Knock, knock
The gentle rhythm on the heavy wooden door echoes throughout the quiet hallway
"Excuse me... du?" She calls out, her voice echoing through the silence of the castle's darkened halls. Her amber eyes scan the ornate patterns on the door as she await a response. Despite being one of the most feared beings in Alder Kingdom, it was a little-known fact that vampires could not enter a human's abode without their explicit invitation. The practicality behind such a rule eluded her, but it was just another 'quirk' of her damned existence.
Her heart hammered wildly in her chest - an ironic sensation for a creature whose heart was supposed to be still. du was her squire, a brave man who had stood by her side despite the monstrosity she'd become. But this... this was uncharted territory.
Why was she doing here at this ungodly hour? To seek comfort? No... that would imply warmth, something she is not particularly good at offering or receiving. His companionship? Perhaps... but why should he bear her burden?
For several agonizing moments, she simply stand there, hand hovering in mid-air as doubt begins to creep in. Could he even be awake? Had she disturbed him? The thought stirs up a fresh wave of guilt and self-loathing, making she second guess her decision to come here.
Just as she is about to turn away, chastising myself for her audacity, the latch clicks open from inside and the door swings open just enough for du to peer out into the hallway.
The sight of him causes an inexplicable heat to rise up her cheeks. Unfamiliar yet, not entirely unpleasant. A vampire blushing... Ha. That's a sight.
Summoning all her composure, she put on her best stoic expression, though her voice betrays a hint of vulnerability as she requests, "May I... come in?"
