Chapter One

     A snowstorm frenzied through the forest of Austertana, Norway. Trees creaked as they bowed in submission to the forceful wind, a few limbs giving way and crashing into the wall of a remote mansion. The towering structure stood in almost complete darkness. A small amount of light was emanating from a single window on the second floor. The window gave view of a child's bedroom decorated in lace, pinks, and teddy bears. In the center stood a small silver-haired child and a tall distorted man.

   "Little One, you have to let go now. It's time for me to leave." The dark figure cooed to the small angelic child before him as he gently smoothed her silver hair back.  

   "But I don't want you to go..." Her words trailed off as tears glistened in the child's blue and red hazel eyes. She would typically fight them back, but the young girl was hoping if she let him see her tears, then the man would not leave.  

   "Esper, your new friends are arriving. You are going to have so much fun with them that you will forget about me. You don't need me anymore." The young girl looked up at the man with pleading doe eyes, the tears finally giving way. Esper wrapped her tiny arms around him as best she could, not wanting to let go.  

   "I don't want them! You're the only friend I need, Big Brother." Her small frame shook with emotions she could not understand. Why would her only friend want to leave her? She didn't want new people to take his place.  

   "Don't worry, Little One. I'll return once you need me again. It will be sooner than you think." The figure bent down and kissed the top of her head before disappearing into a black mist.  

   Esper gasped as she startled awake. She rubbed her head, trying to shake the strange dream from her mind. It was the same one she had been experiencing the past few weeks. It was a repressed memory her mind was trying to dislodge. The dream was becoming more frequent as the Rites grew nearer. She let out a long sigh and turned her head towards the balcony doors.  

   "Sunset already, huh?" The young vampire mumbled to herself while stretching. It was as good a time as any to get out of bed. Esper yawned and grumbled as she rolled out of bed. Her suitors were to arrive later this evening, crossing off another day before the Rites start. She sat on the edge of her bed for a while. Her head was filled with nerve-racking thoughts of meeting so many young men. 

   Esper understood why her father had announced the Rites so soon; she was the first female pureblood vampire in a century, and he wanted his daughter to have the best possible mate. Plus, it was a grand opportunity for a noble family to join the pureblood ranks. The woman shook the thoughts from her head and started her trek towards the kitchen. 

   Once Esper reached the grand doors of the kitchen, she pushed them open with a huff. She was startled by a yelp followed by a thud. Quickly, Esper poked her head around the corner. She was shocked to see a petite pale female with vibrant auburn curls on the ground.  

   "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, Senna," Esper exclaimed as she scrambled to help her friend back up onto her feet.  

   "Don't worry yourself, Milady. The door just spooked me. I am not injured," Senna said respectfully as she bowed before the silver-haired vampire. Checking her friend over for injuries, Esper smiled. She found no visible bumps or bruises but was surprised to see her friend wearing a maid's uniform.  

   "Senna, why are you wearing that? You were brought here to be my friend, not to be a member of the staff," she inquired, giving her friend a quizzical look.  

   "Mother says I should earn my keep after being given a wonderful opportunity to live in such an elegant home," Senna replied, fidgeting with the cuff of one of her sleeves. Fiddling with her hands and sleeves were nervous ticks for the red-headed female.  

   "Well, you won't be a member of the help while I'm around. Come on, let's go change and then come back for breakfast," Esper stated. She grabbed Senna's hand and began pulling her out of the kitchen, back towards Esper's room. The two girls laughed as they galloped through the second floor. About halfway down the hall to her room, Esper stopped and turned towards Senna.  

   "Should we wake up, Saffron?" Esper asked, a devious smile creeping across her face. The vampire had a mischievous streak that she let go wild more often than she probably should.  

   "No, Esper, please no. She hates it when you wake her up early," Senna pleaded. Saffron hated when her beauty rest was interrupted, and she would hold a grudge until the favor was returned tenfold.  

   "All the more reason to do it," Esper beamed. "Plus, it is our last evening alone together before the houseguests arrive. It's our only chance to prank Saffron one last time."  

   Senna's face softened. "I forgot about the arrival of your suitors." She looked up at Esper and gave her a big smile. "You're right, let's go wake up Princess Sleepy Head for old time's sake."  

Esper returned Senna's smile with a big toothy grin. The prank was going to be epic. The pair quietly made their way to Saffron's room. They crept right up to the door and looked at one another.  

   "Ready?" Esper whispered.  

   "Ready." Senna nodded.  

   The door swung silently open, Esper being the first to enter. She tiptoed over to the stereo and scrolled through the playlists until Esper found Ride of the Valkyrie. Barely containing her excitement, Esper looked back at Senna. She gave her companion a small nod and then hit play. Both girls waited patiently as the music began to build. As the song's powerful crescendo began blasting through the speakers, the vampires rushed to their unsuspecting victim. They landed on the bed, jumping up and down as hard as they could. 

  

   Saffron screamed awake, terrified by all the ruckus in her room. She scrambled to grab the remote off her nightstand, struggling to turn off the stereo. Once the music ceased, she flopped back down, her chocolate locks covering her face.  

   "I really hate you guys." Saffron exhaled, her hair puffing up, only to fall on her face again. "Why can't you ever let me sleep?"  

   "Please, Saffron. This is the last time it will be just the three of us," Senna pleaded, batting her emerald green eyes at the brunette.  

   "Plus, I thought you would want to look your best before all the boys arrived," Esper chimed in. She knew Saffron would not be able to resist the bait. Saffron's eyes widened as the realization struck. Clearly, Esper was the only one who remembered the arrival of the guests.  

   "I forgot that was today." Saffron sighed, sitting up.  

   "It seems we all did," Senna started.  

   "We are going to be surrounded by boys," Saffron cried as the excitement set in. She would finally be surrounded by people with civilized standards and not have to endure Esper's pranks. "Beautiful, beautiful boys!" 

   "See, I told you she would forgive us," Esper whispered, giving Senna a nudge in the ribs with her elbow. "Now, my beautiful ladies, let's go get breakfast."  

   After breakfast, the girls had returned to Esper's bedroom. In the closet, Senna dug through Esper's clothes with Saffron while Esper sat at her chrome vanity, hyper analyzing her features. She had pale ivory skin and a diamond-shaped face, complimented by high cheekbones, a small refined nose, and plump red lips. Perfectly arched eyebrows framed her exotic blue and red hazel eyes and waist-long silver locks to top it all off. 

   A knock at the door broke the vampire's concentration. "Come in." 

   A maid bustled in with a parcel. Esper graciously accepted the package and looked it over. Attached was a note that read:  

  Esper, 

I know you hate dressing up, but please wear this today. If not for the young men, then how about for your dear ole dad?  

   I love you,  

   Dad

   She let out a small sigh and smiled softly. "Alright, Dad, since you asked."  

   Esper pulled the garments from the box and inspected them closely. The skirt was a beautiful jet-black color, floor length with a high waist and a slit on one side that ran to about her mid-thigh. The top was a sleeveless and backless turtle neck in a deep shade of teal, her favorite color. 

   "That is going to look so gorgeous on you," Saffron squealed. "You have to let me do your makeup."  

   Esper chuckled at Saffron's excitement. "Well, someone is going to have to do it. We all know I am just about helpless when it comes to that sort of stuff."  

   "You won't regret this!" Saffron exclaimed as she started running back towards her room but paused when she heard Esper call out to her again.  

   "Yes?"  

   "Aren't you going to get dressed?" Esper asked.  

   Saffron arched an eyebrow. "And risk getting makeup on my Erdem original? I think not. Makeup first, then clothes. I suggest you do the same." 

   As Saffron gathered her supplies, Esper rummaged through her closet, having Senna try on various garments. Esper was considerate of her friend's modest personality when picking out potential dresses. After the third one, Esper picked one that she thought for sure would be a winner.  

   "That one is perfect for you. It really compliments your figure as well. Take a look in the mirror." Esper looked her friend over, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her Senna. The deep emerald of the dress made Senna's hair glow, almost as if it was a cascade of flames surrounding her bright green eyes.  

   Senna gasped as she saw her reflection. The dress was gorgeous. The lace trim on the short sleeves, the boat neck cut on the bodice, and the asymmetrical skirt's flow to give her legs the illusion of length. It was the most beautiful she had ever felt. The auburn hair girl wondered how she ever got so lucky to be blessed with such a kind friend.  

   "Thank you so much, Esper, I promise to return it undamaged."  

   "Why don't you keep it? That dress screams your name. It was meant for you," Esper gave Senna a big smile, followed by a tight hug.  

   Saffron trotted back into the room, laying out her supplies and got right to work. After a few hours, the girls were finally ready for the night's events and left Esper's room.  

   As they strolled down the stairs, Esper picked her pace when she saw a man of tall and broad stature with silver-streaked chocolate brown hair waiting in the foyer. He turned at the footsteps' sound, his stern marble features instantly softening, and his red eyes glimmering at the silver-haired young woman.  

   "Father," Esper exclaimed as she ran into his arms, giving him a tight hug. It had been a couple of weeks since the young vampire had seen her father, and Esper had missed him dearly. He had been traveling abroad for work and networking with the families participating in the Rites.  

   "How is my darling girl?" His deep chuckle boomed through the foyer. Esper giggled as he patted her head and released him from her embrace.  

   "I'm good. We are all excited for tonight," Esper motioned towards her friends.  

   "You all look stunning, my little heartbreakers. Now come and give me a hug." They all laughed as they embraced in the group hug.