The Vampire's Crimson Kiss (Editing)

I was left for what felt like weeks. The grim faced temple guards regular visited and held Mary back while I was held down and more drops burnt my eyes. They would always asked what I saw and get Mary to write down what I said ( I didn't think they could read or write - we didn't have time for schools in this vampire apocalypse so all the young people were illiterate ). The venom wasn't bad and it did break the boredom of  sitting doing nothing or worse still practicing walking in the dress and pumps while being corrected by Mary. Venom was the closest thing to a recreational love potion I could have possibly describe. You lay there dreaming of touching, kissing holding. It was like viagra for romance, I would spent hours feeling love for the guards, Mary, Cub everyone in the coven, even the priestess and the Duke. Then I might have  sleep or  the effects would wear off  and you went back to being cold, afraid and bitterly alone. It made me realize this vampire magic was powerful and not to be trusted. 

Everytime, I had complained I was told that the Duke was away on business.  After the second week, I no longer pretended to struggled when the guards put the venom in. After the third it was less wasteful if I did it myself, it's not like it was doing any harm  and it became a welcome break in the daily tedium. The visions were interesting the seemed like faint echoes of the future.  So by the time he returned I didn't know what the fuss was all about. 

Mary had heard that my made up vision did send the high priestess to her books on prophecy. Apparently what you saw on venom was a vision of the future and the best vision came from the virgin dose. Mary had a heard a rumour that my 'vision' did freak the young bitch out. Yea! 

Then one morning I was told Sadismann was on the way. He turned up with all ceremony. I smiled it was just like my faint echos had shown me in my head. 

Sadismann handed me a box. "I heard what happened to you. I'm sorry the high priestess can be, how can I say, zealous. I heard the high priestess has been forcing venom down your eyes. I came to apologise as soon as I got back."

"Don't worry" I began "forcing narcotics in my eyes no biggy, I get it all the time back home"

"Apparently your visions sent her panic. Every time you report another  back she's thrown back to her charts and books. Your coming has shall we say greatly perturbed her which of it's self makes your journey here worth while. I would have had treaties with seven kingdoms if they had cause a tenth part of the disorder to her you have"

"I take it you don't get on" I said.

"She is a threat and a danger close to my heart. Did you hear what she have done to Mary"

"I've heard parts"  

 "What ever it is it's a seed from a larger riper fruit. It's our tradition to give guests a gift and I thought I would give you one by way of apology.  A gift of sorts." he said "It's a protection when your out or receiving my kind, wear it as a talisman of my respect" the Duke said.

"You seriously think you can let people force stuff in me and then buy me off with a gift" I said. 

I smiled a curled lip and  took the box, it felt heavy. Lifting the lid I discovered a shiny silver solid necklace. The necklace open fangs ended in a complex clasp. I looked at the necklace I knew what it meant. I felt like I had seen this before,  I didn't believe in magic but this was weird .

"Yeh Oh a necklace! You know this might work. With nice gifts like this you really should start a wedding list company" I said. 

"Would you like a cross perhaps?" said Sadismann. 

"Do they work?" I asked

He smiled "No, not in the slightest but it makes some people feel more relaxed in negotiations."