A Light That Burns

The sun dipped below the horizon, and Lance rose to light the lamp. As he shook out the match and replaced the glass chimney, he heard the front door open. “Raoul? Is that you?” He turned just as his twin entered the room.

Raoul’s eyes were bright and feverish, and his face was ashen. He seemed to hold himself in check, as if his body wished to leap and run about, and his hands were constantly clenching and unclenching at his sides.

“Are you all right?” Lance took a step forward. “Where have you been?”

Raoul laughed and there was an edge there that his brother had not heard before — it gave him chills. “I’m better than I’ve ever been,” he proclaimed. “I’ve discovered the Fountain of Youth, Lance, and I’ve come to share it with you.”

It was Lance’s turn to laugh. Raoul was often absurd, but this was a new one, even for him. “You’re not serious?” He looked closer at his brother’s face. “What have you been drinking?”

“Only the Elixir of Life, dear brother.” He grinned, showing his teeth. There was something wrong with them.

Lance lifted the lamp to see better — and gasped, drawing back. “No.” His heart was hammering in his ears. But he wasn’t mistaken. Raoul had fangs — like a snake… or a vampire.