Days slipped by like sand through fingers, and before they knew it, the final year of university had arrived.
To mark the beginning of the end, a grand party was announced—mandatory for all students. It was the event of the semester.
Vienna went dress-hunting with her human friends—Corrine, the spoiled heiress of a billionaire shipping magnate, and Alona, a playful flirt from the British monarchy. The trio strolled through boutiques, trying on gowns that shimmered like stardust. After finding the perfect dresses, they headed to a posh bar to unwind.
It was Vienna's first time tasting alcohol.
She sipped cautiously, the burn unfamiliar on her tongue as laughter spilled around their table.
But then—Alona paused mid-giggle, eyes fixed on someone across the room.
"Guess who I just saw," she whispered mischievously.
"Who?" Corrine leaned in.
Alona grinned. "The devilishly handsome Valus. He's with my cousin, Brad."
Vienna froze.
Her fingers tightened around her glass as her eyes involuntarily searched the crowd. And then—there he was.
Valus.
He was lounging with his friends at the adjacent table, eyes locked on her like he'd been watching all along.
Their gazes collided.
And she looked away—fast—her heart racing like a trapped bird inside her chest.
Alona waved cheerfully at Brad. He sauntered over, charming as ever. "Ladies. Mind if we join you?"
"Sure! Our table's bigger anyway. Call your friends over," Alona said, tossing her curls.
Moments later, four men joined them.
Vienna smiled politely during introductions—Brad, Carter, Arron... and Valus.
He sat beside her.
Of course he did.
Why did he always feel so close? Why did his presence feel like fire licking at her skin?
"You didn't tell me you knew Vienna," Brad said to Arron and Valus.
"We're neighbors," Arron replied casually. "And classmates."
"Perfect!" Brad grinned. "Cheers to fate!"
Glasses clinked.
The night spun on in a blur of laughter and drinks. Carter eventually left to meet his girlfriend, leaving just the six of them.
Valus barely touched his drink, ever the composed one. Corrine was practically draped over him, giggling at his every word. Brad was more direct, whispering into Vienna's ear, his interest clear.
But Valus... his eyes flicked to her every so often. Watching. Always watching.
When it was time to leave, Brad offered to take Vienna home, but Valus intervened.
"She lives in the same building," he said smoothly. "I'll take her."
Brad relented.
They dropped off Alona first, and Arron trailed after her with a smug smirk. "Don't wait up," he called.
Valus just shook his head, then started the car toward home.
By the time they pulled into the apartment parking lot, Vienna was fast asleep.
"Vienna." He leaned over, patting her cheek gently. "Wake up. We're here."
"Mmm... later," she murmured, turning her face toward him. "Sleep... so comfy..."
He sighed, rifling through her purse. Apartment 202.
Helping her to her door, he steadied her swaying body. She fumbled with the key, so he took it, opened the door, and guided her in.
He turned to leave.
But then—
Her hands grabbed his collar.
And suddenly, she kissed him.
Soft. Sweet. Drunk.
It stunned him.
For a split second, he didn't move. But when he did—
He kissed her back.
Hard.
Like something primal inside him had snapped loose.
The next moments were a blur of heat and limbs and moans swallowed by the night. She clung to him, gave herself to him completely.
When dawn broke, crimson stained the sheets.
Her innocence, gone.
And Valus?
He was already gone—back to his apartment before the sun rose fully.
---
Vienna walked into class like a zombie, sunglasses hiding her swollen eyes, her lips dry, her head pounding.
Alona and Corrine were nowhere to be seen.
She slumped into a seat at the back and buried her head in her arms. Her stomach churned. Her thoughts were worse.
What have I done...?
"Don't drink if you can't handle the consequences."
Her heart stopped.
She lifted her head—and found Valus towering over her, eyes unreadable.
He handed her a water bottle and a small white tablet. "For the headache."
Her hands trembled as she took it. "Thanks," she mumbled, eyes downcast.
His voice dropped, teasing—dangerous. "Next time, drink with someone who can take care of you properly. Like me."
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead before walking away with a smug smile.
Vienna flushed. Her mind reeled with flashes of last night—the kisses, the heat, the pleasure, the blood.
"My mother would kill me," she whispered under her breath. "I gave my first time to a vampire!"
Her cheeks burned hotter.
From that day forward, Vienna avoided him like the plague.
She took alternate exits, adjusted her schedule, and made sure she was never alone near him.
---
The event night arrived.
Vienna stunned the crowd when she entered the university hall, wearing a silver high-slit gown that shimmered like moonlight. Her skin glowed, her lips painted a soft blush, and her long hair curled like waves of ink down her back.
She was breathtaking.
Even Valus, standing by the drink table in his fitted suit, stilled when he saw her.
But Vienna had arrived with Jacob, a tall, sweet student with innocent eyes and a heart full of admiration for her. They looked like the perfect pair.
The night swirled with music and chatter, but Vienna barely touched her food.
The smell made her sick.
Is it the wine? Or...
Her stomach twisted again.
She excused herself quickly. "My hyperacidity's acting up," she told Jacob with a faint smile.
She barely made it to the restroom before vomiting.
After rinsing and sitting quietly on the toilet lid, she finally steadied her breathing.
She opened the door—and gasped.
Valus was standing right outside.
Worried.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, startled.
"I followed you," he said simply. "You looked pale."
"I'm fine. Just... hyperacidity," she replied, forcing a small smile.
She brushed past him quickly, ignoring the way his eyes lingered on her face.
She didn't see the way his smile faded as he watched her walk away.
She didn't hear the words he murmured under his breath.
"She's not just sick... something's wrong."