Our masters cautioned restraint and order, the laws were clear and the consequences for breaking them, final.
Love clouds the sanest mind.
I watch her step out into the sunlight, head held high, spine stiff and unbending.
I, the willing lover and co conspirator, do nothing. My cowards heart was never a worthy match for the steel in hers.
Her father stands in judgement, crown light as a feather, as his only child and heir atones for betraying our people.
The flames lick along her skin and smoke begins to rise.
Not a hint of emotion crosses his face, not a sound from her lips.
The gathered crowd turns away, still and silent.
Justice is served, not a trace of the princess remains, a mere 200 year old no match for the eternal sun.
Her name will fade from all memory, any spark of defiance fading with her. My heart hardens and I know I'll never dare hope again.
Our way of life is unbending, our obedience absolute.
The vampire does not give in to base need, to fleeting emotion, we do not question, we don't stray.
We are the elite and without our discipline we would be no better then the hordes of uncivilised humans that keep us fed.