IX. Vampyre Ghost- vi.

The prized leather tome at Prim's left hand slid slightly away from him across the chess-table. Relaying the next move, the vampire intended to use the opportunity to delve deeper into his mind. However, unwilling to be completely enchanted into servitude and the loss of mortal identity, Prim did not advance the chess piece. The vampire urged him onward by projecting the image of an invisible legion surrounding him in ever-widening concentric circles with thousands of desirous, devouring watchful eyes. There shall be no further hesitation in our brilliant game of chess! Suddenly, a series of counter images eclipsed the immortals intricate mind: absolute darkness, unimaginable cold, pale distant starlight and a landscape of cavernous towers of rock rising from unfathomable pits concealed by clouds to a impenetrable leaden sky. The terror of the cosmic void and unfamiliar fifth dimension was overwhelming. The vampire reluctantly reached out with long, artistic fingers and pinched the chess piece with distain advancing king's bishop's pawn to king's bishop's three between the tips of sharp, red nails. The prized leather tome returned to within reach near Prim's left hand. In the darkness above them, the furtive mass of breathing coarse hair and membranous skin patiently feasted on the fear energy of their thoughts, spread further across the ceiling and unfolded the tri-lids of an unflinching primordial eye. Where do vampires go when they die? Since there's nowhere else for them, they become immortal ghosts absorbed into the eternal dream-realm of interspatial time.