Vampire lore - Carmilla/First Kill

Chapter 41

Danny woke up just before 4 a.m., the darkness outside still thick as night. She blinked against the grogginess, stretching out of bed, and glanced at the clock on her bedside table.

Something felt off. The house was quiet, too quiet. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted, a ripple in the energy of the place.

As she made her way through the living room, she noticed a half-empty coffee mug on the table. It was Carmilla's, judging by the lipstick stain on the rim. Her eyes rolled, Carmilla was still as messy as she was in back in college.

She left them room, walking through the hallway and going into the basement. It was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioner. Perry was still on watch, slouched in her chair, eyes half-closed with exhaustion. Danny knew she needed rest more than anything, but Perry had been too stubborn to admit it. They all were.

Danny's gaze fell on Elinor. The vampire sat slumped in a chair, the silver chains biting into her skin, glowing faintly in the dim light. Danny felt a rush of conflicting emotions—anger, frustration, and something else she couldn't quite place.

Perry stirred as Danny entered, blinking up at her.

— Hey. I must've dozed off.

— It's okay, Perry. I'll take over now. - Danny's voice was gentle but firm.

Perry nodded, groaning softly as she stood.

— Thanks. Just... be careful. She's a handful. - She cast a wary glance at Elinor before heading up the stairs, too tired to offer more than a weak wave.

Once Perry was gone, Danny settled into the chair across from Elinor. The tension in the room shifted immediately. Elinor, though bound and burned by silver, looked every bit the predator she was. Her eyes fluttered open, and when they met Danny's, there was a spark, a heat that neither of them could deny. Elinor's lips curled into a lazy, knowing smile.

— Back so soon? - Elinor's voice was low, sultry, the kind of tone that made it hard to tell if she was mocking or flirting. — It's Danny, isn't it?

Danny's jaw tightened, but she forced herself to remain calm.

— Someone has to make sure you don't get out of line.

Elinor's smile deepened, eyes gleaming with amusement.

— Is that what this is? You keeping me in line? Or is there something else keeping you here?

Danny leaned back in her chair, refusing to rise to the bait.

— You're here because of Juliette, because we care too much about your sister, not because I want you around.

— And yet, here you are, watching me. - Elinor shifted, the silver chains clinking softly against her skin.

The movement was subtle but deliberate, just enough to draw Danny's attention to the way the vampire's body tensed under the pain.

Danny's eyes narrowed.

— Don't even try it, Elinor.

— Oh, come on, Danny. Don't pretend this isn't... fun. - Elinor's voice dropped to a whisper, her gaze flicking over Danny like she was sizing her up. - Or is it that you're just waiting for someone else to show up?

Danny's eyebrow arched slightly.

— What are you even talking about?

Elinor's smirk widened, and she leaned forward as much as the chains allowed, eyes sparkling with mischief.

— I don't know... Maybe someone like Laura? You seem awfully invested in her well-being.

Danny felt a sharp jolt in her chest, but she kept her face carefully neutral.