"A positive, coming up,"
Ingrid's smile widened as she turned to prepare Rose's drink, her movements swift and practiced. Moments later, she placed a glass bottle in front of Rose, its contents a deep crimson hue that glimmered in the dim light of the bar.
Rose took a sip, the metallic tang of blood flooding her senses with a rush of nostalgia. It had been too long since she had indulged in such pleasures openly, too long since she had allowed herself to embrace the darkness that lurked within her soul.
She had a bunch of blood bottles in her penthouse and even in her safe space in her office lounge. But there was something about locally and openly served one that hit different.
As Rose savored the familiar taste of blood, she couldn't help but appreciate the craftsmanship behind its preparation. Turning to the bartender, Ingrid, she offered a nod of approval. "You've outdone yourself tonight, Ingrid. This is truly exquisite."
Ingrid flashed a wry smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "High praise coming from a connoisseur like yourself, Rose. Glad to see you're enjoying it."
Rose chuckled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing ever so slightly. "It's been too long since I've had the pleasure of indulging in your fine wine," she remarked, raising her glass in a silent toast.
Ingrid returned the gesture with a knowing grin. "Well, you know where to find me if you ever need a refill," she quipped, gesturing to the row of bottles lined up behind the bar.
As the night wore on, Rose found herself ordering drink after drink, the crimson liquid coursing through her veins like liquid fire. With each sip, her inhibitions faded further, until she was lost in a haze of blissful oblivion.
With silent nods of agreement, the vampires began to edge closer to Rose, their predatory instincts sharpening with each step. They could practically taste the sweet tang of her fear and despair, fueling their hunger and driving them onward.
Whispers spread among them like wildfire, plans forming in their minds as they watched Rose order another round. They knew she was a lord, but in her current state, she was no match for their collective strength.
Ingrid, sensing the impending danger, turned away, her heart heavy with apprehension. Though she disagreed with their intentions, she knew better than to interfere in the affairs of a lord. This was not just any coincidence. There was order from above them all to do this whenever Rose Shelly stepped foot in their midst.
Meanwhile, as Rose struggled to maintain her tenuous grip on reality, three imposing figures entered the bar, their eyes glowing crimson with hunger and malice. Reggie, Gunther, and Randal, their towering forms exuding an aura of menace, approached Rose with purpose.
Reggie, the leader of the trio, spoke with a voice like thunder, his words dripping with contempt. "Back away from our master," he commanded, his gaze locking onto anyone who dared to challenge their authority.
"Anyone who dares to challenge us will ultimately wish immortality was taken away from them as death would be far better of a consequence," Randal said, staring with glowing red eyes at anyone who had the balls to challenge them.
His muscular frame seemed to ripple with restrained power, and his intense stare sent shivers down the spines of those who met his gaze. He radiated a menacing aura, warning all who dared challenge him of the dire consequences that awaited.
Gunther, the third member of the trio, was a hulking brute of a vampire, his massive form towering over those around him. His thick muscles bulged beneath his taut skin, and his icy glare conveyed a sense of ruthless determination.
With a voice like gravel, he issued a chilling threat to anyone foolish enough to stand in their way."Cross us, and you'll wish for the sweet embrace of death," Gunther growled, his words laced with menace as he loomed over the unsuspecting patrons of the bar.