When daylight fades and the moon’s gentle glow spills over the city, a hidden world stirs to life. In the shadows, rulers long unseen begin to awaken, ready to engage in an ageless pursuit the relentless hunt for the vitality of the living. Among them stands a mysterious woman, her grace and elegance untouched by time. For three centuries, she has followed the same ritual, preparing herself with meticulous care. To her, this is much more than a mere hunt; it is a timeless dance—a delicate balance between the hunter and the hunted, a game she has played with unyielding poise through the ages.
Had Evangeline possessed any foresight, she might have anticipated that a single moment would irrevocably alter the trajectory of her eternal existence and that pivotal event hinged upon the sorrowful cries of a human child. A small voice desperately pleaded for assistance, yet the response came coldly from a shadowed figure: no one was there to aid her. Over the course of three centuries, Evangeline had borne witness to innumerable acts of cruelty and darkness, but something ineffable in the child’s voice stirred a deep and unexplainable urge within her. As the cloaked assailant raised his hand to harm the innocent girl, Evangeline silently materialized behind him, her grasp locking firmly around his neck. In an instant, the balance of power shifted dramatically; the hunter became the hunted, and the predator found herself transformed into the relentless pursuer.
The man confronted Evangeline with bewilderment, questioning her identity and accusing her of ignorance about her own actions. Without hesitation, she calmly asserted that she would act as she saw fit. Before he could utter another word, Evangeline swiftly seized him, sinking a lethal bite into the vulnerable skin of his neck. Nearby, a young girl stood paralyzed by fear, uncertain of how to respond to the unfolding violence. Turning her attention to the trembling child, Evangeline gently inquired about her name and the reason the man had sought to harm her. In a barely audible voice, the girl revealed that her name was Tammy and confessed her confusion regarding the motives of the hooded figure who intended to do her harm.
Tammy Evangeline inquired gently about the child's place of residence, asking where she called home. The girl’s response was somber: she no longer had a home, having been expelled by her foster parents two weeks prior. Since that painful eviction, she had been searching desperately for a new place to belong. This scenario stirred a distant echo within Evangeline, reminding her of the life she had left behind many years ago. When she reached the age of sixteen, her vampiric traits began to manifest, a transformation that left an indelible mark on her past. The memory of her mother’s horrified expression upon first noticing Evangeline’s fangs remained vivid and haunting even now.
These memories weigh heavily on Evangeline as the child’s piercingHaunted by these lingering memories, Evangeline feels the intensity of the child’s unblinking gaze throughout the quiet night. She turns away, unable to endure the sharpness of that stare, while her mind races through fragments of past and present, caught between doubt and determination. As the silence stretches, the weight of her decision grows heavier, until at last before she can second-guess herself or soften her tone a resolute statement breaks free: the child will come with her. Without pause or room for argument, her voice carries an undeniable authority that fills the stillness, sealing a pact that neither can ignore. stare lingers through the night. Unable to meet the gaze, she shifts away, a tumult of thoughts swirling in her mind. Yet before her resolve can be fully formed or her words carefully chosen, a firm declaration escapes her lips: the child is to accompany her, without hesitation or delay.
By the time the evening had fully settled in, it was evident to Evangeline that the child had endured far more than could reasonably be expected for one night. The physical and emotional strain showed clearly, leading her to decide against the idea of shadow walking with the child, an endeavor that would likely only exacerbate their fatigue. Prioritizing the child’s well-being, Evangeline summoned her loyal butler, Henry, instructing him to come and escort both herself and the young one back. She trusted that the ride Henry would provide would offer a necessary respite, a quiet interlude away from the immediate pressures of the night. This journey, she resolved, would serve as a valuable period for contemplation an opportunity to reflect deeply upon the events that had transpired and to carefully deliberate on the course of action to take moving forward.
Tammy’s eyes fluttered open to the soft glow of an opulent room she didn’t recognize. From somewhere in the kitchen, a warm yet commanding voice floated over a telecom. “My lady, how are you feeling?” Henry inquired with genuine concern. Tammy’s gaze darted around, eager to pinpoint the source of this deep but kindly tone. After a moment, Henry asked about her lunch preferences. “Could I possibly have a grilled cheese sandwich, sir?” Tammy responded politely. “Consider it done,” Henry answered promptly. “If you peek inside the closet, I’ve picked out a few outfits that should fit you perfectly, young lady. And when you’re ready, there’s a shower just down the hall to the right. Once you freshen up, your sandwich will be waiting.
After stepping out of a much-needed shower, Tammy feels refreshed and grateful as she receives a fresh set of clothes. The man kindly offers, “You can call me Henry,” to which Tammy responds politely, “Alright, Mr. Henry.” Soon enough, a hearty sandwich arrives, accompanied by a side of his renowned tomato soup. Before long, Tammy finishes her meal, feeling both nourished and curious. “Mr. Henry, could you tell me why I’m here and what happened last night?” she asks. He replies calmly that the lady of the house will provide those answers once she wakes later this evening.”
For the time being, you’ll have the chance to speak with one of Lady Evangeline’s trusted associates. There’s really no need to feel anxious about this meeting — Ashley sole purpose is to make sure you’re comfortable and doing alright. After confirming with a polite “Yes, sir,” Henry takes the lead. With a warm and reassuring smile, he guides her toward the social area. It’s a calm and inviting space where she’s already waiting patiently, ready to engage in a relaxed conversation. The atmosphere is meant to be informal, a place where you can feel at ease as you talk. Ashley ’s presence is there to support you, not to judge, making this introduction a simple and friendly gesture until everything else is arranged.
Ashley Warren reached out with a warm and calm tone as she introduced herself to Tammy, explaining that she worked closely with Evangeline. It was clear from the outset that her visit wasn’t just routine; Evangeline had asked her to check in and ensure Tammy was doing alright. Ashley paused for a moment, then gently asked if this was a convenient time to have a conversation. Tammy nodded in agreement, signaling her openness to talk. With a thoughtful expression, Ashley acknowledged the recent difficulties Tammy had endured, especially highlighting the unsettling events from the night before. Tammy responded with a subtle shake of her head, a quiet admission of the weight those experiences carried. Sensing the lingering confusion, Ashley carefully asked whether Tammy was certain that what had happened was real, or if she felt like her mind might be playing tricks on her.
Tammy’s voice came steady as she confirmed that the events were indeed real. Relieved to hear this clarity, Ashley moved to reassure her, emphasizing that although the situation had been frightening, Tammy was now in a secure and protected environment. To lighten the mood and ease Tammy’s tension, Ashley added with a gentle smile that Evangeline wasn’t going to harm her — definitely not going to eat her. This small bit of humor seemed to offer a momentary reprieve from the heaviness, reminding Tammy she wasn’t alone and was surrounded by people who cared deeply about her wellbeing.
Under the soft silver light of the moon that spilled over the sleeping city, Evangeline slowly roused from her restless sleep. Henry hovered nearby, his presence steady and reassuring as he quietly filled her in on how the previous events had unfolded. She listened intently, her mind piecing together each detail with gratitude swelling inside her for his unwavering support in caring for the child. With a gentle smile, she thanked him, her thoughts already shifting toward the preparations for tonight’s hunt a dangerous undertaking that required her full focus and strength. Before she slipped back into the shadows, a promise formed in her mind to speak with the girl as soon as she returned, hoping to unravel the lingering questions that troubled her. Once the city’s quiet streets embraced her like an old companion, Evangeline melted into the darkness, her movements smooth and deliberate. Yet, despite the familiar setting and her practiced ease, a strange disquiet gnawed at her. The piercing sound of Tammy’s cry had awakened something within her—a surge of emotions she couldn’t easily dismiss or understand. This unfamiliar mix of concern, confusion, and something deeper unsettled her more than any physical threat ever had. What could these feelings mean? Why had a simple cry struck such a profound chord inside her? The questions lingered, weaving themselves into the night as she prowled through the shadows, searching not only for her prey but for answers buried deep within her own thoughts.
Evangeline’s meal was abruptly halted as a shadowy figure emerged. The visitor calmly addressed her, letting her know her that she had interfered in mage affairs the previous night. Surprised, Evangeline inquired if the intruder had been one of his followers. Marqus quickly clarified that it was not his follower, but rather someone aligned with one of his counterparts. The tension escalated as he demanded the child be handed over, warning that failure to comply could endanger the fragile truce between vampires and mages. He gave her three nights to decide before taking matters into his own hands. Marqus then issued a stern warning: the child remains under his protection, and she should choose her next words carefully if she wishes to see the next moon rise