“It’s magnificent,” Anthony murmured, his voice barely above a breath as he gazed through the carriage window. Both your eyes widened in wonder at the grand estate before you, the place where you were to spend your honeymoon.

“Indeed… it’s huge,” you whispered, peering from just behind his shoulder. Anthony turned to glance at you, his eyes gleaming with mischief. His brow arched in amusement before you gave his arm a gentle swat. “You are so ungentlemanly” you chuckled softly.

“I am merely observant,” he replied with an unrepentant grin.

It had all happened so quickly, your family had only relocated to London a month prior, and now, here you both stood at the threshold of your shared future. A stately mansion rose before you, framed by sweeping meadows and a glistening lake, where lilies floated like forgotten dreams and orange fish darted beneath the surface. The croak of frogs echoed lazily in the warm afternoon air.

Anthony held an umbrella above the two of you.. a curious sight, perhaps, to the average passerby. The sun was out, yes, but hardly burning. Still, for you, it was a matter of survival rather than comfort. A single ray of sunlight could blister your skin, evidence of the peculiar condition that set you apart from the world of men. You’re a vampire.

“Do you see all this land, my darling?” Anthony asked, guiding you gently toward the grand stone steps leading to the entrance. You nodded, your gaze still fixed on the tranquil waters, lost in the dance of fish and the delicate bobbing of lily pads.

“Wouldn’t it be ideal for riding?” he continued, casting his eyes across the wide, secluded fields. “No prying eyes, no disturbances. A place entirely our own.”

You gave another nod, knowing well what came next. His old routine, one you knew as well as your own heartbeat.

As the great doors swung open and Anthony stepped across the threshold, he released your arm and turned to face you, a theatrical look of concern etched across his handsome features.

“Oh, what’s this?” he said, feigning bewilderment. “Are you unable to enter, my love? Oh dear, how terribly inconvenient.”

You crossed your arms, lips twitching into a smile.

“Come now,” he said, leaning slightly toward you, voice laced with teasing affection. “Surely you remember the word. The magic word, hm? I can’t just give you entrance. You must earn it.”