"For how long are they going to be like that?" Ariana asked with a sly grin as they strolled through the grand hall of the restaurant, its glistening walls reflecting the glow of the chandelier.
"Just for few hours, that's all," Venessa responded calmly, her eyes shimmering with a hint of mischief. Ariana couldn't help but burst into a joyous laughter, completely caught off guard by her Venessa's nonchalant reply.
"Seriously, you need to learn a little bit of self-defense," Venessa advised as they both settled into their elegantly designed seats.
"You mean practice dark magic," Ariana retorted playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Well, magic isn't just black and white. There's always the gray area, which only a few brave souls, like myself, dare to explore. I have this feeling that Lauren will one day delve into the art of dark magic when fate demands it," Venessa reasoned, her voice echoing with a mix of caution and foresight.
"I wouldn't be surprised. She's the kind of individual who'd go to great lengths for those she holds dear. And as someone with the Benneth bloodline, magic flows through her veins effortlessly, without the need for rigorous practice. She just doesn't realize it yet. As for me, I don't rely on dark magic for protection. I possess my own innate, formidable power," Ariana asserted confidently.
Venessa couldn't help but beam in response to Ariana's question. As their attentive server brought their sumptuous feast to the table, Venessa eagerly delved into her rare steak, savoring each succulent bite.
Pausing to glance up, Venessa noticed Ariana's quizzical gaze fixated on her. "What?" she inquired with a bemused smile.
"I've always wondered, how do vampires consume food like ordinary people? It's widely known that your kind primarily feed on human blood—no offense," Ariana inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"None taken," Venessa assured her, her smile broadening.
"Well, just like any other species, we've adapted over the centuries. Some of us have discovered an affinity for certain human delicacies, particularly meat, while others haven't quite reached that level of acceptance. In my case, being a hybrid, my witch side allows me to partake in human foods without issue. Damien, well, he's—" Venessa caught herself before she could utter another word.
Sensing Venessa's hesitation, Ariana picked up on the unspoken message. There was a mystery shrouding Damien that Venessa wasn't ready to reveal, and Ariana respected her silent cue for privacy.
"Indulge me, Venessa, just how old are you?" Ariana inquired out of the blue, seamlessly shifting the topic to the puzzling depths of age.
"Two plus centuries old," Venessa responded with a graceful nonchalance, savoring her steak with an air of timeless elegance.
Ariana nearly choked on her drink upon hearing this revelation. "Goodness gracious, are you quite all right?" Venessa asked, her voice filled with concern, offering a comforting nod while gently dabbing her mouth.
"You're over two hundred years old? I could swear you look like you're in your early twenties!" Ariana exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.
Venessa chuckled softly, a hint of enigmatic amusement dancing in her eyes as she realized Ariana's shock-induced reaction to her age.
"What can I say, it's one of the peculiarities of being a vampire," Venessa quipped, maintaining an air of mystery and elegance even in her amusement.
The two ladies continued to engage in lively conversation for a while longer, before eventually departing the premises.
On her way back from the office, Lauren veered right, steering towards her former residence, The Da Castle Estate.
Passing by her former home, a wistful sigh escaped her lips as she pressed on, unable to shake the surreal realization of just how much her life had transformed since her last visit to this estate.
Among the plethora of opulent estates that dotted the Ivycrest Mansion, Damien's grand abode reigned as the most coveted and prestigious. An estate within the estate itself, his property boasted a level of security that surpassed even the collective fortifications of the entire estate.
The gates swung open as she approached. Derek had tipped them off about the potential of her arrival, spurred by Damien's discreet instructions to vigilantly watch over Lauren since the very day they crossed paths.
Parking in front of the outrageously magnificent mansion, Lauren stepped out of her car, gazing in awe at the structure before her. Making her way towards the sumptuous porch, she poised her finger to press the doorbell, but to her surprise, the door swung open of its own accord.
Stepping into the grand foyer, she was immediately enchanted by the monochromatic elegance that enveloped the interior. "Hello?" Lauren called out, but only an eerie echo returned her greeting. When she attempted to dial Damien's number, it swiftly diverted to voicemail.
"Damien, where are you?" she muttered to herself, the faint tendrils of concern weaving through her thoughts.
The grand mansion loomed large, its hallowed halls concealing the mysteries she so eagerly sought to unravel. Tucking her phone away in the depths of her back pocket, Lauren began her quest.
She meticulously combed through every room on the first floor, her determination unwavering even as fatigue threatened to take its toll. The sprawling three-story mansion, boasting five rooms on each of the first two floors, posed a daunting challenge, but her resolve remained unshaken.