Arrival

It didn't take too long of a drive to get to Piers' home. Vivienne's mouth hung open as the car approached through an iron gated entrance. It made her estate look like a shack in comparison. His home looked like nothing short of a castle. The car pulled to the front of the residence and the driver got out to open Vivienne's door. There was a valet service for other cars that were pulling up. By the looks of it there were already at least a hundred cars being parked in the distance.

She had been to a lot of parties but this seemed extravagant even for her. Her eyes lifted to take in the people walking up the stone stairs that lead to the double wooden front doors which were open. Everyone was breathtakingly beautiful. There wasn't a single person she had seen that wasn't looking as though they had stepped right off a runway or magazine cover. It was then that she thought if they were all vampires? She hadn't asked Piers what kind of a party this was or who would be attending but by the looks of it, she was the odd duck out. The beautiful creatures that were ascending the stone steps sent curious gazes her way and it didn't stop once she stepped inside.

The foyer was grand with masterful paintings adorning the cream colored walls. Lots of gold and maroon details and décor complimented the marble floors. Vivienne was looking around in wonder when two very handsome men caught her gaze. Both were tall, brown hair, and looked every ounce of perfection as did everyone else. They both wore tuxedos, hands stuffed in their pockets. "Excuse me, miss..." The sultry voice came from the taller of the two. Vivienne smiled awkwardly. "Oh... hello." He smiled at her, "Are you looking for someone?" His eyes on her made her even more uncomfortable. "She's being accompanied by Piers this evening." Vivienne whipped her head around to see who had spoken for her.

A beautiful woman with long, curled blonde hair had approached from behind her. She was wearing a long, black gown with a deep v in the front of it. Diamonds and emeralds splayed across her neck and wrists, carrying a delicate flute of champagne. The two men visibly stiffened and bowed towards the blonde before returning their attention to Vivienne. "Oh! Please accept our apologies.." They bowed their heads once more and scattered so fast it made Vivienne curious if it was Piers or this woman that they were so fearful of. "Thank you." Vivienne said softly with a smile.

"Don't mention it." She smiled and gestured towards the retreating men with her champagne. "They're harmless, I promise. I'm Seraphina." She put out her hand for Vivienne and she shook it gently. "Vivienne." "Oh I know. I've heard much about you!" A small blush formed on Vivienne's cheeks. "Anyone to keep his attention must be very special. I don't think I've ever heard of him even bringing a date to one of these parties." Internally Vivienne was shocked. "Oh I..." This made her all the more nervous. As more entered and walked past the pair, they sent more curious glances her way. The silent attention was making her uncomfortable. Vivienne went to speak, unsure of what to say and she felt instantly a new wave of calm wash over her. "It's fine, Vivienne. They're curious. There aren't many humans here to begin with and anyone that isn't already accompanying a vampire is sure to be watched like a hawk." Seraphina's words were soothing but even so, she knew she should feel anxious at what she was saying but she was impossibly calm and serene. The confusion must've resonated on her features because Seraphina gave a small laugh.

"Oh I'm sorry. I should've warned you. I just wanted to make you more at ease. Sometimes I forget I'm even doing it." "That was you?" Vivienne asked in wonder and amazement. "I didn't know vampires could do that or anything like that." "Not all of us. Some of us higher ranking vampires have been fortunate to have special gifts." She wondered momentarily if Piers had a gift or what it was. "That's... amazing. Thank you." Vivienne nodded at her. "We should get you to Piers before anyone else looks at you as if you've got two heads... or tries to make you their dinner." Vivienne knew it was meant to be a joke but part of her realized the truth in what she was saying.

Seraphina gestured for her to follow and began to lead her through the foyer which lead into a large room in the back. The back of the room was nothing but ceiling to floor sliding glass doors which had all been pushed aside to allow for people to move in and out. In the back there was a glistening, large pool and acres of plush green grass. String lights and dozens of tables lit with candles were scattered across with hundreds of people in gowns and tuxedos mingling while a live band played classical music. It looked like a large dance floor had also been installed for the evening, lights surrounding it. There was a stone stair case that lead down to the grassy area which Seraphina brought her to.

Vivienne didn't have to look around too much to feel all of the eyes on her. Many had ceased their conversations and instead opted for low whispers as they watched her make her way through the crowd. If it wasn't for Seraphina doing whatever it was to her emotions, she would've been a nervous wreck. It was then that she felt it. It was like a magnetic pull and she could recognize a familiar scent. The smell of spices, smoky vanilla. Vivienne began to descend the stone steps, lifting the side of her dress as she did so with her other hand on the railing. It seemed like everyone had grown quiet, only the soft lull of the music filling her ears. She lifted her eyes and found him. Piers was in the back, standing at one of the tables with two other men but his eyes were entirely focused on her.

She felt her heart stop for a moment when their eyes met. He was impossibly beautiful. His silver hair was loose and falling to his shoulders, one side pushed behind his ear. He was wearing a tuxedo with a black bowtie, one hand casually in his pants pocket. He was a dream. Her heart was fluttering and she felt like at any moment if someone were to simply push her she would fall over. Piers moved slowly and fluidly from the table, striding towards her. With every step she felt her heart beat even faster and louder in her chest. By the time she reached the bottom few steps, Piers was in front of her. He put out his large, strong hand to her and she placed hers in it.