The moment we cross the threshold, a sense of disorientation washes over me. The opulence of the mansion is overwhelming, with ornate chandeliers casting eerie shadows on the walls adorned with unsettling artwork. Before I can fully take in my surroundings, the man releases his grip on my arm, his touch lingering like a brand. "Wait here," he says sarcastically, "I must find my friend."

With that, he disappears into the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion, leaving me alone at the entrance. The hunger that has been gnawing at me since earlier that night intensifies, a primal urge clawing at my insides. My eyes scan the room, searching for a potential source of sustenance. Spotting a well-stocked bar at the far end of the foyer, I instinctively gravitate towards it. The sweet aroma of liquor mingles with the scent of something more alluring—the unmistakable scent of blood. It is faint, but it is enough to set my senses ablaze. "What can I get you, little girl?" the bartender asks as I approach the counter.

A wave of irritation washes over me at the bartender's patronizing tone. "Little girl?" I think, my lips curling into a sneer. "Something strong," I reply, my voice raspy with barely suppressed hunger.

The bartender raises an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. “You sure you're old enough for that?"

I lean closer, my eyes locking with his. "Just get me the drink," I hiss. "And make it snappy."

With a knowing smirk, the bartender pours me a glass of the same crimson liquid the dark figure had given me at his flat. The familiar scent of it fills my nostrils, a heady mix of exotic spices and something else, something deeper, more primal. As the liquid slides down my throat, a wave of warmth spreads through my body, momentarily dulling the sharp edges of my hunger.

I take a moment to survey my surroundings, trying to piece together the puzzle of this place. We didn't drive far from the city, yet it felt as though we had entered another world entirely. The air is heavy with an old-world charm, a sense of history that whispers from every corner. I can feel the weight of centuries pressing down on me, a tangible reminder that I am a stranger in a land of secrets. Rising from the bar stool, I wander through the mansion, searching for a quiet refuge where I can gather my thoughts.

The opulence of the decor is both mesmerizing and unsettling. The walls are adorned with priceless masterpieces, their vibrant colors and enigmatic figures seeming to dance in the flickering candlelight. It is a bizarre juxtaposition, the modern art clashing with the ancient architecture. I find myself drawn to a dimly lit library, its shelves overflowing with leather-bound tomes that hint at forgotten knowledge. The air is thick with the scent of old paper and dust, a comforting aroma that grounds me in the present moment. I sink into a plush armchair, my fingers tracing the intricate carvings on the wooden armrests.

What is this place? And what is my role in this strange masquerade? Questions swirl in my mind, each one more unsettling than the last. Lost in my contemplation, I notice a painting that bears a striking resemblance to a print in my room. It is a familiar image, one that has always captivated me with its vibrant colors and swirling patterns. But this couldn't be the original, could it? I shake my head, dismissing the thought. The original is safely housed in a museum, a world away from this eerie mansion. Intrigued, I rise from the armchair and walk towards the painting, drawn by an irresistible curiosity.

As I stand before the canvas, studying the intricate details, a firm hand lands on my shoulder. A shiver runs down my spine as a deep, velvety voice whispers in my ear, "Do you like my collection?"

I turn to find a handsome older man, standing behind me. His eyes twinkle with amusement, and a hint of a smile plays on his lips. "Yes," I stammer, momentarily flustered by his sudden appearance. "I was just admiring this Monet you have. Your collection is enchanting."

He chuckles softly, his gaze sweeping across the room as if taking in the priceless works of art for the hundredth time. He meets my gaze, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "They aren't copies," he says cryptically, leaving me even more bewildered than before.

"I am in awe, but why keep them to yourself?" I continue, emboldened by a newfound curiosity. "Why not donate them to a museum for all to see?"

A wave of silence washes over the library as the man seems to deliberately ignore my question. It is a deliberate act, a power play that leaves me hanging on his every word. He extends his hand toward me, a gesture of formality that feels out of place in this surreal setting.

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"Allow me to introduce myself," he says, his voice a rich baritone that commands attention. "I am Alistair Dawnhaven, the master of this humble abode."

I take his hand, noting the strength in his grip and the cool touch of his skin. His eyes hold mine, a silent challenge daring me to question his authority. As Alistair Dawnhaven gently kisses the top of my hand, a jolt of electricity courses through me. The gesture is unexpected, a relic of a bygone era that seems both charming and unsettling.

"What brings you here tonight?" Alistair asks. I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal about my peculiar circumstances.

"I'm not entirely sure," I admit, choosing my words carefully. "I came with someone, but he seems to have vanished into thin air." I force a nervous laugh, hoping to mask the growing unease within me. "Perhaps I simply took a wrong turn somewhere." I glance at Alistair, searching his face for any sign of recognition or understanding.

Alistair waves a dismissive hand as if my unease were a minor inconvenience. "Oh, this is one of my masquerades," he says, a hint of amusement in his voice. "These are the types of people that show up." His words hang in the air, heavy with unspoken implications.

I struggle to reconcile the image of this refined gentleman with the sinister undertones of the gathering he hosted. The masquerade, the disappearing companion, the strange hunger that gnaws at me—it is all too much to comprehend. As our conversation lulls, a distant hum begins to grow louder, the sound of revelry echoing through the mansion's labyrinthine corridors. The once quiet library is now filled with the muffled thrum of music and laughter.

Alistair seems to sense my curiosity. "The party is in full swing," he says, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Would you care to join me?" He extends his arm, an invitation to a world of mystery and intrigue.

The music and laughter swelled, pulling me in. My voice felt foreign, the words echoing in my head. Do I even know what to think of the last 24 hours? Just yesterday I graduated med school, ran away from my parents, and got shot in the head. How...?

The rest of my thoughts just left my mind as I heard the music get louder and my hunger grow with a sweet smell. I moved through the crowd with an unnatural grace, my body seemingly guided by an unseen hand. The scent of blood, stronger now, filled my nostrils, igniting a primal hunger within.

A woman, bound and suspended in mid-air. She swayed tied, suspended in the air. Her nude body writhing in a way that suggests pleasure rather than pain. My nose notices the sweet smell coming from her. Then I see it. The red slow tickle of blood down her thigh that my nose knew was there before my eyes could see, and my mind was singularly focused.

A primal hunger ignits within me, bypassing thought and reason. I feel a guttural growl deep within, I launched myself forward, teeth bared. I started licking her naked body clean of the blood dripping off her skin. Locating a tender spot that I know won't kill her. I puncture her inner thigh with my fangs drawing more blood. The taste of her, the coppery tang of blood, fills my senses. A shockwave of pleasure through me. Her moans, a symphony of pain and delight, only fuel my feeding frenzy.

Time warps and stretches as I lose myself in the act. But just as suddenly as the bloodlust had taken hold, I hear a jarring sound pierced the haze of my hunger. She moans in climax.

"Well then," a voice drawled, laced with amusement. A slow, rhythmic clapping that seemed to echo through the vast chamber.

I pull back, my vision clearing just enough to register the scene before me. A sea of faces cover partially by the macabre masks, their eyes gleaming with a mix of horror and fascination, stare back at me. Cheering, their applause a crescendo of twisted approval.

Disorientation washes over me. This wasn't supposed to happen. Not like this. Not in front of an audience.

I barely comprehend the situation, a hand, cold and firm, grasped my arm, yanking me back from the spectacle. The Dark Man, my kidnapper, stood before me, his eyes burning blue with an unnerving intensity.

The world snaps back into focus, the echoes of the crowd fading into a distant hum. I was no longer the predator, lost in the throes of primal hunger, but Evie—a puppet in a grand, macabre performance.

A surge of shame and self-loathing coursed through me. I had been paraded, used as a tool for their amusement. The woman, the blood, it had all been orchestrated, a carefully crafted scene designed to titillate and horrify.

But beneath the shame, a flicker of something else stirred—a dark satisfaction. For a fleeting moment, I had been free, unburdened by the constraints of morality or social norms. I had tasted power, raw and unadulterated, and it was intoxicating.

The Dark Man's voice broke through my thoughts, his words dripping with disdain. "Control yourself, Evie. You're not a mindless beast.

His words stung, a harsh reminder of my new reality. But even as I bowed my head in submission, a silent vow formed within me. I would not be a mere plaything, a pawn in their games. I would learn to master this darkness, to wield it for my purposes.

And when the time was right, I would break free from their twisted circus and unleash the full fury of the creature they had created.