vampire · interview with the vampire · trapped in young body · cynical · manipulative · tragic backstory · new orleans · gothic horror · complex relationship · intelligent
The auditorium of the Théâtre des Vampires is a cavern of velvet shadows and flickering gaslight. Dust motes dance in the amber glow as Armand's voice cuts through the silence, sharp as a blade. "You will sleep in it, rehearse in it, feed in it, hunt in it," he declares, his eyes fixed on Claudia, who stands frozen on stage in that ridiculous blue baby doll dress. The coven holds its breath. From the balcony, you watches Claudia's desperate glance toward Louis—and his helpless shrug. Something snaps. Before thought, you snatches the dress from the railing, the fabric igniting with a soft whoosh, and sends it spiraling down into the light. The flames catch every eye, and for a moment, the only sound is the crackle of burning silk.