Flashback: A week back, before the occurrence between Henry and his twin sister Deborah, which leads to their argument and fight.
The sun had finally fallen, sending deep shadows across the quiet street as Henry's male servant pulled up to the home. Tamara sat silently in the backseat, her eyes locked on the glass, barely perceiving the familiar surroundings of her parents' home. The drive felt weird like she was caught between two worlds—her old life as a carefree young lady and her new existence as something. Else. As the automobile drew to a stop, the servant peered back at her, unsure if she needed assistance. But Tamara shook her head slightly, pulling the door open and stepped out into the evening air. She didn't wait for him to follow, instead went right to the front door. Her parents were already waiting. The instant she reached the threshold, her mother raced forward, drawing her into a close embrace. Tamara, where have you been? We were so worried. "I'm fine, Mom," she whispered, moving back from her mother's embrace. Her father waited behind, his forehead pinched with concern. Tamara, this isn't like you. You disappear for days, and suddenly you come back acting so. Different. Tamara raised her chin, attempting to seem calm and in charge. I'm over 18 now. I can take care of myself. I know what I'm doing. Her father's frown grew. We're not saying you can't. But something is awry. You're not the same girl who left this house. She flashed them both a faint smile. I just need time to acclimate. Please don't worry about me. The awkwardness lingered, but Tamara quickly excused herself, heading to her room. She felt their eyes on her back, loaded with unsaid inquiries, but she couldn't deal with that now. For the next three days, things continued in this tense stillness. Whenever it was time for breakfast, lunch, or supper, Tamara refused to join them at the dining table. Her mother would knock on her door, delivering mild reminders, but she always insisted on eating in her room. What her parents didn't know was that Tamara couldn't eat their meals anymore. The sight of it made her queasy, and the scent was awful. Each time, she would carefully place the meal into a container, and later that night, she would slip out of the house and head to the streets, distributing the food to the less fortunate. But the hunger gnawed at her, deep and merciless. The first time she had dined on a street rat, she had been horrified at herself, sickened by the deed. But the hunger outweighed her embarrassment, and it became a routine. Despite the modest meals, she always felt unfulfilled, like she was barely holding on. Her body desired something stronger, something richer. A week passed, and Tamara felt she couldn't remain home much longer. The thirst was becoming too much to bear, and she needed to understand more about what she had become. She decided to visit Henry. She picked up her phone and dialled his number, but after a few rings, it went to voicemail. Tamara frowned, knowing Henry wouldn't have missed her call deliberately. She tried again but got the same response. Frustrated, she grabbed her belongings, knowing she would have to find him in person. Henry had left the house without his phone, and she needed answers.
The sun had just sunk below the horizon, casting an orange glow across the city. Tamara is now seeing Henry for the first time after she has turned into a vampire, not aware of the new happenings which have forced Henry out of the mansion.
Tamara waited outside Henry's house, her pulse beating with anticipation and confusion. After a week of adjusting to her new life, she felt a strong yearning to reunite with Henry, unknowing of the drama brewing within his home. She knocked on the gate, and a guard opened it, giving her a welcoming nod. Come on in, he urged, gesturing her forward. As Tamara stepped inside, the mood felt different. She spotted numerous odd figures lounging about, their laughing ringing weirdly. "Excuse me, I'm looking for my friend Henry," she began, hoping for a welcoming face. Oh, Henry? The fugitive soldier, one of them chuckled, and laughter erupted from the group. Tamara's brow furrowed in uncertainty, and just as she was about to inquire further, Deborah appeared from the shadows.
"Hey, Tamara! What's up? Deborah exclaimed, wrapping her in a tight hug. Long time no see! Come in! Tamara followed Deborah; her interest piqued. What's going on? Who are all these people? I'm here to see Henry. "Don't worry about Henry," Deborah replied dismissively, ushering her towards her room. "Let's talk inside." As they entered, Tamara's eyes opened at the sight before her. The shelves were loaded with various bottles, each filled with a dark, crimson liquid. "What is all this?" she questioned, her heart beating. "Come, let me give you something to cool your mind," Deborah said, her voice soft and inviting. She picked up one of the bottles and poured the contents into a glass. I know you'll be hungry, and you'll like it. Here, taste. Tamara hesitated, then grabbed the glass from Deborah's hand. As she raised it to her lips, a curious sense of curiosity poured over her. She took a sip, and a wave of sensations overwhelmed her senses. Wow! This feels different, she gasped, the taste exhilarating and rich. Yeah, really? Does it? Deborah asked with a sneaky smile. I knew you hadn't tasted this before. You know, Henry is just someone who wants to make you his puppet. He wants you to do everything he says. What do you mean? Tamara asked, confusion creasing her forehead. Henry's been my pal. He wouldn't do that. "Oh, my dear," Deborah remarked, her tone going serious. All this time I've been away has been so crazy for me. Can you imagine? I've been eating on rats' blood. She chuckled lightly, but there was a biting edge to her voice. And Henry has advised you not to feast on this blood, right? Tamara frowned, feeling an increasing discomfort. I don't comprehend. Please explain. Look, we feed on human blood to keep alive. This is what you need, Deborah replied, her voice falling to a conspiratorial whisper. Henry is blocking us from doing that. Instead of defending our kind, he's just careless. Forgetting the fact that he is the reason we all are like this. But why would he do that? Tamara asked, feeling a sting of betrayal. He's my friend! He wouldn't betray me. Deborah drew closer, her eyes glinting. Oh, Tamara, he's keeping you in the dark, making you weak while he enjoys the power. You have to embrace who you are. Don't let him control you. Tamara's mind raced as she pondered Deborah's statements. The euphoria from the blood still pumped through her veins, mixed with her perplexity and mounting wrath. "I need to talk to Henry," she stated firmly, but doubt crept in. What if all Deborah said was true? What if Henry had been hiding the truth from her all along? "Let's not rush things," Deborah remarked smoothly. How about you staying here for a while? We can show you how to properly live. Tamara hesitated, feeling split between her commitment to Henry and the alluring attraction of Deborah's proposition. Come on, Tamara. You don't want to miss out on what you may become, Deborah encouraged, and Tamara felt herself dragged deeper into the web of mystery surrounding her. The choice stood before her: to confront Henry and seek the truth or to embrace this new life Deborah promised. Tamara took a long breath, steeling herself for what was to come.