#Vampire hunter

[kmpshitposter]

OCs Ellis Ross and Mosin Hussain commission for @cultfollowlng

[oliversrarebooks]

The Rare Bookseller Part 89: Vivian's Inevitability

Previous > Masterlist tw: mind control, dehumanization

October 1925

Vivian's eyes fluttered open slowly. She felt wonderful, incredibly relaxed, reluctant to wake. It was so rare that she got to sleep as much as she wanted, hunting during the night and rehabilitating thralls during the day, grabbing fits of sleep when she could. She couldn't recall such a restful sleep with no nightmares, no tossing and turning. She was so light, as if a massive burden had been lifted from her, as if she had no responsibilities, no worries, and no fears.

As her eyes opened further, she realized that she was somewhere unfamiliar, reclining in a plush leather chair. There was a shaded electric light overhead, and she had certainly never lived in a place new or posh enough to have electricity.

She was…

That's right, she had been captured by vampires. She'd been taken by the vampires' notorious conditioning expert to be put under enthrallment. That thought should be terrifying to her, but it just wasn't.

"Vivian, dear, how are you feeling?"

"Really great, calm and relaxed, sir," Vivian answered automatically. "Wait, you're -- you're -- "

Lily, the conditioning expert, was seated next to her, a disarming smile on her face, dressed in a stylish floral housecoat and looking like any ordinary young woman. She was the vampire that Vivian had feared more than any other, the one who effortlessly stole away humans' minds and their futures. And face to face with her worst enemy, Vivian felt so…

Safe. So utterly and completely warm and safe, as though Miss Lily was her oldest friend, someone she could trust completely.

"What did you do to me, sir?" she said curiously.

"I helped you work through all of your troublesome anxieties, my dear. Don't you feel so much better now?"

"I… do, sir," said Vivian. "You put me under your spell. I'm under right now, aren't I?"

"Yes, that's right. How does it feel to finally be enthralled?"

Vivian had seen it in her nightmares so many times -- vampires erasing her memories and forcing her to submit while she writhed and struggled fruitlessly against the mental invasion. It was especially fearsome because of its near-inevitability. Hunters rarely retired -- fight vampires long enough, and it was inevitable you'd have a bad day, or a slip-up, or face a foe that you weren't prepared for. Hunters ended up dead if they were lucky or enthralled if they weren't.

She knew that her witch's lineage made her blood extremely desirable to vampires, and yet she constantly gambled with their mental powers, counting on her protection to keep her safe. Her fate was sealed from the moment she became a hunter, and everything she did was just buying time. She'd dreaded it more than anything, the night when she'd be forced to give up her autonomy and become a servant to a blood-sucking monster.

And now that that night was here, she felt…

"I feel at peace, sir," she said in surprise. "I feel as though I belong here, and that everything will be okay."

"That's wonderful!" said Miss Lily. "You've been doing excellently."

A shudder ran through Vivian at the praise. It was strangely difficult for her to focus, her mind wanting to drift and laze. "You must have made me feel this way, sir. You made me accept being enthralled. I never would have been okay with this."

"You were very eager to accept being enthralled, actually. You've spent your whole life fighting vampires, and you've been terrified of our powers this whole time, haven't you? Isn't it a relief to learn that enthrallment isn't scary at all?"

"It is, sir." Many thralls -- especially those prone to relapse -- told the hunters that enthrallment was blissful and pleasant. She'd always privately thought they were weak-willed, but now that it was upon her, she could see that they were right. "Am I weak-willed, sir?"

"Oh, no, not at all!" Miss Lily's laugh was like bells. "Not in the slightest. You put up exemplary resistance. You're very lucky, really. It's often the case that the most resistant tend to fall the hardest and the sweetest." She stroked Vivian's cheek fondly. "I think you feared this because you always knew deep down this is what you needed. You were so exhausted, so tired of fighting and struggling. Some part of you knew that you wanted this, and it scared you. Now there's nothing for you to fear. All is well."

"All is well," she repeated, but despite the assurance, there was something nagging at her. "Then what happens to me now, sir? Do I truly belong to you… or are you going to put me up for auction?" The horrible thought cut through her calm. She could picture herself dolled up and led to an auction block for vampires to bid on, helpless to affect her fate.

"Yes, my dear, you truly belong to me. I have no intention of selling you. You're far too precious a treasure."

"I am, sir?" she said, once again feeling flushed.

"Yes, of course you are. I have an eye for quality," said Miss Lily. "And I found that we have a lot in common. We both work very hard, and we both care a lot about the well-being of thralls. You were just a little misguided."

"Misguided, sir?"

"Yes, misguided. You thought that thralls needed to be rescued, when what they really needed was to be hypnotized and matched with a fitting owner. You had the right idea, and you were trying to help, but you just didn't understand how very important it is for humans like you to be mesmerized into serving vampires. You're so much happier and more fulfilled this way, and it enriches the vampires' lives as well, so that we can live in harmony. Do you see that now?"

Vivian hesitated. There was something bothering her about this, but with Miss Lily smiling at her so sweetly, all of her arguments were slipping from her head. "That… makes sense, sir."

"Very good, my dear. I just knew you would understand." Miss Lily handed her a tumbler full of water. "You've been asleep for a while. You should drink."

She took the water, only realizing how parched she was as she sipped. It gave her a moment to think, her situation really sinking in. She was a thrall now. She belonged to a vampire.

This… wasn't right…

It was difficult to even force the thought through her mind, like wading through molasses, and the effort made her head hurt. She could clearly remember being a hunter, hating vampires, dreading this fate. She knew those had been her feelings, and that what she was feeling now was just because she'd been hypnotized. And yet…

"Is everything all right, dear?" Miss Lily tucked a piece of Vivian's hair behind her ear.

And yet she was so sleepy, so relaxed. It was completely okay for her to be hypnotized. In fact, it was good for her, which was why she succumbed so easily and completely. All of her dread and hatred of vampires had been misplaced. Miss Lily, her new madam, somehow had known exactly what was best for her.

Vivian looked over at Miss Lily. She really was lovely, and made Vivian feel so safe. How had she ever been so scared?

"I just have a lot on my mind, sir, even after you've put me under your spell."

"That's all right. I expect it will take time to get used to this. It's a big change. But don't worry, I can be very patient." Miss Lily stroked the top of her head lovingly. "You're very precious, and I want to make sure I'm taking good care of you."

"Thank you, sir." She did feel cared for, and -- something else. She frowned, trying to think with her sleepy, sludgy mind. There was something still nagging at her, something important. She looked to Miss Lily for guidance, gazing right into those beautiful brown eyes, eyes that were so easy to get lost in, and she remembered.

Vivian climbed out of her chair and knelt before her new madam, bowing her head. "I want to serve you, sir."

"So obedient! You're such a good girl! I just knew you would be," said Lily, her praise making Vivian feel warm. "There is actually an important way you can serve me. It will make me so happy." She tilted Vivian's head up to hold her gaze.

"What is it, sir?"

"You had other thralls you rescued. At least one from Evelyn, one from Edgar, and one from Jessica. I'm terribly worried about them, you see. They could be in danger, all by themselves. Won't you help me find them?"

That was right -- Vivian had been worried about them too. Emily had her mind generally intact, but Bobby was hardly lucid, and Jenny still had her blackout moments. "I gave them money for train tickets and sent them away, sir. Emily had talked before about heading north, to the seacoast, but I'm not sure where exactly she had in mind."

"I see! That's very helpful. I'll have to check with my contacts in other towns to make sure they keep an eye out for the poor things. Don't worry, I'll make sure they're safe."

Vivian sighed in relief, nuzzling into Miss Lily's hand.

"You've been so good, Vivian dear. I'm very happy with you. Why don't I show you around your new home? We can start in the kitchen if you're hungry."

Just as she hadn't realized she was thirsty until Miss Lily had given her water, she hadn't realized how hungry she was. "I would like that, sir."

Miss Lily held out her hand and helped Vivian from her kneeling position, not letting go as she led Vivian into the other room. The house was bright and cheerful compared to many vampire homes that Vivian had raided, with frilly knick-knacks and doilies everywhere, and the extravagance of electric lighting.

The kitchen was also surprisingly modern, with new and clean electric appliances and a large icebox and pantry. The fussy decor continued, with ruffled, flowery curtains framing the shuttered windows and decorative towels adorning the walls. Miss Lily went to the icebox and began to pull out ingredients. "I can make you a sandwich, if you'd like."

"There's no need, sir. If you show me where things are, I can make it myself."

"I don't mind feeding you tonight. Generally I will expect you to cook for yourself, but you've had a rough time and it's best if you relax," said Miss Lily, slicing a salami. "You'll be sharing the kitchen with my other three thralls -- mostly my precious Miriam. My other thralls, Nellie and Gale, are too old to drink from and mostly stay in their rooms, so it would be wonderful if you could help Miriam with their meals sometimes. Won't you?"

"I can help, sir."

"Very good." Miss Lily sighed. "I'll have to introduce you to poor Miriam. My sire… got to her. Brainwashed her with the most awful ideas. She isn't entirely there now, I'm afraid."

"Why?" Vivian's calm receded. "If he's your sire, why would he harm your thrall? Will he do that to me?"

"I don't want that to happen." Miss Lily placed the sandwich in front of Vivian. "I want to protect you. That's why Lex and I are going to help you kill him, just like you've always wanted."

Vivian nodded, tucking into the sandwich. Yes, they had a common enemy.

"You'll get your revenge, and if he still has your mother as a thrall, then I'll do my best to heal her and take good care of her," said Miss Lily. "And then we can all live so comfortably. I can start running my business the way I'd prefer. You can help the thralls adjust to their new lives, because you're so good at that."

"Mmm." Vivian beamed with pride, her mouth stuffed with sandwich.

"We can travel, buy fine clothing, patronize the arts. I can easily find work wherever I go, and you'll want for nothing ever again."

It was such an enticing vision. No more late nights fighting vampires. No more wrangling thralls who didn't even want to be rescued. No more patching up her own wounds and scrubbing blood from her clothes. She'd never thought a peaceful life could be hers, assuming she would either die in her quest for revenge, or be enthralled and used by the worst of vampires. How fortunate she was to belong to Miss Lily instead!

"If you're finished with your food, I should show you around the rest of the house," said Miss Lily.

Vivian followed her into a sitting room, the florid decorations no longer surprising. There were bookcases built into the walls and a violin sitting dusty in a stand.

"Feel free to make use of the sitting room. You may read the books, and there are some amusements in the drawers. But don't touch the violin."

She led Vivian to another, much larger and fancier sitting room, with enough chairs and couches to seat a dozen or more. "This front area is largely where I conduct my business, so please stay away when I'm on the job, as there will be vampires you don't know, who could potentially make you uncomfortable. The conditioning room is here -- you're very familiar with it now, I'm sure. I keep it as comfortable and serene as possible to put my dear thralls at ease. And this parlor is used as a waiting room."

Vivian felt a pang of unease. This was where Miss Lily conducted her business, her business of hypnotizing innocent people and selling them to vampires. That was why… that was why she'd…

"Does this upset you?" asked Miss Lily. "You don't need to think about it now. Just relax and follow me upstairs."

And just like that, Vivian's thoughts evaporated again. She walked up the stairs, where Lily showed her a washroom, one much nicer and more elaborate than she'd ever had. "You'll be sharing this bathroom with Miriam. I hope you don't mind."

"No, sir."

"And let's introduce you to Miriam…" Miss Lily knocked on a door. "Miriam, dear, are you awake?"

"Yes, madam!" came the voice from inside.

Miss Lily opened the door to reveal a room decorated in autumn colors. Shelves lined the walls, with many glass and ceramic birds and flowers, and a cloud-like overstuffed bed dominated the floor. There was a young woman sitting in a rocking chair with a blanket over her legs, working on embroidery. As she looked up, Vivian could see that her eyes were dazed and glassy, and even from across the room, the scars on her neck were unmistakable. Vivian's own hand went to her neck, wondering if she had similar scars already.

"Miriam, dearest, I want you to meet my new thrall, Vivian. I hope you get along."

"New thrall…" Miriam shied away, hiding behind her sewing project, clearly wary. "But madam…"

"Oh, Miriam, you have nothing at all to worry about!" Miss Lily indulgently threw her arms around Miriam. "I love you very much, and you'll always be very important from me, and I'll continue to drink from you often. I hope you and Vivian can be friends."

The attention of her madam seemed to dissolve whatever fear and animosity Miriam had, a dazed smile appearing on her face. "I will, madam!"

"I hope that you can help Miriam, actually," said Miss Lily, as they left the room. "You know how to lift some layers of hypnosis from thralls, don't you? There are certain things that I've had a hard time lifting or working around. If your techniques could undo some of what my sire's put in her head, then I could hypnotize her properly and she'd be much happier and healthier. I know you're so good at helping thralls recover."

"I can certainly try, sir," said Vivian, pleased that she could help. Her mind was already whirling with how to approach the situation, so that Miriam ended up more functional than Bobby. She didn't want to repeat her past mistakes. She wanted to do better.

Previous > Masterlist

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy this self-indulgence. Next week: Vivian learns more about her new role in life.

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[sabrerine911]

Half giant hunter and his annoying colleagues (MHWilds)

Featuring my half giant Galmar and my other 2 characters Cerise and Beth offscreen

Got Galmar's build pretty decently set at the moment as well!

Went for a semi-support Tank with some pretty decent damage.

And now I have an endgame build for all 3 of my Unholy Trinity characters!

Now Im ready to constantly refine them as new content updates keep piling up and ofcourse, helping hunters out!

[sleepy-mocha]

HUNGER 🩸

[witchrealms]

(x)

[malinanan]

Andria, the monster huntress 🗡️💔

[animeglitch]

[vanhelsingapologist]

We pretend in the darkness. We pretend the night won't steal our youth.

[possessedpasm]

Commission for Coyder Spider! 🦇

[crownedinmarigolds]

Pendragon: SI agent, holy roller! Another NPC for my client's London Chronicle... *twirls hair around finger*

[whumpsoda]

I. I love vampire hunters turned thralls. Brainwashed into adoring little pets to creatures of which they once chased down with the goal of killing… UGH just someone who used to hate the thing they now address as master… bonus points if they get their memories erased and have no memory of their hunter past :3

[svampira]

quiet

[yellowsyro]

meet my new character , Pandora, my excuse to draw women in suit

She is a Vampire Hunter, Diana’s pain in Ass and stubborn grumpy kid(28yo)

[sleepy-mocha]

She won't me fr

[mickey-bees]

Resident vampire hunter and his vampire yapper friend take the world by storm (the world is me I am the world I can’t get enough of drawing these guys)

[theholmwoodfoundation]

STAKES HIGH, VAMPS LOW!

Coming this June. The thrilling third instalment in the Sam Von Bloodgorge saga! With his sister Celine now a vampire, Castle Bloodgorge in ruins, and eternal night sweeping the land, can Sam drag himself from the grave and reclaim his birth right? Or will he too fall to the family curse? Starring Thomas Van Helsing and Marianne Rose.

As requested, decided to go a little off the beaten track and draw something from Thomas' much-loved film career! Started out trying to design the gaudiest, most Basic vampire-hunter film poster, now I desperately want to see this beautiful film franchise.