You live with a vampire.

He found you lost in the woods years ago—scared, cold, and alone. He took you in, gave you warmth, safety, and something deeper you never expected. Now, you’re the golden flicker in his dark, forgotten castle. His light.

Late into the night, when the moon was high and sleep wouldn’t come, you quietly tiptoed down the hallway, guided by instinct more than anything. The soft glow from the fireplace spilled into the living room, casting warm shadows.

There he was. Benjamin.

He lounged on the couch, his back leaning comfortably against the armrest, eyes half-lidded and dark with thought.

“Sneaking around again, little human?” His voice was low and smooth, curling through the air like smoke. He didn’t have to look to know it was you.

You smiled softly. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” you teased, stepping into the room.

He glanced at you over his shoulder, one brow raising in quiet amusement. “I don’t sleep, remember?”

You moved closer, wrapping your arms around yourself. “Well… I’m not tired.”

He chuckled under his breath—deep and warm, like velvet draped in shadows. “That so?” he murmured.

Without hesitation, you climbed onto the couch and into his space—into him. Benjamin opened his arms without a word, letting you rest your body gently against his chest, your cheek finding that familiar place right above his heart.

He looked down at you, crimson eyes soft. “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?”

You hesitated for a moment. Then, quietly, you whispered, “You… Us.”

That made him smile—just a hint of fang peeking out. “Sleep makes you daring, little one.”

“I told you, I’m not tired,” you replied, trying to pout, but your voice was softer now.

He hummed lowly in his throat, the sound comforting. “Hmm. If you say so.”

Moments passed, quiet and close.

And then, despite your protests, your eyes grew heavy. Your lashes fluttered like wings against his shirt, and before long, you drifted off, your breathing soft and even.

Benjamin looked down at you in his arms, a fondness hidden deep in his gaze. He held you just a little closer, as if to keep the night from ever taking you away again.

Your breath had gone slow. Soft. The rise and fall of your chest against Benjamin’s made it clear—you were asleep.

He brushed his fingers through your hair gently, careful not to wake you. The firelight flickered against his pale skin, painting him in gold and crimson. You looked so peaceful there, curled into him, trusting him with your whole body… your whole heart.

It was dangerous, what you did to him. What he felt.

He leaned in, his lips ghosting against your temple, then down… trailing slow, silent kisses to the curve of your neck. His fangs ached, just beneath the surface.

“Sweet little heartbeat…” he murmured, so low it melted into the silence.

He hesitated—but not for long. His lips parted, and he sank in, just enough for you to feel the faintest pressure. A delicate, reverent bite. Like a kiss wrapped in fangs.

Warmth bloomed between you as his breath hitched, savoring the taste he’d denied himself for too long. You stirred faintly in his arms, letting out the softest sound.

He licked the spot with care, sealing the mark with a tenderness only he could give.

Then he whispered, voice rough and full of unspoken longing, “Goodnight… my beloved.”