[Breaking news this morning, police have cordoned off large sections of Stromovka Park following what authorities are calling a suspected wild animal attack late last night.]
Was the first thing a groggy Noah heard the moment he stepped into the living room.
The next day had arrived far too quickly, as Noah and Antoinette had spent the previous one either drinking the blood of the other or cuddling, on Antoinette's demand.
She was completely uninterested in finding out what she was now capable of, as a vampire monarch, claiming that time with her darling was more important.
Noah couldn't deny her though, after all, if he wasn't at school and Ethan wasn't dragging him to an arcade or something, he had nothing to do.
He rubbed his eyes a bit as he focused on the TV which showed a footage of Stromovka Park.
Police tape was stretched between trees, with officers standing guard, and blurred images of something being loaded into an ambulance.
[Two victims were found deceased at the scene. Officials report severe injuries consistent with an animal mauling, though no definitive species has been identified.]
The camera switched to a shaken-looking police spokesperson.
[At this time, we urge residents to avoid Stromovka Park after dark. Patrols have been increased, and animal control is assisting in the investigation.]
The anchor continued, his voice was steady but obviously tense.
[Residents in nearby districts have reported unusual activity over the past week, including missing pets and unexplained sounds during the night. Authorities stress there is no cause for panic, but caution is advised.]
Noah turned towards Antoinette, who was sitting on the couch, completely focused on the screen.
"That definitely is is a wild animal, is it?" He asked.
Antoinette was silently for a while, as she continued looking at the tv before she finally looked away from the screen and toward him, her lips curving into a gentle smile.
"Don't worry about it darling," she said lightly as she stood up, "you were heading to school right?"
Noah looked at the clock, noticing that it was still pretty early, so if he took a shower now and got changed, he would make it in time.
Besides, he didn't want the school calling his parents which would cause them unnecessary worry.
So Noah just nodded.
"As much as I want to accompany you, I can't," Antoinette said, "I've got work, but when you get back home, I promise I'll tell you everything."
Noah let out a sigh as he walked closer to her before moving a stray strand of hair away from her face.
"Don't get hurt," he said.
Antoinette's body trembled a bit at the action, as she restrained the urge to jump on him right now.
She had a task from the vampire king to fulfill, after that, she would spend as much with him as she wanted.
Antoinette smiled at his concern, her expression softening in a way that would surprise anyone who previously knew her.
"I won't," she replied gently. "I promise."
She leaned in and pressed a brief kiss to his lips before pulling back, "I'll see you tonight."
"Hmm," Noah nodded, walked back to his room, got ready for school and walked back down.
"Breakfast," Antoinette asked as she handed him what seemed like a small flask.
"Breakfast?" He asked, as he took the flask, curiously shaking it.
"Hmm," She nodded, "give it a try, you might like it."
Noah slowly brought it towards his lips before taking a small sip, only to have his eyes widen.
"…That's pretty good," he admitted.
"Of course it is," Antoinette said proudly. "I wouldn't feed my husband anything subpar."
"What's this?" He asked curiously.
"It's blood shake," She answered with a smile, "a mix of my blood, espresso, some berries and ice, it should keep your hunger in check."
"I see," Noah nodded, the combination sounded weird, but it was strangely good.
He then walked to the door with both the flask and his bag in hand, pausing for just a moment with his hand around the handle.
"I'll be back," he muttered, turning to Antoinette who was standing behind him with a smile.
"Hmm," she nodded, "have a great day honey."
With that, Noah stepped out of the house, with a smile on his face. He wasn't going to lie, it felt great having someone see him off.
The moment he stepped outside, the temperature within the house dropped by multiple degrees as the smile vanished from her face.
"Marion," Antoinette called out in a tone completely different from the one she used when speaking to Noah.
Cracks appeared in the air behind her, and out stepped a woman with red hair, pale skin and brightly glowing red eyes.
But maybe the part that stood out the most was her black and white maid uniform.
The moment she was completely out of the crack, she respectfully bowed as she answered.
"Yes, Lady Antoinette," Marion said.
"It seems we'll have to speed up the task," Antoinette said, "we'll be hunting some rouge vampires tonight."
Marion was silent for a while, still holding the bowing position for a short while but if anyone looked at her face, they'd see a massive grin on it.
The grin was quickly hidden as she stood up straight, after all, she wouldn't want her master knowing she was a sadistic maid, would she?
That would be very unprofessional.
"As you wish, my Lady," Marion replied, her voice was calm and perfectly composed.
Antoinette studied her for a brief moment.
She knew Marion as a maid who was efficient, obedient, and frighteningly effective when unleashed.
If there was anyone suited to accompany her while hunting rogues without drawing attention, it was Marion.
"Then we'll get to work in a few hours," Antoinette muttered before her eyes start glowing both red and icy blue, "I wouldn't want those pests running around in my darling's city."
Marion frowned at the mention of 'darling', she realized that she was missing quite a bit of context, but she didn't question anything.
After all, that'd be completely unprofessional for a Noble's maid.