– Why do you think so? – I asked unhappily, because in my dreams I was already safely ensconced in my university flat.
– Because you don't belong in the circle of mortals. Especially among girls. Living in a sorority is horrible. It's not what you see in the films, believe me. I lived in a university flat for a year and then I moved into a private flat. I couldn't get along there, and you certainly can't.
– Thank you for your support! – I exclaimed wryly.
Maria smiled sweetly and continued packing her clothes into her suitcase.
– I don't mean that you are weak. I'm saying that living in a university flat, you won't be able to eat properly» she explained.
Eat? I'd forgotten about that… No, I hadn't thought about it, because I'd always eaten at home, not caring how the blood got on our table or in our glasses. Well, my table, because my parents only ate on the hunt.
– No one is going to serve you fresh blood in a nice bottle» Maria added, probably noticing my confusion.
– But… How am I supposed to eat? – I frowned.
– If you rent a flat, you'll find a way. In fact, I think it's time for you to get your own blood.
– You mean killing people? – I clarified.
– Yes, killing. But I'm worried about how you'll do it: no one taught you how to hunt. That's a parental failure!
– I don't think killing is that hard» I replied calmly. – Martin has told me a thousand times about killing. Especially the case of the German postman: I've heard about it dozens of times and in the most vivid colours.
– Listening to Martin is one thing, but killing is quite another. Killing is hard both mentally and physically. Especially at your age
– But you learnt how to do it somehow» I argued.
– I did. I mean, my parents taught me.
– And I'll learn, eventually. I'm a vampire, and it's my destiny, and I'm as strong and agile as you are, aren't I?
– Pretty much. It takes a lot of training to control your abilities. You can't learn it all at once. – Maria looked at me seriously. – So, think about it, Misha, think about it.
I looked at my sister and thought that I would be perfectly able to cope with all this. After all, I am Misha Mroczek. A vampire. I'm no worse than my sisters.
But I didn't say anything.
– I'll get you a flat in East Oxford, on Cowley Road, where I used to live. Don't worry about a thing, I'll sort it out» Maria said suddenly.