Her lips look so soft and tender and sweet. I can see her midnight blue eyes that match the night skies as I glance around the room. Her cheeks go pale as I take a step and creek the loose wood floors.

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“H-hello…?” She calls out, soft trills that frizzle and burn in the silence. I take another step forward.

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“Don’t be afraid. Please don’t cry.” My voice breaks at the end of my sentences. In fear of the night, she pushes the curtains back from the crumbling stone window.

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“Who are you?” 

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 “No!” The light of the overwhelming sun hits me and I can feel my skin burn. I fall to the floor. She runs over and holds me in her arms. My eyes flutter and close; her tears are sweet against my decaying skin.

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“I'm sorry! I — I… didn't know!” She sobs. “Don't die! Please don't leave me! We are supposed to stay together!”

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I move my hand and wipe a tear from her cheek. “I love…” As the light in me dies, I am not able to finish my words. Hundreds of years too early, I take my last stale breath. 

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“I love you too, Vlad.”