Unspoken Conversations

The evening had settled over the Blackwood household, and the glow of the setting sun had long faded into twilight. Gideon Blackwood and Viktor, Evelyn's father, found themselves in the study, a room lined with shelves of leather-bound books and filled with the faint aroma of old paper. The study was dimly lit, casting shadows that danced along the walls as the two men engaged in a conversation that was far from ordinary.

Gideon leaned back in a well-worn armchair, his posture relaxed yet attentive. Viktor, seated opposite him at a large oak desk, appeared equally at ease, though his eyes revealed a hint of curiosity. The two men had shared pleasantries earlier, but now their conversation had taken a more serious turn.

"Viktor," Gideon began, his voice low and measured, "I've been meaning to discuss something with you. There have been rumors of vampires in this country. Have you heard anything about this?"