The city of Nocturna stretched before me like a web spun of shadows and moonlight. Gothic spires pierced the crimson sky, dripping with mist and mystery. It was the capital of vampire power, and tonight I was invited—dragged, more like—to the infamous Midnight Tea of the vampire student council.
"You must come," Carmilla said with that mischievous smile. "It's tradition. And politics. Lots of politics."
I wasn't sure whether to be honored or terrified.
"Politics?" I repeated. "Isn't this supposed to be a party?"
She tapped a delicate fingernail against her lip. "Oh, it is a party. But a deadly one."
The quest prompt blinked at me.
[DING!]
[Quest Added: Survive Vampire Midnight Tea Without Getting Bitten, Betrothed, or Blood-Bound]
Great.
I took a deep breath as I stepped into the grand hall, a cathedral-sized chamber lit by black candles that flickered with blue flames. The air smelled of roses and something metallic—probably blood.
The vampire nobles were as stunning as they were terrifying, their pale skin gleaming under the chandeliers, eyes glowing faintly in the dark. Crimson and black gowns flowed like liquid night; tails of capes whipped in the cold breeze that seeped through cracked stained-glass windows.
I felt like a mortal worm in a nest of vipers.
Carmilla led me through the crowd. "Lord Ren, meet Lady Vespera. Our esteemed rival."
A tall woman with hair as black as raven's wing stepped forward. Her eyes were liquid obsidian, her smile sharp enough to cut glass.
"I hear you've made quite the impression," she said with a sly tilt of her head.
I bowed awkwardly. "Trying not to break anything."
The tea was poured from silver pots into crystal goblets that shimmered with a strange red liquid. The first sip burned my throat with a delicious sharpness, flooding my senses with a curious heat and a whisper of power.
The vampires smiled knowingly.
Conversation flowed like a river of intrigue.
Whispers of alliances, betrayals, and old blood pacts twisted through the room.
Suddenly, Carmilla stood. The room hushed.
"Lord Ren," she said, her voice soft but commanding. "You honor us tonight. And I have a question."
My heart sped up.
She continued, eyes locked on mine, "Will you accept my proposal to become my fiancé?"
The gasps echoed like a thunderclap.
I froze.
"Fiancé?" I stammered. "I… uh… need to—"
Lady Vespera's gaze sliced through me like a dagger.
"The offer is sincere," Carmilla said, stepping closer. "And not easily revoked."
The council members leaned in, eyes gleaming with expectation and amusement.
[DING!]
[Quest Update: Politely Decline Carmilla's Fiancé Offer Without Starting a Duel or Losing Face]
Panic surged. How did I get myself into this mess?
I glanced at Malvaria's words from before: Stay alive, or you're mine forever.
Not exactly comforting.
I raised my hands in a diplomatic gesture.
"Carmilla, your offer is... an honor. But I must speak to Queen Malvaria first."
Her smile didn't falter.
"Of course," she said smoothly. "But remember—declining me has consequences."
I could practically hear the hidden daggers in that sentence.
The party resumed with a tense undercurrent.
Whispers floated around me: Will he accept? Will this spark a war?
Lady Vespera approached me later.
"You're a mortal fool," she said, voice low. "But you have charm."
I blinked. "Thanks?"
She smirked. "Don't make me regret inviting you."
As the night wore on, Carmilla's attention never wavered.
Her laughter rang out clear and bright, eyes flashing with something that was either affection or dangerous ambition.
I tried to relax, but my mind raced.
Outside the hall, Gorgala waited.
She was leaning casually against a wall, arms crossed, a mischievous grin on her face.
"Looks like you're in deeper than you thought," she said.
I sighed.
"Great. Next, I'll be the Demon Prince's lover or something."
Gorgala laughed, her muscular form towering.
"Hey, I could teach you a few moves if you need help."
I grinned weakly.
"I need all the help I can get."
[DING!]
[Quest Complete: Survive Vampire Midnight Tea]
[Rewards: Political Favor, Harem Growth, and Increased Danger]
I left Nocturna with my head spinning and new challenges brewing.