Doorways and Destinies

Chapter 6

The temporary allure of vampire aesthetics is deceptive. The vampire form doesn't retain the beauty seen in Gianna when she hasn't consumed fresh blood for an extended period. A "parched" appearance rapidly replaces the charm. It's relatively simple to dispatch a lone vampire who isn't scheming, but facing a multitude is an entirely different ordeal.

Tohpati's mind spun with thoughts of the blood-sucking creature while he took a shower. He often pondered why humans could coexist with such monsters. Fortunately, in this territory, there was no concept of 'harboring' monsters. This sentiment could be traced back to Tohpati's grandfather, who vehemently opposed the vampire clans. Ultimately, Tohpati's grandfather, who had served as chairman of the representative council, secured the majority vote against allowing the vampire clan to reside in Immerstad.

Indeed, the Tohpati family had a history of affluence and a spotless reputation through generations. Despite this, Tohpati grappled with the dilemma of not easily letting Gianna off the hook, ready to stand against his own esteemed family. The sound of a soft but audible knock echoed through the bathroom, disrupting Tohpati's thoughts as he stood beneath the soothing warmth of the shower.

Tohpati's shower seemed never-ending. Gianna's patient inquiry echoed through the bathroom, "My Lord, dinner is ready. Why the prolonged shower?"

Her voice, elegant and far from the stereotypical vampire, held a hint of sensuality that intrigued Tohpati. "Just a moment, I'll be out soon," he replied, turning off the water. With a soft sigh, he dried himself off with a nearby towel, revealing his well-sculpted physique. A quick glance in the mirror revealed his once-short black hair had grown longer. "Time for a haircut," he mumbled to himself.

Before long, he swung open the bathroom door, revealing Gianna perched on the edge of the bed. Tohpati, clad in only a towel, was met with the gaze of the lady vampire. "You've been waiting for me this whole time?" he queried in surprise.

"I was just sitting here. Come on, have dinner first," Gianna responded.

Tohpati snickered, teasingly asking, "Should I dine in the nude? Or is it that you want to feast on me?"

Gianna offered no verbal response and sported a mischievous smirk. "I'm just concerned. Without proper sustenance, your body will weaken further."

"Well, you don't usually suck my blood as painfully as yesterday. Even now it still hurts," Tohpati remarked, his hand reaching for the two red marks on his neck.

Gianna's gaze followed, and she noticed the rashes resembling mosquito bites. It dawned on her that she had made a mistake.

"Why don't you cover it up with a band-aid? The marks are still pretty obvious," Gianna suggested.

Tohpati shook his head. "No need and I don't care. Besides, they know I am already married. And, of course, this is what you did," he added.

"I apologize, I should be more careful. I didn't mean for it to be so noticeable," Gianna said, her expression turning serious as she acknowledged the unintended consequences of her actions.

Tohpati reassured her, "It's fine. Life with you is anything but usual. But I wouldn't have it any other way." They proceeded with their evening, navigating the complexities of their unique connection.

Gianna blinked, and at that moment, she showed a bland smile. "Thank you for being willing to marry me, who is a monster."

Hearing those words made Tohpati's heart beat fast. He also felt his face heat up. "I'm going to put on clothes first," said Tohpati without looking at the lady vampire. Gianna nodded, understanding the need for a moment of solitude. 

While the dinner concluded, Tohpati took a thoughtful sip of water, his eyes drawn to the neglected state of the backyard visible through the sliding glass doors. The terrace and sections of grass were only softly lit by twinkling lights. Gianna, perceptive as ever, sensed her master's contemplation and questioned if something was awry in the garden. 

Tohpati admitted, "I haven't tended to the backyard in a while."

"Now that you mention it, the back garden's turning into a bit of a jungle. The grass is practically hosting a party back there."

Tohpati got up from the dining chair and strolled over to the glass door. Pushing the sliding door open, he stepped onto the terrace with Gianna following suit. The night air was cool, and the soft glow of the lights a serene atmosphere. Gianna looked out into the dimly lit backyard, her eyes tracing the untamed patches of grass and neglected corners. "It has its wild charm," she remarked with a playful grin. "But if you want, I could lend a hand in sprucing it up. A little vampire touch, perhaps?"

Tohpati chuckled, declining her offer. "Nah, I've got a gardener for that. Keep things more, well, human-friendly."

Gianna smirked, "Fair enough. Just let me know if you ever want to add some vampire magic to your greenery. I've got tricks up my sleeve."

"I'll keep that in mind," Tohpati responded, not interested. 

Gianna grinned, "A garden that thrives under the enchantment of both worlds. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?"

Tohpati gave a casual shrug, "Eh, gardening isn't my thing, whether it's human or vampire-style. Let the pros handle it."

"The last time I called the gardener was three weeks ago. Can you arrange it tomorrow if I invite him over?"

"Sure thing. I can blend in as a regular woman; no need for all-black attire. And won't give anything away," Gianna assured. 

"Stay indoors. No need to make him suspicious," Tohpati cautioned, emphasizing the need for Gianna's elusive persona.

"Yes, my Lord. What if he asks me who I am?"

"Ah, right, good point. Well, it's up to you how to deal with such a trivial question."

"Alright. I'll just say I'm the master's maid, you know, the one he's hitched to. How is it?"

Tohpati forced a grin. "Whatever." He sauntered away, leaving Gianna alone. 

"And after you're done with the cleaning, join me in the living room. I have something to discuss with you." 

Gianna nodded submissively. A sudden recollection struck her – the living room door stood with a battered frame, not destroyed but certainly showing signs of significant damage. Despite the door still being functional, Gianna hesitated to let Tohpati witness the compromised state of his residence. If only he took notice.

The lady vampire surveyed the broken door, her brow furrowed with determination. The intruder had left a mark, a tangible breach in the sanctuary she guarded. Tohpati stood there, puzzled, taking in the sight of the broken entrance. "What happened to the door?" he asked. 

Gianna continued her work, not looking up as she explained, "There was an unwelcome guest, my Lord. I took care of it."

Her master's eyes widened in surprise. "Why would someone do that?"

"Desperation often leads people to make foolish choices, my Lord. But don't worry about this," Gianna offers a reassuring smile.

After restoring the door, Gianna and Tohpati walked to the living room. The atmosphere, though less charged, carried remnants of vulnerability.

"I've finished. What would you like to talk about, my Lord?" Gianna asked, her demeanor poised for discussion.

Tohpati, adopting a more formal tone, cleared his throat. "Sit down."

Gianna, hesitating to take a seat, felt the pull to sit closer to him. His pheromones stirred a primal desire in her, but she resisted and settled on the opposite sofa.

"I was just curious, how is your vampire clan doing there? Is your exile period still long?" Tohpati inquired, prompting a stunned reaction from Gianna.

"Do you mean you want to kick me out?" Gianna's question hung in the air, introducing a brief pause in the conversation.

Tohpati sighed, his gaze fixed on Gianna. "It's not that simple, but we need to talk about your future here."

"My future? How is that connected to my clan?" Gianna countered. 

Tohpati chose his words carefully, "Your presence here has raised questions, and I need to consider the implications for both of us. It's not about kicking you out; it's about finding a balance that works for everyone."