The room was quiet except for the soft hum of Carmen's playlist in the background, and I was still leaning into her, feeling her steady breathing under my cheek.
My mind was buzzing, though, spinning with questions about this mysterious world I'd only begun to understand.
Carmen had opened up so much tonight, but there was still so much I didn't know, so much I wanted to know.
I tilted my head slightly, looking up at her. Her gaze was far away, her lips curved in a small, peaceful smile, and I couldn't help but think about how much I loved her.
That thought had been sneaking into my head more and more these days—just a quiet realization that seemed to linger longer each time.
"Carmen?" I said softly, breaking the silence.
Her eyes flicked down to me, immediately alert. "Hmm?"
I shifted, sitting up so I could face her properly. "Tell me more about the vampire realm. Like… what's it really like to live there?"