"Brother, it seems your stepmother doesn't like me that much."
"Of course she does, Isabel. She's always wanted a child of her own—especially a girl to spoil. So feel free around here. This is your home too."
"There's just one problem."
"And what's that?" Damien asked, quirking a brow.
"The sun. I can't go out during the day—but you can, which is utterly impossible. How do you manage it?"
Damien smirked. "Because of this piece of jewelry around my neck."
He reluctantly pulled it from beneath his shirt, revealing a glowing, rune-engraved pendant.
"Wow… that's beautiful. I guess Glinda crafted it for you."
"Yeah, I think so," he shrugged. "Whenever you want to step out during the daytime, you can come for it."
"Really, brother?" she squeaked.
"Of course, Isabel."
"Thank you so much, Damien."
"You're welcome."
Isabel insisted on following Damien to the human world the same day he was summoned by Dracula. Damien, thrilled to finally have a sibling, was elated by the idea of her living with him. He agreed without hesitation, and Isabel eagerly prepared herself for her new life as a vampire princess among humans.
✧✧✧
Isabel held the reins of her horse as she rode majestically. To her, the pace felt natural—but to the humans working in the fields, it looked like a death-defying sprint.
"Is she crazy? She's going to kill herself!" a man herding cattle yelled.
Isabel smirked wickedly.
"Pathetic fools. Humans truly are the most foolish creatures alive."
"Dara."
"Yes, Your Highness?"
"Are we close to Wintercrest? I heard it's a beautiful country."
"Pardon me, Your Highness, but we are in Wintercrest—specifically in Springfield. This is where the Crown Prince of Wintercrest trains personally."
"Hmm… you really did your research, then. A crown prince, interesting."
She nudged her stallion, the white beauty trotting gracefully now at a slower pace. She dismounted and tied the reins to a nearby tree, Dara following suit.
"Light is truly a beautiful thing. I wonder why we vampires must live in darkness all our lives."
She gazed around the field, the sunlight gleaming on golden grass.
"Just look at this place. Isn't it beautiful?"
"Yes, it is, Your Highness."
"I'll hold onto this necklace forever. Glinda is one annoying old witch—you should've heard the long speech she gave before handing it to me."
"Forgive me for asking, but… is it because of the jewelry—?"
"Don't bother to ask further—the answer is yes," she interrupted.
"The one around your neck is mine. And the one I'm wearing belongs to Damien."
They were enjoying the peace until a chilling metallic sound broke through—a sword being dragged across the earth. Isabel immediately unsheathed her blade and turned swiftly, initiating an attack.
Her opponent dodged smoothly.
You know what to do.