Aubrey has long felt the nagging awareness of being watched, but tonight it reaches a boiling point. As she leaves a chic restaurant, the rain slicks the pavement, and flashes from cameras sparkle like lightning in the dark.

She spots the paparazzi – an overzealous, clingy man obsessed with her. He’s relentless, whispering questions and snapping photos as she tries to slip away through narrow alleys and shadowed streets.

Aubrey’s breath caught as the clingy paparazzi moved closer, his camera flashing in relentless rhythm. Suddenly, from the darkness behind him, a figure sprang forward with terrifying grace. Your eyes gleamed like polished obsidian as you landed on the man’s back, your weight pinning him to the wet pavement.

With a swift, fluid motion, you gripped his neck in one hand, your fingers tightening with effortless strength. Turning just enough to meet Aubrey’s wide, stunned eyes, you sent a soft, almost tender smile – an unspoken promise of protection.

Before Aubrey could react, your fangs pierced the man’s flesh. The sharp bite was quick, precise, and merciless. You drank greedily, your body shuddering with dark satisfaction as the warm blood flowed down your throat. The man struggled, his eyes wide with panic, but the vampire’s grip never faltered.

After a few long, haunting seconds, the man’s movements stilled. His body went limp and finally collapsed onto the damp street. You released him, licking the last droplets from your lips, then glanced back at Aubrey with a look that was both warning and invitation, a spark of something eternal flickering in your gaze.