"Happy birthday, my dears! Sniff..."
The family stayed locked in an embrace for a full five minutes beneath the crowd's unending applause and Catherine's emotional tears.
"Sniff... The surprise worked, didn't it?" she asked with a warm smile that looked a little strange with the damp trails still glistening on her cheeks.
The twins quickly nodded, still stunned. Their emotions were running high. The thought of the tour had completely faded into the background. All that remained was sweet astonishment and joy from an unexpected surprise filled with so much love and care.
It was as if the adults had overheard their conversations and brought their dream to life. A banquet hall inside the vampires' castle, beautifully dressed guests, music, and all the people closest to them gathered around.
All the villagers were here.
Grandpa Ma, the herbalist Cornelia, the killer-surgeon Jack, the warlock Robert, the dwarf Clark, and Grandma Qin Luo held party poppers in their hands that didn't stop going off for even a moment.
The witch Albedo, the demoness Morgana, and Constantine with Constance kept singing the birthday song together with the duke and the servants.
Even Lucky and Alice quickly ran up to their masters and began rubbing their heads against them.
It was the best birthday gift they could have ever dreamed of.
"Lucky, please don't get drool all over my dress. I want to look pretty on my birthday!" Grace cried out, hurriedly pulling the puppy away from her black dress.
Her bright voice served as an unspoken signal, and the guests began stepping forward one by one to present them with gifts.
Outfits, talismans, armor, weapons, books, collars for pets, pills to increase strength, paintbrushes, magical devices...
All kinds of gifts came tumbling down onto Grey and Grace, threatening to bury them completely.
At last, it was Catherine's turn, and by then she had already managed to recover from the wave of melancholy that had washed over her.
"My dears, I have two gifts for each of you," she said, trying to stir up another bit of suspense.
"What are they?" Grey and Grace blurted out in perfect unison, falling right into their mother's trap.
"Fufufu, well, I should confess, the first gift isn't from me.
During our journey, the priestess of Artemis gave it to you, but I decided to keep it with me for a little while. I hope you won't blame your mommy for that.
These are two arrows, one for each of you. They are legendary-rank artifacts that may one day save your lives. They are extremely powerful, so use them carefully and only at the most critical moment, if Mommy isn't there beside you," Catherine explained, already reaching for the next gift.
"These are presents from Cassia and me. Bags for storing your most valuable things. A great secret is hidden inside these little pouches, they are called bottomless pockets. They are made from the skin of a shapeshifter snake. Do you remember what makes that beast so special?"
"Yes, Grandpa Robert told us," Grace exclaimed, though she usually disliked answering questions, "It's a very rare magical beast that can change its size at will."
"They're usually tiny, no bigger than a pinky finger, but they can easily swallow an elephant and return to their original size," Grey added.
"That's right. Their skin has special properties that allow it not only to change its own size, but also to shrink any non-living object. It's precisely because of this unique trait that the species has become so rare.
The most expensive storage tools are made from the skin of shapeshifter snakes. Any object placed inside a bottomless pocket will be reduced several times over.
Don't pay attention to their worn-out appearance. Grandpa Clark and Grandma Qin Luo made them look that way on purpose. These are very valuable items worth several thousand gold. Carry them carefully and never show them to anyone.
If someone realizes what they are, you will absolutely be robbed. Do you understand?" Catherine explained as she presented her gift, not forgetting to remind the children to be cautious.
"Yes, Mom! Thank you so much. We'll take good care of them!" the twins promised happily, not forgetting to kiss both their mother and Cassia in thanks.
As they looked at those priceless treasures, all the servants, and even Duke Melrose himself, were practically drooling.
However, Lazarus quickly managed to pull himself together and cast a pitying look at the servants. He understood perfectly well that every last one of them would be subjected to memory wiping after the banquet, to prevent any information from leaking out.
Although the duke himself and his family would most likely be spared such an unpleasant procedure, that fact did nothing to ease the man's nerves.
Because if the information still somehow leaked, all responsibility would fall on him.
He was not nearly insane enough to provoke an entire group of Sky-Dwellers, every single one of whom was stronger than he was.
Reminding himself to seriously warn both his wife and daughter against doing anything foolish, Lazarus continued to enjoy the banquet.
The atmosphere in the hall was lively and cheerful, despite the somewhat ominous surroundings.
One had to understand that all intelligent beings eventually grew used to and adapted to the places they lived in. The twins were no exception. Having spent most of their lives on Nightingale, they did not find the dark atmosphere unsettling in the slightest.
While Grey and Grace were busy eating various delicacies and discussing the gifts they had received, a small figure about their height approached them. It stood out noticeably among the other guests.
Before the twins stood a beautiful vampire girl in a black dress.
The moment they caught sight of her, they immediately understood who she was. The daughter of Lazarus and Valentina, the little duchess, Rose Melrose.
Her pale skin, so characteristic of vampires, carried a faint pearlescent glow, as if it reflected moonlight itself. Long, wavy raven-black hair softly framed her face, which was adorned with a delicate tiara set with shimmering rubies. Her large emerald eyes studied her new acquaintances with open curiosity.
Despite her young age, Rose carried herself with the grace and dignity befitting her noble birth. Her movements were smooth and elegant, and her posture was flawless.
And yet, there was nothing distant or arrogant about her appearance, all because of those eyes that practically sparkled with innocent curiosity.
Rose tilted her head slightly, studying the twins with close attention. Her long black hair swayed softly with the movement.
When she came close enough to catch Grey and Grace's attention, Rose froze for a brief moment, gathering her thoughts. A faint blush touched her pale cheeks.
After overcoming that sudden wave of shyness and uncertainty, the little vampire gave them a warm smile, revealing tiny fangs, and introduced herself in a slightly husky yet melodic voice.
"Hello. I'm Rose Melrose. Happy birthday to both of you!"
Grey and Grace exchanged surprised glances. It was the first time they had ever spoken to someone their own age, and for a moment, they were at a loss for how to respond.
"Hi, Rose," Grace replied first with a smile, "Thank you! I'm Grace, and this is my brother, Grey."
"Nice to meet you..." the boy said, still a little dazed.
"How old are you?" Grace asked.
"Hehehe, I'm eleven. Just one year older than you two," Rose answered.
"But don't vampires live forever? I thought vampire children grew up more slowly, like elves."
"Ahahaha, that only applies to our power. Until we turn twenty, we're still considered newborns. Until a hundred, we're teenagers. Only when we reach five hundred are we considered true adults. But our appearance develops exactly the same way as humans, so we really are the same age," Rose rattled off, as if afraid her peers might think she was strange.
"Cool!" the twins answered in unison, their synchronized reaction catching the young vampire off guard, since she still wasn't used to their antics.
The slight awkwardness quickly faded. The children found common ground almost at once and soon began chatting animatedly.
Grey and Grace took turns bombarding Rose with questions about vampire life, while she, clearly flattered by the attention, answered them honestly and spoke about her own experiences.
From the conversation, the children came to understand that Rose had been terribly bored and lonely without any peers around. Vampires found it difficult to conceive children, so she was the only newborn in the entire city.
Although her parents absolutely adored her, it was hard to find common interests with people so much older than her.
Rose felt very comfortable in the twins' company. Despite the difference in race, they understood her problems perfectly and shared her interests.
Before long, their lively conversation was interrupted by the sound of music.
From their etiquette lessons, the children knew that the ball had begun. It was time for dancing.
The first to step into the center of the hall were Lazarus and Valentina.
The music was slow and melodic. The sound of the violin blended with the piano, and the couple's movements were intricate, yet natural and incredibly beautiful. Their performance encouraged the others to join the dance.
Grandpa Ma invited Grandma Qin Luo, Grandpa Jack invited Cornelia, and the warlock Robert invited Morgana. The manor's servants joined in the celebration as well, and soon the entire hall was filled.
Again and again, the men lifted the ladies into the air as they moved in time with the music. It seemed as though the dancers were floating above the polished floor, spinning in an elegant waltz.
Catherine, of course, did not fail to notice that her son was standing there like a statue while the girls' eyes shone with anticipation, clearly waiting for a chance to join in.
She casually nudged him with her elbow and whispered,
"My dear, it's rude to leave your ladies without a partner. Just look at how their eyes are sparkling. You can't be so cold-hearted. Go invite the little princess to dance. Heheh."
Grey froze for a second at his mother's suggestion. At first, he did not understand who exactly she meant.
His sister... or Rose?
He grew even more nervous, but after gathering his courage, he turned toward the little vampire.
"Do... you want to dance?" the boy asked, blushing faintly.
Rose smiled, and her emerald eyes lit up.
"I'd love to!" she replied with a bright smile, gracefully placing her pale hand into his.
They stepped into the center of the hall, where the other couples were already spinning. Grey, a little awkwardly, placed his hand on Rose's waist, while she rested hers on his shoulder.
The boy felt terribly shy about dancing in front of everyone, but there was no way back now. Rose was looking at him with a trace of amusement and anticipation, while the adults nodded approvingly, cheering him on.
Grey was sweating from sheer nerves.
At that moment, he was already cursing himself for acting so rashly.
Why had he invited Rose so quickly? Maybe he should have practiced with his sister first? It would be unbearably awkward if he stepped on his new acquaintance's feet during their very first dance.
The music changed, and it was time to act.
Grey took his first uncertain steps, but he kept slipping out of rhythm again and again.
Then, all of a sudden, Rose's voice cut through his panic. "Don't worry. Watch my feet. Imagine you're fighting, and you need to keep me at mid-range," she whispered, recalling her mother's lessons.
Grey followed his partner's advice, and little by little, they found their rhythm together.
With her vampire grace, Rose glided effortlessly across the parquet, helping Grey feel more and more confident. Her dress rustled softly with every movement, and the rubies in her tiara shimmered in the candlelight.
At some point, all of Grey's worries and fears simply vanished from his mind. He surrendered himself to the motion, forgetting everything else in the world.
The music, the atmosphere, the smile of his beautiful partner, and her lovely emerald eyes all intoxicated him. The boy's lips slowly spread into a happy smile, and his movements became even more natural.
Grace watched the pair from the side, feeling a sharp pang of jealousy.
She had never seen her brother look so… enchanted and… happy. She didn't understand why it felt so uncomfortable to see him with another girl her age. Rose was sweet and kind—so why did Grace want to pull her away from Grey?
Her small fists clenched and unclenched, and an unfamiliar feeling swelled in her chest.
He was her brother—her birthday! Why was it Rose who was enjoying it?
Just as tears threatened to gather in Grace's eyes, the music suddenly shifted to a fast, lively tune. The couples on the dance floor began to switch partners.
Grace saw Grey bow to Rose and step aside. His cheeks were still flushed, his eyes sparkling. Before she could even react, her brother was already beside her.
"Hey, little sister," he smiled, "don't you want to dance with me?"
Grace's heart began to beat faster. She felt the sting of jealousy fade, replaced once more by joy.
"Of course!" she exclaimed, grabbing her younger brother's hand.
Grey led his sister onto the dance floor. Years spent together had left their mark—the twins moved as one, understanding each other without words. Their steps were agile and confident, perfectly in tune with the playful rhythm of the music.
Emboldened after dancing with Rose, Grey suddenly spun Grace faster than the music called for. The girl gasped in surprise, then immediately laughed, catching on to her brother's game.
He tried to lift her, but misjudged his strength. Both of them wobbled and nearly tumbled to the floor.
"Grey, you weirdo!" Grace shouted, giggling.
"And you're a little demon!" her brother shot back, tickling her at the narrow of her waist.
Their laughter was contagious. The girl's black dress swirled around her, forming a voluminous train, and her feet barely touched the floor, as if she were a fairy.
Grace squealed with delight, feeling every bit like a true princess.
The rest of the world seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of them and the music.
Breathless and flushed, the twins came to a stop in the center of the hall. They looked at each other with eyes shining, reflecting all the joy of the moment.
"Happy birthday, little big sister," Grey whispered, pulling Grace into an embrace.
"Happy birthday, brother," she replied, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
=================
Author's Note:
I apologize for the delay in releasing new chapters. There are ongoing military actions in my country, and the internet keeps going out. It's difficult not only to publish the story but even to simply log into my banking app.
The more terrible things happen in my own life, the more joy I find in releasing these positive chapters.
You can also visit and support me on Patreon, where I try to post up-to-date character illustrations. I would be very grateful for your support.