Her pale, blonde hair whipped across her face. It shone against the black blanket of night like a halo.

Why did I agree to come with her? I wondered. The rest of the group were snuggled next to a flaming fire back at the hostel. I, however, was outside with Grace on a freezing December night that was threatening to turn my blood to ice. Grace had insisted that I went with her tonight. She wanted to go now- not tomorrow morning- to All Saints Church situated on the fringe of the village.

"Remind me why we're trying to get hypothermia?" I joked while tightening the fleecy, red scarf around my neck.

"So I can see the church, Scott. I've heard many legends about it. It sounds fascinating." Grace replied in her soft voice.

"And you need me to come because...?" I asked cocking one eyebrow.

As an answer, she muttered, "I didn't want to be alone. I don't feel safe here. It's ...different-from the other places we've visited with the group." An icy gust pulled back her golden hair. Grace's face displayed vulnerability.

Grace stuffed her bare hands into the pockets of the thick, red puffer jacket she was wearing.

The ancient church came into view. Towering trees and granite gravestones circled the church. On the old door a covering of red paint glistened like a faint star.

I made my way through twigs and dead leaves scattered on the overgrown of grass. Once at the door I put my hand on the handle. The metal ring felt cold and battered. I twisted it.

The door groaned on its hinges as a warm blast of air from inside the church stung my eyes. Inside the flickering candles made an unsettling glow. Shadows bounced around the empty space. I turned round to face Grace. But only consuming blackness met my eyes.

She was gone!

Vanished!

My eyes searched the air. Nothing. I let go of the door. It banged shut behind me. I stepped forward to continue the search.

"Looking for me?" Grace's voice rung out.

I spun to face her. "Grace-I thought-I'd-lost you." I stammered in relief. I sun to face her.

I saw no blue eyes. Red rings caught my gaze. Grace's face had changed.

My heart started clawing itself out of my chest. Her face was no longer soft. It was hard: red eyes glared at me; blond hair slapped my face; pointed fangs were revealed as she grimaced. The door behind Grace shone in the dark. It surrounded her with a blood coloured aura.

I choked on a scream. Fighting for breath, I stumbled backwards. Trying to shut the vision out, I closed my eyes. I shivered as the truth sank in: Grace was a vampire.

Cold fingers clamped onto my face. Through natural instinct, I brought my knee up until it connected. The fingers slipped away. I ran blindly, leaving crunching sounds of shrivelled leaves in my wake. I wanted to be anywhere but here with her. To disappear. To drop off the edge of the universe. Her presence neared.

The world tumbled around me. I had fallen over a low gravestone. Not one wisp of oxygen was left in me. Amongst green spikes and grey giants, Grace turned me over onto my back. She pinned me down with supernatural strength, lying on top of me ready to strike. My body dripped in fear. Every cell was tense with anticipation of the coming doom.

My mind became focused. Under my clammy palm was rough bark. A twig. Maybe reading all those legends (and Dracula) had not been a waste. I raised the twig. In one smooth motion it cut through the air. The twig pierced her back, punctured her heart. Opening my eyes I saw her face explode to dust.

Trembling I breathed in. The image of Grace's face swam before me. Her eyes had turned to red - the colour of blood.