Vlad had found himself longing to encounter those of his own kind, to travel to the streets of Elysia-that far away world, but after a while it seemed more of a fairy tale than anything else. Like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, only with fangs.

If citizens followed their leaders' example throughout history, the human race would have died out centuries ago.

Live and everyone would die. Die and everyone would live. It seemed like such a simple choice. But nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

The world is full of monsters with friendly faces.

If you thought eighth grade was tough, try it with fangs and a fear of garlic.

Vlad made a mental note to amend the friend code: thou shalt not date the girl that thy best friend has a crush on...nor shalt thou try sticking thy best friend in the chest with a sharp hunk of wood.

It never gets easier, missing you. And sometimes I wonder if it ever will.