Author's note: this is from Killian's point of view

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About two weeks ago, I received news that Young Master Aldus requested an item to be forged with the Mezzanotte family crest, I had a feeling that something is not right.

I am something like a recordkeeper for the Mezzanotte family. They are the royalty of the vampire society and their crest grants a lot of power; we strictly monitor how many of them are out there and who has them. Of course, they are limited to family members and a handful of trustful aides (like yours truly).

I needed more information on why Young Master was creating another item with a crest and I contacted him. I was left speechless when the Young Master told me that it's for his daughter.

"Young Master, I didn't know that you are married."

"I'm not.", he responded curtly. "Do I need to get married in order to have a daughter?"

My brain exploded. It's a child out of wedlock!

Do Master and Madam know about this? Mezzanotte family is traditional and even though Young Master is living away for a few centuries, some things should be followed.

How can he have a child with a woman without the ceremony to acknowledge their status? Did he got drunk and the pregnancy was accidental? Or maybe it was something recent.

"Why would you give family's crest to a little girl?"

"Seraphina is twenty-two years old. That's not little."

I was not sure how to respond. Twenty-two? I saw him last about thirty years ago, so it's possible, but… how come I didn't hear that he had a daughter?

"Ian…", he called impatiently. "Is there another reason you called, or only to collect gossip? I would like to move on with my life."

"Yes, Young Master. I apologize, Young Master…"

After musing about this for some time, I realized that some things don't add up.

My gut feeling was telling me that shit will hit the fan and if Madam and Master see me as a co-conspirator, they will unleash their wrath on me. I know very well that they will never be strict with their son, no matter what mess he created, but I am another entity.

My footsteps echoed in the empty stone hallways. The Mezzanotte family lives in a massive castle which reflects their status as the most influential family in Lemuria, but they only use a handful of rooms, while the rest are mostly empty.

Vampires are not social creatures, and they mostly keep to themselves. Especially the purebloods whose arrogance makes them feel they are above others; that is why most of the turned ones don't even know about the existence of Lemuria.

During my lifetime, I observed the number of pureblood vampires dwindling.

Purebloods live in isolation and believe that they are invincible, and that is why vampires are easy picking for creature hunters and other enemies.

Other than a violent ending, there is also an issue of voluntary hibernation.

Pureblood vampires don't age, and they are gifted with various abilities. They are at the top of the food chain, perfect in every way. However, over the centuries, most of the ancient families perished because their members lost interest in things of this world, and went into voluntary hibernation which can last for a long time and sometimes leads to eternal sleep.

The Mezzanotte family stayed strong, and all vampires look up to them. Me included. That is why I decided to serve them.

I was young when the creature hunters killed my parents, and I was not sure what to do with the eternity I had. The Mezzanotte family gave me purpose and I am grateful for that.

My steps halted in front of a heavy wooden door.

After a brief knock, I entered their lounging room.

Master Lysander was playing chess against himself (again). I never understood his obsession with that game. How can one enjoy winning against himself when he knows the strategy of his opponent (aka self)?

Madam Carmilla was focused on her embroidery. Her delicate fingers worked the needle flawlessly while her expression was stone cold and unreadable.

Lady Calista was playing the harp, her latest musical obsession. Last year it was a trombone, and I must say that my ears prefer the harp.

These three people and Young Master Aldus are the core members of the Mezzanotte family. People address them by various titles, but for me, they are my Masters.

"Speak, Ian…", Master Lysander said after some time, without removing his gaze from the chessboard.

When I mentioned the Young Master, I got their full attention. They love to hear stories about his adventures, and any news is treated as treasure.

This time, it was different.

Madam Carmilla was staring at me like I'm growing a second head, Lady Calista was frozen, while Master Lysander blinked a few times and then frowned.

"Granddaughter?", Master asked.

Ah, they didn't know either. OK. I'm not the only one. I knew it was the right decision to tell them. Now I'm not a conspirator, but an informant.

"Ahhh!" An excited scream nearly shattered my eardrums. "Aldi has a daughter? I am an Aunt?" Lady Calista asked breathily.

Lady Calista is a bubbly girl, the total opposite from her parents who are aloof (for the lack of a better word). I have no idea from where she is getting her energy.

Madam Carmilla waved her hand, indicating to Calista to calm down, and then she looked at me intently. "Tell us again from the beginning. Everything…"

Of course, I didn't know much. And that is how I ended up with a task to personally deliver this item and scout Young Master Aldus's family situation.

Back to the present...

"I expected a regular courier." Young Master Aldus greeted me with a skeptic look.

"I had business in Germany, so I decided to take care of this task.", I lied stiffly while giving him the box.

When a young lady entered the room, I found myself lost in her presence. There was something regal in the air around her. I couldn't detect traces of the Mezzanotte family, but she was noble, and I found myself bowing with respect. "Nice to meet you, Lady Seraphina. Please, call me Ian."

She was warm and graceful, and I could see the happiness radiating from her when Young Master put the bracelet around her wrist.

"Is this supposed to hurt?" Her expression turned into a grimace as the scent of burnt flesh filled the room.

"Ian! Did you tamper with it!", the Young Master lashed at me and I couldn't find the strength to respond. I shook my head vigorously.

"I wouldn't dare… I only delivered it…", I responded weakly once he released his pressure on me.

Sure, he takes after his father. Violence first, then questions.

My attention got drawn to Lady Seraphina who started glowing. Numerous golden runes appeared on her skin and they shimmered for a few seconds before disappearing like they were never there. Did I start imagining things?

"How are you feeling?", Young Master asked Lady Seraphina with concern obvious in his voice. He didn't seem surprised by the sight of her glowing.

"Uhm…", she paused while inspecting her wrist, and I inched closer to get a better look.

It was as if the bracelet and the pendant got absorbed into her body. There was no wound, no scar, only a faint outline of a circle with the letter M, a crescent, and a crown on her inner wrist. Fascinating.

"I'm fine.", she responded. "What happened?"

Young Master was at a loss for words. "I don't know. It was supposed to be a bracelet that you can remove, and I would show you how it can transform into a necklace, but this… was unexpected. We need to test it if it works."

He ushered her out of the room, leaving me behind, on my own.

They returned about ten minutes later, both with unreadable expressions.

"Young Master, is the item defective?", I asked.

He shook his head. "The item is working, but I don't understand why it fused into her body."

"Well, it would suck if it's not working…", she said while stifling a laugh and Young Master rolled his eyes.

I saw him roll his eyes only when he was with Lady Calista, and I had a feeling that Lady Calista will get along well with her niece, which brought me to my next point.

"Other than to bring the item, I am here to deliver a message…", I said, getting Young Master's attention. "Your parents were wondering when you plan to visit home, and Lady Calista said that you should expect her soon."

He frowned. "My parents can keep on wondering. My sister wants to leave Lemuria? She is too young."

"Sister?", Lady Seraphina asked.

"I will tell you about it later." He turned toward me. "Is there anything else, Ian?"

I realized that he was sending me away. What happened with hospitality? Doesn't he realize how far Lemuria is?

"Would you like to join us for lunch, Ian?", Lady Seraphina offered with a smile and I could see that Young Master didn't approve but he didn't object either.

"I would love to. Thank you.", I responded politely. Lady Seraphina is nice and has good manners. And because Young Master didn't oppose her inviting me, I liked her very much.

The lunch was served within ten minutes, and I had a feeling that Young Master rushed it so that I can leave as soon as possible. How petty.

"So, Ian, what do you do for my father?", Lady Seraphina asked over lunch.

"Actually, Lady Seraphina, I work for your grandfather. I am keeping records of anything important at the Mezzanotte family."

"You look too stylish for a bookworm."

I chuckled at her comment. "I was working at the Mezzanotte castle long before Young Master left to explore the world."

She observed me with curiosity. "Really?"

Why did she sound like she doesn't believe me? Is it because of the disguise I used when I travel among humans?

I removed my glasses, and it took me a second to get my eye color adjusted to their normal red. This should prove that I am a pureblood vampire.

She exchanged gazes with Young Master, and he spoke, "Seraphina is young, Ian. She grew up among humans and is still learning about other creatures."

I nodded in understanding as I reverted my eye color to human-friendly brown and I put my glasses back on.

"You can think of Ian as a family's lawyer.", Young Master said to Lady Seraphina. "I will let you know how you can contact him, in case of an emergency…"

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See Killian's photo in the comments.

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