Free The Vanishing Vampire by David Lubar Page A

was motion beneath all the shelves. Vladivost came crawling out. “Well,” he said, brushing himself off and walking over, “that was certainly exciting.”
    â€œYou find a close encounter with a sharp stake exciting?”
    â€œAfter nine hundred years, it does take something major to hold my interest.”
    There was a moan from beneath the shelves. “It appears my old enemy has survived to hunt me anew,” Vladivost said.
    â€œThis is a game for you, isn’t it?” I asked.
    â€œIsn’t everything?”
    I had no answer. I went to the back window, opened it, and got the bottle I had left outside. There was no reason to give it to him. He had done nothing for me. He was responsible for my condition. Still, I held up the bottle. “This takes away the hunger. You can go back to the old country if you want. You won’t have to drink any blood. It contains—”
    â€œBioflavonoids, and various other vegetable ingredients,” he said.
    The bottle almost slipped from my fingers. “You know the formula?”
    He nodded. “It works longer than anything else. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last. The universe is not that generous—there is no substitute for blood. The hunger grows worse each time. This mixture can hold off the craving for a while, but it is not a substitute.” He shrugged. “On the other hand, it makes a nice treat. I especially recommend it with a dash of Flaming Pepper Sauce.” He smacked his lips. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think it is time I searched for a more peaceful location.”
    He climbed out the window, leaving me holding a bottle that did not hold any answers.
    I didn’t know what to say. Vladivost’s words had crushed the life from my last chance for a normal existence. I threw the bottle against the wall, and watched my false hope drip onto the floor.
    Teridakian was starting to crawl from beneath the rubble. I could see he still wore the cross around his neck. Even if I wanted to help, I couldn’t get close to him. I felt weak from the cross and from the garlic at the door. Everything felt a bit shaky. I was dizzy. The world was throbbing in and out of focus. It was time for me to go.
    â€œCurse you!” Teridakian pulled himself free and stumbled toward me, the cross in one hand. He fell to his knees. Then he tried to rise. The shelves must have stunned him pretty badly. He fell again. He reached into a pocket with his other hand. “Feel the power of holy water!” he shouted as he threw something.
    I turned and crawled through the window. Something splashed against my back. I felt weaker by the moment. I staggered into the night.

 
    Twenty-two
    A DECISION
    I hurried away from the warehouse, still weak and dizzy. Everything had turned hazy and flat. The water Teridakian threw seemed to have drained even more of my powers. I was confused, not really sure where I was going. Eventually, I looked up and saw my house. Norman, Rory, and Angelina were waiting for me.
    â€œIt doesn’t work,” I told them.
    â€œWhat?” Norman asked.
    I explained that the vegetable drink was only a temporary aid and that, sooner or later, I would be forced to seek blood. I suspected it would be very soon. When the substitute wore off, I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to control the thirst any longer. “Rory, could you go get my monster book?”
    â€œSure.” He scooted off to my room.
    â€œI didn’t want him to hear this,” I told them. “I have to leave. I can’t go on like this. I have almost no reflection. I can’t survive exposure to the sun. Worst of all, I know that sooner or later, I’ll harm those I care for. I have to leave.”
    â€œSebastian…,” Angelina began.
    I nodded. I understood what she was trying to tell me. “It’s best this way. I think I can hold on for one more day. I’ll go to school and say my