Chapter 200: 200-Preparations
A night later, the vampire world welcomed one of its most beloved celebrations.
The bloodfall ball was only seven nights away, marking the beginning of what was commonly known as the week of Hearts.
For seven consecutive nights, the entire vampire world would surrender itself to love, romance, and the sweet madness of being in love.
Markets overflowed with enchanted flowers, jewelers displayed rings that could recognize their owners’ heartbeats, and confectioners prepared heart-shaped delicacies infused with magic.
Every street was decorated with crimson lanterns and floating rose petals, while musicians filled the evening air with enchanting melodies.
It was the one week of the year when even the most ruthless vampires found themselves behaving like lovesick fools.
Fated mates became unusually affectionate, lovers grew bolder with their confessions, and those who had spent centuries hiding their feelings suddenly found themselves searching for the courage to speak.
The old saying went that during the Week of Hearts, even the coldest vampire could feel the warmth of love.
And judging by the number of couples stealing kisses in the streets, the saying was hardly an exaggeration.
In some households, preparations for the Bloodfall Ball had already begun weeks in advance.
Noble families competed over gowns, jewelry, and invitations, while young vampires eagerly anticipated the chance to dance with their secret crushes.
Meanwhile, those already blessed with their fated mates took the opportunity to spoil their partners outrageously.
After all, what was the point of living for thousands of years if one couldn’t spend an entire week being shamelessly in love?
Yet this year’s celebration carried another special occasion, Addessa’s birthday.
And for Maisa and her friend, that meant they had two very important missions.
First, they needed to find the perfect outfits for the bloodfall ball. Second, they needed to find a birthday gift worthy of Addessa.
Neither task was going to be easy. Especially because Maisa had already rejected six dresses, three pairs of shoes, and a necklace that one of the shopkeepers had sworn was the most exquisite piece of jewelry in the entire district.
"This is impossible," Maisa declared dramatically, collapsing onto a velvet chair inside an exclusive boutique. "At this rate, I’ll have to attend the ball wearing a bedsheet."
Across from her, Sapphire nearly choked on her drink. "A bedsheet?"
"A very beautiful bedsheet," Maisa clarified, lifting a finger. "Perhaps with embroidered roses."
Sapphire burst into laughter. "I’m certain that you will find something she likes and if that doesn’t happen then she can choose one from princess Varitreya’s closet."
"No, I must find Addessa the perfect gift."
Outside the boutique, the streets glowed beneath crimson lanterns, and the scent of enchanted roses drifted through the open doors.
Shopkeepers called out their special offers, while couples strolled hand in hand, occasionally stopping to exchange gifts.
Maisa glanced through the window and caught sight of a young vampire boy nervously presenting a bouquet to a girl who looked ready to faint from happiness.
Her expression softened. "Look at them," she murmured. "It’s barely the first night, and people are already behaving as though the world will end if they don’t confess their love before midnight."
"Perhaps they’re afraid their beloved will be stolen by someone else," Sapphire teased.
"Then they should confess properly instead of standing around looking like they’ve swallowed a bat."
"Speaking of confessing..." She leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Maisa, is there anyone you intend to confess to? Or do you intend to spend the week with all of your mates."
Maisa immediately turned to her. "No, I have no such plans."
"That was a very fast answer," Sapphire raised an eyebrow.
"Because it’s a very simple question."
"Then why are your ears red?"
"My ears are always this color!"
The girl erupted into another round of laughter. Maisa grabbed a shopping bag and threw it at the nearest offender.
"You are a terrible friend!"
"That I am but be honest. How do you plan to spend the week of love?"
Maisa opened her mouth several times but ended up without a word to utter.
Sapphire’s laughter filled the boutique, warm and unrestrained.
For a little while, there were no ancient mysteries and no terrifying powers to threaten her safety or life.
There was only the excitement of a coming celebration, the pleasure of being surrounded by friends, and the delightful burden of deciding which dress would make them look most beautiful.
They were young, they were happy, and for once, the world seemed willing to let them enjoy themselves.
After all, even the darkest nights deserved a little romance.
By the time they left the boutique, Maisa and the Sapphire had acquired several shopping bags, two boxes of pastries, and an argument about whether Addessa would prefer something practical or sentimental.
"Jewelry," Sapphire insisted. "Every woman appreciates jewelry."
"That’s because every woman appreciates expensive things," Maisa replied.
"Not true! Some women appreciate handmade gifts" she corrected. "Why don’t you make her something for your mates yourself."
Maisa looked a little offended by the suggestion. "I wish I could... I have excellent taste. I simply lack the necessary craftsmanship."
She laughed, adjusting the bags in her arms. She too wanted to do something touching for the girls but with limited abilities, she could only hope to find the right gifts.
"Why don’t buy Addessa something beautiful and make something personal to go with it? That way, she gets both."
Maisa paused. That sounded like a good idea if only she possessed the talent to make a gift.
"That’s actually a good idea, Sapph. But...."
Sapphire lifted her chin proudly. "Of course it is. I’m the only sensible person in this group."
"I’m more sensible that you," Maisa immediately argued back.
"Didn’t you just threaten to wear a bedsheet to the Bloodfall Ball?"
"An elegant bedsheet," she didn’t back down. "With embroidered roses."
"Your ridiculous," Sapphire shook her head. "I wonder what fate was thinking binding you to the fiery four. Totally a waste of the zing," she sighed helplessly.
"Unfortunately, it chose me. So, whether you like it or not... I am the lucky one and the zing isn’t wasted. I’ll definitely put the week of love to good use."
They laughed again. Their next stop was a jewelry market famous for its enchanted accessories. The shop windows displayed delicate bracelets that glowed when their wearers were happy, necklaces containing tiny captured stars, and rings that changed color depending on the strength of the bond between their owners.
Maisa lingered before a small display of silver pendants. One of them caught her attention.
It was a simple crescent moon surrounded by tiny stars, with a pale violet gemstone set in its center. Unlike the other pieces, it possessed no dazzling enchantment or elaborate design.
It was quiet and beautiful and for some reason, it reminded her of Addessa.
"This one," Maisa said.
The shopkeeper smiled. "An excellent choice. The moonstone is particularly rare. It responds to the heartbeat of the person wearing it and becomes warmer whenever they are near someone they love."
Maisa blinked. "That sounds suspiciously romantic."
"It is the Week of Hearts, young lady. Everything is suspiciously romantic."
Sapphire snorted.
Maisa ignored her and examined the pendant more closely. "Would Addessa like it?"
"That depends," the shopkeeper replied. "Does she have someone special in her life?"
Maisa opened her mouth and then closed. Sapphire turned toward her with identical expressions of interest. She knew that Maisa was Addessa’s someone special and was waiting to see how Maisa answered.
"Well?" She whispered, ready to say it since Maisa was hesitating.
Maisa slowly put the pendant down. "We’re leaving."
Sapphire’s laughter followed her all the way out of the shop.
While Maisa and her friend continued their shopping expedition, another part of the vampire world was preparing for a very different kind of celebration.