The grand ballroom was alive with laughter and music, a stark contrast to the shadows that had consumed my life for the past decade. Crystal chandeliers hung high above, casting fractured light across the glittering elite of the vampire world—each guest an elegant mask hiding centuries of secrets. The marble floor glistened underfoot, reflecting the sparkling gowns, tailored suits, and polished shoes that moved gracefully over its surface. It was a lavish affair, steeped in opulence and excess, yet beneath the glamour, there was a current of danger, an invisible line dividing predator from prey.
I felt the weight of their caution pressing down on my shoulders like chains. They had spent years hiding me from the world, wrapping me in layers of protection that often felt suffocating. Tonight was my first taste of freedom in a decade, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for the risks that came with it.
The moment I stepped through the ornate double doors, I was engulfed by the brilliance of it all. The warm glow of the lights dazzled me, blinding me momentarily as I blinked against the sudden assault on my senses. The laughter of the guests echoed against the high ceilings, creating a symphony of voices that should have been comforting. Instead, it only heightened my sense of isolation. I felt like an outsider, even among my kind.
I adjusted the hem of my fitted black dress, its sleek fabric whispering against my skin as I moved further into the room. The dress clung to my body, emphasizing my curves, but it did little to shield me from the unease that twisted in my gut. I scanned the room, my heart pounding at the prospect of meeting someone like me—another vampire who could understand the struggles and fears I had been hiding for so long. My parents had raised me to be cautious, constantly reminding me of the dangers lurking in the human world and of hunters who would kill us on sight. But tonight, as I inhaled the rich scents of wine, perfume, and something darker, I felt a thrill that was unfamiliar yet intoxicating.
And then, I saw him.
Taehyung stood across the room, his presence magnetic, commanding attention without effort. He was tall and lean, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his sharp features. His dark hair fell artfully across his forehead, framing a face that was both dangerous and alluring. His eyes, deep and mesmerizing, glimmered with a mischievous light that set my pulse racing. There was something about him, an energy that radiated confidence and power—danger cloaked in irresistible charm.
As if sensing my gaze, Taehyung turned, his eyes locking onto mine. For a brief moment, the crowded ballroom faded away, and it felt as though we were the only two people in the room. A spark ignited between us, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. The intensity of his stare was disarming, pulling me toward him despite the warnings echoing in the back of my mind. It had been ten years since I had mingled with anyone outside of my family, and the thought of opening up to someone new was terrifying. But Taehyung’s smile was inviting, his presence magnetic, and before I knew it, I found myself weaving through the throngs of guests, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
“Hey there,” he said, his voice smooth and playful, carrying just enough intrigue to make me want more. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen a fresh face at one of these century-old gatherings.”
There was a teasing lilt in his tone that caught me off guard. I opened my mouth to respond but fumbled with my words, suddenly unsure of how to act. Instead of the sharp retort I’d intended, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"I... I'm the door."
The words left my mouth before I could stop them, and I immediately felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. What was I even saying?
