Midnight

The afternoon sky was still overcast as Seraphina and I made our way through the parking lot toward our car. The drizzle had let up, but the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine needles. The day at Forks High School had been interesting, to say the least. I had met Isabella Swan and had a rather amusing conversation about the importance of names. But now, as the school day came to a close, I was eager to leave the place behind and return to the serenity of our new home.

As we approached the sleek, black Aston Martin DB9 Volante, a familiar sight greeted us. Perched on the roof of the car were my crows, their inky feathers shimmering with a faint iridescence in the gray light. They cawed softly, as if acknowledging our presence, their dark eyes watching us intently.

But there was something else, something unexpected. A small black kitten, its fur as dark as the crows' feathers, sat near the front tire of the car. It was a tiny thing, barely more than a few weeks old by the look of it, with wide green eyes that were startlingly bright against its midnight fur. The kitten was playfully batting at one of my crow's wings, which dangled teasingly in front of it, as the bird hopped back and forth, engaging in what seemed to be a curious game.

Seraphina let out a delighted coo the moment she saw the kitten. "Oh my goodness, look at this adorable little creature!" She approached slowly, her hand outstretched to pet the tiny animal.

However, the kitten wasn't as charmed by Seraphina as she was by it. The moment she got close, it hissed, a surprisingly fierce sound coming from such a small body. The kitten's fur bristled, and its green eyes narrowed in a warning.

Seraphina pulled her hand back, her expression one of mild surprise. "Well, someone's a little feisty," she said with a soft chuckle. "I like that."

I couldn't help but smile at the exchange. "It seems the little one has a bit of spirit," I commented, unlocking the car. As I opened the door for Seraphina, the kitten, still glaring at us with those striking green eyes, suddenly bolted forward. In one swift movement, it leaped into the car and settled itself on the passenger seat as if it had just claimed ownership.

Seraphina and I exchanged amused glances. "Looks like we have a stowaway," I remarked dryly, watching as the kitten curled up on the leather seat, apparently quite pleased with itself.

Seraphina laughed, shaking her head. "It seems so. I suppose we're taking it home with us, then?"

"It appears we have no choice," I said, shutting the door after her and walking around to the driver's side. My crows, sensing it was time to leave, flapped their wings and took flight, circling above us for a moment before diving down and landing on my outstretched arm. In an instant, they transformed into intricate tattoos that wrapped around my skin, the familiar sensation of their presence a comforting weight.

Once inside the car, I started the engine, the smooth purr of the Aston Martin filling the air. The kitten glanced up at me, its green eyes meeting mine with an almost knowing look before it settled back down, purring softly.

As we drove through the winding roads of Forks, heading towards our new manor, Seraphina couldn't help but keep her eyes on the kitten. "What do you think its story is?" she mused aloud, her fingers gently stroking the soft fur of our unexpected passenger.

"Who knows," I replied, my eyes on the road. "But it seems fate has brought it to us. Perhaps it was meant to find a home with us."

Seraphina smiled at that, her gaze softening as she looked at the kitten. "Well, I for one am glad it's coming with us. It's been a long time since we've had a pet."

Ah, remembering the little stray wolf pup that followed us back to our home after in Russia. He stayed with us for two years until he created his family and pack. We said our goodbyes the same day we left for Germany. Seraphina cried for days. She grew so attached to little Iskra.

The rest of the drive was peaceful, the quiet hum of the car and the gentle sound of the kitten's purring creating a calm atmosphere. The familiar woods of Forks passed by in a blur of green and gray until finally, the imposing structure of Rook Manor came into view.

Our mother, Branwen, had spared no expense in acquiring the property. The manor was a sprawling estate, nestled deep within the forest, surrounded by a hundred acres of private land. It was a place of quiet grandeur, with tall, arched windows and sturdy stone walls that spoke of both elegance and strength. The grounds were meticulously kept, with lush gardens and a grand fountain that stood proudly in the circular driveway.

As we pulled up to the manor, I noticed the soft glow of lights coming from the windows, a warm and welcoming sight after the drizzly day. I parked the car and got out, quickly moving to Seraphina's side to open her door for her. She stepped out gracefully, the kitten still cradled in her arms.

The moment we walked through the grand front doors, the kitten leaped out of Seraphina's arms, landing lightly on the polished marble floor. It immediately began to explore, its little paws making soft tapping sounds as it moved from room to room, sniffing at everything with curiosity.

"Well, it seems someone's making themselves at home already," Seraphina said with a laugh, watching the kitten as it disappeared around a corner.

Before we could follow, we heard tiny, familiar footsteps. A small figure came running towards me, and I barely had time to brace myself before Drusilla threw her arms around me in a tight hug.

I smiled warmly, returning the embrace. "Drusilla, how was your day?" I asked, looking down at my little sister, who gazed up at me with bright blue eyes.

"It was good," she signed quickly, her face lighting up with excitement. "I missed you, though. School was boring without you here."

I chuckled softly, gently ruffling her hair. "I'm sure it wasn't that bad. But I missed you too, little Banshee." Weeks after her turning, we discovered why she could not speak. It was because of her gift. She, like a Banshee, could generate a sound manipulation scream, also known as a ghostly wail. How did we discover it? She was playing outside when she saw a spider and out of reflex, she screamed and... parts of the woods blew up. We had to move that same day.

As we stood in the grand foyer, the rest of the family began to gather. Branwen, Konstantine, and Raphaela all appeared, their expressions warm as they welcomed us home.

"How was your first day at school?" Branwen asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"It was quite eventful," I replied, a smile playing on my lips. "We met a group of vampires today. Apparently, they live close by."

Konstantine raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh? And how did that go?"

"Quite well, actually," Seraphina chimed in, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "They were very curious about us, but we managed to keep things cordial. I think we made a good impression."

Raphaela stepped forward, a look of concern on her face. "Vampires, you say? Do you think they'll cause any trouble?"

I shook my head. "I don't believe so. They seemed... civilized. They call themselves the Cullens, and they follow a 'vegetarian' diet, so to speak. They don't feed on human blood."

Branwen nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard of such covens before. It's good that you were able to establish a friendly rapport. It's always better to have allies rather than enemies."

"Indeed," Konstantine agreed. "But we should still remain vigilant. You never know when things might change."

Seraphina and I both nodded in agreement. It was sound advice, especially considering our past experiences.

As we continued to discuss the events of the day, the kitten reappeared, having apparently finished its exploration of the manor. It trotted over to me, rubbing against my leg before looking up at me with those striking green eyes.

"Well, it seems we've gained a new member of the family," Branwen observed with a smile, noticing the kitten's presence. "Have you decided on a name for it?"

Seraphina and I exchanged glances, and I could see the fondness in her eyes as she looked at the kitten. "Not yet," she admitted. "But I'm sure something will come to us."

Branwen reached down and picked up the kitten, cradling it gently in her arms. "I always wanted a daughter to spoil," she said softly, a warm smile spreading across her face as she looked at Drusilla. "But I suppose I can spoil this little one too."

Drusilla grinned at that, signing quickly, "She's very lucky to have you as her mother."

Branwen chuckled, giving Drusilla a loving look. "And I'm very lucky to have you as my daughter."

The kitten, seemingly content in Branwen's arms, let out a soft purr, its eyes half-closed in contentment. It was a heartwarming sight, one that made the manor feel even more like home.

As the evening wore on, the kitten, who had been curled up by the hearth, began to stir. It stretched out its tiny limbs, blinking lazily at the warm firelight. Its green eyes roamed the room, landing on each of us before finally settling on Drusilla, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, playing with a small puzzle she had brought out from one of the manor's many rooms.

The kitten's eyes seemed to brighten as it watched Drusilla, a curious intensity flickering in its gaze. Slowly, it stood up, shook itself, and trotted over to her, its tiny paws making barely a sound on the polished floor.

Drusilla, absorbed in her puzzle, didn't notice the kitten approaching until it was right in front of her. She looked up, her eyes meeting the kitten's, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other. The kitten, with an air of determination, stepped closer, nudging Drusilla's hand with its small head.

A soft smile spread across Drusilla's face as she reached out and gently stroked the kitten's soft fur. The kitten, in response, began to purr loudly, its body vibrating with the sound. It then did something none of us expected—it climbed into Drusilla's lap, curled up, and looked up at her with a gaze that was almost... possessive.

Seraphina, who had been watching the interaction with interest, raised an eyebrow and glanced at me. "It seems the kitten has chosen her person."

I chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "It certainly seems that way."

Drusilla's hands moved in the familiar motions of sign language, her face alight with happiness. "I think she likes me," she signed, her movements quick and excited.

"She definitely does," Branwen said warmly, her eyes twinkling with affection as she watched Drusilla and the kitten bond. "It looks like she's imprinted on you, Drusilla. You have a new little friend."

Drusilla's smile widened, and she gently cradled the kitten in her arms. The kitten seemed content to stay there, its purring continuing unabated as it nestled against her. It was clear that a special bond had been formed between them, one that would likely only grow stronger with time.

"She needs a name," Drusilla signed, looking up at me with bright, expectant eyes.

I nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed she does. Do you have any ideas?"

Drusilla thought for a moment, her gaze drifting down to the kitten in her arms. "Midnight," she signed, her eyes lighting up as she looked back at us. "Because she's as dark as the night."

Branwen smiled approvingly. "Midnight. It suits her perfectly."

"Midnight it is, then," I said, giving Drusilla an encouraging nod. "I think it's a wonderful name."

Drusilla beamed with happiness, hugging Midnight a little closer. The kitten responded by nuzzling against her, as if agreeing with the choice. It was clear that the bond between them was already strong, and I had no doubt that Midnight would become Drusilla's constant companion.

As the evening continued, Drusilla and Midnight were inseparable. Wherever Drusilla went, Midnight was right there with her, either curled up in her lap or trailing after her like a little shadow. It was heartwarming to see Drusilla so happy, especially after everything she had been through. Midnight seemed to bring her a sense of comfort and joy that only a true companion could.