'The kiss is only the beginning of unlocking their forgotten memories. However, they will need time and a strong emotional connection to fully regain their past. The crucial question remains: Who will remember first?'
Located on the outskirts of Okham, there is a mysterious luxury hotel known only to those desperate enough to find it. This place is reserved for humans seeking power, beauty, revenge or their deepest desires. Invitations to this exclusive establishment are discreetly delivered through an envelope left at one's doorstep.
Under the guidance of the enigmatic staff, led by the alluring yet distant vampire owner, Leon, they promise to grant any desire in return for the one thing that tethers a person to this world— their soul. However, Renee is not a mere human nor a vampire, she is an immortal curious about uncovering the truth locked within her forgotten past.
Desperate, Renee turns to the mysterious Vampyre Hotel, where vampires hold the power to unlock hidden memories. However, locating this place proves to be a daunting task, she has spent her whole life scouring for the hotel that constantly shifts between locations and dimensions, making it nearly impossible to reach.
But, after a long wait, she finally finds herself standing in front of an old abandoned mansion. The place is overrun with wild plants, and a locked fence blocks the entrance as if to keep people out. Renee leans against her car, its headlights piercing through the thick fog surrounding the area. She realizes that there are no signs of life besides herself in this desolate place.
Wrapped in a long black coat, the girl seemed to become one with her surroundings. The site was shrouded in darkness and held an eerie presence that could easily drive someone insane if they stayed too long. But for Renee, this was just another day at work. She had no fear of the negative energy that permeated this place. In fact, she welcomed it. Death was her ultimate goal, freeing herself from this mortal life was all she desired.
Both of Renee's hands were folded in front of her chest with eyes slowly closed, attempting to heighten her instincts and immerse in the dangerous atmosphere. Despite feeling emotionally numb for a long time, Renee pushed herself to reawaken the primal desire that humans are capable of. She waited for the dark clouds of night to roll in above, hoping the cold air brushing against her face would become warmer.
After what felt like an eternity, Renee sensed a shift in the ambience around her. Slowly, she opened her eyes and was met with a breathtaking scene. It was as if she had entered another world, full of dazzling lights that made the place feel alive and welcoming.
When she took in her surroundings, Renee couldn't deny the truth behind the rumors she had heard among the vampires. This place was truly magnificent, surpassing the limits and imagination of humans. She felt an indescribable pull towards it, just like the answers she had been seeking were waiting inside.
Renee entered the mansion with sunglasses shielding her dangerous gaze. She quickly made her way from the entrance to the main door in a blur of movement. Most people would have been distracted by the beautiful garden and other captivating areas along the route, but for Renee, it was just another mundane landscape that she had seen countless times before.
"Welcome, Miss." A well-dressed man in his middle years greeted her with a charming smile as Renee approached the chest-high wooden desk. "May I have your name so I can check it against our guest list?" His eyes scanned the thick book on the table for her name among the others written there.
"Renee.. Virella.." The girl is trying to spell her name as clearly as possible in a soft and calm voice. However, as if her name had a strong effect on him, the man's finger suddenly stopped tracing the brown paper and his expression couldn't have looked any paler than it should. When they finally made eye contact, Renee removed her glasses and smiled faintly. "It's been a while since we've seen each other, Mr. Parsons."
The first vampire Renee met there was none other than Wayne Parsons, a man who had worked as her assistant when he was still human. She actually didn't expect to meet the man again, especially in this place. Although she knew that one day, the ambitious Wayne would take a dangerous path and turn into an immoral person. However, she never once imagined that he would give his soul to transform himself into that creature, a vampire.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Virella." The man returned her greeting, but his expression still held a mix of confusion and discomfort. Renee sure, he can sense that she is neither human nor vampire, which adds to the uncertainty about how to interact with her. "How may I assist you?" Wayne asked politely.
Renee, who was not one for small talk, preferred to get straight to business. "I need to see your boss," she stated firmly. "Leon Drakov."
***
The door from the receptionist was connected to the lobby, which then led them to another area that elevated the hotel's grandeur. With one glance, Renee could tell that this place used a high-end interior, filled with luxurious furniture that exuded a sophisticated vibe.
The walls were adorned with rare paintings and accessories from ancient times, that she believed came from famous craftsmen who had lived as humans before becoming vampires. Because, this tribe was notoriously narcissistic, taking great pride in themselves and looking down upon any creatures beneath them.
While not all of the vampires she knew behaved in this manner, they all shared one common trait: a lavish lifestyle. They admired themselves for the impeccable appearance and fashion sense, thanks to their perfectly sculpted bodies and ethereal beauty. To humans, they could easily pass as models and artists.
One crucial aspect of being a vampire is their essential needs, including drinking blood. However, not just any blood will do, it must come from a pure human in order to have the required effect on the vampire's body. Some may settle for animal blood or a specially crafted black wine known as "vampire energy drink." But true power can only be obtained by consuming the blood of one's soulmate. This brings out the vampire's maximum potential, making them unbeatable and unreachable by anyone else. It is the key to their ultimate strength.
As a result, the second essential requirement for vampires is finding a suitable mate. Unlike humans, who are often expected to be of similar social backgrounds in relationships, diversity is valued among vampire couples. They do not place importance on societal hierarchies and are open to partnerships with individuals from different levels. However, the true test of compatibility lies in the synchronization of heartbeats, even though vampires typically do not have a heartbeat. When they find their true mate, their hearts will beat in perfect harmony with each other.
And when their heart rates increase, it will bring them together in an exhilarating bond, as if their very beings are calling out to one another, sealed by the first touch of their lips.
Once this stage is completed, vampires are able to sense their partners through a specific scent that only they can detect. The air carries a mesmerizing aroma that draws them towards each other, representing the depth of their love for one another. This scent eventually fades after they achieve true connection with one another.
The most uncommon stage of their relationship is when they consummate and a shared vision of their future together emerges. This glimpse shows crucial moments they will encounter as a pair and solidifies the belief that they are meant to be bound in this life.
The legend goes that vampires only have this kind of implied connection with each other and not with any other type of creature. This is why they often choose to be solitary creatures, rarely interacting with others since it serves no purpose for them.
Gradually, Renee's focus shifted towards the center of the room where a group of people had gathered. It was filled with hotel staff and guests who were whispering amongst themselves about the ongoing incident. Just as Renee was about to ask what was going on, Wayne, who was still standing beside her spoke up. "Those are overseers sent from the underworld," he gestured towards a young man in a black suit who seemed to be leading the group.
The conversation had a somber tone, indicating that something significant must have occurred. The overseers from the underworld were not known for making public appearances, as their role was to work covertly and anonymously behind the scenes. They only revealed themselves when delivering punishment to specific individuals who had violated the underworld's laws. However, based on the situation at hand, Renee could deduce that the latter reason was the most plausible explanation.
"Dmitri Argento, who was kneeling and wearing a purple jacket, made a large grave that took the wrong soul." Wayne's sympathetic voice was heard, indicating that what one of his coworkers had done was a fatal mistake. "They seem to be listening to the punishment that will be given to him, which would undoubtedly involve his soul in some way."
"What is the name of the overseers' leader?" Renee asked as she observed the neatly dressed man with a short black haircut who looked like a supervisor in the human world, a very different appearance from the vampires around him who were casually dressed like young men.
"Aaron Vesperian." Wayne replied, "Based on what I heard, he is the right hand man of the king of the underworld. Which means he is at the highest level among his fellow underworlders, including the grim reapers who work under him."
Renee nodded her head several times, understanding the situation there more and more, "That means he can work alone, making any decision on his own without needing permission from his boss."
Wayne nodded his head, "We can summarize it like that." Then his gaze shifted to another figure, "Seeing as they just started talking, that means you have to wait a while, because Leon seems quite busy."
Reene's stare moved to the man standing in front of Aaron with his back facing her. "Are you talking about the guy wearing the black leather jacket?"
Wayne nodded his head again in confirmation, "You're right." He said shortly. "The guy who is looking at us right now.
Renee studied the man's features intently as he watched her from a distance. She couldn't determine if Leon was actually focused on her or not, but when their eyes met, there was a strong pull between them. The world seemed to fade away and only they remained in a suspended moment. When their sights locked and intensified, both Renee and Leon were hit with unfamiliar sensations and emotions.
However, something completely unexpected happened that shocked Renee even more. She, who could control others by making direct eye contact and revealing their past, which could also drain the target's energy and weaken them to death, became the one being drained by the man at this moment.
Despite her attempts to use her ability to see a man's past, Renee found that it was useless, there was nothing for her to see. This was both frustrating and perplexing, as she had always been able to tap into the memories of others.
In that exact moment, Renee's powers failed her. This marked a significant moment for her as she had never experienced this before. She couldn't help but wonder if the man in front of her was meant to play a crucial role in unlocking her forgotten memories? Could he be the one she has been searching for throughout countless centuries?
And why did it have to be Leon Drakov? The fierce and mysterious leader of the vampires?
***