Chapter 1

225 years later

Fast forward from the 18th century—the world had changed. Social media runs everything, tech is insane, and yet somehow, Zadiene still feels like she's stuck in the past. While everyone else is obsessing over the latest trends, she's got her nose buried in a book—always has been, and always will be. And not just any books—dark romance, fantasy, supernaturals, anything with castles, and about vampires.

Especially Dracula's castle. 

She's dreamed about it a million times. It feels like she was cursed with a nightmare that doesn't have an end. 

Every night, without fail, she's back in Romania, wandering through creepy hallways, descending some ancient, dusty staircase with torches and cobwebs—probably into a dungeon or some basement? because why not?

Suddenly, she's in this weird chamber with three coffins and two of them are opened. But a single one stands out the most, way-too-fancy black velvet coffin sitting there like it's waiting for her. 

She always tries to open it. But the second her fingers brush the lid—she's jolted awake, heart pounding, ragged breaths, sheets tangled, sweat dripping. 

Weird? Absolutely. 

Creepy? Oh yeah.

But the worst part? No one believes her. Her sister just rolls her eyes. "It's just a dream, Zadie. Chill."

Except… It doesn't feel like just a dream. 

And it's been happening since she turned thirteen. 

So, yeah. Maybe she is a little obsessed. 

Or maybe… something's waiting for her.

—

Zadiene rushed, her hands shaking slightly as she buttoned her blouse. She hated mornings, especially chaotic ones. Her sister's shout still echoed in her mind, making her stomach twist. 

Late. On her first day. Great. 

The mirror reflected a flustered, dark-haired girl. Her brown eyes looked back, wide with panic, tired from sleep. She smoothed her hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. 

Clumsy, yeah. She was. Always knocking things over, spilling liquids, tripping on her own feet. Her mom used to laugh about it, saying she'd grow out of it. But now... 

Zadiene's heart skipped a beat. Her mom wasn't here to tease her anymore. She swallowed hard, shoving the thought aside.

Focus. First day. Don't mess it up.

 After some time, Zadiene finally went downstairs to meet her sister. Yssabel's eyes rolled dramatically, making Zadiene sigh. She hated that her sister was always so... practical. No room for fantasy or imagination. It was like talking to a brick wall sometimes. 

—

Zadiene slumped into the passenger seat, clutching her bag tightly. She hated feeling like this—like she was losing her grip on reality. The dream was getting stronger, more vivid. And now, she could touch that damn coffin lid. What did it mean? 

The car engine roared to life, and Yssabel tossed her a quick glance.

"Seriously, Zadie, you're gonna be late on your first day. Pull yourself together, okay?" 

Zadiene nodded, feeling a pang of gratitude toward her sister. Even if they didn't see eye-to-eye, Yssabel was still looking out for her. She took a deep breath, trying to calm down. This was not how she envisioned her first day at DC Corp.

Zadiene fidgeted with her seatbelt, anxiety swirling in her chest, making her want to vomit. She shouldn't be this nervous, not after all the preparation she'd done. Her mom's friend, Sophia, had pulled strings to get her this job, and she was determined not to disappoint. But that stupid dream lingered, refusing to be shaken off.

Yssabel dropped her off outside the sleek, modern building that housed DC Corp.

"Good luck, Zed. Try not to spill anything on yourself, okay?" She smirked, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Zadiene forced a smile, waving goodbye as Yssabel sped away. She stood there, staring up at the towering structure, feeling tiny and insignificant.

Zadiene's POV

I took a deep breath, smoothing out my blazer. The DC Corp's glass doors reflected my nervous face, making me look like I was about to face a firing squad.

Okay, maybe I was exaggerating. But seriously, what if I messed up? 

I walked and pushed through the doors, and the cool air-conditioning enveloped me. It was a welcome change from the heat outside. The lobby was a bustle of activity, people rushing to the elevators, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. 

I hesitated, clutching my folder tighter. Right. I needed to check in. I scanned the room, spotting a reception desk. A friendly-looking woman smiled at me, and I smiled back, trying to appear confident.

It was going to be fine.

I approached the reception desk, my palms growing sweaty.

"Hi, um, I'm Zadiene Samson. I'm the new chef, starting today, in the cafeteria?" I rattled off, hoping I sounded more put-together than I felt. "And, uh, I'm also here to see Sophia Blake, actually. She's, well, she's a family friend."

I waited anxiously for the receptionist's reaction, bracing myself for any sign of confusion or skepticism.

The receptionist's expression transformed into a warm, knowing smile.

"Ah, Chef Zadiene! We've been expecting you. And, of course, Ms. Blake mentioned you'd be stopping by. Everyone knows her." She winked, leaning forward to tap on her computer keyboard.

"Let me just... Yes, you're all set. Security will escort you to the cafeteria in a minute. But first, Ms. Blake asked me to let her know when you arrived. She'll meet you in the lobby."

My cheeks flushed as people began to stare, whispering to each other. News traveled fast, especially when it involved Sophia Blake. Well, she have the face, the body, and all. 

I shifted uncomfortably, wondering why exactly she was so famous around here. I mean, yes, she's the CEO's secretary but I think there's more than that, more than being a secretary. 

The receptionist picked up her phone, murmuring something into the receiver. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, trying not to fidget. Behind me, someone cleared their throat, and I turned to see a tall, suited man smiling politely. 

"Chef Zadiene, welcome to The DC Corp. Sophia will be right down. Meanwhile, I'm James, security. I'll show you to the cafeteria after you've spoken with her." 

I nodded, feeling awkward. Everyone seemed to know exactly who I was, even though I'd never set foot in this place before. It was unsettling. And why did James keep glancing at his watch? Were they really that short-staffed? 

Suddenly, heels clicked against the marble floor, echoing through the lobby. A stylish woman appeared, her silver-blonde hair perfectly coiffed. Sophia.

Sophia's bright red lips curved into a radiant smile as she hurried towards me. She enveloped me in a swift, perfume-scented hug. "Zadiene, darling, you made it!" 

Despite the chaos of my morning, Sophia's warmth put me at ease. I relaxed into her familiar grasp, feeling like I'd stepped into a safe haven. 

She pulled back, holding me at arm's length, scrutinizing me. "You look lovely, sweetie. A bit flustered, but that's normal. First-day jitters, right?" She chuckled, patting my hand.

"Don't worry, you'll fit right in. Now, let me introduce you to a few people before James takes you to the cafeteria."

Sophia linked her arm through mine, leading me toward the elevators. As we walked, she chatted about the office dynamics, warning me about certain coworkers to watch out for. I listened intently, grateful for her guidance. When the elevator doors slid open, Sophia gestured grandly, and we stepped inside. 

"So, there's someone you absolutely must meet," Sophia said, her eyes sparkling.

"The CEO herself, Countess Vero Cien Dracula. She's... quite something."

My heart skipped a beat. Dracula? Like, the Dracula? I must've misheard. But Sophia didn't seem to notice my surprise. The elevator stopped, and the doors parted, revealing a luxurious hallway.

Countess Vero Cien Dracula awaited us, standing regally behind her massive desk. My jaw dropped. She was... breathtaking. Long, raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her piercing green eyes seemed to bore into my very soul. A shiver ran down my spine.

Sophia squeezed my elbow, giving me a reassuring squeeze. "Come on, Zed. Don't be shy." 

We approached the desk, and Sophia bowed her head slightly. "Countess, good morning. This is Zadiene, our new chef. She's going to revolutionize our cafeteria menu." 

The Countess's gaze locked onto mine, piercing. A faint smile played on her lips, but it didn't reach her eyes. She nodded once, curtly. 

"Ah, Zadiene. Welcome. Sophia has spoken highly of you. And of your... connections." 

Behind her, a tall, dark-haired man leaned against the wall, watching me with an unreadable expression. He was almost as imposing as the Countess. Sophia cleared her throat. 

"Oh, and this is Arcel Vlad, our co-CEO. He oversees the majority of our business ventures." 

Arcel nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. He looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. "A pleasure," he muttered, barely acknowledging me. 

The Countess, however, didn't seem to mind his rudeness. She smiled again, this time a little warmer. "Arcel, be kind. She's Sophia's key." 

I blinked, taking in the duo. Both the Countess and Arcel had skin so pale it seemed almost...unnatural. Like moonlight reflected off their complexions.

Sophia, too, had a subtle luminescence to her skin, though it was less striking than theirs. I wondered if it was just the lighting in the room, but something about it struck me as peculiar. 

Sophia, oblivious to my silent observation, beamed at me.

"Isn't it great that you're finally here, Zed?" She turned to the Countess, her voice taking on a softer tone. "Vero, isn't she lovely?"

The Countess's gaze intensified, her green eyes narrowing slightly. It was unsettling, like being under a microscope. She leaned forward, her fingers steepled together. 

"A lovely young woman, indeed. Your... *essence* is quite unique, Zadiene." She paused, her words dripping with an accent I couldn't quite place. 

Sophia intervened, clearly pleased. "Isn't she? I told you, she's got a special aura, Vero." 

But the Countess wasn't listening. She was... inhaling, almost. Like she was sniffing the air. And suddenly, her pupils constricted. 

"Ah. Strong blood," she murmured, almost to herself. 

I felt a chill run down my spine. Strong... blood? What was she talking about? I swallowed hard, trying not to let my confusion show.

Arcel pushed off the wall, his dark eyes flicking between the Countess and me. He cleared his throat, a deliberate attempt to steer the conversation away from...whatever that was. 

"Right, anyway. The cafeteria. Chef Zadiene, we've got high expectations. Our employees deserve a decent meal, especially considering the hours they put in. Think you can handle it?" 

His abrupt shift in topic was a relief, and I latched onto it gratefully. 

"Oh, definitely! I've got plenty of experience, and I'm excited to revamp the menu. And...um, please, call me Zadiene. Just Zadiene." 

The Countess's intense stare finally broke, and she nodded graciously. Arcel's face relaxed, too, his features smoothing out. 

"Alright, Zadiene. Just...try to keep up. We're a busy company. James will show you to the cafeteria. Make sure she gets settled, James." 

James nodded, stepping forward. I exhaled silently, grateful for the chance to escape the Countess's unnerving presence.

As James gestured for me to follow, Sophia gave my hand another gentle pat. "Don't worry, sweetie, they're just...umm...very particular people." She glanced at the Countess, who was now engaged in a quiet conversation with Arcel. 

James led me away, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I'd somehow ended up in the middle of something mysterious. Something that went far beyond a simple job interview. 

Behind us, I heard Arcel's deep voice rumble, "We'll discuss this later, Vero." 

The Countess's reply was too soft to catch, but her laughter sent shivers down my spine. It was low, husky, and sent warning bells ringing in my head. 

James ushered me into the elevator once more, sparing me only a brief, sympathetic smile. 

"You'll get used to them."

The elevator ride was quick, and soon we arrived at the cafeteria floor. James gestured for me to follow him, weaving through the bustling cafeteria. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baking bread filled the air, making my stomach growl. Cooks and servers rushed around, preparing for the lunch rush. 

James led me past the kitchen islands, nodding at the staff. They smiled or waved, clearly curious. Finally, we reached a small door tucked away near the back. He pushed it open, revealing a cozy, compact room. 

"Your office, Chef." James smiled, stepping aside. 

Inside, I spotted a sleek desk, a comfortable-looking chair, and...my heart skipped a beat. A crisp, white chef's coat hung neatly on a hook, accompanied by a crisply ironed hat. My name, "Zadiene," was embroidered on the sleeve. 

"Wow," I breathed, feeling a rush of excitement. "This is...perfect." 

James chuckled. "Glad you like it. Sophia's orders. She said you wouldn't want to change in front of everyone, so...voilà! Your uniform's ready." He handed me a folder filled with papers. "That's the menu planning schedule, inventory lists, and a few notes from Sophia. Anything you need, just let us know." 

He turned to leave, but hesitated. "Oh, and...one more thing. The team's looking forward to meeting you. They've been, uh...eagerly awaiting your arrival." He winked, then disappeared, leaving me alone in my new domain.

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of belonging wash over me. This was really happening. I was actually the head chef here. My eyes landed on the uniform again, and I couldn't resist reaching out to touch the starched fabric. It felt like a symbol of my new responsibility. 

I quickly scanned the contents of the folder, committing important dates and details to memory. Then, I slipped on the coat, adjusting the hat. The fit was perfect. I grinned at my reflection in the small mirror on the wall. Who was this confident chef staring back at me?

With renewed energy, I opened the door, ready to face my new team.

As I emerged from my office, I was struck by the unexpected elegance of the cafeteria. It was no ordinary, institutional space. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a high-end restaurant, complete with crisp linens, polished silverware, and soft instrumental music playing in the background. The open kitchen allowed diners to observe the chefs at work, much like a live cooking show. Even the lighting seemed designed to flatter, casting a warm glow over everything. I couldn't believe this was where I'd be spending my days.

Staff members started to notice me, whispering to each other and sneaking glances. Some smiled, while others looked wary. I took another deep breath, squaring my shoulders. Time to make a good impression.

Just then, a tall, lanky man with a messy bun and a friendly face ambled over. "Chef Zadiene! Finally! We've been waiting for you." He flashed a bright smile, wiping his flour-dusted hands on his apron.

"I'm Léon, one of the sous chefs. Welcome to the madness!"

He gestured around the kitchen, where various stations hummed with activity. Pots clanged, blades chopped, and sizzles popped. It was chaotic, but organized chaos. The kind that spoke of a well-oiled machine. 

"So, what do you think of our little slice of heaven?" Léon asked, winking.

I laughed, feeling more at ease. "It's... definitely not what I expected. It's like a real restaurant." 

Léon nodded vigorously, clearly proud. "Oh, it's way more than that. We're not just a cafeteria. We're... a culinary experience." 

He swept his arm toward the dining area, where tables were being set with fine china and sparkling glasses. "We cater to some very particular tastes around here. But don't worry, you'll catch on quick. Everyone's supernice—once you prove yourself, of course." 

León winked again, his eyes sparkling mischievously. Behind him, a few other chefs exchanged whispers, their faces a mix of curiosity and amusement.

After exchanging pleasantries with Léon, I made my way around the kitchen, introducing myself to each of my new colleagues. They were all warm, if not a little reserved, and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. Once I'd made the rounds, I retreated to my office, eager to dive deeper into the contents of the folder Sophia had given me.

Sitting behind my desk, I began to pour over the documents, familiarizing myself with menus, inventory lists, and staff schedules. There were notes scribbled in the margins, Sophia's handwriting looping across the pages. I smiled, feeling grateful for her thoroughness. She'd even included a detailed breakdown of the company's preferences – everything from dietary restrictions to favorite dishes. It was clear she'd gone out of her way to ensure my transition was smooth.

As I read, my mind whirred with ideas. I scribbled notes in the margins, mentally reorganizing the menu, envisioning new recipes. The hours flew by, and before long, the sounds of the kitchen died down, replaced by the soft hum of cleaning equipment. I hadn't even noticed the lunch rush come and go. 

A gentle knock on the door broke my focus. James poked his head in, a gentle smile on his face. "Hey, Zadiene? You okay in there? You've been cooped up for hours. Need anything?" 

I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "No, I'm good. Just getting a feel for everything." 

James nodded. "Great. You're welcome to stay as long as you need. But if you're ready, we've got a meeting scheduled with Sophia and...well, you know, them. In an hour." 

I swallowed, suddenly aware of the weight of the Countess's words earlier. Strong blood. What had she meant? I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. 

"Okay. Thanks, James." 

He nodded, disappearing as silently as he'd appeared. I exhaled, rubbing my temples. Now, onto the real challenge.