Chapter 6: A Dark Encounter

He rose with a sigh and set out on his journey. For Scarlett, the sacrifice was worth it. A lifetime with her, the most wondrous being ever to grace this world, awaited as a reward. Eight villages and two days later, Reuben had a different perspective. It wasn't that there hadn't been a few visually striking women along the way. But they triggered in him the primal urge to consume them, to drink their blood. He clenched his teeth as he walked thoughtlessly through the forest toward the next village. Not once had anything stirred between his legs. It hadn't done so since he became a Nightstalker. Now, he relished a different kind of intoxication, a much, much better one... Maybe it wasn't just about their lack of attractiveness. His body was simply dead, and a dead body couldn't procreate in the traditional sense. Anger welled up in him as he descended a stone staircase along his path. What a damn mess! How was he supposed to find a human who had once slept with a Nightstalker when Nightstalkers couldn't engage in sexual acts?!

"Not another step."

Reuben instinctively halted and immediately berated himself for obeying. Since when did he let others give him orders? His eyes roamed through the trees, searching, and froze when he spotted her. Blood-red eyes, just like his, glared at him. Her full, red lips pressed together, and the Nightstalker woman did not appear pleased.

A Nightstalker. A Nightstalker stood several paces ahead of him between the trees. He stared at her, incredulous. She had blonde curls that nearly reached her hips, but Reuben could tell at first glance that they were fake. To a human, she must appear as a beautiful young woman.

"What are you staring at?" She approached him, her chin held high, even though he was a few steps above her on the hill. She exuded so much authority that, for now, Reuben felt it best to yield to her will.

He squinted. The sunlight appeared to have no effect on her pale skin, indicating that she was at least a Nightstalker of the fourth, if not the third generation. Anything lower wouldn't have the ability to venture out into the sun without consequences. Her aggressive demeanor toward him showed that she considered herself his equal or at least wanted to convey that impression. It was maddening! It had been far too long since Reuben had seen one of his kind, which made it difficult for him to gauge her.

"It's been a long time since I last saw another Nightstalker," he voiced his thoughts, more to say something than anything else.

"It's best if you go back to wherever you've been hiding for the last four hundred years and stay there," she replied coldly. "For the next few years, this is my territory. The world should be vast enough by now for us not to step on each other's toes."

Reuben furrowed his brow at her unfriendliness. "Now, for the first time since the end of the Purge, I encounter a more intelligent being than a human, and you have nothing better to do than threaten me?"

Her eyes narrowed to slits. "Disappear! And don't show your face here again if you value your life!"

"Keep your cool." Reuben casually raised his hands. He knew that Nightstalkers were not pack animals, but he hadn't expected such aggression. Not to mention that Nightstalkers didn't typically lay claim to territory. Out of personal interest in avoiding discovery, they ensured that they didn't hunt too abundantly in human areas, but otherwise, everyone was free to go wherever they pleased.

It might have been the glimmer of hope that flared within him upon seeing her, but he had a suspicion. His lips curled into a smile. Could it be? If the Nightstalker woman had decided to live among humans, with all that entailed... After all, she didn't face the same problems he did as a man.

"Don't get so worked up; it doesn't suit your pretty face," Reuben grinned broadly and stepped back. She regarded him warily.

"You're right; the world should be vast enough for the few of us who might remain. If you claim this village for yourself, go ahead. I'll just hunt in one of the others." Reuben turned and started making his way back up the hill. He would certainly keep an eye on the woman. Perhaps it was possible to complete the spell.