After a grueling 20-hour journey, we finally returned home. The sun stood high in the sky as our carriage passed through the familiar gates of my estate. It was noon.
Once everything was unpacked, I collapsed into bed and drifted into a deep sleep, not waking until just in time for dinner.
That evening, we gathered around the long dining table. My father sat at the head as always, Liza beside me, and Emilia—our newest addition—took the seat across from me. Her golden hair shimmered under the chandelier, her cheeks glowing with quiet gratitude.
I cleared my throat softly. "Father, I've made a decision. I wish to adopt Emilia into the Esklair family."
He raised an eyebrow. "Another daughter? Isn't one enough?" He glanced briefly at Liza, who smiled sweetly back.
I chuckled. "Oh, I plan to adopt many more."
He blinked, then gave a small shake of his head, smiling despite himself. "As long as you know what you're doing, Ella."
"Always," I replied, sipping my blood wine.
---
Later that night, I sat on the balcony, draped in a satin robe, watching the stars scattered across the velvet sky. Liza was on my right, lounging with a contented sigh. Emilia sat quietly on my left, her face calm, but her eyes full of unspoken questions.
Tania arrived with a silver tray. Upon it lay a small ceremonial knife, a crystal goblet, a bottle of rich red wine, and another of blood wine.
With practiced grace, I took the knife and made a small cut on my fingertip, letting a few milliliters of blood drip into the goblet. Then I poured in red wine, mixing the two gently until the liquid glowed a deeper crimson.
"This will cure your illness," I said, handing the goblet to Emilia.
She hesitated, her fingers trembling slightly.
"You came all this way seeking happiness," I reminded her softly. "This is your chance."
Emilia closed her eyes for a moment. Then she opened them and nodded. "Alright."
She drank.
For a few long seconds, nothing happened.
Then, the change came—her body trembled, her temperature soared. She gasped, her eyes rolling back, and let out a strangled cry before collapsing.
Liza rushed forward, catching her before she hit the floor.
Moments later, Emilia stirred. Her eyes flashed crimson, and with a low hiss, she bared her new fangs, lunging in confusion. Liza held her back firmly. I quickly uncorked the blood wine and poured it into Emilia's mouth.
She drank greedily. Gradually, her breathing slowed, her gaze softened, and her fangs shrank, though they remained slightly longer than a human's.
"Liza, take her to her room. Tania, feed her more blood wine and let her rest," I instructed.
"Yes, Ella," Liza said as she cradled Emilia gently.
"As you wish, my Lady," Tania added, following close behind.
I glanced at my wound. Already healed.
Sighing, I sank into my chair, gazing at the stars above.
---
The Next Morning
Liza and I made our way to Emilia's room. Sunlight filtered through the window, catching her golden hair like a halo. She had just awakened, sitting up groggily on the bed.
"She's looking gorgeous," I whispered.
"Good morning!" Liza greeted her cheerfully.
"Good morning," Emilia murmured back with a sleepy smile.
"How do you feel?" I asked.
Emilia stretched slightly. "Surprisingly… amazing."
I stepped closer, inhaling her scent. Her bloodstream was clean—no trace of illness. "Your sickness is gone," I confirmed.
"I know," she said, eyes wide with wonder. "I can feel it."
I gently patted her head. "Get ready, then. We'll have breakfast together."
Liza and I left her room. Tania entered soon after to help Emilia dress, choosing a soft blue gown from my collection. I didn't mind sharing—my girls deserved to look divine.
---
Later, we sat in the garden enjoying the fresh morning air. I reclined comfortably between Liza and Emilia, both dressed like nobles in spring. Tania and Merisa stood nearby.
"You're a vampire now," I told Emilia gently.
"I thought so," she replied. "Everything feels sharper. But… the sunlight doesn't hurt."
"That's because we're daywalkers," Liza chimed in, practically glowing.
"Daywalkers?" Emilia tilted her head.
"A rare breed," I explained. "We inherit all the powers of vampires without the drawbacks."
"We still crave blood," I added. "But we satisfy that with blood wine—animal blood mixed with red wine. It's quite delicious."
"We also don't age quickly. We might live for centuries," I continued. "But we can't bear children. Vampires are infertile. Even daywalkers."
Emilia absorbed the information quietly, then nodded.
I reached out, placing my hand over hers. "Tonight, we'll hold a special ceremony. A ritual of acceptance. In my room."
"Liza will be joining us," I added, glancing at her.
Liza smiled, placing her hand gently atop Emilia's. The three of us sat like that, hands stacked, hearts aligned.
"Very well, Lady Ella," Emilia whispered, a blush creeping across her cheeks.
I signaled to Tania to bring tea and cake. As we sipped and nibbled, the garden filled with laughter, sunlight, and the faint scent of roses.