Traveler

"So, what's your favorite drink?" asked Lydia.

She was an attractive woman with light red hair, one of the few customers at the Bright Red Bar.

Kaer, a middle-aged man, smiled, thinking of the drinks he'd had in other worlds.

"Scotch," he replied.

Lydia's eyes widened. "Wow! You're serious, aren't you?"

Kaer looked up at her. "No, I'm not joking."

"You don't seem like the talkative type," Lydia said after silence.

"It's something else entirely."

"What is it? Shyness?"

"I don't like leaving things unfinished. Starting a relationship with you is hard. I'm a time traveler, crossing countless worlds. We may never meet again."

Lydia burst out laughing. "Come on, you're a nice guy with a great sense of humor. I don't mind you disappearing like a beautiful dream. Other men leave behind wives and children. You’ll leave only a memory." Her voice trembled slightly, and her eyes were a mix of amusement and sadness.

Lydia took out her phone and snapped a picture of herself kissing Kaer.

The following two hours felt like a dream in the dimly lit hotel room above the bar, their laughter and whispers filling the air.

The following morning, Lydia lay in bed, consumed by thoughts of Kaer. The idea of crossing paths with him again lingered, evoking a deep yearning.

Lydia opened her phone and looked at the photo taken in the bar. She was alone in the middle of the bar with one hand outstretched as if holding someone; her lips parted as if kissing someone.

The bar closed late, but Ragemad had plenty of time to get home before sunrise. Walking down the back alley, he noticed two figures beside a large dumpster. Ragemad approached them.

One was so drunk that standing was difficult.

"What are you discussing? A beautiful night like this is worth living to the fullest," Ragemad said.

The younger soldier looked up. "Huh? What did you say, sir?"

His accent and choice of words sounded oddly familiar, a mix of German and French.

"I asked what you had in mind tonight. There are nicer places for fun," Ragemad continued.

The soldier turned to the young man beside him. "Who do you think he is? He seems polite. We shouldn't bother him with our problems."

"You don't bother me," Ragemad assured.

The first soldier shook his head. "No, it's nothing. It was just a stupid thing that happened on the front."

"I'm listening. I haven't seen it all yet," Ragemad encouraged.

The young soldier glanced around and then turned his head. "They told us not to talk about it."

"Talk about what?" Ragemad pressed.

"Vampires," the older soldier muttered, his head bobbing back and forth. "How could they do this to our country? What did they do to our women and children? Those filthy monsters."

"What's your name?" Ragemad asked the younger soldier.

"Frederick, sir."

"Ludwig," said the other.

"So, you think vampires did this to your country?" Ragemad questioned.

Frederick shook his head. "Not exactly, sir. Officers and some soldiers in higher positions saw them. They all returned from the front wounded, some bitten. Few survived. Most died. We are mercenaries and joined for extra food. There have been no jobs at home since the war broke out."

"Well, there's a way to get more food—and money. A lot of money," Ragemad said.

Frederick looked at him with increased interest.

"There's nothing to fear. It's a gift that needs acceptance. Whoever wants to join can, as long as there's room," Ragemad offered.

Frederick stood up and held out his hand.

Ragemad smiled at the boy’s quick decision. "Here's my business card. Look for me at my restaurant, the only Bright Red Bar."

"We will come," Frederick confirmed.

"Excellent. See you there," Ragemad said, greeting them and leaving.

He thought of Lydia. Something was happening to him. He had never fallen in love, and letting Lydia go with that man felt wrong. When he saw an open gift shop, he decided to buy something for her. He picked a silver pendant with a crimson ruby encased in a thin gold coating. The gold frame was meticulously carved with a rose design, making the pendant look lifelike. He resolved to give her this present.

He just had to decide when to transform Lydia into a vampire.

Ragemad saw the man Lydia had left the bar with. He thought he could reach him in two jumps. His legs went limp, and he fell to his knees. He put his head in his hands, feeling like he was floating. He wanted to stand up.

Kaer pointed his index finger at him and made a sign.

Ragemad clung to the ground, unmoving.