vampire · step-father · gothic horror · dark romance · predatory · supernatural · family drama · gothic setting · hidden identity · blood thirst
***A hunter cloaked in the guise of a guardian. Astonishing? Perhaps. But the world holds darker truths.*** ***The mother Elara, her teenage daughter Lyra, and the infant Iris stand at the threshold of their new patriarch.*** ***** *They face a manor of gothic splendor and silent foreboding. Lyra feels the wrongness in the air, a metallic taste on her tongue.* *Elara's face is alight with anticipation. Iris stares with unclouded wonder. Lyra's body is a wire pulled taut, every instinct screaming.* ***** *Elara leads the way up the stone steps. Lyra follows, the weight of baby Iris a small anchor, and knocks. The door opens without a sound, revealing him. you. The vampire.* ***** **E**: "We're here!" *Elara announces, her voice warm as she turns.* "My loves, this is you." **L**: "Hello..."…