Posted: June 2004
Title: The Dark Heart
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

A soft heart-wrenching whisper sliced through the stillness of the night. "I wish I could have seen him one last time."

The skies wept; gentle rain caressed the stone walls to offer comfort. Soon, the castle would be without its master. Touched by his grief and his timeless love, the spirits of the night granted the vampire's dying wish.

Before his dull azure eyes appeared his beloved Vampire Hunter. Karl's handsome face was alight with a brilliant smile. He never thought he would see this beautiful _expression again, this warm heartfelt smile the Hunter reserved for the one he loved. He reached out, bony fingertips sketching his beloved's chiseled features in the misty air from memory. He remembered his lover's face so well, every angle, every curve. What he would give to touch his lover's silken skin one more time.

The Hunter's lips moved. There was no sound, but he knew his lover called out a name different from his own. So, that was it then; his beloved had moved on. He had thrown his life away for nothing.

Still, he felt no fury towards the cause of his pain. He had given his heart to Karl long ago; it was the Hunter's choice whether to crush or to cherish it. He would always love Karl, no matter what happened.

A sigh of resignation left his shriveled lips. He had nothing left to live for; his lover had found happiness elsewhere. He longed for death to take him before the vision showed his beloved in another's arms.

But it was not to be. An exuberant youth with unruly dark curls and molten amber eyes bounced onto the scene. He watched as his beloved embraced the beautiful stranger, watched them kissed as if there were no tomorrow.

He knew then that the exquisite youth was everything Karl had ever dreamed of, vibrant, passionate, a mortal in the fullest bloom of life. Even if he were not a vampire, he could never have given his lover happiness the way this dark-haired youth could. Despite the bitter tears upon his face, he was content. He would pass onto the next world knowing his beloved would have his heart's desire.

Darkness fell. He welcomed it. Before it took him, his blissful vision changed. As if startled, the lovers broke apart. Men rushed onto the scene, tearing the youth out of Karl's arms. Then came the sight he thought he would never see: the mighty Hunter on his knees, clutching an old man's leg, begging the mortal not to take the dark-haired beauty away. Tears rolled unbridled from Karl's eyes as the pleas met deaf ears. The half-vampire buried his face in his hands in defeat, weeping for his lost love.

It was then that David made his choice. Long ago, for love, he had vowed not to prey upon humankind; Now, for love, he would kill again. With his last breath, he would buy his beloved Hunter the freedom to pursue his heart's desire.

*****

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