I guess it all started 2 months ago. I never dreamed I would be stranded in a different realm in the middle of nowhere trying to track down a 'reflection', but here I am.
I, Lyra Este, am just an ordinary girl living in a city called Darkfern. I work as a hairstylist, am a new graduate who majored in graphic design, and am still searching for a job related to it.
I never knew my dad, he died well before I was even born. It was just me and my mom until she went missing a few months ago... In a world that values power and connections, a nobody like me could only file a report and wait. The day my life changed for better or worse, was just another Tuesday.
I was running late to work, I rushed through the crowd trying to make my way to the salon. I bumped into the man who changed my life forever. I hit his cold hard chest and stumbled a few steps back.
Without even giving me a chance to apologise he made his way to the car. It was a striking Maybach. I let out a big sigh of relief, someone who owns such a car must be powerful and well-connected, I'm just glad I didn't catch his attention, he just let it go.
Little did I know I was wrong. The car stayed exactly where it was. I've caught the attention of the most dangerous predator in the world.
His image lingered in my mind for a while, his tall broad back, his hard chest, if only I caught a glimpse of his face. I knew he would be as attractive as I imagined him to be.
I decided not to think about it and just focus on my work. Every now and then I felt a burning gaze on me but I could not figure out where it came from. I must be imagining things.
Although I'm on the brink of being homeless, I am positive-ish. Things will turn around, I'm sure of it.
I probably wished for it a little too hard, because the next day I got a call for a private session. I would've said no, this was such an odd request. I never did anything like this before. I am self-aware, I am not strong, and if push comes to shove I know I couldn't defend myself.
But this time the money was too good to say no to. It was 5000 for a single session! That would save me from the dire situation I'm in. After much thought, I agreed to it. The address did seem a bit suspicious but it was still in an affluent neighbourhood, and my boss vouched for the client.
My gut said something was wrong as I drove to the location. It was noon, but the sky kept getting darker as I drove closer to the address. From the distance, I could see the house, no, more like a manor. It was dark and imposing, and designed with Gothic architecture in mind however still had a modern touch to it.
Should I call it quits? I didn't exactly have the luxury to say no. I need any amount of money I can get. As I drove past the magnificent yet scary gates guarding the manor, I knew it was too late to turn back.
An old man with dozens of servants stood in a line to greet me. Seems like they were expecting my arrival, but did I need such a grand procession?
"We have been awaiting your arrival, Miss Lyra. This way, please." I had to assume this old man here was the butler.
While the others carried my equipment, the butler personally led me up the stairs.
Doubts filled my mind, this all seemed so old-fashioned. I am not part of the upper echelon by no means but they are far mordernised than this.
"Is this any reason a private session was requested? And, wouldn't you have a personal stylist? Why was I called?" A person as wealthy as the owner would not need to jump through these many hoops to get their haircut. My gut was telling me something was amiss, I wanted to clear my doubts before anything happened.
"Miss Lyra I'm not privy to such matters, what goes in my master's mind is only known to him. If you are worried about your safety, rest assured, I can promise no harm will come to you." The butler led me into a dark room, it looked like no one had used it in years! It was dimly lit with candles. How the hell can I cut hair in such a dark room?
Before I could say anything the Butler bowed and left. I wanted to follow him out but I was blocked by a tall dark figure. I took a few quick steps back to create some distance but that's when I stumbled. I prepared myself for a fall, closed my eyes, and braced myself for impact.
I could feel an arm snake around my waist pulling me closer and stabilising me. I was pressed against his cold, hard body. His breath fell gently on my forehead and it smelt like coffee.
I opened my eyes to look up at him, and at the same moment, the lights turned on, illuminating the room and the man in front of me.
The first thing I noticed was his eyes, resolute and sharp. It was the colour of expensive rubies. I did not know someone's eyes could be so beautiful. He was staring at me so intensely I had to shift my gaze.
Then, I noticed his hair, it was pure white. As white as snow. I couldn't help but reach out to touch it, it felt just as soft as snow.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" His deep brooding voice brought me back to the present. He let go of me and I got to see his entirety.
His face looked like he was chiseled by a sculptor, I could say the same thing about his body. His beautiful white hair draped over his broad shoulders. I've met many tall men before but it is only his presence that made me too self-aware about my height. He wore a black shirt and on top of it a tight black vest which was a perfect contrast to his white hair.
"Th- thank you for catching me." I had to say something to break the awkward silence. He seemed to inspect my appearance just as I did to him. All I could mutter was an awkward thank you. Shy? Embarrassment? I've never been tongue-tied like this in front of a man!
"Let's get on with it, shall we?" With that, he sat on the chair in front of a vanity, except the vanity didn't have a mirror. It looked like it was forcibly removed. How would he know if he likes his haircut without a mirror?
"Just cut it as you like, I have no preference."
I wish I could keep the length as is. I am not dirty-minded at all, really, but at this moment all I could think of was his long hair tickling my face as he climbed on top of me.
Snap out of it!!!
Taking deep breaths to calm down I decided to give him a fashionable wolf cut. Throughout the process, he sat absolutely still with his eyes closed. With pale skin, white hair, handsome face, he looked like a marble statue of Adonis.
I definitely took longer because I kept catching myself staring at him instead of finishing my job.
When I was done, I was extremely satisfied with how it turned out. Wish I could get a word of praise from him too. I took out a small mirror from my bag and handed it to him.
He stared at it for a while before standing up, towering over me, gripping my hand, and taking the mirror.
As he looked into the mirror he made sure I could see it too.
He- he didn't have a reflection-
I gasped in horror and carefully looked up. He threw the mirror aside, and the striking sound filled the woefully silent room. He leaned in close enough that made me flinch and immediately close my eyes. His mouth was right next to my ear, his cool breath hitting my ear made me flinch.
"Theodore, don't forget my name."
I could feel my heart in my chest. It was beating heavily. I decided to forget this ever happened, pack up my tools, and leave.
"Miss Lyra, your cheque." The butler handed me the cheque which I promptly took. I was feeling jittery from the scare. "I hope you are aware of what not to talk about Miss Lyra." He added.
I glance at him and give him a short nod. I quickly got into my car and drove away from this place as fast as I could. After some time I was able to calm down and process what happened.
Of course, the clues add up. How did I not notice? The red eyes, the cold body, and no reflection. Theodore is... a vampire?