A soft breeze stirred the heavy velvet curtains, carrying the scent of aged wood and something faintly metallic. Eva shifted slightly, her body sinking into an unfamiliar but oddly comfortable mattress. The sheets felt smooth—too smooth. And the air around her… it was heavy, ancient, almost suffocating.
Something wasn't right.
Her brows furrowed as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the dim golden glow of flickering lanterns. The ceiling above her stretched impossibly high, covered in intricate carvings that screamed of a long-forgotten era. Confused, she turned her head to the side.
And that's when she saw him.
Leonard.
Sitting in an elaborately carved chair, watching her.
Just watching.
Like an annoying guardian staring at a baby that sleeps too much. His arms were crossed, his long legs stretched out, his crimson eyes locked onto her with an intensity that made her shiver. He looked completely at ease, like a king on his throne—yet there was something unsettling about how still he was.
Eva blinked.
Then blinked again.
And then—her brain finally caught up.
"Holy—" She shot up in bed so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash.
And that was when she saw his face.
The room, the eerie castle, the strange glow of lanterns—everything blurred into the background. Because right now, she was staring at what could only be the physical manifestation of beauty itself.
"Goddamn," she whispered under her breath.
The word slipped out before she could stop it.
This wasn't just a man. This was THE man. The definition of handsome. No—scratch that, he wasn't just handsome. He was unfairly, ridiculously, stupidly gorgeous. His sharp, sculpted features looked like they had been crafted by divine hands, his skin pale yet flawless, his lips slightly parted in that arrogant, "I know I'm better than you" way. His long, dark hair cascaded over his shoulders like some ethereal prince straight out of a fantasy novel.
And then there was his tailcoat.
A perfect fit.
Deep black, hugging his broad shoulders and falling elegantly around him, as if the fabric itself worshiped him. The silver embroidery along the lapels gleamed faintly under the dim lighting, and the crisp, high collar only added to the otherworldly, regal aura he radiated. The entire ensemble looked timeless, blending old-world sophistication with an effortless grace that no modern man could ever pull off.
If beauty had a god, she was looking at him.
Leonard tilted his head slightly. "Are you done gawking?"
Eva snapped out of it, face heating up. "I—what? No! I wasn't—never mind!" She cleared her throat, trying to focus. "Where am I?"
Leonard regarded her for a moment before speaking. "What is your name, and where did you come from?"
His voice was deep, smooth like velvet, but held an unmistakable edge of command.
Eva hesitated. "Eva," she finally answered. "And I… uh… came from the road outside. My car broke down. I was looking for help."
Leonard's gaze darkened slightly. "You do not smell like my people."
Eva blinked. "Excuse me?"
Leonard's crimson eyes scrutinized her. "You are definitely human. How did you wake me from my slumber?"
Eva frowned, the weight of his words finally sinking in.
His people? What was that supposed to mean? And slumber? The way he said it…
Wait.
Her stomach twisted uneasily as she slowly pieced everything together.
Ancient castle. Strange glowing coffin. Creepy hot man with red eyes.
Oh. My. God.
No.
No, no, no, no. Let this NOT be what I'm thinking.
Eva let out a nervous laugh, shaking her head as she pointed a shaky finger at him. "You… you're not—"
Leonard arched a brow, waiting.
She inhaled sharply. "You're a… a…"
The words refused to come out. Her brain was screaming it, but her mouth just wouldn't let it happen.
Leonard leaned forward slightly, his red eyes gleaming. "Say it."
Eva squeezed her eyes shut for a second before finally blurting, "You're a freaking vampire, aren't you?!"
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Ah. She finally realizes."
Eva stiffened. "I—I—no. No, no, no. That can't be right." She let out another nervous laugh, rubbing her temples. "Vampires aren't real."
Leonard gave her a bored look. "And yet, here I am."
Eva opened her mouth, then closed it. Fair point.
Still struggling to process, she shook her head. "Okay. Say I believe you. What do you mean by 'your slumber'?"
Leonard stood, his tall frame moving with an effortless grace that sent another wave of intimidation through her. He glanced toward the distant window, his expression unreadable. "I must go out and see my people."
Eva frowned. "Your people?"
Leonard's gaze flickered with something unreadable. "This place… does not seem like it is in my world."
Eva followed his stare, still trying to grasp what he meant. "Changed how?"
Leonard's brows furrowed slightly. "In my time, we traveled using our feet or horses. But here..." His gaze darkened slightly, "I saw a strange box humans now use for transport, and buildings taller than anything in my era."
Eva's breath caught. Wait.
He wasn't talking about a different place. He was talking about a different time.
Her heart pounded. "Leonard… how long have you been asleep?"
Leonard's expression remained unreadable, but his next words sent a chill down her spine.
"I do not know."
Eva's stomach twisted. "What?"
Leonard's crimson eyes locked onto hers. "The last time I walked this land, Felix Lombards was King of Euro."
Eva's brain stalled.
She didn't know much about old European history, but that name… it sounded ancient.
Leonard's voice remained calm. "Tell me… does that name still hold weight in your time?"
Eva laughed nervously. "Uh, no? That name hasn't held weight in probably… centuries?"
Leonard exhaled sharply, as if confirming something he had already suspected. He turned back toward the window, his posture suddenly tense.
Eva stared at him, her pulse hammering. This man—this vampire—was old. Ancient. And worst of all? He had no idea just how much time had passed.
And that realization hit her like a truck.
"Oh… you are so not ready for what's outside."
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