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Chapter Text

The minute Neha pulled up to the driveway, she removed her helmet from her brown locks and angrily threw it down on the pavement. “Utter piece of crap!” She grumbled out of frustration, proceeding to kick the tire of her stubborn moped. Once again, Neha is going to be late for school, and it’s all because this stupid scooter refuses to drive farther than ten feet!

If only she could ask her family for a ride to school, but Amma left home early in the minivan to drop off Neha’s younger twin brothers, Harsha and Darshan, at the middle school before she went to work. And Tanvir took Arhaan, Wassim, and Faiyaz to the local community college in his green sedan, with Kishor and Veejay still asleep at home because of their night jobs. This leaves the petite Punjabi girl with no other option but to get an Uber, a choice Neha is reluctant to do because she is currently saving money to buy a brand new scooter.

Just as Neha was about to open the Uber app on her phone, the sound of a revving engine cut through the chilly autumn air. Turning in surprise, she caught sight of a sleek maroon Maserati gliding to a stop at the edge of her driveway. The car door swung open, and out stepped a tall, muscular figure with caramel skin, brown shoulder-length hair and a matching soul patch.

It was Alejandro Burromuerto, the new student at Wawanakwa High, who had moved from Barcelona a few months ago. He was also her next-door neighbor, and despite their somewhat friendly relationship, seeing him brought Neha a mix of feelings—surprise, confusion, and mostly annoyance.

“Unbelievable,” Neha thought to herself, “What is that eel doing here?”

He leaned against the hood of the car, a smirk playing on his lips as he took in the Punjabi girl’s current predicament. His caramel skin seemed to glow in the crisp autumn light, and he wore a tight-fitting red button-down shirt with the top buttons casually undone, giving her a glimpse of his chiseled chest. A leather jacket hugged his muscular frame, while boot-cut jeans, a leather belt adorned with a large silver buckle and designer cowboy boots completed his effortlessly stylish look.

On the other hand, Neha bundled up in multiple layers, wearing a wool buttoned yellow cardigan over a white sweater and beige corduroy skirt with black leggings. Along with that, the bookworm wore her legwarmers, which she knitted herself, and combat boots with mismatched shoelaces. These were practical choices to combat her anemia against the chilly Canadian air.

“Buenos dias, Neha,” greeted Alejandro, his accent pouring out of his tongue like honey. “Do you need a lift?”

While the Spaniard’s offer was tempting, multiple reasons fueled her hesitancy.

First, Alejandro had a reputation for being a notorious flirt. He was known to charm everyone he met, causing teachers and students alike swooning whenever they encountered the Eel.

Second, accepting a ride would make her feel indebted to him, and that was one of Neha’s biggest pet peeves: the idea of owing anyone anything. Especially owing someone as slippery as Alejandro, who always seemed to have ulterior motives.

Finally, there was the undeniable fact that Alejandro was the most popular guy at Wawanakwa High. She and her friends often felt like outcasts or misfits, and being seen in his flashy Maserati would attract all the wrong kinds of attention.

With these reasons in mind, Neha, driven by pure stubbornness and the hope that Alejandro would realize that today wasn’t the day for their usual banter. Neha ignored the Spaniard’s offer and crossed her arms over her chest for added effect, “Shouldn’t you be at school, making your presence known to your subjects?”

Unfortunately, God clearly hated her because the Eel didn’t move an inch from his lax position and smirked even wider, “No messing with you is much more entertaining.” And Neha’s classmates still wonder why the two of them aren’t dating. Determined to ignore him, Neha turned back to her phone, scrolling through the Uber app in hopes of finding a ride. Maybe if Alejandro noticed she was ignoring him, he’d take the hint and retreat into the comfort of his car.

“Come on, Cerebrita. It’s no trouble,” Alejandro said, as if he didn’t have anywhere important to be, pushing off his car and taking a step toward her. “I don’t want you to miss homeroom.”

Neha could feel her resolve weakening. “I appreciate it, really, but—”

“Please? After all, there is no guarantee that the Uber you’ll order will take you to school on time,” he insisted, his voice smooth and persuasive, “And it would be bad for your health to wait outside in this frightfully chilly morning for a ride.” Neha hated to admit it, but the eel had a point, and besides, his car did look warm and inviting.

Even though she hadn’t shared it with anyone at school, nor had she made it public knowledge. It still is a mystery how Alejandro knew about her anemia, for the only people who knew were her family and her close friends. Her mind raced with possibilities, but then decided that Owen, her well-meaning but often indiscreet friend, must have spilled the beans. He did have a tendency to blab about personal matters, often without realizing the consequences.

“Fine,” Neha relented, tucking her phone back into her pocket and grabbing her Studio Ghibli messenger bag off the handle of her scooter. “But just this once!” she added, lifting a single finger as a firm indicator. With determination, she began to walk toward the car.

But Alejandro, ever the showman, took his antics up a notch. He opened the passenger door with a flourish and, with a dramatic bow, declared, “Your chariot awaits, mi amiga.”

Neha rolled her eyes at his theatrics, “Don’t.”

“But why not? It’s all part of the experience!” he replied, straightening up with that trademark grin. “Besides, I enjoy your company, Neha”

The Punjabi girl did not utter a reply, for she was far too embarrassed to do so, and instead climbed into the seat and buckled up, with Alejandro doing the same and starting the engine, and began pulling away from her driveway.

As they drove to school, the local news channel played softly on the car radio. Neha tried to focus on the conversation with Alejandro, but the female reporter’s voice cut through the air, drawing her attention.

“Breaking News: Two teenage girls, Katie Sassine and Sadie Kashimura, have gone missing,” the reporter announced. “Reports indicate they were last seen at the local movie theatre yesterday evening at the Drama Cineplex. With the number of missing people in Wawanakwa increasing, we urge you to—”

Before she could continue, Alejandro reached over and muted the radio, silence settling heavily inside the car. Neha could feel a knot forming in her stomach.

Even though she wasn’t particularly friends with the bubbly, boy-crazy pair, they seemed to have taken a deep interest in Neha. Without asking the bookworm’s permission, Sadie and Katie began scouring the school for potential love interests for Neha about a week ago.

And now, she is hearing the news of their disappearance. It was unsettling, and Neha felt a pang of sadness for their families.

The reality of the situation hit Neha harder than she expected. The news about missing people in Wawanakwa had become alarmingly frequent over the past few months. Neha had heard her brothers talking about their friends and coworkers disappearing without a trace. The fear had started to creep into her everyday life, making her acutely aware of her surroundings.

“Do you think they’ll find them?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alejandro’s expression shifted, the playful spark in his eyes replaced with concern. “I hope so. It’s really scary how many people have gone missing lately. The police should be doing more.”

Neha nodded, feeling a wave of anger swell inside her. “It’s infuriating! They don’t seem to have any leads or even a clue about who’s behind this. It’s like they’re just… sitting on their asses.”

“Yeah, it makes you wonder if they’re really trying,” Alejandro agreed, his tone serious. “We should be able to feel safe in our own town.”

Neha glanced out the window, her thoughts racing. The weight of the situation felt heavy, overshadowing the dreary Friday morning. She couldn’t help but worry about her friends and family, about what would happen if one of them became the next headline.

“Let’s just hope they’re safe,” she said finally, trying to shake off the ominous feelings that lingered. “And that they find out who’s responsible.”

“Absolutely,” Alejandro replied calmly, his tone steady as if the disappearance of his classmates didn’t faze him at all.

Neha narrowed her eyes slightly, puzzled by his nonchalance. She opened her mouth to question why he wasn’t more concerned about Katie and Sadie, but just then, they pulled into the school parking lot, the familiar sight of students and teachers milling about. Enough proof to know that the pair made it to homeroom on time.

Alejandro parked the Maserati, and the engine quieted, leaving an uneasy silence in the air. Neha felt a mix of confusion and frustration. How could he treat such a serious matter so lightly?

But before she could ask, Alejandro stepped out of the car, causing Neha to do the same.

“Ready to face the day?” Alejandro asked, flashing her a reassuring smile.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Neha replied, adjusting the strap of her messenger bag. She’ll ask the Spaniard another time, making it to homeroom was more important, anyway. Together, they walked toward the entrance of the school, the weight of the news still lingering in her mind but overshadowed by the unexpected camaraderie forming between them.

**

“Owen Quigley?” asked the homeroom teacher, Mr. Cullen, with a clipboard and a pen in hand. Taking attendance of his remaining students.

“Here!” chirped an obese teenage boy with short blonde hair, flailing his arm excitedly.

“Isobel Gilbride?”

“IT’S IZZY!” shouted a teenage girl with unkempt, frizzy red hair.

Mr. Cullen rolled his eyes and continued, “Eva Nesterova?”

“Here,” grumbled a tall, muscular girl who had her arms crossed over her chest.

Neha tried to immerse herself in the world of her book, the pages filled with adventure and intrigue, but her mind wandered. The sound of student attendance being called faded into the background as she struggled to focus. She was desperate to keep her brown eyes from drifting to the two empty seats in front of her—Katie and Sadie’s seats.

Even her favorite hobby couldn’t distract her from the unsettling reality that had unfolded. The absence of her classmates felt heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the uncertainty that lingered over the idyllic suburban town of Wawanakwa.

She turned the pages mechanically, but the words blurred together, and her thoughts kept returning to the girls. What had happened to them? Were they safe? Are they still ali-

“Neha,” a familiar whispered voice broke through her thoughts. She turned to her right, spotting Harold, who had leaned over with a note firmly in his palm.

She raised an eyebrow, curious. “What?”

Harold glanced around the room, ensuring Mr. Cullen wasn’t watching, before sliding the note toward her. “Read this.”

Neha hesitated for a moment, then took the note and unfolded it. The handwriting was precise, but what shocked the Punjabi girl was that Harold had written in Sindarin. Good thing they are both fellow nerds.

“What did Alejandro say to you on your way to school?” the note read.

Her heart raced at the question. She had forgotten about her earlier conversation with Alejandro amidst the chaos of the day.

Neha quickly scribbled a response and passed it back to Harold: “Why do you need to know?”

Neha quickly scribbled a response and passed it back to Harold: “Why do you need to know?”

Harold’s eyes darted nervously around the room before he replied, “Because he can’t be trusted. Whatever you do, STAY AWAY FROM HIM!”

Neha gripped the note tightly, staring at the bespectacled teen in bewilderment. Why was he so concerned about her relationship with Alejandro when Katie and Sadie were still missing?

“NO DUH. I already know he is a manipulative asshole,” she wrote back, frustration bubbling up.

“No, that’s not what I mean. Alejandro is dangerous,” he countered, his urgency palpable.

Just as Neha was about to respond, they both froze at the sound of Mr. Cullen’s voice. “Mr. McGrady and Mrs. Munjal!”

The teens looked up, guilt washing over them as they met the stern gaze of their teacher, who was standing right in front of them with his arms crossed.

“Would you care to read your note to the class?” he asked, his tone pointed.

Neha felt her cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and anxiety flooding her system. “Uh, no, sir,” she stammered, her heart racing.

Mr. Cullen raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Then perhaps you’d like to explain what’s so important that it cannot be shared aloud?”

Harold and Neha exchanged panicked glances, their minds racing to concoct a thinly veiled lie. But just as they opened their mouths to speak, the sound of the school bell rang through the room, cutting through the tension like a knife.

Students hurriedly grabbed their backpacks, chatter filling the air as they began to file out of the classroom. Neha could barely process the chaos as she quickly shoved her belongings into her bag, her heart still racing from the close call.

Izzy, ever the free spirit, cartwheeled out of the room, her laughter echoing behind her. Neha couldn’t help but smirk at her friend’s antics, unaware that a certain Spaniard’s intense gaze was burning holes into the back of Harold’s head.

**

“For the last time, Izzy, I am not dyeing my hair purple!” Neha exclaimed, pointing her fork, which had a piece of seasoned chicken wedged between the tines.

“But why not?” Izzy argued, taking a bite out of the chicken. “Can’t you do it for comic book accuracy?”

The high school cafeteria was bustling with energy, students animatedly chatting about the upcoming Halloween party at Geoff Witteveen’s house. Discussions of costumes and trick-or-treating plans filled the air, and members of Team E-Scope were no different.

Neha, unfazed by her now empty fork, continued, “No, I can not. And besides, you know I hate adding last-minute changes to my costumes.”

“Izzy, I don’t understand how you can argue about ‘comic book accuracy’ when Owen is going as Robin and not Nightwing,” Eva muttered as she took a bite out of her Tandoori chicken sandwich wrap that Amma made for her this morning.

“That’s not fair! Big O would have gone as Nightwing if Kishor didn’t beat him to it!” Izzy quickly defended her boyfriend, her eyes sparkling with indignation.

“Yeah!” Owen confirmed, his mouth full as he stuffed his face with four slices of pizza stacked on top of each other. He chewed enthusiastically, trying not to let the cheese stretch too far. “Kishor just swooped in out of nowhere!”

Neha couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of Owen struggling to keep his balance while managing the towering pizza slices. “You know, if you keep eating like that, you might end up going as ‘Pizza Man’ instead of Robin.”

Owen grinned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Hey, I’d make a great Pizza Man! Superpower: unlimited cheese!”

Izzy’s eyes sparkled with wonder, her brain already churning out an Izzy definition of a good idea. “Ooh, that’s a great idea, Big O! I could be Tomato Girl to complete the look!” she said excitedly. “And Neha could go as Legwarmer Lass, and Eva could be Iron Woman!”

“Perfect! We can form an awesome crime-fighting team!” Owen exclaimed, finally managing to swallow a big bite, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.

As the couple continued spinning their wild ideas, Neha and Eva both smacked their heads in unison. Just what Owen and Izzy needed: even more crazy ideas.

“Izzy, no more last-minute changes to our Halloween costumes!” Eva reprimanded, her patience wearing thin. The Ukrainian girl shot a frustrated glance at the happy-go-lucky couple, especially at Izzy, who could never stick to one Halloween costume. Just last week, she had wanted to be a giant bottle of pills because she visited her mother at the rehabilitation center. And the week before that, a mummy.

“Neha already texted Geoff that we are going as the Teen Titans. NO MORE. COSTUME. CHANGES!” Eva insisted as she slammed her fists on the lunch table, causing it to quake.

This year’s Halloween party would differ slightly from all the others because everyone was under orders to text Geoff what their Halloween costumes would be in advance to avoid a repeat of ‘The Incident.’

Last year at Geoff’s Halloween party had ended in utter pandemonium. A fight broke out between Heather Pham-Hunsaker and Julia Bledsoe, and it was a spectacle no one could forget. And if even they did they could go to Sierra’s blog and find the video that currently has 27 million views. Heather, the undisputed queen bee of Wawanakwa High, ruled the social scene with an iron fist and didn’t let anyone forget it.

No one had dared to question her authority until Julia, a freshman and social media influencer, came along, eager to make a name for herself. She had a knack for capturing attention with her serene personality and trendy outfits, and it didn’t take long for her to challenge Heather’s reign. But underneath Julia’s new-age hippie persona was a rude, attention-seeking girl who was determined to steal Heather’s pseudo crown.

The tension reached its peak at the party when both girls showed up in matching Catwoman costumes, each claiming that the other had copied her. What started as a shouting match quickly escalated into a full-blown catfight when Julia, emboldened by the crowd, cruelly stated that Heather was too fat for her costume. The fight ended when Heather, with a fierce grip around Julia’s neck, grabbed a pair of scissors nearby and began to haphazardly cut off a chunk of Julia’s blond hair. And of course, the partygoers filmed the entire altercation instead of intervening.

It is odd how something chaotic always happens at Geoff’s parties, specifically the Halloween ones, Either someone suffers from hair loss or their car gets blown up. There is no in between. But the important thing is that no one has died so far.

Right as Neha was about to ask how shooting ketchup out of one’s hands could be a cool superpower, Harold interrupted her, walking up to their table. “Hey, Neha, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure, what do you want?” Neha replied, a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice.

“Correction: Can I talk to you alone?” Harold said, glancing at Izzy, Owen and Eva, who all stopped eating as they exchanged curious looks.

Neha’s heart raced at the sudden seriousness in Harold’s tone. “Um, okay. I’ll be right back,” she said casually, yet mildly annoyed by the bespectacled teen’s existence. “Whatever the sooner I get this done, the better”, Neha thought as she stood up, shrugging at her friends, and followed Harold out of the cafeteria and into the empty hallway.

“What’s up?” she asked, leaning against a nearby locker.

Harold hesitated for a moment, apprehensively looking to make sure they were alone. “I came here to warn you about Alejandro,” he finally said, his voice low. And in Sindarin. Again.

Neha frowned, getting tired of Harold’s secretive behavior. “What about him?”

“Well, he’s a fucking vampire.” Harold said, his tone serious.

Neha blinked. “Are you high?”

“NO, I AM NOT HIGH! GOSH!” he shouted, this time in English.

Neha raised an eyebrow. “So, you were not smoking with Duncan earlier today?”

“Maybe, just a little,” he reluctantly admitted, brushing it off with a wave of his hand. “But that’s not the point! I am trying to tell you that Alejandro is a VAMPIRE.”

Neha smacked her forehead in annoyance. Harold had always had this obsession with conspiracy theories; after all, this was the same guy who still thought it was aliens that built the Pyramids of Giza.

“Harold, your obsession with things that are not real is messing with your grasp on reality,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

“By Galileo’s beard, Neha. I am telling you the truth! And if you don’t believe me, I have proof!” Harold insisted, his eyes with a mix of frustration and desperation.

“Proof?” Neha echoed, crossing her arms skeptically. “What kind of proof do you have? A blood sample?”

“No,” he replied, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. “But I have taken recordings of him at his house on my phone and my drone.”

“Wait, you trespassed onto his yard.” Neha shocked, “Harold, you do realize that’s a crime, right?”

“Oh please, like you and the rest of Team E-Scope don’t do that all the time!” he argued back, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice. “I only stayed on the sidewalk. And got a little closer than I probably should have.”

Neha rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. “Harold, this is insane. You’re putting your life at risk for what? All because you think Alejandro is a vampire? This is exactly why Leshawna dumped you.”

Harold winced at the mention of Leshawna, his expression faltering. “I know, I know. But this is different! I have proof that the Burromuerto family is responsible for people going missing because the entire family are vampires. You have to believe me!”

“Oh, I believe you alright,” Neha shot back, crossing her arms. “I believe that you’re just jealous of Alejandro and that you’re still mad at him for flirting with Leshawna. And that you have been reading too much Twilight!”

“Goddamn it, Neha! This isn’t some teenage romance novel!” He roared as he punched a nearby locker. “I’m trying to warn you about something real! The Burromuertos are vampires, and you need to stay away from them.”

“Harold, how the hell can I stay away from them when they are my next-door neighbors?” Neha exclaimed, exasperation evident in her voice. “And even if they are vampires: How are they able to walk around during the day? Last I checked, sunlight repels vampires!”

“I haven’t figured that yet, but whatever you do, don’t let him inside your home. Vampires can’t get in without an invitation,” Harold informed her, his expression serious. “Also, be sure to carry around a stake.”

Neha raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “A stake? Really?”

“In fact,” he rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a wooden stake and a glass bottle filled with some kind of liquid. “Inside is holy water—Vampire Protection 101.”

She stared at the items, already tired for the day, and she still has more three periods left. “If I take those, will you leave me alone?”

The bespectacled teen nodded eagerly. “Yes! Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

She sighed, taking the stake and the bottle. “Fine, I’ll take them. But I’m not actually going to use them, okay? This is all ridiculous.”

“Better safe than sorry!” Harold replied, a grin spreading across his face.

“Whatever you say, Count Harold,” Neha muttered, rolling her eyes, and both teens walked back into the cafeteria.

Unbeknownst to them, hiding in the shadows was an unknown figure eavesdropping on their conversation. The figure’s expression was unreadable, but an intense curiosity flickered in their eyes as they watched the pair enter the cafeteria.

Chapter Text

“I have heard of your paintings well enough. God hath given you one face and you make yourselves another…” Neha drowned out the dull words coming from the teacher’s mouth. She was far more entertained watching the clock ticking closer and closer to the last hour of class; she never cared for Shakespeare, anyway. “Just a few more minutes, and I can go home.”

But her phone buzzing interrupted her anticipation of the end of school. She slowly reached into her pocket and read the text message:

Harold: Don’t forget to meet me in the school parking lot so we can talk more about ‘you-know-who.’

Dammit, that’s right! The cynic had promised to meet Harold after school to discuss ‌‌the Spaniard being a so-called vampire and murdering everyone in town. The Punjabi pessimist is now regretting her decision, yearning instead to go home, curl up with Pretzel on her bed, and forget about Sadie and Katie school. Instead, she has to entertain Harold and his delusions. Maybe Kishor was right about her being a compulsive enabler.

At least Harold had agreed to give her a free ride back home once he finished convincing her that Alejandro was a blood-sucking demon and attempts to initiate Neha into his vampire detective club. Like that was ever going to happen.

But as the clock ticked down, she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of curiosity and doubt about Harold’s claims. How did he even discover Alejandro and his supposed involvement? Why was the nerd telling her and not his bandmates or, better yet, the police? After all, Harold stated he had photographic evidence that the Burromuerto family is responsible for the staggering number of missing people in Wawanakwa. So why not report it to the authorities?

The questions swirled in her mind as the last bell rang, sending a wave of relief through her. Gathering her things, Neha felt a mix of irritation, fatigue, and intrigue while exiting the classroom and made her way to her locker.

Standing nearby was a girl with blonde hair tied into a ponytail, struggling to carry a stack of heavy textbooks. Next to her, a busty tanned girl was too busy adding more volume to her already ridiculously large hair with a can of hairspray to offer any help. The potent chemicals invaded Neha’s lungs, prompting a cough.

“Ugh, do you really need to spray that much?” She wheezed, waving her hand in front of her face.

“It’s called style, Stringbean. You should try it sometime,” Anne-Maria shot back, casting a quick glance in Neha’s direction, unfazed.

“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” Neha replied boredly, entering her combination and swinging the locker door open to stash her textbooks in her messenger bag. I can’t wait to graduate high school. Then I won’t have to be locker neighbors with this hussy anymore.

As Neha focused on loading her books, struggling to battle her asthma attack, she didn’t notice Bridgette starting to tip over because of the weight of her heavy textbooks.

“Whoa, hold on!” Alejandro sprang out from across the hallway, catching Bridgette in his muscular arms. “Are you alright, señorita?” he asked, flashing his pearly-white teeth.

Bridgette’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing as she giggled nervously. “I’m fine, Alejandro! Thanks, you, uh, didn’t have to do that,” she stammered, trying—and failing—to resist the pull of the Spaniard’s charm.

“Nonsense, Bridgette. I could never let a beautiful girl like you get injured,” he replied, his accented voice .

Bridgette felt her heart race as she shamelessly admired the Spaniard’s chiseled chest. Wow, not even Geoff’s abs are this well-defined!

“I appreciate it, really, but I have a b-boyfriend,” she said, trying to ground herself.

“Of course, I respect that,” Alejandro concurred, even though he was leaning even closer to the blonde, “but at least allow me the opportunity to walk you home? As friends naturally?”

Bridgette hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt about Geoff, I really shouldn’t, but Geoff did say he had to serve detention. And besides, it’s just a simple walk, right?

Yet, the prospect of walking with someone as hot as Alejandro was tempting. After a moment of internal debate, she smiled shyly. “I guess Geoff wouldn’t mind.”

“Bueno!” Alejandro grinned, taking Bridgette’s books from her arms. “Let’s go!”

As they disappeared into the sea of students exiting the school, Neha stood by, watching in disbelief and disgust. She shook her head, pity bubbling inside her.

“I can’t believe Bridgette is falling for that Eel’s superficial charms,” she mumbled. “She’s not being faithful to Geoff.”

Anne-Maria sauntered over, a teasing smile spreading on her face. “What’s the matter, Neha? Jealous much?”

“Jealous? Me?” Neha shot back, rolling her eyes. “As if! I just don’t understand how Bridgette can still be insecure, even though she already has a boyfriend.”

“Relax! It’s just a friendly walk home,” Anne-Maria said, smirking. “Besides, if Geoff’s stuck in detention, what’s Bridgette supposed to do? Wait around for him?”

Before Neha could fire back a retort, she was interrupted by the sight of Owen’s large figure running toward the pair, a look of urgency on his face. “Little Buddy, you gotta come see this! Someone vandalized Harold’s car!” He pointed frantically toward the school parking lot.

****

For the first time in his life, Harold wished school would end early—not because he was bored with learning (like that would ever happen), but because he needed to tell Neha that her neighbor is the spawn of Satan and is the cause for some of their classmates continuously disappearing. He scribbled furiously in his sketchbook, which usually contained sketches of furry and alien OCs, but now held a list of meticulous plans and strategies on how to kill a vampire.

One of those vampires was currently giving advice to Tyler, the depressed jock, on how to win back his ex-girlfriend, Lindsay.

“Don’t worry, mi amigo,” Alejandro said, his voice reassuring. “I’m sure Lindsay will remember your name in due time.”

“I don’t know, dude. No matter how much I try, I just never seem to get her attention,” Tyler replied, slumping his head on the desk, his usually cheerful smile was now replaced by a pout.

“It’s almost as if someone brainwashed her into forgetting about me,” the jock whimpered out, covering his crying face with both hands.

Alejandro then proceeded to pat the sweatband-clad teen on his back, “There, there, Tyler. You just need to keep trying and believe in yourself!”

Harold couldn’t help but roll his eyes at their exchange. Correction, he thought, a vampire hypnotized Lindsay. And Tyler is getting advice from the one who caused it.

It’s difficult being the most knowledgeable person in this town (tied with Neha and Alejandro), being too wise to be the Spaniard’s puppet, and Harold plans to keep it that way. Drowning out the pair’s conversation, he quickly sent a text to Neha, reminding her of their rendezvous at the parking lot, and then returned to thoroughly check his list of vampire-slaying arsenal.

Holy water from the church? Check.

Crucifixes from the church? Check.

Wooden and silver stakes? Check.

The only thing that was missing was a flamethrower, but he knew his parents would never allow that.

It’s ridiculous, he thought bitterly, how unprepared I am for this. A man of my talent should be able to come up with more ideas than this! He scribbled “Flamethrower” in his notes, along with a list of potential alternatives, just in case.

But all of this would be for naught if he couldn’t convince Neha that Alejandro and his family were vampires. She was the only one Harold could depend on; the only person who could see through the foreigner’s manipulations. He just needed to show Neha the various recordings and photos he took of Alejandro and his family on his flash drive. Harold usually leaves the flash drive at home, but today he had no choice but to bring it to school after his mom almost downloaded her resume on it. And that is why the flash drive is currently inside Harold’s pocket hoodie.

Yet, as he thought about it, a wave of frustration washed over him. The amateur vampire-slayer couldn’t share this information with his now ex-girlfriend, Leshawna, or his bandmates Trent, Justin, and Cody. They were all too entranced by Alejandro’s charming façade to see the truth. Leshawna had practically swooned every time Alejandro walked into a room, and the guys saw him as some kind of dashing foreigner and not a vampire. There was no way they’d believe Harold if he tried to explain the grim situation.

They’re all lost, entranced by the glamour and charm, he thought bitterly. How many times will I have to fight this battle alone?

The inexperienced vampire-slayer needed to find a way to get through to Neha—and fast. Time was running out for everyone in Wawanakwa. Just how many more families would soon bear bite marks on their necks? The weight of that thought pressed heavily on him as he tapped his pencil nervously against the desk.

As the bell rang, Harold gathered his things, his mind racing with plans. If he could just convince Neha, together they could uncover the truth and stand against whatever horrors Alejandro and his family had in store for Wawanakwa. The fight was far from over, and he was ready to do whatever it took to protect those he cared about.

Harold stopped quickly at his locker, the weight of his plans pressing against his chest. He found a large crowd of students and faculty members surrounding his car, gawking in disbelief. Confusion washed over him as he shoved his way through the throng, anxiety churning in his stomach.

When he finally broke through, his heart sank at the sight of his car.

Sitting on the pavement, he stared with a look of disbelief and horror at the wrecked state of his beloved white Mini Cooper. Normally adorned with stickers of aliens, the Illuminati, and Shonen characters, it now lay in shambles. All the windows were shattered, and shards of glass glittered on the pavement like broken dreams. The once-pristine interior was a complete mess, and, to his utter shock, the steering wheel was entirely missing—almost as if someone or something had ripped it out with malicious intent.

His mind raced as he took in the scene, a mix of anger and despair washing over him. Shit! He knows I’m onto him.

This was a clear message from that green-eyed jerk: he was onto Harold and didn’t want him to warn Neha. With his car vandalized, there would be no way for Harold to show her the dirt he had on Alejandro. There is no way that he can properly warn Neha. The hopelessness seeped into his veins like poison.

Harold barely registered the chaos around him as Neha and Owen struggled to shove their way through the crowd of students and faculty members circling the parking lot. Their voices felt distant, like echoes in a cave.

“What the hell happened!?” Neha asked in disbelief, her brown eyes-widen in horror.

“Harold, are you okay?” Owen added, concern evident in his voice as he crouched down beside him.

The bespectacled teen felt momentarily lost for words. “I… I don’t know,” he stammered, his voice shaky. “I left class a minute ago, and I came out to see this!”

While Owen attempted to comfort him, Harold’s attention drifted, fixed on the wreckage of his beloved car. The world around him faded, leaving only his horror at the realization of what was happening. In his gut, he felt a tightening dread—Alejandro plans to kill him. He didn’t know when, but the message was clear: this was just the beginning.

Neha joined Izzy and Eva, who were inspecting the now-vandalized car with a critical eye. Harold could hear their muffled voices, but they felt like background noise, almost surreal.

“Check out these claw marks!” Eva called out, crouching down and pointing at the tires. Harold’s heart raced as she inspected the deep, vicious marks slashing all four tires—marks unlike anything from the animal kingdom. Longer and sharper, they hinted at a beast far more sinister.

They’ll never believe me, Harold thought, a chill creeping up his spine. They think this is just vandalism, a common Halloween prank. No one knows the real danger. He felt trapped in his own reality, acutely aware of the impending threat he faced.

“There are some on the seats too!” shouted Izzy from her position inside the car, her voice echoing back to the others. The redhead leaned closer, trying to decipher what could cause such damage. “It looks like something big got in here!”

Neha felt a chill run down her spine. “Who or what could have done this? And to Harold, of all people,” she wondered aloud, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her.

“Maybe it was a bear,” Izzy suggested, glancing nervously at the claw marks. But her voice lacked conviction. “Bear attacks aren’t all that uncommon here in Canada.”

“Or maybe someone pranked him. It is October, after all,” Owen added, trying to mask his own unease with a lighthearted tone.

“Can’t be, look at the damage,” Neha replied, shaking her head. “This was more than just a prank, Owen. Those claw marks are far too big to belong to a bear. And who would go through the trouble of tearing out the steering wheel?”

“I have no idea, but this is way out of our expertise,” Eva said, frowning as she crossed her muscled arms over her chest. “Well, aren’t you gonna call the police?” She gruffly asked, turning to face Harold.

Eva’s harsh tone seemed to jolt him awake from his dazed state. Harold blinked a few times, then pulled out his phone from his hoodie pocket, visibly shaking as he dialed.

“Yeah, I—uh, I’ll call the police,” the ginger geek stuttered, his fingers fumbling on the screen. And shot a glance towards Neha before he turned away.

“Hey Lunchbox, can you give me a ride home once this shitfest is over?”

“Sure thing, Little Buddy, and later we can stop by this cool donut shop!”

***

After Harold reluctantly gave his statement to the police, Neha sat beside him on a bench, feeling even more fatigued than before. The officers were busy questioning other witnesses, their voices a distant murmur mixed with the hushed chatter of curious students and faculty still gathered near the wreckage of Harold’s car.

She glanced at the Star Wars obsessed nerd, noting the way his brow furrowed in distress. “I must say this is an interesting way to start the weekend,” she drolled out, an awkward attempt to lighten the mood, “Do you have a ride home?”

Harold shrugged, forcing a casual demeanor that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, I texted my sister, she’ll come pick me up once she gets off of work.” His voice trembled. He’s pondering something but what? Leaning closer, she lowered her voice. “Harold, is there something you want to ask me?”

For a moment, Harold hesitated, and Neha could see the conflict in his eyes. What is he holding back? Then, he asked, “It’s just…I was wondering if you still remember that field trip we took in Mrs. Swan’s class last month?”

Neha scoffed, surprised by the odd and seemingly random question. Of course I remember! she thought, shaking her head slightly. The memories rushed back to her: the boring bus ride that felt endless, Mrs. Swan’s enthusiastic lecture about the Buddy system, urging everyone to choose a partner.

She recalled how the girls had eagerly fought over who would get to be Alejandro’s partner. Everyone had assumed he would go for Heather. But then, to Neha’s shock, Alejandro had chosen her instead.

“Yeah, I remember,” she replied, trying to mask her confusion. “You mean the trip to the science museum? Everyone was going crazy trying to partner with Alejandro.”

Harold nodded, glancing away as if the memory pained him. “Right. It was… interesting.”

Neha furrowed her brow. Where is he going with this? “What about it?” she pressed.

He hesitated again, his gaze flicking back to her with intensity. “I just… I thought maybe it was odd how Alejandro asked you to be his partner and you accepted without a fight. Weren’t you going to partner with Owen?”

“I guess, but Alejandro asked me before I could, and Owen seemed okay with it”

Harold’s eyes had a flicker of something—urgency or maybe desperation—as he leaned closer. “What do you remember about the field trip?” he asked. “You know, all the stuff that happened at the museum?”

Neha tried to draw on her memories, but they felt distant and jumbled. “I remember seeing those cool dinosaur exhibits and the animatronics.”

As the cynic recounted those moments, for some unknown reason her mind quickly drifted to a certain Eel. The vivid memory of Alejandro’s looming figure. She remembered him bragging about his vast knowledge of dinosaurs, the way his muscular arms casually rested on her shoulder or waist as they walked through the exhibits. The image of his glowing green eyes seemed to shunned brightly against the backdrop of the museum’s dim lighting.

But then, a wave of discomfort washed over her. “Honestly?” She begrudgingly admitted, rubbing her temples as a dull throbbing began to creep in. “I haven’t been able to remember much else about the field trip. Just… Alejandro and his dinosaur facts. Everything else was all a blur.”

“Really? Not even the cool displays, or Owen getting his arm stuck in the vending or Izzy climbing into the rainforest exhibit and trying to eat the poison ivy?” Harold pressed, concern etching his face.

Neha shook her head, a headache starting to pulse behind her eyes. “I remember feeling sick on the bus ride home. I had such a pounding headache that I was absent from school the next day.” The memory of that discomfort hit her again, making her wince. She brushed it off as fatigue. It has been a long day, I’ll feel better once I lie down, she reassured herself.

The petite Punjabi recalled how her friends—Izzy, Eva, and Owen—expressed their worries about her unusual behavior after the field trip. Saying they had noticed something was off, especially with how she had ignored everyone else to focus on Alejandro. She remembered Eva’s furrowed brow, Owen’s concerned glances, and Izzy’s confusion.

Now, as she sat next to Harold, those moments felt like a distant echo. Was I really so lost in Alejandro’s presence that I had ignored my friends? The question hung heavy in the air, leaving Neha feeling both confused and guilty. And why is Harold interrogating me about it? The thought sent a

“Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?” Neha asked, her frustration leaking into her voice.

Harold rubbed the back of his neck in apprehension, but before he could respond, the honking of a car interrupted them. Coleen, Harold’s older sister, pulled up beside the curb. “Get in, Harold,” she called out, a teasing grin plastered across her face.

Just then, another honking cut through the air, this time from Owen’s Jeep, with Eva leaning out the window. “Get your fat ass in here!” she shouted,her tone firm.

“See you later Harold,” Neha stood up, feeling the weight of the conversation slip away for a moment.

Just as she was about to walk away, Harold called out, “Neha, wait!”

She paused and turned around, raising an eyebrow.

“You almost forgot your bag.” Harold held it out to her, and Neha felt a rush of embarrassment. Shit, that could have been bad.

With a sigh, she stepped back and reached for the bag. “Thanks, Harold. And, uh, look, if it bothers you that much, we can chat on Discord later tonight,” but then quickly added. “But without the vampire bullshit, cool?”

“Yeah, sure! That sounds great,” he replied, a hint of relief crossing his face. “Have a great weekend.”

And the pair went their separate ways.

****

Gosh, they acted as if I wanted my car to be vandalized! Harold released a sigh once he closed the door to his bedroom. He felt utterly exhausted—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Dinner had been overstimulating, filled with ‌verbal berating from his parents about the vandalized car and the impending issues with their car insurance. The stress had twisted in his stomach, making him lose his appetite.

The real kicker had been Coleen’s recent addition to the McGrady household: an injured bat she had brought home from the vet clinic where she worked as an intern. The little creature was inside its cage in the dining room, staring at Harold with its beady eyes while his family gawked at it with curiosity. That bat had given him the creeps, but in the chaos of the evening, he brushed it off. He had far more pressing matters to worry about.

Now, as he sat in front of his laptop, the exhaustion weighed heavily on him. Do I even have the mental capacity to chat with Neha on Discord? he wondered, combing his fingers through his ginger locks. But the urgency to talk to her was undeniable; there was so much he needed to share and so little time to do it.

Harold took a deep breath before opening Discord. The familiar interface loaded up, and he navigated to his chat with Neha, anticipation bubbling in his stomach. He had hoped she’d be online, but as the screen loaded, he saw that she was not.

No matter, he thought, feeling a faint flutter of disappointment as he typed a quick message: “Hey Neha, when you get this, I really need to talk.”

With that done, he turned his attention to his flash drive, still plugged into his laptop. He clicked to access the folder containing all his vampire files—research, notes, and photos he had gathered over the past month. As the files began to upload, he leaned back in his chair.

The cacophony of his family echoed around him, creating a chaotic backdrop. His parents were deep in conversation in the kitchen, gossiping about their fellow church members, their voices rising and falling with theatrical flair. Meanwhile, Coleen was in the living room, tending to the injured bat she had brought home, occasionally cooing at it as if it were a fragile child.

On the opposite side of the hallway, the unmistakable noise of gunfire and indistinct chatter filtered up through the floorboards. Harold sighed, recognizing that his older brother Malcolm was likely immersed in one of his online games, where chaos was the norm.

Then there was Nessa, his younger sister, who filled her room with loud, off-key renditions of whatever catchy tunes had caught her fancy that week.

As Harold waited for the files to download, he couldn’t shake the unsettling thoughts swirling in his mind. The brief chat with Neha had confirmed his suspicions: Alejandro had undoubtedly hypnotized her during that museum field trip. The implications were terrifying, and he felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Worst of all, she seemed to be

suffering from one of the many side effects of a vampire’s hypnosis—short-term memory loss.

He remembered reading about the effects in one of his research files. Vampires had a sinister way of ensnaring their victims, leaving them with fragmented memories and an inability to recall specific events. In Neha’s case, her mind was sharp, able to process a lot of information. This made her more resistant, but it also meant that when she did succumb to the effects, the results were nuanced. She had disrupted memories of that day, fading in and out like an old VHS tape.

In contrast to Neha, Lindsay, with her carefree and often ditzy nature, had become caught in a more profound loop of forgetfulness. She had started forgetting everyday things, like her boyfriend Tyler’s name. The more suggestible someone is, the more likely they are to suffer severe lapses, he recalled from his notes. Lindsay’s easygoing attitude made her particularly susceptible to Alejandro’s influence.

As he contemplated these differences, Harold turned back to the screen, watching the progress bar inch forward. The files uploaded slowly, but then they suddenly froze. Confused, he stared at the screen, wondering what was wrong. Just as he was about to click around, a notification popped up: Connection Lost.

A rush of irritation washed over him as he quickly checked his phone. Sure enough, it had no connection either. What the hell? He thought, feeling a tight knot of unease begin to form in his stomach. Staring back at his screen again and seeing that one file did manage to download completely, Harold quickly sent it to Neha and stood up from his chair. Looks like I’m going to have to check the modem.

The amateur vampire-slayer left his room in a huff, but as he stepped into the hallway, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The house was now eerily quiet even though his family was so vocal a moment ago. He called out, “Mom? Dad? Coleen? Malcolm? Nessa?” but the only response was the faint echo of his own voice.

Something isn’t right, he thought, a chill creeping down his spine.

Without wasting any more time, Harold quickly armed himself. He grabbed a toy water gun filled with holy water, the only thing he could think of that might serve as a makeshift weapon against something supernatural. He also snagged a crucifix from the shelf—just in case—and a wooden nunchuck he’d designed himself, complete with pointed tips that could do more than just look intimidating. It pays to be born into a Catholic family.

Harold took a deep breath to steady his racing heart as he scanned his family’s individual rooms. Odd, they’re all empty. Are they downstairs?

With trepidation, he tiptoed downstairs, every creak of the floorboards making him acutely aware of how vulnerable he was. The vampire-slayer in training quickly checked behind every corner, heart pounding as his ears strained to hear any signs of life—his family, the intruder, or both.

Entering the living room, Harold’s heart dropped as he took in the gritty scene before him. The McGrady family lay motionless on the ground, their bodies contorted in unnatural positions, gaping wounds on their necks—a sight so brutal it made bile rise in his throat. The vivid red blood starkly splattered the once pristine three-piece velvet couch, the brown fabric now marred by the gruesome stains. Blood pooled on the rug, creating a macabre testament to the violence that had exploded in their home.

He stumbled back a step, eyes wide with disbelief. This can’t be real, he thought. The warmth of family dinners, laughter, and mundane routines seemed like a distant memory now, completely replaced by this nightmarish tableau.

Harold’s eyes darted around the room, trying to grasp the grotesque scene before him. The internet modem, usually innocuous and tucked neatly by the TV set, had claw marks slashed into the device. They were disturbingly similar to the ones that had marred the ‌ginger’s car tires, a haunting reminder of the threat he had researched so vigorously.

Frantically, he searched for any signs of life, any flicker of movement that might provide hope. “Mom? Dad? Coleen? Nessa? Malcolm?” he called out, his voice trembling and echoing in the heavy silence that smothered the room. But only the oppressive quiet answered him, thick with the weight of fear.

The sight of his family’s limbs and lifeless eyes caused panic to surge through Harold. He felt a deep rage boiling within him, mingling with sorrow and horror. How did he get inside? He isn’t supposed to enter without an invitation., Harold, racking his brain, trying to figure out how the blood-sucking terror entered his home.

He scanned the edges of the room, looking for anything that might help him understand. The air felt charged, heavy with an unshakeable tension. And then his gaze landed on the empty bat cage and the door slightly ajar.

Of course, realization hit the lone McGrady like a punch to the gut. That’s how he got in! The connection snapped into focus in his mind, illuminating the darkness surrounding him. Vampires were famously known to have the ability to shapeshift into bats, and the injured bat Coleen had brought home must’ve been Alejandro in disguise.

Harold stood frozen for a moment, the pieces of the horrifying puzzle clicking together in his mind. He cursed himself silently for not being more suspicious of the vile creature before him. A real vampire slayer would have figured it out right away, he thought bitterly. But because Harold had fallen for the deception, his poor family’s blood now stained the living room.

“You know, it’s astonishing how often that trick works,” a smooth, accented voice broke the silence from behind him.

Turning around in fright and shock, Harold’s heart plummeted. Alejandro was casually sitting on the loveseat in the corner, licking blood clean off his jaw, his fangs and claws now prominently displayed. Had he always been there, lurking in the shadows, watching the nightmare unfold?

“If you only heeded my warning, this never would have happened,” Alejandro said, a smug smile curling at the corners of his lips.

Not wasting any time, Harold instinctively aimed his water gun at the Spaniard, heart racing with adrenaline. With ‌fierce determination, he pulled the trigger and began to spray, the liquid glistening in the light as it shot toward Alejandro.

But the vampire was quicker. Alejandro pulled out a decorative pillow from the couch and immediately blocked the spray, the water soaking into the fabric. He laughed softly, the sound chilling. “Is that all you got, chico?”

Undeterred, Harold sprayed again, determination fueling each shot. “You’re too late, I already told Neha about you. You’ve been made” He struggled to sound braver than he felt, but his voice wavered slightly.

Alejandro replied, smirking, “And did she believe you? Because you and I both know she would never believe the words coming from a notorious conspiracy theorist.” He casually continued to block the shots of holy water, yawning as if the entire encounter were little more than an amusing pastime. “Oh, come on! It’s like you’re not even trying.”

Frustration boiled within Harold, and he fired another round. But Alejandro dismissed it effortlessly with the pillow once more, his amusement infuriating. “She will believe me once she sees the photo I sent to her. And I think you know which one,” Harold said, a cocky grin creeping across his face.

Suddenly, an angry growl emitted from Alejandro. With speed that took Harold by surprise, he abruptly got up from the chair and hurled the pillow at him with such force that it broke the nerd’s arm and forced him to drop his water gun.

Agony shot through Harold as he instinctively gripped his injured arm, but that was a fatal mistake. Because Alejandro lunged at him in a blur, and before he could brace himself, the back of the bespectacled teen’s head hit the floor with a dull thud.

Stars danced in his vision as he registered the overwhelming pain and the reality of his situation. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to anger someone who can rip out your throat, he thought.

Alejandro loomed over him, a predatory glint in his poisonous green eyes. “Oh, mi amigo, not only did you bite more than you can chew, but the worst part is you tried to tell Neha about me,” the Spaniard said with a sneer. “And that is something I can’t tolerate.”

Fear gnawed at Harold’s insides, but he refused to let it paralyze him. Think, Harold, he told himself. He still had a trick or two up his sleeve. All he needed to do was reach into his pocket, but first, he had to keep Alejandro distracted long enough to enact his plan.

With a shaky breath, Harold mustered his courage. “You mind telling me why you and your family are overfeeding? Last I checked, vampires only need to eat once or twice a month.”

Alejandro raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “We do,” he replied, his expression shifting just slightly. “But something has come up, and it requires a kill count of sorts.”

Harold seized the opportunity, forcing a casual tone. “A kill count? Sounds… ambitious. What’s the goal? World domination? Or just a late-night snack?”

Alejandro scoffed, and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “As if I’ll tell you. I wouldn’t expect you mortals to understand the intricacies of our kind.”

“Fine, don’t tell me, but how are you able to walk during the day?” Harold pressed, desperation creeping into his tone.

The taller man didn’t respond, kneeling down until Harold could smell his expensive cologne. Alejandro’s bull-shaped silver necklace glinted as he clutched it between his fingers, an unsettling emblem of his arrogance. “Let’s just say my family and I finally found a way to solve that little problem,” he replied smoothly, a hint of pride lacing his voice.

He was right where Harold wanted him now. This is my chance, Harold thought, heart racing as he pulled a wooden stake from his pocket. With steady aim, he prepared to strike directly at Alejandro’s heart.

But before he could make his move, Alejandro’s reflexes kicked in. The vampire swiftly caught Harold’s wrist, and with a look of pure boredom twisted Harold’s wrist with a snap that sent pain radiating up his arm.

“Ah!” Harold gasped, dropping the stake as he instinctively cradled his injured hand, trying to keep his composure under the weight of Alejandro’s fierce grip.

“You know, Harold,” Alejandro continued, his voice dripping with condescension, “I must thank you. Because if it weren’t for you snooping into my family’s business, I wouldn’t be ahead of my brother in our little game. And I plan to keep it that way.”

The revelation struck Harold like a physical blow. Ahead of his brother? What did that mean? He desperately scanned Alejandro’s expression, hoping to glean some insight into the vampire’s plans. But it was pointless; he could see the amusement dancing in Alejandro’s eyes, the confidence radiating off him like a dark aura. This was it—this was the end for him.

Drawing on every ounce of courage left within him, Harold took a shuddering breath. “Neha is smart,” he managed, forcing the words out despite the tightening grip around his neck. “She’ll find out your secret, and she’ll stop you.”

Alejandro’s expression darkened, and he leaned in closer, his breath cold against Harold’s ear. “I’m counting on it.”

Before Harold could process the implications of those words, Alejandro’s fangs elongated, glistening menacingly in the dim light. With a swift, merciless motion, the vampire bit down, puncturing Harold’s skin, pain erupting as his vision filled with blurring colors.

But as the last vestiges of awareness slipped away, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had unwittingly set something darkly powerful into motion. The thought echoed in his mind as he succumbed to the abyss, leaving behind the chaos and blood of the McGrady home.