Silent Heartbeat

[[Intro]]

My eyes fluttered, trying to get used to the dark as the lights were shut off. This was a nightly thing, and I wasn't unaware of it. At exactly ten o'clock, all the lights were powered down. It was Bryan's rules. He was the leader of our group. Is group even a correct term? I didn't choose to join, if that's the case. It's more like imprisonment. I scoffed and rolled onto my side, looking up at the ceiling. Life was horrible, or at least as much of it as I've lived. I'm only eighteen, I turned that age last week. I've been here since I was twelve. Yes, six years. You'd think after being the second oldest person to be here, I'd be treated better. But sadly, that is not how the game is played. Life in Bryan's little clan was worse than death. Well, it's probably because we are already dead. You heard correctly, I'm dead. No, I'm not a zombie, those things are make believe. I'm something far worse. A vampire. A creature in the night. Did I say creature? I meant monster. That's all I truly am, is a monster. I shut my eyes tight as I heard somebody walk past my room. I don't want to be caught up past curfew. God knows what happened last time. I heard my door rustle open and I squeezed my eyes tighter.

"Zera, drop the act. I know you're awake." I heard.

I kept still. If I stay this way, they probably won't know.

"Zera, stand up." Bryan said gruffly.

I fluttered my eyes open, giving in quickly. I'm in trouble.

"Why are you up past curfew?" He asked roughly.

"I-I couldn't fall asleep." I stuttered. He grabbed my arm.

"Let me help you." He spat, pulling me towards the bed.

He threw me on it, then grabbed my face tightly. Without a warning, I felt his hand whip across my face. It stung so unbelievably bad. I kept from crying out, as I'd get in more trouble.

"Next time you won't be so lucky." He said, spitting on me as he stomped out of my bedroom.

I scurried up, wiping his saliva off my face, disgusted. I rubbed my red cheek and felt a tear slip down my face.

This is my life, and I have no other choice than to live it...