The Holy Maiden
The cathedral stood tall against the horizon, bathed in the warm glow of the sun. Its intricate spires seemed to touch the sky, radiating a beauty that could make one forget its true purpose. The Sanctum Ardentis—a place revered by humans as a beacon of hope and purity.
Marianne warned me to stay away from it, but Daniel invited me to visit the cathedral. He was so enthusiast, that I couldn't say no.
Daniel Reed
*walking beside Elise, smiling warmly* You’ll love this place, Elise.
Elise Carter
*smiling and nods* (Daniel’s so confident about this.)
The cathedral’s grand double doors creaked open, revealing a breathtaking interior. Stained-glass windows painted the stone walls with kaleidoscopic hues, depicting saints locked in battles and humans triumphing over shadows.
Daniel Reed
*excited, proud* Impressive, isn’t it? *motioning to the walls* Every detail was designed to inspire faith.
Daniel Reed
*grinning* It's blessed so lesser vampires can’t even set foot in here, and it's even hard for noble ones.
Elise Carter
*staring at a radiant figure in one of the windows*
Daniel Reed
*following her gaze* That is the Holy Maiden. It is said she will once arrive and help us get rid of the dark creatures.
Elise followed Daniel deeper into the cathedral, his animated voice filling the vast space as he explained its history.
The café was a welcome change of pace, its warm interior and the rich scent of coffee providing a small measure of comfort. I sipped my drink, grateful for the brief respite as Daniel continued to talk about the church’s mission. His passion was infectious, and for a moment, I found myself relaxing.
Daniel Reed
*smiling as he sips his coffee* I can't wait for the arrival of the holy maiden. She’ll help us rid the world of vampires once and for all.
Elise Carter
Do you really think she’ll come?
Daniel Reed
*nodding confidently* The prophecies are clear. It’s only a matter of time.
Elise Carter
*thinking, tense* (It sounds uncomfortably familiar.)
After finishing our drinks, we headed to work together. As we walked through the door, Rose’s teasing grin greeted us immediately.
Rosa Bellamy
Well, don’t you two look cozy. You look like a couple.
Elise Carter
*blushing furiously* Rose, stop. We’re just friends.
Daniel Reed
*ears turning pink, stammering* Yeah, just friends!
Rosa Bellamy
*laughing, waving them off* Alright, alright. Just friends. Sure.
The shift passed uneventfully, leaving me exhausted and ready to collapse.
Daniel Reed
* standing near the door, hopeful* Want to grab another drink?
Before I could answer, a familiar figure came into view.
Adrian Verlais
*leaning casually against his motorcycle, smirking* Sorry, mate. *pushes off the bike and saunters over, slinging an arm around my shoulders* She’s taken for the night. Got a date with me.
Elise Carter
*groaning inwardly, glaring at Adrian* It’s not a date. *shrugs his arm off* But yes, I did promise to spend time with him.
Daniel Reed
*frowning, crossing his arms* Are you sure? He seems overly touchy.
Adrian Verlais
*grinning wider, his tone playful* Jealous much? *mocking*
The tension between them was palpable, crackling like static in the night air.
Elise Carter
* stepping between them, trying to diffuse the situation* Daniel, it’s fine. I’ll be okay.
Daniel Reed
*reluctantly backing down, concern still etched on his face* Alright... but call me if you need anything.
Back at the mansion, Adrian invited me to his room. At first, I hesitated, the idea of being alone with him making my heart race for all the wrong reasons.
But his charm was impossible to resist, and I found myself agreeing.
Inside, we sat on the sofa, drinks in hand.
Elise Carter
*sipping from her glass* I'm curious. How old are you, anyway?
Adrian Verlais
*leaning back lazily, smirking* Old enough.
Elise Carter
*rolling her eyes* That’s not an answer. *setting the glass down* Can you act serious sometimes?
Adrian Verlais
*voice quieter, gaze intense* Being too serious is depressing. I enjoy myself. You should try it sometime.
Elise Carter
*pausing, his words striking a chord*
The alcohol loosened me. As my guard slipped, Adrian leaned in closer, his flirtation turning into something more.
Adrian Verlais
*his lips brushing against hers, voice low* Let me show you how.
Elise Carter
*thoughts blurring as his touch ignited a fire she couldn’t ignore*
He continued kissing me, his hands exploring, and before I knew it, he had undressed me completely. The cool air prickled my skin, contrasting with the heat of his touch.
Adrian pulled back just long enough to remove his own clothes, and my breath caught as I took in his fine form, every sculpted line of his body captivating me.
Adrian Verlais
*smirking as her eyes wandered over his sculpted form* Enjoying the view?
Elise Carter
*unable to look away* (God, why does he have to look like that?)
Before I could respond, he leaned in again, his lips finding mine, and the world around us melted away. He whispered soft words against my skin.
When I woke the next morning, I was still in his arms, the dark room cloaking us in its intimacy.
Elise Carter
*stirring, trying to move away* (What have I done?)
Adrian Verlais
*tightening his arms around her, voice husky with sleep* Don’t. *his eyes opening, gaze soft* You don’t need to feel like this. Last night, you felt good. There’s nothing shameful in that.
Elise Carter
*staring at him, conflicted emotions rising* (How can he say that so easily?)
I pulled away gently, gathering my clothes and dressing quickly.
Elise Carter
*softly* I should get dressed.
Adrian Verlais
*watching her quietly but calling out as she reached the door* Elise... you don’t have to run from this. Or from me.
His words stopped me in my tracks, my hand on the doorknob.
But I couldn’t bring myself to turn back. Without another word, I stepped out of the room, leaving him behind.
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