"Well, I only get one mother-in-law, so she must be treated as I would my own mother, no?" Elijah stated, his voice smooth and self-assured, causing Astrid to blush and Selena to flush at his boldness. He'd already referred to her as his mother-in-law.
Astrid coughed lightly to recover. "I see how you've charmed my daughter."
Elijah smirked. "I'm still trying. Hopefully, I don't fail. Having her hate me for an eternity would be… troublesome." His lighthearted tone made Astrid laugh, and even Selena couldn't help the small twitch of a smile.
Cassandra, observing the growing warmth, decided to interject. "Well, we should be going soon. There are matters to discuss."
Astrid's expression dimmed, and she turned to embrace Selena tightly. "Take care of yourself, my dear."
Realization began to dawn on Selena as her mother's words sank in. Astrid would be left here—alone, with no income. No matter how detestable her father had been, he had been the breadwinner. She pulled back, looking at her mother with concern. "Will you be okay?"
Astrid offered a small, sad smile. "I'll be fine, sweetheart. Just worry about yourself."
Before Selena could protest further, Elijah cleared his throat, gaining their attention. "Well, it's not like she can't come with us."
The three women stared at him, dumbfounded. Selene gave him a look as though he'd lost his mind.
He shrugged and elaborated, "Having an eternal maid wouldn't be too bad, and your mother seems like a lovely person." His gaze turned to Selene. "You can't expect to do all the household chores, and that house of ours is far too big for just the two of us. A little liveliness wouldn't hurt."
Selene sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "I suppose I'll allow it… but she'll need to undergo proper maid training. And she'll have to learn to cook to our tastes."
Astrid blinked in shock, and Selena's expression softened as she realized what this meant. "Wait… does that mean you're planning to turn my mother into a vampire?" Her voice carried a mix of disbelief and excitement.
Elijah nodded casually. "Of course. It's neither difficult nor impossible. Besides, she'd have her own income and be treated well as a member of the household."
Astrid, overwhelmed, dropped to her knees. "Thank you—"
Before she could finish, Elijah swiftly picked her up, placing her firmly back on her feet. "I told you, there's no need for any of that. If anything, I should be thanking you. I cause quite a few messes, and I eat a lot. I imagine you'll be dealing with a great deal of trouble."
Selene shot him a sharp glare. "Oh, so you are aware of the chaos you cause?"
Elijah coughed awkwardly and looked away, avoiding her gaze. Astrid, meanwhile, smiled warmly. "Then I'll become the best maid I can be."
Both Elijah and Selene nodded in approval, and for the first time in a long while, Astrid felt hopeful about the future.
They arrived back at the mansion where Selene and Elijah currently lived. Selena and her mother were stunned as Elijah and Cassandra gently set them down. Elijah had carried Selena, who still hadn't learned to control her vampiric powers, while Cassandra handled Astrid, who had yet to be turned.
"I knew the Velmont family was wealthy, but this…" Selena trailed off, unable to find the words.
Elijah finished for her, "…is much smaller than the main family mansion."
Both women gawked at his casual response as they stepped inside. However, Selena's attempt to follow was abruptly halted as she collided with an invisible barrier. It was as if she'd walked into a solid wall.
Rubbing her forehead, she frowned in confusion. "I thought that was a joke."
Elijah sighed, realizing his mistake. "Why would it be?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.
Selena stammered, unable to explain, and muttered, "Never mind."
Cassandra, already seated inside, gave Selene a knowing glance. "Still want to discuss something, sister?"
Cassandra sighed, gesturing for everyone to sit. "Let's settle in first. Besides, our dear brother is already in trouble."
Elijah frowned at her words. "Let me show them to their rooms first. They should get settled in before anything else," he replied. Turning to Selena and Astrid, he added, "Your training begins tomorrow—maid training for you," he nodded toward Astrid with a small smile.
He led them to their new rooms, explaining that they could redecorate and retrieve their belongings from their old home. Once they were situated, Elijah returned to the dining room, where Cassandra and Selene waited. Pouring himself a glass of chilled wine, he leaned back in his chair and looked at Cassandra.
"Well, sister, what have I done now?"
Cassandra wasted no time. "Father knows about her already."
The glass shattered in Elijah's hand, crimson liquid soaking his clothes. His expression darkened into something murderous. "How could he possibly know already?"
"Layla told him," Cassandra explained. "She mentioned your eyes. When you and Lloyd dealt with her boyfriend, she said your eyes turned purple—like they did when you threatened me in class."
Elijah was taken aback. "Purple? My eyes were purple? They turn red when I use vampiric powers, but purple?"
Selene chimed in, "They turned purple when you threatened me too. I've been meaning to ask about it, but I assumed it had something to do with that girl."
Cassandra nodded. "That was my initial guess, but I'm not entirely sure."
Elijah waved her off, focusing on the bigger problem. "What did Father say? If he plans—"
Cassandra cut him off. "I warned him, but I don't know his exact plans. What I do know is that he wants you to come home and take your rightful place. And he might try to kill her just to push you into killing him."
Elijah's jaw clenched as he cleaned up the broken glass and poured himself another drink. His voice was cold, a dangerous edge to it. "If he so much as touches a hair on her head, he won't have to worry about succession. I'll make sure of that."
Cassandra frowned, uneasy at the implication. Selene, sensing the tension ease slightly, took the opportunity to change the subject. "Now that this is over, I suppose your punishment and training can begin."
Elijah froze mid-sip. "Punishment?" he echoed weakly.
Cassandra smirked. "Oh, yes. You've been quite bold lately, ignoring lesson one. Remember when you were a child?"
Elijah glanced between his sisters, panic rising. "I apologize! Please, anything but your punishment."
Selene tilted her head, curious. "What exactly do you do to him when you punish him?"
Cassandra's smile turned devilish. "You'll see. Finish your wine—you'll need it."
Elijah stared at his glass as though it were a poison chalice. He considered bolting but quickly dismissed the idea. Running would only make things worse.
Moments later, Elijah found himself standing naked in the basement, sighing in defeat. Cassandra raised an eyebrow. "Why are you naked? Though, I must say, your physique has developed nicely."
Elijah shot a despairing look at Selene, silently blaming her.
Selene shrugged. "It's easier this way. Clothes can't regenerate, but he can. Besides, I'm the reason he grew so strong." She puffed out her chest proudly.
Cassandra chuckled. "Fair enough." Without hesitation, she walked forward and plunged a blade into Elijah's heart. Blood spurted from his mouth as he grunted in pain, but this time, he felt something far worse—his blood began to boil. He gasped and doubled over, clutching his chest.
Cassandra extended a hand, and Elijah remembered why her punishments were the worst. As one of the most powerful witches in the family, she could melt brains and bones with a mere gesture. Only their mother and their eldest sister, Bella, rivaled her in magical prowess.
Elijah convulsed as Cassandra smiled with dark satisfaction. "I've been waiting for this. Do you know how long I've wanted to punish you for sleeping in my class and ignoring my lessons?"
Even Selene winced. "You're too strong for your own good, sister."
Cassandra's grin widened. "Oh, I'm just getting started."
The next morning, Elijah stumbled out of the basement with bags under his eyes—a feat that should have been impossible for a vampire. After a long shower, he collapsed onto his bed, muttering to himself.
"Life isn't fair. Two crazy sisters, endless promises to keep, and there's no way out. Can't even divorce them—they're too insane for that."
He buried his face in a pillow, wishing for the sweet relief of sleep to wash away the nightmare that was his life.
Cassandra arrived at the Velmont mansion just in time for breakfast. The family was already seated, and as soon as she entered, her father, Lucien, raised an eyebrow.
"You're usually early. Where were you at this hour?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.
Cassandra smiled knowingly. "Hmm, I was busy. But I have news from Elijah."
The room fell silent at her words. Everyone knew Elijah's situation, and the mere mention of him always stirred the family. Lucien leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with interest. "Go on. Is he coming home?"
Cassandra sighed. "No. But he did say one thing that might interest you. He said he never plans on becoming the heir, and promised, and I quote, 'That if you so much as touch a hair on her head, he'll make sure you won't have to worry about the succession.' Now, I don't know what he means by that, but he's dead serious."
The table went still, and everyone stopped eating. Lloyd's eyes flashed with anger, but his voice was strangely calm. "Father, Elijah will realize on his own when he wants to become the heir. Maybe it's time you realize that it's never going to happen."
There was a stunned silence as the family processed Lloyd's words. Was this really the same Lloyd who had always been dead-set on being Elijah's right hand? Lucien frowned, not quite understanding. "If Elijah doesn't become the heir, who will? You don't want to become the heir, either, so that only leaves one choice."
Cassandra's voice was firm as she countered, "Father, you're a vampire. You can live forever. What's the point of making him become the heir? Besides, you have daughters. Though I'm not interested in it either."
Lucien, undeterred, explained with conviction, "Elijah is the only one trained from birth to take my place. As my firstborn son, it's his duty."
Cassandra's frown deepened. "Then get rid of the rule that he has to kill you to take your place. What does anyone gain from that?"
Lloyd, still uncomfortable with the shift in conversation, looked between his father and sister, unsure of where his loyalties should lie. But then, as if to settle the matter, his mother spoke up. Her voice was gentle, yet firm. "Lucien, dear, maybe it's time to let our son have freedom from his once-promised duties. He has forever to think about it. Forcing him into anything will only make you both regret it."
Lucien grumbled under his breath. His mind swirled with frustration as he gazed into his glass of wine. The plans he'd so carefully crafted for Elijah's future—his succession, his role as heir—now felt fragile and fleeting. The idea of Elijah choosing freedom over obligation was something Lucien couldn't easily let go of.
Before he could dwell on it any longer, the sound of the door opening caught everyone's attention. Two figures walked in—one of them a man strikingly similar to Lucien, with black hair that flowed messily down his back, stopping at the bottom of his neck, and crimson eyes that gleamed with mischief. Lucien's father, the patriarch of the family, had returned. His gaze softened for a moment as he took in the sight of his grandchildren, all grown up now. A smile tugged at his lips as he realized how much they had changed.
Layla, Lucien's daughter, jumped to her feet. "Grandpa, you're back! Did you get me anything?"
"Of course," the man boomed, his voice rich and full. He pulled out souvenirs for all his grandchildren, who eagerly gathered around him. Their grandmother, a stunning woman who appeared to be in her mid-20s, joined in the warm welcome. She embraced her grandchildren with a smile before her gaze shifted to Lucien.
"Where is Elijah and Selene?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
Lucien looked away, suddenly uncomfortable, the weight of his actions pressing down on him. His mother's eyes narrowed as she noticed his unease.
"Lucien," she said coldly, her voice like ice, "What did you do?"
Before Lucien could respond, his mother was before him in an instant, her hand gripping his jaw with almost enough force to break it. Her glare could melt stone.
Layla leaned in close to her grandfather, whispering in his ear despite everyone having superhuman hearing. "Father kicked Elijah out and stripped him of the family name because he refused to kill him and become the heir. Selene went with him too." She quickly caught him up on the situation, the gravity of it all evident in her voice.
Their grandmother, Amara, looked at Lucien with piercing eyes before lifting him effortlessly off the ground and breaking his jaw in her hold. "Are you mad?" she hissed. "Why would he kill you? And you kicked him out simply because he wouldn't become the heir?" With a swift motion, she tossed him to the floor, the impact causing the ground beneath them to crack.
The grandchildren watched in awe, a few of them wide-eyed. Amara was the kindest soul on earth, but her years of experience and raw power were not to be underestimated. If you crossed her family, her wrath was swift and unyielding.
Mireille, standing by and watching with a smile, chuckled. "Oh my, I told him this would happen."
But granny Amara wasn't finished. She raised her hand, and Lucien's body began convulsing, his bones snapping in sickening spasms. He grunted in agony, but he could not scream—his pride and dignity as the head of the house wouldn't allow it. Cassandra, watching, couldn't help but express her awe.
"Grandmother, can you teach me to do that?" she asked, a smirk forming on her lips. "I know someone who deserves that kind of lesson quite often."
Elara's face softened into a smile, no longer the terrifying figure who had just crushed Lucien's body in her fury. "Of course, dear."
Mireille also joined in, her voice light but with a clear intent. "Could you teach me too, Amara? There's someone who could use something like that from time to time when they act up," she said, her eyes flicking toward Lucien, who was still recovering from the pain.
Amara nodded, having a deep affection for her daughter-in-law. She had only one son, and he was foolish beyond measure. Mireille had, more than once, stepped in to set him straight.
Lucien finally regained his composure, wincing with every movement. His father looked at him with a scowl. "Son, how stupid can you be? You wanted him to kill you? Are you suicidal or something?"
Lucien, still shaken, made sure to stay as far away from his mother as possible, casting terrified glances at her. "No, but if it would make him more serious, then it's a worthy sacrifice."
Amara stepped forward, her expression darkening as she considered what Lucien had just said. She was about to punish him further, but Dorian placed a hand on her arm, stopping her. "Let me go, Dorian," she snapped. "It seems we didn't raise him right."
Dorian, always the voice of reason, gently pulled her back. "Honey, Layla and Lloyd are still kids. They don't need to witness you rip their father limb from limb. They probably haven't even had their first kill yet."
Layla frowned, remembering the events of the previous day. She hadn't killed anyone yet, but her brothers, Elijah and Lloyd, had taken care of plenty of bodies. Her boyfriends, to be exact. "Grandma," she said, her tone almost pleading. "Can you teach Lloyd and Elijah a lesson like you did with Father?"
Lloyd, who had been standing next to her, immediately paled and backed away, a nervous laugh escaping him.
Amara, looking at her granddaughter with a confused expression, raised an eyebrow. "What did they do to you? Don't they still shower you with adoration like when you were younger?"
Layla huffed, crossing her arms. "They keep killing my boyfriends or scaring them off."
Dorian, from the corner of the room, looked at Lloyd with a grin, offering a subtle thumbs-up that Layla and Amara couldn't see.
Amara smiled knowingly, her eyes soft as she spoke. "Your brothers are just protecting you. Men can be quite stupid at times."
Lloyd, always glad for his grandmother's understanding, grinned. "We told her that."
Layla crossed her arms, frowning. "You don't even know them well enough! You two just kill them for no reason."
Lloyd smiled, brushing off her accusation with an air of nonchalance. "Of course, we interrogate them first."
Layla's eyes narrowed as she glared at him. "And what did he say yesterday?" she asked, a mix of anger and curiosity in her voice.
Lloyd half-heartedly smiled, clearly uncomfortable. He wasn't sure how to answer, so he passed the responsibility onto Elijah. "Ask Elijah when he comes home," he said, quickly turning to his grandparents. "You will bring him back, right?"
Dorian, smiling warmly, nodded. "Of course, I will. He's my grandson, after all. And I want to see my other granddaughter as well."
Lucien, who had been silent for a while, chose this moment to speak up. "When are you two leaving again?"
Amara expression darkened slightly. "Why? So you can do something dumb again?" she asked pointedly. "No, we're staying this time. Besides, we've been gone for nine years. With our speed, we've visited the whole world."
The grandchildren, hearing this, were shocked. The fact that their grandparents would stay was unexpected, and it sent another wave of excitement through them. A round of hugs followed, even from the usually tired Bella, who smiled happily at the news.