The mansion's front hall was bathed in warm light, the soft glow of crystal chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling like a symbol of everything Celeste had achieved. But it felt colder than ever. The hunger gnawed at her insides, a constant reminder of what had become her reality. She smiled as her mother and Rollie entered the house, their faces full of awe and disbelief, but the gnawing emptiness inside her refused to be ignored.
She couldn't stop this now.
After they settled into their rooms and everything was in place, Celeste found herself alone in the grand sitting room, pacing back and forth. Her mother had insisted they spend the evening catching up, but Celeste knew she couldn't hide what was really happening for much longer. She needed to tell her mother. She needed to share this part of her new life to ensure her protection.
The thought made her stomach twist with unease, but the power that flowed through her veins now was undeniable. She couldn't stop.
The door opened, and the auburn-haired woman stepped into the room, her presence immediate and commanding. She wore a black dress tonight, the fabric hugging her form like a second skin. Celeste couldn't help but notice how flawless she looked, how powerful she seemed.
"Is it time?" the woman asked, her voice smooth, almost like a melody.
Celeste hesitated but nodded. "It's time."
The woman's lips curved into a smile. "Good. You've made the right choice."
Celeste clenched her fists, feeling the tension that had been building inside her finally boil over. "I'm telling my mom tonight. She deserves to know. She can't find out from anyone else. She has to understand this isn't just about me—it's about her and Rollie, too."
The woman's smile faded just slightly. "You know what you're asking, Celeste. It's not a simple choice."
"I don't have a choice anymore," Celeste snapped. "I've already signed the contract. I've already fed. I can't go back. I need to do this—for them."
The auburn-haired woman regarded her with a calculating look before nodding. "Very well. But remember, once you tell her, you are binding her to this world as well. She will be a part of this, whether she likes it or not."
Celeste swallowed hard. "I know. I've thought about it."
"Good," the woman replied. "Now, I have something else for you to consider. Someone is downstairs. He's eager to be bound to you. To serve you."
Celeste froze. "Someone else?"
"Yes." The woman's eyes gleamed. "He's like Marcus, but he's been waiting for someone like you. He's desperate to be closer to you, to feel what you have to offer. If you bind him to you, your power will grow exponentially. And when you feed from him, it will not only be a physical exchange, but it will solidify your hold over him completely."
Celeste's throat tightened. She didn't need to ask who it was. She knew it was someone from the circles she was already becoming familiar with—someone whose loyalty would be a valuable asset. She could feel her pulse quicken as the weight of the decision settled heavily on her chest.
"I can't keep doing this," she whispered. "I can't keep feeding off people."
"You're not feeding off them, Celeste," the woman said, her voice gentle but stern. "You're claiming what's rightfully yours. Power. Control. You are building something that cannot be taken from you, not easily. But you need to be stronger."
Celeste's breath came in shallow gasps as the truth of it hit her. She wasn't just growing into a star. She was becoming something else entirely—a force.
She glanced at the auburn-haired woman, feeling a surge of conflicted energy. "Okay. I'll do it. I'll bind him."
The woman smiled again, her eyes glimmering. "Wise choice."
Downstairs in the sprawling parlor, a man sat on the plush sofa, his posture straight, almost tense with anticipation. His eyes followed Celeste as she entered, and his lips parted in a silent invitation. He was handsome, tall, with dark hair and intense eyes. He wore a tailored suit, his gaze unwavering as she approached.
"I'm glad you've come," he said, his voice low and almost pleading.
Celeste could feel the power radiating off him—he was desperate. She could almost taste the energy in the air. The hunger stirred again.
"What's your name?" she asked, her voice cold, almost detached.
"Julian," he answered quickly, his eyes locked on hers. "Julian Knight. I've been watching you, Celeste. I know what you're capable of. I know you have something inside of you that I need."
The way he spoke made her feel like she was a goddess, like she was the one he had been waiting for all his life. It was intoxicating.
She crossed the room and stopped in front of him, her eyes never leaving his. "What do you want from me, Julian?"
His gaze softened, but there was something dark lurking beneath the surface. "I want to be bound to you. I want to serve you. I want to help you grow. I want to be your power."
Celeste's heart pounded in her chest. She could feel the pull, the need to consume him, to make him a part of her world.
"I can give you more power than you've ever dreamed of," Julian continued. "All you have to do is let me in."
She studied him for a long moment, considering his words, the weight of them settling on her shoulders. She could already feel herself slipping under the spell of the room—the electricity, the attraction, the hunger. She knew what would happen if she fed again.
And yet, she didn't hesitate. She leaned down, her lips brushing his ear. "I'll bind you to me," she whispered, her breath hot against his skin. "But you'll serve me completely. You'll give me everything. Do you understand?"
Julian shivered, nodding eagerly. "Yes. Whatever you want, Celeste. I'll do anything."
She stepped back and nodded to the auburn-haired woman, who smiled, her eyes glinting with approval. "Go ahead," she said softly. "Take him. Take it all."
The room seemed to spin as Celeste leaned in, her lips meeting Julian's. The world faded away—the music, the laughter, the pressure of the world outside. All that mattered was the bond between them, the electric charge that flowed between their bodies as she fed off him, draining him while taking more power into herself. His energy, his devotion, his very essence, all became a part of her.
And as she pulled away, gasping for air, she felt a weight lift off her chest. She was stronger now. She could feel it. Her power was growing, and the hunger—the insatiable, all-consuming hunger—was finally being fed.
But in the back of her mind, the nagging thought lingered. Her sister, Rollie, would never have to know about this. Celeste would protect her from this darkness.
Because if there was one thing Celeste was certain of, it was that Rollie would never have to feed. Not like she had. Not like she would again.
Celeste had made sure of that.