"She's...something, isn't she?" I asked, looking up at Helena. She nodded.

"Yes. Ruby is a character. This place wouldn't be the same without her." I glanced around the house.

"What exactly is this place?" I asked as we walked back to the stairs. 

"It is one the East Coast's two vampire clans, located in Maryland." I perked up. Some parts Maryland were less than an hour away from my home in DC. If I knew exactly which county we were in, maybe I could.

"No," Helena interrupted my thoughts. "I am not allowed to disclose our exact location to human residents."

"Oh, great. So you can read my mind," I groaned, throwing my arm in the air. How could I plan my escape then?

But Helena shook her head. "Some of us can, but only the very best. I am not one, I simply guessed your next question. Liam, being the leader of our clan, is able to," I frowned, taking in the information. Something about it felt...off. 

I brushed it off, considering the bigger problem. If I was staying in Liam's bedroom, that still left not enough time away from him to make an escape plan. I sighed. I'd worry about it later.

"So...this is like a gang?" I asked as we arrived back at Liam's room. Helena shrugged.

"Of sorts. We usually keep to ourselves-no petty crimes and such. However, we do have a rival, and the results of our spars are often," Helena paused, searching for a word. "Messy, to say the least."

A rival? I considered this as I sat back on Liam's bed. Who could possibly want to challenge a group of vampires? Vampire hunters? Other vampires? Werewolves?

My eyes widened as I considered that last one. In so many stories I'd seen and read, werewolves had been the sworn enemy of vampires. It...would make sense if they were real too. 

"It's werewolves, right? Your enemy is werewolves?" I asked, imagining what it would be like to see a human turn into an animal in real life instead of awful CGI. But Helena just gave me an odd look.

"Of course not. Werewolves aren't real," she said, as if it were obvious and I was stupid for even implying they were. I rolled my eyes. Nothing in this supernatural world made any sense.

"No, our real enemy is," Helena's features darkened, bright eyes flashing with murderous intent. "The centaurs," she hissed. 

Wait. Centaurs? Like horse people? Like Chiron from Percy Jackson? 

I snickered a little, the image of a half man, half horse coming after me with a sword more funny than scary. But Helena eyed me, eyes still flashing. 

"I assure you, Blythe, that this is no laughing matter. The centaurs are a terrible race of brutal barbarians. They have a wicked sort of strength, using it to further their cruel ends whenever possible," Helena said, disgust evident in her tone. 

Somehow, her words reminded me of Liam more than anyone else, but I decided to stay quiet. "Evil centaurs. Got it."

Helena nodded curtly. "Yes. Good. I will stand outside while you change." 

She almost marched out of the room, slamming the door behind her. So centaurs were a sore subject. Good to know.

I took another look at the dress. In better lighting, I could see a loose stitch here and a little faint stain there, signs of wear so small that they wouldn't even be noticeable from more than an inch or two away. Ruby didn't seem like the type to wear blue, especially on a dress that cutesy. So whose was it, really?

Could it have belonged to a victim? 

I tried to shove the thought out of my head, knowing I would be unable to even touch the dress if I knew for sure its owner was dead. But I just couldn't. The worry had taken root in my mind, and I frantically searched the dress for any signs of old blood stains, stomach churning.

The stains I found were nothing more than scattered specks in a blackish color, too dark even for dried blood. I relaxed, then took off my shirt, pants, and socks. 

The dress fit well, if a little snug around the arms. I twirled around in it, and the dress billowed outward, spinning with me. Despite myself, I laughed and did it again. And again.

I was spinning around the room like an idiot when Helena opened the door. I tried to collect myself mid-twirl, but the stop was too abrupt, landing me right on my ass. I groaned, half embarrassed, half just hurt. 

"I take it you like the dress?" Helena said, raising an eyebrow at me. She seemed a lot calmer. I thought I even detected a hint of amusement in her tone, though I couldn't be sure. 

I laughed a little, and Helena helped me up. 

"Liam instructed me to let you rest, and to have you drink your tea. So please, lie down." I did as she asked, flopping back down on the bed and grabbing the mug. 

My tea had gone cold, and there wasn't really much left after the spill. I quickly tossed it back, setting it back on the table. Helena glanced at it, uncertainty in the wrinkle of her eyebrows.

"Do...you want more tea?" She asked, looking at the mug as if it were a puzzle. 

"I mean, if it's any trouble, no," I said, wondering what the big deal was. Helena shook her head, a determined glint in her eye.

"No, no. Liam said you needed tea. I will...make some more," she said, marching over to the mug and snatching it up as if it were a challenge. I resisted the urge to chuckle.

"Nah, it's fine. Here, I can just make it myself," I offered, holding out my hand for the mug. But Helena shook her head, shoulder-length brown hair swishing slightly. 

"No. Liam told me to let you rest. I have already disobeyed this command by making you walk to Ruby's room. I must...I must make this tea myself," she said, frowning at the teacup with an intensity I really didn't think was warranted.

Suddenly, something occurred to me. "Do you...know how to make tea?" I asked. Helena stiffened slightly. "I mean, I don't imagine vampires drink tea very often, right?"

Helena sighed. "You are correct. I myself have never had it, though I am physically able to. In fact, Liam is the only one who drinks it regularly. I...have no idea how to make it."

I smiled, getting back out of the bed. "Alrighty then. Let's go," I said, walking to the door.

"No!" Helena cried. "I can't let you make it yourself. My orders..."

I shrugged. "I'm not making it myself, I'm just showing you how to. Besides, making tea is plenty relaxing. And I won't tell Liam if you don't."

Helena looked down. "Thank you very much, Blythe. I appreciate your kindness."

I grinned. "No need to thank me," I said, punching her lightly in the rock-solid shoulder. "Now where's that kitchen?"

Helena smiled back, tentatively. "Right. Follow me," she said.

I'm no good at making friends, but that sure seemed like a start.