Windows to the Soul

by Sara Dechance

It has been said that vampyres have no soul. They exchanged it for eternal life. How is it then that the eyes of a vampyre are filled with passion and seduction? Are not the eyes the windows to the soul? These eyes that reveal no soul, should they not be black and empty? One would venture to believe that no emotion could stem from eyes with no soul. However, should you chance to encounter a vampyre, it will be his eyes that overcome you.

I can recall the meeting quite well. Many a young maiden frolicked about on this warm and sultry summer day. From their midst emerged a man with a spirit about him that was quite bewitching. He was slight of build, average stature and possessed unending locks of darkness and mystery. He sauntered about with no obvious intentions. His face was quite pleasing to my eyes. I watched his every move from my post beneath an old oak tree. He captivated me. He radiated strength, confidence and passion. My lack of discretion seized his attention.

As he approached, I caught a glimpse of his parting lips. Peace, tranquility. His entire being was deeply soothing. His eyes were entrancing. I craved his touch. Closer he came. His eyes seduced mine. I was helpless; I could not look away. I could speak no words. His charm and presence left me breathless.

"My lady."

By the gods, his low hypnotic voice penetrated every part of my trembling body. He has paralyzed my tongue. However shall I survive this confrontation within me? Do I run? Do I submit to him?

He merely kissed my hand and gazed into my eyes. His lips were so soft. His intentions were still unknown to me, but my mind filled with designs of my own. I tingled at his cold touch upon my hand. I kept his gaze as he moved onward. Never before had I been this captivated by one man. My curiosity got the better of me. I had to know more.

Once I had recovered my wits, I set out to find him again. As I searched, I could clearly see his path by the wake of smitten maidens strewn here and there. They too had been seized by his charm. I only thought to myself that I must find him first. Some of his victims sat slavering foolishly, and others swooned. Few, I am sure, had the strength or conviction to seek another meeting.

My quest was ended quickly. I found him admiring the crafts of an instrument maker. I concealed myself behind the safety of a large tree. I was certain that I could not be seen; yet it felt as though his eyes were upon me. I felt a chill consume my flesh. I watched his hands fondle a newly made dulcimer. Such power and yet so delicate. He caressed every grain of wood as if it were a living being.

I fancied myself as such a fine instrument. I felt the cold authority of each hand as it proceeded down the slope of my neck, grasping my shoulders and drawing me in. Once again, I was overcome with a chill. I snapped out of my altered reality in time to see an exchange between him and the dulcimer’s creator. AS he emerged from the shop, his eyes pierced the tree and possessed my soul. I knew I could not avoid the impending tryst.

I was frozen in my safe haven. I knew he was on the other side of my tree. I could feel his eyes searing my flesh and shredding the clothing that shrouded it. He was toying with me. He did not trespass on my position. My desire to peep was overwhelming. No amount of self-control could prevent my head from turning. As I looked, he was nowhere. I exposed myself and allowed my eyes to search for him, but nothing. He had not passed, nor was he in any direction. He was gone.

Thinking defeat I turned away from my endeavor. Two eyes gazing into mine halted me. He was there. Again I was frozen in my place. I could see that my eyes revealed my soul to him. The smirk upon his sensuous lips flushed my cheeks. He knew of my carnal thoughts.

"My Lady, we meet again."

"Y-yes, I…I must…. know…"