You hated every minute of your "lessons" and not because of the vampires wandering in and out of the dance hall (though it was certainly part of it) but your legs were on fire for the seemingly endless hours of adagio exercises the instructor insisted would "fix your posture".
You didn't even think your poster was so bad until now.
Ms. Belle, the instructor was a little strict, which reminded you of Vil back when you, Ace, Deuce and the Scarabia boys were in that performance competition a while ago.
Back when he overblotted, you thought you were gonna die, but you were sure these exercises would definitely kill you.
What a crazy way to go.
She along with two other instructors were watching you, one man a human, much to your surprise and relief, all dressed as fancily as you could imagine.
It felt like you were in a play in the 1800s.
"That's enough," Ms. Belle said with a satisfied clap, "we'll take a break and have breakfast."
You let out a sigh of relief in your head as you prepared to take off the ballet slippers, the heavy wooden block fell with with a loud thump as you switched into more comfortable slippers.
You winced as you curled and uncurled your toes, the pain hitting you like a puppy nipping your fingers.
"Hurry now," an instructor urged with a furrowed brow, and you did your best to hobble out of the room, but they had stopped you.
You found out you would be eating in the dancing room to continue your training.
This was disheartening, but you quietly obeyed.
The table was covered by a simple velvet cloth and had an elegant candle in its middle.
An equally fancy silver plate covered with a matching dome was placed by a serving boy along with various other utensils laid beside it.
After washing your hands in the hand bowl, you removed the cover that revealed a beautiful pan seared steak draped in bbq sauce with various sides from steamed veggies to mashed potatoes as well as a small bowl of soup and napkins.
The mixture of savory smells was so good you felt you were able to get full from them alone, but knew it wouldn't give you any real nourishment.
Not able to wait a minute longer, you grabbed a long fork to dig into the steak-
THWAP!!
You jolted at the loud crackle of the whip that was struck against the table by one of the teachers.
"Don't use the salad fork for the meat, you idiot!!" he barked from his seat.
You stared at him in shock as you held your hand, the table askew from the force of the whip.
Where they serious?
If this kept up you'd never finish eating.
******
The etiquette class was finally over after 3 excruciating hours of that torture; the thought of having to endure an extra 3 weeks of this was enough to drive you crazy.
That teacher's barking was enough to give you PTSD and you really, really wanted to get out of here more than you ever did.
You were instructed to wait in the hall, so you sat on a bench with a guard while you sulked.
Soon enough, you heard footsteps of someone coming towards you (though you were too exhausted and annoyed to bother to look up) until glossy black gators met your vision.
"I take it you didn't enjoy it?"
You looked up to see a smiling Malleus standing over you, dressed in an elaborate black and gold suit, accompanied by Silver and...Adel?
A couple of things about this meeting were off; Silver's usual stoic and neutral expression was replaced with a deep frown, his brows furrowed.
As for Adel...you weren't expecting her to be standing side by side Malleus to visit you of all people.
She stood in an awkward position away from Silver but smiled meekly when she noticed you.
A simple servant girl walking side by side with the most powerful being in the world.
You'd almost be happy for her if not for Silver's warning...
"Is everything okay?" Malleus cut in, his brows raised despite his smile still there, "you seem lost in thought."
"Ah, sorry," you play it off as you smile weakly at him, pulling back a strand of hair, "I was just thinking about the class. It was...intense."
He chuckled.
"Yes, well, do forgive my tutors. They tend to be rather strict, though fret not about their methods.
"Those trio of tutors have taught for generations, and have even taught myself and my fellow royals on etiquette and proper manners."
You thought back to the guy who whipped you and you wondered who gave him his credentials.
"I see."
He brightened and continued to ramble as he completely missed your discomfort.
"I've come to get you for a special occasion, and I've gathered those closest to you to do it. I'll have to get you dressed first, as you must look your best, understand?"
You blinked, as Malleus seemed really excited, almost hyper as he spoke, which was also not like him.
"Uh, sure?" You couldn't hide your confusion, which he didn't seem to mind.
You wondered if you had been taken to an alternate universe before your class ended or if maybe the stress and frustration was finally taking its toll on your sanity.
He took your hand and pulled you away from the bench so fast that you almost fell before the four of you ended up speed walking down the hall.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Tales: Vampire Bites By Midnight (Malleus x Reader)
VampireYou're the graduate of Night Raven Academy, a unisex college that is known for taking in both magicless and gifted students. On the the day of the graduation party, after it's over, you prepare to leave after finding Grim sleeping in the hall by him...
