Cassandra arrived at the mansion with hurried, uneven steps, her face still warm from the storm of emotions swirling within her. She was flustered, trying to regain her composure after what had just happened. Strax's mischievous smirk lingered in her mind, irritating her more with herself than with him.
As she stepped into the main hall, she spotted Daniela lounging casually in one of the armchairs, flipping through a thick book. Her sister glanced up briefly and immediately noticed Cassandra's disheveled state. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her usual poise seemed to have taken a hit.
"What's this?" Daniela asked, raising an eyebrow. "Someone managed to get under your skin again?"
Cassandra huffed, throwing herself onto the couch with a dramatic sigh. She crossed her arms and stared at the ceiling, deliberately avoiding her sister's gaze. "It's nothing," she said defensively, though the hesitation in her voice only piqued Daniela's curiosity further.
"Doesn't look like nothing. You seem... bothered." Daniela closed her book with a snap and leaned forward, scrutinizing Cassandra as if she were some kind of fascinating experiment. "What happened? Was it Strax?"
Cassandra flinched at the mention of his name, which was all the confirmation Daniela needed. A sly grin spread across her face as she let out a low, teasing laugh that only served to annoy Cassandra more.
"Cut it out, Daniela!" Cassandra snapped, her tone laced with irritation but also a hint of embarrassment. "It's nothing! He's just... he's just irritating. That's all!"
"Oh, irritating, is he?" Daniela's grin widened as she leaned closer, her expression practically glowing with mischief. "Heart racing? Sudden urge to punch him but also... not really wanting to hurt him?"
Cassandra froze, her expression shifting instantly. "What? No! Of course not!" She tried to avert her gaze, but Daniela had already caught on. The truth was written all over her older sister's face, no matter how much she tried to hide it.
"Uh-huh," Daniela murmured, leaning in further with the unmistakable look of someone who knew exactly what was going on. "And this sudden concern for him? This fear that something might happen? You can't get him out of your head, can you?"
Cassandra opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out. Her silence was answer enough, and Daniela wasn't about to let the moment slip away.
"Welcome to the club, Cassandra," Daniela said with a cheeky grin, holding up her hand as if expecting a high five. "You're officially part of the 'Vampires in Love' club."
Cassandra blinked, stunned, before her eyes widened in shock. "You're insane! Me? In love with him? Not a chance!"
"Oh, you absolutely are," Daniela countered, her tone playful but resolute. "Just look at you! All flustered and unsure of what to do with your feelings. What do you think this is? A confusion spell?"
"You're delusional!" Cassandra crossed her arms again, turning her head away, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her completely.
Daniela let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, this is too good. Deny it all you want, big sis. I've been there too. The difference is, I've already accepted it. Now it's your turn."
"You... you too?" Cassandra looked at her, disbelief etched on her face.
Daniela just shrugged, leaning against the table with a sly grin. "I'm just being practical. You're holding back, hesitating, and he's there. Alone. At the hot springs. You know what they say: opportunity only knocks once."
"I'm not going to... I can't..." Cassandra stammered, struggling to find the right words. Her mind felt like a chaotic whirlwind, a storm raging within her.
"Oh, please, Cassandra," Daniela interrupted, rolling her eyes dramatically. "It's obvious you want to. You've been looking at him differently these days. I'm just saying: either do something about it, or I will. And honestly, I wouldn't mind a rematch after the last time."
"YOU ARE UNBELIEVABLY VULGAR!" Cassandra exploded, her voice rising several octaves.
"And you're incredibly repressed," Daniela retorted, her tone calm but with a teasing smile. "Look, you have two options. You can stay here, stewing in your own thoughts, or go over there and take control of the situation. Who knows? It might even be fun."
Cassandra crossed her arms, her face still burning with embarrassment and frustration. "I'm not going to... I won't do something so... so indecent!"
"Indecent?" Daniela laughed, throwing her head back. "Cassandra, you're an adult. This isn't indecent—it's living. And frankly, Strax isn't going to wait around forever." She leaned forward slightly, her expression becoming more serious. "Do you really think he'll keep chasing after you if you never show any interest? He already has plenty of attention... including mine."
Those words hit Cassandra like a blow. Something in her chest tightened, and she hated to admit that Daniela was right. As much as she didn't want to act on impulse, there was a pang of fear: what if she really did miss her chance?
"I... I'll think about it," Cassandra said, trying to maintain her composure, though the hesitation in her voice was obvious.
Daniela beamed, clapping her hands together. "Good! That's progress. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to grab a drink. Mom restocked the blood supply. If you decide to join Strax in the springs, don't take too long. If not, let me know so I can go instead."
Cassandra stared at her, utterly incredulous. "You... you have no limits, do you? Your head of fluff turned into a head full of mischief so quickly."
"Of course not," Daniela replied with a mischievous grin, already walking toward the door. "Where's the fun in having limits? Besides, I'm practical. If you're not going to seize the opportunity, why should I waste it? After all, I've already had a taste, and I can tell you... it's absolutely worth it." She winked provocatively before disappearing down the hallway.
Cassandra stood there, unsure whether she was more shocked or furious. Her hands clenched into fists, and she muttered to herself, trying to dispel the thoughts Daniela had planted in her mind. "Impossible... I won't... this is completely... inappropriate!"
But even as she grumbled, the idea seemed to take root in her mind, as if every argument she tried to muster was crushed by the memory of Strax and his daring smile. He's there, alone...
"I'm going to lose my mind," Cassandra sighed, covering her face with her hands as she tried to regain control of herself.
'Maybe just a bath... he did invite me...'
Before she even realized it, her feet began moving toward the hot springs.