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.)
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