In another room of the Selene manor, a more private room belonging to a certain lady of the house, two individuals were talking.

One, a white haired woman in a beautiful, black dress. Her smile was etched onto her lips as she looked up at the other.

Standing closer to the closed door was a brown haired human, her skin the shade of cinnamon. She was wearing dirty factory clothes, as if she had just left from a busy work day.

Vi stared at the Vampire who she had only met so recently. The same vampire who saved her, gave her a new chance. But, she couldn't help but feel the unease, the fear. And then, excitement.

"Human," The vampire sat down upon her luxuriant, queen sized bed, crossing her legs as she placed a palm on her own cheek, "Tell me, what is it want, exactly? In the end, you were the one who decided to come with me~. You could have stayed– no, you could have never followed my desire in the first place. What was it that made you do such a thing?"

"I don't really know," The brown haired human spoke quietly as she looked down at the ground. "I just… felt like it.”

"Why is that, I wonder? Why did you feel that way? Was it simply out of a desire to live? Or… was it something else?"

She was silent for a moment before finally meeting the Vampire’s gaze, her eyes almost cold as she spoke.

"... Twenty five years. That's how long I lived in Sanctuary, and how long I've been alive," Her eyes narrowed as her lips pursed. "I hated it. Everything about it. From the walls that kept me trapped to the people who did the same. But as much as I hated them, I needed them. I needed people..."

The vampire listened with interest, an eyebrow raised.

"I thought humans were the only 'people'. I thought I was trapped with them alone." Her eyes rose, staring the Vampire in her silver eyes, "You made me aware that was not the truth. I don’t know if I’m thankful, but… I guess I felt indebted."

It was partially a lie, she knew that. There was something else she wanted to be aware of, as well.

"Is that so~? My, to hear you talk about me with such reverence... It almost makes my heart flutter!"

"... Reverence? Is... that what this is? I’m not so sure..."

"Hm, call it what you want… I see it for what it is…” She giggled, “You are quite interesting, human. A girl who feels such things... Tell me, what is your name? I don’t feel like just calling you ‘Human’ anymore.”

"... Vi. I'm Vi."

"Vi... Hm, what an odd name. What does it mean?"

"It's short for Violet. I never liked being called that, though."

"Truly...?" She stood up, walking over to the human as she delicately held her chin, "I think it's rather... beautiful. Like the flower itself, you are a rare and beautiful flower. One that is worth admiring. A flower of passion, and of beauty. A flower that will bloom, no matter the situation. That's what you are."

"... Thank you?”

She couldn’t help but wonder if all Vampires were this weird. This thought was only exemplified as the Vampire leaned in, her red lips pressing against Vi’s cheek. She shivered, though couldn’t quite say why.

"And... your name?" Vi asked this question lightly, like as if she was asking permission to know it, to know her.

"Aella Selene. Daughter of the House Head, Eris Selene… noble of the Selene household, my sweet... And, your master. As long as you stay here, as long as you serve me, you will always belong to me. Understand?"

She couldn’t help but wince at the word ‘master’, "... I never agreed to serve you, did... I?"

"Oh, not in words. But, I can already tell that is what you want," She whispered into Vi's ear, her voice low, slow, "What you need. A purpose, a place. I want to give you these..."

"..."

"So, my dear, do we have a deal? Will you serve me?"

She'd already gone this far. What more could go wrong if she just took one step closer towards that cliff?

"... Alright.”

And she began to fall without even realizing she stepped too far.

"I am glad... truly. I find myself so... intrigued by you, Violet. In that little city of yours, I had many thralls who followed my commands... who would do anything for me... But it wasn't exactly 'for' me. They wanted my power. They wanted to be vampires…" Aella's hands suddenly fell to Vi's waist, bringing just the smallest bit closer, "But you wanted me. I could tell when I met you. The way your body reacted. You were attracted to me, in a way no other human could ever be."

Vi could barely keep her breathing straight, the way Aella's voice rang in her ears, the way her soft fingers held her so gently.

"You have given me something none of my other thralls could... You gave me a gift. A gift that is truly special."

Aella smiled, her sharp fangs showing ever so slightly as she stared into Vi's eyes.

"Your love."

Vi was silent, for, she knew, if she made a single noise, she would fall to her knees. She would lose her control.

"Tell me... Do you wish to become more? To become... my spawn? For me to be your sire for now, and all of eternity?" She leaned in, her lips grazing Vi's ear as she whispered, "Do you want to be with me forever, Violet~?"

"..."

Vi swallowed her breath, and spoke.

"I... I--" She wasn't sure. Not completely. It felt like if she agreed, she would no longer belong to herself. She would no longer be autonomous, no longer make her own decisions.

But when did she ever? Did she ever truly make her own decisions? She worked in the generators because she was told by those above her it was the right thing to do. She stayed in the walls because they kept her safe. She feared Vampires because she was told to, because they would kill her.

Aella didn’t.

What was different about Aella?

"..."

The fact that she was beautiful, maybe. That the vampire's soft fingers could make her body shiver. Maybe that was it.

"I..."

Maybe it was because the Vampire had given her a chance. She could have died, could have been killed. She could have never seen this place, never seen the outside world. But Aella didn't leave her. She had chosen her.

"I do. I... want to stay with you."

"Aha..." Aella let out the slightest of laughs, her smirk growing, "I... am happy. I have wanted to taste your sweet blood since the moment I laid eyes upon you... And now, it will be mine. And, soon, all of you will be mine. Forever."

She was a flower. A flower in the palm of Aella's hand.

"Come with me, my sweet," Aella began walking, leading Vi by the hand, "Before I make you mine, I wish to go on a walk with you throughout the estate. Though, you can't stay in that dirty outfit any longer. Come, let me dress you properly."

"... Alright... What exactly am I going to be wearing...? I hope you don't mind me saying this, but, you're kind of... shorter than me. So, I don't think any of your clothes will fit me."

"Hah! Oh, Violet, you are hilarious! No, you're absolutely correct, there's no way you could ever wear my clothes. But, luckily, I've had something else prepared for you. After all, a pretty girl like you should be dressed to match that beauty.”

So, it seemed she already assumed she would answer that way… Of course. She was so sure of herself… she wasn’t sure if she liked it, even if it made her heart skip a beat.

Aella walked to the door, opening it, "Ah, perfect timing! Maid, leave it right there. We'll take it from here."

Vi stared at the servant before her. Another Vampire. Her white hair tied up in a bun, wearing a maid uniform. She saw her slit eyes move to her for but a moment, dilated, a feeling of dread washing over her. It was like she was being stared at by a predator. A monster.

And then there was the sound of a slap.

"If you let your desire control you for even a moment around my sweet, I will kill you, maid. She is mine."

The power in Aella's words, her threat, almost made Vi fall to her knees. She didn't quite understand why.

She must have just been scared.

"Y-yes, my lady... I-I apologize, I have just never been in the presence of a real… human... e-especially, a young woman like her. I lost my composure..."

"Yes, yes. You get all your blood from a bottle, woe is you, your life is soooo horrible… But I couldn't care less. If you touch her, if you look at her wrong, if you even speak her name wrong, I will not hesitate to break every bone in your pathetic body. Understand, maid?"

"I do. I-I swear on the Selene name, my lady, I will not touch your thrall. Nor will I speak to her without permission."

"Good."

Vi watched as the servant left, still a bit stunned.

"Now, come, Violet! I shall dress you myself~!"

She held the dress the maid had left. It was a pure white, just as bright as the hair of Aella herself. It was rather long, too, falling down to the knees, tapered at the top and tied together with a leather corset.

"Yes! This will look so lovely on you!" She smiled, holding the dress up to Vi’s body, almost as if to see what it will look like.

"Ah... thanks." She rubbed the back of her neck, her gaze averted.

"Now, strip."

The words came out of nowhere, almost causing Vi to jump as her eyes immediately returned to face, of which seemed genuinely serious.

"... Huh?"

"Mm? Or do you wish for me to undress you as well as dress you? My, you are quite needy..." Aella let out a giggle, taking a step closer.

"No, no, I can do it…” Vi sighed as she slowly began to unbutton her top, "Can you just... look away?"

"Oh? Whyever would I do such a thing?" She tilted her head, smiling ever still.

"Because... it's embarrassing..."

"You should not be ashamed of your own body, my sweet! Not when you are so beautiful. You should not let such things bother you!"

Whenever she said such a thing, it made her feel strange. She truly didn't understand what Aella saw in her. After all... she was average. There were hundreds of women in Sanctuary who were better looking, and she wasn't nearly as muscular or athletic. So, why would someone as beautiful as Aella choose her, and not them? What made her so special?

“But, if you’ll truly be unable, I suppose I could look away for a moment…”

"... No, it's fine." She shook her head with a sigh, taking her top off in silence.

She didn't care about her chest being exposed, not really. It was more the way Aella stared, the way she looked at her, it made her shiver – Though not in the same way that maid made her shiver. – It wasn't fear. Not quite.

Vi unzipped her pants, stepping out of them.

Her eyes didn’t break contact with Vi, her sile wide, "Very good! Now, come closer."

Vi complied with a sigh, her eyes falling to the dress in Aella's arms.

"Arms up!"

Just as before, Vi did as she was told, letting the Vampire slide the dress onto her, and then down.

"Ah... It's so lovely, isn't it~? The maid truly picked a wonderful choice, though I do wish the neckline was a bit higher..."

She blinked down, a bit suspicious of her meaning, “Why…?”

"Well, it's not like I'm jealous of anyone else seeing your pretty body... But, at the same time, I would rather keep you all to myself. After all, it's only a matter of time before everyone else will see how lovely you are and want a taste. Just like me, hehe. But of course, you’re mine. Only mine.” As she spoke, she fixed the corset on her, tightening it just a bit.

"... You're saying that like... other vampires are going to want to bite me."

"Bite? Hah! Oh, sweet, naive little Vi," Aella placed a hand on her cheek, stroking it gently, "There are many waysI can taste you… and only one of them involves biting."

Vi felt her face heat up.

"And I cannot wait to show you~."

"... Yeah." She wasn’t able to get out anything more than that, her voice almost strained.

"Now, my dear, why don't we go for that walk? The moon is high, and it's a beautiful night, no?"

"... Right, yeah. Uh… yeah.”

It was really hard to talk to her for some reason, though, Vi didn’t want to think about why.

"Come," Aella's hand reached out, "Let us go."

Vi's hand slipped into the vampire's frigid grasp, her cold, alabaster fingers wrapping around her own.

Walking through the extensive manor was... awkward. She felt eyes on her, even when there was nobody around her but Aella. When servants walked past, they looked at her like she was prey. Like they were staring at a meal.

But Vi kept quiet. Silent as Aella yelled, screamed at any who stared for more than a moment.

"Tch… They're like ticks, lower class Vampires…" The white haired vampire said, "They smell your blood, and they crave it uncontrollably… But they won't have it, not as long as I'm around. But worry not, once I have sired you, they will stop craving it. Your blood will no longer nourish them... But my, to me, it will be just as sweet. Maybe, even sweeter..."

Putting the rest of her sentence deep down into her subconscious where she wouldn’t need to think about it, she questioned, "Sired?"

"For a human to become a Vampire, one must be given our venom, thus, siring them… Ah, though, I believe you humans call it 'Turning'... A very basic term for such a lovely act. I suppose that’s because you’re used to mere spawn turning you… filthy… But, regardless, to become a vampire, I must bite you. I must partake in you.”

"..." She only nodded.

Though, the sounds of two sets of footsteps approaching distracted her.

"Tch... My brother approaches... and he's not alone,” Her eyes narrowed, her grip on Vi’s hand tightening, “... I recognize that face..."

"Hm...?"

"Stay close to me, Violet. If either of them tries to touch you, I will end them. I don't care who it is, if they so much as try, I will run my nails through their throat and rip out their jugular."

The imagery made her flinch, "Despite the fact that's your brother?"

"Yes. In fact…, it might improve my standing in the household after my recent… er, failure..."

Their tiny conversation was cut even shorter as Cyrell walked forward at a quicker pace, practically rushing forward and leaving the woman behind him in the metaphorical dust.

"Ah, my dear sister! I am glad to see you made it home in one piece! And, with a thrall in tow... You have done quite well."

Aella scowled at her brother, "Hmph! You dare call this one a thrall? You know as well as I that this human is far more than that! My, and I see you ended up siring that human behind you… And already you made her your heir? You truly are a desperate whor--"

"Oh, sister! You are truly so funny! I should introduce you two! Maybe your human and my heir can become friends! Or, perhaps, a little more~!”

Her previous theory that all Vampires were a bit weird was confirmed. That being said, they were siblings, so perhaps it just ran in the family.

"Shut your mouth! I would sooner kill that stupid heir of yours before letting it near my Violet. Especially for your… strange delusions.”

The one behind Cyrell glared, her attention wholly on Aella.

"So that's her name? Well," He looked back at the Vampire behind him, "Come! Tell them your name, dear!"

She huffed, though didn't refuse for even a moment. Crossing her arms, her long, frilled black dress flowed as she walked forward. She was beautiful, tall, her bronze toned face framed by her bright, white hair, her shoulders strong and her features refined. Though, her scowl certainly didn't reinforce that statement.

"I'm Elsie. What’s your fucking name,” She spoke it less than a question, and more like a statement.

Vi, in response, winced slightly, not responding.

"My, what an attitude! You haven't trained this one well, Brother!" Aella let out a mocking laugh.

Cyrell sighed, shaking his head, "We have talked about this... Bow slightly, and then tell them your name without such... profanity!"

She clenched her fists, though did comply as she let out a heavy, prolonged sigh. However, she never broke eye contact with Vi, and didn't once remove her scowl.

"I am Elsie K– Selene, a pleasure." She narrowed her eyes as she returned to her usual posture, "and, you are… a fucking violent maniac?!"

Her eyes widened as she realized who she was talking to.

"I know you. You fucking shot me! Back at the generator! What the hell is this shit?!"

"Ah... you. Sorry, I guess..." Vi wasn't sorry. Not really. Still, it was good to at least pretend to be friendly, even if she really didn’t care about this girl.

"Sorry?! That's all you have to say, you fucking bitch?!"

Vi could swear a vein popped on Aella's face, "Do not speak to my Violet in such a foul way, or I will break your neck, spawn."

Elsie looked the Vampire over. Her blue-silver eyes, her pale skin, her long, white hair, her fangs. A Vampire, yes, though more dignified than others she saw. She reminded her of Cyrell. That made her even more furious than she already was.

"I don't care who you are, I--!" As Elsie took a step forward, she suddenly stopped. That smell. The scent. It was overpowering. For the first time, she was in front of a human, standing as a Vampire.

She wanted her. Wanted her blood.

She was hungry. Oh, she was hungry. She had just eaten a full meal, yet she was starving. The scent of her only made things worse. The scent of a human.

"You little-- Do not look at her like that!" Aella took a step forward, but in the blink of an eye, Cyrell moved to stop her.

And there was nobody to protect Vi.

"Sister, I do apologize, but I have just realized this is the perfect time to test my Heir. This will be a good lesson. Let us allow them to speak."

"You pathetic little--!"

"Do not argue with me, Sister. As your older brother, I far outrank you in both power and order. Do not make me show you that."

Aella stared, her teeth bared, "You fucking psycho… You haven't fed her?! No– You bastard! You fucking piece of shit! You knew I brought Violet here! You knew this would-- FUCK YOU!"

"Aella, you are being rude. Control yourself. If you wish, after the lesson is complete, you may yell at me for my transgressions. Until then, shut up and watch the show."

"..." Aella didn't respond.

Vi could feel a bead of sweat rolling down her neck, just as she could feel Elsie's predator-like stare boring into her, piercing her. She was frozen, unable to react, to say a word.

Standing just a few feet away, Elsie felt her mouth begin to produce more and more saliva. Like instinctively, she was getting ready. Preparing to feed. Her pupils had shrunken, and she could see everything. Every drop of sweat on her body, every twitch of her muscle, the pulsing of her blood.

It was driving her mad.

"... Hah... hah," She felt exhausted as her cold heart beat faster than ever before. All thought was gone, leaving only that urge. That urge to consume.

Vi trembled at the image in front of her, of a beast. All protection from Aella was gone and she was alone in front of a creature that could rip her head off without even trying. She stumbled backwards slowly a few steps, her mind blank. She couldn’t think, couldn’t make any reasonable plan of escape. All that she could see was those hungry eyes, staring her down.

And then, in the next moment, her vision went blurry.

Elsie grabbed the human, her sharp, inhuman claws digging into her flesh. In an instant, the she lifted her by the throat, pinning her to the ornate walls. Vi struggled, gasping for air, but it was impossible to even breathe, let alone escape.

"H-hh... hhh," The Vampire's eyes were glazed over, like she was lost.

She didn't want to kill her, did she? Vi's eyes were wide, terrified. She said she was sorry, didn't she? Was she truly this filled with rage that she would... end her? Just like this? Or, even just… bite her?

No... she wanted Aella to do that. Not this-- this beast. This monster that looked like it had no thought in its head.

"S-s-s-s-stop...!" She gasped, trying her best to get even the smallest bit of oxygen. Her vision was darkening, she could feel herself slipping.

She felt Elsie's cold breath against her skin as she came closer, her mouth wide as her razor-like fangs became visible.

Was she… going to die…?

Vi tried to move, to struggle, but it was impossible. Her body was too weak, her lungs empty. She was done.

"Please..."

She closed her eyes, unable to keep them open any longer.

"E-elsie..."

And then, everything stopped.

That single word, spoken in that quiet tone... It reached out to her.

It awoke her.

And she dropped Vi.

"Hhgh," Vi gasped, her hands clutching her throat as she fell to her knees.

"... Fuck... Fucking– ghhh..." She spoke to herself, her hands clenched into solid fists. And then, stumbling a few inches to the other wall, she slammed her fist against it. And again, and again.

"Fuck...! FUCK!"

Cracks formed upon the wall as Elsie's hands turned red, and then bloody.

Vi could only stare silently.

"How truly... truly amazing... Never in all my years have I ever seen a spawn resist their urge-- Especially when you have never tasted or even smelled human blood! You are truly gifted, my heir."

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"I'll kill you. I'll fucking kill you... you bastard." Elsie could feel a series of small tears fall upon her cheek.

"My, that is no way to talk to your sire! Though, I do not blame you. You must be going through a lot! Now, let us depart. It was oh so nice seeing you, sister! Thank you for letting me have my fun~!"

He smiled, waving his hand as he and the other Vampire left.

"I will have your head... someday, bastard."

Aella bared her fangs, though shook the feeling away as she rushed over to Vi's side. "Violet, are you alright?! Oh, my sweet, are you hurt?!"

"N-no... no, I'm fine..." Vi panted, her breathing still unsteady.

"That fucking bastard-- He's gone too far this time... I'll fucking kill him... I swear I will!"

Vi didn't respond, though, instead, she watched Elsie leave with the Vampire who sired her. The one who did this, truly.

"Your... Your neck, Violet. She made you bleed... That damn fucking bastard--! He did this on purpose. He planned all of this. He..."

Her eyes moved to the scratches upon her neck while she knelt, her white hair flowing down like a veil.

"... Let me clean the wound, my sweet... I'll… I’ll take care of you."

The vampire took a deep breath, trying her best to calm her fury.

She leaned in, her lips parting slightly as she took in the sickly sweet scent of Vi's blood. The smell... It was unlike anything else.

Vi let out a slight groan, her face heating up as she felt Aella's tongue lap against her wound.

"I-I... ah..."

Aella continued, her own heart beating ever faster. She had tasted human blood many times. The blood of the men and women she had fed upon over the years. Yet, none of them compared.

None were like Vi.

The taste of her was truly, truly something else.

Aella continued licking, her eyes closing as her fangs threatened to dig in. But she wouldn't. Not yet. She had to wait for the perfect time. This was just a treat, one she would savor until the moment came.

"Mm..." Vi’s voice was quiet, shaky as she closed her eyes.

"There," She pulled away, wiping the blood off her mouth with the back of her hand, "all better~. You have very lovely blood, Violet. It was truly a pleasure..."

"Ah, um... t-thanks..."

"Now, why don't we continue? Ah, or... are you dizzy, my sweet? Does your head ache?"

"No... no, I'm fine. Let's... keep going."

Aella smiled, offering her hand.

"As you wish."

And Vi took it.

"Ah, my Violet, you are truly beautiful, aren't you? My brother is such an... idiot. He does not understand what it is he has. Not like I do."

"What do you mean?"

"That spawn... He did not sire her for love. In fact, I'm sure he feels nothing for that woman. He hasn’t had any real connection for a long time, not since that one man… No, I believe the only reason he sired her was so he could have a tool. One he could use... That's who he is, after all. We both take what we desire... but he, his desires... they are so different than mine." She let out a sigh as her grasp tightened the smallest bit around Vi's hand, "I do not wish for power, like he does. I do... wish to rise through the ranks, but not for some grandiose desire... no, no. My desires are much more simple.

She glanced over at Vi, her silver eyes meeting her own.

"I desire love, and I desire companionship. My brother, he wants only the power that comes with the title. That is the reason I have chosen to sire you, not to gain more power, but for the chance to spend an eternity by your side. Do you understand, my sweet?"

"... Yes, I think I do."

"Then, my sweet Violet, you are special. You are the only one who understands me. The only one who knows me, and cares... And my, how amazing that is. That you, who have only met me so recently, understand me more than anyone else... And how quickly I fell for you. I used to not believe in love at first sight! But now... my, I understand how it works. I was so captivated by you the moment I laid eyes upon you. To think, someone like me would have fallen so deeply in love, so quickly~!"

"... Thank you."

"Mm, but you must not thank me, my sweet! After all, I am the one who is thankful. To have met you... To have met someone so truly beautiful, both inside and out. I truly cannot wait to experience all of you."

Vi wasn't sure what to say in response, but there wasn't much of a chance.

"We have arrived! My Violet, welcome to the Selene gardens."

She stepped out, the fresh, crisp night air hitting her body.

"... It's... beautiful."

The moonlight shone down, illuminating the large, well kept garden. The trees and bushes were trimmed in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the flowers were all blooming.

It was, without a doubt, a place fit for royalty. Or, nobility, apparently.

"Thank you, my dear. Come, come, there's much to see."

Vi followed, her hand in Aella's. She was a bit overwhelmed by everything that had happened, and the fact that she was even there, in that beautiful garden, was almost unbelievable.

"Do you like it, Violet? The moon, the flowers, the cool breeze. Is it not all so lovely?

"It is. It's really, really pretty."

"Just as you are. You fit so well here, in this place. My lovely little flower..."

She leaned in, placing a gentle kiss upon her cheek.

"Let's not waste a moment. There's so much to see, after all~!"

"Of... of course."

As they walked, Aella would stop occasionally to point out certain things, or a flower in particular that she adored.

It was... nice. They walked, and Vi felt... a sort of calmness, like the world around her was disappearing.

Aella was all that mattered.

The Vampire was, for once, quiet. She had no words to say, no more to tell. Instead, she would simply stare, smile, and walk.

But Vi could feel something. Something... Something wrong… or perhaps right.

Her eyes were narrowed, her gaze fixated upon the human.

It was a look she knew.

Vi knew it was hunger.

"..."

She wasn't sure what to say, and Aella's silence made it hard.

It was... unsettling. Vi felt like prey.

She shivered as the wind brushed against her skin. And then, Aella's hand.

"Violet, my dear, let's take a seat, shall we?"

"... Y-yeah."

They walked slowly, towards a bench underneath a large tree. It was a tree Vi couldn’t recognize, though she found it absolutely beautiful. Just as beautiful as the one beside her.

Aella's fingers trailed across her shoulder, a soft touch, yet it made Vi tremble.

She sat, the vampire right beside her.

And then, she could hear it.

The sound of her breath and its cold reverberations across her neck.

"I'm sorry, my Violet, I truly am. But I just... can't hold myself back any longer..."

"W-what do you m--"

Before she could even finish, Aella's grip tightened.

"Don't struggle. Please, do not make this harder than it has to be..."

Vi couldn't even breathe as Aella's cold hands gripped her jaw, holding her as still as she was smitten.

"V-violet..." She could hear the longing in her voice, the want, the need, the urge, "My... sweet... sweet Violet... My flower, my darling..."

Her grip only grew tighter, and her fangs bared themselves.

"When I first tasted your blood... It took all I had to stop myself from taking more. But now... I can no longer resist."

She leaned in, her sharp teeth brushing against Vi's soft, warm skin. She had lifted her head up a tad to make her neck all the easier to bite into. To partake.

"Don't be afraid... I'll take good care of you, my Violet. I… promise."

Vi trembled as Aella's cold tongue traced along her neck. It was like a warning, or a preparation for the inevitable.

"H-hah... ah..."

"Shh... just relax. I assure you... my sweet... you will enjoy this just as much as I will~."

There was true fear. It was much, much easier to say it than to go through with it. An anticipation, a tremor of horror, and at the same time, bloodcurdling excitement. Did she truly desire this? Did she truly want Aella's cold fangs to dig into her warm flesh?

To become her's eternally. For every cold night to be met with her beautiful face, that confident gaze. How when she looked upon her, it was like she was a flower. A flower that Aella could pick, and enjoy.

Did she want this?

"Mm... hah.. Do you… mean it?."

Aella's free hand moved to her back, bringing her closer.

"I'll be gentle, my sweet. I promise."

"Aella... I..."

Her fangs grazed her skin, sending a tantalizing shiver down Vi's spine.

"Because I love you."

And, without another word, her soft flesh was punctured by Aella's teeth.

Vi's eyes shot open, her jaw falling as a sharp, stinging pain rushed through her body. Her nails dug into the bench, and her knees buckled.

It was agonizing.

She wanted it to end. She wanted to push her away, yet her own arms felt like jelly. She couldn't move.

Her vision darkened, and she felt her mind slipping. Slipping into some deep, dark place. One she knew that, if she fully accepted, she would never rise back up into the light.

Yet, somehow, it wasn't enough to block out the feeling of Aella's lips upon her skin, the way her mouth would move ever so slightly, the Vampire's tongue, tasting the very essence of her life force.

She wanted to scream, but her throat was dry. A scorching desert of which she would never see, only experience.

It hurt, it hurt, it hurt, it hurt, it hurt, it… But then, it began to dull.

The pain began to subside, and instead, a sense of bliss overtook her. It overwrote the pain as if it never existed to begin with.

"... M-mm..."

Her eyelids were heavy. It was a sort of intoxicating sensation, like nothing she had ever felt before.

And, oh, it was euphoric.

"..."

Aella's grip loosened, and her hands moved to Vi's thighs, gripping them. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was uneven. She fully partook in the feeling of the sweet, sweet blood pouring into her mouth.

Her body, her blood. Everything about her was addicting. It was better than the finest wines, more full than the most decadent desserts. She could never, ever get enough.

Vi could barely think. She couldn't speak, not a word. All she could feel was Aella's grip tightening as she drank more and more, her hands moving, caressing her as they moved under her white dress, red marks beginning to stain in the upper regions with faint droplets of blood that fell from her wound.

"A-ah... Aella, you..."

Vi's breath was unsteady, and her heart was pounding.

But not in fear. Not anymore.

For a moment, Aella released. A faint trace of blood fell down her face as she stared at Vi's eyes, flickering red in the moonlight.

"Don't move... my sweet. Let me enjoy... every... every part of you."

And, like a hungry beast, her fangs dug back in, giving Vi not but a moment to recover from these overpowering sensations.

Her head felt heavy. Her vision was darkening, and, yet, she could feel every touch. Every movement, every motion Aella took, each one that made her feel colder and colder.

Vi could only stare upwards as she felt the Vampire partake. Partake in every single bit of her.

By the time it was over, Vi did not know how long it had been.

But she knew she was cold.

"Violet..." Aella gasped, her mouth stained in red, "You... You taste– you're... so beautiful..."

She leaned in, her lips falling upon hers for a fleeting moment.

Vi had already been infected. She could feel all the warmth in her body fleeting, being replaced with the same constant cool that Aella's body emanated.

And Aella could feel it, too.

"Violet... my sweet... You'll be alright, now. Already... I can see it. My essence is running through your bloodstream... just as yours is mine. And now, it's only a matter of time until you're like me. Until you are no longer a mere human, and become so much more. Until you're like me. My eternal companion, my beloved..."

"Aella..." Vi's hands shook as she reached out, though she felt weak, drained.

"Oh, my sweet Violet..." Aella embraced her, a feeling Vi could barely register among her dulling senses, "My love... You'll be mine soon... All mine..."

"I-I... I'll... be..."

"You'll be perfect, Violet. More perfect than you already are..."

It was a sensation not many humans got to experience. A fully lucid turning. The feeling of becoming a Vampire while completely conscious, if a little drowsy.

How her skin began to lose a tiny bit of its life as it froze. How her brown hair began to gray, and then that gray began to brighten into a bright, pure white. Her eyes, those eyes she considered so boring, lost their color, and instead, a pearl river gray filled them.

And then, her senses. How her senses, which were already dulling, disappeared. The sound of crickets, the breeze, the smell of the garden, and her own scent mixed with Aella's. Gone.

All of it was gone.

And then, suddenly, and without warning, they were more intense than ever before. Almost overwhelming as they washed over her like a waterfall.

She could hear Aella's beating heart, the sound of her breathing. The moonlight shining down upon them felt like it could have blinded her, yet, it didn't. It was all so overpowering, yet so, so wonderful.

It was... different. So much was different.

Her hearing, her eyesight, even her taste.

But most of all, most overpowering than anything else, was how her sense of smell heightened beyond anything before.

Aella's scent, her own, the perfume of the flowers, the aroma of the night.

Everything.

And that overpowering, sickly sweet, iron like smell of blood. Her own blood.

"Mm..."

And then she smelled some other sweet scent. With a feeling before unknown to her, she tracked down where it came from: Aella.

Vi felt her mouth fill with saliva, and a thirst. She was thirsty. Thirsty for something she never thought she would be. The feeling was consuming her. She wanted to feed.

But the world was unkind. Her fangs were still growing, still dull as they tried to extend. Yet, her throat, her throat was so dry.

"Violet... oh, Violet..." Aella's hands cupped her cheeks, her lips contorted into a euphoric smile, "I know you're hungry. I can see it in your eyes… I love that look on you…"

"Aella..."

"Ah, I'm so glad... My sweet Violet... You look... beautiful. "Aella's eyes were wide, filled with a sense of longing.

Still, Vi could smell it, the scent of blood, of her blood, on her mouth. She couldn't control herself.

"Aella, I..."

"Shh... Don't speak, my love. Let me take care of you..."

Vi didn't want to wait.

She pushed forward, her lips meeting hers.

Aella's eyes shot open. She could feel Vi's fangs grazing against her lip, yet they were still small. She found them simply adorable.

"Ah... Hehe, you really want a taste, don't you? I suppose... I could allow such a thing~. Though, not too much. Just enough to leave you begging for more..."

Vi didn't listen, her fangs scraping her skin.

"My~, so eager... So--"

Vi's teeth pierced the vampire's lip, causing her to flinch as she let out a short squeak.

"W-wrong place, my sweet..." A bead of her blood slowly fell from the small puncture, a capillary burst.

Gravity pulled it down, Vi's eyes widened as her slit eyes focused upon the blood. It was... beautiful.

Aella chuckled as she parted her lips, letting a few drops fall, "I suppose it is fine... Come, my sweet... Enjoy yourself."

Vi did not waste a second, her mouth clashing with Aella's, her tongue entering the other's mouth.

The taste was indescribable. A mixture of flavors, both sweet and sour. The small amount left her craving more. And more. And more.

"Mm, Violet... slow down," She pulled back slightly, smirking, "I can see you're desperate, but you wouldn't want to rush past this in such a hurry, would you...?"

Vi, in response, simply pushed her down below the bench, her breath heavy.

"V... violet? Oh..."

Vi's hands ran along Aella's body, moving slowly towards her neck. Aella feigned not being in control, however. After all, this was just another way to get what she wanted.

"My, so forceful. I would have never imagined, my sweet..."

They were both quiet for a moment as Vi only stared, Aella looking away as her heart raced.

"... I can tell..."

Vi leaned in, her mouth meeting the nape of her neck.

"... You wanted me to do this all along. Right?"

"Violet...ah…"

"Answer me."

"... Yes. I have. Since the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew. That I wanted you, and that you were meant to be mine. That I wanted... to be in your arms, and I wanted you to be in mine…”

Violet leaned up ever so slightly, whispering into her ear, "Then... what am I to you. Am I just... an object of your affection? Is that... all you want me to be?"

"Violet…?"

"Or do you... care about me? Am I... a friend? A lover?"

"... Of course. My... my truest love..."

"I don't think you mean that... not the way you think you do. I don't think... you even understand what that means. For one… we met just a week ago… We know nothing about each other."

Aella looked confused, but didn't respond.

"You say you care for me. That you love me, but... it's not real. You find me beautiful. That was one of the first things you ever said to me... That I'm... beautiful." She breathed deeply, "But, no, you find me attractive. You feel lust when you look my way. That's why you love me. You can't stand the thought of another having me. That's why."

"No-- Violet, that's not--" She tried to correct her, but she was cut off.

"I know you, Aella." Looking into the other Vampire's silver eyes, Vi held a more intense gaze than any that had ever fallen upon her, "You're surface level. All you care about is how things look, not how they truly are. You're fake. You're shallow. You're... manipulative.

"W-why... would you say such a thing? After..."

"Because you said a Vampire takes what they want," She leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "And now that I am one… I’m going to do the same.”

Keeping her down, without Aella even attempting to resist, Vi's mouth approached Aella's neck as the silence consumed them both. She opened her mouth wide, ever still her fangs sharpening, growing larger. Saliva pooled in her mouth, slowly dripping upon Aella's neck in anticipation. It was cold, just as cold as Vi's now dead flesh. There was no warmth left in her, but there was feeling. Delicious feeling.

"You could stop me. I can smell it now; your power, your strength. In one swift movement... you could kill me, Aella.”

"I... I don't--"

"So, why don't you? Do you want to know what it feels like to have your own spawn feed upon her sire?"

"..."

"That's what I thought. You're... just as shallow as I thought. You're so desperate, so needy, that you would allow your own blood to be drunk from you without putting up any resistance. Because, even though you're stronger, you're weaker."

"..."

"... And I did the same thing. Let you turn me just because I'm weak. Weak and delusional. Weak and... so, so desperate... I was lonely."

Aella's eyes slowly widened in anticipation, in fear of her words.

"And, you are too. Lonely. You think that I, some random stranger, could fulfill your desires. Could love you! You think that someone like me could make you happy... but I'm not special, Aella. Not like you are."

She leaned closer.

"I'm average. Ordinary. Boring. You don't care about me. You care about what I represent. My looks. The feeling of my skin. Your idea of love. That's all I am. That's all I will ever be."

"You're not... average. You're beauti--"

"Beautiful. You say it again and again and prove... prove my damn point. You don't know who I am. You don't know the first thing about me. You can't even look into my eyes, because then... you'd know. That everything you're saying is just that. Just words. Meaningless, meaningless words. Words you think I want to hear!"

"No-- Violet, I--"

"So, let's get one thing straight, Aella." Her hands moved up to the Vampire's neck, holding her down with an ever-growing grip, "I gave you everything. I let you take my life, my connections, my home. All to be with you. But it doesn't matter, does it? None of it. I'm just a doll. Just an object to you. A pretty thing to stare at, to touch, to kiss, to fuck. To use."

She felt her grip tighten and knew then, if it was someone weaker, someone fragile, they would be crushed under the pressure. But, for Aella? It must have felt like nothing at all. Nothing.

"But I won't let you have me, not anymore. Not unless you do one thing. One simple thing."

Aella seemed to almost tremble, her breath unsteady as she began to lose her composure more and more. "Any... anything, my sweet... sweet Violet. Even the world..."

Her claws moved to scratch her neck, but they couldn't break her skin.

"Give me everything. All you are, all you'll ever be. Everything. If you're going to have me... I'm going to have you."

"V-violet... my dear..."

"You said you'd give me the world if that's what it took. Well, I want it, your world. Every single part of it. Your feelings, your thoughts, your heart. You. You can't just be shallow and expect me to accept your love... You can't be a child and think I'll just fall for you, no strings attached. If you want me, then give me every single piece of you.

"I... I--"

"You can't."

"No! No, I can! Violet, please, don't say that..."

"Why? Are you scared? Are you afraid that someone could ever care about you, beyond your looks? Are you afraid that, if someone did, they would see your true self?"

"..."

"You have the power to make me do whatever you want. To control my very being. Yet, you can't bring yourself to do it. And why? Why can't you?"

"Because... I don't want to... Violet, I... I care about you." She felt a tinge of wetness upon her eyes as she spoke, staring up at Vi with a gaze of longing, "I've never felt this way about anyone before. I've never loved. Never cared. Not until I met you. And then, suddenly, everything changed. I fell in love. I fell in love with you, Violet. I love you. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid my eyes upon. That's why I said it, why I think you're beautiful... Not just... n-not just your body, too. The way you speak, how you articulate your words... How you are so confident, yet shy... And the way you look at me. I have never felt anything like this before, not with anyone, not ever.

"..."

"And, when you look into my eyes, it's... a feeling I have never felt before. Not even the most beautiful flowers in my garden compare to the feeling... And I want you to be mine. My... sweet... sweet... Violet."

The entire garden was silent in that moment, not even the wind daring to make a noise, daring to break this moment between them. This moment of fear on both sides.

"Then say it."

"Say... it?"

"That you'll give me everything. Every single piece of you, so that we're even. So that, if you want to have me, you have to let me have you."

"Violet, I--"

"Because if you don't... I'll leave you. And if I cannot leave you, I will end my life. Is that what you want, Aella? Do you want me to kill myself? Do you want me to die, knowing it would be your fault?"

Aella felt the tears forming in her eyes as she listened to Vi speak, her words filled with anger.

"N-no. Of course not. My Violet, I couldn't stand the thought of something happening to you."

"So, you'll do it. You'll give yourself to me, so that I'll give myself to you."

"I... will."

"And then, once you do, once you say that you will be mine, I will be yours. And, for our eternity, I will be yours. Forever and ever... Until time itself is nothing but dust. An idea left in the past.

"That’s… so poetic… romantic…”

"Maybe, but it doesn’t matter. Not if you can’t show me your love. If you are serious about your feelings, about caring about me, then prove it."

"... I love you."

"... Is that all– Is that all you can say to me? I ask you to prove your love, and that's the only response you can think of...?"

"I-I'm sorry--- I--"

Vi felt her hands tremble while grasping her neck, and for a moment, she faltered.

"No, it's fine. That's all I expected."

"I can prove it, though! I'll... give everything. My position, my servants, my--"

"Is that honestly what you think I want from you!?" She clenched her fanged teeth, rage consuming her voice, "It's not. It's not! How do you keep disappointing me? How can you be so, so fucking shallow!?"

"But I do-- I do love you! I just don't understand how... how I can..."

"I want you to give me your heart. Give me everything that makes you who you are. Your feelings, your thoughts, your desires... I want you to share all of that with me, and only me. Share yourself, because that's the only way... the ONLY way you'll ever have a chance."

Aella fell quiet, and in that moment, Vi could smell it.

Tears.

"I..."

"Do you think that's asking too much? Is it unreasonable, unreasonable to make yourself mine?"

She was silent for a moment, granting Aella time to think. Truly think about her words.

"Because I did that in a matter of seconds. I let myself become your's, so, so easily. You're so damn desperate that, as soon as the opportunity was presented, you jumped on it. You made me yours. But, if you can't bring yourself to do the same, then what does that say? Does that mean the feelings I have for you, the desire I have, is more than the love you hold for me? The lust? Is it truly the case that, while you are attracted to me, and want to make me yours, that there is nothing more?

"No, I do! Violet, please! I don't just feel lust-- I-- I do love you... I can't accept not loving you..."

"Then for the last goddamn time, prove it. Prove that the feelings you have are worth having. That, if I give myself to you, you will be mine as well. Just your word... that's all I need."

Aella's tears fell as she tried her best to keep a composed demeanor. To not look weak.

"Violet, I... I don’t know if I can..."

Vi could only sigh.

"Like I said, I expected as much. I always saw through people. Their empty words, threats, compliments." She closed her eyes, "And you're the same. The same as the Humans I hated so much. The same as the ones that made me the way I am. Fake, shallow, selfish."

She opened her eyes, looking down at her.

"I'm done… With all of this. No matter where I go, there will always be people I hate. People who aren't... real. I thought for a moment you would be the exception..." Her grip upon her neck began to loosen, "But I guess you weren't."

Aella's eyes widened with fear at Vi's words, her bottom lip quivering as she struggled to speak. Struggled to do anything but watch as she lost her.

"... I'm sorry." Vi leaned in, her hand running across the other Vampire's face, "I wish you were better. I truly do."

The moonlight shone upon them, a cool breeze brushing against their bodies. And, at that moment, Vi's grasp was fully released.

"No... no...!"

As she stood, she heard Aella's soft, broken voice. But, she had to ignore it, turning around, looking away from the face she had grown to fantasize about.

And, as she took her first step away, Aella's body shook. Her mouth trembled, and her fangs sharpened.

"No... no...! Violet, I'm sorry... I'm... I'm..."

Her breath was unsteady, and her body began to shiver.

"Please, come back...! I didn't-- I don't--"

The silence grew louder as the distance grew larger.

"Don't leave...!"

It was deafening.

"Come back! Come back to me!"

Vi felt her body stiffen as footsteps slowly approached.

"My Violet, I... I love you! I'm sorry!"

She wouldn't stop. She couldn't. She didn't know where she would go, where she would be... But she knew what it would be. It would be lonely. She would be alone. Alone after everyone had disappointed her, after she had seen what both Humans and Vampires could offer. After she had seen how both were the same.

But then a voice broke through her thoughts.

"I... I will be yours...!"

Vi froze.

"My feelings, my desires, my thoughts, my heart... everything! I will give it all to you, if that's what it takes...!"

Vi's hands trembled, but she couldn't look back. Not yet...

"Please... Please, just don't leave me! If I have to watch the woman I love walk out of my life forever, then I... simply couldn't live a moment longer. I would just... be too sad... My dear Violet, I can't let you leave me. I can't..."

Her words were sincere, filled with a sort of desperation that she had never shown before.

"I love you, Violet. I love you, so I am... I am yours."

Finally, finally, she turned. Aella's eyes fell upon Vi's tear ridden face, her lips quivering.

"A-are you..."

"Everything. Everything, you'll have... Violet. I will be yours, if... If you will be mine."

Aella was silent for a moment, her expression one of sorrow. She had never looked more vulnerable. More human.

"Violet... I promise... I won't let anything happen to you. Ever again. I will take care of you, and love you, and... and--"

Vi's embrace caught her off guard, and Aella's eyes shot open.

"Yes... yes, Violet... My..."

She could feel her warmth, despite how cold she truly was.

"You have me now... you can have me, all of me..."

And her tears.

"I-I won't let anyone else have you. You're... you're my sweet Violet."

Aella's grip tightened, and she felt the Vampire's hand caress her cheek, wiping the tears from her face.

"All mine..."

For a moment, they simply embraced. Neither of them could bear to say a word. They simply held each other close.

And then, slowly, Vi smiled.

"Aella."

"Y-yes?"

"I love you."

Violet's smile was soft, and Aella's pale face began to blush.

"Ah, I..”

"I love you." Vi repeated herself, for a reason even Aella could not begin to understand.

She was frozen. Her hands were limp, her jaw slack. She could not speak, nor could she think.

Vi only giggled inreponse, her arms wrapping around the other's waist, pulling her closer.

"A-ah, Violet... Violet..."

She could not control herself, her lips falling upon hers. And for a fleeting moment, both their worries and fears were forgotten. In that moment, they were each other's.

Releasing, Vi once again smiled. This time, for a different reason.

"Aella..."

"Yes...?" She sensed a pattern, a pleasant shiver running across her body.

"You said before... that I may feed upon you. Correct?"

"Ah, yes... of course..."

"May I...?"

"Please... please do."

They looked into each other's eyes for a moment, both of their slit pupils dilated with their desires.

Vi moved slowly, her mouth approaching the nape of her neck, the same place she had been bitten herself.

And without any warning, she bit into her frigid skin.

Aella let out a muffled gasp, her nails digging into Vi's back. It was painful, yes, but also something else entirely. Something wonderful.

Vi could feel the sensation of blood flowing into her mouth, the feeling of Aella's heartbeat through the pulsating blood in her veins, her arteries, how each beat caused more and more blood to rush into her mouth. It was intoxicating.

The taste, the feeling, the very scent of the other's blood was addicting.

It was all she could do to not devour her right there. To take her and drink until she was satisfied, until she could take no more. She understood how Aella must have felt then, the moment she fed upon her.

But, slowly, her fangs released their grip, and she pulled away, blood dripping from her chin.

"I could do that forever."

"Violet... I..."

"... You're beautiful."

She leaned in, her lips meeting hers once again, and, for the first time, they shared in the pleasurable taste of the other's blood.

And, when the kiss broke, their mouths stained in red, they could only stare into each other's eyes with a sense of longing.

"My sweet Violet... I love you."

"As do I..."

She spoke those words like they were practiced. Like it was only natural.

"Now... Let's return home, shall we? We have much to discuss. And you have much to learn, my love… My Violet.”.

Violet nodded.

"Yes... I do."

Aella extended her arm, and, after a moment, Violet accepted her hand.

And the cold of the other felt equally warm.