Bloodlines:
Annabella's Choice
When Annabella's vampiric abilities awaken, she finds herself thrust into a world of spellcasting, royalty, danger, labyrinths, new friendships, romance, and the fae. Old gods awaken from their slumber to watch with sinister intentions. Can she unravel the past that brought her here in time to save the future of the world?
This one was written for the app Episode Interactive. They put out the following contest prompt:
Your hero or heroine awakens to discover they've gained vampiric abilities. They must set off on a quest to find their origin and just where these powers came from. How they respond to this, who else may know about it, and exactly why they gained these powers is up to you. The story can be dark or comedic, romantic, adventurous, anything! The choice is yours.
Immediately, Em's head was filled with a world of vampires and magic. Annabella awakens with new vampiric abilities and must unravel her past and lineage to figure out why - on the way discovering that she's somehow the only vampire who can still cast spells like a human witch can, and grappling with the implications of a doom-foretelling prophecy.
She makes a lot of new friends and allies as she seeks to answer many questions, such as: how did her powers awaken? What happened with her parents all those years ago? Can she survive the conflict between her vampiric nature and her magical core? Who or what are the eldritch gods known as the Old Ones? And what is their sinister plan for Earth?
Bloodlines: Annabella's Choice was one of two co-winners of the contest, and readers were invested!
Worldbuilding
In this world, there are eight branches of magic (Star, Clockwork, Wild, Spark, Blood, Mind, Shadow, and Heat), with humans possessing magical cores that allow them to cast spells in the branches in which their abilities are strongest. Each branch also has an associated magical creature, which are divided into twelve terrains - for example, the fae are associated with Star magic, and the desert fae are a terrifying people known as mirages. The Wild forest creatures are dryads, the Clockwork ice creatures are lichs... and the Blood city creatures are the city vampires, around whom our story revolves.
Each terrain has something called a denizen - the city terrain has the Minotaur, who the characters at one point confront for answers. And each branch of magic is associated with a god - Father Time, Mother Earth, the Sandman, the Grim Reaper, Medusa, and Lady Midday all make appearances.
Meet the Cast
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Annabella (nickname chosen by the player): Recently turned to a vampire, she somehow retained the human power to cast spells. Her parents split up when she was very young and she's heard nothing of her father in many years. The player's choices determine her personality.
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Iris: Annabella's best friend and an expert hacker, Iris comes to prefer they/them pronouns over the course of the story. They also learn to cast spells - and even invent a way to hack spells, merging the best talents of the magical and non-magical worlds. Friendly and excitable, they are a reliable and necessary ally on Annabella's journey.
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Soriel: A mysterious figure who appears in Annabella's dreams, Soriel soon enters her life in the waking world. Speculation occurs that he might be a nephilim (half human, half angel). Formal and protective, Soriel will go to the ends of the Earth to save the ones he loves.
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Dane: Bitten long ago, Dane has adapted well to the world of vampires and enjoys showing new vampires around. He loves his car, junk food (which bitten-not-born vampires can still technically eat), and dancing at clubs. Energetic and charismatic, he draws everyone out of their shell.
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Jordan: A capable witch, Jordan is the first to realize Annabella is more than the regular vampire she seems. He is quickly won over from his suspicion to her side. Cautious and scholarly, he is a valuable asset to the team.
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Christopher: Also known as 'Kit', Christopher is an aide to King Lucian, and his future is bright... until Annabella comes along. His practical, down-to-Earth nature and his unquestionable leadership skills make him very good at is job. Ambitious and loyal, Kit takes a while to charm, but once he is on your side he is there for good.
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Sophia: A witch who prefers the term 'sorceress', Sophia has worked for King Lucian for years now. She cares deeply for her younger sister, Wendy. Capable and sophisticated, she is great at navigating the intricacies and formalities of the magical world.
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Wendy: A witch living in the shadow of her older sister, Wendy is searching for a way to make a name of her own.
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Isadora: A vampire turned against her will, Isadora is angry at the world and everything in it. Her deep heart has been wounded by an unspeakable betrayal. Prickly and judgmental, Isadora will take some work to get to know.
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Leda: Turned by King Lucian to save her from cancer, Leda is thrilled to be part of the magical community. All three of her parents have deep ties to magic - a seer, a sand pirate, and a scholar. Bubbly and sweet, Leda is a true friend to nearly everyone she meets.
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Leona: A hunter who hates all magical creatures, Leona has been led astray by a mentor, only to suffer a tragic loss. Now she's after Annabella. Driven and pugnacious, Leona will not stop until she gets what she wants.