The Open Vein

She was one of them, of course, but even from the start she was different. She carried herself with an air of self-importance, like they all did, but she never once acted like she was better than me. It was like she considered everyone just as important as she was. And she was beautiful, of course. Like one of those carnivorous plants that make themselves appealing on purpose to best be able to capture prey.

Dani is good at her bartending, and she knows it. She's spent the last few years avoiding getting bit or getting killed by the vampires who frequent her establishment, and the tips aren't bad either. But when Lucia walks in--perfect, present Lucia--Dani's world is turned upside-down and she finds herself wondering if giving it all up would actually be worth it. If Lucia even cares.

The Open Vein is a 4200 word short story about a bartender who has never once had an issue with any of the vampires she serves. At least, that is, until now. It is a sapphic, noir-inspired piece that questions what connection truly means, and how far someone would go to feel it. If you like your vampires queer, or if you like your bartenders unsettled, you will like this piece.

Content Warnings Include: drinking (alcohol), blood, violence, workplace flirting, non-consensual blood drinking