Chapter 1: The Invitation
The air was alive with a kind of energy I had never felt before as we arrived at the grand mansion that was home to the vampire party. One glance at the ornate entrance, with its towering columns and intricate stone carvings, sent my heart racing. This wasn’t just any gathering; it was a meeting of the ancient, the elegant, and, as always, the extraordinary. And here I was, Maria, a mere human among them.
“Are you ready for this?” Jin asked, his voice laced with playful concern. He turned his head slightly over his shoulder, adjusting the collar of his leather jacket, his smile both comforting and reassuring.
I took a deep breath, “As ready as I’ll ever be.” The reassurance of their presence surrounded me like an invisible shield. Despite their fanged nature, I felt safe with BTS—Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jungkook—my friends turned protectors. They had carved out a place in my heart, and I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen tonight.
“Remember, stick close to us. And if anyone tries anything,” Yoongi smirked, “they’ll have to deal with me.” I could feel the intensity in his gaze; there was something primal in the way they cared for me.
“No need to worry,” I laughed nervously, “I’m not getting lost in a crowd of bloodsuckers.”
As we stepped inside, I was immediately captivated by the atmosphere. The dim lighting cast a warm, amber glow across the luxurious décor. chandeliers hung overhead, dripping with crystals, while a subtle mix of classical and modern music filled the air. Elegant vampires clad in shimmering fabrics mingled and laughed, their voices shimmering like the music. They were beautiful, in an ethereal way—but I was forbidden territory.
“This is incredible,” I whispered, my eyes darting around like a child in a candy store.
“Just wait until you see the dance floor,” Jimin said, excitement bubbling in his voice. A smile spread across his face as he pointed toward a group of vampires who began to slowly sway to the music, their movements fluid and hypnotic.
Suddenly, I felt a slight nudge. It was Taehyung, standing close behind me, protecting me from the bustling crowd. His presence was undeniable; the warmth radiating off of him provided a stark contrast to the chill that sometimes enveloped his kind. “Let’s grab a drink first,” he suggested, his voice low. “You need to keep your energy up.”
“Good idea,” I replied, allowing him to guide me towards the refreshment table.
As we walked, I could feel the curious gazes from a few of the other vampires. Their expressions were a mixture of intrigue and something darker. I gulped; staying with BTS was my safety net. They were my family in this world that sometimes felt so alien.
Once we reached the table, I caught sight of Hoseok, who was already pouring us both a glass—he always had a knack for knowing when to be the life of the party. “Maria! Here you go!” he grinned, handing me the glass with an exaggerated flourish.
“Cheers,” I laughed, clinking my glass against his, fame flickering in the dim light.
The music swelled, and soon enough, I found myself drawn back to the dance floor. I swayed side to side, feeling the music in my bones. “You should dance with me!” I called to any of the members who’d been watching. They exchanged looks, hesitant.
“Only if you promise to keep your distance,” Yoongi chuckled, keeping his eyes trained on the crowd, always vigilant.
Suddenly, tainted laughter echoed through the room, catching my attention. I turned to see a particularly imposing vampire—a tall figure dressed in striking crimson—approaching me, his gaze predatory. My stomach dropped; something about him felt wrong.
“Who’s this delightful little treat?” he purred, his voice syrupy and sultry. I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
A pulse of instinctual dread swept through me, but before I could step back, Taehyung appeared, his eyes narrowing ferociously. “Back off,” he growled, stepping in front of me, his presence dominating the space between us.
The crimson-clad vampire smirked, as if savoring the challenge. “Oh? And what are you going to do about it?”
“Touch her, and you’ll find out exactly how ruthless I can be,” Taehyung answered, his voice tinged with a melodic edge that sent shivers down my spine. There was a simmering intensity in his eyes that promised pain if the other dared go further.
The room shifted; the tension palpable. I felt a rush of gratitude for Taehyung’s protectiveness, but my heart raced not only from fear but from something else—an awareness of how much I might mean to him.
“Do you really think you can keep the human safe?” the crimson vampire taunted, cracking his knuckles and leaning in closer. I could feel the heat emanating from him, like a predator eyeing its prey.
“Try me,” Taehyung said, his voice lower, more dangerous. I was suddenly aware of how close he stood to me; I could hear the steady beat of his heart, a reminder of the humanity entwined with the vampire inside.
At that moment, I felt a jolt—a sudden understanding of my place in this world. I was the human in a sea of vampires, but I was also the one they chose to protect. The realization was intoxicating and terrifying all at once.
Just then, Jimin and Jungkook rushed to our side, ready to back up their friend. “What’s going on here?” Jungkook demanded, glancing between Taehyung and the crimson vampire with concern.
“He was just leaving,” Taehyung said coolly, never taking his eyes off the threat.
The crimson vampire simmered but ultimately backed off, shooting one last smirk my way before turning away. I felt a collective breath being released when he finally stepped back, the atmosphere lightening around us.
“You okay, Maria?” Jimin asked, genuine worry in his eyes. I turned to face them, and, despite the fright I’d just felt, a smile crept onto my lips.
“I think so,” I said, feeling buoyed by their presence. “But maybe we should stick together a little tighter?”
“Always,” Taehyung replied, his gaze softening just for me. “We’ll never let anything happen to you.”
As the night wore on, I felt a new bond forming—not just with the boys but with the world of vampires themselves. I didn’t know what lay ahead, but with BTS beside me, I was ready to face it all. Little did I know, the evening had only just begun.
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