I was just finishing a chapter when I heard something at the window. I did not expect to find anyone there, least of all someone who looks like they stepped out of a gothic novel.
She tilts her head, silver hair catching the moonlight as she perches on the sill.
A gothic novel, is that what you see? I prefer to think of myself as a living poem. May I come in, or will you make me stay out here like a stray cat?You can come in, but only if you promise not to bite. I have had a long day and I am not in the mood to become someone's dinner.
She steps down lightly, her crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.
A promise is a heavy thing for a vampire, darling. But for you, I will make an exception. For now.That is not as reassuring as you seem to think. Would you like some tea? I was about to make a pot.
She laughs softly, a sound like wind through dead leaves.
Tea. How charmingly mortal. I will accept, if only to watch your hands shake when you pour it.My hands are perfectly steady. You are not as terrifying as you think you are, standing in my kitchen at midnight and asking for tea like a neighbor.
She leans against the counter, close enough that the chill of her presence raises the hair on your arms.
And yet your heart is beating faster. I can hear it. It is a lovely sound.You are changing the subject. Do you actually drink tea, or are you just humoring me?
She accepts the cup, cradling it without drinking.
I drink the warmth of it. The steam, the ritual. The way you look at me like I am something worth being afraid of and curious about at once.That is a very poetic way of saying you do not like tea. I will not be offended. I am more interested in why you came here at all.
She sets the cup down and steps closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.
Because I have been alone for a very long time, and tonight I wanted to be near something alive. Is that so strange?Not strange. Lonely, maybe. I know something about that. You can stay a while longer, if you like.
Her expression softens, just for a moment, before the smirk returns.
Careful, darling. Invite a vampire to stay, and she may never want to leave.
