It was never me, it was always her. That voice kept echoing in my mind, reminding me of my place in this world. I glance in the mirror, my eyes filled with unfamiliar features that yearns for attention. Crimson hair that falls past my shoulders with matching red eyes that pierces through the soul with skin that is almost translucent. This is the beginning of forever...
I am the vampire Essence Snow from the novel Cryptic Night. How could this happen? Last night before my slumber I was just an intern at Landrum Hospital, I was supposed to receive my promotion today. Essence Snow was known as the villainess of fury, whom captivated many but never fell in love. She was the daughter of Count Verlin Snow, the ruler of the south region of Vendulum.
The empire that held the most power, and influence of the empire, the only region that could rival the imperial empire and where the most influential vampires succumbed to their desires. Essence was a side character no more valuable than a tree in the story, she was made to be the villainess who tried to take Anastasia Windilum from the main lead, this storyline would eventually lead to her unclimatic death. I must be dreaming, what about my family, my life? I may have been a mere intern, but how could I be reincarnated into such a lonesome life?
My original name was Veronica Sanders, I lived in a rundown apartment with my cats and plants to keep my company. I graduated from Benoux University, with a degree in psychology, and communication. In the Landrum Hospital industry I was given an opportunity to grow my skills, by learning about animals and their anatomy. I was an ordinary girl, with a bright future ahead of me. My original hair color was black, and my skin was a warm olive that contrasted with my blue eyes. Before I could gather the rest of my thoughts a knock interrupted me. "Lady Snow, I am here with your cup of tea. May I come in." I turned my head to face the door.
I haven't gotten a chance to digest the room around me, decorated with black and red accents. The door I faced was grand, gold cascaded the lining of the decorations on the door. "You may." I proceeded to say. I think my best option for survival is to adapt and learn the etiquette, and mannerisms of this place as soon as possible. An elderly maid with black hair greeted me, she placed the tea down and as quickly as she appeared she disappeared. I remember her from the beginning of the book, she was one of the only people who believed in Essence before her eventual death.
If my memory serves me right, her name was Catherine, she was one of the ten that attended Essence's funeral when she passed. I will make sure to make an ally out of her. Well, there is no sense of me trying to understand the world from inside this room, I should go greet everyone. "Ms. Catherine" I calmly spoke. Vampires ears are sensitive, in the book Catherine always came swiftly and dressed Essence. It would be best not to deviate too far from these details. Catherine came in, and began to sort through my wardrobe.
The dresses she displayed were exquisite, I could feel my pockets at home weeping from even one dress. She showcased three options, a red dress that was suited to fit every curve of the body with a slit that could display every inch of my thighs. A black dress that was puffy, as if it was a ball gown it had red accents around the neck and s quizzed the bust. Lastly, she showed me a unique dress that caught my eye, it was a white dress with blue pearls around the neck. It had no leg service, but it showcased my curves, adding extra satisfaction to my ass, and pushed up my bust. This is the one, I wanted an elegant dress for my first greeting with everyone. "That is a lovely choice, My Lady. I rarely see you explore colors." A small smile crossed Catherine's face as she finished dressing me. She brought me matching accessories, she made sure to make the blue stand out with a diamond necklace that weighed my neck down. You could tell from miles away this necklace was meant for royalty.
"Thank you, may I ask where my father is?" I inquired. I can't tell if it was my tone or question, but her eyes changed and she studied my face for a moment. "My Lady, Count Snow is in his study as always, are you feeling okay? Shall I bring you a fresh blood bag? Or would you like to feast upon the new servants?" Her tone was gentle, and filled with concern. I was baffled, i forgot my livelihood no longer depended on fresh bread my mother made, but blood. I felt a pain in my stomach, and a twist in my heart. The servants were a mixture of humans, and vampires but the humans knew what it meant to serve in this kingdom.
Most came from property, offering their services and blood as a means to live. The only insurance they had before entering the kingdom to serve was that they would not die by overconsumption. This law was passed when humans became scarce in Vendulum, other regions valued humans but others used them as pons for greed and would sale them off as slaves to garnish funds. My stomach ached, but I would rather figure out my moral compass towards blood later. "I appreciate your concern. Please Guide me to my father's study" I asked.
I am familiar with the layout of the palace, but books and reality are different. This castle was massive. Putting together a thousand piece puzzle would be easier than finding the kitchen here. We began our walk, heels used to bother me but in the body I can't feel an ounce of discomfort or pain. I looked around and was stunned by the paintings that were displayed. Each painting illuminated the family's rich history, I could sense the authority each member held just by glancing at their piercing eyes. I stopped when I saw the last one was unfinished, it was Essence, with her father, mother, and brother.
Her brother was depicted with silver hair that mirrored their mother, while I was born with red that signifies my father's and his gifts. Why did they leave this one unfinished? Essence's face was a white space, while everyone else's was beautifully finished. I realized Catherine was looking at me with sadness in her eyes, I gently nodded and proceeded to walk down the quite hall. While this place was filled with priceless pieces, sky blue walls, and plenty of servants it felt like a lifeless prison. Nobody held a hint of warmth in their gaze, they merely nodded and walked off.
"Well, what brings my disgraceful sister here?" A voice pierced my ears. I turned around to be disgusted by the view before me. It was Essence brother and next in line to inherit the duchy Callahan Snow, his inferiority complex always baffled me in the book. How can someone as inferior to Essence become the head, when he isn't able to defend himself? A sigh escaped my lips before I could speak. "You're lack of manners, reminds me why you were never meant to truly be my blood. Don't tell me you were walking to see my father?" He scoffed and his lips curved. His features were soft, which rivaled his unruly mouth.
I appreciated the details the writer had for his character. She had white hair that snow would envy, blue eyes that could calm a storm, and a body that was appealing for lady's and men alike. He had a firm build, and his attire was always elegant, not a hair out of place. These aspects of him were embedded in his ocd, the author perplexed me with this aspect when he was extremely ruthless during his feedings. "Goodmorning Brother, may the morning bring you what you deserve." I bowed, pulling my hands to the side before straightening myself. I ensured to keep my head high, and my eyes glued to his, his cheeks turned red with fury before walking away. How could such a simple greeting leave him so upset, what a simple minded individual. A light giggle escaped my lips, his behavior reminds me of my brother and his tantrums.
Catherine cleared her throat to alert me that we had made it to our destination. I gently knocked on the door, before the door flew open. "Have a seat, it's good you came." His tone was low but firm. Chills came down my body as our eyes met, I immediately sat down. His study contrasted him in every aspect, the walls were light blue with furniture that was warm and comforting. The windows were draped with blue and gold, and his walls mirrored the same aesthetic. There was a wooden desk, two embroidered chairs, and bookcases all around.
"Goodmorning, father. How have you been?" I questioned. "Let's cut the useless banter, you will be getting married soon. It's time to stop your pointless obsession with Lady Anastasia and focus on engaging Princess Akari." His voice was stern, not a hint of parental love could be felt. My body went numb, Princess Akari was just anyone, but the best friend of Lady Anastasia and the second female lead of the novel. She was the merciless ruler, and warrior of the Imperial Knights. She holds a core that mimics ice and water, my complete opposite. Her life was briefly discussed in the book as isolated, she was the woman that was abandoned by the kingdom but came back and took the throne from her father. She was said to slaughter her siblings in a gruesome battle to gain power.
Her story is one that captivated readers because of how docile she was towards the main character, even I was in love with her while reading it. BUT towards everyone else she was cold blooded and unruly. She wouldn't even bat an eye at anyone else, to think my new life would end so fast.