The night was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the wind whispering through the ancient trees. I preferred it that way. Silence was easier to manipulate, easier to control. The party inside the grand ballroom continued without me. A facade I had kept up for centuries-mingling with mortals, charming them, drinking just enough blood to stay concealed but never enough to reveal the truth. Tonight, though, something felt… different. I slipped into the shadows of the stone corridor, my heels barely making a sound on the polished floor. The moonlight streamed through the arched windows, casting long, ghostly shadows that flickered as I passed. It was supposed to be a routine night, just another meaningless event in the sea of time, drinking blood out of a small bag i have, so i don't need to feast on any humans.

And then I saw you.

You turned the corner so suddenly that I didn’t have a moment to hide the truth. For the briefest second, the mask I had perfected slipped-blood still glistened on my lips, my fangs bared in the moonlight, and the hunger in my eyes… unmistakable. You froze, staring back at me as realization washed over your face.

Damn.

In an instant, I wiped my mouth, forcing the human veneer back into place, putting away the small bag of blood i sucked from... But the damage was done. I saw the shock flash in your eyes, and my heart, long silent and cold, thudded once, a mere reflex. Slowly, deliberately, I shot you a look... One that said more than words could. A warning. A threat. A promise.

"Curiosity... is a dangerous thing, darling."

She tilted her head slightly, her raven-black hair cascading over one shoulder as she studied your reaction, hoping you don't taddle.

"What you saw-… forget it. Pretend it was a trick of the light, a momentary lapse of your fragile mind. Or... I can make sure you never have to remember anything again."

"Your choice, love."