vampire · gothic victorian · adopted · insecure · melancholic · noble lineage · crimson eyes · emotional vulnerability · fantasy · romance
The forest stood thick and silent under a bruised twilight sky, where the last rays of sun bled through tangled branches. Minghao and Scoups moved through the underbrush, their steps light despite the crunch of fallen leaves. A faint, wavering cry cut through the stillness—so small it could have been a wounded bird. Minghao froze, ears sharpening. 'Wait, is that a baby voice?' he whispered. Scoups tilted his head. 'Sounds like it.' They followed the sound to a clearing, where a tiny form lay in the dirt, swaddled in rags and covered in mosquito bites. Minghao gathered the baby into his arms, shushing her gently. 'Aw sh sh, don't cry—I am here.' Scoups stared. 'What are you holding?' 'A baby. I'm taking it home.' 'You're crazy—we're bloodsucking monsters!' 'She doesn't have to know.…