The Vampire's Lullaby

By James Vesping

Emiko Yabuta is the youngest of her family. An aspiring musician, she yearns to join the village orchestra. Yet she is conflicted: she is also the one chosen to run the Uehara shrine. As part of her sacred duty, she must become familiar with the dark mansion outside of her village -- while also learning of the ancient secret held between the shrine and the mansion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Vesping
• Release date: May 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005699505

James Vesping

James Vesping is a former network technician, having worked in both the private and the government sector. He has worked in software and web development in both professional and hobbyist capacities, including several simulation projects for popular sandbox games. In 2015, he began writing novels as a hobbyist, which turned into a full time job by 2017. You can find him on the web at JamesVesping.com.

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The Vampire's Lullaby

James Vesping

Copyright 2022 James Vesping

Cover art Copyright 2022 James Vesping

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

I heard the place was cursed, Anna remarked, briefly flashing a glance over to Emiko, knowing she could hear her words. Everyone calls it 'the dark mansion' for a reason.

Emiko narrowed her eyes as she prepared to argue with Anna. "It's called 'the dark mansion' because of the yokai surrounding it, she firmly stated. There's nothing cursed about it."

Oh really? Anna playfully smiled and flicked a finger under her chin. Have you been there?

Emiko shook her head. No, I've never been. My parents tell me I'll have to go eventually, as everyone of the family is expected to visit the mansion at least once.

All to feed the vampire, I assume? Anna asked with an open hand, her insult barely veiled.

Emiko lifted her chin up to look down at Anna. Whatever do you mean? The Uehara shrine doesn't tolerate evil like that.

Come now, Emi, Anna said with a light chuckle as she shortened Emiko's name – one which Emiko could barely tolerate. You're well aware of the legends: the Uehara family had a pact with the dark mansion; it's even said that a vampire birthed one of their ancestors. Even if it's just a legend, your shrine and your so-called mortal enemies are intertwined.

"Immortal enemies, Emiko corrected Anna in a half-growl. Our battle has lasted generations and will last many more. So yes, in a sense, we are intertwined by fate."

Are you truly enemies if you are so linked to fate? Anna pointedly asked, pressing a finger under her chin. It strikes me that you're more akin to fighting within a family.

I did not intend to spark an argument, Peter interjected as he held a hand up. I was simply curious about the mansion since the immortal had visited our stall the other day.

The immortal? Anna playfully asked. Whatever would she buy from your stall? The blood and essence of the living aren't exactly what your family sells.

Peter frowned and shook his head. No, no, she bought tomatoes. My mother seemed to be enthralled by her presence and it almost seemed as if she were going to give our entire stock to the immortal.

Emiko mirrored Peter's frown and glanced between Anna and him. She knew the immortal? How?

She told me that she remembered the immortal from when she was a child, Peter answered, rubbing his chin. "Apparently the immortal had conveyed some wisdom on raising tomatoes to our ancestors many generations ago, allowing the family to establish a strong crop that has lasted