Astrid, the more playful of the two, raised an eyebrow at Orion’s arrival. “Well, well, look who finally decided to join the party. You’re late, newbie,” she said, her tone carrying a mixture of annoyance and amusement.
Astria, the quieter and seemingly more reserved sister, nodded in agreement. “We’ve been waiting for you. This isn’t the kind of event you want to be fashionably late to,” she added, her words holding a hint of sincerity beneath her disinterested facade.
Orion felt a sense of relief that they were familiar faces in this sea of strangers, but he also sensed an air of indifference from them. He was acutely aware that he needed to tread carefully if he wanted to gain their trust and, possibly, learn more about the contract that bound him to this mysterious family. Orion would approach them both, “Astria.” He would say gazing upon her beauty.
Orion knew Astrid and Astria well enough to recognize that they were wild cards in their own way. However, whether they would be willing to help him or not remained uncertain. As he bantered back and forth with the sisters, their shared history was evident in the way they exchanged remarks.
“Well, what can I say?” Orion began, his tone a blend of frustration and humor. “The last time I saw you both, one of you threw me to my death, and I had to fight off a giant wolf, and the other just before that let me be escorted to my death.”
“Hey, it wasn’t personal, newbie,” Astrid replied with a mischievous grin. “We were just following orders. Besides, you’re here now, aren’t you? Alive and kicking.”
Astria nodded in agreement. “That’s right. We wouldn’t want one of our own to meet an untimely end.”
Astria and Astrid exchanged small grins, fully aware of the role they had played in the chaos that had marked Orion’s first week as a newborn. They listened as he continued, appealing for a temporary truce in the face of the impending event.
“Seriously,” Orion implored, “my first week has been two comas and who knows how much damage. Can you two, for tonight, cut me some slack? I’m not trying to get us killed, if it means anything.” He remembered Alfred’s warning about the importance of the night, which weighed heavily on his mind.
Astria sighed, her tone shifting as she responded, “You know, Mom executing your contract early is the whole reason for this.”
Astrid’s embrace of her sister, Astria, appeared to be a comforting moment of connection between the two. Their differences, one with cold brown skin and the other with warm pale skin, highlighted their unique bond. To Orion, they seemed content and happy together, and he couldn’t help but feel like an outsider to their closeness.
As they cuddled, Astrid sought to reassure Orion about the night ahead. “Nothing will happen,” she insisted, but Astria’s muttering and pouting made it clear that she was less than pleased with Orion’s presence.
Orion quickly responded, his tone pleading as he approached the two sisters. “I’m sorry, but in my defense, I barely know what’s going on. How can I start anything? I’ve known you two for, what, six days now, for a grand total of maybe one hour conscious, the rest... who knows.”
He continued to express his confusion and appealed to their sense of familial connection. “Seriously, help me out here. So far, you two are the only ones I know down here, and we are family, right?” He looked at them both earnestly, though neither sister seemed entirely convinced. Astria’s expression remained skeptical, but Astrid decided to speak up.
“It would be fair to explain things and keep you from mouthing off to the wrong person,” Astrid commented, her tone softening as she nuzzled her cheek against Astria, who couldn’t help but smile in response. “Fiiiine!” Astria relented, her tone a mix of happiness and annoyance. Perhaps, in that moment, they had made a small step towards becoming more than just strangers.
Astria, still somewhat annoyed, continued to pout as Orion tried to reason with her. However, Astrid intervened with a suggestion that seemed to brighten Astria’s mood. “How about we give him a nickname? It could be like owning a pet,” Astrid proposed, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Orion’s eyes widened as he sensed where this was going, and he began to protest, “Hey, wait a minute—”
Before he could finish his objection, Astria enthusiastically shouted, “Puppy!” She seemed delighted with the idea, turning her attention to Orion. “That will be your new name from now on. Puppy!”
Orion attempted to protest further, but Astrid caught his attention. She simply shook her head and mouthed the words, “Not worth it, just go with it.” With a resigned sigh, Orion realized that this was his new reality, at least as far as Astria was concerned.
A deep annoyance still simmered within him, but as he looked down at Astria, he noticed that she genuinely seemed happy with the idea of calling him “Puppy.” He thought it might be a small price to pay if it helped him find a way out of his contract sooner.
“Fine,” he acquiesced, “but I refuse to bark and woof, deal?” Astria nodded eagerly, her eyes filled with happiness. “Deal!” she exclaimed, quickly turning around and folding her hands over her bust. “But you never said you wouldn’t arf, and puppies arf!” Astria teased with a playful grin.
As Astria and Astrid each took one of Orion’s arms, he couldn’t help but be acutely aware of their presence. The nickname “Puppy” still echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the playful teasing he had agreed to. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he realized that, despite the strange circumstances, there was a peculiar charm to the situation.
With the two sisters on either side of him, guiding him through the social gathering, Orion began to truly notice their beauty. It wasn’t just their physical allure but also the aura of confidence and allure that surrounded them. Their striking looks had undoubtedly attracted attention from the other guests, and Orion felt a mix of curiosity and unease as he realized that he was the center of attention as well.
Astrid stood by Orion’s side, her beauty an enchanting sight that captivated his gaze. Her dress, a stunning creation in deep sapphire blue, contrasted beautifully with her rich, dark skin. The fabric was adorned with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer in the ambient light, as if they held secrets of their own. Precious stones and gems were delicately embroidered into the dress, adding a touch of elegance and opulence.
The dress hugged her curves perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and gently flaring out at her hips. A daring slit graced one side of the gown, revealing a glimpse of her long, graceful legs with each step. Her simple flat shoes, chosen for comfort, did little to diminish the allure of her ensemble.
Astrid’s hair was artfully styled, cascading down her back in dark waves that framed her face. Multiple piercings adorned each ear, showcasing an array of intricate earrings that sparkled in the low light. A nose ring adorned her left nostril, and a subtle lip piercing under her right side lip added a hint of edginess to her otherwise elegant appearance.
As Orion’s arm brushed against her chest, he couldn’t help but feel a rush of warmth and intimacy. The softness of her skin, the gentle curve of her bust, and the subtle scent of her perfume all combined to create an intoxicating allure. Astrid had repeatedly complained about having to wear the dress, but in that moment, she wore it with an air of effortless grace that left Orion utterly captivated.
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The soft rustle of her dress against his arm, the occasional brush of her hair, and the warmth of her presence all combined to create a moment that felt like something out of a fairy tale. Despite the mysteries and uncertainties that surrounded him, in that moment, Orion couldn’t deny the magnetic pull he felt toward Astrid and the enchanting world they were a part of.
As Orion continued to walk alongside Astrid, he couldn’t help but be amazed by the world he had stumbled into. The confirmation of Astrid’s vampiric nature came not from her demeanor but from the fact that, despite her warm and inviting personality, her skin was cool to the touch. It was a subtle reminder of the supernatural world that now surrounded him. However, the chill didn’t bother Orion; since becoming a ghoul, his body had run hotter, and the cold sensation was actually quite refreshing.
His attention was then drawn to the gentle tug from Astria, who walked on his other side. Her presence was a stark contrast to her sister’s, as she exuded a more conservative and shy demeanor.
As Orion’s gaze lingered on Astria, he couldn’t help but feel a distinct warmth building up inside him, as if an ember had been kindled within the depths of his being. It was a sensation that was both comforting and exhilarating, one that he couldn’t entirely comprehend but was undeniably drawn to.
Astria’s crimson hair framed her delicate features like a halo of flames, casting an otherworldly glow upon her. Her pale skin, so smooth and luminous, seemed to shimmer in the soft light of the mansion, creating an aura of ethereal beauty that left him spellbound.
Her dress, though modest in design, struggled to contain the captivating curves that lay beneath. The way it traced the contours of her body, from the gentle swell of her bust to the curve of her waist and the inviting roundness of her hips, was a testament to her exquisite femininity. Every movement she made seemed to stir the air around her, creating an intoxicating dance of grace and allure.
Astria’s hazel eyes held a depth and mystery that beckoned him closer, like an uncharted territory waiting to be explored. The subtle curve of her lips, painted with a hint of rose, spoke of a quiet sensuality that tugged at his very soul.
In her presence, Orion felt a magnetic pull, an unexplainable connection that defied reason. It was as if his very blood was stirred by her existence, awakening something primal and profound within him. He found himself drawn to her in ways he couldn’t fathom, an irresistible force that left him both exhilarated and entranced.
The room they had entered was a stark contrast to the opulence of the main hall. It resembled a sleek and stylish nightclub, bathed in low, sultry lighting that cast intriguing shadows upon the walls. Small private booths lined the edges of the room, each occupied by beings of a significantly higher class than those in the main area. Many of these occupants sat in their own worlds, with humans seated beside them, their expressions a mix of bliss and submission.
“This is the players’ room,” Astria explained, her voice soft and melodic as they navigated the dimly lit space.
Astrid’s voice cut through the soft murmurs of the room, drawing Orion’s attention. “This is the players’ room,” she explained. Orion furrowed his brow in confusion, prompting him to ask, “What’s a player?”
Astrid stepped closer, her body radiating both confidence and sensuality. She placed a finger to his lips, silencing him with a gentle hush. “We are players, also known as Pieces,” she purred, her eyes locking onto his.
Astrid, standing before him, moved closer and started unbuttoning his shirt with deft fingers. Orion protested, “Hey, what are you doing?” But his objections were swiftly hushed by Astria’s gentle admonition. “Quiet, Puppy, you’ll cause a scene.”
Before Orion could react, Astria intervened, her touch equally soft but less assertive. She urged him to remain quiet, reminding him not to cause a scene. Astrid, however, continued her exploration, unbuttoning his shirt and revealing his well-toned chest. Orion couldn’t help but protest, but Astria’s soothing words urged him to stay still.
As Astrid traced her cool fingers over his skin, a rush of sensations coursed through Orion. Her touch was electrifying, stirring desires he hadn’t known existed. It was more than just the physical transformation; it was the intimacy of the moment that captured his heart.
“Okay, those weren’t there when I went to sleep,” Orion muttered, his voice filled with amazement and an underlying hint of attraction. The atmosphere in the room seemed to intensify with every passing second.
As Astrid delicately let her cold fingers dance lightly across his skin, leaving a trail of cold and anticipation in their wake. His heart raced, and his breath quickened as he was pulled deeper into this mysterious world of vampires and monsters. The chemistry between them was undeniable, a magnetic connection that defied explanation.
The atmosphere in the room was charged with a heady mix of sensuality and secrecy. The dim, sultry lighting cast a soft glow, accentuating the curves of Astrid’s form-fitting dress and the contours of Orion’s well-toned chest. The private booths that lined the walls were shrouded in an air of mystique, each occupied by beings of higher class, engrossed in their own private affairs.
Orion’s voice trembled with amazement as he noticed his transformed physique. His newfound strength and vitality were evident, enhancing his physical appeal. But it was Astrid’s presence that left him spellbound, her eyes locking onto his with a magnetic intensity that spoke of unspoken desires.
Their gazes held for a moment, a silent conversation unfolding between them. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in a world of their own. Orion couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of this connection, a mysterious bond that seemed to go beyond the confines of the chess piece marking on his skin.
As Astria took over the explanation, Orion found himself snapped out of his daze, only now realizing that Astrid had broken the gaze long ago. She was focused on concealing his marking as if it were a secret they needed to protect.
Astria’s words were what truly captured Orion’s attention. She spoke of the crimson nectar, a substance that seemed to hold incredible significance within their world. It was the lifeblood of special ghouls like him, granting them unique abilities and forging a bond with the vampires who had created them. This newfound knowledge painted a complex picture of a society filled with hierarchies, where power and ranking were symbolized by chess pieces
The chess-themed hierarchy she described—Pawns, Knights, Bishops, Rooks, Queens, and Kings—was a tangled web of roles and abilities. His mind spun with questions, and his dazed expression reflected his struggle to comprehend the complexities of this hidden society.
Astria’s voice held a gentle warmth as she continued her explanation. Special ghouls, like him, had unique abilities often shared with the vampires who created them. These powers were ranked by chess pieces, each piece symbolizing a different level of strength and influence.
“Exhibition Games,” Astria mentioned, “for entertainment or to settle disputes between old Fangs.” The words floated in the air, but Orion was too overwhelmed to fully grasp their meaning. His thoughts swirled, his mind racing to catch up with the whirlwind of information.
As Astria spoke, Astrid worked to rebutton his shirt, a look of concern on her face. Orion’s apparent confusion and worry had not gone unnoticed by the two sisters. They exchanged a silent glance, a shared concern for their newfound companion. Orion, still trying to fathom the depth of the world he had been thrust into, couldn’t help but wonder how he had become a part of this intricate game of chess, where he was just a Pawn in a world of Queens and Kings.
Orion couldn’t help but notice the strange look on Astrid’s face after she had finished buttoning his shirt. Her demeanor had shifted, becoming distant and somewhat uncomfortable. It was as if something had unsettled her, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
As Astria continued with the explanation, Orion felt a growing sense of unease. He couldn’t help but worry about Astrid, who had abruptly excused herself, claiming she needed a drink. He turned to Astrid and suggested that they should check on her.
Astrid, however, shook her head and wore a frown. “She’s a Vampire, Orion,” she said, wagging her finger at him. “It’s considered rude to watch someone feed, you know? Rule number one, Puppy. Besides, you wouldn’t have wanted us to watch you feeding from our mom, would you?”
Orion blushed at the thought, realizing that she was right. He certainly wouldn’t want anyone watching such an intimate act. But his momentary lapse in thinking had not gone unnoticed by Astria. Her stern expression turned into a disapproving frown as she scolded him, “Bad puppy! Stop thinking naughty thoughts!”
As Orion continued to stammer, trying to explain himself, Astria let out a sigh and shook her head. Her disapproving expression softened slightly as she spoke. “It’s not entirely your fault, Orion,” she began, “You see, every vampire clan and house has its own special abilities. Every vampire is different, and there are even different races of vampires out there.”