Vampire Queen : Fated Love

⁠☞August 10

The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue across the driveway where the William family's battered vehicle, Rustbucket, stood waiting. With its twelve seats and questionable structural integrity, the oversized car resembled a bus more than a family vehicle. It had carried them on countless trips over the years, but today, it felt different—less like an adventure and more like a chore.

Eithan leaned casually against the hood, spinning the car keys lazily on his finger.

"So, are we leaving now, or is this just a rehearsal?" he asked, a lopsided grin on his face.

"Rehearsal?" Josh muttered, tossing his suitcase into the trunk.

"I've been ready for hours. Let's get moving already."

Eithan smirked, glancing over at his younger brother.

"Ready? You were daydreaming about Sarah the entire night, weren't you?"

Josh's face flushed red. "Shut up! I wasn't!"

"Sure, sure," Eithan said, chuckling as he pushed himself off the car.

"It's written all over your face, bro."

---

Josh ignored him, focusing on adjusting the bags in the trunk. Inside, his mind raced with thoughts of Sarah. He'd practically begged her to come on this trip, and now that she had agreed, he couldn't stop imagining how it might go.

Nearby, Adi stood at the edge of the driveway, clutching his backpack like it was a lifeline. His eyes flicked between the house and the car, his expression a mixture of nervousness and dread.

"Adi!" Ruhr called from the porch as she emerged, carrying a suitcase in each hand.

"Quit standing there like a statue and get in the car."

"I don't want to go," Adi mumbled.

"Well, you can't stay home alone," Ruhr replied, her tone firm but not unkind.

"Besides, it's just a week. You'll survive."

Adi shuffled toward the car, muttering under his breath, "I'm not so sure about that."

Eithan poked his head out of the driver's seat.

"Don't worry, Adi. If the mansion is haunted, I'll protect you. Or... you know, use you as bait."

"Not funny, Eithan!" Adi snapped, climbing into the car.

Ruhr rolled her eyes as she approached the car.

"You're not helping," she told Eithan before turning to Albert, who was skipping behind her.

"Albert, give me my phone back."

Albert, her 20-year-old brother with an infectious smile and boundless energy, waved the phone in the air.

"Nope! It's mine now!"

"Albert..." Ruhr's tone was both warning and exasperated.

"Relax, sis," Albert said with a laugh, hopping into the car.

"I'll give it back when we get there. Maybe."

Ruhr sighed, shaking her head but unable to suppress a small smile. Albert's antics were equal parts exhausting and endearing.

Josh climbed into the back seat, finding a spot where he could brood—or more accurately, fantasize—about Sarah without interruption.

He was already counting down the minutes until they reached the hotel, where he could hopefully spend some time alone with her.

Eithan turned the ignition, and the Rustbucket rumbled to life, sputtering loudly before settling into a steady hum.

"All aboard the William Family Express!" Eithan announced, grinning as he adjusted the rearview mirror.

"Just drive," Ruhr said, settling into her seat.

As the car pulled out of the driveway, the family settled into a familiar rhythm of banter and bickering.

---

☞ :On the Road

The highway stretched out before them, a seemingly endless ribbon of asphalt cutting through the countryside. Inside the car, the atmosphere was anything but quiet.

Josh leaned forward from his seat in the back.

"Hey, Eithan, how far is this place again?"

Eithan glanced at the GPS mounted on the dashboard.

"About five hours, give or take. Why? You getting car-sick already?"

"No," Josh said, leaning back.

"Just wondering how long I have to sit here listening to Albert's off-key singing."

Albert, who had been humming loudly to himself, paused to look at Josh.

"Jealous much? I have the voice of an angel."

"You mean a banshee," Josh shot back.

Ruhr sighed. "Can we not do this for once? It's too early for your nonsense."

Eithan chuckled, glancing at Ruhr through the rearview mirror. "Oh, come on, sis. What's a road trip without a little sibling rivalry?"

Ruhr said , " Hey ! Don't call me sis "

Adi, who had been quietly staring out the window, spoke up.

"Do we have to go to the mansion? Couldn't we just... not?"

Eithan glanced at him.

"Don't worry, Adi. It's just an old building. Nothing's going to jump out and grab you."

"Easy for you to say," Adi muttered.

Josh leaned forward again.

"Speaking of the mansion, what exactly are we supposed to do there? Dad wasn't exactly clear."

Eithan shrugged.

"Analyze the place, I guess. Look for anything valuable or worth preserving. You know, boring stuff."

Eithan frowned. "And Sarah's coming... why?"

"To help her dad, remember?" Ruhr said.

"And maybe keep an eye on me while she's at it."

Josh smirked. "Jealous, Ruhr? Don't worry, I'll introduce you to her ."

Ruhr rolled her eyes. "Hard pass."

---

☞ : A Stop Along the Way

About halfway through the trip, Eithan pulled into a gas station. The Rustbucket had been guzzling fuel like water, and everyone was eager to stretch their legs.

"Bathroom break!" Eithan announced as he parked.

Albert jumped out first, practically skipping toward the convenience store.

"I'm getting snacks!" he called over his shoulder.

"Don't spend all your money on junk food," Ruhr warned as she followed him inside.

Josh stayed by the car, scrolling through his phone while sneaking glances at the road ahead, as if willing them to get there faster.

Adi stayed close to Eithan, fidgeting nervously.

"Do you think we'll really be safe at the mansion?"

Eithan ruffled his younger brother's hair.

"Of course we will. It's just an old house, Adi. Nothing to be scared of."

Adi nodded, though his expression remained uncertain.

When everyone was back in the car and the tank was full, they hit the road again, the mansion growing closer with every mile.

---

☞ : Arrival

By late afternoon, the Rustbucket finally pulled into the gravel driveway of a sprawling estate. The old mansion loomed in the distance, its weathered facade and towering spires casting long shadows over the surrounding grounds.

Eithan parked the car and stretched, taking a deep breath of the crisp, slightly eerie air.

"Well, here we are. Home sweet home—for the week, anyway."

Josh's gaze was already wandering, searching for Sarah. Adi clutched his backpack tighter, his unease growing as he stared at the mansion.

"Let's get unpacked," Ruhr said, taking charge.

"The sooner we settle in, the sooner we can figure out what's next."

As the family began unloading their luggage, the mansion seemed to watch them silently, its dark windows like eyes observing their every move. Eithan couldn't help but feel a small shiver run down his spine.

"Just a building," he muttered to himself, shaking off the feeling. "Nothing more."

But deep down, he couldn't shake the sense that this trip was going to be anything but ordinary.

Adi said with scared " Hey didn't dad said he will book a hotel ? Then why This mansion "

Eithan replied " Huh.. I don't know ? It's dad wish "

***

☞ : Meanwhile: Leo and Sarah

The steady hum of a taxi engine accompanied the rhythmic bumps of the road as Leo leaned back in his seat, staring out the window.

His expression was calm, yet his eyes betrayed a flicker of anticipation. Sarah sat beside him, silent and composed, her headphones dangling around her neck, though she wasn't listening to any music.

The calm was interrupted by the sharp buzz of Leo's phone. He glanced at the screen before answering.

"Sir ( in phone ) "— 'Max William,(thought)'

he muttered under his breath, as if preparing himself for the conversation.

"Leo," Max's familiar authoritative voice rang through the line.

"I hope you're on your way. I have some things I need to discuss with you."

"Yes, sir," Leo replied, his tone respectful but tinged with casual confidence.

"We're already in route. Should be there in about an hour."

"Good. I need you to keep an eye on the kids," Max said, his voice firm.

"Eithan and his siblings can be... a handful. Try not to let them sit — up trouble. They'll need some guidance."

Leo chuckled lightly, his voice steady.

"Understood, Sir . I'll keep them in line."

There was a brief pause before Max continued, his tone softening slightly.

"By the way, you're welcome to bring Sarah along. She might be of some help with small tasks, and it'll give her a chance to explore the place too."

Leo's face lit up at the unexpected gesture.

"Thank you, sir. She'll be glad to come along."

Beside him, Sarah didn't react, though her eyes flickered with curiosity as she listened to her father's half of the conversation. She remained quiet, letting the words wash over her like background noise.

"Remember," Max added, his voice returning to its usual commanding tone,

"this isn't just a trip. This mansion project is important. Treat it as such."

"Of course," Leo assured him.

"I'll handle it."

The call ended with a brief exchange of goodbyes, and Leo slipped his phone back into his pocket.

Turning toward Sarah, he smiled.

"Well, it looks like you're officially part of the team now. Ready to help out?"

Sarah shrugged, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.

"If you say so."

Leo chuckled, unfazed by her indifferent demeanor.

"You don't have to pretend to be uninterested, you know. This could be fun."

"Sure," Sarah replied, her tone flat but not unkind.

Leo leaned back in his seat, satisfied. As the taxi carried them closer to the mansion, he couldn't help but feel optimistic about the trip ahead. Whatever challenges awaited, he was ready to face them head-on—with Sarah by his side.

Sarah, on the other hand, remained silent, her thoughts a mystery even to herself. The mansion might have seemed like just another task, but deep down, she had a feeling it was going to be anything but ordinary.