The most she had gotten out of Laura was her name and a little bit of background. She lived in the Ark and just recently came down to earth. For all the years Carmilla had been alive she had been almost everywhere but space. She had to admit she slightly envied her for that experience.
Despite the forced conversation where Laura provided careless, annoyed responses in which Carmilla responded with wit, Carmilla was enjoying the company. It had been a while since anyone dared to make their way into these walls which meant they must have been really desperate.
The two constantly bickered with each other. Laura was intent on disliking Carmilla, there wasn't anything she could do in her mind to feel differently. They were just two completely opposite people trying to remain friendly without killing the other. So far almost two hours passed and no one was dead yet.
Unfortunately, things got uncomfortable when Laura attempted to ask about her. Carmilla was a private person and she wasn't going to change that now. So she resorted to the story she told most of the prisoner's mother made her babysit.
From birth she grew up in the castle's border along with her siblings. She knew nothing more than what these walls could provide and hoped they would entertain for the night.
Carmilla drank from her cup while the brown haired girl remained stiff in the chair. Being the good host she is, she offered food and drinks but Laura had her mind made up.
"Eat." Carmilla demanded shoving the food in front of her.
"I am not hungry." Laura retorted, pushing the food back.
"Stop being a child and eat your food." Carmilla glared her down but the space girl kept her arms crossed and remained focus on anything other than her.
Her mother was ridiculous forcing her to watch the human. It was definitely punishment for having more than what was allowed. Now she was forced to deal with the stubborn child who graciously was easy on the eye. What the younger girl needed was to be unwound.
Carmilla walked behind Laura who sat rigidly in the chair. Her fingers began to massage at her shoulders but Laura jumped up and away before any further damage could be done.
"What are you doing?"
"You are a naïve, provincial, entirely too tightly wound girl. I was only trying to help."
"I don't need your help."
"Then relax buttercup. There is nothing to worry about. I just want your company."
"I don't think I'm the kind of company you want around."
"Why not?"
Laura shook her head not wanting to divulge that information. "I can't tell you."
"You can tell me you just choose not to."
"Why don't you leave these borders?" Laura quickly challenged back, only to receive the same answer.
"I can't tell you."
"Ah so you can tell me, you just choose not to."
"Touché." Carmilla smiled watching the girl use her own words against her. It was good she kept her on her toes, something she needed. She watched as Laura fiddled with her fingers.
"If a man who cannot count finds a four leaf clover, is he lucky?"
"What does that mean?"
"Figure it out."
"Why must you be so cryptic? We can't be friends Carmilla if you speak like that."
"What if I can persuade you to be my friend?"
"Nothing you can say or do will make me wanna be friends with you."
"You're bleeding."
"Wow you're really bad at this friend thing." Carmilla shook her head to make her way towards her. A concerned look painted her face as she cautiously pulled down the side of Laura's shirt.
Laura didn't have a chance to protest though when she realized the blood had gone through her bandage. Carmilla left but returned seconds later with materials.
"May I?" Laura warily nodded her head as Carmilla lifted her shirt.
In all her life she never felt so exposed as she did then. Sitting in her bra she watched the girl's eyes dart all over body taking in every inch of skin. Only her eyes narrowed in on one part making her very self conscious of her body.
"Sorry I am so dirty. I haven't had a chance to wash up yet since we have been traveling and-"
"Who hurt you?" She cut off immediately letting her fingers trace the bandage.
"Does it matter?
"Why yes cupcake, for whoever had did unjust to your perfect skin." Carmilla smirked breaking her concerned look to retort back to her careless self.
Laura rolled her eyes knowing the concern was too good to be true but she had broke a small smile. Ah, so flirting was good, Carmilla definitely took note of that.
Carmilla carefully undid the bandage, cleaned the wound to entirety despite Laura's insistent fighting, and began to sow the wound together since it was fairly large that stitches were needed. For an unknown reason it irked Carmilla that the younger girl did not take care of her wound, what troubled her more was that it actually bothered her.
Laura watched Carmilla intently work wondering why she cared to entertain her. Was boredom really getting to her that she was willing to babysit? How long was this even going to take? Clarke had to be done talking with mother by now.
Her suspicions grew with every passing second. If Clarke did come back unscathed could they really leave here? There had to be something or someone for people not to return from Silas.
She watched Carmilla work, dark eyes focusing on the little movement of the needle. Since the moment they stepped onto Silas ground, Carmilla had done her best to tick every nerve within her. Everything she said and did just further annoyed her more.
Yet she couldn't get enough. There was something more than what she was revealing to her. The dark eyes were sad, something she had noted in Clarke. With the little information she got she knew the blonde had lost someone. In Carmilla's case, Laura guessed it were her freedom. She wasn't willfully staying in this castle, she was trapped but by what?
"Lift your arm." She followed order continuing her train of thought. The woman was mysterical without a doubt but Clarke had told her earlier to look beyond the picture before looking at the picture. So she did.
What she concluded was scary and she hoped it not to be true. The only way to find out was to put it to the test.
Carmilla had finished tightening the wound then continued to rewrap her shoulder. Once it was done she shifted to clean her bloody hands before Laura stopped her.
"You can lick the blood." Carmilla's head snapped back looking at the girl in confusion.
"Why would I do such an odd thing creampuff?"
"Because vampires drink blood."
Carmilla walked back to her seat to look at Laura more cautiously. "Did you hit your head?"
"Lick it Carmilla."
"What would give you this absurd idea?"
"You aren't as discreet as you think. I remember from the few books I read in the Ark."
"Those were fiction cupcake." For a brief moment Laura thought she caught her except Carmilla leaned in closer to challenge her. "You have no proof."
"You are pale, when you drank out of your glass of wine it left a stain. Wine doesn't do that, only blood in which I could smell decently since I briefly worked in the medical field. I was then told a stake would be better use here than our deadly automatic guns."
Laura leaned even closer knowing she had the upper hand. "To top it all off you knew I was bleeding before it even seeped through my shirt then subconsciously licked your lips. I'd say you are a vampire, creampuff."
Laura meticulously annunciated the last part to stress its importance and to use her own words against her. She had the girl wrapped around her fingers, or so she thought. If Laura wanted to play dirty she had no idea who she was up against.
Carmilla complied to the commands, purposefully licking her fingers while remaining eye contact with the brunette. As sexually as she could she licked every inch of blood that soaked her fingers to prove a point. Despite her much control earlier she had no shame now to hide her desire for the blood.
The worse? Laura couldn't take her eyes off from the movement of her tongue to the way her lips enclosed on her fingers. Laura was stronger though, at least she tried to convince herself. Watching Clarke handle herself these past few days, she knew she couldn't just back down. To trump her move she had to put the vampire on her heels.
Carmilla moaned at the last bit having truly enjoyed the blood. It was new and exotic from what she has had in her many years alive.
"How does space blood taste?"
"Like heaven." Carmilla smirked having once again been able to win the round.
"You're mean." Laura wanted to back away from the intense glare down but she couldn't too entranced by the atmosphere. Their faces were just inches apart letting Laura feel her hot breath caressing her skin. There was no question how beautiful the woman was. The black hair that cascaded in curls down her shoulder and dark eyes that refuse to admit the feelings that consume her.
"Had enough sweetheart?" The strand of hair was pushed behind her ear by the pale fingers.
"I'm not afraid of you Carmilla."
"You should. I can have you for dinner and in more ways than one." Carmilla offered her flirtatious wink hoping the innocent girl understood her advances.
"What do you want?"
"Why aren't you afraid of me?"
"I came from outer space, I am an alien to you. Why aren't you afraid of me?"
"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers." Carmilla quoted Voltaire, a writer she was fascinated with in the early 1700s.
"Good thing I am not a man." And Laura just like that won that round. It was all tied up, not like she was keeping score or anything but if she was, she was able to play this game.
"Can I give you a gift?"
"I get to see Clarke and you'll let us leave?"
"Not quite." Carmilla stood up and left the room.
She wasn't dead yet which is why she wasn't afraid. If Carmilla wanted her dead she would have killed her by now. At this point she had nothing to lose. So she followed the girl around the castle who led them to the end of a hall with a large door engraved with different markings.
"Go on and open." Cautiously Laura walked past her and gripped the golden handle. When she pulled it open her mouth gaped wide.
Everywhere she looked there were books. Books after books, the room was drenched in marvellous stories waiting to be read and discovered. Her mind could not grasp it all. Even the room itself was spectacular. With a thirty feet tall ceiling painted meticulously, hung a chandelier that provided light. Except it was unnecessary due to the enormous glass windows that were cut out on the walls.
In the center of all the glory were two chairs, one lounge chair, a table, and of course a fireplace waiting to be used. There were two spiral cases on either side that led to other floors. Laura turned back in awe to Carmilla who was leaned against the door frame with a smirk.
"This is your gift?"
"What do you think?"
"How did this survive the bombs?"
"A magician never reveals their secret." Carmilla watched as the girl made her way towards the first book she saw.
Laura walked with incredible posture despite their generations lack of any sort of elegance. Which the space girl lacked as well too. There was no dramtic essence of perfection radiating from the girl.
In fact she was probably below average looking to the general. Yet for an unknown reason, Carmilla seemed to be enchanted by the enormous illuminating dorkiness that came from here.
Maybe that's what it was. She was so simple it made her fascinating in her eyes. But she was acting as fool, a bafoon for even considering to pursuit any romantic relations with the space girl. She will be dead within the hours.
"Can I?" Pulling her out of her thoughts, Carmilla looked up to note the book in her hand.
"Whatever you desire to read Laura, you may." To both their surprises Laura had skipped over and gently kissed the pale cheek.
"Maybe your heart isn't so cold after all."
With that Laura left to engross herself into the wonders of all the stories the library had to offer. Leaving a certain broody vampire to deal with her childish emotions.
Laura in all honesty had lost track of the time or that she was now living in a world destroyed by nuclear bombs to ruin the beauty that once grew. Her mind was so engrossed into absorbing more information and occasionally letting her mind run wild with imagination.
Track of time had been lost while flipping through the pages. Laura wasn't even sure where Carmilla had disappeared to. She was leaning against a shelf of books when she the music finally pulled her away from the pages.
From the small amount of times she had heard music, she knew what was playing was the sound of a guitar. It played softly throughout the library providing a serenity within. Just as a bell attracts a cat, her body began to gravitate towards the sound.
Walking down the steps she found Carmilla in the center with her legs crossed, propped up on the lounge chair. While normally Carmilla kept a book in hand she found herself fiddling with the instrument.
Laura was quiet at first as she wished to hear the girl hum. Of course she knew how to sing and there was only one way to get that out of her.
"Sounds beautiful." Carmilla jumped from her seat to straighten up her body. Being caught off guard she picked up a book and pretended to be reading.
"What's it called?"
"The book? Ah yes its called The Vicar of Wakefield."
"No, the song you were humming to."
"I am unaware as to what your ears have perceived."
"Please. Sing." Laura flashed her best smile along with puppy eyes to get the girl to give in. Once she sat down she continued the plead for music. Sure enough Carmilla began to string a few chords together on the guitar before she released her melodious voice.
"Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then some body bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the beast
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bitter sweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Carmila stopped playing but before Laura could protest she reached out her hand. "May I have this dance?"
"I have two left feet Carmilla. I'm not so good and I could trip and hurt myself and probably you. I'm not so graceful either." Speaking with her hands dramatically she was convinced she was unable to dance at all.
"I'll teach you." Carmilla looked with hopeful eyes waiting for her to grasp her hand. It had been a while since she danced with someone but the opportunity presented itself and she could not turn away.
Laura noted the plead within. She hoped there would be no fault in playing along with Camilla's game. So she grasped the hand that helped her stood up, in hopes Clarke was closer to getting them out of here.
"Are we going to dance like the early 2000s?"
"Oh no sweetheart, we are taking it back further."
"How far?"
"Come." Laura followed her into the open space.
"First you must thank your partner for being here." Carmilla curtsied following a brief nod of her head.
"How far back are we going?"
"To where it all began of course."
"Which is?"
"Why, the waltz. The most scandalous era I can recall."
"Really the waltz? How is that even scandalous?"
"If I may?" Curiosity got the best of her so she nodded her head. Carmilla snaked her arm around her waist while her other hand interlocked with Laura's.
"See not so scandalous." Laura challenged but only earned herself a smirk. Carmilla pulled Laura closer so that their chests pressed against each other and their nose ready to nudge the other. Laura could feel their bodies desperately melting into each other as her lips trembled at the proximity of the owns vampire.
"How about now?" Carmilla's breathe enclosed over the space girl's face creating a warm bunbly feeling at the bottom of her stomach.
Laura didn't reply though letting Carmilla take the reigns. Without another word she let her body do the talking as Laura followed her steps.
After a small lesson around the room with an occasional whirl the two remained together swaying back and forth. Laura rested her head against Carmilla's chest after a while.
What Carmilla was an unaware of was that she was sparking a fire. A fire that she could not put out if need be. With every heartbeat she felt against her was only adding gasoline to the small fire. Worst of all, Carmilla was enjoying every second spent with the girl in her arms.
The vampire took the silence and swaying into her hands by finishing the song. Quietly she sang only loud enough for the two to hear and no one else.
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast."
Laura stared in wonder listening to the raspy voice fill the quiet library. Serenity and tranquility filled her body when Carmilla sang. For a moment in all life her mind drifted to somewhere she didn't have to worry about survival or the hamster bubble her father kept her in.
She felt dangerously safe in Carmilla's arms. All she wanted was for the vampire to hold her tighter and forget they were enemies. Only the song ended and they had to enter back into reality.
Laura wanted her to sing more but Carmilla was to hold her ground. She gave her that look. A look that said you can't refuse me because it would break your own heart. Good thing for Carmilla, she was a vampire so being coldhearted was second nature. "No more."
"Oh come on, you were so good! Encore!"
"I am not that good cutie."
"How about we make a deal?" Laura sat across from her gripping onto a few books.
"What do you got?"
"If I guess the exact year you were born, you must sing another."
"Deal." There was no hesitation on Carmilla's part as it were impossible for Laura to even come within a twenty year range.
"1680 in Styria, Austria." Laura revealed the exact correct date causing Carmilla to freeze in shock. The girl with witty comments was lost for words or a comeback.
"That's impossible. How did you know?"
"You were born as Mircalla, Countess Karnstein. How come you didn't inform me that Carmilla was just an anagram?" Laura this time revealed how she knew the secret waving a book in the air.
"You did not."
"Why you should not leave your journal lying around sweetheart." Laura offered a flirtatious wink laughing at the confusion and now embarrassed look on the vampire's face.
Carmilla made a move to grab the book but Laura dodged her hand waving a finger. "You're going to have to catch me if you want it."
So Laura got up and quickly ran away before Carmilla could catch her. The vampire only shook her head watching the lively girl run away and up the stairs of the library.
In all her life she had never seen someone just simply live in the moment despite all the problems surrounding this world. Laura knew things had to be fixed but it shouldn't stop her from being happy, right?
Carmilla fell for it though. Sure she could have argued and snatched it back, but what fun would that be? Skipping steps along the way she arrived at the top to catch a small glimpse of her making a turn. Her laughter filled the library and subsequently caused her to smile.
Turning into the aisle before her, Carmilla pushed a book off so that it could fall over on the other side to hit the floor.
"You think a book scares me?" She called out from the other side. Carmilla did it again causing a distraction long enough for her to get to the other side with her speed.
"Did you forget I am a vampire, buttercup?" Carmilla had managed in seconds to use her speed to capture Laura on the other side of the book case. Her hands remained on either side of her face to lock in place.
Laura took a visible gulp feeling her heartbeat speed up with the proximity the girl was in. No one had ever been this close to her nor stroke their face with the tip of her fingers as delicate as Carmilla was doing.
"That doesn't phase me."
"Why not Laura? I can rip out your throat, drink all the blood out of you." Carmilla responded with such casualty that it bothered her even more. The tone was shifted to much more seriousness. Something had poked at the paler woman the wrong way.
There was a moment of silence. Laura debated on her next move without a doubt feeling fear catch up to her but she had to hold her ground. Clarke was fighting for their survival so she had to do the same.
There were only two options now. One was to provoke her more; to get the cold heart heated enough to act on it. The second was to understand why she insisted on acting this way.
"Then do it." That had pushed the wrong button within aggravating the older woman.
"You're a child."
"And you're afraid." Laura challenged again only this time Carmilla was quick to act. Her hand grasped at her neck causing Laura to drop the book and attempt to remove the grip on her throat.
"Be afraid." Carmilla growled.
"I am afraid of the vampire but not of Carmilla."
"They are the same thing."
"Being a vampire doesn't define who you are." Despite holding her by the neck, Carmilla applied no pressure but only wanting to instill fear in her.
"It is what I am."
"It is who've you become. Prove yourself wrong. What do you have to lose?" Laura clarified finally being released from the grip.
Carmilla lunged forward but stopped herself from letting her lips taste the beauty in front of her. She gripped onto the bookcase shaking it in anger. "Why am I so torn between ripping your throat out or ripping your clothes off."
There was complete utter confusion within her body. Maybe it was her hormones acting out or just her heart and mind disconnecting for a moment. While her heart craved a passionate love her mind kept her in reality.
Carmilla this time didn't wait for a signal, not wanting to debate within herself any longer. She took what she wanted and it was the soft pink lips against her own. Just as she crashed her lips forward Laura provided her cheek causing the vampire to growl stubbornly in her ear.
"We can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to be just a flavor of your month. We are two different people." She looked into the eyes of her capturer seeing the pain infiltrating her eyes. Carmilla wanted to taste her in more than one way but Laura was not sure she was ready for that nor with the woman whose mother probably wants to kill them.
It was hard to tear her eyes away though. Guilt was consumed within but served as a consequence for letting her overly thought actions dictate her happiness. The more she looked the harder it was to not let Carmilla kiss her, so she had to flee quickly.
"I have to find Clarke." Laura slipped herself away, scurrying off into the castle.
Once the doors of the library shut, Carmilla did not hide her anger pushing the bookcase down creating a domino effect. For any book in her way she kicked away to make her path. She should let the girl loose and get herself in trouble, it wasn't her problem anymore.
There were a bunch of other vampires in the castle that would just love to keep her company. Then suck all the blood out of her until she was a prune raisin...Fuck.
Of course she had to go stop her before she did anything stupid. Laura was going to be the death of her at this rate. Carmilla groaned loudly before jumping from the top floor to the ground then speeding her way out of the library to stop the space girl from doing something stupid.
"Where do you think you are going?" Carmilla growled throwing away all her manners. She grabbed the girl by the wrist to stop her in her tracks.
"To find Clarke. They have talked long enough."
"You are to get ready for the ball Laura. Stop pushing your luck."
They glared each other down momentarily still struggling on how to handle the heated passion between the two. The closer they were the more sparks that flew but those sparks were highly dangerous.
The power struggle continued between the two before Laura found the strength to pull her wrist away. "I've had enough of these games."
"You are still alive. That's more than I can say about others. Now you will follow me and get ready for the ball."
"When do I see Clarke?"
"When mother says so."
"Do you take orders from anyone else or are you just a slave to her?" Laura walked right passed her annoyed that she had to follow orders. Just as before, they were back where they started, ready to kill the other.
Carmilla rolled her eyes and led her to her room. The moment she opened the door to Carmilla's room Laura immediately sucked her teeth. "Of course your room is a mess."
"It's a lifestyle choice, cupcake."
And you still choose to be a pain in the ass, Laura mentally reminded herself. She tiptoed all over the clothing before making her way to the bathroom. Carmilla handed her a robe and walked right past her into the closet.
After Laura had showered, which gave the two time to cool down, she stood in Carmilla's room waiting for her to come out. The moment alone gave Laura a chance to absorb the room. Despite the mess and a nuclear war, the room was absolutely stunning. The king sized bed was ornamented with a canopy and richly embroidered hangings.
On the walls were classic paintings alongside a fire place that looked grandiose. Everything about her room seemed to be stuck in the past, a past she could not let go of. It was evident of a painting that hung over the fireplace.
It was of a woman in a yellow gown that made her stand out from the rest of the ballroom. Her black hair was strung up in a bun only letting a few free from the restriction. The chocolate brown eyes revealed happiness and contentedness along with the soft smile that encouraged peace within.
It was not just her physical beauty that caught your eye. Just from a simple photo, one could feel the grace and eloquence that poured out of her. She stood with pride and honor, letting her poise do the talking.
"It's my birth mother." The voice whispered from behind, a sadness laced with it.
"She's beautiful."
"She could turn any head in the room with her smile and grace."
"I can see where you get your good looks." Laura turned to see Carmilla standing there more timidly than ever before. It was clearly a difficult subject for the hundred years old vampire which is why she dropped the subject.
"Come now, we must finish the final touches."
"What's so important about this ball?" Motioned to sit down, Laura found a chair as Carmilla grabbed a few instruments along with her own chair.
"It's a time where we celebrate another year of survival."
"You are vampires. Don't you live forever?"
"Exactly. It's the reason we need to celebrate our continuous lives, grateful we get to see the world evolve with every passing rotation of the sun."
Carmilla pulled out as much makeup as she could. She gripped Laura's face to determine what was the best look.
"What's that?"
"Make-up. It's to make a pretty girl, prettier but I don't think it can make perfection better." Carmilla smiled knowing Laura had butterflies flying all over her stomach despite her eye roll response.
The two stayed quiet as Carmilla prepared the girl for the ball. The silence seemed better for them as it allowed the two hotheads to breathe. Relaxing was not Laura's forte and Carmilla could not formulate concern. The two were just opposites waiting to explode.
If they were close enough they managed to bring the best in the other. However, if they touched everything could be destroyed in their paths. So they had to keep a safe distance from each other to not let their feelings cause another nuclear explosion.
While Carmilla has never cared for a soul in her life, Laura had managed to break that mold. It proved true when Carmilla presented Laura with the dress her mother wore in the painting.
"I can't wear that Carmilla."
"Yes you can. It's all I have."
"You are lying."
"My mother would have liked you very much and would want you to wear it with pride and honor. Besides I've already worn it one too many tkmes." Laura seemed skeptical at first but she kissed her cheek and quickly left to change. She was crushing and it was hard.
When Laura came out Carmilla was genuinely lost for words. There stood a breath taking woman wearing a golden ball gown that brightened her features even more.
No parallels existed to her beauty possessing enchanting brown eyes highlighted by her rosy cheeks and full lips. Wrapped off the shoulders sleeves, her bare top provided a newly found elegance to permit her loose bun pieces of her brown hair to fall on it.
Carmilla didn't have the right words to respond so she opted for what she always did. "Well don't you look like a virgin sacrifice."
"Don't you ever say anything meaningful?" Laura rolled her eyes and made her way to the mirror where Carmilla followed behind her.
Laura couldn't believe she could possibly look this beautiful. Whatever Carmilla did made her look like a princess. She looked through the mirror to see Carmilla starring back.
"It reminds me of a story."
"What's it called?"
"Beauty and the Beast.".
"I've never heard of it."
"Its of a woman, named Beauty, that is unaware of how ravishing she truly is. One day she makes a deal with a Beast who is repulsive and dangerous in every way. He will let go of her father who is being held prison if she stays with him."
Carmilla stopped to retreat to her own bed where she sat contemplating the next part. "What happened next?" The curiosity got to Laura now intrigued for the end of the story.
"Well what do you think? The Beast is a monster, he let the father go but killed Beauty."
"That's tragic."
"Its the way of life."
"Do you believe in happy endings?"
"Those don't exist Laura. A real story never ends so how can their be one?" At some point Laura understood they were no longer talking about the story. She couldn't help but wonder what made her heart turn this way.
The ball had been going smoothly for an hour or so now. Laura had done her best not to be surprised of the amount of people she saw. There had to be at least a hundred which seemed odd since how small the castle was.
Clarke was still nowhere to found which led to worst possible idea to mind. Laura wanted to believe that Clarke cared for her but if it meant bringing back someone she loved, she knew she lost that battle.
The possibility that Clarke hadn't come back was because she traded Laura for what she needed. Of course her mind was too attached at to the worse but it scared her more that it was possible.
"A beautiful woman like yourself should not be left alone." Laura looked up to find a stranger standing in front.
This woman was different from the others. Despite the pale face, she was taller with hair as red as fire that came down flatly. She was a pretty with blue eyes that matched her dress.
Laura was wary to talk to the girl not trusting anyone she met. "I'm Danny Lawrence." She stuck out her hand in which Laura decided there could be no harm in befriending her.
"Laura Hollis." From there the two hit it off as if they had been friends for years. There was an easiness and flow to their conversation.
Laura had to admit she liked Danny. She was an intelligent woman who treated her with respect. Their was such a release off her shoulder whilst trading stories. The girl had been on many adventures herself, telling her if a world that once was before the war.
They laughed and ate enjoying the ball to its entirety. Laura had been amazed by how good the food was and the dessert offered. People were kind and gernous tl her, especially Danny. What Laura was unaware of though, was the scowling vampire watching her every move.
After a while talking, Danny offered to dance with her. "I'm a better dancer than you think."
"I'll trip on my own feet."
"Then we trip together." Danny smiled holding her hand out.
Laura went to grab her hand only to be grabbed by another and twirled away.
"Why Laura, you promised me a first dance."
"No I did-" Laura didn't get a chance to finish before Carmilla pulled her away and onto the dance floor.
"You look lovely tonight, cupcake." Carmilla whispered in her ear as they swayed back and forth.
"What are you doing?"
"Complimenting your radiating beauty."
"I was trying to dance with someone."
"Just smile and act like you are having fun." Carmilla whispered as she led them throughout the dance floor.
Laura examined the look in her eye. There was a genuine anger that she had attempted to dance with Danny. Was Danny naturally dangerous? Or was she just
"Jealous. Oh my god. Carmilla Karnstein jealous of a wimpy space girl talking to another vampire. Afraid I might let her drink my blood over you?"
Carmilla didn't smile or laugh at the joke. Not in the slightest bit did she find the girl laughing at the motions funny.
"Not everything is about you."
"Then let me dance with her."
"No." That response definitely provided a parental tone. Now she was suddenly concerned with her well-being.
"You should be grateful you are still alive. No one ever makes it this far."
"What do you mean?"
"These balls are made once newcomers arrive. The newcomers never attend alive."
"Where's Clarke?"
"I can't tell you."
"I don't want to play games."
"Can we just dance?"
"One song. Then I want answers."
Carmilla held onto her hand slowly swaying them back and forth to the music. Laura last time had snuggled her face in the brunettes hair but this time she remained frigid much to Carmilla's dismay. It was half way through the song she chose to strike up a conversation.
"Why wouldn't you let me kiss you?"
"I told you I am not a toy."
"I don't treat women as toys."
"Can't say the same for Ell." Their dancing came to a stop so that Carmilla could look her in the eye.
"How far did you get into my journal?"
"Far enough."
Carmilla grabbed to her waist tighter when she felt the girl ready to flee. Supplying her a look the two had an unspoken conversation. It was more of a question of power though. From the earlier conversation, Laura needed to know if she was just the favor of the month.
"Songs over." Laura whispered before removing herself from the grip and off the dance.
What was the space girl doing to her cold heart? Carmilla really had to stop chasing the girl and put herself ahead of this. Once again she found herself chasing after Laura out of the ballroom.
"Creampuff!"
Laura kept walking, ignoring the vampire who followed her out of the ballroom.
"Where are you doing? You can't just run."
"What I should have done earlier."
Carmilla watched as Laura threw the table onto the floor. She was confused at first until she saw her break the leg off to create a wooden stake.
Well shit, how come they didn't think of removing that out of the castle. Laura gripped onto the stake before yelling at the top of her lungs Clarke's name.
Carmilla moved quickly though putting her hand over her mouth. "You're going to get yourself killed."
"I'm taking matters into my own hand."
"Clarke is alive. I can take you to her. Just stop please." Carmilla gripped onto the bare shoulder looking desperately between her eyes. For the first time all day Laura saw a greater fear in the vampire that wasn't easily faked.
"Come to my room to change out of your dress and we'll leave from there."
"How do I know you aren't lying?"
"I'll let you keep the stake." To her dismay she followed Carmilla back to her room where she looked for her space clothing to change back into.
Once she was changed and put the dress she found the vampire leaning against the wall. "You aren't the flavor of the month."
Laura eyed the glass of champagne being waved in her face. Carmilla spoke with her eyes encouraging her to take the cup. Annoyed she took it taking cautious sips.
"I read about Ell."
"You didn't read far enough sweetheart. Ell left me when she found out who I am. They all do." The champagne danced in the glass as she reminisced of a time where she was on cloud nine.
Laura wanted to respond the right way. She wanted to tell her she was the exception because being a vampire didn't frighten her. All she wanted was to understand the complex soul but she couldn't.
"You loved her."
"Of course I did. She was the greatest thing to happen to me during the 19th century."
"But you used her."
"I tried to save her. My mother has done terrible things and that included taking away someone I loved."
"Are you saving me?"
"There is only so many people I can save."
"Ell sounded like she had your heart." Laura chugged down a large portion of her champagne enjoying the exquisite taste.
"I don't think it was mine to begin with."
"That's the saddest thing I've ever heard."
"Try living for a couple hundred years, that'll change." Carmilla made her way to her bed were she sat down. With her feet propped up she sipped her drink to enjoy its bubbling taste.
While Laura had changed, Carmilla opted to do the same now sitting in a red robe. She watched as Laura suddenly began to stumble around the room. Laura laughed it off at first but when she took another step she almost fell, unable to keep her balance.
"Maybe you should sit down sweetheart."
"But Clarke." She began to mumble. "My head."
"Lay down."
Laura didn't argue though suddenly feeling dizzy. She couldn't really keep up her balance making her utterly confused. Was it possible she had drank more than she realized?
She didn't even finish the rest of her champagne before she plopped on the bed with a pounding head. Laura laid her head on Carmilla's shoulder who instinctively began to play with her hair.
"I feel so sleepy Carmilla."
"Go to sleep then." Within minutes Laura found herself completely unconscious against the vampire unaware of why her body just suddenly gave out.
The last thing she could hear before her mind drifted was, "I'm so sorry Laura."