on my sick friend?”
I laughed at her response.
“I’m okay, Dahlia.” I adjusted again as another customer arrived.
“So, who’s this doctor that’s not a doctor?” she asked.
“One kilo, ma’am?” I said to the new buyer.
“Kristan wouldn’t tell me either yesterday,” Dahlia muttered.
“Make it two,” said the lady.
I turned to Dahlia for a moment. “I’ll come over to your place later, Dahlia. I’m still working, I can’t chat properly now. Okay?”
“Really?!”
I nodded.
“Okay, I’m off then.” She hugged me before leaving. “Tita, I hope you find your forever love!”
“It’s close, Dahlia!” Auntie laughed.
After I served another customer, I opened a box to get more meat. But I froze when I smelled the blood. My hands started to go numb. The next thing I knew, I was gripping a piece of bloody meat.
And I was craving it.
“Astra, what are you doing? Take some out and close that box. The ice will melt!”
I couldn’t move. I heard whispers again. My eyes felt like they were burning.
“Astra?” Auntie touched my arm.
I slapped her hand away and pushed her. I didn’t even use force, but she stumbled and the meat flew all over the sink.
I bowed my head and started running. I bumped into people—I didn’t care. My eyes were burning, which meant they had changed. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this.
I didn’t know where to go, so I just ran home.
I held my breath until I was safely inside the house.
I looked in the mirror. My whole body turned cold when I saw how red my eyes were. After a moment, I lost all my strength. When I crave blood, I turn violent.
Will I always be like this?
I turned to the dog barking.
Tati...
I gasped when I smelled his blood.
No… you can't do this, Astra.
Before the dog could run, I had already grabbed him.
Moments later, the heat in my body began to subside. I felt better. But as I returned to my senses, I realized my hands were soaked in blood—and in front of me lay Tati, lifeless.
I collapsed, weak.
My hands were trembling.
Tears fell from my eyes without permission.
Tati was dead… and I killed him.
“First victim.”
I turned to the voice.
“B-Brix…”
He stared at me. “This is just the start, Astra. You can do worse than this.”
I looked back at my dead dog.
Then I looked at the man in front of me again.
I never thought the day would come when I’d crawl to him. I grabbed the hem of his pants with my trembling hands. Tears still streamed endlessly from my eyes.
Staring blankly, hollow and broken, I whispered,
“Please… take me away from here.”