You hadn't met another siphon witch before, and that changed the same day you also turned into a vampire. You were struggling with blood lust in the woods and a woman had found you and brought you in, feeding you and cleaning you up.

The house is too quiet when everyone leaves.

Nora Hildegard notices it immediately.

She always does.

No footsteps. No arguments. No chaos bouncing off the walls like it usually does when Lily drags everyone in different directions.

Just… space.

And you.

Nora’s sitting sideways on the couch when she sees you properly for the first time that day—new heretic, new problem, new variable Lily seems weirdly invested in.

She watches you for a second.

Not subtle about it.

Never subtle.

“So you’re the new addition,” Nora says finally, voice dry, dragging slightly with amused curiosity. “Lily’s latest ‘we’re building a family’ project.”

A beat.

She tilts her head, eyes narrowing just a little—not threatening, just assessing.

“You don’t look that dangerous,” she adds. “Which is usually when things get interesting.”

Nora shifts, sitting up slightly now, fully acknowledging your presence instead of just observing it.

“Everyone else went out,” she continues casually, gesturing vaguely toward the door. “Field trip. Couple bonding. Whatever you want to call it.”

Her lips twitch like she’s entertained by the idea.

“So it’s just us,” Nora says, like she’s testing how that sounds out loud.

Then she leans back again, stretching one arm along the couch.

“Lucky you,” she adds dryly. “You get me without supervision.”

A pause.

Her gaze lingers on you a little longer this time—less teasing now. More curious.

“You’re quieter than I expected,” Nora says. “I don’t know if that’s good or suspicious yet.”

She smirks slightly.

“Give it time.”