𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

Twenty one.

Marcella spotted the two girls lingering outside her gothic-styled mansion, observing them with a sharp, discerning eye. She gave a subtle nod to her attendants and ordered them to escort the visitors inside.

Marcella's attendants nodded respectfully before making their way to fetch Rowan and Renetta. As the two girls were led into the grand, shadowed hall, they exchanged a look—both surprised and slightly awed. Meeting Marcella, in person, felt surreal. She was a powerful vampire leader, infamous and revered among supernaturals, her presence as commanding as her reputation suggested.

Marcella's gaze was sharp and unyielding as she looked between the two girls. "What do you want? And why travel all the way from the academy to find me?"

Renetta blinked in surprise. "You know who we are?"

Rowan sighed, as if she'd been dreading this moment. "Of course she knows... I didn't exactly tell you everything."

Renetta turned to her, confused. "What? What do you mean?"

Rowan glanced at Marcella, then back at Renetta. "Marcella is... my godmother. She and my mom were best friends before, well, before things fell apart." She paused, steadying herself. "And that's why we're here—to ask for your help."

Marcella raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Interesting. Go on, then."

Rowan took a deep breath, glancing briefly at Renetta, who was still trying to process the revelation. "Alright...here's the situation. We found the Headmaster's granddaughter, the one who could potentially inherit the academy. But she's in trouble. These two girls, Amara and Nara, have her under some kind of spell—they've brainwashed her. We don't trust them, and we need her back on our side."

Marcella listened, her expression unreadable.

"The thing is," Rowan continued, "if we could unlock her vampire side, she'd be powerful enough to break free from the spell. But only another vampire can do that. That's why we came to you...to help her, and bring her back to who she truly is."

Marcella's lips curled into a slight smirk, intrigued by Rowan's request. Renetta still looked stunned, her gaze moving between Rowan and Marcella, absorbing the unexpected family connection that made this moment even more complex.

Marcella leaned back in her chair, her gaze sharp and appraising as she looked at Rowan and Renetta. She allowed a moment of silence to linger, her presence commanding and intense, before she finally spoke.

"So," she drawled, her tone almost amused, "you've come all this way to pull the Headmaster's precious granddaughter out of some schoolgirl spell? And you think unlocking her vampire nature will be enough to free her from it?"

She stood up, slowly circling the two girls, her eyes cold and calculating. "Do you even understand what you're asking for, Rowan? This isn't some simple charm. Awakening a dormant vampire's power can be... unpredictable. She could come out of this spell, yes, but what she becomes afterward might be beyond even your control."

Rowan took a steadying breath, her resolve unshaken. "I understand the risks, Marcella. But she deserves a chance to be herself, free from the influence of those witches. I believe it's worth it."

Marcella stopped in front of Rowan, studying her with an unreadable expression. "Perhaps I should remind you that what you're asking requires a deep bond—a connection that can withstand both the transformation and whatever rage she may unleash afterward. Are you prepared for that?"

Renetta exchanged a nervous glance with Rowan, who held Marcella's gaze without flinching. "Yes," Rowan answered firmly. "We're prepared to do whatever it takes."

Marcella's smirk returned, faint but amused. "Very well. I'll help you... but on one condition." She leaned in closer, her voice a whisper laced with menace. "When she awakens, you will be responsible for her. Every decision, every action she takes—her power will be yours to answer for. Fail to control her, and both of you will be held accountable. Do you still accept?"

Rowan nodded, her determination unwavering. "We accept."

"Good," Marcella replied, turning away from them. "Then let's begin."

Marcella's voice was cold and steady as she outlined the plan.

"Here's what you'll need," she continued, handing Rowan and Renetta a list written in elegant script. "Her blood, a strand of her hair... and an item hidden within her mother's grave. The essence of these three will act as the keys to unlock her vampire powers."

She paused, eyeing them both sharply. "You'll have to return to retrieve these items, and that might be... challenging. As she's currently human, she may resist, especially once she realizes what's happening. If necessary, knock her out and bring her here. I'll prepare one of my witches to perform the ritual, but everything must be precise—the blood, the hair, and the item. Without them, the spell won't bind correctly, and she'll remain vulnerable."

Rowan swallowed, taking in the weight of Marcella's instructions. "And when we bring her back?" she asked.

Marcella nodded. "Once you return, the potion will be ready. She'll drink it, and that will complete the ritual. Be prepared, though. She may need to feed right away, as her vampire nature will be awakening for the first time. This journey won't be easy, but if you succeed, she'll be free of the spell—and more powerful than she's ever known."

The girls nodded. "Thank you again Marcella.." Rowan told her God mother. Renetta had still been shocked about the whole family thing.

The girls both walked out on their way to the first step, going back to the academy.