Tabitha awoke inside a coffin lined with white cloth and sacred herbs. She rose from the casket, her voice cracking as she tried to speak. Vikram rushed to her side. “Be still, my love. You have slept for many years.”

They were inside the catacombs, a nearby passageway lit by a torch-like wall lamp. Perplexed, she sat up in the coffin and looked over at him, the sound of the ocean in the background.

“Of strong men, you are strength, my Raven Empress. With me by your side, you will claim your throne on Earth and complete the circle of time. Power and glory you have always craved will be yours now that you are among the kindred.” The feeling of blood-lust grew inside him like a wave as he spoke.

She stepped out of the coffin and walked to the beach, stripping her rotting clothing as she walked. Staring out to sea, she stood knee deep in the water as the sun began to rise. Eyes burning from the light, she raised a hand to her face to still the pain that coursed through her black heart and soulless body