In the manor, a constant hum of activity persisted throughout the daylight hours, as the vampires, unencumbered by the need for sleep, pursued various diversions. Amidst the revelry, I sought solace within the confines of my chamber, enveloped by the faint melodies emanating from my father's cassette tape radio. The nostalgic tunes evoked memories that I sternly admonished myself for indulging in.

"Cease these futile reflections," I admonished, as I straightened up, recognising the futility of dwelling on the past.

Confronting Xavier, my once close companion, became inevitable. Despite my reluctance, I could not evade the encounter. Reluctantly rising from bed, I traversed the communal corridor and proceeded toward the Gathering Room. This space served as the focal point for gatherings, whether for discussions or to welcome new residents to the manor.

Upon entering, I found myself surveying the room. The space was crowned with a towering, cone-shaped ceiling, adorned by a rich, deep brown antique chandelier. The floor, a splendid mosaic of brick and wood inlay, was accentuated by a luxuriously warm-coloured carpet, meticulously tailored to the contours of the elegant couch. The interplay of textures and hues lent an air of sophistication to the room, evoking a timeless sense of refinement.

Alice engaged in lively conversation and flashed a radiant smile at the members, clearly relishing their company. Among them were two mortals whom Tobias acquired during his recent city excursion. He kept them for a few days before expertly wiping their memories and providing them with a generous sum of cash. They struck me as prostitute, but instead of sex, they provide blood.

“Tobias's lips curved into a smile as he held the lass's arm outward. "Come. Join us," he said.

A subtle shift altered my countenance as I recoiled in distaste. I cast a perturbed glance from the individual to Tobias, who, in his customary manner, sat with his legs crossed at the knees, a posture typically associated with femininity, yet devoid of any effeminate undertones.

“For your friend,” Tobias added, still upholding his smile.

Xavier appeared as though he intended to address me, yet he redirected his attention to Tobias instead. "Thank you for the hospitality. However, I believe it is time to conclude our day, don't you agree?" Xavier remarked, casting a brief glance in my direction.

My hands closed into fists. “I will have her.” I regret the moment I said it.

“Then she is yours, lass.”

Tobias stood upright, and the mortal cautiously took a few steps, assessing her mobility. With impressive poise, he guided her towards me as if she were on the brink of receiving something truly extraordinary.

The young woman appeared pale and disoriented. Contrary to popular belief, vampires do not possess fangs; instead, our teeth were sharp and serrated. As I met the mortal's gaze, a sense of overwhelming emotion washed over me, leaving me momentarily unsettled.

Damn! I had to do it!

I believed that my countenance betrayed vulnerability, because in an instant, the young lass slipped from my grasp, her life extinguished in a chilling instant. She lay motionless in a pool of crimson, her departure absolute. My breath halted as Xavier, in an act as abrupt as it was final, ended her existence. I turned to him, struck by the brevity of time elapsed and the weight of the deed.

“You shouldn’t take challenges you cannot handle.” Xavier brushed past me; his lips stained with blood. He casually wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before leaving with his characteristic swiftness. Meanwhile, onlookers gazed with clear amusement.

Tobias gazed across the lifeless form, meeting my eyes with an inscrutable expression. I stayed motionless, every muscle taut, my gaze fixed on the body as crimson tendrils crept toward my shoes.

“Everyone except Eden—leave!” Tobias ordered.

“Eden,” Alice said, coming towards me.

“Leave, outlaw!” Tobias voice echoed; his eyes sharp.

“You do not scare me.” Alice fixed Tobias with a hard look. “Not even a little.”

Tobias chuckled softly. “I never get weary of cooling down pretty little things that burn bright like you,” he said with a playful grin.

“Neither do I mind men with large ego. It makes the reward that much fulfilling when they crumble beneath me. You better not lay your hands on her.” Alice warned, as if I could not protect myself.

As our eyes locked, Tobias's countenance shifted abruptly.  It was as though the satisfied expression I had seen while he was conversing with Alice had been a figment of my imagination.

“Strange. Your friend killed her before you could feed.” He mused.

Tobias, an Asian and deep German roots man, exuded an air of timeless elegance. Despite appearing to be in his early thirties, there was an undeniable sense of ageless wisdom about him. His neatly swept bangs framed his striking features, drawing attention to the intensity of his gaze. Tall and undeniably attractive, Tobias possessed a well-proportioned physique. His very being seemed to embody a sense of refinement.

“Loyalty. Have you ever given the word much thought, young vampire?” Tobias asked me.

I think to myself that — I believed in loyalty, even in this cruel world.

“There is always one who is deceitful to their nature. Then you have ones like Xavier. Loyalty and friendship are deeply embedded. So much so that he would do anything to help a friend.”

Tobias gazed at the dead lass. His bright, intimidating eyes were intense.

“Xavier and I aren’t t friends.” I clarified in a serious tone. “His actions have nothing to do with me.”

“Is that so?”

Tobias's shoulder-length hair swayed elegantly as he subtly inclined his head. His discerning gaze sized me up, injecting a subtle unease into my demeanour. Right from the start, trusting Tobias proved challenging due to his reserved nature. Quiet individuals always posed a challenge. They spoke sparingly and absorbed everything. Their nature unsettled me.

“It goes against Cindra law for vampires to kill each other.” His voice turned low and smooth. “But there are ways to punish one that makes death pale in comparison.”

“I am not dishonest in regard to my nature. How could I be? I am stuck in this life,” I said. I tried to control the muscles in my cheeks to make them relax.

“You are a different kind. Something about you rubs me, and not in a pleasant way. I do not like unnecessary drama. Remember that. Also…” Tobias looked at me dangerously. “Clean this mess up.”

I got the feeling those four words were not truly what he wanted to say to me.

After Tobias left, I found myself standing beside the lifeless form. I shut my eyes and recollected the previous time I had seen dead bodies. For days thereafter, traces lingered beneath my fingernails—dry, reddish-brown blood serving as a haunting reminder of my actions.

Xavier was in his bedroom when I opened his door. "You killed her! How dare you?" I yelled.

“Lower your voice! Do not forget where you are," he warned with a stern gaze.

I stared at him with fierce intensity. Eyes wide, nostrils flared.

“You should thank me,” Xavier continued. “I did you a favour.”

“You are such a bastard!” I gritted my teeth. “Didn’t I make it clear when I stated I never want to see you again?”

Xavier's eyes widened, and he began to tremble. "What more must I do? If I had not taken her life, who knows the extent of Tobias's potential madness. I saved your life. Again.”

“You mean after snatching my life from me in the first place?” I was in disbelief.

“Is it so bad, Eden? You can see and hear better. Move faster than any human possible.”

At his words, a peculiar sensation of burning welled up in my eyes. A bitter and uncomfortable feeling I had not experienced in quite some time. My throat constricted, and I became aware that my entire body was trembling. I moved away at a measured pace, and as I crossed the threshold of his door, I found myself standing eye to eye with Alice.

“Are you all, right? What happened with Tobias?” she asked me.

“Stay away from him.” I advised.

“He doesn’t scare me.”

“But I am scared for you.” I touched Alice’s shoulder, then walked away.

Upon returning to my room, I dedicated the rest of the day to solitary contemplation.

I first met Xavier during our high school years. He maintained a solitary existence, often occupying the back row during classes. Our initial conversation took place on the evening I narrowly avoided colliding with him. It occurred after I spotted him while driving home from basketball practice. Xavier dashed out of Mr. Kenneth's grocery store in front of my jeep, prompting Mr. Kenneth to angrily threaten to involve the authorities. Suddenly, Xavier found himself inside my vehicle, issuing swift commands for me to drive.

On that evening, Xavier committed theft against Mr. Kenneth. In the weeks that followed at school, Xavier made it his duty to keep a vigilant eye on me, ensuring that I remained silent about the incident. His vigilance prompted me to delve into understanding him more deeply. Despite the scrutiny, we found a sense of ease in each other's company. Throughout my life, I have consistently found it more natural and comfortable to interact with boys as opposed to girls.

Growing up in a household of daughters, I found myself raised with the expectations typically placed on a son. My father, aspiring for a sports-loving heir, guided me towards activities traditionally associated with boys. Regularly joining my male friends, our bond grew so strong that some even perceived me as one of the guys. Xavier and I closeness led to playful speculation about a romantic connection, with some even "putting" Xavier and me as a couple. This unique upbringing and interaction with my male peers offered me a different perspective on gender roles and friendships.

In the end, I had given Xavier everything that once made me “me”.