A heart of the vampire

Chapter 16

"Grocery shopping, I understand, clothes and cosmetics too," Lucian said, sliding the last bag into the trunk with practiced ease. His gaze shifted to the small black rectangle in Serena's hand. "But why exactly do you need that... thing? What's it for?"

Serena gave him a knowing smirk as she settled into the passenger seat, the familiar hum of the car starting beneath them. "It's called a smartphone, Lucian. It's not just a thing. Think of it as a key to modern life."

Lucian raised an eyebrow as they pulled onto the road, leaving the small mountain town behind. The forested landscape whizzed by, but his focus was on her. "Modern life? You think I've been gone that long?"

"You've been asleep for three centuries," she shot back. "So yes, you've missed a few things."

He huffed, the sound more amused than defensive. "I suppose you'll tell me it's essential for survival now."

"Not quite," she replied, fiddling with the phone in her hands. "But in a way, it is. It's not just a tool. It's how we connect with the world, with information, with each other. It's like carrying the pulse of the world in your pocket."

Lucian glanced at her, one hand relaxed on the steering wheel. "You've got my attention. So what does this little device do that's so indispensable?"

Serena leaned back, casting a sidelong glance at him. "For one, it's not just about connections. It's about access—music, news, things that make the chaos of life bearable. And if you've got nothing but time, it can help you escape... or focus."

Lucian's lips twitched, the shadow of a smile forming. "So it's not just about survival. It's about keeping your mind from unraveling?"

"In a way, yeah," she said, her tone softening. "With everything happening... with Vlad hunting us down, with all the uncertainty... it helps me stay grounded. And sometimes, it's just nice to lose yourself in music when the silence becomes too loud."

Lucian was quiet for a moment, his attention shifting back to the road. "Music," he mused. "I know that language. What are people listening to now?"

A smirk crept onto her lips. "I'll show you when we're back. There's so much you've missed."

"Missed?" He shot her a quick glance. "Music is timeless. You can't convince me that your 'modern' music is any better than the symphonies I knew."

She let out a soft laugh. "I didn't say it was better, but it's different. And you might be surprised. You know, some music is still as raw and primal as ever. The kind that makes you feel something, deep down."

"Show me, then," Lucian murmured, his tone challenging. "You've made me curious."

Serena turned to face him, seeing the faint glimmer of interest in his eyes. "Alright, I will. But I'll warn you—it's a lot to take in at first."

He chuckled, the sound low and rich. "I've lived through more than a few changes, Serena. I think I can handle whatever your tiny machine has to offer."

The car continued its journey through the winding mountain roads, the conversation lingering in the air between them. Despite the weight of their situation, the threat of Vlad looming ever closer, moments like this—these glimpses of normalcy—made her feel like they were still part of the world they were running from.

"I'll hold you to that," she said softly, her fingers grazing the smooth surface of the phone. "Let's see if we can find something that speaks to you."

Serena stepped out of the car, stretching her legs, and let the cool, crisp air fill her lungs. Despite the isolation, there was a sense of peace here that she hadn't felt in days. The cabin, modest yet sturdy, was tucked away from the world. For now, it was their sanctuary.