Somewhere in Forgotten Hollow, a loud screeching voice can be heard. Broken pieces of ware scattered on the wooden floor, staining the surface with its red liquid. The hint of blood spread through the cold air, making the surrounding creatures' mouths water.

"Calm down now." holding a glass of red liquid in his hand, the man's voice is calm and dominant, reminding the young maiden in front of him to keep a cool head.

"Calm down? How could I?" she continues to screech "That bitch ruin my plan!"

"Besides Don Lothario, there are many other sources of blood for you, my dear." caressing his cup to capture the falling red liquid, he continues "As long as we have blood, your beauty is absolute."

"Your supplies aren't good enough for me, Father! They're all so ugly!" she retorts back "I need the most beautiful girls to be my sacrifices! My beauty will draw in Lord Vatore for sure!"

The man shakes his head at his daughter's antic. Despite being one gorgeous lady, she is still unable to seize the heart of Caleb Vatore. For that man to be so devoted to that low-life human, he can not hold back his disapproval huff. His daughter, the young Serephina Bloodhaven, has everything every man can imagine in a mate. She is beautiful, talented, and she comes from a prominent vampire family, yet her charms somehow aren't interesting enough to capture the eyes of the Head of House Vatore.

"What are you staring at? Go find me another girl!" she screams at her servants, making the poor maids scramble away in fear "And you better find me a beautiful one, or else!"

"Serephina, that screaming is not going to help you win the heart of Caleb Vatore."

"Father!" she stomps her foot, angrily looking at the man who is dipping himself in the hot tube filled with red liquid "You need to help me get rid of that Emberlynn bitch! She stands in my way!"

"I will, my sweet girl. I will…" smirking against the glass, his green eyes now shine an amber color, beautiful yet soulless "I have someone in mind that will break that Emberlynn girl to her core."

Serephina's face lights up at the news, her lips don an eerie smile. Her father always knows the best way to break a person. As long as Primrose Emberlynn is out of the picture, she will seize the heart of the dashing Lord Vatore, and after that…

"Forgotten Hollow will be mine! I will be the next Lady of House Vatore!"

Her uncanny laugh fills the air, it has always been her dream to stand by his side, the love of her life, Lord Caleb Vatore. She turns her attention to her father, the train of her dress sweeping on the luxurious wooden floor as she steps closer to him, pouring herself a cup of red liquid that falls down from a young maiden corpse hanging in the air.

"To my victory, Father." the liquid spills down the corner of her lips, staining the lilac-colored dress she is wearing "To the future Lady of House Vatore!"

"To your victory, my dear child."

And to the rise of House Bloodhaven…

Rosalina's smile is as radiant as always, Edward is helping her hang the decorations on the wall while their children are taking care of the Christmas tree. This year's holiday is special, beside Ember who always helps her each year, they have the young Head of House Vatore joining the feast this time. Just seeing how happy Primrose and Nathaniel are by their partner's side warms her heart.

"That rueful look on your face doesn't suit you at all, my dear." Edward walks up to her, setting one hand on her waist as she leans onto his shoulder, a lovely smile grazing her lips.

"Then what look would suit me?"

Her voice is filled with joy as Rosalina giggles at her own little joke. The older blond, however, has something on his mind. Before his wife can react, he leans down and captures her lips in one smooth kiss. The romantic gesture doesn't escape their children's eyes as Nathaniel's face turns bright red while Primrose covers her lips in excitement. Ember is stunned at the display and Caleb lets out a chuckle, admiring how confident the couple is.

"Goodness, you should tune down that charming side of yours, Edward."

Rosalina's face is painted in a lovely shade of red as she rests her hand on her chest, feeling how loud her heart is thumping. While they are used to being affectioned in front of their children, Edward never stops to amaze her with how bold he can be when it comes to public romantic display.

"Should I show you more of that?"

"S-stop! STOP!" Nathaniel speaks up, steam coming out of his head as he voices his opinion "No more kissing!"

Ember giggles at her boyfriend's frantic reaction while Primrose pouts at his embarrassment, she wishes to see more of her parent's lovey-dovey moment.

"Nathaniel, are you jealous of mommy and daddy?" Rosalina teases her son "Should I kiss you instead?"

"Stop teasing me, Mom!" he retorts back "A-anyway, the tree decoration…"

Edward wears a proud smirk on his face, it is a parent's duty to embarrass their child once in a while. As Nathaniel, Ember, Primrose, and Caleb focus on the task, they finally finish the decoration of the Christmas tree, the last task is to put the star on top of it. Eyeing the tree topper, Primrose voices her interest in putting it on herself. While the idea sounds wonderful, Nathaniel wastes no chance looking at his older sister, a sly smile forms on his face that resembles a fox as he begins to entertain himself by teasing the raven head.

"Prims, you sure you can put the star on top of the tree?"

"Sure I can!" she sets one hand on her chest, a proud smile spread across her face.

"Are you though?" he sings teasingly "Let me grab a ladder for you."

"Hey!"

The raven head exclaims defensively, but her blond brother continues his jesting tactic, knowing very well that height is something Primrose is extremely paying attention to. Despite having both parents standing above average height, she is not blessed with that gene. Unlike Nathaniel who is standing at 6 ft tall, her height is modest to the point she finds it annoying.

"I'm not that short!" she retorts back.

"There is nothing to be embarrassed about, Prims. I think you're cute that way." he grins widely at her flustered face "Isn't that why Caleb loves you so much?"

The vampire lord startles a bit at the mention of his name, finding the blond's tactic of teasing his sister amusing. Primrose continues to defend herself, saying that her height has nothing to do with whether she can put on the tree topper and that he should not bring Caleb into the conversation. But Nathaniel doesn't cease his teasing, his sister's frantic reaction is too funny not to look at.

Ember giggles at the siblings' banter, appreciating the lighthearted moment. After everything that has happened to her and Nathaniel, it warms her heart to see that playful smile finally comes back on the blond's face. Backing up her boyfriend, she decides to intervene, a mischievous glint shining in her forest-green eyes.

"Well, we have to ask Caleb about his opinion, no?" she turns to the young lord with a suggesting tone "What do you think?"

Caleb, once again finding himself the center of attention, coughs awkwardly when all eyes are on him. He looks at those anticipation blue eyes of Nathaniel, then turns back to Primrose's pleading onyx ones, a comforting smile forms on his lips as he gently pats her head.

"She is adorable just the way she is. And for the tree topper…" humming to himself, he continues "She will do it with ease, no doubt about it."

Primrose's face beams in joy, her chest puffs out proudly at Caleb's encouragement. She is mindful of her own height, knowing that Nathaniel's teasing is true, but the vampire lord's praising words give her more determination to put this decoration perfectly on top of the Christmas tree. She tugs the sleeve of Caleb's sweater, silently asking for his assistance and he is more than happy to give her a hand.

Setting Primrose on his shoulders with ease, he steps closer to the tree, allowing his lovely raven head to put the LED star on top of the tree. When Edward lights up the tree, she claps her hands in excitement. The Christmas tree decoration is now finished and she can't help but feel proud of the accomplishment.

"What is this? You're asking Caleb for help but not me, your beloved little brother?"

"You know very well why I ask him and not you." playfully swatting her brother's shoulder, she responds "Unlike you, Caleb is a much better helper."

"Your words wound me, Prims…" Nathaniel holds onto his chest, crocodile tears falling down as he speaks.

"Quit the jesting, Nat. You're being so dramatic." rolling her eyes at the blond, she continues "Besides, Caleb's shoulder is much more comfortable than your muscle macho ones."

Her words don't go unnoticed as everyone stares at the raven head, surprised and amused at the same time. Nathaniel, acting like he is offended by those compliments, crossing his arms and pouting like a little kid. Ember can not hold back her giggles while Rosalina and Edward just give Caleb a knowing look, nodding their head in approval.

"Betrayed by my own sister! Oh, how cruel the world is…" the blond continues his act, resting his arm on the forehead, leaning onto Ember for support.

"Goodness, Nat. You're sure are a drama king. I will let you know that Caleb is amazing. He is strong, handsome, and reliable too." unbeknownst to her, Primrose's eyes sparkle with affection as she continues her rain of praises "And he is always there when I need him! My knight in shining armor."

The room falls into an awkward silence as Nathaniel tries to find a way to retort back, but Edward steps in, chopping on his son's head as a punishment for jesting the raven head. Her words sink in as everyone slowly registers the weight of her compliment. Caleb, after a brief moment of realization, wears a pleasing smile on his face.

Primrose raises a brow at the still air, confused at their quiet antics. She looks at them as Edward clears his throat at the awkwardness, Rosalina and Ember can't help but cover their giggles with their hands, and Nathaniel's face turns red when he notices those onyx eyes are on him, expecting a comeback.

"I, well, I mean…" scratching the back of his head, he sighs in defeat "I will be over here then…"

"What?" her question sparks an innocent light "Why is everyone so quiet?"

Her mother and Ember send each other a knowing glance, their eyes twinkle mischievously.

"My daughter… she is now a grown woman…" Rosalina wipes away her fake tears "She finally shows everyone where her heart lies…"

"W-what?"

"She means what you just said is the most beautiful declaration of love, Primrose." Ember joins in the fun "And you did that in front of everyone too. I must say, that is a bold move."

The raven head's eyes almost pop out of her sockets as she finally understands why her family is acting strange. Hoping to salvage the situation, she fumbles on her words, trying to explain the meaning behind her praises. However, the more she tries to explain, the more flustered she becomes as Primrose hides her face behind her hands, too embarrassed to utter another word.

"I'm flattered, Primrose." Caleb steps in, bringing his beloved closer "Thank you for your kind words."

He leans in even more, just enough that Primrose can hear his whisper.

"And I love you too, beloved."

The family erupts in laughter, the joyful atmosphere echoing the warmth of the holiday season.

"I-I will go and make some Russian tea…"

Primrose makes a hasty retreat to the kitchen, preparing the ingredients for her tea. While waiting for her tea to steep, she reaches for the cupboard for some cups. In the living room, Rosalina is planning for the Christmas party, wondering how many people will be at the dinner table that day. Ember chimes in, suggesting that instead of a regular Christmas dinner, they should do a potluck, where everyone is bringing their own dish to the feast.

"That is a great idea! And I don't have to do everything by myself like last time…" Rosalina chuckles, remembering how she and Edward were gathering in the kitchen trying to get everything done before the guests arrived "Primrose, will Lilian join us this year?"

"Ah, she said that she will visit the orphanage instead." the raven head responds "The nuns and kids at the orphanage want to spend Christmas time with her."

"Orphanage?" Caleb blinks a few times, the word captures his interest.

"Oh, Primrose doesn't tell you?" Nathaniel fills him in "Lilian was raised in an orphanage and she has a close relationship with everyone there."

"I didn't know that." the vampire lord hums.

"Yeah, she doesn't want anyone to know. But she is one hell of a lady, growing up in an orphanage and becoming a doctor at San Myshuno's Hospital."

Primrose in the kitchen listens to the conversation, knowing that Nathaniel is not oversharing Lilian's personal life. Her best friend can be quite a pain to deal with when strangers know about her past, but this is Caleb, the raven head believes that she will be okay if he learns about this part of her life.

Setting the cup on the counter, Primrose pours the hot tea into each cup, until she reaches the final one. A small gasp escapes her lips as she sets down the pot, eyeing the cracking cup. Worries surge inside her when she notices whose cup is this…

"Primrose, what's wrong?"

Rosalina walks in, hoping to help her daughter bring out the tea for everyone.

"Mom…" the raven head turns to her mother before glancing at the cracking cup again "This is a gift I got from Lilian…"

The woman steps closer to observe the ware, her eyes open widely when she realizes what her daughter is talking about.

A bad omen…

Not wanting to scare Primrose, Rosalina tells her that there is nothing to worry about. Despite wanting to believe her mother's words, she can't help but feel a churn in her stomach. What is this ugly feeling inside her?

"C-can you bring the tea out for everyone? I'm going to call Lilian."

"Of course."

The water mage swiftly makes her way to the backyard, her hasty retreat doesn't escape Caleb's eyes as he plans to follow her, but Rosalina comes out with a tray filled with hot tea, stopping him from his track.

Primrose's hand trembles as she searches for Lilian's number in her phone, frantically dialing her as soon as she sees her friend's ID on the screen. Chewing on her bottom lips, she keeps telling herself that everything is fine, that Lilian is safe, and that there is nothing for her to be worried about. As each second passes by, so does her anxiety.

Pick up, pick up, pick up…

"Prims?"

Primrose slumps down on the wall, letting out a relief sign as her friend finally picks up the call.

"Woah, what's with the sigh? Something happens between you and Mr. Handsome Surgeon?"

"Goodness, you never cease from jesting, do you? Everything is fine. I just want to call you, that's all…"

"You okay? You sound like you want to cry…"

"O-of course I'm okay." taking in a deep breath, she continues "Anyway, you're having fun shopping for gifts?"

"I am. Everything goes up this year, I have to be mindful about the presents and the sales." Lilian chuckles at her own words "But I got something for you this year that you will love it."

"Oh, you know me. Give me all the books and I'll be on cloud nine." Primrose giggles "Anyway, it's getting cold out now. Remember to dress warm, Lilian."

"What are you? My mom? I'll be fine." The brunette responds playfully "I wish I could join Christmas with you, your mom's food is amazing!"

"We're thinking of doing potluck, if we have enough people to join."

"Ah, even better! Anyway, I have to go. At check out now." Lilian, ever the caring friend, smiles against the phone "Be careful, Prims. You know, the whole human trafficking thing…"

"You too, Lilian. I'll talk to you later."

Hanging up the call, Primrose sighs in relief, feeling her heart thumping louder in the still air. As long as Lilian is okay, she will be okay. However, despite the phone call, her stomach still twists painfully. What is it that keeps playing tricks with her mind? Why is she feeling this much anxiety?

"Beloved?"

She startles at the warm voice, not far away is Caleb, standing at the door and looking for her. Primrose takes in a deep breath, hoping to mask her worries with a warm smile as she returns to the house, telling the young lord that she just called Lilian for something important. He studies her face a little bit, knowing that she is hiding something. But they are at her parents' house, so Caleb decides to drop the topic instead of pressing on.

"Are we doing potluck for Christmas then?"

Primrose returns to the living room, followed by Caleb who takes a seat next to her. Rosalina gives her a cup of Russian tea and the raven head lets out a contentment sigh, feeling the warmth of the cup spreading to her small palms.

"Mom and Dad are going to make beef Wellington and ham, Ember and I will bring the sides, what about you guys?"

"Oh, dessert obviously!" a proud smile forms on her face "I will bring bûche de noël and a cheese platter. How does that sound Caleb?"

"It sounds good, beloved. I will get us some wine too."

"Oh right, Caleb's family owns a winery." Nathaniel exclaims in excitement "Now I want to do some wine tasting."

"Feel free to bring your family to the dinner, Caleb." Rosalina turns to Edward as he nods in agreement "You can invite Marlin and Lumera too, Primrose. The more, the merrier!"

"Thank you, I'll inform them."

Primrose claps her hands in excitement, this will be one of the biggest Christmas dinners ever yet and she can't wait for that day to come.

In a dimly lit room, Seraphina is sitting across a beautiful maiden. Her golden locks cascade onto her shoulders, mesmerizing green eyes resemble emerald gemstones. The ambiance is shrouded in an air of mystery, and the flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows upon the ornate walls. The Bloodhaven lady smiles against her silver wine cup, The scent of rich crimson liquid wafts through the room, an exquisite taste that can only be found in humans.

"My lovely Selene, what do you think of the wine today?"

"Why, it has such a unique taste, I wonder who is it coming from." Selene responds with an eerie smile.

Swirling the cup in her hand, an ominous chuckle escapes her lips. The blond beauty reflects on the appalling scream of the young woman before that sharp blade drops on her, ending her years of existence. When her subordinates brought that prey in, Seraphina could already tell how delicate that blood of hers would taste. She who hails from the Bloodhaven family only deserves the finest blood of all.

"A college student with a dream of becoming a lawyer." Selene's eyes shine a light of eerie excitement, a contrast to her graceful exterior "A divine taste, indeed…"

The sophisticated touch of a law student adds to the uniqueness of the wine. However, she has heard about the news of Don Lothario's capture, how can the Bloodhaven princess find this exquisite liquid when he is no longer around?

"My dear, I have more than a few pawns in my hand. Besides, the most delightful drink comes from those who have a high social status. You will do well to keep that in mind." the blond vampire smiles as she takes another sip "Should I introduce you to some samples?"

Selene is now intrigued by the offer yet her smile masks a rather sinister take on the matter. Seraphina swipes out a picture of a brunette who wears a doctor's coat from San Myshuno's Hospital.

"This is…?"

"Try this one, my dear. I'm sure you will love it." her chilling chuckle fills the still air between them "Just between you and me, Selene. The higher their value, the better they taste. After all, a journey to eternal beauty must be built on the backs of those worthless mortals."

Selene spreads her fan, hiding her smile behind it. Such a sinister take coming from a beautiful maiden like Seraphina Bloodhaven, she wonders how Inna Cents can be so blind to the point she doesn't know that she has been played under her nose this whole time. But then again, a prideful vampire like Inna Cents will always assume she is right, what is the point of telling her the truth when their family can just crumble in the future? House Voss may benefit from that.

"Thank you, Seraphina. I will be on the lookout for this exquisite drink you're offering…"