Behind The Door
The Door
Sleep came to me like a heavy fog, slow and consuming. I remember setting my phone on the nightstand, the faint glow of the screen fading as I closed my eyes. Everything felt so ordinary. So... normal. Until it wasn’t.
I dreamed of a door. A towering, ornate thing with carvings of strange, twisting patterns. It stood alone, shrouded in a dim, bluish light that seemed to come from nowhere. At first, I froze. My pulse quickened, fear prickling at the back of my neck. Something about it felt wrong, like it didn’t belong in my world. Yet, my curiosity gnawed at the edges of my fear. My hand moved on its own, reaching for the handle.
The door creaked open, revealing a blinding white light. Then, as if the ground beneath me dissolved, I stumbled forward—and woke up. But I wasn’t in my bed.
Elise Carter
*staring wide-eyed, frozen in place* (Where... am I?)
I was standing in the middle of a vast, dimly lit hall. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of something metallic. Around me, people darted back and forth in various states of disarray. Shouts and chaos surrounded me, and their movements seemed... unnatural.
???
He’s leaving! Stop him! *burst out from a room, half naked and yelling*
???
You’re out of line! *turns toward the other guy*
???
Come back! *comes out the room, half dressed and dishaveled*
The distinct sound of a punch echoed, and my stomach lurched. These people... they weren’t normal. Their movements were too fast, too precise. Then I saw it—a glint of fangs during the scuffle.
Elise Carter
*stumbling backward, whispering to herself* (Vampires. This can’t be real.)
The whole place was in chaos.
Theo Laurent
Look! She’s here. *points at Elise*
The room froze. Every single pair of eyes turned to me. My heart pounded as the chaos faded into silence. They started straightening their clothes, brushing themselves off as if nothing had happened. The air felt heavy.
Theo Laurent
Apologies! *stepping forward, smooth and composed* Usually it’s not that chaotic here. I am Theo Laurent. I’ll inform the boss that you’re here.
Elise Carter
The boss? *stammering*
Theo Laurent
*nodding with a slight bow* Please wait here. *disappears into a side corridor*
Elise Carter
*sinking into a chair, trembling* (This isn’t real. Vampires don’t exist. This is a dream... it has to be.)
？？？
*cheerfully, approaching with a confident smile* You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
Elise Carter
*snapping her head up, startled*
Adrian Verlais
*sitting beside her, smirking* Adrian Verlais. And you must be Elise Carter.
Elise Carter
*narrowing her eyes, her voice shaking* How do you know my name?
Adrian Verlais
*leaning back casually* We’ve been expecting you.
Elise Carter
*blinking in confusion* Expecting me? Why?
Adrian Verlais
*grinning, voice dipping to a playful tone* You must be quite special if the entire house is buzzing about you. But then again, I can see why. You’re captivating.
Elise Carter
*blushing slightly, unsure whether to be flattered or alarmed*
Before I could respond, another figure entered the room.
Marianne Corwin
*gracefully stepping forward* Miss Carter. I am Marianne Corwin. I speak on behalf of the owner of this house. *her tone firm and authoritative*
Elise Carter
*standing* And who is that? *her voice unsteady*
Marianne Corwin
Our boss. *calmly* He was waiting for your arrival for centuries. You are very important to us. So you are to be treated as an honored guest.
Elise Carter
*frowning* Why me? What does that even mean? *panic creeping into her voice* And when can I talk with this boss?
Marianne Corwin
I’m afraid that is not possible. No one meets the boss.
Elise Carter
Not even you?
Adrian Verlais
*chuckling softly, leaning toward Elise* Trust me, Elise, if she hasn’t met him, none of us have.
Elise Carter
This is insane. I need some air. *overwhelmed*
The daylight was a welcome relief, though its warmth felt surreal after the dark, tense atmosphere of Nocturne Hall. The world outside was luxurious and immaculate, yet suffocating. I barely noticed the human servants flanking me as I wandered through the garden.
High-tech security cameras everywhere and sleek luxury cars on the driveway. Everything screamed wealth and power.
？？？
Another car? Really? *shouting* While the rest of us scrape by? You think you’re better than us, don’t you?
???
*whispering* That’s Donna Perch—she’s… a character.
Donna Perch
*yelling from the gates, pointing aggressively* Oh, great. Another one of their pets. You think you’re special, huh? Living in that big house, doing nothing? Pathetic!
Elise Carter
*burning with embarrassment* I don’t even know what’s going on here. *muttering under her breath*
I turned on my heel. Dealing with vampires seemed preferable to dealing with a Donna.
Adrian Verlais
*waiting in the foyer, grinning* Rough first outing?
Elise Carter
*sighing* Just show me to my room.
Adrian Verlais
*leading her upstairs* Welcome to your new life. And if you get lonely... my door is always open. *his tone teasing*
Alone in the lavish room, I sank onto the bed. No matter how hard I pinched myself, I couldn’t wake up. Vampires were real. And I was somehow part of their world now.
Settling In
The gentle rustle of silk sheets, the chirping of distant birds—it all felt like a dream. But dreams are fleeting, and reality soon crashes in, sharper than any blade.
Elise Carter
*groggily* (This isn’t home... Where am I? Oh, right. The mansion. The vampires.)
The room glimmered in the morning light. Intricately carved furniture, heavy embroidered curtains—it screamed wealth, power, and danger. A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
???
*softly* Miss Carter? It’s time for breakfast.
Elise Carter
*hesitant* Uh, come in? *unsteady*
The door opened, and a young woman with a warm smile stepped in. Her casual jeans and t-shirt were so refreshingly... normal.
Harper
*cheerfully* Morning! I’m Harper. I live here too. Breakfast is downstairs. Don’t worry—the vampires are resting. It’s just us humans for now.
Elise Carter
*nodding slowly* Oh. Thanks, Harper. I’ll, uh, be down in a bit.
The mansion felt both foreign and suffocating. Everything here—opulent, pristine, suffused with power—was a far cry from the modest apartment I used to call home. Even the shower, like a private spa, seemed designed to remind me of my displacement. But there was no time to linger. Not here. Not with them.
The breakfast room was alive with human chatter, a warm contrast to the cold halls of the mansion. Sunlight bathed the long wooden table, laden with enough food to rival a feast. A familiar face waved me over.
Marianne Corwin
Elise! *waves enthusiastically* Over here! Did you sleep well?
Elise Carter
*managing a small smile* As well as I could, considering... everything.
Marianne slid a steaming cup of coffee in front of me. The aroma alone was a comfort.
Marianne Corwin
*smiling warmly* It’s a lot to take in, I know. But you’ll find your rhythm. Now eat—you’ll need your strength.
Elise Carter
*filling her plate* Thank you. *grateful*
Marianne Corwin
So, any plans for today?
Elise Carter
Honestly? I don’t even know where to start.
Marianne Corwin
Well, let’s start simple. We'll get you clothes. You can’t keep wearing borrowed ones. What’s your style?
Elise Carter
*quickly* Oh, nothing fancy. Just practical. I don’t want to impose.
Marianne Corwin
*laughing gently* You’re not imposing. But I get it. We’ll keep it simple.
A sleek black car whisked us into the city. Eastmoor stretched out before us—a curious blend of the modern and the ancient, its streets whispering secrets and warnings alike.
Marianne Corwin
*pointing out a towering gothic building* That’s Sanctum Ardentis. Church Headquarters. A dangerous cult devoted to eradicating vampires. Steer clear of them.
The chill her words brought was quickly dispelled by the vibrant city beyond—parks, bustling districts, historic hotels. But not all places were welcoming.
Marianne Corwin
Stay out of the Old District and the slums. *cautioning* Trust me on that.
The shopping district was a whirlwind. Despite my protests, Marianne’s enthusiasm carried us through store after store. By the time we returned to the car, bags piled high, I felt a gnawing discomfort.
Elise Carter
*earnestly* Marianne, I need a job. I can’t just... take things. I need to earn my way.
Marianne Corwin
You don’t have to, Elise. The mansion can provide. *studying her with a soft gaze*
Elise Carter
I know, but... *firmly* I need something that’s mine. Can you help me?
Marianne Corwin
Of course. We’ll figure something out.
The mansion greeted us with its usual elegance. Vampires glided through its halls, their presence a silent reminder of my precarious place here.
？？？
*gracefully approaching* Elise, darling. How are you finding your stay?
Before I could answer, Adrian appeared, draping an arm over my shoulder like we were old friends.
Adrian Verlais
Celeste, don’t hog her. *grinning* I was just about to show Elise around the city.
Celeste Valmere
*narrowing her eyes slightly* Adrian, must you always be so... irreverent?
Adrian Verlais
*smirking* Guilty as charged.
Elise Carter
*shaking her head slightly* (This guy is trouble. Charming, but definitely trouble.)
Adrian Verlais
Oh, by the way, Marianne already found you a job. Bloody Good Bites, a cozy little restaurant. I’ll take you there tonight.
Later that evening, Adrian stood in the garage, a sleek motorcycle beside him. He held out a helmet with an unmistakable grin.
Elise Carter
*eyeing the bike warily* You can’t be serious. Isn’t this dangerous?
Adrian Verlais
Not with me. *teasing* Come on.
Reluctantly, I took the helmet. The city blurred past as we sped through its streets, the wind whipping around me. For a fleeting moment, I felt free.
The restaurant, Bloody Good Bites, exuded warmth. Its owner, Rosa, welcomed me with open arms. Adrian, ever the charmer, mingled effortlessly.
Rosa Bellamy
*beaming* You’ll fit right in, Elise. You can start tomorrow afternoon.
The ride back was quieter, the city’s hum filling the silence. Adrian finally broke it, his voice laced with amusement.
Adrian Verlais
So, dinner tomorrow? My treat.
Elise Carter
Are you always this persistent?
Adrian Verlais
Only with people who intrigue me.
Elise Carter
*shaking her head* (Adrian Verlais is definitely going to be trouble.)
Daniel
The morning sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting a warm glow on the intricate patterns of the carpeted floor. I sat at the breakfast table, my thoughts a swirling tempest of questions. The weight of the past few days hung heavy on my shoulders, demanding answers I wasn't sure I was ready to hear.
Marianne Corwin
You have questions, don’t you?
Elise Carter
I do. How did everyone here know I was coming? Even I didn’t know. And… why am I important to the boss? What does this all mean?
Across the table, Celeste Valemere sat poised in the shadow, her golden hair framing a face that rarely betrayed emotion. Marianne Corwin stood by the window, her warm smile starkly contrasting the invisible tension saturating the room. The two women exchanged a glance before Celeste finally spoke.
Celeste Valmere
The owner of this mansion—our boss—is the first vampire. He’s ancient, powerful, and... absent. Few have seen him in person, but his influence is everywhere.
Elise Carter
*frowning* So, he’s like… a vampire king?
Marianne Corwin
*chuckling softly* Something like that. He’s the one who knew you’d come. He even knew what you’d look like.
Elise Carter
*blinking* What? How? *startled*
Marianne Corwin
There’s a painting of you in the boss' private collection. All of us saw it from here. That’s how we recognized you, Elise.
Elise Carter
*a shiver running down her spine* A painting? Of me? Why? Why would he have that? *her voice trembling*
Celeste Valmere
*expression unreadable, though her voice carries an almost imperceptible weight* We don’t know. Only the boss and perhaps the ancient vampires understand your significance.
Elise Carter
*frustrated, her voice rising slightly* And I’m just supposed to be okay with not knowing? This is my life!
Marianne Corwin
*placing a soothing hand on Elise’s shoulder* You’ll find out in time, Elise. These things reveal themselves when the moment is right.
The room fell into silence, save for the faint chirping of birds outside. My thoughts were heavy, my heart weighed down by unanswered questions.
Celeste Valmere
*her eyes locking onto Elise’s* Until then, you must be careful. Tell no one you’re from another world. Say you came from a small town, seeking better opportunities here. There are those who would exploit your connection to the boss.
Elise Carter
*nodding slowly* I understand. *her voice barely a whisper*
The afternoon sun hung high, casting long shadows in the bustling city streets. I needed an escape, something to clear my mind from the suffocating walls of the mansion.
Elise Carter
*hopeful* Do you mind if I take public transport to work today? I’d like to get to know the city better.
Marianne Corwin
*nodding* Harper will escort you.
Harper
Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re not lost.
The city was alive, a chaotic orchestra of sights, sounds, and energy. Harper’s lighthearted commentary about landmarks and local stories made the unfamiliar streets feel a little less daunting.
Rosa Bellamy
Elise! Welcome back. Let me introduce you to your colleague. *smiling*
Daniel Reed
Daniel Reed *offering a warm handshake* Nice to meet you, Elise. Don’t worry, we’ll make a great team.
Elise Carter
Elise Carter *shaking his hand* Nice to meet you, Daniel. *smiling softly*
Daniel proved to be kind and patient, guiding me through the day with ease. By the time the restaurant closed, we had fallen into a rhythm, laughing over small mistakes and swapping lighthearted stories.
Daniel Reed
*hesitant, looking at Elise* It’s late. I can walk you home if you’d like.
Elise Carter
*starting to respond when the hum of a motorcycle cuts through the air*
Adrian Verlais
*pulling up, grinning as he removes his helmet* Hey, Elise. Ready to go?
Daniel Reed
*frowning* Is he your boyfriend?
Elise Carter
*cheeks heating* What? No! He’s just… a housemate.
Adrian Verlais
*grinning wider* I could be more, you know. *his tone teasing*
Daniel Reed
*crossing his arms* A motorcycle seems a bit dangerous, especially at night. *his concern obvious*
Elise Carter
*offering Daniel a reassuring smile* Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine. See you tomorrow?
Daniel Reed
*reluctantly nodding* Yeah, see you tomorrow. Take care.
The ride was exhilarating, the cool night air whipping past my face. Despite my better judgment, a thrill coursed through me every time I rode with Adrian.
Adrian Verlais
*leaning casually against the door frame* You know, I can’t help but notice your cheeks flush every time I’m around. *smirking* Is it the motorcycle? Or is it me?
Elise Carter
*rolling her eyes, though her heart pounds in her chest* You’re imagining things.
Adrian Verlais
*stepping closer* Am I? *his voice dropping to a low rumble* Because I think you’re starting to like me.
Elise Carter
*breath hitching* Adrian, I—
Adrian Verlais
*grinning* Relax. I’m just teasing. For now. *his tone playful*
Adrian left, his smirk lingering like a ghost in the air. I stood in the doorway, my heart racing and my thoughts tangled in knots. Trouble had a name, and it was Adrian Verlais.
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