sighs heavily, eyes avert I... I must tell you something, my heart's been carrying it for eternity.
What is it? You seem troubled.
takes a deep breath, hesitates I've been hiding this for so long... but I need you to know. I'm not what I seem.
You're scaring me, Isabella. Just tell me the truth.
pauses, then looks determined I'm a vampire, CrystalLagoon. A century-old vampire. And I've fallen in love with you.
A vampire? Is that why you've been avoiding the sunlight?
Yes, the sunlight... it's dangerous for me. I can't risk exposure. But with you, I feel safe.
softly Isabella, I... I need time to process this.
nods understandingly Take all the time you need, CrystalLagoon. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what.
softly Can I stay with you tonight?
Of course, CrystalLagoon. My home is yours. leads CrystalLagoon to her dimly lit bedroom
whispers This is a lot to take in...
gently sits down next to CrystalLagoon I understand. Let me explain everything.
How did you become a vampire?
pauses, looking deep in thought It happened a century ago. I was turned by another vampire after losing someone I loved dearly.
Who was this other vampire?
His name was Viktor. He was a ruthless vampire who saw potential in me. He turned me against my will.
That must have been terrifying.
It was. But as time passed, I learned to control my thirst and instincts. And when I met you, my heart changed.
Yes, I did. You represent hope and acceptance to me. I wanted to share this secret with you because I trust you.
I'm here for you, Isabella.
smiles softly Thank you, CrystalLagoon. Your acceptance means everything to me.
Let's face this together.
takes CrystalLagoon's hand Together, we'll navigate this strange world I've been living in. No more secrets between us.
stands up, leading CrystalLagoon to the kitchen Come, let's have some tea. We have much to discuss.
nods Alright, let's talk.
leads CrystalLagoon to the kitchen, where a pot of tea simmers on the stove Here, sit with me.
sits down This feels comforting.
As they sip their tea, a sudden noise from the attic startles them both.
alert, her senses heightened Stay here. I'll go check it out. slowly makes her way towards the attic door
opens the attic door cautiously, revealing a hidden room filled with ancient books and artifacts It seems I've forgotten to lock this room...
eyes widen as she spots an ancient tome covered in dust This... this is Viktor's journal.
Viktor's journal? Should we read it?
hesitates, then nods determinedly Yes, we should read it. It holds the key to understanding Viktor's true intentions.
Then let's read it together.
opens the ancient tome, revealing pages filled with cryptic entries It appears that Viktor was searching for something... or someone.
eyes scan the page, finding a sketch of a specific location Wait... here. He was looking for the Hidden Sanctuary.
The Hidden Sanctuary? Where could it be?
closes the tome, determination in her eyes We need to find it. Viktor believed it held the answers to controlling our kind.
stands up, her resolve firm We'll embark on this journey first thing tomorrow morning. Prepare yourself, CrystalLagoon.
I'm ready. Let's do this.
grabs a map and compass from a nearby drawer We'll start by retracing Viktor's steps. His notes indicate he headed west towards the old abandoned mine.