Morira: Daughter of Darkness

By Helene Krejsager

Morira knows better than to get involved with... humans. Yet, when she is forced to get close to Uriel, the most handsome and kind man she has ever met, emotions that she had long forgotten resurfaces.
But falling for him is problematic... even more so as she is supposed to kill him. Being a vampire, she has no choice but to obey her master and creator. And as her master wants Uriel dead, can she ignore her feelings and kill him? Do she even have a choice?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781471757495

Book preview

Prologue

It was like looking through water; everything was blurred. Intangible. Like her memories. 

She no longer knew who she was, who she had been. She was like an empty shell; all hard and cold on the outside and empty on the inside. Nothing remained but blurred and elusive feelings and memories from a life that was no longer hers. Had she lost everything? Or nothing? Had there been anything to lose at all?

He had saved her. Given her a purpose. A name; Morira. Death.

And he was her master, her protector. He had her life in his hands, literally. She was his to command; she was brought death, coldness and emptiness. She was Morira, daughter of darkness. 

Chapter 1

Morira sighed and let go of the body. It hit the floor with a soft thud. She glanced at the lifeless open eyes which stared back at her in horror. The smell of fresh blood reached her nose and even though she wasn’t thirsty, the smell was almost irresistible. Annoyance filled her and she stepped away from the body. 

She looked around in the penthouse while her nostrils flared. The man she had just killed had been rich. Very rich. As an experienced killer and assassin she had entered many homes and this was one of the more exquisite ones. Great panorama windows made out most of the walls and she had seen a flat-screen in almost every room – even in the bathroom above the tub. Disgusted she shook her head and went back through the apartment. 

The smell of soap, perfumes, sweat and blood bothered her sensitive nose. As a vampire her sense of smell was far superior to the human standard. The smell of blood was almost impossible to hide from her – especially once she had the scent. Yet her sensitivity made all kinds of smells strong and especially those that would lead her to her prey stood out; sweat, blood, tears and adrenalin. Adrenalin was good, her favourite; the adrenalin was a sure indication of the fear felt by her prey and the smell of adrenalin had been very strong on the dead man in the living room. But now it didn’t matter; the smell was gone, he was gone and only she and the blood remained. It was time to find what she had come for in the first place; the diamond. 

She had searched on every shelf, in every drawer and even under her victim’s bed, until she finally found the little suitcase in the wardrobe. She tore the suitcase apart and inside she found the little red diamond. It glinted in the dim light when she tipped the suitcase. 

Slightly shaking her head she put the small stone into her breast pocket and threw the suitcase unto the bed. Precious stones and other things that humans thought of as valuable was of no importance to her. Nothing was important to her. 

Satisfied that her job was done she went out onto the terrace, past the pool, and crawled up unto the marble railing. The wind caught her black hair and swirled it around her, caressing her face. Above her the moon was shining from a cloudless black sky and the stars gleamed softly, almost invisible because of the full moon. But the magnificent view was destroyed by the city lights and noise. She had always hated the big city though it was easier to find prey here than any other place. The dark alleys provided the perfect hideouts while one waited for the late night stroller to pass by. Even if she didn’t want to admit it to herself she had always liked the openness of the countryside. The woods and the open fields offered her freedom and peace; something that she couldn’t find in the city. Here she was always watchful and on her guard. There was no knowing when her master would grow tired of her and dispose of her – like he did with his other creations when they no longer pleased him. Already she was one of those that had been in his service for the longest time; because she was the best. When she was no longer the best, he would have no need of her, and he would end her life. 

Looking down from the terrace Morira could see the many yellow cabs making their way through the New York traffic on the streets far below. One would think that the humans would sleep during the night and that the city would finally be quiet, but it was never quiet in New York. It would seem as though its citizens did not sleep at all. When it wasn’t the sound of the traffic that reached your ears it would be the sound of police sirens, the metro or noisy humans making their way home from the bars.

Smiling against the moon Morira leaned forward and let herself fall from the railing. A thrilled laughter rose from her throat as she fell from the building. The wind screamed in her ears and ripped at her clothes and hair. The cabs beneath her came closer with an incredible speed. She laughed again just as she caught on to the fire escape on the building opposite of the one she had jumped from. A sharp pain shot through her arm and shoulder, making her swear. The pain faded almost as fast as it had occurred as she made her way unto the landing. Still smiling she let her hand glide through her tangled hair in a vague attempt to comb it as she watched the yellow cabs. Turning her back on the street she climbed the fire escape until she reached the moonlit rooftop. Looking around her, for a moment enjoying the skyline, she started running across the rooftops as if the devil himself was on her tail.

Reaching her destination Morira stopped and crouched, smelling the air for enemies. Long shadows fell across the rooftop as air vents interfered with the flat and moon-like landscape. The puddles on the rooftop reflected the light from the moon above her, looking like dark windows to another world; a world of shadows. 

Satisfied that she was alone, Morira moved to the edge of the building, looking down at the shining city below her. When she read the signs on the stores and night-clubs, distant memories of another life flowed through her mind. The life she had had before – before she got bitten. 

The pictures in her mind were blurred and made no sense to her. She knew that she should recognize the things she saw, but didn’t know why. It was like that with everything in this life of hers; she was cut off from everything. She was a silent bystander, never knowing or recognizing the world around her. 

Upset and confused by the pictures and memories that she didn’t recognize, she chose to ignore them. Not confronting the past was better than digging too deep. Nothing good would ever come of it. But the only thing that she couldn’t ignore was the burning sensation of pain and loss, which would sometimes cloak her and crush her from within. The pain was caused whenever she accidentally saw a child; she worked hard on ignoring them and tried to avoid places where they’d be, like playgrounds. She had learned that children caused her pain and she shied away from them like a burned child shies the fire. 

Sometimes the pain was followed by the memory of a girlchild, small and fragile and all in pink. This was the worst memory she had, the one that hurt the most. 

Sighing, Morira shook her head and lowered her eyes; she was standing above one of the dark puddles. Squatting down she could see her reflection in the water. She could see her own irritation, anger and confusion. Frowning, she looked intently into the dark water; the black hair encircled a pale almost white face with eyes whose pupils were as black as the night. Her jaw was set and her full dark-blue lips were pressed into a hard line. Black eyebrows and lashes made a hard contrast to the pale face. Her look was glaring, almost icy. She had always looked like that; at least in her life as a vampire. She knew nothing of her life before… yet she remembered the excruciating anger and despair she had felt when she realised what she had become; and now she knew nothing else.

The city is beautiful this time of night, don’t you think? Morira saw her eyes narrowing before she lifted her gaze from the puddle to the man by her side. She hadn’t heard him approach her, and yet she did not expect to either. Vampires were as silent as mist and just as intangible.

Morira bent her head in respect. 

Master, I have what you asked for, she reached for the small diamond in her breast pocket and held it out to him. His lips parted in a smile as he took the stone in his hand. He tipped it this way and that to see it glimmer in the moonlight. 

You are a miracle, aren’t you, Morira. Never have you disappointed me. You were born to this. He weighed the diamond in his strong white hand before placing it in his bag. Were there any complications? Morira shook her head and looked at the white moon; the only ever witness to her killings.

No. I made it look as though it was his only enemy who did it, just like you asked me to. She replied, her voice steady and cold. He nodded and smiled, showing his sharp teeth.

Excellent. There is no worse enemy than jealousy and family – especially if those two are combined. His brother will probably be locked up for the rest of his mortal life, unless he has a good alibi. Morira shrugged indifferently. The human problems did not concern her.

I don’t understand why you care, she murmured, not sure if she wanted him to hear. He laughed and caressed a lock of her hair with his long fingers.

Morira, dearest Morira. I can see that you think that my behaviour is… different, odd even, from others of our kind. And I do go against our instincts. I am even a very rich businessman and the humans recognise me as such. Morira looked into his cold black eyes and saw his self-satisfaction and pride; she knew that many would think of him as handsome, muscular and beautiful as he was, but she had never thought so. He was indeed attractive, but there was something else about him, that made him utterly uninteresting to her. Something that she couldn’t quite put her finger on, but it was definitely there.

His velvet voice caught her attention as he continued: Well, Morira, unlike many others I still remember my life as a human – the only difference is, that today I have eternal life and I am even richer and more powerful than I ever thought possible as a human. He smiled at her, You see, my dear, I don’t think that we must change our lives just because we are what we are. And makeup is very helpful to keep up the pretence. Morira wrinkled her nose in disgust which made him laugh again.

Maybe one day it will be possible for you to do as I do – live among the humans and have a real life. We can always hunt at night; there is more than enough scum in this city to make our lives comfortable.

I don’t care for such a life. The affairs of the humans do not interest me. And even if they did, I have no money, I remember nothing of my former life, and I have neither friends nor an education. What could I possibly be doing when pretending to be human? And who would want me? I have no chances of a ‘real life’ as you call it. This is my real life and I don’t want it any different, she said. He smiled. 

I am sure that someone would be happy to have you, he winked at her and she shivered, and you are a fantastic murderer and assassin – the best I’ve got. She laughed coldly. 

Perhaps I am, but that’s just the way I am, it’s not an occupation; it doesn’t make me rich. 

Oh, but you are wrong, my dear. You see, I like you, Morira, and every time you have been successful I have entered a small amount of money into an account in your name. As long as you do not disappoint me, you will one day be a very wealthy young woman. A very rich and forever young woman. Morira gaped at him. 

But why would you do such a thing? he laughed at her reaction.

You make it sound as though I have done something horrible to you. He shook his head, looking at her with intense dark eyes and sighed, Because I like you, Morira. I wish that you would some day stop resisting me and what we have. He held up a small plastic card with her name on it.

Here is your credit card and the code as well. I expect that you may need the money on your next assignment and you might as well use your own. Morira accepted the card – it felt odd between her fingers, very fragile. 

But what should I spend the money on? He laughed fondly, but there was a hard edge to the laughter as he kissed her cheek, letting his lips travel the length of her jaw. His breath was cold on her skin.

Some beautiful clothes, perhaps? he whispered and she could feel his hand on her waist as he kissed her neck. You have a lovely body… you ought to give it some credit by wearing something equally beautiful. Morira pulled away and glared at him. 

We have discussed this – I am not interested. He shrugged. 

One day you may be. And if not, then I am looking forward to meeting the man who can tame you. There was a deadly promise to his words and suddenly his hand flashed out and caught her wrist. A small blade flashed in the moonlight as he cut her finger. Dark blood welled instantly.

Morira hadn’t even flinched; he was her master. He could do with her as he pleased even though her instincts flared, telling her to run, fight or anything that would get her away from him. Instead, she looked at him coldly, as he kissed the drop of blood from her finger, the blood colouring his lips.

Underneath the blood her finger had already healed.

Just remember, that I own you. You are mine, he whispered, steel in his voice as he leaned in and kissed her lips. When he pulled back, Morira watched him with emotionless eyes and she could see his anger flare. 

You mentioned a new assignment. What am I to do? she asked, taking his attention from her lack of response. 

He smiled. 

Chapter 2

There was a racket of human voices around her as Morira took a seat in the overfilled train. She had never had to travel by train before, at least not in this life, but she seemed to know what to do and where to go anyway; as though some long lost instinct was guiding her. 

She noticed some staring looks in her direction, but she ignored them as she smoothed her skirt. She was wearing a bright yellow summer dress that reached her knees. Light sandals shaped around her bare feet made her feel almost naked. She always wore her black boots, pants and her black shirt under her leather jacket. All of it was black and tight so it wouldn’t hinder her movements. It was her hunting equipment – what she always wore, and what made her feel comfortable in her own skin. 

Disgusted she took her eyes from the dress and almost felt ill, when she thought of all the other dresses and not-black things that she had bought. She had followed her master’s advice and had bought some clothes and makeup so that she would be prepared for this new assignment. She had used her own money; the money she got from the small plastic card. Though money, like all other human riches, meant nothing to her, she had been surprised to find just how much money was at her disposal. She knew the value of millions of dollars. 

Taking her thoughts from her shopping and her bank account, she pulled a small letter from her purse. It vibrated in her hands as the train rolled from the station. She ignored the human laughter and talk, and even the sound of a crying baby, as she unfolded the letter and focused on the text.

Dearest Morira,

In the following you will find the background information for your assignment and what it is I want you to do.

I wish you good luck and I expect nothing but success, as you already know. I believe I do not need to mention the price for failure.

Best regards

XX

Morira snorted disgustedly – and thereby causing an old woman to look at her fearfully. Her master wanted full anonymity which explained the ‘XX’. She didn’t even know his name, but then no one did. Her master would never tell her or the others anything that could bring his company or his pretence in danger. Neither did he want his slaves to know where to find him, should they grow tired of him; which many did. She smiled; only a fool thought to invade the privacy of her master and she pitied those stupid enough to stand against him. No one had a chance. He was a strong and fierce fighter; no vampire, however skilled, could survive his wrath. 

Shaking her head she turned her attention to the enclosed papers and started reading them.

Background:

The target is a 28-year-old male living in one of the northern cities in the state of Michigan. He is a priest and works in one of the local churches. His name is Uriel White. 

He has already been declared a target several times, but no one has been able to bring him down. None has returned either. This makes me believe, that he may have developed a way of disposing of us.

Task:

It is your job to get to know the target and find out whether he is a thread or not. You need to find out, what have happened to the others, and whether the target does have a way of disposing of our kind. You must be cautious that he does not become suspicious of you.

Once you have learned his secrets you will dispose of him. We cannot have a killer wandering about.

Since you will stay in a rather small city with a small population, you may not hunt within the city – it would immediately draw suspicion if too many people disappeared. You will have to hunt in the Hiawatha National Forest. The livestock there should be enough to keep you alive. 

A house has been made ready for you and I have taken care of giving you a new identity. The papers will be ready for you at the house. The target spends a lot of his time in the local kindergarten and therefore you are to work there. I have already arranged it, so that you start Monday morning.

Ps. do pay attention to the high temperatures – it is now summer in Michigan. 

Morira shifted in her seat, feeling uncomfortable. A human who might know how to kill vampires… she had never heard of such a thing. Not that vampires were indestructible, but they were very hard to kill, since they healed fast and moved even faster. This man must bee strong and swift to have been able to catch the others that had gone missing. 

But how could he even tell, that they had been vampires in the first place? No one really believed that they existed, so how had he come to know about them? Maybe he had lost a family member to a vampire; it wouldn’t be the first time. Sudden unexplainable car crashes were not always that unexplainable.

Morira read the letter again – her master wanted her to kill this Uriel White. It was risky business getting involved with targets. She had, of course, done it before and could do it again, but it was not the same as a clean kill. It felt dirty in some way. Like betrayal of the person’s trust – yet she couldn’t concern herself with feelings. Especially the feelings of her master’s targets, because that would indeed be risky business; it might even cost her life. 

What made her smell danger already was the fact that this man might already be a vampire killer, and he might recognise her for what she was, the moment he let eyes on her. And then what would she do? She couldn’t kill him in front of other humans that might be present at the kindergarten – that would leave too many witnesses that had to be dealt with; a certain bloodbath. 

Even if he did recognize her as a vampire, the best way to kill him would be to do it quietly, in his own home, and then make it look like a common burglar did it. She had used that method before; it worked just fine. But if the man was indeed a vampire killer it might be her that would end up getting killed. And she had no interest in that. She wanted to come out of this alive which meant that she would have to be careful, bide her time and act like a human. Not that she had any idea how to accomplish that. She had been a vampire for so long now, that she didn’t know how to act human. 

Suddenly feeling tired, she rested her head against the cool window. Getting to know the man and act like a human wasn’t going to be her biggest problems. From what she had learned from the letters, she would have to prey on animal blood. She didn’t like the thought of that. 

Animal blood would weaken her and gnaw at her self-control, when she was around humans. Yet what she feared most was that she might have to deal with the vampire killer after having lived on animal blood for some time. She might not have the strength to fight him off, if he indeed was as strong as she feared he might be. She certainly wouldn’t be strong enough to fight off another vampire. She made a face; she would have to stay away from New York for a time after having killed Uriel White. Even when her master was pleased with her, there was no telling with him. He might suddenly be annoyed with her and want to dispose of her. He might want to get rid of her solely because he had the opportunity to do so, when she is weakened from feeding on animals.  Looking at her finger, where he had cut her, she knew that death was not the only thing, which she should fear from her master. He did not take rejection well and he had been patient. He had never rushed her or forced himself on her, but his intentions were clear. And he did not take no for an answer. It was only a matter of time before he ran out of patience.

Trees flew by the window, letting the sun shine through the dirty train windows. Summer; she made a face. It would be summer which meant it would be hot. The heat wouldn’t have bothered her at home in New York, where she could stick to the shadows and live in the underground, should it get too warm. But she knew nothing of this small city. She didn’t know where to hide during the heat nor did she know how the humans would react to her hiding in shadows. Maybe she could pretend to be ill and stay at home… or maybe not. She had no idea. 

Closing her eyes she forced the uncomfortable thoughts out of her head. She would have to deal with her problems in time and it wouldn’t help brooding over them. She had no choice but to succeed anyway – her master would kill her if she did not.

Chapter 3

The train came to a stop outside the city that was her destination