Bloodl.u.s.t

Fixing my eyes on Nicholas, I muttered the incantation, "Inrupit Venae."

I waited for the spell to take its effect with much enthusiasm, almost failing to keep the smirk off my face. During the practice, I had slipped various bits of information (with quite exaggeration) to Peter about how Nicholas had made my stay torturous. He had realised it was unfair and believed I should be given a chance at taking revenge. So, that was how he had taught me my first offensive spell; one that could burst the blood vessels of supernatural creatures over and over again since they healed quickly to ensure they experienced excruciating pain.

Because I was a newbie, Peter told me it would take some time for the spell to work and this was going to be my first real time performing it. I smirked wickedly, my gaze still fixed at Nicholas; his face remained expressionless but I noticed a bit of anticipation in his eyes.

To my surprise, Samuel began shaking and the next moment he was sweating profusely. The room was instantly filled with agonising screams as he fell to his knees. His clutched his hair between his fingers and tugged at them painfully.

For a moment I was confused. I couldn't understand what was going on but then I realised it was the effect of the spell. Peter seemed to have realised it as well and instantly bent down to get hold of Samuel who was tossing and turning on the floor.

I stopped the spell immediately, "Oh my god... I'm so sorry! I was..." I began but cut myself off at the sight infront of me. I was feeling bad for hurting him. He had been nice to me and I had hurt him.

The echoes of screams came to an end. He stopped sweating. "What happened?" Samuel asked as soon as he realised his blood vessels weren't exploding anymore. He was drenched in sweat, the wet fabric of his tshirt clung to his skin revealing the abs beneath it.

"I'm sorry! You weren't the target. I failed... I couldn't perform the spell properly." My voice gave away the disappointment that I had held within. "I didn't want to hurt you."

He straightened himself and chuckled like he wasn't in extreme agony few seconds before, "Wow, you're a powerful witch. Remind me to never mess with you."

I couldn't help but smile at his compliment but Nicholas decided on spoiling the moment of happiness, "Didn't you hear what she said? You weren't the target but somehow the spell affected you. She failed and yet you call her powerful," There was a slight pause, " I was the target, right Taylor?"

"It's okay, Diana. It's day one, you'll get better at this." Peter tried to reassure me when he noticed the frown that had begun forming on my face.

"Well you see, she did fail but not in the way you think. I was indeed her target but these spells don't affect me anymore. I've around been for two and a half centuries." He said mockingly as I helped Samuel get up.

"You had both of them targeted, Diana. It's important to learn to limit the effects of a spell to an individual only. We can practice that tomorrow. I'm hungry now... has anyone cooked dinner?" Peter looked at Samuel with hope in his eyes. He shook his head.

"Wait... you're just going to let this go like that? She's useless. We're wasting our time. We're better off without her." Nicholas said in a disgusting voice and I had to control the urge to throttle him. But I couldn't keep my mouth shut, "I didn't beg you to kidnap me and keep me here in this spooky mansion, you stone-faced vampire! If I'm useless then let me go!"

Peter interrupted. "She's our only option, Nicholas. We're better off with her because trust me she's done far better than what I had expected from her." His tone held boredom like he had repeated this many a times to him.

"I don't understand... if Peter is such a powerful warlock why do you guys need me? And you are teaching me spells which I can use to hurt supernatural creatures including you... who are you dealing with? other vampires?" My bickering seemed useless since I received no answer but I continued, "Honestly, I'm so tired, I don't even have the power to argue with you right now. I'm just exhausted." I sighed heavily and wandered off into the hallway.

~~~