Aphrodite

The city lights cast an artificial glow on the streets below, creating a muted atmosphere within the apartment where only the soft illumination from outside and the television’s faint glow filled the space. From her vantage point at the window of Beth’s apartment, Rachel watched the busy sidewalk, immersed in the flow of life continuing unaware beneath her. In this place of refuge, her main concern was to stay hidden from the police.

Her thoughts drifted to the possibility of other creatures existing among the city’s throngs, unseen and unknown. Maybe, just beyond her view, there were those endowed with ancient knowledge and wisdom, creatures who could offer the guidance and support she so desperately sought.

A chill swept through Rachel, images of the icy waterfall flickering in her mind. The mark on her arm burned as if it were alive—He was calling for her. A muffled voice that sounded like the Abaddon grew louder, only to be interrupted by a phone ringing. The eerie sounds and sensations vanished.

She turned to the kitchen counter, worried it was Vlad. What would she say? She’d spent long enough thinking about her demons. If she had to face the Abaddon alone, she could learn to confront Vlad without fear.

Beth caught the distant look in Rachel’s eyes and turned towards her with a furrowed brow of concern. “Is everything alright? You seem tense.”

Letting out a weary sigh, Rachel attempted to articulate her feelings. “It’s hard to explain, Beth. There’s a lot happening.”

Beth’s response was warm, her hand finding Rachel’s shoulder reassuringly. “Listen, whatever’s on your mind, we’ll work through it together.”

Curiosity got the better of Rachel, leading her to ponder Beth’s reaction to a glimpse of her reality. “What would you say if I told you I have powers, and there’s some demon creature after me?”

Beth stared at her, stone-faced, then burst into laughter. “I don’t know what you’ve been smoking, but I want some,” she joked, clearly not taking Rachel’s words seriously. However, her amusement paused when she noticed the tattoo on Rachel’s arm. “Hold on, when did you get this tattoo without telling me? Aren’t we supposed to share everything? What’s your mum going to think?”

Trying to deflect, Rachel quickly said, “It’s just henna for an art project. It’ll wash off.”

But Beth wasn’t deterred, her fingers lifting Rachel’s sleeve to reveal more of the tattoo. As soon as Beth’s touch connected with the ink, Rachel’s mind was invaded by visions of the Abaddon, its dark presence almost palpable behind Beth.

Rachel quickly withdrew her arm.

Beth, genuinely impressed, pushed for details. “That tattoo is incredible! What’s the matter? Why are you hiding it?”

“It was a mistake.”

“Come on, let’s stay in tonight. We can watch a movie and relax. You seem like you could use a break from everything,” Beth suggested, sensing her friend’s need for comfort and distraction. “And, you know what? Let’s open a bottle of wine. It’ll help us unwind.”

Initially uncertain, Rachel soon found solace in the idea, acknowledging the need for safety and quiet. “Alright, that does sound good.”

Settling into the comfort of the couch, Beth provided popcorn and a warm blanket for Rachel, along with a bottle of wine and glasses for both. They cheered to their enduring friendship and brighter futures, their laughter filling the air as they relaxed under the influence of the wine.

Scrolling for a movie, Beth, a bit buzzed, suggested a romantic comedy. “How’s this one?”

“Perfect,” Rachel smiled, cozying up under the blanket. The movie’s light-hearted narrative allowed her to drift away from her concerns, enjoying her friend’s company.

Despite the suspenseful and uncertain events in her life, Rachel found solace in the familiarity of the apartment and the presence of her best friend. Tipsy and giggling, they enjoyed the rare moment of peace and relaxation, a small reprieve from the world of creatures and hidden dangers. And for now, that was enough.

Halfway through the movie, Beth picked up the remote and hit pause. “We need another bottle,” she slurred, “and your phone keeps lighting up.”

Beth tossed the blanket aside, rising to her feet with a slight stumble as she navigated past the couch towards the kitchen. Moments later, she came back, balancing a chilled, unopened bottle of white wine in one hand and Rachel’s phone in the other.

“You should have just left it there.”

Holding the phone up, Beth quizzed, “So, is there someone special? And you’ve kept it a secret from me?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Rachel replied, trying to deflect.

“Is that why you came over unannounced? You had a fight or something?” Beth said, passing her the phone. “Whose Vlad? Is that the guy from the club?”

Seeing the messages from Vlad, Rachel felt a wave of dread. He was onto her unusual behaviour, his messages evolving from requests to insistent demands. Silently, she thanked her stars that their connection didn’t extend to him tracking her location.

Grabbing the wine bottle from Beth, Rachel quickly refilled their glasses. Despite her earlier resolve not to drink further, the urge to momentarily flee from her realities proved too strong.

Beth, observing the action, deduced, “So, there was a fight,” as she resettled onto the couch.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

As they tried to focus back on the movie, Beth’s attention was intermittently drawn to her phone. Though set to silent, its screen would briefly illuminate with each new message, prompting her to anxiously await each notification.

Seeing Beth’s constant attention to her phone, Rachel couldn’t help but express her annoyance. “What are you doing? Did you find a new boyfriend?”

Beth, slightly tipsy, responded with a hint of mischief, “How do you feel about having some company over?”

Rachel, not at all amused by the prospect, poured herself more wine from the bottle that had dwindled to half. The thought of having to put on a cheerful facade for unexpected guests was the last thing she wanted. She had envisioned a quiet end to the evening, possibly dozing off on Beth’s couch.

“This is a girls’ night in. We don’t want to ruin it by adding guys in the mix. Besides, I’m too tipsy.”

Beth’s face fell into an apologetic look. “What if I already told him to come over?”

Rachel let out an exasperated sigh. The thought of sharing Beth’s cramped one-bedroom space with a stranger made her uncomfortable. With the police on her tail, heading home was out of the question.

“Who is he, anyway?”

As Beth’s phone glowed with another notification, she replied, “Mr Mysterious from that club. His name is Adam.”

Rachel had always wondered how Beth did it. One moment, Beth seemed cautious, and the next, she was leaping without looking, embracing life’s unpredictability. She envied Beth’s carefree nature. Beth had gone back and gotten this guy’s number, and now she was inviting him over on a whim.

Rachel straightened, a suspicion dawning. “Why do I feel like you are up to something?”

Beth nonchalantly finished her wine. “I’m just trying to distract you from work stress. You’ve been so tense.”

“Seriously, Beth?”

“Alright, I might have mentioned Vlad to him,” Beth admitted sheepishly.

“Beth!”

Beth tried to justify, “Look, if there’s been a fight, maybe he can help smooth things over—or at least spill some juicy details about Vlad.”

“Beth,” she sighed, irritation lacing her voice. Yet, she couldn’t truly be mad at her friend. Beth was unaware of the complex world of creatures. To Beth, this was just another attempt to help, her intentions completely benign.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. He’s bringing pizza. We’ll get more wine, find another movie to watch. It’s going to be a good evening.”

Rachel’s eyes shot open as the sound of the intercom interrupted their conversation. “Is he here already?”

“We’ve been texting through half the movie. Plus, I wanted something more substantial than just popcorn.”

Beth moved swiftly towards the intercom, while Rachel, in a sudden rush, threw off the blanket and stumbled over the coffee table in her attempt to get her things together.

Beth, puzzled by Rachel’s actions, questioned, “Where are you going?”

“I just...I can’t handle meeting anyone new right now.”

“Just give it a chance.”

“I can’t, Beth, you don’t understand.” As Rachel snatched up her bag, there was a knock at the door. She exchanged a look with Beth, who was already making her way to answer it.

“Good evening, ladies,” came Adam’s cheerful greeting, his arms laden with three sizable pizza boxes. Rachel couldn’t help but note Adam’s appeal; his brown eyes sparkled, and his tousled brown hair added to his charm, sparking an odd curiosity in her about his essence.

Beth warmly welcomed him, “So glad you could join us,” as she relieved him of the pizzas and ushered him in.

However, Rachel’s attention shifted entirely when her gaze landed on Vlad, causing a noticeable flush on her cheeks. The bond they shared pulsed stronger at his presence, her feelings for him deepening beyond mere necessity. It wasn’t the essence she found herself craving now but his genuine affection, craving the intimacy of their unique connection.

“Vlad is here too?” Rachel asked.

“I hope it’s alright. Beth contacted me while we were at the club,” Adam explained.

In that moment, Rachel felt a sharp, burning sensation from her tattoo, as if the Abaddon himself could sense the bond with Vlad strengthening. She discreetly moved her arm behind her back, trying to shield the mark from Vlad’s view.

Vlad closed the distance with a few steps, greeting her, “Good evening, Rachel.” The intensity in his voice and the knowing look in his eyes sent a chill through her, a silent acknowledgment of her recent actions.

“Vlad,” she responded, instinctively stepping back.

“May I come in?” Vlad asked, awaiting her to make way.

“Of course,” she murmured, stepping back to allow him entry, her actions betraying the turmoil brewing within her.

As he moved past her, his hand lightly brushed her back, drawing her closer for a brief, electrifying contact. The fleeting kiss left her skin tingling, and his whisper, “I hoped you’d have returned my car by now,” echoed softly in her ear.

From the kitchen, Beth’s voice floated over, laced with curiosity. “What are you two up to?” she asked, as she pulled plates from the cupboard.

Vlad stepped back from Rachel and closed the door.

Beth, noticing the shift in atmosphere, approached with a concerned look. “Everything okay?” She eyed them both, her expression apologetic. “Sorry, was this too soon?”

Vlad faced Beth, a hint of confusion marking his features. “Too soon for what?”

Beth hesitated, her gaze flitting between Vlad and Rachel. “I just assumed there was some sort of disagreement between you two.”

Trying to lighten the mood and divert attention from the tense undercurrents, Rachel chimed in, “We’ve all had a bit of wine tonight. Let’s not overthink things.”

Vlad, however, seemed to have a different agenda. “Rachel, perhaps it would be best if we spoke in the hallway,” he said, his fingers gently but firmly wrapping around her wrist.

Vlad’s touch on her marked arm seared like a hot iron, but Rachel managed to conceal her discomfort, offering Beth a pained smile. “Go ahead and start without us, Beth.”

Once in the hallway, Vlad shut the door, easing his grip on Rachel’s wrist.

Vlad’s voice was controlled, yet there was an edge to it. “Tell me, Rachel, how did you manage to compel me?”

Rachel hesitated, feeling the weight of her actions. “I’m not entirely sure. I do feel a bit guilty about it, but let’s not forget you attempted something similar—to break our bond. So, I guess that makes us even.”

“You exhaust me. It seems you’ve forgotten that my loyalty to Darius far surpasses the value of our empty bond. You have some explaining to do.”

Silence fell between them. Rachel chose not to respond, aware that any further discussion might only escalate the tension.

Vlad’s tone was sharp, reflecting restraint and reproach. “I’d like to think I’ve been quite accommodating up until this point, especially considering you bonded to me without permission—an offense punishable by death—and yet, here you are, thinking you have the right to hide things from me.”

“I don’t understand why my life is your business.”

His frustration mirrored hers. “How can you not grasp the significance of our bond? Just yesterday, I experienced an unexpected drain of my essence, only to suddenly feel restored. Then I receive a call from my friend telling me that you nearly killed him. Would you care to shed some light on these events?”

Rachel’s eyes darted towards Beth’s apartment door, her anxiety spiking at the thought that her actions might put her friend at risk. “I...I don’t know what to say.”

“Stop searching for an escape. Beth can’t shield you. Besides, Adam is one of us; he’ll compel her if you act impulsively. I’ve been patient, but your actions are jeopardising us both. You’re becoming a liability,” Vlad stated, his voice hardening.

A black light climbed over his shoulder and extended towards her. She fought back, alarmed. “What are you doing?”

The look in Vlad’s eyes conveyed a deep sense of obligation tinged with regret as he deliberately pierced his lips with his fangs, allowing blood to seep out. He pulled her into an embrace, initiating a kiss filled with urgency. Rachel’s initial instinct was to push away, to fight the unwelcome advance. As their blood mixed, an intoxicating warmth spread through her, easing her into submission.

Under the influence of Vlad’s essence, Rachel’s defences waned, and she found herself reciprocating the kiss. There was an undeniable connection between them, a reminder of a profound sense of belonging that seemed to reawaken with their contact. Despite her reluctance to accept the bond, she couldn’t ignore the comforting warmth that surrounded her in his presence.

As Vlad eventually ended their embrace, Rachel was left longing for more, the taste of him lingering on her lips. She traced her tongue over her bottom lip, savouring the last trace of blood.

Vlad teased, a hint of irony in his voice, “For someone who claims to want no part of me, you seem remarkably affected.”

“I need your help, not a lecture.”

His touch was gentle as he caressed her cheek, the coolness of his skin a contrast to her warmth. “What if I bit you? Imagine what control I could exert with my essence fully in your bloodstream.”

“No,” she whispered. She licked her lips, trying to soothe the storm of emotions raging inside her. He was cunningly using her own heightened senses against her. Now, as she grappled with her new vampiric nature, he revealed his capability to overwhelm his victims with lust.

“Stop fighting it. When will you stop fighting who you are? What are you running from?”

“If you put away your fangs, maybe I’ll consider sharing.” It seemed he had the upper hand; the compelling force of his essence was too challenging to rebuff.

He complied, his tongue passing over his teeth as his fangs retracted. “Okay, I’m listening,” he said, a gesture of his readiness to hear her out.

“The leech came to see me,” she admitted.

Instantly, she saw the veins on his neck stand out, a clear sign of the fury he was struggling to contain. She diverted her eyes to the ground, unwilling to meet his intense stare. It felt as though his look alone had the power to incinerate whoever it fell upon.

Internally, she reminded herself of the bond that had initially drawn them together, a bond that now served as protection. “The leech,” she continued, “killed Myus after he attempted to harm me.”

At that moment, the door to Beth’s apartment burst open, Beth herself standing there, shock written all over her face. “What’s happening?” Beth asked.

“Leave them,” Adam said, appearing behind her.

Vlad, with a contemplative hum, extended his palm, raising his arm. Rachel tensed, bracing herself for a possible outburst. However, what greeted her was not anger but Vlad’s inquisitive look, as swirls of black and purple essence played across his hand. “Love is a peculiar thing, isn’t it?” he pondered aloud.

Rachel’s attention shifted to Beth before snapping back to Vlad. “Please, don’t,” she urged.

Her gaze followed his to Beth, and she quickly turned back to Vlad. “Don’t do it,” she pleaded.

He gave a slight smirk. “I find myself very curious about the changes I hear you have experienced. While the creature of love finds her way to the darkness, I find I have your so-called gifts.”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

Observing his palm, Vlad flicked his wrist, propelling the swirling essence directly at Beth. Rachel watched in horror as it snaked across the floor and dissolved into Beth, whose eyes sparkled with a vivid purple before returning to normal. In an instant, Beth, seemingly under the essence’s influence, turned and kissed Adam with intense passion.

“What did you do?”

“I thought I would redeem myself and bring love to the world.”

Adam, meanwhile, quietly closed the door, still deeply engaged in the kiss with Beth.

“By making my best friend fall in love with another creature? Reverse it!” she demanded.

Vlad took her hand, weaving his fingers with hers. “She’s happy, and you know this is what she wanted. Maybe you could be happy too. You feel the bond. You know we need each other.”

Rachel looked down at their intertwined hands, feeling an unexpected comfort in the contact. However, the idea of using love as a tool, particularly involving Beth, was something Rachel couldn’t easily accept.

“You want help, yes? My help?” he continued.

Rachel gave a hesitant nod.

“Then tell me, my dear, why did Myus attempt to take your life?”

Feeling the coercive push of his venom, Rachel bristled. “Is it your mission to pry into every corner of my life?”

“It is my mission to have you. Perhaps the disconnect, Aphrodite, is that you were born of this time, and I was not. If you had met me as a young creature,” he paused, a hint of longing in his voice, “I would have shed blood for you, thrown you over my shoulder, and we would have made love in the woods.”

Rachel’s response was immediate, her expression one of disbelief. “This is why you’re single.”

“A vulnerable heart makes for a vulnerable creature.”

“And a creature with a heart of stone is a coward,” she shot back.

He met her gaze with a look of cold intensity, then unexpectedly, he moved towards the door and knocked. The action took her by surprise, and the door soon opened to reveal Adam, who looked equally puzzled by the sudden gesture.

“Rachel and I are leaving,” Vlad informed Adam.

Behind Adam, Beth couldn’t hide her excitement. “I’m so glad you two have made up!”

With a brief nod, Adam shut the door, leaving the two in the hallway.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be staying here,” Rachel firmly stated.

“And why is that? Because the police are looking for you? I went to your apartment to find you, but you were at least smart enough not to go back.”

When Rachel didn’t respond, Vlad stepped closer and took hold of her arm. “Or maybe you’re worried I’d spot this bonding mark?” Before she could respond, Vlad’s finger pressed against her lips, quieting her. He pulled her closer, his breath warm against her ear. “Stirring up trouble here won’t do us any good.”

“Vlad, please.”

“You are young, and you are hot-headed. Your actions aren’t just a risk to yourself but to all creatures. You hide behind this innocent façade, and then you have the audacity to call me a coward. Myus’s death lies on your hands, and Darius could have been your next victim.”

He was right. There was nothing left for her to say. “Please don’t do this. I’ll have no choice but to call the police.”

Vlad’s response was a dismissive sneer. “You would dare call the humans? I think you forget they are our enemy, and they hunt us for our abilities. Your rash decisions have consequences. You may not see it now, but I am doing this to protect you and the creatures around you.” Releasing his grip, he guided her down the hallway to the elevator.

As the elevator doors closed, Vlad turned to her with a question, “What really happened with Myus?”

She sighed, recounting the events. “I needed to find out how to confront the Abaddon. But Myus... he changed. My essence did something. He turned into this maniac.”

Vlad’s reaction was immediate. His hand clenched, and the veins on his arms stood out. “When you killed him, you removed centuries worth of invaluable information. Myus may not have been the most trustworthy creature, but he never betrayed me until you entered the picture.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. “Of course, everything changed when I came along. I ruined everything for you.”

“Your reckless actions led the leech to Myus. You’ve just given the leech power beyond anything on this earth. Do you realise the consequences of what you’ve done?”

“Please, Vlad, promise me nothing with happen to Beth. This is between us. She is innocent.”

Arriving at the small foyer, the atmosphere shifted. Without a moment’s notice, Vlad pushed Rachel against the wall, his presence overwhelming as she felt his breath against her cheek. Suddenly, he struck the wall beside her, his fist piercing through the plaster. Rachel recoiled, her body shaking in shock.

Breaking the tense silence, he growled, “I was beginning to think I liked you,” as he forcefully withdrew his now-bleeding hand from the wall.

Confusion and fear mingled in her voice. “W-what?” she managed to say. “We barely know each other.”

His expression darkened with realisation and regret. “I thought... I was mistaken.”

“What do you mean you thought wrong?”

“You’ve given into him already. You didn’t even try to fight him when he gave you that mark.”

“You like me?” she questioned once more, her fingertips brushing over the mark, seeking some understanding in his earlier admission.

“It was a mistake. You are a liability.”

“It was not a choice to be marked.”

Vlad’s tension visibly dissipated as he took a deep breath, the veins that had marked his anger receding as he sought control over his emotions. “The leech, by taking Myus’s life, has gained his abilities. Soul feeders like Myus are rare, and now, we’ve not only lost a valuable source of information but also empowered the leech beyond measure. He was formidable before; now, he’s nearly unstoppable.”

“Why even keep Myus around in the first place? How do you know he hasn’t killed other creatures like he tried to kill me?”

Vlad explained, “Soul feeders aren’t favoured by any, but Myus was different. He bartered knowledge, had access to places we couldn’t reach. He hadn’t taken another creature’s life. Your essence, however, seems to... affect others deeply. What did the leech tell you?”

With a heavy heart, she admitted, “The Abaddon desires me... to bear his child.” Voicing her fears made them all the more tangible. She had felt the Abaddon’s sinister touch, the overwhelming force of his intent. “All I wanted was to find a way to stop him. I can’t be part of this nightmare.”

“I know you don’t, but you cannot continue living in denial. If you had come to me, I could have spared you Myus’s cruelty and provided the information you sought. The Abaddon cannot be stopped. Many wars were fought to destroy that evil creature and others like him, but you can only destroy their bodies. If they’re motivated to return, they do. The Abaddon hasn’t tried to return until recently. But the leech, that despicable creature...”

As she reached out and placed her hand over his, Rachel sought to bridge the gap between them, to remind him of their shared humanity, or what remained of it. Surprisingly, Vlad’s touch seemed to nourish her, to replenish her essence in a way she hadn’t anticipated.

“What role did the leech play? He boasted that creatures feared him and spoke of the great war. Was he the enemy?” she inquired, trying to piece together the fragmented history and the present danger they faced.

“That vile creature killed my king, and we lost the war because of him. I watched it suck the life from him. Everything I was and everything I stood for, completely destroyed.” With a pained expression, he distanced himself from Rachel, his wounded hand clenched. “You know, Aphrodite, I used to be a creature of light until that abomination won. I took my fury out on the humans.”

Hearing this, Rachel was taken aback. Vlad’s revelation unveiled a complexity and depth to his character. It became evident that there had been a time when Vlad had been driven by noble intentions, fighting for a cause greater than himself.

Vlad spoke with a seriousness that belied the weight of his words. “Surviving the Abaddon is possible. I want that for you. It’s a sacrifice, sure, but only a moment when you look at the grand scheme of our lives.”

Rachel felt a surge of frustration. “You’ve known this all along and said nothing? Why?” The thought that his prior knowledge could have changed their current predicament, possibly even saved Myus, was maddening.

He paced to the far side of the foyer, his back to her, wrestling with his thoughts. “My mind hasn’t been clear. Something about you... it confuses me. Is it love? Desire? I can’t pinpoint it, but I do know one thing—I don’t want you to die.” Facing her again, his eyes searched hers. “I need you to live. You’ve stirred feelings in me that I thought were lost long ago. I don’t want to let that go.”

Rachel found herself at a loss for words. Vlad was being vulnerable, and the last thing she wanted was to hurt him with an offhand comment. “The leech spoke of a time when the Abaddon and Aphrodite coexisted. He said the Abaddon is a creature of death. Does that mean he kills to feed off essence?”

“The Abaddon kills to feed, that is true. Not creatures, just humans. From what I understand, humans treated him like a god. They provided sacrifices and he provided security. But times changed.” He paused, looking into her eyes with a seriousness that underscored his next words. “Let’s discuss this further away from prying ears. The police are searching for you, and it’s imperative we move you to a safer location.”

Upon reaching the street, they were greeted by the sight of a sleek black Mercedes parked outside Beth’s building. A man, dressed in black jeans and a jacket, stood by the car, evidently awaiting their arrival.

“Get in,” Vlad instructed briskly.

Rachel hesitated, confusion clear in her voice. “Where are we headed? Isn’t your car back at my place?”

Vlad couldn’t help but smirk at the question. “Do you honestly think I have just one car? When you live as long as I do, you accumulate wealth from being present at the right time with the right people.”

The man by the car and Vlad exchanged a few words in a language Rachel didn’t understand. The driver then opened the back door for them, revealing a luxurious interior. Guided by Vlad’s hand, she found herself settling into the soft leather seats that promised a comfort she was unaccustomed to.

With Rachel and Vlad now inside, the driver took his place at the wheel. The car smoothly merged into the traffic, leaving the familiar surroundings of the city behind as they ventured onto the open highway.

“Where are we going?” she asked again.

Vlad, reclining comfortably in his seat, flashed her a knowing smile. “Feeling out of control is unfamiliar to you, isn’t it?” he observed, almost teasingly. “Maybe you should try to rest. The day has been long, and the wine, along with everything else, has taken its toll.”

Vlad’s observation hit close to home. The day had been exhausting, his essence was powerful, making it hard for her to fight it.

Rachel caught a glimpse of a road sign indicating the next town was still hours away. The rhythmic motion of the drive, combined with her weariness, eventually coaxed her into sleep.

As they turned onto the highway, Rachel’s eyes flicked to the road sign. The next town was a couple of hours away, and the monotony of the drive soon lulled her to sleep.

The abrupt opening of the car door startled Rachel, sending her tumbling out only to be caught by a pair of strong arms that steadied her.

“Did you do that on purpose?” she asked, rubbing her eyes as she tried to regain her bearings.

“Come now,” he said, gesturing for her to follow him.

Rachel’s gaze lifted to a vast house that stood imposingly in the dim light, its silhouette marked by sparse lighting and long shadows sprawling across the lawn. The driveway stretched into darkness, its end obscured from view.

Chilled by the night air, she hugged herself for warmth as she followed Vlad, her eyes absorbing the house’s sandstone exterior and colonial elegance, remarkably well-maintained.

Vlad vanished into the house, leaving her momentarily alone. Taking a deep breath, Rachel stepped inside. The creak of the hardwood underfoot echoed in the vast space, dwarfed by the towering ceilings above. Awe struck her as she took in the refined interior, complete with a majestic double staircase framed by white balustrades against colonial blue walls, each detail meticulously preserved.

The grandeur of the house seemed unlike Vlad, yet Rachel found herself fascinated by its beauty. Her attention was particularly drawn to a painting hanging on the wall, depicting a woman dressed in attire from a past century, set against a background that mirrored the foyer around them. Rachel stepped closer to examine the artwork more thoroughly. There, on the woman’s arm, was a striking gold bracelet. Leaning in, she deciphered the inscription on the bracelet, the words “love conquers all” etched into the gold, a phrase that resonated deeply within her as she pondered its significance.

Rachel was caught off guard by Vlad’s unexpected return, causing her to startle and swiftly turn around.

“I’m sorry,” Vlad offered, a sheepish grin on his face. “I didn’t mean to startle you. Estella here will show you to your room. You could use some rest,” he suggested, nodding towards Estella, who reached out for Rachel’s arm.

Instinctively, Rachel recoiled, an uneasy feeling washing over her at the thought of being led away by Estella in this vast, unfamiliar mansion. She found herself retreating until her back met the wall, and couldn’t help but notice Vlad’s amusement at her apprehension.

“You are more afraid of her? You are a strange creature,” Vlad remarked before exiting the room.

Rachel tensed as Estella’s hand gently clasped hers, yet the warmth from her touch was oddly comforting amidst the chill. “Vlad has always been a grumpy old man,” Estella remarked with a kind smile. “Come, let me take you to your room. You look like you could use a good night’s sleep.”

Rachel trailed behind Estella, navigating the maze-like corridors. She glanced at paintings that lined the walls at every turn, but she got an unsettling feeling that the eyes of the portraits were watching her every move.

The mansion’s dark hallways briefly came to life under the glow of automatic lights, betraying any attempt at stealth with the loud creaking of ancient floorboards beneath their feet. The ambiance added to Rachel’s impression of traversing a haunted house as they approached her room.

“How do you know Vlad?” Rachel asked as they stopped at a doorway.

Estella’s response was accompanied by a secretive smile as she flicked on the light. “Our past might just lull you to sleep,” she half-joked, leading Rachel into a comfortably furnished room. “Vlad seems to be keen on keeping you around and I only want whatever he does. Rest now. In the morning, we’ll freshen you up and then have a bit of fun. Goodnight, Rachel.” With that, Estella exited, the door clicking shut solidly behind her.

Rachel approached the door, testing the handle, only to find it wouldn’t budge – locked. Turning her attention to the window and parting the curtains, she found no means to open it; the window was sealed shut.

Surveying her temporary quarters, Rachel took in the inviting double bed, a dresser of dark wood, and a mirror framed in ornate gold. Heavy blue curtains framed the sealed window, adding to the room’s secluded feel.

Settling onto the bed, its softness a small solace, Rachel found herself caught in a swirl of thoughts. Her arm, hanging limply by her side, brought the tattoo into her line of sight—a mark that seemed to tether her to a destiny she hadn’t chosen. Vlad’s promise of protection echoed hollowly in her mind. Despite his assurances, the harsh truth remained—against the Abaddon, there was truly no place of safety.