Chapter Text
The perpetually gray skies of Wales had always been a familiar, if somewhat melancholic, comfort to Vlad. But today, even the drizzle that slicked the ancient cobblestones outside the castle felt like a shroud, clinging to the last vestiges of a life he was about to leave behind. He stood by the tall, gothic window, his gaze sweeping over the gnarled oak trees that had witnessed his families… peculiar existence. Four years. Four years of this draughty castle, this particular brand of eternal twilight, and the constant, suffocating presence of his father… ambitions.
A soft rustle of silk announced Veda’s arrival. She moved with an innate grace, her dark hair a silk curtain around a face that, even after a year of their unusual marriage, still held a hint of youthful wonder beneath its vampiric pallor. She stopped beside him, her presence a quiet warmth in the otherwise cold room.
“Still staring at the rain, Vlad?”she murmured, her voice a low, melodic hum that always managed to soothe the frayed edges of his nerves. He offered a faint smile, turning to face her. Her eyes, a startling shade of amber, held a shared understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the monumental shift about to occur in their lives.
“Just saying goodbye, I suppose. To the endless damp, the creaking floorboards, dads… unique interior decorating choices.”
“And Ingrid’s horribly rough exterior. I feel like ever since you became the grand high vampire it’s like you will forever owe her something no one can name. Like a constant blanket hanging over us.” Veda expresses in an exhausted manner.
Their conversation was a familiar dance, a rhythm they had established early in their arranged marriage. It wasn’t a marriage born of passionate love, not in the way the human poets described it, but it was built on something perhaps more enduring: a deep, unwavering friendship and a shared understanding of their bizarre reality. They had been thrown together at seventeen, two young vampires expected to carry on a lineage neither of them particularly cared for, and somehow, they had forged a bond stronger than many human couples found in a lifetime. They were confidantes, co-conspirators, and the only two people who truly understood the absurdity of their existence.
"My love, look at the moon tonight," Veda said softly, her gaze fixed on the sky. "It's truly magnificent, isn't it? It’s like I could just reach out and hold it."
Vlad wrapped his arm around her, drawing her close. "Yes, my dear. And the stars, scattered like diamonds across velvet. It's a sight that always calms my soul."
"Mine too," she whispered, leaning into him. "It makes you ponder, doesn't it? All the wonders beyond our world. I will miss this side of the sky when we leave.what if the sky is not as mesmerizing in America as it is here?”
Vlad hums.”Lets not worry about that yet angel. Im sure the stars are just as breathtaking.”
The door creaked open again, and Ingrid swept in, a whirlwind of dramatic wind and even more dramatic pronouncements. She was, as always, a vision of gothic chic, her dark clothes perfectly tailored, her expression a theatrical blend of sorrow and disgust.
“Vlad, Veda. You must be done with your pathetic whining by now. You know dad likes to eat dinner on a schedule.” she exclaimed, her voice laced with annoyance.
“Yes Ingrid,” Vlad huffed “;we will be down shortly.”
“You better. I cannot stand his constant bragging about you being the grand high vampire. Like seriously, you are a weak, pathetic excuse of a vampire and I can’t wait until you fail so I can take rightfully your place.” She says with a victorious laugh.
Ever since Vlad had become the GHV, Ingrid has done nothing but complain. That is one of the main reasons Vlad wants to leave. He can’t stand the constant pressure from his father to be the perfect leader.
As soon as Ingrid leaves him and Vedas shared room, they resume their packing.
Veda sighs.”Are you sure about this, Vlad?" She whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves outside the window. "Leaving everything behind, our family, our old lives"
“My siblings.” Veda sighed, looking out at the moonlight. "Robin and Chloe will be so upset when they find out we just vanished"
"They'll understand, eventually," Vlad said, pulling her close. "This is our chance to live freely, to build a life where we don't have to fear exposure. We'll create new identities, new stories. It'll be an adventure, Veda."
"An adventure," she repeated, a small smile finally gracing her lips. "I just hope they can forgive me someday."
Vlad nodded, his gaze equally sharp. "I've charmed the house to ensure deep sleep, but their natural senses are strong. We must move swiftly and silently."
"New identities, you said," Veda mused, almost to herself. "What will we be? Where will we go? It feels… exhilarating and terrifying all at once."
"That's the beauty of it," Vlad replied, a hint of excitement in his voice. "We can be anyone, go anywhere. A fresh canvas, Veda. No ties to the past, only the future we build together."