First Time In The Human World

Lilith POV

The day had long faded into night, and the sky was now a canvas of swirling clouds that seemed to form shapes I couldn't quite decipher. As I cruised home in my dad's trusty Toyota Camry, the rhythmic flicker of streetlights accompanied my journey, illuminating the road with each passing moment. The upbeat sounds of "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift filled the car, and I found myself nodding along to the infectious rhythm, letting the music drown out the thoughts swirling in my mind.

This was my first real experience in the human realm, and wow, it was a stark contrast to the Shadow World I was used to. In that other dimension, it wasn't just vampires like me; there were all sorts of supernatural creatures lurking in the shadows. My family had just moved to this bustling city a week ago, but I had stayed behind to finish up a crucial task. I was focused on learning how to keep my fangs in check, especially when the scent of blood wafted through the air, which was a challenge I was determined to conquer.

Unlike most of my kind, I hadn't yet tasted blood or taken my first bite. I felt more like an ordinary human than a creature of the night. My diet consisted of things like cheese and burgers, which I absolutely loved. It was a strange existence, straddling the line between two worlds, but I was embracing it, one delicious bite at a time.

It was two years back, on the day I turned sixteen, that everything changed for my family. My older brother, Arden, experienced his first kill, and in the chaos of that moment, he got bitten by a vampire. The transformation was swift and brutal; he became a full-blooded vampire almost overnight. The fear that gripped me was overwhelming, especially since he struggled to manage his new instincts. The council had warned us that a Dhampir like Arden would fully transition into a bloodsucker if he killed or was bitten, while a bite from a werewolf or a taste of witch's blood would turn him into a hybrid. It was a lot to process, and I felt like I was living in a horror story.

My dad always emphasized our family's code: "We don't kill, we protect those we love." Those words echoed in my mind, a reminder of the values we held dear even as everything around us spiraled into darkness. I could see the weight of those words on my father's face. He had always been our protector, but now, with Arden's transformation, it felt like the very foundation of our lives was shaking.

As I sat there, my thoughts drifted, and I found myself staring out at the twinkling lights in the distance, lost in a sea of memories and worries. Suddenly, a car zoomed past mine, a blur of metal and speed that jolted me back to reality. I caught a glimpse of it in my rearview mirror, and it was clear that the driver was in a hurry, going at least 30 mph over the limit.

"Hey, what the heck?!" I shouted at the car that had suddenly passed in front of me. I fumbled with the map my dad had given me before I headed off to the academy last week, but it was a total mess. The human world was a puzzle I just couldn't seem to solve, so I decided to rely on the GPS instead to guide me back home.

You might be curious about how I picked up driving skills. Well, it all started with a few lessons from my dad, who was surprisingly patient with me. He taught me the basics, and even though I wasn't a full-fledged vampire, I managed to get the hang of it, even if I couldn't do all the cool tricks like flying or changing shapes. I did have some unique abilities, like hypnotizing people, and my eyes would glow whenever someone I was connected to needed help or wanted me to read their thoughts.

I hit the brakes hard and swerved the car around, coming to a stop in front of a gray house. The sudden jolt pushed me back into my seat, and I could feel the seatbelt pressing against my chest. After unbuckling, I stepped out into the warm night, the air wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. I closed the door behind me and stood there for a moment, taking in the quiet surroundings of the house before me.

"She found it!" Mom exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. I could feel the pride radiating from her as she gently patted my back, and I couldn't help but grin in response. "Let's go," she said, taking my hand in hers. Together, we strolled toward the house, with her guiding me to the porch, where the familiar sights and sounds of home welcomed us.

As she swung the door open, we stepped inside, and I was immediately struck by the charm of our Elizabethan home. The wooden panels lining the hallways gave it a classic feel, while the ornate chandeliers added a touch of elegance overhead. The staircase led us down into a spacious room that boasted a grand fireplace and a cozy rug laid over the flagstones. A long, polished wooden table was beautifully set, ready to accommodate our entire family for a meal, and it all felt so inviting.

"You'll get used to it," Dad chimed in as he approached, pulling me into a hug that felt reassuring. I returned his smile, leaning into him as he asked, "How was your training?" I opened my mouth to respond, but as my fangs began to emerge, a sharp pain shot through me, causing me to hesitate.

"Dad, I thought you wanted us to live a normal life," I finally managed to say, the weight of my words hanging in the air between us.

"I definitely do, and since you're here now, why not join us for dinner? I can only imagine how exhausted you must be."

Arden cut in, taking off his sunglasses to reveal his bloodshot eyes. "You could have just let me come and get you instead of making the trip alone." It was clear he hadn't had a proper meal since they arrived in the human realm, and I couldn't help but feel a bit concerned for him.

"Wow, man, you look a bit terrifying. How are you managing without any blood?" I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

He opened his mouth, revealing his fangs, clearly tempted to take a bite out of me, but thankfully, Mom intervened just in time. "That's enough... come on, Lillith, let me show you to your room," she said with enthusiasm, leading the way up the stairs. I followed her but paused on the landing, taking a moment to soak in the surroundings of the house.

She swung the door open, and I walked into the space. The room had a sleek rectangular shape, with edges that were rounded off, giving it a contemporary vibe. This design choice made the walls appear as if they formed a seamless, flowing surface that wrapped around the entire area, creating a sense of unity and modernity.

The walls were painted a soft light blue, which added a calming touch to the atmosphere. It was interesting how the blue hue seemed to envelop the room, creating a serene backdrop. There were six light bulbs strategically placed in their respective sockets, each one adjustable to shine on different areas, allowing for a customizable lighting experience that could set the mood just right.

The flooring was a rich golden brown wood, adding warmth to the overall aesthetic. The bed was positioned along the right wall, while the computer setup occupied the opposite side of the room. A sleek writing desk, made of stainless steel with powder-coated legs, held a lamp and a laptop, complementing the silver stool that matched perfectly. In the center, a striking red sofa with nickel-plated steel legs provided a pop of color, making the space feel inviting and stylish.

I turned to Mom while we lounged on the couch and asked, "So, how's Arden holding up?"

She let out a deep sigh, clearly feeling the weight of the situation. "You saw how he's been; we're really trying to get him back to eating regular meals," she explained, her voice tinged with concern. Standing up, she faced me and shifted the conversation. "By the way, school starts tomorrow. How pumped are you for that?" she inquired, trying to lighten the mood.

I couldn't help but chuckle a bit at her question. "Is anyone ever really excited about school? What do you think?" I shot back, a playful smile creeping onto my face. It was one of those classic moments where the anticipation of another school year felt more like a chore than an adventure. Mom seemed to appreciate my humor, even if it was a bit sarcastic, and she nodded knowingly, her expression softening as she prepared to leave the room.

After dinner that evening, I decided to unwind with a hot bath. The steam enveloped me, washing away the day's worries. Once I was done, I strolled over to the dresser to dry my hair, slipping into my cozy blue robe afterward. Glancing at the clock, I noticed it was already eleven o'clock. I made my way to bed, and before I knew it, I was drifting off into a deep, peaceful sleep, my mind floating away into a world of dreams.