Kristen's room was spacious, with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, swaying gently in the breeze flowing through the open doors that led to the balcony. One wall was lined with bookshelves filled with journals, magazines, and medical texts. A small door led to a walk-in closet. A black couch, adorned with decorative pillows, faced a white table holding several files. The double bed was perfectly made, and in front of it sat a round marble table. The balcony featured a tea table and two chairs that overlooked the beach, offering a stunning view of both the sunrise and sunset.
Kristen was examining a book she had taken from a harmless demon she had killed. This was truly the Book of Death. However, the spellbinding on this book was so complex that no one had managed to open it in ages. She placed it on the table and sat back in a plush chair, folding her legs as she looked around her room. It felt like a well-furnished prison; this house no longer felt like home. After her father's death, her mother had left to manage the political affairs and welfare of the people of Eidolon, while her elder brother, Alaric Austin, took over the throne. Kristen recalled how this house felt like home when her father was still alive. She missed him.
While Kristen was lost in thought, faint noises from the balcony caught her attention. Curious, she went to investigate but found only a bat shaking its head. As she turned to close the doors, the bat transformed into a girl.
A vampire!
Kristen suddenly had an unexpected visitor, and this mysterious girl was a vampire. She quickly attempted to close the door before the girl could fully emerge, but the vampire placed a hand against the door, using her speed to enter the room. Now, the mysterious visitor was inside. A million questions raced through Kristen's mind. How had she broken through the barriers? Why had no one noticed her? What was she doing here? But first, she needed to address the girl.
The vampire's stride was unsteady; she appeared tipsy as she walked toward the bedside and grabbed the water bottle near the lamp. During the brief moment it took for her to drink and return the bottle, Kristen took her time observing the girl. The girl was tall with an athletic build. Her hazel eyes and dark brown hair complemented her beige skin. She was wearing a tailored pair of grey pants and a black shirt, topped with a long grey overcoat.
Before the girl turned around, Kristen pinned her against the wall with vines that had come through the open window. In a cold voice laced with danger, she asked, "What's your name?"
"Alice," the girl replied disinterestedly, seemingly unfazed by Kristen's display of control.
"So, Alice, what brings you to my house in the middle of the night while tipsy?" Kristen inquired, suspicious of Alice's intentions.
Alice barely suppressed a scowl. Instead, a frown formed on her forehead. "Can you get rid of these useless leaves you used to scare me? They're not intimidating at all. I think we'd be able to talk better without them in the way," she said, rolling her eyes at Kristen's antics.
Amused, Kristen replied, "No."
Alice huffed in frustration. "It's not like you can stop me from taking the Book of Mordune." Panic surged through Kristen as Alice's words sank in. She glanced at the book on the table, giving Alice enough time to free herself. Just as Kristen tried to regain control, Alice bound her wrists with fire chains and blocked her access to her powers, rendering her a powerless captive.