Vampire lore - Carmilla/First Kill

Chapter 1

The plane had just touched down, the jolt waking Laura from her doze. She blinked groggily, trying to shake off the haze of sleep as the announcement buzzed over the intercom. The steady hum of the engines died down, and the cabin erupted into the usual chaos of landing—a cacophony of unbuckling seatbelts, overhead compartments banging open, and impatient passengers eager to disembark.

Carmilla, sitting beside her, glanced over with a raised eyebrow.

— So... Was it really necessary to move here? - she asked, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Laura shot her a withering look, still half-asleep but managing a response.

— Carm? Are you serious? We've had endless discussions about this. Relocating here is our best shot at reversing what happened to you and Danny.

A teasing grin spread across Carmilla's lips, her fangs just barely peeking out as she leaned closer.

— Relax, Cupcake. I'm just messing with you. I know why we're here.

Laura sighed, rubbing her temples.

— Don't joke about that. I'm already on edge.
— On edge? - Carmilla tilted her head, studying Laura with a mix of curiosity and concern.
— Yeah - Laura admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Carmilla's playful demeanor softened.

— You're anxious about settling in this small American town?
— Yes, yes I am - Laura replied, her tone flat but tinged with unease.

Carmilla's smile faded, her expression growing serious.

— Laura, we've faced off against vampires, ghosts, an Anglerfish God, and even my mother. And now you're uneasy about living in America? What gives?
— It's just... if the plan fails, you and Danny might never get your lives back... our lives back - Laura said, her voice breaking slightly as she voiced her deepest fear.

Carmilla reached out, taking Laura's hand in hers.

— Creampuff, I've been a vampire again for nearly a decade. We're making it work, aren't we?

Laura hesitated, then nodded slowly.

— Yeah, we are.
— I want our old lives back too, more than anything. I want to grow old with you. But if the Cyborg's plan doesn't succeed, we'll find another way. We always do.
— We really do, don't we? - Laura said, her tension easing as she cupped Carmilla's face and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. - And please, don't call them Cyborg.

Carmilla chuckled, her mood lightening.

— They like it!

Before Laura could respond, LaFontaine's voice interrupted from the seat ahead.

— Hey, lovebirds, while you two snoozed through the entire flight, Perry and I were trying to decipher those symbols in the book Danny found.
— Yes, they're quite intriguing symbols. Maybe Carmilla could ask Mattie for some help - Perry suggested, glancing back at them.

Carmilla rolled her eyes.

— I don't summon my dead sister; she just shows up.
— It's definitely a bit creepy - Laura said, recalling their past encounters with Mattie.
— And some good news - Perry continued, her voice tinged with excitement. - I just got a text from the car company. Everything's arranged. We can pick up the minivan once we land.
— A minivan? - Carmilla's expression darkened in distaste.

Laura gave her a look.

— Carm, there are four of us here, plus Danny, Kirsch, and Mel - she gestured to their sleeping friends - And all of Laf's equipment. We need a big vehicle.
— But a minivan? Seriously? - Carmilla muttered, crossing her arms.
— Minivan or bus, your choice, Morticia - Danny mumbled, half-awake and clearly not in the mood for Carmilla's complaints.
— And Xena awakens - Carmilla shot back with a smirk.
— You know, for vampires, you two sure do sleep a lot - LaFontaine teased with a chuckle.
— Try being a vampire, a special agent, and Kirsch's best friend - Danny replied, glancing at the sleeping man with a grin.
— Not the easiest gig, I imagine. - Perry laughed softly.
— I might not have a Kirsch or a special agency to worry about, but I'm working on my book and I have Laura.
— Hey! - Laura protested, feigning offense.
— Yeah, that last one definitely trumps them - Danny said, struggling to keep a straight face.
— Just kidding, Cupcake - Carmilla said with a warm smile. - If anything, you make my life easier.
— Hard to believe after everything that's happened, but sure, stay all vampiric and romantic - LaFontaine said, returning to the mysterious book.