The hall was plunged into shadows, lit only by the chandeliers and the reflection of rain on the stained glass windows. Three figures descended the staircase with supernatural grace, each step measured, each movement carrying presence and authority.
The first to step forward was Sidonie Velours:
Name: Sidonie Velours
Race: Vampire Elf
Apparent Age: 28
Real Age: Unknown
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 70 kg
Her metallic golden-brown skin gleamed under the candlelight. White-silver hair fell in soft waves to her shoulders, and her ruby-red eyes shone with predatory intensity. The bronze velvet dress hugged every curve of her body, highlighting her generous bust, slim waist, and wide hips, with an elegant side slit. Silver chains jingled softly with every movement, and her golden canines gleamed.
She lifted her chin with slight superiority and spoke:
— Sidonie Velours.
Behind her, gliding like a cold breeze, was Ludivine Argentlune:
Name: Ludivine Argentlune
Race: Vampire Elf
Apparent Age: 25
Real Age: Unknown
Height: 1.72 m
Weight: 65 kg
Ludivine Argentlune stood motionless at the threshold, the steam parting around her. Her porcelain-pale skin reflected the candlelight, almost ethereal. Long white-silver hair cascaded in soft waves, a thick lock veiling the left side of her face. Her ice-blue eyes pierced with aristocratic coldness from beneath the silver curtain. The deep purple velvet dress hugged her slender, elegant body, while the short cape fell over her back like folded wings.
She tilted her head slightly, maintaining impeccable posture:
— Ludivine Argentlune.
The last of the three figures advanced with silent, calculated steps: Esmeralda Grimshaw.
Name: Esmeralda Grimshaw
Race: Vampire
Apparent Age: 22
Real Age: Unknown
Height: 1.70 m
Weight: 58 kg
Her porcelain-white skin contrasted with cyan waves of hair framing her aristocratic face. Her feline emerald-green eyes scanned the hall with predatory intensity. The Gothic-Victorian black dress, with a tight corset, wide skirt, and voluminous sleeves, exuded elegance and authority.
She crossed her arms, firm and controlled:
— Esmeralda Grimshaw.
The hall seemed to vibrate with the presence of the three vampires, each step and glance exuding aristocratic power, refinement, and predatory calm. The heavy atmosphere hinted that something ancient and monumental was about to unfold.
Odette stopped in the middle of the hall, her body still pressed against Selena's, arms wrapping her with a firmness that seemed to say, "no one touches what is mine." Vivienne remained beside them, fingers intertwined with Selena's, the locket pulsing warmly against her chest as a silent reminder that time was closing in.
She raised her gaze to the vampires at the top of the staircase, her green eyes calm — the calm of someone who had expected exactly this.
— Go upstairs — Odette said, her voice low, serene, unhurried. — The mirror room is ready. The candles are lit. The circle awaits.
Sidonie Velours tilted her head, her lips curling into a minimal smile that revealed her golden canines.
— Always one step ahead, Lady Montflourentes.
Ludivine Argentlune nodded with cold elegance, her short cape flowing like liquid shadow.
— Then we don't waste any time.
Esmeralda Grimshaw uncrossed her arms, her emerald-green eyes scanning Selena one last time before turning.
— We'll descend when we are ready.
The four vampires — Drusilla leading, the other three right behind — began ascending, their steps echoing in perfect unison, disappearing into the upper corridor as if they had never been there.
The hall returned to silence, broken only by the soft drip of rain still running from Selena's body.
Odette exhaled a long, controlled sigh, then turned to Selena, running her thumbs over her wet cheeks, wiping away the drops with a reverent tenderness.
— You're cold — she murmured, looking into the cook's golden eyes. — First, a hot bath. Now. No discussion.
Selena opened her mouth to reply, but Odette raised a finger, touching her lips softly.
— No. You will go upstairs, step into the large bath on the upper floor, let the water scald until your skin turns pink and the cold leaves your bones. Stay as long as you need. Alone, if you wish. The hot water will warm you from the inside, relax every tense muscle, wash away the rain and the weight of what just happened. — Her green eyes held Selena's firmly, tenderly. — After that, dry yourself slowly, put on something light and comfortable. Then… you will prepare dinner.
Selena blinked in surprise for a moment, then let out a low, husky laugh.
— Hot bath first?
Odette nodded, expression serious, leaving no room for negotiation.
— Exactly. You need to feel good in your own body before anything else. Hot water, rising steam, maybe some lavender or vanilla oil to surround you. Stay until you feel the cold gone completely. Then come down. Dinner can wait a little longer.
Vivienne gently squeezed Selena's hand, her voice soft beside her.
— I'll prepare the bath while you go up. Very hot water, foam if you want, dim lighting. Just for you to relax.
Selena closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the subtle warmth of the two around her.
— Alright — she said, her voice softer now. — Hot bath first. Then I cook.
Odette released Selena slowly, but kept her hand in hers for another second, guiding her toward the stairs.
— Go. We'll wait for you downstairs when you're done.
Selena ascended the steps slowly, leaving damp footprints on the soft carpet.
Upstairs, the steam already rose from the huge marble bath, the aroma of lavender filling the air.
She removed each wet piece — corset, panties, stockings — letting them fall to the floor. She slowly sank into the hot water, letting out a low moan as the warmth embraced her thighs, waist, and breasts. She submerged up to her chin, the rising steam forming a curtain around her, relaxing every tense muscle.
Selena remained submerged in the hot water, feeling the vapor embrace every curve of her body. Each muscle relaxed, dissolving the weight of rain and the hall, as the scent of lavender filled the room.
Then, a single, deliberate step echoed softly through the corridor, firm and measured.
— You want me to invite you in, don't you? — A low, husky, aristocratic voice whispered, filled with authority and promise.
Selena opened her eyes, a faint smile curving her lips. The hot water swirled around her, steam forming a thin veil between her and the approaching presence.
— Vampire… — Selena murmured, the word escaping almost like recognition, tinged with curiosity and fascination.