The Capital Port was a sprawling hub in Donia. Most goods arriving in the city were delivered through the port, and because of this, it was severely crowded.

Bodies rubbed bodies as people went about, loading and unloading crates. There was a loud chime of horns, blaring as ships departed, while new ones anchored at the ports, replacing them.

To create a seamless, cost effective movement of goods, there were several warehouses, each one belonging to different companies.

This way, instead of having to transport the goods through a carriage, they could be stored and moved at the owner’s convenience.

There were also a number of stalls that sold things at a far cheaper rate than you could get anywhere in the city!

Here, you could get your items straight from the dealers, before the greedy retailers got their crummy hands on it, and doubled the price.

"So do you like it?" A young man asked his girlfriend, a calm smile on his face as he took in her smile.

The woman nodded, her movements as gentle as a doe. Around her neck was a sparkling emerald necklace, one that matched her deep, green eyes.

"I love it, Samuel." Her voice was soft and soothing, like a soft caress of wind blowing through a field of flowers.

Samuel felt his heart pounding in his chest, his cheeks blushing pink as he nervously scratched his head.

"But isn’t it too expensive?" Daniella asked, looking a bit worried. Even at the port, the necklace was worth its weight in gold. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"Expensive? Pfft!" He scoffed, then grinned. "I told you, didn’t I? I made a big sale last week, and my boss gave me a huge bonus thanks to it!"

"But..." her voice dropped low. Part of her wanted to take the necklace and shut up, but the more empathic side of her dug the words out of her mouth before she could stop them.

"Shouldn’t you save this up? Build up wealth for your future—"

"You are my future." He said it without hesitation, the look in his eyes so intense that Daniella forgot to breathe.

He clasped his hands around hers and leaned forward, that roguish smile she once had, but had grown to love a few inches from her face.

Daniella blushed like a fool, one that was drunk in love. She practically melted into his touch, his words ringing in her head over and over again.

’You are my future...’ she squealed internally, floating in a field of imaginary roses.

Then a crazy thought came to her. Following the whims of her heart, Daniella leaned in for a kiss, her face red all up to her ears and down to her pretty neck.

At the sight of her, Samuel forgot himself, lost in those rosy cheeks and green eyes...

’Is this really happening??’ He thought, ’After thirty long years, am I really going to get my first kiss?!’

He closed his eyes, and although he had no idea what he was doing, he went along with the flow.

But just as Daniella was seconds away from kissing him, she spotted a child at a distance. The girl’s bright orange hair was reminiscent of her own, and glowed like a beacon.

Currently, the child’s green eyes were locked on hers, her eyes wide.

Daniella stiffened like a log, an involuntary gasp escaping her lips.

"?!"

Daniella immediately pulled back and dropped to the floor, hiding behind a stall. "Ehhh?! What is my sister doing here?!"

Meanwhile, the child tugged on her mothers skirt, pointing in a certain direction. "Ella!"

Her mother followed her hand only to see a confused looking young man in the distance. "That is not Ella sweety, don’t point to people, it’s rude."

She held her child by the hand and led her away. But the child continued pointing. "Ella! Ellaaaaaa!"

Behind the stall, Daniella let out a shaky breath. She needed to get out of the docks, if her mother spotted her, she would rip her apart!

"Daniella, are you okay—"

Before Samuel could finish, the young woman got up and bolted, moving faster than anything he had ever seen.

But she only managed to get a few steps forward before she bumped into a man.

Daniella staggered back, panicking as the man let out an angry grunt.

"I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!" She bowed repeatedly, her adrenaline still surging within her.

The man looked drunk, he just staggered back and forth, swaying like he was about to fall.

"Sir, are you okay—"

He raised his face, and Daniella gasped, her face growing pale. His face, it was like that of a corpse. And his mouth was stained with blood, a chunk of flesh beneath his teeth.

It was then Daniella felt her shoulders sting. She ran her hand over it, and when she brought back blood, Daniella doubled over and emptied her belly on the floor.

— God damn it! Watch it, you almost got it on me!

— Is she alright??

— She looks sick...

A crowd was beginning to gather around her, concerned faces staring down at her bleak form.

Then a young man forced his way through and pulled her to her feet. "Daniella, are you oka—"

Before he could finish, she tackled him to the floor, straddling him between her warm thighs.

Samuel could not see his face, but he was sure it was as red as a ripe tomato. His breath came out rough and ragged.

"Da-ni-ell-ella—!"

Her long hair was covering her face, as she just remained poised above him.

He wanted it badly, to kiss her soft lips, to fool around together. But this was not the time nor the place!

Yet, Daniella did not seem too keen on listening. She came down upon him with scorching passion, causing the crowd to grow wild with cheers and laughter.

Samuel felt her lips graze his neck, they were softer than cotton, and her tongue sent him to another world as he let out a low grunt. Then he felt her teeth, nibbling on his skin with unfettered affection.

Someone screamed in the crowd.

Samuel felt his vision dim...

"Huh?" Why was he getting light headed?

When Daniella drew her head back, blood splurted into the air like a crimson fountain, splashing all over those beautiful green eyes, the golden freckles on her face, and the orange hair that resembled fire in the sun.

"Daniella? Are you okay?!" He wanted to ask, but his voice came out as a gurgle, blood filling his throat.

It took a second for Samuel to realize what was going on.

And when he did, a scream tore through his throat...

In less than five minutes, the entire port was thrust into chaos. Maddened individuals ran about—skins an eerie purple, eyes as black as coal, bodies a mess of wiry veins and puffy flesh—as they tore others to shreds.

And people who should have been long dead, some with necks ripped open, some with exposed bowels, corpses which had been drained of life...

They stood up as well, just before they dashed into the fold, melting into the madness that ensued....