The Girl & The Vampire(A prequel to A Haunting Face)

The Birthday Ball

Vladislaus had everything planned out for tonight. Despite Elyse not wanting him to make a fuss out of her birthday, he couldn't resist. He wanted Elyse's eighteenth birthday to be perfect, and he strongly believed that a party in her honor was the right thing. He had learned of her favorite foods, her favorite songs(for the performers to play, of course). Vladislaus wanted this night to be the best one Elyse had ever had. Eighteen was a very special number, after all. Elyse would finally be an adult.

Elyse had spent most of the day outside, roaming through the garden. The cold wind picked her dirty blonde hair from her shoulders, blowing it back. The feeling made her shiver, her skin turning slightly pale. She pulled her jacket tightly around her in an attempt to warm herself. The flowers around her looked sad, reflecting her emotions. She wasn't sure how much more she could take. The month was almost over, she knew, but it felt even longer than it truly was.

She ran her fingers over the petals of the violets nearby, her fingertips brushing against them lightly. The flowers almost seemed to lean into her touch. Slowly she pulled her hand away, watching as the flowers sunk back into themselves. Elyse's dark eyes closed as she sighed, her head tilted toward the ground. When her eyes opened, she was facing the rose bush. She walked over to the bush, staring down at the flowers. She ran her hand over the petals. Out of all the flowers in the garden, the roses seemed the most alive. Her fingers traced the flowers, running down the stems. "Agh!" She exclaimed, pulling her hand back. She raised her hand to see blood running down her finger. One of the thorns had pricked her. Just then, Vera ran out.

"Miss, the master has asked me to bring you inside immediately." Noticing Elyse's injury, she scurried over. "Come, Miss. No time to waste." Elyse said nothing as she was dragged back inside. Vladislaus was waiting in the entrance when they walked in. His eyes landed on Elyse's bleeding finger before shifting to Vera.

"Get something to heal her," he commanded. Vera hurried off, leaving Elyse alone with Vladislaus. "I could smell your blood," he said as he noticed her expression. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Why did you send Vera then?" She asked. Vlad raised an eyebrow before gesturing to one of the windows, a bit of light pouring into the room from behind a heavy, deep red curtain. "Right. I forgot." Elyse gazed down at her finger, stained with blood. "I'm surprised you didn't try to-"

"I was under the impression that you would be against that particular action, so I refrained," Dracula replied, clasping his pale hands behind his back.

Vera returned shortly after with a med kit. She cleaned Elyse's finger, wiping off the dried blood, before covering the injury with a small piece of gauze. "Thank you," Elyse said with a small smile. Vera simply nodded and wandered off to return to her duties. Elyse turned back to Vladislaus when she heard him clear his throat.

"So, Elyse. Did you like my present?" He asked her, taking a step forward. "I know it is not much, but I have much more planned for your birthday." The grin he wore on his face reached his eyes, mischievous, yet loving.

"I told you there was no reason to make such a fuss out of it. It's a birthday, for crying out loud."

"It's your birthday," he corrected, taking another step forward. He stopped only when their bodies were close together, faces merely a few inches apart. He gazed into Elyse's brown eyes, seeing so many emotions swimming within them. He saw maybe a hint of something from deep within her hues, something he recognized from his own feelings. "I want you to have the best birthday of your life, Elyse. Eighteen is a very special number, and I refuse to let this day pass without it being perfect. That's all I want, Elyse... for everything to be perfect for you."