Where the vampires roam

She skidded to a halt on top of the dew-kissed grassy hill and stood there, still and silent, like one of the stone statues in the park below. Angry red burns and dark black bruises scarred her perfect features; her busted lip painting her chin with streaks of scarlet.

It had been weeks since she fed on anything but scraps found in the dumpsters of city valleys and her body was more skeleton than flesh and blood.

They had been chasing her for months now, weapons sharpened and guard dogs trained to track her scent.

The night air was crisp and her ragged breaths fogged at her lips as she exhaled. She knew she didn't have much time before the dogs caught her scent again, (they had lost it when she crossed the river) and then the chase would be back on. So she stood and drank in the peaceful silents and gazed up at the sky where hundreds of stars twinkled at her; their merry twinkling mocking her.

A howl pierced the silence, and another and another till the chorus was so loud she saw lights flickering on one by one in the nearby town.

Eyes widened with fear she ran for the town, praying to be able to feed properly. she just needed more time; a bit more time.

The world blurred around her as she streaked down the hill, keeping her eyes focused on the small town ahead.

Spotting a man up ahead she reached out to grab him.

Her fingertips brushed against the soft skin at his neck.

She felt his heart pumping and the steady pulse of his artery.

And a wooden stake slid cleanly through her heart.

A hunter stared hatefully down at her as she crumbled to the ground and her skin dried, crumbling to ashes that floated away on a gentle breeze.

Then he and his tribe turned and walked away.

Their job was done.

The last existing vampire was gone.

They were safe at last.