The Nightwalker

Party Time!

This place is enormous! I was totally going to get lost. I wonder if there's a map of the place. I don't really know if I should stay attached to Loki all night. not that I wouldn't mind being attached to him. Just not in a room full of vampires.
"What's on your mind?" Loki came and stood by my side.
"I swear sometimes I am in a dream. I am surrounded by vampires and going to a creepy yet beautiful castle"
"Do you dream of hanging out in castles with vampires?" Sif asked.
"Obviously you weren't a teenager in 2008" Melody spoke. I knew what she was on about. Melody was obsessed with Twilight. Sometimes, I still think she is. God, Twilight was better as a book.
"I don't follow"
"I wouldn't let it bother you, Sif. Melody is just being a nerd"
"I will try not to let bother me" Sif spoke with sarcasm. Loki poked his friend in the back. But before she could respond, Sif's eye is caught by a hulking vampire in an elegant robe "Is that Valgerd? I haven't seen her in a century. Excuse me," She strides ahead of our group. Loki rolled his eyes and we left Sif behind.

As the rest of us approach the castle, we pass through an incredible formal garden. Filled with endless pathways and geometric topiary.
"This place is amazing! Can we check out the gardens?"
"There will be plenty of time for that" Loki smiled at me "Right now, We need to go to our rooms and get changed"
"LOKI!!" A squeaky voice bellows. Near the front of the castle is a young girl dressed in what I think is 17th-century formal attire stands at the front, welcoming guests. I've seen her before. But where? The girl seems especially happy to see Loki and comes rushing towards him, Giggling. Her arms are outstretched.
"Who is that adorable little girl?" I asked as the girl fell over.
"Countess Michelle Lafleur the fourth, Our host" Loki whispers to me. 
"She looks 12" Melody's jaw dropped.
"closer to 400. His parents served in the court in France" Loki explained. I nodded and Melody shrugged.

Michelle finally reaches our group. She stretches up onto the points of her toes and kisses Loki on either side of his cheek. Melody and I looked at each other and shrugged.
"Bonsoir, Bonsoir! I am so delighted to have you" Her accent was thick. Michelle was very full-on.
"Michelle, This is Melody. She is making her debut here" Loki introduced. Michelle kisses Melody's hand.
"Quel charme!" Michelle grinned. Melody looked at me. She doesn't speak French so I whisper in her ear that it means what charm.
"Uh, right back atcha" Melody smiles as she bows her head.
"And who is this?" Michelle eyed me up and down.
"Michelle, This is Emily" Loki beamed.
"Mademoiselle" She giggles as she kisses my hand. She is such a sweet thing.
"Monsieur, Merci de nous avoir permis d'entrer chez vous" Michelle giggled as I spoke. Melody asked what I said. I rolled my eyes. I really need to teach her some French and not just the swear words "Sir, Thank you for allowing us to enter your home"
"Nerd" Melody rolled her eyes. I poked my tongue out at her.
"I wasn't aware you could speak French?" Loki spoke directly to me.
"I taught myself to impress some transfer student I had a crush on back in high school. Was all for nothing as he turned out he was gay" I used my pinky to scratch the inside of my ear. I learnt other languages but I like to keep some secrets to myself.
"His loss" Loki mumbled.
"Michelle, Your home is so beautiful" I smiled at Michelle, ignoring Loki's comment.
"You are too kind" Michelle pretended to hide her face "But I agree, It is my greatest accomplishment"
"How did you build it?" I looked up at the towering building. I swear Melody has climbed this building in her video game.
"Do you have several hours? It's Michelle's favourite subject" Loki folded his arms. He hasn't stopped looking at me.
"Oh Loki, You are a terrible boy" Michelle playfully slapped Loki "Luckily for you, Emily, I have other guests to meet. So I will give you a quick answer. This," She sweeps an arm towards the formidable building behind her "Is an authentic 17th-century French castle from Loire Valley that I had brought over and rebuilt. Brick by brick"
"Not not just the bricks" Loki rolled his eyes.
"Every furnishing, Every painting. Everything. La meme chose" Melody titled her head.
"She had everything built the same here as it was over there" Loki explained.
"That is impressive"
"There is but one improvement I made" Michelle held one finger up "Technology. I cannot live without my television. How else do I watch my soaps? and of course, the new security measures" Michelle hands Loki a keycard "The key to your chambers, You will find some rather fetching outfits waiting for you"
"Thank you"
"But for now, I bid you adieu, My darlings! I must greet the others" And with a whirl of her dress, Michelle was off to kiss another group of vampires and their company.

"Okay, I couldn't understand a word she said but oh my god, She's the best" Melody chimed as she watched Michelle bound over to another guest.
"She is something" I simply nodded.
"She is like a hyperactive puppy" Melody grinned.
"She is. She never fails to amuse. It's why everyone comes to her balls," Loki smiled as Michelle flounced around "The vampire world can feel so serious sometimes. Michelle is always a reminder that life can be fun" Loki leads us inside and upstairs to our chambers.

After swiping the keycard, We enter a luxurious bedroom. Melody takes a running jump onto the bed. Loki and I chuckle at her.
"Holy fancy French name, This is comfy" Melody moaned as she sunk into the pillows "And this is just a guest room"
"The ball starts soon. So you two might want to get dressed"
"In what?" I put my hand on my hips. Loki grins.
"If I know Michelle, Something historically accurate" Loki walks over to an oversized wardrobe and opens the double doors "Oh decisions, decisions. You two can figure it out. I'll be in the adjoining room" Loki bows and steps out of the room. Leaving me, With Melody.

"I feel like I am in a Disney film" I whispered. Beauty and the Beast was my favourite film. Melody fought her way through the mountains of pillows and climbed off the bed. She went straight to the wardrobe. Surveying the dress.
"No. No. No. No. Too yellow. No," she then looks at me "No to orange... no... no... Green might work. No"
"What are you doing?" I walked over to my best friend.
"Finding you the perfect dress. One that will make Loki's heart flutter" She grumbled. She then stopped, a massive grin on her face "Oh wow... this one... This is so you!" Melody pulls out a beautiful baby pink ballgown.
"I dunno" I don't know about dresses.
"Trust me, Loki will not take his eyes off you" Melody smiles as I take the dress off her and change in the bathroom. I then heard her chuckle "Dude, I know"
"Who are you talking to?"
"It's a vampire thing. You wouldn't understand" Melody explained. I rolled my eyes and got into the dress.

"I feel like a princess in this dress" I twirled as I walked out of the bathroom
"You look totally amazing. If I do say so myself" Melody beamed "Now I need to pick one" She spends another 5 minutes choosing before she grabs a royal blue dress.
"You look incredible!" I clapped.
"Yeah?" Melody looked at herself in the floor-length mirror.
"You are stunning" The door knocks and Melody shouts open. Loki pokes his head around the door.
"Is it safe to come in?" he grins.
"Get your ass in here" Melody waves him over.

Loki walks in. Both mine and Melody's jaws dropped.
"Well hello Mr. Darcy"
"Mmm. I forgot how uncomfortable these collars are" Loki shuddered, yanking at his collar. He then smiles at us both "The period suits you both. You both look great" His gaze lingers on me. His lips parted into an easy smile "And that is definitely your colour"
"Thank you" I feel my cheeks warm. Melody elbowed me, Grinning like a schoolgirl.
"Why don't you two head down to the ballroom? I will meet you there"
"Sounds good" I grabbed my phone, put it down my top and strolled out of the room. I could feel Loki's gaze on me. This is going to be a long night.

Melody and I follow the sound of bass into the grand ballroom. I pause at the doors.
"Holy shit" Melody whispered.
"You got that right" I agreed. Guests mingle beneath arched ceilings decorated with elaborate paintings and dozens of crystal chandeliers, Blazing with real candles. The guest was dressed in everything from modern gowns to historically accurate gowns "Those wigs are complex"
"So are those dresses" Melody draped an arm over my shoulder. Swear since becoming a vampire, She's got heavier "But look at the food" We watched a handsome waiter wind through the crowd, Carrying a tray of grey stuff and another carrying a tray of shot glasses filled with blood "I need to follow him"
"I may love you dearly. But I am not ready to see you necking blood shoots" I shivered.
"I'll just have to do it when you ain't looking. Speaking of which, What's that over there?" I rolled my eyes, pretending to look at whatever she was pointing at.

After Melody sneakily necked about 6 blood shots. She glances around the room.
"So. do you want food or drink?"
"Deffo a drink" I stood up. I need some sort of alcohol in my system if I am going to make it through tonight.
"That's my girl" She then turned around, pointing at Loki "And don't growl. She was mine first" Then Melody frowned "I forgot, he's not here"
"Let's get a drink"

We walk over to the bar and watch a barman do some crazy tricks.
"Can I have a normal peach one please?" I held up one finger.
"And can I have a blood-infused passionfruit smoky thing?" Melody points to another vampire with the same drink. The bartender grins, Revealing two fangs. He pours with a flourish, Handing you each a colourful, smoking drink.
"Smoke's a little extra?" I blow my smoke away.
"And so am I" Melody gulped her drink.
"I never doubt that" I took another sip, The room seemed to glow more brightly, and the music seemed to be a little more emotional.
"Okay, Are these super strong? What vampire drugs are in these?"
"I have no idea but I am loving it" I take another sip as Senator Hogun passes by and makes a big show of kissing Melody and myself on the cheeks.
"Melody! Emily! How wonderful to see you both here. And may I say you both look incredible"
"Thank you, Senator Hogun" I bowed. Still didn't like the man. I feel like he could backstab us at any moment. But that might be because he is a sleazily Politician "And again, Thank you for voting to save Melody"
"I am happy to be able to do that for you, Melody. Just remember to tell all your friends about me at election time" He then dashes off to greet some other vampires.
"I wonder if he knows that I am your only friend?" I stared after Hogun. I don't trust the guy. He has an agenda and it's a shifty one.
"I wonder if that guy ever stops campaigning?" Melody glared at the Senator.
"I don't think he could even if he tried" I shook my head and shrugged. I look around the room and see a sad-looking girl looking around. Her face was full of uncertainty "Oh look at her"
"She looks afraid of the crowd. She might be new" Melody puts her drink down and takes a step forward. I down the rest of mine and follow suit.

About three tables later, we were stopped by an unwanted guest. Well unwanted by Melody and me. Not sure about everyone else.
"Emily! What a treat to see you here! And looking even more delicious than ever" We jump around to see Hela standing to our right.
"Hi, Hela" Melody waves. Hela ignores Melody.
"Listen, Emily, I have some business I'd love to speak with you about," Hela grabs some of my hair and twirls it around her finger "In private,"
"Sorry Hela, I was on my way to speak to my friend over there. So if you'll excuse me" I gently remove Hela's hand.
"Excuse me?" Hela's shoulders drop. She doesn't seem to cope well with rejection.
"That's what I said" I walked off, Waving my fingers at her, Leaving Hela speechless. Melody started giggling so I had to remove her from the room.

After calming Melody from a giggle fit, Melody and I go and speak to the lonely girl.
"Hey" The girl jumps when Melody speaks. Placing a dainty hand on her chest.
"Oh. Sorry, I... Hello"
"I'm Melody and this is Emily" The girl doesn't say anything. She just looks between us "Are you a newbie"
"Yeah," she looks at the floor.
"Me too! It's totally weird, right?" Melody sat next to the girl.
"I don't think I have fully processed it yet and now I am here" The girl waved at the ballroom.
"Shouldn't whoever turned you be helping you? What clan did you join?"
"I'm with Michelle"
"I thought there were only the 6 clans?"
"In New York. But there are a few others throughout the state. They are allowed fewer members and the city clans have authority over them"
"So if Michelle turned you, Shouldn't she be helping you?" We look over to where Michelle is dancing atop a table, Clapping and laughing.
"I see the problem" I bit my tongue. Hopefully, Michelle is a lot better when sober.
"Well, Look. You have us, Right? We're your friends now" Melody patted the girl on the shoulder.
"Thank you. That... That would be nice" The girl smiled. Even though she was still picked at her dress.
"The thing that helped me the most was when someone told me to trust my body"
"Listen to my body?"
"Anything from when to feed to when something feels good. If you listen to it, You will be okay"
"It just speaking a different language than before. You're gonna be fine"
"You try and enjoy the night"
"I will try. And in the spirit of listening to my body, I need one of those drinks. Might make this night easier"
"Amen, Sister!" The girl nods hopefully just as Loki approaches with a drink in hand.

A short while later (I think it was a short while. Could have been hours) Loki approached our table.
"Making new friends?" Loki sipped his drink, One hand behind his back. A red drink in his other hand.
"Actually, yes" I beamed. I was having a good time. The girl we had just made friends with excused herself and went to get a drink.
"Have you two seen the dessert table?"
"No. What kinds of dessert?" Melody's eyes lit up.
"Ones with lots of sugar. Shall we?" Loki bowed as he waved to the back of the hall. Melody and I shrug and trail Loki through the crowd. I spot a familiar face in the crowd that makes me stop in my tracks.
"Loki may have promised that he would stop investigating the ferals but he doesn't speak for me" I put my hand on Loki's back "Be right back"

I make a beeline towards Volstagg, Letting my anger and determination for the truth win out over common sense. I hear Loki and Melody calling my name.
"Hey!"
"Erugh. You again" Volstagg rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, me again. I need you to know something"
"I voted for your friend, So what else could you want? Can't you go and crawl under a rock?" Volstagg put his drink down.
"The night I came to your bar after I escaped, What did you do?"
"It's none of business, Little girl, but if you must know..." Volstagged towered over me "I had a scheduled session with my masseuse. Two hours of total, well-oiled bliss" Volstagg grinned "She can confirm my whereabouts. Sprawled out on a table. Naked as the day I was born"
"Gross," I shuddered. Loki had caught up with me.
"Stay away from her Volstagg. Consider this a warning" Loki glared at Volstagg.
"And I shall warn you, Loki. Keep her away from me," Volstagg's eyes deepened in colour. I wasn't afraid of him. Loki puts a hand on my back. Urging me to walk away. After a moment, I turn and head back to where Melody is waiting.

"Why did you go to Sausage Man?" Melody linked her arm with mine.
"I want to know who attacked you. I thought it was him" I glared at Volstagg.
"And was it?" Melody licked her lips, The colour drained from her face.
"He has an alibi for that night. So at least we know he didn't do it himself" I shook my head as I folded my arms.
"I know. And I'd ask that you refrain from any more investigations"
"But..." I turned my head away. Loki ran a hand down my arm. using his spare hand, He places his finger under my chin, Making me look at him.
"Darling, If he was behind it, We'll find out, Creatures like Volstagg always slip up in the end" The music fades as Michelle takes the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Good midnight to all my friends. This is my absolute favourite ball of the year. Please join me in welcoming the new members of our community! Let us see you!" All around the room, New vampires wave uncertainty.
"Mel, That's you!"
"Suddenly developing shyness" She waves to the crowd.
"Ah, You are so adorable! Welcome! Welcome!" Michelle giggles "And now... Let the dancing begin!" The string quartet begins playing a waltz and the partygoers excitedly begin choosing partners. I watch mesmerized as the couples begin to swirl around the dance floor.
"Oh I want to join in"
"Do you even know how to waltz?" Melody frowned at me.
"Mel, you should know me by now. I am a girl of many useless talents. I know a thing or two about waltzing" I smiled as I turned around. I stood in front of Loki. I dip into a cartoonish curtsy "If you would honour me, Kind sir?" Loki's lips curl into a playful smile. He counters with a deep bow.
"I'd be delighted, Mademoiselle" Loki held his hand out.
"I'll be at the bar" Melody left, Winking at me.

Loki leads me out onto the dancefloor and a firm confident hand on my lower back. We glide across the dancefloor in tandem with each other and the music. It feels effortless and magical. He takes my hand and spins me around once, twice. He pulls me back into his arms, Holding me a little closer.
"You do know a thing or two," Loki said, Suprise in his voice.
"It does help to have an excellent partner, Mr Odinson" I beam up at him. He smiles at me. Our eyes locked as we twirl across the dancefloor. I think I am falling for this man. And it's going to hurt when I hit the floor.

After a few dances, I leave the floor and take a much-needed break. I sit next to Melody. I took off my shoes.
"You okay?" I asked Melody as I rubbed my foot. Why did I think that heels were a good idea tonight?
"I feel like I need to feed. Wonder if there is somewhere I can go get someone to drink?"
"Adjacent to the buffet is a feeding den" Loki pointed to the left-hand side of the hall.
"Be right back" Melody bounced like a bunny rabbit. Loki sighed. I put my shoes on.
"Shall we get some air?" Loki asked as he held out a hand. I didn't hesitate to take it.

Loki and I step outside to find Sif, Staring up at the sky. She nods approvingly at my dress.
"You suit that dress, Emily" Sif grinned.
"Thank you, Sif. Yours is lovely too"
"Oh, this old thing? And I mean that quite literally. it is from the 17th century" Sif tucked a hair behind her ear "Have either of you had much of a chance to explore the castle and the grounds?"
"Just the ballroom and our room" I replied. Loki agreed with me.
"I'm thinking I might take a stroll in the garden. And I can't believe I am saying this but, Emily, I would welcome your company"
"You want my company?" I tilted my head.
"Balls always bring out her soft side" Loki whispered into my ear "I think I might take a walk through the castle. I hear Michelle has quite the library. Emily, What are you going to do?"
"I think I would like to join Loki in the castle. I'm a sucker for a good library" I did feel bad for leaving Sif alone but a chance to be with Loki alone. I'll never pass that up.
"Shall we?" He offers his arm and I link mine through his arm as he leads me towards the inner part of the castle.

We walk into a Beauty-And-The-Beast-style library. The library is quiet. Only the faint sounds of music and people touring can be heard. I spin around in awe.
"Am I in a Disney film?" If I am, Then Loki is my beast. And I am perfectly fine with that "At least no one is singing for no reason"
"Michelle likes to show off her collections. So she created her own museum" Loki placed his hands behind his back.
"Look at these ceilings! Frescos and gold leaf. Did he import them too?" I was the kid in the candy store.
"I think he literally brought every square inch of this castle from France" Loki looked at the books. I peer into a glass case holding axes and sharply pointed maces.
"It seems so barbaric, Swords and charging horses and axes. All that bloodshed" I scrunched my nose up.
"Yes, We've gotten better at concealing our barbarism as a society as time goes on" Loki peered at another book "But if you ask me, There's more bloodshed now more than ever"
"You can be such a downer, Loki"
"Maybe a little. But I am pretty sure I am right. Do you disagree?" Loki walked closely behind me.
"I know things out there are pretty scary but I still have hope. I think we can come together. Make the world a better place"
"You're still young. You'll grow out of that"
"Do you not have hope? I thought you founded your company to try and make the world a better place" I picked a book up and blew the dust off it "Michelle needs to fire her maid"
"The operative word there is to try. I've been alive long enough to see how this world works. Peace turns to war. To find kindness in the ashes only to see the world burn anew. The things I have done, All that I have seen. It's hard to hope with sometimes"
"Loki..."
"I don't believe I can make the world a better place but I believe I can try too" Loki looked at a spear "Now then, Perhaps the art over here is a little less... barbaric" I stroll up to a large oil painting that depicts a biblical scene of sinners getting their eyes plucked out by ravens.
"Perhaps not" Loki nods his head at a shelf in the back. One that is filled with a lot of dusty leather-bound tomes.
"You might find those of interest" Loki placed a hand on my back.
"Hmm. let's try... freaks and monsters: A hunter's guide" I flip through the large tome "What a load of bollocks"
"What's it say"
"Vampires are among the most feared and terrible of the undead, for they possess not only animal appetites but human intellect"
"How is that a load of bollocks?" Loki raised an eyebrow as he repeated my words.
"Humans are the worst of all species. We would burn the world to see a blade of grass grow anew. There is only one thing that this page that isn't bollocks"
"And that is?"
"Some believe they have even infiltrated the highest echelons of power in our society. Politicians, nobles and even kings" I pointed. Loki smiled "And the page number"
"Okay, That bit is true. What else does it say?"
"Slaying a vampire can be a hunter's greatest accomplishment" I placed my hand on the page "So hunters are a real thing too?"
"Yes. There is an entire society going back for millennia, Determined to wipe out our kind" Loki looked away. He stared at the bird of prey painting "Some were good men, However misguided they were. Others were just sadists"
"Human versions of Volstagg?" I read further into the page. There was an Order called the Black Order. They were not usually seen in the West but they were in Europe.
"More or less"
"And you're using past tense" I pointed out.
"In the 1850s, there was a secret war, We won"
"Right..." I nod. I knew better than to push the subject. I skim to the back of the book and stop on another entry "The bigfoot's greatest weakness was his insatiable hunger for rotting meat" I closed the book, and Dust flew everywhere "I can get behind vampires and hunters and all that but there is no such thing as Bigfoots, Is there?" Loki playfully shrugs. I put the book back, Biting my lip. I turn to look into a large glass case holding a hawk that is about to catch a stuffed rabbit. I lean my forehead on the case. Loki comes and stands behind me, Looking over my shoulder. his hands on my arms.
"I don't know if it's the birds of prey or the weaponry that are affecting me but I am feeling a little..." I can feel him press his warm body against my back, His breath dusting my neck.
"Predatory?" This didn't scare me. His voice is so low, I ain't sure if I am hearing it or feeling the vibrations of it against my skin.
"And what would that make you?" I close my eyes, My heart pounding. I turn around and reflexively his arms tighten around me. Pressing me closer to his chest as our lips meet.
"Mmm..."
"Mmm..." His lips are warm and soft and welcoming though he is ferocious. He backs me against the glass of the display case, Hungry lips travelling down my jaw, Throat and chest.
"Loki..." My legs tremble, Falling apart. Slipping open just enough to allow Loki to press even closer.
"Emily" My hands trail down the soft skin of his neck, Moving to slip off his jacket when a woman's giggle from somewhere too close by stops me. Loki tenses up, relaxes and takes a step back. He chuckles and shakes his head, Tugging at his collar. I can't help but laugh at the flush to his cheeks "How do you keep doing this to me?"
"I'm not trying to do anything but I probably won't stop either"
"Maybe we can finally get our timing right but for now I ought to return to the dancefloor. I am neglecting my social duties. What are your plans?"
"Think I will call it a night" Suddenly the doors fly open. Melody comes running in. Her normally calm face was full of worry.
"Emily? Loki?" she called out.
"Mel, Are you okay?" I ran over to her. Loki was right behind me. Worry on both our faces.
"You two better come quick, There's something bad going on" Melody grabbed our hands and pulled us out of the library.

We both follow her Rushing back to the ballroom. As we enter the room, I notice some commotion in the entryway.
"Sif! What is going on?" Loki demanded to know.
"I'm not sure but it may not be good" Sif was tensed up.
"Melody, Emily. Both of you go back to the room. I have this feeling that this may not be safe for you both" Loki looked at me.
"What is happening?" I ask as Loki pats down his pockets.
"I don't seem to have my keycard. Just go back out of the rear entrance. Go..." He went to move us away.
"AHHHHHHH!!!!!!" someone screams.
"What was that?" I gulped.
"I don't know" Loki pushes me behind him. Then it was chaos. More screaming. Some people trying to run out the door. Some come running in. Guest tripping over each other. Falling to the ground. Melody let out a yell.
"Mel!?" I panicked, Melody never screams. She is impossible to scare.
"What the fuck is that?" Melody's face drained of colour as she pointed to the window. I spun around to see what Melody had spotted out of the window.
"*SNARL*" The creature's long claws dragged along the windows, leaving deep scratches in the window pane.
"Oh my god," I knew what it was. The smell confirmed it. It is a smell that I will never forget. Not in a long time.
"*SNARL*"
"Impossible" Sif gulped, eyes wide.
"How did it get in here?" Loki demanded to know as he clenched his fists.
"Hello!? Newbie here. What the fuck is that?" Melody waved her arms around.
"*SNARL*"
"Melody, Remember those mindless vampires I was telling you about?"
"That's a feral?!" Melody pointed to the feral. I nodded, looking around for a weapon "That's what I could have turned into!?" We watched as the girl we made friends with ran around outside, screaming in terror.
"*SNARL*" The feral leaps forward, Tackling the girl that we had spoken to earlier. Before we could help her, The feral sunk its teeth into her throat.
"NO!!!" Melody yelled. Just then there's a crash from the other door "Oh come on. We've been flanked!"
"*SNARL*" Suddenly, the door gives way and there's a horde of zombie vampires tumbling in.
"Oh fuck" Melody sighs.
"What do we do?" I looked at Loki.
"Run!"