Forever Mine (Ava and Fates)

[Fates.Gamble]

The hall was silent; still as death as though the very air had suffocated. …Or so it would have been, if not for the incessant sobs and guttural cries coming from the girl before him. Though her face was wet with tears, she was, unquestionably gorgeous. She had a near perfect bone structure and flawless skin; long auburn curls he could tell were soft as silk, and beautiful, vivid eyes. All of this he would have admired more had she not been putting on such a pathetic display. Still, she was a prospect to rival Aphrodite herself, and the literal center of attention as all around, the other vampires watched and waited. One might be forgiven to think they were statues, how perfectly still they lingered. Fangs drawn, they were breathless and soundless, every eye boring into the girl while awaiting a decision from their host.
A very fine catch, he thought to himself, but good enough? Collected and calculating, he circled the girl while she remained on her knees, a blubbering mess in a bright white gown, pooled around her like a dinner plate. Perhaps that’s all she would amount to. “Stand up,” he told her. His voice was strong, and refined with an accent so indiscernible, it was difficult to call it an accent at all. His words were like nature itself, and despite her fear, the woman rose. She dared not meet his gaze, her eyes shifting between the floor and the other vampires watching her with what could only be described as mindless hunger.
“Look at me,” he commanded her once more, tired of her watching his boots.
“Please…” she managed to squeak out, pleading as she fought to resist the power of that liquid voice.

This time, he did not wait for her to obey. Reaching out he grasped her chin, sternly lifting her face up to meet him. The girl shivered at his touch, frigid cold against her flush skin. Somehow, looking into his icy blue eyes seemed to calm her. Like his voice, they were powerful and commanding. But something also seemed off about his eyes. It was as if a certain sheen typical in the eyes of the living that just… wasn’t quite there. Losing herself in the soft blue pools, her tears stopped and her posture straightened. Scared though she was, this man wasn’t nearly as terrifying as the other five, who hoarded around her like wolves to a hare. The way his strong, cold finger stroked down her cheek, and his eyes gently appraised her… it was almost as if she had nothing to fear anymore. He felt so ancient and powerful… even thrilling as his finger drifted further down still.
Icy tingles ran across her collarbone as he slid past and grazed the buxom of her breasts, offered so readily thanks to the tight corset she wore. Her breath caught at once, and she began to appraise her captor in a new light. He was devilishly handsome after all, with thick black hair that reached just above his shoulders, framing his light-skinned face and strong jaw. His lips looked soft… full… tempting. If she could have bared look away from them, she’d have found him dashing in attire as well. In his elegant double breasted waistcoat, a bold flash of red against his black top. Dark trousers fell loosely to his ankles, ending in his fine, black boots.

She was even more beautiful now that he could get a good look at her, but all he could picture now was the image of her on the ground, dress like a dinner plate and the squealing of a pig fit to serve it. If she couldn’t even compose herself in this situation, how would she behave when the very foundations of her world were redefined? The choice was clear…
“Your prettiest catch yet, Malcolm,” he acknowledged one of the other vampires, a youth of 17 in appearance only. “Truly she is fit for a king. But not for me, I’m afraid.” The group of predators stirred, growling and grinning at his jest, while the girl’s fear had returned tenfold. She barely had time to protest before he shoved her away, letting her tumble into the clutches of Malcolm and the two vampires nearest him. Her screams pierced the room, echoing on the stone walls as she was dragged to a nearby couch and found a pair of fangs sunk into her neck, her wrist, and once her dress had been ripped open, into the meaty thigh near her groin. The other two inferiors moved in to join them, but their host stopped them at once.

“No, they brought her, not you. If you want to eat, you’ll have to work for it. And someone has to watch the grounds, besides. The local citizens are sure to be none too pleased with their beautiful livestock gone missing, and I’ll not be caught unawares should they put the pieces together.” The pair hissed, fangs still drawn and ready, but knew better than to so much as entertain the thought of turning them towards him. And so, they skulked off, leaving the feast to return to the manor grounds while he returned to his throne to simply watch. The girl’s screams had died off as she was drained, weak moans of protest her only means of resistance. But what with his recent string of failed candidates, he had personally lost his appetite. And his guests were messy eaters besides, letting the girl’s blood spill all over her pretty white dress to stain it red. Such infants… it was a wonder he’d felt no zest in his eternity. How long had it been since he’d found one old, or competent enough to engage him? Few and less survived to the age he had, greed and gluttony drawing the ire of humans putting an end to those competent enough to survive into the true adulthood of immortality.
And so he’d decided to create his own prodigy, the perfect mate upon which to pass all of his wisdom and guidance, and to share the ages with. He need only find the right woman, but for the first time in a very long time across his very long life, he was growing impatient. He may have had eternity to live, but if his servants kept bringing him duds he would possibly just kill himself out of boredom. Perhaps he would have to seek this girl out in a more active role himself… it was too much to hope she would just walk through the door, after all.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

"Eyes as green as precious emeralds and hair as dark as the night, the Daughter of the Duke of Rutland is certainly quite the looker." The burly bald headed male uttered to the cloaked figure that he had cornered in an alleyway near the outskirts of a small town. He wreaked of mead and sweat and looked as though he had taken one too many hits given the scarring on his face and arms. Despite the hood of her cloak, the moon light gave her away: those eyes. The girl had mesmerizing eyes, to say the least. The Duke of Rutland had put a nice bounty out for the return of his daughter and only heir. Politics was no more than a filthy game and for none more so than her own family. The girl was so ashamed and enraged at the thought of the swill that flowed through her very veins that it sickened her. "Hey! Bitch!" Ah, that was right. This drunkard wanted a piece of priceless flesh before returning her for a reward. With a heavy sigh she swiftly kicked the man between his slightly parted legs and made a run for it. The forest was dense and the idiot was so drunk that there had to be no way that he could find her here. With her back against the tree the noble caught her breath and listened to her surroundings. The moon pierced the balcony of the forest and only the natural sounds of the night reached her ears.

The hood of her cloak was removed and long black tresses cascaded down to her waist. Soft hands that appeared to have never worked a day in their lives raked through those loose locks. An emerald that mimicked the spark in her eyes sat nested in the valley of her breasts, which were hugged by a common blue dress that clung to her body and flowed at the waist. Her attire had been swapped along the way to help evade those looking for her. "A new life is all I ask." The words were barely a whisper in the most melodious of tones. A fan of lashes closed as the girl continued to try to collected herself while thinking of where to venture next, but upon opening her eyes, the girls heart nearly came to a full stop. Two men stood before her. Not a sound was made to warn her of their advances, and yet they were dressed rather fine. "She wants a new life William." The pale skinned male with the slicked back brown locks uttered as though she couldn't understand what they were saying. "She's a looker, that's for sure and.... no screams yet.... you think he'd love her?" The thicker young male uttered in a hearty tone as his eyes unrelentingly looked over the young lass. "It's really win win for us either way. If he doesn't.... then,
we will."
As eerie as the conversation sounded, the girl just had to know. "You can give me a new life?" Curiosity may very well kill the cat, but she had to check her options. Both males laughed. For such a young appearance she found herself noticing their well toned behavior, almost like a maturity beyond their ages. "Our friend can help you hide. If he likes you, then you'd never go back to your old life."

"Let's go." Her words had to have been quite the surprise, because after she put her hood back up and looked over her shoulder, both men were slightly slack jawed and as still as statues. "Well, let's not keep him waiting." Both men escorted the girl quite a ways into the forest. At one point she was blindfolded. "Like we said... private." It did cross her mind that she could be taken back into the clutches of her merciless father, but the second she felt goosebumps dancing across every inch of her exposed flesh, she knew that that wasn't the case. Soft whispers could be heard and when the blindfold was removed, her eyes had to adjust, but when they did she stood before a set of large double doors that were being opened. Short heeled footstep clicked across the cold hard floor and her two escorts walked just a little ways behind her: no restraints, no force needed. Both men bent down on one knee and bowed their heads causing the girl to wonder, just who this man was. "She requested to see you. She requested a new life and.. given her looks...we brought her to you. " Those eyes looked from the men and to the eyes of the man that they were addressing. There was no avoiding his gaze. Her deceased mother once told her that the eyes were the window to a person's soul and if that were the case, then there was not much left in this handsome man.
"My name is Isabella, and you are?" Her words were polite, forthright, and yet she was cautious. The girl was not so ignorant as to not think of the possible worst case scenarios, then again, she had no idea just who let alone what she was dealing with.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

It had not taken long for the ravenous vampires to finish their meal; the beautiful girl, once full of life, now pale and motionless. Her eyes were wide open, locked in a fear that consumed her still, even in death. Normally, he would have advised against killing off the locals with such abandon, but it was a far greater risk to allow her life and freedom after the things she’d witnessed. Still, it was almost a shame to see such a beautiful creature reduced to such a tragic state. As if sharing his sympathies, the lone female of his guests had the girl’s lifeless head in her lap, a gluttonous smile across her red-stained lips as she stroked the deceased girl’s hair with a mocking affection.
“Such a pretty little thing,” she cooed, her voice honey, “I thought for certain you would choose her.”
“A good thing for us he didn’t,” Malcolm announced, practically smacking his lips as he stood, “I haven’t had one that delicious in nearly a century.”
“She was quite exquisite,” the third agreed, “If she could not impress our lord, I fear he shall never be satisfied.”

“I have standards,” he said of the jape, “You would do well to develop a few for yourself.”
“Food is food,” his guest argued, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand.
“Perhaps to a gourmand too obsessed with getting his fill to savor the truly divine. Now clean this mess up. Make certain the remains are never found.”
The trio obeyed his order at once, one of the men swinging the girl over his shoulder while her dead limbs swung about. The other two followed him in an elated stupor, the sound of the woman’s cold laughter ringing off the walls as they left. With the others gone, he slipped deep into his thoughts, pondering what his next best move would be. Perhaps he was foolish to want this… his last attempt at creating a prodigy had ended less than ideal, after all. Maybe his lack of success should be taken as a sign to give up. At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before there were no women left to choose from.
This worry plagued him even as his guests returned, practically drunk on the young woman’s blood flowing in their veins. Smitten in such bloodlust, it wasn’t long before the three of them were all over one another; touching, groping and caressing, a tangle of bodies upon the large couch where they’d slaughtered their prey. Spotting a lack of interest on their host’s part, the female left her compatriots to each other while approaching his throne. His cold eyes watched her as she lowered herself to the ground and crawled seductively towards him. A devious grin was on her lips, but even as her soft hands began to snake up his legs and to his knees, he showed no sign of excitement at her promise.

But she never got the chance to persuade him further, as not a moment later, the doors to the hall were thrown open to permit their latest addition. His blue eyes lifted at once, leaving his would-be seductress to fall upon the stunning visage his servants had brought him this time. He could tell at once that this was a rare find, her very presence striking something within him from first glance. Sensing the change, the vampiress turned to face the newcomer as well, wondering what was so special to grab his attention with such ease. “Why William, how kind of you to bring us dessert,” she teased, rising from her knees to give her a master a fair chance to appraise the girl, despite her jealousy over how easily he’d been stolen away from her.
“She’s not quite as pretty as the last one,” Malcolm concluded, the advances on his companion having stopped upon her arrival, “But she smells really fucking good.” He had to fight the urge to draw his fangs, not wishing to upset his host before he made a decision.

She did smell divine, but not as beautiful? That was debatable. She was frankly stunning with her long dark hair and bright green eyes. His gaze swept every inch of her body, admiring how regal she could appear, even in a simple blue dress. But perhaps the most captivating thing of all was her strong posture and bold approach. He spotted a fierce determination in those emerald eyes; an undeniable spirit which had been missing in his last prospect. It intrigued him, yet his stony, commanding nature would betray no such emotion to her.
“Did she now?” he mused, contemplating the request of a new life. But it seemed this girl was not content to sit by and let others speak for her, which only impressed him further. Never had a mortal approached him so confidently. Even if they were ignorant to his true identity, one could not deny the supremacy of his presence. Like gravity, he had a way of drawing people in with magnetism so intense, it could make even the stout hearted uncomfortable. Yet she seemed to weather that for the most part, drawn to his gaze but never flinching. And when she offered her name and requested his in return, his calculating expression was broken by the ghost of a smile.
For anyone else in the world, that would have been a simple question. But for a creature such as him, such things were difficult to explain. So he took his time to respond, rising to step down from his throne and greet her properly. “That would depend on who you ask,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back as he stood tall and imposing before her. “Men have called me many things throughout the ages… To the Egyptians I was known as Qadir, while the Greeks referred to me as Athan. To the hindu people I am Markandeya, where as in Arabic I am simply known as Tariq. My true given name, however… well in your tongue the literal translation would be ‘Tusk-Breaker.’ A fitting title 19,000 years ago, but in this day and age I can’t rightly go around calling myself ‘Tusk-Breaker,’ now can I? For this purpose, I have adopted ‘Alastair’ as my latest identity, and so you may refer to me as such.”

He gave her a moment to absorb all of that, certain it would come off as incoherent nonsense. She wouldn’t be the first mortal to think he was crazy upon their initial meeting; the everyday rational mind was seldom willing to accept the truth of exactly what he was. “So tell me, Isabella… why have you come to me seeking this, ‘new life?’” He did not wait for an answer as he stepped forward, circling her much like the last girl to stand in her place. His eyes drank in every detail, tracing every line and counter of her beautiful frame as if it meant the difference between life and death. And with his contingent of followers watching, waiting, hoping for his rejection, there was no doubt that it did.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

What the female said did not go unnoticed. The fine hairs upon her body were standing on end from a combination of cold and fear, however she would not let that fear intervene with her desires. Patiently she listened as her question was answered. While there was no denying that those surrounding her were odd in a way, he certainly couldn't have been as old as he said, no? That's impossible. Regardless, she got a name. "Alastair." The name uttered in a silver-tongue tone. "My escorts said that you could make it happen. I am Isabella Lucille Manner, daughter of Charles Havish Manner, Duke of Rutland. The man is not above using his own daughter as a pawn and I have always been expected to hold my tongue and be seen and not heard. What life is there in that? Now... do not misunderstand me. I am not just some little girl running away from her father. I intend to make full use of my life as I see fit and should an opportunity present itself, an opportunity such as this, then who am I to deny the chance for the change that I so desperately desire?"

"Are you not scared my petite patisserie?" Asked William with an accent that seemed to come out of nowhere as he licked his lips with obvious hunger in his eyes. However, his partner, Eustace merely laughed at his cohort's question. "She nailed a man twice her size right in the coin purse. I don't see much fear in this one, yet." As her host observed her like a gifted prize horse those green eyes looked to William. "Of course I'm slightly scared, it's natural, but that's life. I'm not going to let that fear get in my way. I'm not just a pretty package. You'd be quite surprised what you'd find once the bow and pretty wrapping is removed." She snickered with a sinfully sweet smile. There was no denying that the girl was no cookie cutter privileged woman of noble birth. "I care little for the swill that runs through my veins and where it came from." Oh how little she knew just how badly many others around her would literally kill her for the crimson liquid that flowed through the very veins that she cursed.

"This one talks too much." She heard another say in a feminine voice, but Isabella was now watching her host. The man had money, not that she cared, but he held himself proudly and his emotions were hard to read. He seemed to lack warmth and that was without even touching him. The strikingly handsome gentlemen seemed as cold as his icy blue eyes. "Alistair..." The name seemed to strike something in her: not fear or love, but some indiscernible desire to wipe that stoic look from his face. "... what is it you seek?" He seemed to be man of few words. The man held great patience, or so the raven haired beauty assumed. "I know that this may seem audacious of me but," The warm soft palm of her left hand cupped at his cheek. The cold feeling a stark contrast to the warmth of her body, but still it lingered as the warm green eyes looked into the sleeted blues of her host. There was a feeling that he could kill her with the slightest of ease. The feeling that he could take her life with little effort, but curiosity outweighed fear in this case, but there was something else...excitement? Who knew, but the girl was compelled by her instincts.
"What are you?" At her actions she heard a loud hiss and the female that had been at his side bared her fangs and that did get Isabella's attention. It also confirmed her suspicions that these people were not normal.

The green eyed girl's hand retracted and her heart was jump started, but her feet were planted firmly. She would see this through and even if it cost her, her life, then at least there was no going back to her previous life, but losing her life was one of the last things that she wanted. "Someone's not happy." Inwardly she kicked herself. The words slipped past her lips before she could even realize it and it certainly did not make matters better. "She is not worthy." A voice called out from among the sea of statuesque viewers. "Worthy of what?" She finally asked as she recalled her escorts mentioning something about garnering their master's attention. Well if it were for companionship then that ship may have very well sailed since most men sought a woman with a lot more beauty and far less lip. Then again, not all men were the same and Isabella had no idea just how good looking she truly was and never held her looks in high regard. Not that she found herself ugly, but rather average.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

There was the slightest prickle of fear within Isabella’s calm exterior, and this was not lost on Alastair. A vampire’s senses were miles above that of a human, but the many years had evolved Alastair to a hyper-observant state. He could practically feel each and every one of the hairs on her arm reacting. But she swallowed that anxiety and stood tall. It was inspiring, but he couldn’t help but wonder if she would be displaying the same resolve had her predecessor’s bloodied corpse still been lying in sight. He was still a ways away from a yes, but so far, he liked what he saw.
“They did not lie,” he confessed of her escorts. No matter what decision he made, one thing was for certain; this girl would never be returning to her old life after tonight. He let her speak of that life, standing before her as an imposing figure of dark promise. He couldn’t pretend to know why she wanted away from her family or its legacy so bad, but it was of little consequence in the end. The mortal ties that bound her to such things would be broken soon enough, but the revelation of her parentage struck an interest in him all the same.
“So you are of Royal Blood,” he deduced, and there was a murmur and hiss of added excitement from his cohorts as well. Such noble bloodlines were among the sweetest delicacies. Though she was young in appearance, her rich blood was sure to be old. And like fine wine, it got much better with age. It explained that delightful scent emanating from her. It almost made his mouth water, as he tried to remember the last time he drank from true nobility.

Isabella was growing all the closer to having her wish fulfilled, impressing Alastair as Eustace spoke of her triumph and she further brandished her courage at William. Indeed, Alastair looked all too forward to undoing that pretty wrapping and seeing what she was truly capable of. But for all her spirit, she was still young and naïve. “You should be careful what you forsake,” Alastair cautioned her, feeling the tension of the room as his guests practically begged him to give the order of granting her desire and spilling every last drop of it. “There is power in bloodlines, and in the blood of kings most of all. It is dangerous to offer up something so precious with such abandon.” She may have cared little for it, while his companions simply hungered for it, but an old enough vampire knew powerful enough blood could be used for much darker purposes than sustaining himself.
Alastair being a man of few words he might normally have been inclined to agree with the latest complaint. But despite his nature, he found himself all the more intrigued. Not only was she bold, but she appeared inquisitive as well. And she had to be resourceful to have fled her home and find herself here. Her intelligence was obvious as well. Not only was it written in her eyes, but her mannerisms and the way she spoke his name was almost as if she could see how carefully he was weighing her in his mind. Yet still he said nothing, leaving her to yet wonder at his intentions as they puzzled each other out.

He stood perfectly still when she reached for him, her soft hand flushing him with warmth while his cold flesh kissed her palm with frigid affection in return. His blue eyes held her beautiful green ones with intensity, silent in his wonder of how it would be to stare into those emerald pools for the rest of eternity. It wasn’t until her second question that his face finally softened with a rare smile. It was Erilys who answered for him of course, and the yellow-haired vampiress took great pleasure in baring her fangs at the girl. And it seemed to work as she jerked away, showing the first signs of true terror. But for Isabella, it seemed the only thing to fear was fear itself. Even with her bold attitude, he never expected her to rebound on the woman after what she’d just witnessed. It was then that he made a decision.
Erilys seethed in anger, her sympathies agreed upon with the others as they bared their fangs as well, each of them expecting the insult to be the girl’s fatal mistake at last. The golden-haired vampiress was eager most of all, inching ever closer to Alastair’s side and practically salivating to hear his command. But none of them expected what that command would be.
“Leave us.”

Disbelief rushed through the room. Surely this girl was not his choice? But no voice rose to argue, not even Erilys who looked fit to burst. But that did not stop her furious amber eyes from boring into Isabella, refusing to accept that the promise of her evening had been stolen away by mortal infant. But she followed the steps of the others, hissing along with those who brought her. They’d not yet received a meal for their catch, but they well knew their place. For now they would have to trust that compensation would come. It wasn’t until the doors were firmly shut in their wake, leaving Isabella with him alone and undistracted, that Alastair finally addressed her plainly.
“You wish to know what we are? Like my many names, we have been called several things over time. Moroi, Strigoi, Vampire… We are the Immortal Ones and the children of the night. You wish to denounce your old life and start a new one? I can give you much more than that, my dear.”
Alastair stepped nearer to her, a devilish smile lighting his face while his pale eyes watched her with obvious attraction. “I can purge you of the royal blood you so detest, and fill you with the power to defy the fate to which it binds you.” He took one of her hands, holding it gently in his own. His fingers were strong, soft and gelid as he raised her hand to his lips. “I can give you eternity,” he promised further, “You would be preserved in your beauty, never again knowing the ravages of pestilence or time.”
He pressed a soft kiss onto the back of her hand, his lips as cold as anything else yet a fire in his eyes as he watched her. “I can give you all of these things and more,” he continued, lips still lingering as she felt the absence of his breath on her skin, “However, you must know that life is not what I offer. If you wish to be free, then you must abandon life to become my bride… and be forever mine in death.”

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Isabella's heart was racing and threatened to burst forth from her chest, however, she was just as surprised when her host spoke. A barely audible sigh of relief escaped her lips. The green-eyed girl had no business with anyone else aside from the man before her. She watched as all left and the doors were closed leaving just the regal looking gentleman before her and herself. Again, she listened. They were no human. This she had come to witness for herself, while it was still unbelievable, the proof had been presented before her. Her family had told her stories about vampires: creatures of the night. It was mostly used to scare children into staying in bed at night, but that was said to be but a myth. To believe that this handsome and well-mannered man before her lived off of blood, she would never have imagined him a vampire. "That cold flesh and those equally cold eyes. I can find no footing to deny what you say." Her heart had steadied itself out. The man was fascinating and she had to admit, that he was rather charming. Again, it was a mere observation as he kissed her hand and left a glacial feeling reminding her that if she went through with this that she would be just like him.

"Your bride..." She repeated in a soft whisper. Her bloodline would be gone, but going from human to one of them. It was a big change and one that there was no coming back from. Internally she weighed the pros and cons. "I've more to gain, than lose than you may know by being your bride. However, I do not think that your companions would be so welcomed by that decision. " Her lower lip trapped itself between her teeth as she found the offer harder and harder to refuse. "I accept your kind offer, but forever is a long time. Would you really like me at your side for such a time?" If he truly lived as long as he said, then surely he could have found someone before her. Perhaps they met untimely ends and she was just a fledgling to fill the empty space. Bella scolded herself. How could she judge a man that she barely knew? Jumping to such conclusions was a side effect of her nerves, but there were consequences that she still had to consider.

"And in exchange for that sweet sounding promise of youth, immortality, and freedom, there comes a price. Not only to be your bride but to live in death is to give up so many things. Tell me, do you not miss the warmth? I know that there is no turning back, and yet..." That warm gaze looked down to where their hands joined before looking back up at the smooth-talking gentleman that promised her so much in exchange for her life and companionship. "... I think... that I'd rather be bound to you for all eternity, in death, than take my chances with my father in my mortal life." Soft pink lips formed the slightest of smiles before a barely audible laugh sounded.
"Besides, I highly doubt that I was going to be able to walk out of here alive if I said no." Despite the dark spoken conclusion, she smiled. Even now she could hardly believe it. The young woman could hardly believe that she ran into the arms of a person deemed a mythical being. While this promise of sweet things to come was nice, she was weary to remember her own words. While he held the physic of a man of power and strength, with a gentle tone of words, there could be more than she bargained for beneath that handsome visage.

"I am curious though... the base for your future bride was merely youth, beauty, and a glimpse of personality. Is but a few minutes truly enough time to know who you wish to spend an eternity with? What if she is horrible in bed or.... has never been bedded? Perhaps she snores?" Another modest and low key laugh escaped her lips, "My point being... are you sure I'm the one?" The girl had to be mad. To convince him that she may not have been the one for him could seal her death in the most gruesome of manners, but again, perhaps curiosity would spare the cat. "Regardless... I am yours." There was no hesitance in her voice and the fear was completely doused. Even in the face of death, it was a change, and change was what she desired most.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Her mind was quick to accept the impossible, which was good, but also left Alastair curious. The girl was clearly rational, but would a truly rational mind be so quick to willfully accept such a steep bargain? Perhaps the allure of his promises won her over, but he couldn’t help but wonder what made her so desperate to be rid of the life she had now. She said her father was not above using her as a pawn… he could only imagine what that consisted of. But he did not pursue the topic, for what plagued her in this life would likely be of little consequence in the next. Regardless, he could tell she weighed the options heavily if quickly.
“The opinions of my guests hold no meaning to me, nor shall they to you,” he promised, releasing her hand, and stepping back towards his seat. “They are young and naïve, while I have risen from the dawn of mankind itself.” He sank back into his throne, looking every bit as ancient and powerful as he claimed, while his eyes seemed only for her. “They treat me as a king among our kind… and you would be my queen; beautiful and fierce, and commanding of their respect. Their ire for you is born out of jealousy, and I assure you it is well deserved.” With his mind made up, it was no longer with appraisal that he beheld her. His powerful gaze spoke only of desire now; burning to make her his.

She made what was sure to be good points for any other marriage… but there was still so much she did not understand. With her mortality still in act, humanity yet blinded her to the evolution ahead. And likewise, it was becoming more difficult for Alastair to look back on the things he once felt. “I did once,” he told her, thinking back to the days when his blood ran warm. “Unlike you, my mortal life was stolen away by no choice of my own. In my birth as vampire, I was filled with longing for that which I lost… but as time wore on and I learned to understand what I had become, I realized there was nothing lost, and everything to be gained.”
She was correct of course, knowing full well this was to be her last mortal night no matter which decision she made. Luckily that did not seem to be her driving force, and it was one of the reasons Alastair was so smitten with her. She may have been driven here out of some necessity, but there were other ways to escape her past. Something told him that deep down; some part of her wanted this. And that was all he needed to know, truly. After all, an unwilling candidate had been one of his biggest mistakes the last time….
He smirked at her latest bout of questions, softening as she successfully humored him. “Are you?” He asked, jesting at the idea of her being bad in bed. Somehow he doubted that would be the case, but the benefit to eternity was that there was plenty of time to learn if so. “These are human concerns,” he explained, watching her carefully, “To become vampire is to be born anew; a blank slate. Only a fraction of your former self will remain; your thoughts, your memories… but physically, you will realize full potential. I will guide you through this. You will be a powerful vampire; the envy of all who stand before you, and the object of my everlasting adoration.”

“But what of you?” he went on, appraising her from his seated position, “You know even less of your potential suitor, yet how quickly you accept my forward proposal. You wish to escape your father, yes? But there is no escaping from this decision. You will trade the prison of your royal blood to be ever bound to mine… Even should we be apart, we shall feel one another still. My blood shall serve to beat your still heart, understand this well… for nothing short of the True Death will ever free us of one another again. To that end, if there is aught you would know or have of me, or have me know of you beforehand, I grant you this one chance.” He watched and waited, wondering where she would go from here. She had already accepted his proposal in full, but a bargain as serious as this required second assurance.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

The words spoken sounded too good to be true. "A Queen." The word made her smile. Perhaps it was not the title itself, but whom the person it came from and the pedestal he put said Queen on. As her question was turned back at her the girl could not help but laugh. "I will let you be the judge of that. It is as you say, I will be forever yours for eternity, so you've plenty of time to teach me if we find that to be the case. Isabella would have to learn in due time, and there was no shortage of it once the deed was done. Once her humanity was stripped of her, she would begin anew. "While it is luck that you find me appealing, you have done nothing but offer me a freedom from my short and ill fated life. To walk hand in hand with a being that promises infinite adoration and reassurance that next to nothing can come between us for all eternity seems to be far better than being prepped for becoming a broodmare for your own father."
Short heels clicked upon the cold hard floor as the distance between the otherworldly man and the green-eyed bride-to-be was closed. "I would rather tempt the fates, though fickle they may be, than deal with a certain doom."

The final judgement had been made: she would be his Queen, his companion, and pupil. Warm emerald eyes looked into the crystal blues of her host and it was then that the gap was not close enough and she silently sat herself upon his lap. Lengthy locks were pulled aside to rest over the shoulder furthest from her betrothed. The soft curved of her neck exposed, but with this new found degree of intimacy she was interested in one more thing before the deal was sealed. "There is but one thing I wish to do before we commence with the proverbial nail in the coffin." As she spoke, she noticed the finest of details to Alistair. His lips were enticing and she found herself wondering if they were just as cold as as his cheek. The softest of butterfly kisses was pressed to his shockingly cold lips. It was a brazen act, but if this was to be her new life then why not embrace it? The icy kiss of his lips against her own sent a shock to her senses, but had her full warm lips wanting to share their warmth with his. "I will accept whatever pain awaits, but I want to do this now." Soft lips practically fed him the words, they were so close. Intrepid fingers explored the the soft smooth color of his double breasted waistcoat and the simple flower of a girl looked absolutely temping against such a debonair backdrop.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

“In essence only,” he cautioned her, not wanting to give her the wrong impression. She was running away from royalty after all. “I do not play at mortal politics.” Some of the oldest and most powerful still vainly tried to govern his kind, but Alistair had lived longer than any of them; and always by his own rules. He’d tasted their life style many lifetimes ago… but what good were the tethers of a vampiric council when you were powerful to make the world itself your oyster? Still, Isabella did not seem deterred by the promise of title. If anything, she seemed even more elated at the idea. He was pleased with how accepting she appeared to be; it was exactly what he needed. A weak willed individual would only surmount to another failed prodigy. Should that mistake happen again, he would not suffer his creation to exist. Of course this part he kept to himself, having loaded enough on the girl for now.
He smiled at the banter already developing between them. The excitement of what was to come was already stirring something within him; bringing life to a proverbial stiff corpse. He listened closely to her words, watching as she so fearlessly approached him. If she was half as bold in her immortal life she would be a powerful woman indeed. Alastair thrilled at the possibilities of the future as she made her final decision. “My,” he began, sounding impressed, “Your confidence is inspiring, Isabella. I do hope you realize what you’re getting in to.”
Yet she seemed determine to impressive him further, acting as no prospect had before as she closed the distance and mounted herself right in his lap. The chemistry was undeniable as she fit perfectly against him, brushing her hair aside to show him the tender flesh of her neck. She smelled absolutely divine, and the invitation was all too tempting as he felt the veins pulsing beneath her perfect skin… drawing him in with the rhythm of her heartbeat. But his icy blue eyes focused on hers, watching as she drank in the details of his face. “And that is?” But Isabella was clearly a girl who spoke louder with actions. Alastair pressed lithely into the kiss; her rose petal lips a tantalizing promise as they fled as quickly as they came.
“Very well,” he agreed, wearing a devious expression. “But surely you want the last kiss of your life to be better than that?” Alastair closed the gap for another kiss, much bolder this time. His icy cold lips lingered against her warm ones, pressing and caressing an invitation to explore as his strong hands found themselves on either side of her waist. The kiss was quick to illicit passion, becoming much more intrepid as his gentle tongue invaded her soft, warm mouth. Her was a masterful kisser, his tongue dancing just far enough across hers to leave her wanting more. And Alastair obliged, kissing her deeper even as one of his gelid hands came to brush up against her cheek, only to slide between the locks of her hair, which he gently tugged to coax her away from his lips.
He lingered not even an inch away from her open lips, leaving her breathless as he teased for another kiss, only for his icy lips to sprinkle across her jaw bone, down to her neck instead. With an eternity awaiting them, Alastair was in no rush, leaving the girl caught in anticipation of what he would do as he applied soft kisses against her neck. His hand released her hair, sliding down to join the other one at the small of her back while his passionate assault bounced from neck to shoulder. As his lips trailed back to the arteries she’d so kindly exposed and offered however, his fangs finally appeared. They were sturdy and sharp, a blazing ivory that looked every bit as powerful as the tusks he’d supposedly broken to earn his peculiar name.

The wicked fangs teased across her skin as he offered one last press of his lips, before the sharp edges stuck into her without abandon. The large protrusions pierced her body as though it were nothing, drawing an unseemly amount of blood which never escaped the confines of Alastair’s lips pressed tightly to her. There was pain, but the bite was the worst part. The ancient vampire had become proficient in the art of his long tenure. His fangs were held perfectly still, causing no further damage as she fed on him. After a short time though, wooziness would come to sicken her. Dangerous amounts of the precious fluid had escaped her body already, yet even if the sickly feeling was too much for the girl to bear, Alastair would not stop.
He held the girl tightly against him, keeping her body propped on his lap even as weakness began to overtake her. Her blood was every bit as heavenly as he expected. He moaned as he drank her in, mouth opening wider to accept as much as he could. He did not remember the last time he’d been such a glutton…. Perhaps not even since the earliest days of his youth. But before long, Alastair had to pull away. Isabella would be fading now, her vision barely more than a blur as he felt her sagging in his arms. Alastair practically hissed as he pulled away from the delectable fountain of her veins, his lips and fangs stained red as he looked down at her, appearing far more bestial than he had the first time she laid eyes on him. “Almost done, my sweet,” he promised her. There was just one more step to see to.
One arm wrapped around to hold her light body, Alastair lifted his free wrist which his sharp fangs hastily cut into. Gazing at her lovingly, he lowered his wrist to her lips where he commanded her to drink. It did not take much, he just needed her to swallow a small amount before passing out. The moment cold, sweet fluid was in her system however, it began to react. Like poison, it stopped her heart in seconds, bringing an end to the mortal life of Isabella Lucille Manner. Alastair greedily dove back into the fresh corpse, draining the last of her ancestor’s bloodline before it could mix with his. It would only be a matter of time before the cold blood of immortality traveled the lengths of her bloodstream; the essence of life with no heartbeat.
Until then, Alastair treated her body with tender care, his tongue cleaning the last of the wet, warm blood from her delicate neck as he finished his meal. Her blood was a fire inside him, filling him with thrill and promise for when she would awaken and begin her new life in death. He boosted her lissome frame with ease, taking his motionless bride in his arms before stepping down from his seat and stalking through the quiet, empty halls of the manor. In the east wing were stairs leading down, which he took slow and sure, his boots on stone the only sound in the night as they descended below ground and through a doorway with a sturdy latch.

Inside was a luxurious bedroom with all the comforts one of their kind needed. A large four-poster canopy bed served as the center piece, where Alastair gently laid Isabella on her back. She looked beautiful even in death, eyes fluttered closed and looking peaceful before he left her as a dark silhouette abaft the cover of the canopy. It would take the rest of the night and all of the next day before the process would be complete, but Alastair did not intend to leave her side in all of that time. There were no windows to be found in the room, making time difficult to tell for most. But Alastair had lived so long he could feel even the most minute changes in his atmosphere, right down to the position of the sun in the sky. Until the next night would bring her birth, he made sure the door was latched securely, allowing no daylight to enter the chamber while he lit a number of candles for light.
Isabella remained a dark, motionless shape behind the curtains as he sat in a large armchair in the corner of the room. Even as he stood vigil, he contemplated on what would happen when she finally stirred. Her brain could come to life with any number of impulses. Perhaps she would return just as amorous as she died. Or perhaps the new found hunger within would drive her to react violently. Or maybe she would awaken In fear; a shattered mind unable to process the gravity of what happened. Only time would tell the outcome, but whatever emotion drove her rebirth, Alastair would be there to guide her through.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

He did not appear to be the type to play the senseless game that was politics. To be someone's Queen held the promise of freedom... and affection. The latter of the two was a seemingly foreign concept, but she would love to see what it was like to be with a person that she, at least so far, liked. Yet again the sound of her own heart racing drummed in her ears. The precious and, for now, vital organ constantly attempting to lodge itself in her gullet, but the girl was determined, if not stubborn. The last kiss of her life. Such words did not escape her, for there was little doubt that her next kiss would be as cold as his icy blue gaze. At his question a smile tugged at the corner of her soft lips before their were happily seized. Again her heart thrummed hard and threatened the burst forth from her very chest, not knowing what uncertainty lay just around the corner, but his sweet kiss filled her with promise and a fire that heated her from her very core. I was almost sad when he finished it, teasing her parted lips that sought much needed air. A sinfully sweet smile dance upon her lips as his lips peppered a trail elsewhere. Such a wicked man.

A soft and barely audible gasp escaped her lips as those fangs pierced her warm flesh. If she thought that her heart was loud before, it was absolutely fighting it's hardest to pump the precious life blood through her weakening body. A slight coolness was already taking over as she was drained. Icy pricks from the palms of her hands. She found herself using her host as a support while the literal life was being drained out of her. Laden eyes fought to stay open, but only managed to stay ajar long enough to accept his offering. The treat was sweet and the result was sudden. No more thrumming and just a foreboding silence. In the silence her body went through a changed that would rework her previously mortal frame from within. The external capsule would remain untouched, her beauty forever lasting until the end of her time, should she ever see it. Within the walls of their home and to other vampires scattered about in their own private catacombs, they waited on baited breath. What made this one special? Would she even survive the transformation? Such a beautiful husk lay hours upon hours without so much as batting an eyelash. The sun kissed hue from her skin faded and the warmth that once encased her body was no where to be found.

In the early hours of the next night did the girl show promise. Her mind awakened before her eyes could opened and a thirst plagued her. Soft lips were licked and slender fingers laced through locks that rivaled the darkness of a black sky, as though her mind ached. Finally, a fan of thick lashes lifted and one thing remained: the fire in those eyes. Though Bella could not recall the last few details of her turning, she knew that she had been turned. Fingers and she felt a slight weakness and a burning hunger in the pit of her being, but the girl trudged on with her new found self. Isabella sat up. The girl propped up with her hands behind her, fine digits sunk into the luxurious surface of a very ornate bed as she scanned the room. Alistair, was indeed there, but she stared at a nearby lit candle. The fire was so mesmerizing. The light dancing in her eyes as hunger plagued her, but she paid it no mind, despite how indescribably weak she was feeling. With a sift sigh her support gave out once more and she laid upon her side and watched the dancing flame of the candle. "Alistair." The name a soft whisper upon her barely hued lips. Surprisingly enough a soft little laugh escaped her lips as well.

The fair skinned beauty managed the strength to remove herself from the bed. With new eyes she looked upon her host and mentor. Bare feet walked her before the man that held her future and dreams in the very palm of his hand. He smelled divine and looked just as hauntingly handsome. Her hunger seemed to drive her to brink of madness. Sex and sustenance were her open and driven desires upon awakening. Once more she sat herself upon her Master's lap and silently seized a kiss from those cold lips. Her controlled demeanor was fighting and slowly losing as she was bathed in his sweet scent. "Alistair.... I'd easily become one with you, but drinking from another.... I will not deny my hesitance, but I am barely sane in this parched state...." Soft lips hovered a hairs breath from his own as she caressed his chest while reading his expression.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

The weight of time on his shoulders meant that 24 hours was practically nothing; and as Alastair had lived so long and grown to such a powerful variant of his kind, he required very little in the way of sustenance or rest. Even as his eyes drifted closed; his mind was incapable of shutting down. Never needing sleep had its advantages, but on days like this is made for a dreadfully long eternity. Especially with the heat of her blood still flowing through his otherwise frozen veins… It was regrettable she would be among the world of the dead for so long. He was feeling alive and ardent; more than ready to celebrate the night with his new bride.
Yet despite all that, his thoughts were consumed by the what’s and if’s of the situation. It was all too likely the girl would never rise from her death-like slumber. His blood was powerful, after all. Too powerful for some, and never had he seen a mortal’s heart stop so quickly. So much could still go wrong, that even if the elation of feeding on her hadn’t kept him away from his waking dreams, than his concern definitely would. As the hours wore on however, it seemed disquiet was unwarranted. His bright blue eyes slowly opened as his acute ears picked up on the most diminutive movements from her resting place. He watched her, silent as a hawk, unmoving as stone even as she rose from the dead. He did absolutely nothing to disturb the scene, letting her birth take the most natural of courses without his interference.
He watched her admiringly, the shadows of the flame dancing across her beautiful, pale skin. The fire was reflected in her vibrant eyes, painting her with a wild appearance as the flames licked within her colorful jewels. She seemed almost mesmerized by the light, perhaps curious even. How unlike his last daughter she was… Bred for a much different purpose, Isabella’s sister had been birthed in blood and screams… though in a vastly different from what a mortal would describe. But Alastair did not linger on his failings, resisting the urge to go to her even as she tumbled back into the bed.

Patience was paramount here… everything would be different for the girl now. Each and every one of her senses would be amplified; from the feel of the linen sheets against her soft skin, to the sound of every little disturbance that took place in their surroundings. The smell of the air was so vivid she could practically taste wax of the candle, whose flame danced with such detail, she could pick out every little movement in the air. Likewise, she would find the room much easier to see in the darkness. A perfectly evolved predator of the night, even her speed and strength would be twice anything she were capable of in her past life. Like a newborn, it would all take time getting used to; perhaps even be difficult to control. But as the years of her immortality wore on, she would only grow stronger.
Alastair grinned when she spoke his name, finally taking a moment to enjoy his apparent success. “Welcome to the world of the living,” he answered her jokingly. “Well, the semi-living. How do you feel?” Ever the bold one, her actions answered him again; looking positively gorgeous as she stalked over to him in the night and put herself right back where they’d left off. He couldn’t help but smile, staring into her wild, glowing eyes as the two shared the first kiss of her new life to compliment the last. The effects of her blood had long worn off, but with her so firmly in his lap, her mouth to his, he was feeling the spark of life all over again.
He was expecting of her hesitance, however, remembering all too well how that first gnawing sensation of hunger was to suffer. It could drive even a sound mind mad if left unattended. Which was why her insecurities would need bee quickly brushed away. He had to purge the last of mortality from her, and deliver her properly into his world of the damned. He smiled after she expressed her concern, a gentle hand coming to cup her cheek and capture her gaze. “Ah my love… there is nothing to fear. I will take care of you; teach you everything I know. And in that moment that you truly see what you are…. You will discover you thrill at the hunt.”
His tantalizing lips came in to return to where they’d last left off as well, kissing gently the re-knitted flesh he’d torn open not so long ago. It was brief, however, as he soon set her off of his lap and rose, extending a hand for her to take. “Come, I believe a dinner date is in order.” When she was ready, he led her back the way they’d came, re-latching the door to the underground retreat before guiding her carefully up the flight of stairs, followed by another to the second level of the manor. He continued to lead her through the halls, and to another bed-room, this one the master. Sub-level accommodations were necessary to protect from the sun. At Alastair’s age however, the sun was more a minor inconvenience than anything else. Pitch black curtains to douse its light were enough to serve as his comfort, though now they were drawn back, the large windows spilling moonlight into the room.
Their true destination however, was a built-in armoire which Alastair opened to reveal a wide array of dresses and gowns, and all other manner of attire fit for a lady of her stature. “So my dear, what are your tastes?” He asked her, stepping aside to invite her to pursue. Not that anything was wrong with what she was wearing. Indeed, Alastair found the sight of her as succulent now as he did when she’d first walked through the door. Her shapely blue dress made all the more innocent by her bare feet was a delicious sight to be sure, but as their unofficial wedding night, he wanted to give her to opportunity to celebrate a little. “I think something in dark red might best suit our activities for the evening,” he suggested with a sly grin, “Though if nothing suits your fancy we will find something that will.” That was hard to imagine, however, as Alastair’s collection was truly impressive. There were even silks rarely seen in this country. It was clear that he’d been preparing for her arrival for quite some time.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

A smile tugged at the corner of the fledgling's lips at her Master's jest. Her senses were alight with a keen sensitivity that would certainly take some getting use to. Such new feeling were exciting and the kiss was undeniably just as wondrous, even more so. Though it did lack warmth, these was a jolt to her body that shot between her thighs. Of course her hesitance did remain, but his cold touch was reassuring. Would it truly be thrilling to drain the life from a human being? There was no turning back, so all trust was left to her Master. His final kiss caused her lower lip to retreat into her mouth, and only when it slid out did she perilously come close to slicing it with a sharp canine. It was almost a shame to leave the comfort of his lap, but with ease did she accept his hand. Yet again another smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "I do enjoy your humor." Just a simple observation. In such a dark and quiet setting, it was comforting to be able to smile with someone at your side. Cold feet walked upon the equally cold hard floors of an otherwise hauntingly beautiful home.

The air outside of the room that they left held faint sounds and smells, that the newly turned woman had problems identifying. Sights were taken in and their final destination proved to be just as gorgeous as the one they left behind. The hunger eating at her provided a sense of urgency or she would most likely be looking out the window at the gorgeous sight of the moon. "My tastes? Clearly yours are none to be rivaled." Soft lips uttered as a hand caressed at the various fabrics hung up. Stunning pieces of work and while she heeded his suggestion, one dress took her breath away. It was an off shoulder crimson mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline that hinted at her generous bust in the front and a dip in the back the revealed her skin down to the waist. The design was simple, yet elegant. Without hesitance, yet care, two strings were pulled from the lower back of the blue dress the she adored and loosed up the garment before it was smoothly shrugged from her shoulders and fell into a pool of fabric at her feet. The pale skin of her bare body hinted at just how little blood flowed through her body. Black laced panties his her sex, while the bodice of her dress was acting as a corset, therefore leaving her bare above the waist.

Long luxurious locks contrasted greatly against the backdrop of her alabaster skin. The gorgeous gown was slipped on and the fit was so perfect that it felt as though it had been made for her. "Gorgeous." She whispered as she looked down at her own body, sounding more surprised than anything. A pair of red satin mary jane heels with a black laced overlay caught her eyes at the bottom of the armoire. An ornate chair upholstered with red velvet is where she sat and adorned the shoes upon petite feet. It was either these or the black flat laced up boots, depending on what their date entailed, but the ensemble left her speechless and could not believe that it was upon her figure. "Alistair... it's simply gorgeous. Are you sure?" Long locks were left to cascade about her shoulders as she stood before her groom, looking every bit the role of a ravishing bride. Soft finger laced themselves with those of her master's hand with a gorgeous smile upon her lips. "Now... are we ready for our dinner date, as I have to admit I am starving."

 

[Fates.Gamble]

“Well over a long enough time you tend to collect a nice thing or two,” he told her, and Alastair had lived longer than any name he could give her; save one. He watched as she tenderly browsed through the fine clothing, his blue eyes following her subtle movements. The truth of his history was written in some of these clothes; bits of his past coming back to him as he looked upon the wardrobe. He was particularly nostalgic as her hands passed a long, teal dress of beautiful Egyptian cotton. But Alastair shut the old memories away, focusing entirely on his chosen as she found a dress that pleased her. He could only smile at her delight, watching in as her nimble fingers went to undo her clothing.
Alastair considered changing himself, but with Bella undressing in front of him, he was immediately distracted by the display. He drank in every detail as her pale body was revealed, every succulent inch accentuated in the soft moonlight. His raven haired beauty was certainly a prize; picturesque in her choice of attire. Gorgeous didn’t even begin to cover it. He was growing fonder of his Isabella by the moment; finding her downright provocative with the way the elegant dress hugged her enthralling figure. But as their excursion would require a brief trek, he was left to suggest the boots when she seemed to ponder over the two. Regardless of her choice, he watched as she pulled them on. Alastair was entranced by how graceful she was even within the first hour of her birth. It encouraged him; perhaps this life was meant for her after all. There was only one final thing to see to…
He approached her as she asked at him, smiling. He took one of her hands in his, looking confidently into her green eyes. “Of course I am. I have never been as sure of anything as I was in choosing you. These things are yours now,” he told her, “All part of the new life I promised you. And it starts tonight.” He’d missed his opportunity to adjust his own wardrobe, not wishing to keep his bride hungry any longer. But the two made a dashing couple in their black and red ensembles; looking every bit the aristocratic husband and wife they would be playing tonight. He placed the most gentlemanly of kisses on her hand, but his eyes spoke of a passionate fire most unbecoming of a gentleman.
“I believe we are,” he told her, smiling mischievously, “Shall we?”

Once more he showed her the way, guiding her out of the run and down the grand staircase to the entryway of the home. Alastair saw her out into the cool night air, before locking the door behind them. While it would be a chilly night for most, the cold was no bother to their kind. Out beneath the moon with her keen senses for the first time, it would be as pleasant as any warm day at the beach could have been. The breeze teased at their hair, whispering in their keen ears; almost melodic, in a way a human’s senses could never have detected. Everything was vivid and alive; from the slightest rustles in the grass to the sound of an owl taking wing some far distance ahead of them.
They could have gone by carriage, but instead Alastair led her away from the gates of their home, making instead for the dense trees that skirted the grounds. It seemed like there was no path to be found there at first, but upon arrival her new senses would be much more capable of spotting the little details. There were recent foot prints and brushed aside growth that popped out thanks to their acute vision, showing them exactly where to step to find the worn trail the vampires had made in their secretive visits to the nearby town.
Truth be told, the slower route was all a part of gradually easing her into things. He wanted to make she had complete control of herself, in both emotion and her newfound motor skills. Seeing the world in such a new light could often overcome the mind; Alastair had seen it with many throughout the ages. Yet in all that time, he’d rarely seen one adapting as quickly as Isabella. Even so, his blood was ancient and wildly powerful; capable of driving any to their base instincts, and the longer she was due to wait, the more gnawing her hunger would become. Younger vampires always required more feeding, and infants most of all. And if they wished to remain in one place, it was vital she learned to control those urges, even when surrounded by a readily available source of food.

And so it was as they came upon the outskirts of the town from which his servants had plucked her. They could hear the activity and smell the mortals even before they came upon the soft glow of the settlement. Alastair halted her before they left the safety of the tree line, however. “This shall be your test, my love,” he told her, making no secrets of what this was all about. “Can you smell them?” It was impossible not to. She would be ravenous by now; and even while the thought of draining the blood from a living human being might still seem a foreign concept to her, she could not deny the sweet story her nose told her. Aromas of all sort drifted to her, each with its own varying fragrance. It would quickly become clear that some mortals smelled better than others. It was aligned to one’s preferences for the most part, some blood types could be more appealing than others. But her nose was so attuned, she could even pick out whether a mortal was healthy or not; the sour scent of disease or other pathogens and failings warning them away.
“I need to know you can control yourself in their presence,” he said, looking at her very seriously. “It is important we create as minimal an impact as possible. What we do must not be seen, and when we are through their must be no evidence pointing to the truth of what happens here.” Doubtless she would have heard the rumor of young women going missing throughout the town and some surrounding areas. She would surely be able to put it all together now if she cared to, but no matter her ideas on the subject there was no turning back now.
“Of course the best way to stay hidden is to remain in plain sight,” he told her, grinning. “There’s an inn in town; a veritable buffet around this time of night while everyone is getting into their cups downstairs at the bar.” The same establishment the drunkards had stumbled out from to hassle her the night before, as chance would have it. “Being an inn there’s plenty of travelers who could venture off the next morning never to be seen again.” Of course that’s what everyone else would think. He let this all weigh in Isabella’s mind, uncertain how she would handle this all. She didn’t have to kill a mortal, of course. One could survive by resisting the urge to drain them; simply eat their fill and leave. But Alastair would be astounded if she managed it her first time feeding. In fact, he scarcely believed one human would be enough for her once the taste of their blood was on their tongue.
“So,” he continued, a wicked delight in his eyes while he watched her, “If you can control your impulses and feel you are ready, let us continue. When we arrive, just follow your nose. Find a couple you like, and we’ll begin the next lesson from there.”

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

A light smile lingered upon her lips and it grew slightly larger when he pressed that sweet kiss to her hand. The look in his eyes reflected in her own. Such a charming and endearing man. Hand in hand she followed her Master and upon stepping outside it was completely new world. The sounds were so crisp and detailed that her head would turn in the very direction as though it were happening a few feet from her. The air was bathed in the sweet scent of the surrounding flowers and a refreshing scent to the breeze that teased at her loose tendrils. The ease of her vision in the night was wondrous. A gorgeous sight and the beautiful scenery was certainly a sight to behold. Her feet and eyes were synced up and noted the trail that they were taking. She knew that it would have been missed with her mortal eyes, but the ease with which she was able to follow was exciting to note. However, as they neared the village her control began to waver. The sheer amount of salivation had her swallowing more than once on this occasion.
"Oh Alistair... yes..." The replay voiced in a pleading manner. As though she was begging her handler to let her loose and fill that burning hunger that began running amok on her sensed and caused her ability to reason to ebb away.

There was a various assortment of scents: sour, sweet, earthy, and down right savory along with various combinations. One called to her. The urge to run towards the smell and feast on the thrumming artery that beckoned her was so tempting! I visible chill caused the pale skinning nightingale to shiver in uncontrollable delight. Her eyes watched while her ears listened, or so they tried. it was hard to concentrate and her Master's words were just barely caught. Unknowingly her grip upon his hand had her nails drawing blood, unbeknownst to her. It ached within to think of what she was going to have to do but the sheer unbearable torture that was her hunger weighed more heavily on her mind than the life that she was going to take this fine night. Perhaps it was to help maintain what little sanity was left in her mind, but she hugged his arm in a romantic display as her feet and the delicious aroma led the way. The couple were certainly quite the sight. How could they blend in when striking good looks garnered so much attention? Eyes watched as they walked by and keen ears heard every whisper and prattles that continued on, but upon entering the inn, the atmosphere was completely different.

Initially she was shocked at the loudness and the smell of booze hung so thick in the air that she could taste it and it was far rom pleasant. The loud clank of cups, cheers, and laugher filled the air along with a backdrop of music that was slightly off in melody as sun kissed woman clad in a bright yellow dress sat upon the bar top singing her drunken heart out. All of this was but a drunken haze as her eyes spotted a lovely couple at the very same bar. The gentleman was well dressed with a vest, undershirt, and matching pants while the woman was clearly caked in far too much make up to the point where it almost distracted the fledgling, but the only thing on her mind was the aroma beckoning her. The grip upon her Master's arm tightening ever so slight in the slightest of control. The man appeared to have spotted her from the corner of his eye and smiled at her. They were a very mature age, most likely with young adult children, if they had any, but again the pale skinned beauty found her mouth salivating all the more the closer they got. Green orbs turned to look at her master, the sheer hunger eating at her from within, but she needed the reigns cut loose. The girl as mere hairs breath from turning from a beauty to a bloody thirsty, ravenous, frenzied beast.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Charming and endearing was certainly one way to describe Alastair, but there was a darkness which was hard to ignore when hunting their prey. Bella’s insatiable need was evidence alone in the way her sharp nails had dug within his skin. He could feel the need growing within her; that deep seated thirst he could not quench soon enough. But she was showing good character so far; otherwise keeping her composure. Alastair continued to marvel at her adaptation, following her lead into town as she was drawn by the delightful aroma of what would be her first meal. The passerby who looked their way didn’t both him so much; he’d learned more than a few tricks to deter mortals from suspicion over the years. And failing that, what human could possibly hope to stand before him? And so, he admired in the way they looked enviously upon the pair; pleased they found his choice in bride so appealing.
Alastair watched her reactions as they entered the tavern, noticing the wash of displeasure across her face. The sights and sounds upon which mortals thrived seemed on a different octave for them now. No longer did the scent of sizzling meat from the kitchens wet their appetite, nor did alcohol treat them with the promise of sweet inebriation. Instead they were drawn by entirely different ideas of intoxication. Following her gestures, Alastair spotted the pair which had drawn the interest of his prodigy. He grinned deviously at her, feeling her grip tighten. “A fine choice,” he said, his voice a sinister whisper as he leaned in close enough only for his precious Bella to hear. “Follow my lead, love. Just a little while longer now…”
Doubtless that was asking much of her surrounded by the promise of such delicacies, but one of their prospects had already made eye contact. How delightful to be practically invited over by your prey. He led Isabella casually to the bar, where he invited her to take a seat next to the couple. The husband was quick to notice them again, smiling at the beautiful image of his wife almost as though he were bored with the one beside him. But Alastair pretended not to notice the couple. His eyes fell upon the bar tender who was just coming to offer drinks. But when she made eye contact with Alastair, something seemed to change in her stature. Her eyes took on a sort of fog, as though she forgot what she was doing. It was only an instant however, as a moment later she breezed right by, failing to offer them anything and likewise neglecting to top off the cups of their potential meal. They were left to scoff as she went to help someone on the other side of the bar instead.

Alastair was looking over at them now, a curious smile on his face. “Seems the service is rather poor here,” he quipped, drawing their sentiments and striking the opening for conversation
“Indeed,” the man gruffly agreed, “Usually it’s a fair bit better than this.”
“Ah so you’re from around here then?” Alastair continued, engaging them. He had a sort of gravity about him; drawing people in like a spider tending its web.
“Oh, um no actually…” He went on to explain something about how they actually lived up north, but came through every couple years to further trade agreements with a business partner or some other. Truth be told, Alastair wasn’t entirely paying attention so much as he was just waiting to respond in kind, prodding things where they needed to go.
“Anyway, we’ve always come together. Use it as our time to just get away from it all and be with one another, you know?”
“I think we know exactly what you mean,” Alastair said, smiling at his dear Isabella, “Right dear?” Sure by now it was difficult for her to hear much beyond the thrum of their hearts; drowning out much of their surroundings while it pulled on her with a gravity to rival Alastair’s.
“So how about you two?” they inquired.
“Oh I’m a playwright,” he responded quickly. “Bella here played the leading role in my first successful work. From the moment I first saw her performing on stage…. Well let’s just say my heart practically stopped and stood still from there.” They all shared a good chuckle at his jest, unaware of the horrifying grain of truth within it. “Anyway, it wasn’t until recently I finally found the courage to confess my feelings for her. To my overwhelming joy she reciprocated and we’ve been traveling the world together ever since; writing and performing wherever we go.” His hand sought her out, lingering at her waist as he gave her a knowing smile.
“That’s amazing!” The woman swooned, watching the beautiful pair tenderly. “What sort of plays do your write?”
“Tragedies mostly,” Alastair admitted. “I’ve always found a certain sort of beauty in a macabre story.”
“Well we’d love to see your work some time.”
“Really? Well we could offer you a private performance if you like,” he told them, holding both of their gazes. There was a sort of awkward hesitation, but it seemed to pass rather quickly as they stared into his icy blue orbs. “I trust you’ve got a room for the night?”
“Yeah, it’s just upstairs,” the woman was all too eager to offer, staring at him. “We’d love to see you perform.”
“Think you’re up to it, my sweet?” Alastair asked, grinning; though all four parties had already risen to their feet. Again, Alastair offered Bella his arm, following in the wake of the awfully compliant couple as the ancient vampire’s influence clouded their mind like a heavy blanket. Like sheep for the slaughter, they directed the newlyweds up the stairs, and to the small but comfortable room they had procured for the night. Alastair and Isabella crossed the threshold at their invitation, after which Alastair was careful to lock the door behind him. Their hosts walked obediently to the bedside, where they both sat and watched; waiting for their promised demonstration.
Alastair circled around behind Bella, his strong hands coming up to her sides as he leaned in over her shoulder, his lips teasing beside the soft skin of her neck. “Whichever act you wish to perform is entirely up to you,” he told her quietly, “But let’s not be too loud. We wouldn’t want to disturb the other patrons now would we?” Though judging by the bustle downstairs, the raucous crowd would be hard pressed to hear anything outside of their own clamor. And so Alastair watched and waited, finally letting the reigns free to see how his rising star would play out her first performance.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Even in her silent hungry stupor, she managed the slightest of smiles when her choice was complimented as though it were a fine wine. Upon sitting next to her meal she feared that she may very well snap on the spot. Her groom's voice and reassurance kept that one final thread from snapping. All Bella could manage was a nod to the question for fear that if her lips parted, then they would surly strike that throbbing artery that appeared most tantalizing. When asked if she was up for it she smiled kindly and nodded her head in agreement, knowing that she was all too eager to quell this aching hunger clawing from within. The pale skinned beauty took up the offer of the her debonair groom's arm and followed at his side. The aroma was breath takingly potent when not commingling in the sea of booze, musk, and sourness of the unappealing bloodlines. Sparkling emerald eyes never once left the sights of her meal, even as her master whispered the approval to go ahead, the warning feel on deaf ears as her feet walked her across the luxurious carpet towards the woman. "Must be interactive..." The man chimed with interest as his wife was approached.
Soft cool fingers danced across the warm flesh of the woman's jawline . "You smell divine." Were the last coherent words that left the blood thirsty woman's lips before Mrs. Buckley found her back pressed against the soft surface of the bed with jewel clad hands pinned at either side of her head. Bright white canines distended of their own accord and the fledgling pierced that throbbing artery. Now she was no where as clean as her master was when she was turned. Blood managed to spray onto her chin before her mouth encased the wound to drain every last drop. Bella failed to notice her meal squirming because it was with unnatural ease that she kept her pinned. The heat that radiated within from every drop that landed on her tongue fueled the voraciousness. Pump after pump and yet it was never enough. The cries died out and the husband was absolutely stunned. His wife was currently mounted by a beautiful woman in a lovely red dress and the portly man still could not wrap his mind around what was happening. The heart was a symphony to her ears, accompanied with a meal that was everything that she desired. Slowly did that symphony die and the her source was tapped out in its entirety. Soft lips were stained red and they were licked as clean as possible before she unmounted her prey. With her appetite slightly sated she stepped back and appeared to almost admire her handy work. The woman's eyes were wide and her skin nearly three shades lighter. The punchures were gaping and somewhat jagged, but void of any remaining blood that spilled since she had licked it clean.

It felt as though a fog had been lifted from her mind and she could think all the more. Even stained in blood the man found the deadly nightingale hauntingly beautiful. During the one sided tryst between his now deceased wife and their invited guest he had scampered to the middle of the four poster bed. Her master ever so patiently lingered, but stood between the door and her second course.
"Lay down." Her words were damn near erotic, and while the man cowered he felt his body break free of his own will and complied to the request despite his sniveling and pleading. Upon all fours the bride crawled. Her dress far from impeding on her quest as she mounted the man's waist feeling the formation of physical arousal between his clothed legs. Soft hands slid up the man's portly arms, guiding them above his head as she leaned in with soft lips ghosting across the arch of his neck and up to his ear. "Such a sick puppy. Your wife dies and you get off. This tragedy is quite the performance, wouldn't you say?" The scream was barely formed before it was choked back upon her fangs burying themselves within his neck. The second time was far cleaner, and it gave her a bit of time to savor the delicious morsel as he writhed beneath her to no avail. Black locks surrounded her face like a darkened veil as a sweet moan escaped her enclosed lips showing how she was truly enjoying herself in satisfying the ache that plagued her. Bella was almost sad when he was tapped out. The lovely woman sat up and looked down upon the dead man's face. Now she thought as to what she had just done. This was the price of her new freedom, but it was worth it. "How long will I be able to go without feeding again?" She asked her mentor while those soft fingers closed the eyes of the first of many meals to come. Husband and wife. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she retreated from the bed. Lips now stained red and her dress, surprisingly enough, still immaculate. "Oh that was thrilling and much needed. I'm rather surprised that he listened to me. Thank you Alistair." She spoke referring to the man upon telling him to lay down. A bright and wide smile was gifted to the man before she embraced him in a hug. "But how do we cover such a thing up? The inn is bustling." She released her groom before turning to look at the aftermath.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Alastair watched, practically entranced as nature took its course. Isabella was breathtaking in the way she embraced her role. He drank in her graceful movements at she tended to the woman first, his excitement growing when her beautiful fangs drove deep within the woman. He could smell her blood flowing, filling him with thrill as he stepped closer to watch his precious Bella feed. “Yes,” he encouraged her approvingly, watching as she drank deep. “Slowly now...” From the moment she swallowed the first drop she would learn that the warmth was not all together gone for their kind. Her victim’s blood would fill her with a fire; running her senses wild with the spark of life. The promise of everything they’d been denied was written in the magical crimson fluid. The places she’d been, the foods she’d eaten…. She could even taste the sunlight she’d chosen to renounce.
He stood by as the woman was drained, watching over her like any attentive lover while he waited at the ready to deal with the husband should he have a negative review of their unique performance. But that did not seem to be the case as he watched, caught between horror and fascination as his wife moaned and withered beneath Alastair’s bride. “Beautiful,” he breathed when she had last finished the first act, pulling away with cherry stained lips against her pearly white canines. “Wouldn’t you agree?” he asked of her second course, yet unable to take his eyes away from Bella. “Surely there could not be a woman more perfectly suited for this role.” And Bella was all too eager to prove the words true as she tapped upon a power that could take months before a fledgling truly got the hang of it.
A dark smile spread across his lips as Isabella goaded the man before driving her fangs home once more. The seductive way she had taken his food was an image which would remind painted in his memory until the very ends of time. His eyes swept her form, loving the way the tight dress hugged her body as she drowned the man’s screams with famished enthusiasm. The man may have been a sick individual to show arousal over the death of his life, but Alastair would have been lying if he said watching Isabella devour the mortals hadn’t started his own building. She was positively divine, and he grew fonder of her by the moment, even as she stepped away with a level of remorse. He was glad to see it in fact; it was a quality which his last prodigy had been severely lacking. Isabella while Isabella seemed to act on the necessity of slaughter, his former daughter had thrived merely on the pleasure of it. He’d long since outgrown the notion of hunting for fun.
“A day or two,” Alastair responded, watching her softly. “But it can be difficult the same. The progress varies between individuals… but as you age you shall require fewer feedings. Your body will adapt; sustaining itself more efficiently while you continue to grow faster and stronger.” He smiled as his bride spoke of rush of what she’d done and thanked him for it. There was no thanks necessary, though. It was what being bound together for eternity meant. “You forced your will upon him,” Alastair explained, revealing the truth of what happened to her. “Another trick our kind has up their sleeve, though I have to admit I too am surprised. You managed it quite easily for your first time, but mastery will, like all things, come with time. Eventually, you will tap into abilities unlike anything you could imagine.”

He returned her embrace before placing a wanting kiss to her red lips, tasting the fire in the traces of blood that lingered there. But Isabella reminded him they still had work to do, and so he regrettably left her side as he investigated the pair of corpses before them. “Hmm,” he mused ponderously, “I’ve always been something of a hiding in plain sight type of man.” Something caught his eye near the man’s foot and Alastair quickly investigated to find a small knife tucked into the man’s boot. He drew the blade and revealed it to Isabella with a smirk. “For someone concerned with protecting himself he didn’t do a very good job of it.” He toyed with the knife for a moment while reviewing the scene. Bella had been very thorough in draining the two of them, but she had spilled enough blood for there to be notable stains of foul play on the bedsheets. Paired with the man’s own knife it gave him an idea.
He hastily went to work, position the body of the woman first before investigating the wounds Bella’s fangs had left. In one fluid motion he sliced the sharp blade of the knife across the woman’s throat. Its serrated edge carved right through her flesh, hiding the puncture wounds and making it appear as though her mortal injury had come from the very deep gash across her throat. He moved on to the husband’s body next, lifting the corpse up to appear on his knees over his wife. The man’s head lolled around as Alastair took a lifeless hand and gripped it around the hilt of the blade. With a malicious grin, he dragged the knife across his throat as well, once more covering the truth of what happened before letting the corpse drop back lifelessly atop his wife.
“I’d say a murder suicide is as tragic a tale as any. Yet another inspiring work to add to my collection of plays.” He laughed coldly, admiring his handiwork. There was no hiding the fact the pair had been exsanguinated, but there was nothing left behind to implicate the two of them. Before leaving the inn Alastair would make certain their attendance was forgotten by any and all present. Whoever examined the bodies would be left to consider it an especially odd case, but who in their right mind would believe vampires had come and feasted upon the missing fluids? And so their first hunt would prove most successful. Already Alastair was thrilling at the idea of their next; to feast alongside her and truly share the experience.
“Well my love,” he said, watching her with vivid eyes, “It seems our work here is done.” He approached her confidently, his hands coming to rest at her sides as he looked down at her admiringly. “You did beautifully…. Can you feel their energy; their lives feeding your own?” it was a positively wonderful thing, the way the essence of life could practically get their hearts running again. “Now that you’ve been fed,” he continued on to say, “The night is ours. What calls to you now? We have until sunrise, after all.” He could think of a fair few ways to spend their time, but this was the first night of her new life. He wanted to see exactly where the call of the blood running within her would take them.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Isabella would be lying to herself if she said that she wasn't looking forward to more time needed between feedings. While it was thrilling and certainly sated the hunger, it was something that she would rather avoid, unless absolutely necessary. When Alastair explained the bizarre obedience of the man the ever so curious woman came up with a hypothesis. "Perhaps it is because of who turned me." It wasn't a question, merely an open observation. The newly born woman stood back and watched as her groom showed her how he went about staging the lifeless bodies of her first meal. It was a rather clever set up. A slight chuckle escaped her lips as he spoke of the tragic tale and it's irony to how they lured the couple to the room. A warmth lingered where there once was coldness. It felt as though molten lava was flowing through her veins and she held better control of her senses. It was no longer a loud clamoring in her head of various voices, but something that she could selectively tune down. The smells were still so vivid, and she had a feeling that food that she once loved would taste horrible to her new palate.

'..my love...'

It was a tad surprising how such simple words could warm the soul. That was, if she still had one. It was ironic how she had turned down an arranged marriage assigned by her father, but had so willingly accepted this handsome, kind, and sinfully ethereal being within the span of a night. His touch was mesmerizing and his words, nothing short of a sweetest of laurels. "Yes, I can, and I while it's tragic, it is also.... somewhat magical." Upon hearing his next question she was, honestly, unsure of what to say. For a moment she silently pondered before finally speaking her mind "What would I do that would not be any different from were I mortal and wandering in the night, accompanied with a rather gracious and kind host?" Her laughter was melodious following her question. "I have an eternity to read books, perhaps explore the world, walk a garden beneath the light of bright moon. Relax before a fire, ride a horse and enjoy the brisk night air whipping through my loose hair? I've bathed in a stream beneath a star filled night before. Answer me, what would you do on a night such as this? You, who've live countless nights." Now, she was still a wanted woman, though a rather undead one. Little did she know the lengths that her father would go through to find his damned daughter.

Slender fingers laced with those of her master, "First, I would love to get outside once more. The night is far more gorgeous than I ever imagined." It was true. With a new sense of view it was very breathtaking, to say the list, but no doubt, overtime she would miss the sunlight. "I do have questions." She spoke as she walked out of the door to an empty hall, but a rather boisterous crowd awaiting on the floor beneath them. The dim stairway led to the brightly lit bar and it was not a place that she would find herself lingering. Alistair was right, it was more of a restaurant to them, but surely beings such as themselves varied. The devastatingly gorgeous couple walked out just as easily as they had entered: no questions asked.

"Are there..." She paused in her words, searching for the proper word as she walked arm in arm with her master while enjoying the fresh air licking at her face and the light of the moon above. "...slayers? Those that make it their mission to hunt us?" Surely not, and if they were they had to be far and few in between for her master to have survived this long of a life.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Alastair could have told Isabella how even the tragedy of mortal lives would pass from her cares in time. What was new and strange for her now would become second nature all too soon. But he did not wish to impress every little detail on her at once. His own mind had long since been tempered to the idea of being something far superior to humans. For Alastair; it was no different than crushing an insect. There was nothing to feel guilty about, if the slaughter was not needless.
When she turned his question back on him, Alastair was also uncertain of how to answer. He’d felt jaded and stagnant for so many years now; every day of life a redundant echo of the one before. How long had it been since anything had given him elation? It was the entire purpose of turning Isabella. “Truth be told, I have been content to lay about, uninspired to do very much at all for a long time,” he explained, revealing his thoughts. It was almost difficult to remember what used to give him enjoyment. “I have been vampire for so many years…” Isabella had gotten her first taste of immortality, but her mind could not truly understand the weight of eternity until it bore upon her.
“In my youth, life was very different than anything you know in this time,” Alastair explained, “The world was young then; adventurous. You had to live in the moment to survive, and so I had for so long that the idea of recreation never truly settled in on me.” Yet the ancient vampire’s lipped tugged into a smile as he recollected on his past. “But every moment of life was thrilling. On nights like this, my tribe would gather ‘round a great fire and tell stories; tales of hunts passed and the mysteries of the world around us. When my mortal life ended however…. Well as you can imagine things became very different. For a long time, my nights consisted solely of hunting along with my mother. It was only some centuries after that we began to travel and explore the world. If I could name any one thing I love to do; it is to explore and see new places. But I have already seen this world, and I have done all the things you’ve mentioned a thousand times over. I turned you because I want to do it all and see it all again, through your eyes.”

Her desire was easy enough to sate for now though, as Alastair nodded, fingers lacing back with hers as they decided to leave the stuffy confines of the inn. Their acute senses told them the hall was unoccupied, giving them the perfect opportunity to slip out of the couple’s room as if nothing untoward happened. “I would be surprised if you didn’t,” Alastair quipped, smiling at her, “I will answer anything you wish to know, of course.” With his talents, they continued to remain undetected. Everything Alastair felt eyes upon them, he quickly met their gaze. And as though something far more important had caught their attention, every one of them ignored the couple after that. He felt much more content once they stepped out into the cool, fresh air. They were meant for the night; even their vision suited for the darkness. With the soft, silver glow of the moon, everything seemed just as vivid as if they were seeing it in daylight.
When Bella finally revealed her concern, Alastair couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “Fearing for death so soon after dying once already?” But he did not tease her for long, taking her question seriously all the same. “They’ve been known to pop up from time to time,” he admitted, “More so in the past than in recent years. The idea of vampires have passed more into the realm of superstition among humanity, If we are good at what we do, then we do not draw suspicion and the mortals have no reason to believe in us. If we are poor in that regard, well it’s only natural someone should attempt to rise and put down a threat if they learn of it. When that happens, the vampire dies, or the slayer does. Either way, natural selection works its magic, and both dwindle over time. Of course, some slayers have proven better than others. I wager there are some skilled vampire hunters out there even today; but it has been a long time since one has bothered me.”
He looked upon her, curious over why she thought to ask such a thing in the first place. “But I can assure you, my love,” he went on, “You have nothing to fear. Any mortal who would dare harm you shall live a woefully short life, met by an all too painful end.” Truer words had never been spoken; for he was a force not to be trifled with. A slayer was of little consequence next to some of the other potential threats in their world, yet none of it gave him much cause for concern. Alastair had faced all manner of turmoil over the course of his very long life.
“But in the unlikely event it happens,” he continued, never one to ignore possibilities, “Remember… you are always strongest after feeding. But that strength deteriorates over time; weakening you the longer you go without feeding. So you must know how to gauge the situation: Learn when you are strong enough to face your foes, understand when you are not. It is a vital lesson that too few of our kind seem to grasp. Hubris can be as big a weakness to us as any of our others.”
The night was gorgeous; a thing of true beauty. The pair found themselves walking aimlessly, enjoying each other’s company. The longer he spent with Isabella the more alive he was beginning to feel. He knew there was all the time in the world, and his demeanor spoke of his patience to let their relationship evolve and come to naturally. Yet his mind was alight with eagerness; picturing all the places they could go and the things they could see. Even that seemed a good ways down eternity, however, as it would be quite some time before Isabella’s pale, vulnerable skin would be able to withstand the sunlight once more. For now though, he was more than content to get to know each other on a better level.

“Come,” he said, leading her through the town. “I know a spot where we can be alone and just enjoy the night.” There was a large lake some distance outside of town; a bit of a walk but that was nothing to complain about for them. Their woodland surroundings were alive with activity. The method of sustenance for their kind came with a definite brutality, but it was impossible to deny the beauty that paid for it. It was like seeing the world in an all new dimension; like the nature around them was a new 6th sense they were keen to. It was even more impressive once they finally came upon the shores of the lake, where not another soul was to be found. They may have been denied the day, but they were gifted the serenity of night. Out in the hot sun, they were likely to be disturbed by other parties. Here in the darkness, no one cared to play at the water’s edge.
The lake was like a giant pool of silver, calmly rippling in the breeze while lapping gently at the land. Like the brush surrounding them, there was a sense of life in the water. A Haunting sort of melody played as the wind teased against the surface; sounds a mortal could not have been privy to. Alastair slipped behind Isabella while they gazed upon the entrancing sight, his arms coming up around her slender waist. “You picked a beautiful night to be reborn,” he commended her, his lips dangerously close to her neck as he leaned in over her shoulder. “So tell me… after what you’ve just done….” He paused as he placed a tender kiss at her flesh; the same spot he’d drained the mortality out of her the night before, “Do you still think you could be suited for this life?” He encouraged a positive response however, as his kissed peppered down to her bare shoulder, and his strong hands gently coaxed her back into pressing against his firm body. “Do you have what it takes to be my mistress in death? Or do you think you’ll miss being Lady Isabella of Rutland after all?” His blue eyes were wild as he grinned at her tauntingly, revealing a hint of the sharp tip of his canines, before he pressed another tender kiss into her collarbone.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

The emerald eyed beauty who's hair rivaled the darkness of the night sky was immersed in the tale of her master's past and his reason for turning the formerly noblewoman that was Isabella. Having lived so long, there had to be little he did not know, and even less that he had not seen. He was handsome, and yet, she knew that she was not his first companion. Silently she wondered what had happened to those before her, but she would save such questions for another time. It was a lovely night and she hand more than enough time to question him about her new life.
"I look forward to traveling the world, and we certainly have the time for it. It is reassuring to know that I will have a companion along the way. At the sound of her charming partner's tease Bella could not help but smile and look at him with a little laugh. It did seem interesting though, being dead and still worrying about dying. The man was all the more alluring with sweet words of protection laced with compassion. "That is comforting to know. Though I do not yet know all that you are capable of, I already sense that you can be a force to be reckoned with." Where there may have once been fear for the handsome and powerful being at her side, there now only lay trust and admiration. It was once said, by her father no less, that Isabella was too observant and thought too much. Such words made her laugh before the men in the court that were negotiation with her father. The townspeople that once lived near her often spoke of how she was exactly like her mother before the dear woman died giving birth to a stillborn son when Bella was but four years old. Such memories seemed so vivid in her mind. However their surroundings caught her attention as the duo wandered through the wilderness. The glowing eyes of an owl and the sweet lament of a nightingale seeking a companion in the night. What lay before them, their final destination held a beauty that left the woman speechless for a moment. Lax lips pulled into the most pleasant of smiles. The moon reflected on the surface of the lake and the surface danced with activity that fresh new eyes beheld with a silent awe.
"It is a very beautiful night indeed," she agreed as she reveled in the feeling of his embrace. Thoughts wavered from the beautiful scenery to the gentlemen with fangs a hairs breath from the delectable cure of her neck, but instinctively her head leaned to the side, to allow her lover more access to the view and whatever else he desired.

It almost felt as though she had been holding her breath when eyes closed and a barely audible sigh escaped parted lips as she felt her partner's cool lips press against the skin of her neck. A smile tugged at the right corner of her lips at his question. A thick fan of black lashes upon eyes laden with a barrage of sinfully sweet sensations hid green gems as she spoke once more to his question.
"Yes, I enjoy my new life and even more so with you, my love." Despite the numerous times he had addressed her with the endearing title, she had a hard time hiding her smile when she finally addressed him as such. There was no denying that if someone had to live an eternity, it would be agonizing to do so alone and to be with someone with such charm, patience, and devilishly handsome good looks as he? She would be a fool to wish to return to her dour mortal lifestyle. "Do you recall my cravings upon being born?" There was no doubt that he did. She had two hungers and thirst for sustenance and hunger for him. If the pain had not been so unbearable,, then she may have insisted on him with a great degree of urgency, but her mind was not right with the desperate need for food. But now? Now she could savor Alistair. Now she had all the time in the world to get to know her lover. If she did not believe that her senses were acute before then there would certainly be no doubt when she smelled the faintly sweet bouquet of her own arousal. His kisses left goosebumps to dance across every inch of her flesh and the sensations wracked her body with nerve ending chills. This too was a new sensation and horrid tease that had her subtly aching for more. "Should we head home?" Bella was but a hair's breath from slipping the dress from her arms beneath a full moon without a care in the world as to who watched. However, it felt as they there we in their own little world at the lake's shore. In her lover's arms she turned, stealing the most intimate of kisses. Her tongue sought entrance past his lips and fed him a hungry moan before parting lips and green eyes peered into the blues of her partner in a silent dare to make his next move.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Alastair’s soft lips pulled into a smile as she spoke with approval. Of course, it would be quite some time before his fledgling bride could undertake such an endeavor. But with an eternity ahead of them, there was no rush. Pending that time he would continue to guide her in this transformation; helping her to grow stronger with each passing moon, until she was ready. Alastair could only imagine how powerful she would become, but he was all too eager to behold the beautiful queen of the night she would become.
“Indeed,” he responded, smirking as she made mention of his capabilities, “And even more so when that which I hold dear faces a threat.” The words were true enough, though admittedly it had been a long while since he had someone actually worth protecting in his life. Yet Bella had changed all of that; becoming his priority in all things from the moment his fangs pierced her delicate flesh. There was nothing he would not do for her now. That fact stood out all the more with her reassuring words. Alastair could only smile, his icy blue eyes seeming especially devilish as she returned his term of endearment.
Even with how quickly she accepted his proposal, he never expected she could be so hastily accepting of everything else. He would have been lying if he said there was not a flicker of uncertainty when he felt the apprehension overtake her senses from claiming the lives of her meal. While it was a desirable quality, it was hard not to succumb to a little doubt after the failings of his past. But as Isabella was so keen to resolve, the past was dead and gone. Now was the time to look only to their future. And just like Alastair, Bella seemed all too eager to see it progress.

His smile shifted into a roguish grin as she hinted at her desires. He knew all too well what she craved. As Maker and Prodigy, there was an inseparable connection between them. He could feel the fire in her blood, the excited tingling that caused her body to react to his every touch. And Alastair was none too shy about touching, his hands roaming across the smooth fabric that hugged her tight body. “How could I ever forget?” he teased, “I’ve suffered my own hunger from the moment you placed yourself before me.” It had been difficult denying himself that sweet indulgence even then; but now that his darling Isabella was properly fed, there was nothing to hold them back anymore.
And he made that all too clear as his tantalizing lips resumed their assault; though he’d only managed the gentlest cup of a firm breast before she posed the question, and turned in his embrace. Alastair had little time to respond before she fed him the hungry kiss, which he was happy to oblige. Their tongues met in a soft dance which threatened to strike him with lightheadedness, while his hands instead found themselves clutching the tender meat of her ass instead. He was feeling positively wild by the time she pulled away, and the daring look in her green eyes only helped. “We could…” he finally replied to her question. “But like I told you, the night is ours. Why waste it?” It seemed obvious Alastair thought home was much too far away as she found herself locked in another lustful kiss. Their acute senses were more than capable of warning them should someone approach, but the prospect of it happening seemed to matter very little to her new groom.

His patient demeanor seemed to drain away as his hands clutched at the red fabric of her dress, and acting on her own urges as their deep kiss was soon broken from him pulling the dress up and off. Her suddenly exposed flesh did not feel the bite of the cold, but Alastair left her no time to contemplate it anyway. As soon as her dress hit the floor, he dived back in, his mouth briefly meshing with hers again before dropping down to pepper attention upon her exposed chest. His hands ran down the small of her back before firmly returning to her sculpted rear. He gave an approving moan against her mounds before retreating with a wicked expression, emphasized by the sharp fangs he now wore on clear display; evidence of his excitement.
His raven haired beauty was a sight to behold in nothing but her boots in undergarments; the moonlight accentuating every delicious feature she had to offer. He couldn’t help but feel a little over-dressed now, and so his fingers quickly worked loose the buttons of his waistcoat, adding it along with his shirt to the growing pile of articles. His chest bared, she could see how powerfully chiseled his form was. The adventurous, wild life he spoke of had clearly left him in the peak of physical condition; making him an even more imposing specimen. He could only manage to remove his belt before succumbing to his need, closing the gap between them before she found herself locked in another of their lingering kisses.
Passion built quickly, and before she knew it, Bella found herself hefted up, legs on either side of him as he turned them around, and laid her body out in the soft grass. Their senses would be haywire at this point; the energies of the nature all around them colliding with the responsiveness of their sultry points of contact. It had a way of fogging his mind, even as he lowered himself over her, pressing his mouth into hers as a devious hand trailed down her front, and dipped beneath her black laced panties, seeking out her wet and wanting fold to tease.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

This was all too thrilling! The nightingale's senses were at an all time high, giving her the slightest fear that she might not be able to contain herself at this moment. As their lips parted she could only smile in excitement. This time it was her turn to get her breath taken away before she could respond. There was no hiding that Gabriella was all to eager to get a taste of her partner, but she was not so ravenous as to give up feeling such amazing sensations at his touch. The dress being pulled off of her cool and pale skinned body sent a jolt to course through her hour glass frame. The groom left no room for the bride's senses to adjust, and it left her in a constant state of aw and pleasure. When the well wooed woman's lips sat agape, those white canines extended. Her tongue explored the sharp tips that painlessly appeared during her state of arousal. Kisses left fire in its wake. Slender fingers raked themselves through his luscious locks as tender kiss were peppered to the tops of her breasts. The hand in his hair slid down as her lover rose to remove some of the garb that stood in their way. Upon revealing his chest, Gabriella's loins ached. He was a supernatural being worthy of being worshiped by all. The palms of her hands were splayed upon the taut contours of his chest as he worked on his belt before she soon found her lips seized once more. Every nerve was alight as by the time she was laid upon the yielding surface of the grass. The moon was gorgeous sight, but not as gorgeous as the coupling in the midst of ensuing along the shore of a surreal lake. A gust of wind caressed at every inch of her exposed flesh. The wild life around produced the most subtle of symphonies that was music to her ears as her body was wracked with sensations that tested what she once knew.

His touch was heady and caused the pale skinned bride to feed her debonair host a moan as the forefront of her sex was given physical attention. Inwardly she quivered. If this was how she felt from such a simple touch it was harrowing to think of what further surprises he could bring upon her. To say that her breath was stolen would be an understatement. The girl was noble with wild abandon and an open mind. Yet, nowhere in her wildest dreams could she see such a moment happening. Smooth hands glided from his chest to his back where her nails gently sunk in. The woman was still a fledgling to the enhanced senses and abilities of her new form, but she had all the time in the world to learn to control such strength and abilities. The kiss had to be broken. Her mind was reeling with arousal and sensations, that she nearly forgot to breath. Forehead against forehead with lips but hairs breath apart. Lips sat agape, for she felt as though she needed every breath she could possibly take. His touch was cool and yet it something to ignite within her cold vessel. Nails raked down the flesh of his back. "Yes." The one word was but a whisper and yet it spoke volumes. Arousal, desire, hunger, excitement, and even the slightest bit of hesitance, but it was out weighed by all the others. A diminutive whimper escaped her lips. Her noise was only one of the reasons why she would come to be known as Lady Nightingale, but that was a long ways to come. "Alistair... my charming Alistair..." One hand caressed at his strong jaw line while warm green eyes roamed his handsome features as her body was teased to life. It was just wondrous that he belonged to her. Per his words she was his bride and he was her groom. It was a bond most imaginable, but to be one with him. The ever confident woman felt the nerves of a blushing bride for the first time. Alistair was doing an amazing job at ensnaring her attention with his ministrations.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

Alastair, for all his cold silence and stony expressions, seemed to come alive as passion began to mount. His blue eyes were lit with an excited flare; as though enkindled by the soul he’d long since lost. Even his fangs were on display; dangerous yet appearing pearlescent against the pale moonlight. He held himself a hair’s breadth above her; as strong and imposing as he appeared to be soft and inviting. For such a powerful being, he admired her so delicately. Isabella was clearly a vision to be treasured in the sultry way his eyes traversed her pastel flesh, and his fingers spoke volumes to that. How carefully he sought out her sensitive nub, rolling his fingers in masterful little circles that teased the pleasure out of her. He grinned as she reacted; a dark amusement adorned by the sharp tips of his canines. “Mmm, my dear Isabella… you seem to be enjoying this,” he taunted as her nails dug into his strong back.
But Alastair quickly changed the game, sliding his fingers down to dip inside of her instead. He pressed closer at the same time, catching her lips in a soft yet sultry kiss while her body reacted to the shift in pleasures. He broke it soon after, but continued to work his digits in and out of her. “That’s good,” he teased her further, “This world belongs to you now; for all eternity. And I’m going to make sure you enjoy every moment of it.” Yet contrary to his words, his hand soon fled her womanhood. He pressed his lips into hers, almost apologetically for the abrupt stop before pulling away to his knees before her. She was a sight to behold; laid out in the soft grass, her lithe body begging for his company. His chosen bride was every bit the beauty he could have hoped for; and he was none too shy about the thought in the way his eyes ravaged her.
His hands found her hips, where his fingers hooked the sides of her lacy undergarments before sliding them down her thighs, past her knees and completely off from one leg, then the other. He tossed them aside to join the rest of their scattered articles, before looking down at her with a fanged smile. Meanwhile, his attention returned to his own apparel. His pants were hastily unclasped and lugged down; removed with everything else to leave him fully bared to her. Alastair was an impressive specimen in all regards; his hard and chiseled body speaking volumes of the hard life he led even before his fall from humanity. His generous length practically throbbed to be within her; but ever patient, the ancient being took his time in all things.

He could certainly be the charming gentleman she’d known so far; what with the way his hands so gently caressed down one of her legs to remove her boots. But when he moved on to the next, she found just how suddenly he could change paces. As soon as her bare foot was free, her leg was quickly hooked over his shoulder. Alastair slid up close in the same fluid movement, leaving Isabella to find his hard member teasing at her entrance. His gaze locked with her wild green eyes, lit with the heat of the moment. “And now we become one my love,” he announced to her, and it seemed Alastair’s teasing was down as he penetrated her deeply in one effortless stride.
The man gave a primal groan of pleasure as he felt her tight insides squeeze around him; fulfilling a desire he’d had since the moment he first laid eyes on her. He kept his rigid shaft buried deep for a long moment, his eyes sweeping down her gorgeous body with pure approbation. One hand slid down her lifted leg, as his lips placed sweet kisses on her ankle. His wicked fangs grazed across her soft skin in the process, adding to all the sensations as Alastair worked his hips back, and thrust heavily into her again. Alastair watched the expressions of his beloved Isabella all the while; feeding into his urges until the pace of their joining became a flurry of pleasure. “I don’t know what you were worried about,” Alastair moaned, pausing to grind hungrily into her on one particularly deep thrust, “You’re every bit as good in bed as I thought you’d be.” He grinned down at his sultry queen, before taking hold of her second leg and hooking that one over his shoulder as well. What a wonderful picture, to see her bare body framed in such a way! Alastair was greedy in his love-making, plunging into her with even more leverage now that he had both of her legs in his firm hold.
His keen senses made everything all the more adventurous and intense. He could feel every rippling movement of his new bride; hear every pleasurable sound as though it was whispered directly to his ear. They were two beings of a powerful blood line; caught in the flow of the world’s energy around them. Alastair had not felt such thrill in a long time; and it showed in his excited actions. If his heart could still beat, it might very well have been racing as he continued to ravage his new bride beneath the open, night sky.

 

[Lady Bloody Ava]

Emerald eyes gleamed at the sight of her master and lover. The sensations coursing through her body were like a spell being woven by her body. Lips parted more as he teased the forefront of her sex. Pearlescent canines stood out as the fledgling carefully breathed in with each surge of arousal. "Mmm.... of course. " Of course she his willing canvas. Bella took a deep breath as his fingers explored deeper while her lips were seized in time for her to feed him a rather steamy moan. The kiss lasted for but a few seconds, but felt like years. What felt even longer was the very second her master ceased his ministrations. Those gorgeous warm eyes openly admire the male with a godly physique that stood before her. He was certainly a sight to behold. His length was impressive and held a girth that made her ache with desire. The time he took to remove the remainder of her attire was almost unbearable. She was so sensitive from the wait, just the teasing of his heated lance against her damp sligh had her lips parted for the very breath she required, panting, and meeting that gaze that lit her from within. The very air was ripped from her lungs as she was finally impaled upon his generous length. The feeling was so mind-numbingly divine that it made her heady for what was to come. The woman pierces her own tongue on the tip of one of her own canines and the warm sensation coupled with the kisses peppered upon her ivory skin sent shocks to every nerve. That second thrust had the lovely lady adding a sweet sound to the symphony of their own little-isolated world.
A crimson color stained her lips from her own blood and lips sat agape for what bit of air would come her way. The man was feeding her sensations that had her body writhing internally. Isabella groaned as the tension within the center of her being mounted. It felt like a coil being wound tighter and tighter. "You lead, I merely follow, my love...ah!" The pleasure ripped through her like a torrent. The coil had snapped and still, her greedy self wanted more of him. Breasts rose and fell with each passionate breath.

The woman was in a pleasure filled frenzy. The pleasure was intense that she was sure that her former human heart wouldn't be able to take the strain of it all. She was his for the molding. His guidance showed promise and revealed a rather promiscuous side to the former Noble woman that had her understanding why the girl she had verbally snapped at earlier was trying to get into his pants in into his arms. This a feeling that she would not tire of in her eternal life. Mewls, whimpers, soft gasps, and groans were ripped from her throat with each perfectly times thrust. "Yes... yes..." In a not so silent plea to be pushed further over the edge. Even the occasional slow drag of his hips had her nerves on edge. Such a simple act had the woman shockingly and brazenly calling her lover's name in the most alluring of melodies. Her stamina was slightly stronger than it once was, and she did not even notice. While there was a tug at it when she was flooded with pleasure, she felt the desire to go until she could go no more. Until she could no longer feel the ethereal sensations wracking her body with Alastair's God-like actions. "Alistair, my love, how can you give me so much yet I still crave so much more...." It was innocent bewilderment.

 

[Fates.Gamble]

It may have been difficult to guess at Alastair’s nature with how tender he seemed to be. However, that all quickly came to change in their throes of passion. A primal sort of instinct was lit within his eyes, especially upon seeing the crimson tint line her precious lips. He hungrily leaned in, seizing greedy kiss and relishing at the taste of her. His hips worked faster when it broke, driving into her with a new-found zest. Her wet sex hugged perfectly around his thick, veiny cock, and it was enough to make him growl in pure delight.
Growl turned to sultry moan when he felt Bella cumming all over his marble length. He buried himself nice and deep, loving the way her tight channel hugged his stiff dick. He rolled his hips nice and slow, riding out every little wave of pleasure that wracked her, only to end slapping in and out of her with an even more relentless stride. After her first orgasm, Alastair took her by the wrists, forcing them down and pinning them above her head while he continued to ravage her. The strength with which he held her down was beyond impressive; a power beyond mere mortals.
His plunged into her again and again, not taking long to find his own apex in their torrid affair. “Mmm…” he moaned out nice and heady, his hips slowing as his throbbing cock burst within her, painting her inside. He rolled in and out of her slick sex, enjoying every sensation as if savoring a fine delicacy. However, the tempo son built up and before she knew it, he was fucking her just as wildly as ever. He grinned as she questioned her own insatiable desire; for which there was a simple answer.
“That is what we are, my love,” he told her. Suddenly, his hands fled her wrists, bothing coming to wrap tightly around her throat. He slammed home into her again and again, wearing a dangerous fanged expression while he stared down at her. “We have a resiliency and stamina humans could never hope to achieve.” It would become evident to her the tighter he squeezed upon her soft throat. What would have once been life threatening to her mortal body was now a thrilling occurrence. There was no actual need for them to breathe, so he couldn’t actually choke her. Instead, there was only the thrill of how impossibly strong he was.

Alastair could have his way with her and there was never a fear of injury. They were unstoppable force meeting immovable object, and Alastair seemed eager to see just how far the fledgling’s stamina could truly take her on her first night of a new world. Faster than she could even comprehend it, the vampire was on her feet, supporting his bride as she found herself straddled to his hips in midair. Isabella was feather-light in his powerful arms, making it effortless to pull her close and impale himself deep within her sopping wet pussy once again. Alastair shivered with the enjoyment when they were connected, the sensation rippling along his enhanced nerves.
Effortlessly thrusting, Alastair continued to fuck her with strength so unreal it was like there was an invisible wall holding her in place. He came in to kiss on her neck, but she was only allowed one soft peck before he suddenly bit in with vicious intent. His soft tongue came to glide over the small puncture wounds he caused, making him groan with ecstasy at the taste of the crimson fluid that escaped. He pulled away soon after, moaning near her ear. “And you were worried you’d be a bad lover,” he said quietly, his voice a tantalizing vibration so close to her ear. “Let’s see what my queen is truly capable of, shall we?”
A moment later he set her down, coaxing her to her knees where he snagged a bunch of her hair and pulled her forward. He drove his generous length right between her sharp canines, shoving her head down until every last inch disappeared behind her plump lips. “Mmmm… there’s a good girl,” he commended her, keeping her there for far longer than a lesser being would have been able to withstand, before finally yanking on her hair to pull her back up. He looked into her eyes with a wild sort of admiration. “Absolutely lovely,” he said, “I don’t think I could have made a better choice.”
No sooner than he said the words did he plunge her down his shaft once again. After a moment however, he released her head, allowing his queen to test her new-found attributes to her fancy. “Show me the animal you have become,” he told her, for surely that’s what they were now. Two beings of pure nature, which were just as wild as the woods they fucked in.