The ceiling above her wasn't familiar—stone walls, dim candles, and heavy curtains where a window should have been. She sat up too quickly and groaned, clutching her neck. The memory of the alley came rushing back: the shadows, the fangs, the pain.
Her heart pounded. Where am I?
"Finally!" a cheerful voice rang out.
Ayesha turned sharply. A little girl with long white hair and pale skin stood in the corner, smiling wide. Her bright red eyes sparkled with mischief.
"You were sleeping forever," the girl giggled. "I thought you were dead. Well, more dead."
Ayesha's jaw dropped. "What—what do you mean more dead?!"
The girl only laughed. "You're funny. I'm Lily. Come on, dinner's ready."
Before Ayesha could argue, Lily grabbed her hand and dragged her through a cold hallway until they entered a large living room. A long dining table stretched across the room, set with glowing candles and food that smelled too good to be trusted.
Three people were already waiting: an old woman at the head, a girl about Ayesha's age sitting lazily with her chin in her hand, and across from her—him. The vampire.
"Ah, our guest is finally awake," the old woman said with a sly grin.
Lily pulled Ayesha to a chair. She sat stiffly, clutching the edge of the table, her eyes darting nervously between them.
"Don't be so tense," the old woman teased. "We're not going to eat you."
"Not until after dinner, anyway," the older girl added with a smirk.
Ayesha nearly choked. "W-What?!"
Lily giggled. "Don't listen to them, they're just messing with you. Well… most of the time."
The vampire said nothing. He only watched her, his gaze sharp and unreadable.
The dinner went on with sarcastic remarks, little laughs, and Ayesha's awkward silence. Every bite felt heavy, her stomach twisted in knots.
Then the old woman finally set down her glass. The room grew quiet.
"Well," she said smoothly, her eyes on Ayesha. "I think it's time we tell her why she's here."
Ayesha froze, her hands shaking. "W-why am I here?"
The teenage girl grinned. "Don't worry, it's not that bad. Well… depending on how you see it."
The old woman leaned forward. "That bite you received wasn't just for blood. It was a mark."
"A mark?" Ayesha whispered, her voice trembling.
The vampire's eyes never left hers. His lips curved into the faintest smirk as he finally spoke.
"A mark…" he repeated softly, "…to be my wife."