a silent escape

After a long sleepless night, it finally dawned.

The morning air was crisp as Larissa stepped outside, her small bag slung over herbl shoulder. She clutched the folded recommendation letter tightly, her fingers brushing over the rough parchment. Today, she was leaving behind the only life she had ever known -One filled with cruelty, hunger, and endless servitude _A step into something unknown. Whether that unknown was better or worse, she had no idea.

After finishing her morning chores, she had avoided lingering in the house. Aunt Miriam's sharp eyes had followed her every move, but Larissa had ignored her scrutiny. If she showed even a hint of hesitation, her aunt might have suspected something. Instead, she simply took the address lady Minerva had given her, a bag that carried the small items that she possessed and left when no one saw her.

The local carriage station was busy with merchants and travelers. She approached a coachman, a burly man with grizzled beard, and showed him the address. His bushy brows lifted slightly and he let out a low whistle.

"That's Hamilton's estate, miss. You got business there?" He asked eyeing her simple clothing.

"Yes." She replied, keeping her voice steady.

He didn't question her further, simply took her fare and gestured her to climb in. The wooden bench was uncomfortable, but Larissa didn't care. She stared out at the passing landscape, watching as the familiar streets of her village faded behind her.

The journey took hours, the road becoming smoother the farther they traveled. The countryside gave way to paved streets lined with iron wrought lampposts and elegant buildings. She had never seen so much wealth in one place. The houses were enormous, with manicures gardens and tall, imposing gates. The further they went, the more extravagant they became.

Finally, the carriage slowed, stopping in front of a massive estate and Larissa stepped out, her breath catching in her throat.

The Hamilton mansion was unlike anything she had ever seen. It was vast, almost like a palace, with towering spires and grand windows that gleamed in the mid morning sun. The gates were adorned with intricate golden patterns, and the estate itself was surrounded by perfectly trimmed hedges and marble statues.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping foward. Just as she reached out for the bell, the gate swang open on its own. A woman in a neatly dressed uniform appeared. -A maid, judging by the attire.

"You must be Ms Campbell." Came the maids words and when Larissa gave a nod, the woman led her to one of the rooms.

The grand doors opened as they approached, revealing an opulent interior. Mable floors gleamed under an enormous chandelier, and portraits of family members lined the walls. Servants bustled around, their movements swift and efficient, dressed in crisp uniform.

Larissa barely had time to take in the grandeur before she was guided into a large drawing room.

As if that was all the task needed to the maid to do, she disappeared behind the large door. Larissa stood there, unsure of what to do. The room was furnished with dark mahogany chairs, velvet drapes, and an ornate fireplace.

Everything spoke of wealth and power.

Then she felt it... A shift in the air.

The sensation was subtle at first, like a cold breath whispering against her skin. But as she turned towards the large chair facing the window, she suddenly understand why.

The chair slowly turned, revealing a man sitting elegantly, one leg crossed over the other.

Larissa's breath hitched.

She had expected and elderly man. Instead, the person before her looked no older than fifty. His features were sharp, aristocratic, and for a man his age, he did look handsome. But it was his eyes that froze her in place_ deep crimson, like liquid rubies glowing under the light.

A vampire!

Every instinct screamed at her to turn around and run.

The vampires were dangerous. Killers. She had heard enough stories to know that. But her body did not move.