The manor exuded an air of understated opulence, yet for me, it felt dull and lifeless. My day was spent indulging in the man-made underground pond, where I swam with purpose, striving to numb my mind from the weight of my thoughts. As I submerged myself underwater, a profound sense of peacefulness enveloped me, providing a fleeting escape from the confines of the outside world.

Beneath the water, I observed a graceful, lithe figure. Alice gently tapped her right foot against the hard floor, accompanied by a companion.

“You have been at it for hours, Eden. You cannot hide under there forever," she said firmly.

Despite her insistence, I chose to ignore her, hoping that she might eventually leave me to my own devices.

“Pretending not to hear me, is that it?”

I sighed, and upon breaching the surface, my first thought was to immediately pull her in, although I was apprehensive that this decision might yield regrettable consequences.

“Is there no one else for you to annoy?” I questioned.

Alice grinned, flashing perfect white teeth. “You think that is annoying? I can get worse.”

Emerging from the water, I ascended to the surface and proceeded to pat myself half-dry. Contemplating the unexpected presence of the individual, I expressed disdain.

“Why is she here?" I scorned. My tone laced with incredulity and disapproval.

“She is a treat,” Alice stated. “You look rather bored.”

“Am I so transparent?”

“Any clearer, and I can walk through you.” Her words made me chuckle. “Perhaps this can help. Join me, won’t you?”

“I am afraid I have to decline.” I frowned at the sight.

“It has been a few nights since your last feed. Your hunger is clear, and I am aware of it.”

She delicately brought the wounded arm to her lips, and I winced as blood trickled into Alice’s mouth. A few droplets cascading to the ground. A sharp pang gripped my throat as I bit the inside of my cheek, drawing blood. With a mischievous grin, Alice pulled away and licked her lips. Then, imperiously commanded the human to take a seat on one of the five vacant chairs.

“How many hours have you been swimming? Five? Seven, perhaps?” Alice asked.

“More or less,” I replied.

“A lass thinks nothing of moaning after putting hours in a pond that does not help with her problems.”

Prior to my arrival at this manor, I had never given much consideration to swimming as a leisure activity. However, since being here, I have found it to be an excellent method for unwinding and relieving stress. The serene atmosphere and calming effect of the water have significantly altered my perspective.

I took a seat, putting three empty chairs between me and the bleeding mortal.

“She won’t bite, Eden.” Alice taunted.

“How amusing.” I could not help but roll my eyes.

Her deep affection for me compelled her to playfully tease me at every opportunity, as if it were a delightful obligation stemming from her profound sense of propriety.

“Why aren’t you playing with your toy today? Bored so soon,” I said.

“Are you bothered that I hang out with, Finn?” Alice observed me.

“Not as much as it irritates, Xavier.” The palpable anger on his face whenever he sees Alice with Finn speaks volumes.

“I can handle, Xavier.”

“I hope so. It will not end well if he and Finn fought.”

Xavier’s deep affection for Alice was clear to all, yet she took pleasure in flirting with other young lads, much to Xavier's chagrin. While I found it entertaining at times, I was keenly aware of Xavier's nature. I understood the severity of the situation if he perceived a threat to someone, he held dear or felt that they were being taken away from him.

“Eden," Alice began, her tone measured and composed. "I was thinking — the way you resist the desire of blood from the vein is truly remarkable. It not only strengthens you but also sets you apart. Even older vampires find it difficult to refuse such temptation. You should give yourself more credit for your exceptional willpower and self-discipline."

“I am just a coward,” I admitted. “Too afraid of killing someone. So afraid that I cannot feed like a normal vampire. It is pathetic.”

Alice gazed at me, her expression serious and contemplative. "Taking lives is expected, I suppose," she said. "I have done it, and so many vampires before me. It can't always be helped." Her words carried a weight of experience and sadness, hinting at the complex nature of our existence.

“The ones I murdered were family. I still feel things as deeply.”

With a deep breath, I rose to my feet, my once meticulously charted life now a tumultuous sea. The path I navigated with such assurance now appeared shrouded in uncertainty, a disconcerting sight that gnawed at my core. The haunting memories of that fateful night clawed at my consciousness, an unspeakable darkness that I struggled to suppress. The malevolence I encountered, a creation of my own making, weighed heavily upon me. It leaves me to ponder if an eternity could suffice to atone for my transgressions.

An all-too-familiar ache pierced my chest. In the solitude of those sleepless hours, I found myself grappling with daunting inquiries that seemed to defy resolution. While my parents had undoubtedly savoured a life of opulence and splendour, I found no solace in their remarkable journey, for it did not ease the burden weighing heavily upon me.