Within the depths of Brooklyn’s most secretive underground club, Maya worked, a talented tattoo artist, surrounded by the pulsating energy of the city’s darkest desires. The flickering neon lights illuminated the inked art adorning her own skin as she crafted masterpieces on the bodies of willing patrons, each stroke of her needle breathing life into their stories and secrets. Her talent was revered, her touch sought after, but it was the enigmatic and seductive club owner, Lily, who held a special place in Maya’s heart.

Lily, with her own mysterious allure and commanding presence, had become both muse and canvas for Maya’s art. Her body, a testament to a life shrouded in darkness and secrets, bore Maya’s vision as a twisted symbiotic connection. With every stroke, Maya unraveled the layers of Lily’s enigmatic persona, each design revealing a glimpse into the hidden depths of the club owner’s soul.

Thanks to years of bad relationships, Lily preferred to be the one in control, hiding behind thick walls, deep mistrust, fear of commitment. Equally beautiful and intuitive Maya disarmed Lily. Fighting every instinct, Lily finally let go, experiencing a new height of ecstasy, beyond all fantasy, breathlessly exclaiming, “You have many monstrous talents.”

She trembled as Maya warmed her ear with a whisper, “We’re all monsters in our own way. It’s just a matter of embracing who we truly are. Join me, and we can revel in eternal night together.”

In that surreally enchanting moment, both Lily and Maya were convinced they had found their soul mates.

They slept nearly all day. They were creatures of the night, both by trade and lifestyle. Twilight was their dawn. Their skills were heightened during the witching hour.

That night both Lily and Maya approached their work newly inspired. Lily sent her scheduled DJ home and took over the booth. The club was on fire. Word got out and this otherwise off-night was busier than the typical Saturday after party. Maya similarly was turning out works of art that needed to be seen around the world.

“I want to be your next canvas.”

The voice caught Maya off guard, sending chills through every nerve ending, head to toe. She turned. The vision of beauty was preternatural. Was she glowing?

“Forgive me. I startled you. You have your clients. I shall come back another time, another night.”

“No, wait,” Maya couldn’t let this woman go. Something about her – her eyes, her hair, her stance, her voice? Maya needed to create – something – on her body, her skin. “Please, don’t go. I’m -“

“Maya, yes, I know. You are famous. Your talent is legendary in these parts. I have met hundreds of artists around the world, and they are all amateurs in your shadow. Your work belongs in a museum. Or perhaps, this establishment is a museum of your living art, on display, nightly – breathing, consuming, dancing, whatever it is they are doing.” Maya Blushed. “Forgive me, once again. I am called – Aria.”

Something shot through Maya. The name – Aria – reverberated deeply in her core, as if an Opera diva sang from inside her.

“Aria?” Maya half repeated, half questioned; half spoken, half thought.

“Aria. Please, have a seat. I would be honored to -”

Maya was perhaps a bit shy when out of her element – like the last time she felt obligated to sit through a family Thanksgiving – but never was she at a loss for words. This is silly. Aria is just another client, another canvas. Aria….

Ok, Maya, shake it off, get a grip.

Maya thought to herself.But it wasn’t her voice she heard in her thoughts. It was Aria, that deep voice, that at times seemed Parisienne, then Mediterranean, then Eastern European.

Finding herself, or at least trying to regain composure, Maya asked, “What did you have in mind,” she paused before saying “Aria?”

Aria smiled. “You are the artist. The genius. I put my trust in you. Make me beautiful.”

Maya tried to joke but embarrassingly blushed saying, “The gods beat me to the punch!” OMG Did I just say that? She felt like the schoolgirl, years ago, trying to flirt with the captain of the football team. That experience was miserable. Maya’s mind drifted to more depressing, weaker times.

Aria placed her hands on Maya’s shoulders and glared into her eyes, pulling Maya back to the moment, more heightened than before.

“Breathe. Close your eyes. And when you are ready, create your masterpiece.”

Maya closed her eyes. She was about to explode. Maya felt Aria’s eyes burning through her lids. A mixed sense of terror and passion became a tornado of excitement.

Aria then began to hum as she moved her hands slowly down the arms, then guiding Maya’s hands to Aria’s chest. Aria reached for Maya’s tools, placing an ink marker in Maya’s finger tips. Aria then relaxed back, pulling Maya out of her chair, practically on top of the enchantress.

Before she even opened her eyes, Maya’s fingers commenced. As she worked, the lights and club goers were a blur. Aria’s humming became more of a mystical melody, sweetly, devilishly sung perfectly blending with the swelling music of the DJ.

Lily! Lily’s music. Suddenly this interaction felt like a betrayal to Lily.

“Forget her. Lose yourself in your work. Let nothing betray your art. If she truly loves you, she’ll support your talents.”

Maya took a moment but soon was back in the groove. At this point, she did not even question Aria’s voice in her thoughts, directing her to stay focused, on task.

Lily had not considered anything was amiss as she watched Maya with yet another client. At least not until that moment. Maya had never looked so surprisingly distressed.

Now Lily watched her love work, almost missing the end of the current track. Maya was more engrossed than ever.

And tonight’s canvas was out of place. This was no Brooklyn club kid, or hipster wannabe trying to fit their scene. This woman was upscale, worldly. That dress was a private collection from a Cannes red carpet. Those people didn’t come to their world, usually fearing a mugging, or worse. She had an air of power. She was fearless, almost dancing while Maya worked.

Lily found the scene seductive, and if Maya was not the love of her life, the one for which she just let down all defenses not twenty four hours earlier, she might be aroused by the episode. But instead there was nothing but jealousy. Had she given herself, so fully, too soon?

Now Lily examined the interaction with laser focus. Who was this woman? This creature? This… And how did she have such a total clutch on Maya? Lily’s mind circled, tormented by insecurity she had not felt in years. She left that in her past. No one was going to have this power over her ever again.

Lily’s ranting inner voice was silenced when her eyes met hers. The client’s eyes glared at Lily. This woman sees me.

But how? The lights and the shadows, how does anyone see her from her perch? But she was piercing Lily with this stare. It wasn’t natural. It suddenly terrified Lily. Who was in Maya’s chair? What?

Lily did not notice the current track had ended. The entire club started to roar in disapproval. The after-party crowd was the most demanding. Quickly, Lily put her extended playlist on automatic.

“FREE SHOTS FOR ALL!”

The crowd quickly forgot the hiccup, cheered and returned to the ritualistic activities of Brooklyn at 5am.

Lily climbed down from the DJ booth and ran to Maya’s side. “Maya, I need to chat with you. Something important.” Maya did not even flinch from her task. “Maya!” Still nothing. The client somehow simultaneously smiled and snarled like a wild animal.

“Hello, they call me, Aria. You can have her back in a few moments. She’s almost done. Then I shall be done with her. Let Maya complete her work.”

“MAYA!” This time, unaffected and unimpressed, Lily grabbed Maya’s shoulders and yanked her away.

Maya gasped, “Huh?”

Aria exhaled rapture, as the pen scratched her chest. The pain was intoxicating to her. She collected the few drops of blood with her finger, then licked it clean.

Lily’s brow furrowed, worry etched across her face. “Maya, there’s something off about her. I’ve seen this before. I see the way she looks at you, like you’re her prey.”

“Lily, you’re just being overprotective,” Maya retorted, a hint of annoyance in her voice. “You’re just jealous, Lily. It’s not a good look on you.”

“Maya, I’m not jealous. At first maybe, but I’m trying to protect you. There’s darkness in her, something you can’t see.” Lily’s voice trembled with a mix of sadness and urgency as she pleaded, “Please, Maya, listen to me. She’s dangerous. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

Maya’s eyes blazed with defiance; her voice filled with stubborn resolve. “Go away. I’m working. We can discuss this later.”

As this minor distraction lost its amusement, Aria stood, her eyes yearning with an otherworldly hunger.

Lily’s voice trembled with a mix of sadness and urgency. “Maya, please, you must listen to me. Look at her, really look. There’s something unnatural about her.”

Maya’s heart raced, her gaze shifting between Aria and Lily. Confusion and fear warred within her, but the pull of Aria’s seductive presence remained strong. “What are you trying to say, Lily? What’s wrong with her?” she asked, her voice betraying a sliver of doubt.

Lily tried to shake Maya loose of Aria’s clutches, her eyes pleading. “She’s not like us, Maya. She’s not human. Can’t you see it? Her eyes, her unnatural voice, her –  ”

Lily suddenly noticed Aria cast no reflection in the club’s mirrors. She was surrounded by images of herself and Maya, and dozens of dancing fools ignorant to what was transpiring inches away.

Concern turned to terror as Lily declared, “Look, Maya. Look at the mirrors. She’s a – vampire.”

Lily’s words hung in the air, met with Maya’s disbelieving laughter. “You must be out of your mind, Lily. Vampires? They’re just a fairy tale, movie monsters, and we hate those movies.” Maya’s voice was laced with a mix of amusement and denial. She started to laugh. Maya was dizzy at the moment. But now she too noticed something strange, and the missing subject in the mirror.

But before Maya could fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, Aria’s true nature was unleashed. In a swift and preternatural movement, she lunged at Lily, her fangs elongating with a sinister grace before plunging into the flesh of her neck. Lily’s body writhed, her eyes rolling back into her head. The two floated off the ground, as if two magical fairies danced to the pulsing club beat.

Maya froze in disbelief as her heart shattered into a thousand pieces. Overcome with sheer horror, she stumbled backward, desperately trying to comprehend the nightmare unfolding before her eyes as Lily – her closest friend, her love – stopped dancing. Aria released her grip and Lily’s lifeless body hit the cold, hard ground, drained of all vitality.

Trembling with fear and grief, Maya backed away from Aria, her voice quivering. “No… this can’t be happening. You’re a monster.”

Aria, her lips-stained crimson with Lily’s blood, turned her gaze towards Maya, her eyes now a cold, predatory glimmer.

“But Maya,” Aria suddenly engulfed Maya, lips to ears, sharing haunting echoes, “We’re all monsters in our own way. It’s just a matter of embracing who we truly are.” Aria could hardly contain herself in this moment. She was drunk with life as she burst into laughter. “You’re words, not mine. No?”

Maya was confused.

“Are those not the words you spoke last night, just before dawn. Join me, and we can revel in eternal night, together.”

Maya’s heart shattered and her spirit broken. Aria had been haunting Brooklyn’s shadows for months when Maya’s words traveled across a breeze. She had to have Maya, to feed, or to love. She wasn’t sure. Either way it would be deliciously glorious.

Suddenly, Maya gathered the remnants of her courage and strength and made a desperate dash towards the exit, propelled by a primal instinct for survival.

Aria laughed, before she coyly pursued Maya through the dimly lit corridors, her inhuman speed and agility easily, repeatedly closing the gap between them, leaving a scratch, a bite, or a taunt before giving Maya false hope of escape before swooping in once again.

With every fleeting glance over her shoulder, Maya could see the monster that Aria had become.

This cat and mouse game was almost too much for Aria’s growing bloodlust, but delaying the final feast sweetened the blood with her heightened anxiety and the victim’s fear. As an undead creature of the night, she never felt more alive. This would be a most magnificent kill and sweeter dessert.

As Maya burst out onto the desolate streets of Brooklyn, she just stopped and let the moment catch up with her, her heart heavy with sorrow and loss. Her clothes were torn and bloodied. But that didn’t matter now. This moment would be her last.

She relived every moment of the past life changing 24 hours. Better to have loved and loss, right? And the first glimmer of dawn, just 24 hours earlier, was magical. This monster can’t take that moment. That memory consumed Maya as she blissfully, calmly waited the final blow.

Aria burst out of the club, tearing the door off its hinges. The thrill of the hunt was fierce. She snarled at the meal to come. Ready to pounce, Aria, surprised to find Maya just standing there, paused and then approached her with contemplation and resignation.

Maya turned, eyes to the ground, defeated.

“I love Lily. I loved Lily in a manner I didn’t know I was capable – or that anyone was capable of.”

Maya’s eyes raised to meet Aria’s. 

“That is until tonight. When you sat in my chair. Something changed in me. Something in me was elevated to new heights. I never felt so alive. And it was as if I had known you, for centuries. Every second lasted a lifetime, filled with wonder and joy.”

“You felt my gift.” Aria shared. “I had already tasted you. And shared a few drops of me in the exchange.”

Maya suddenly remembered what transpired in her trance. Aria moved so quickly her conscious mind did not even register the feedings as anything more than a chill on the neck.

“But that is just the beginning. If you accept my gift, we will travel the world together. I have seen every inch of this dreary planet, but now I can see it anew through your eyes, your artistic interpretation. I have lived for centuries but feel alive for the first time in a very long time.”

“Please, Aria. I accept. Make me as you are.”

“Are you sure?” Aria had to be sure.

“Yes. Take me now. Right now. Right here.” Maya never sounded more sure of anything.

“Very well.” Aria was overwhelmed. This was greater than hunger, greater than thirst. This longing had not been truly satisfied, perhaps ever. She embraced Maya tightly. She made a small narrow incision and pulled Maya’s lips to her neck.

“Drink. Yes, drink. Drink and discover my gift to you. I have searched for you across many lifetimes. We will become one. My mind is now your mind. Your mind is – “

Aria jerked her neck away from Maya’s mouth. “NO! How could you?”

By the time Aria heard Maya’s thoughts it was too late!

The first beams of sunlight pierced through downtown Brooklyn before reflecting off the towering Manhattan skyline like laser beams blasting the Brooklyn riverfront warehouse district.

Aria had been careful for over 500 years. “Maya?” –  the hope of companionship, the charge of power from the hunt, the feed, the art – Maya disarmed the enchantress.

Maya, now starting to feel the power of her new gifts, pulled Aria’s neck back to her lips. Aria’s body convulsed in agony. The curse of her existence consumed her. Maya only recoiled as Aria’s body glowed, and soon caught fire. What seemed like an eternity was a few mere seconds.

In the quite glow of morning – except for a few birds, and the distant activities of New York’s strongest, a siren across the river – ashes, like a statue, all that remained of Aria’s form, were carried away one by one on the cool breeze, till she was completely gone.

Maya was safe, for now. Her conversion had started. Her human mortality would expire in her next sleep. Tomorrow night, she will rise anew, a monster. But for now, she walked to the river’s edge and sat, dangling her legs over the side, watching her last sunrise.

She had avenged Lily, but at a tremendous cost. The sacrifice she had made would forever bind her to a life of darkness and the relentless craving for the lifeblood of the world’s underground.

But then again, had she not chosen that life years before? Had she not sealed the deal 24 hours earlier in full rapture with Lily? Was this just a little more permanent? This last thought brought a smile.

She would forever roam the urban labyrinth, torn between her hunger and the remnants of her humanity, seeking a twisted kind of redemption in the shadows, feeding only on the most deplorable, protecting the victims. This curse did not have to serve evil. She will be undead and discover eternity on her terms.