Chapter 1

I was one of the most powerful vampires in the world, possessing immense wealth accumulated over centuries.

Everyone was surprised when they learned that I had fallen in love with a human, Damien.

Damien was just a poor painter, earning only three thousand dollars a month, but I didn't care; I loved him.

I turned him into a vampire, granting him eternal life. More than that, I saved his dying family - his parents Thomas and Margaret who were critically ill, and his sister Lily who was dying from a rare blood disease.

I turned them all into vampires, granting them immortality and perfect health.

The fifty-year Grand Vampire Convocation was approaching. Only the most prestigious vampires have the opportunity to attend, and participants have the chance to gain greater power and become higher-ranking vampires.

The spots were very precious, some costing up to $1 million just for entry. But Lily pleaded that they had never attended any vampire events and wanted to see what it was like.

So, I had secured spots for the whole family.

As one of the most powerful vampires in the world, I could easily afford it. My vampire empire generated millions monthly from centuries of investments. Damien's painting income barely reached $3,000.

I spent months arranging the invitations and securing the prestigious spots with the Vampire Council.

Everyone else in the family just stood back while I handled everything - the invitations, the formal attire, the blood preparations, even the etiquette training they'd need.

Damien's parents lived in our mansion's east wing. They survived entirely on my wealth since I turned them into vampires to save their lives.

Every month, I took four hundred and fifty thousand dollars out of my own funds just to support Damien's family.

His sister Lily's dream was to become a supermodel. So I pulled strings in the fashion world and landed her on the covers of Vogue and Elle using my ancient vampire connections.

I didn't mind supporting them all. Seeing the family happy was worth any effort.

Getting spots at the Grand Convocation was incredibly difficult, so I secured our invitations early.

When Lily mentioned she'd never attended a vampire event before, I dipped into my savings to upgrade our entire family's seats to VIP seats. The extra $4 million was worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Then, just before the Convocation, Damien dropped his bombshell: "Victoria heard about the Convocation and wants to attend. Can you give her your spot? I've already promised her she could go."

He showed me the formal invitation letter he had prepared. He had already changed the name on my invitation letter to Victoria.

I froze when I realized what he was asking - he wanted me to give my chance to become a higher-ranking vampire to a human.

"What do you mean? This is supposed to be our family's debut at the Grand Convocation, and you're inviting Victoria?"

"Of course. Victoria has always dreamed of seeing vampire society. Naturally I had to help her."

I could barely control my bloodthirsty instincts. "No way! This is a family debut."

"Victoria is practically family - more than family. In my heart, she's always been special."

I took a deep breath. "Then why am I the one who has to give up my spot? Those invitations were secured months ago."

"There's no room for both of you. I had to choose, and Victoria deserves this chance. You're powerful enough - you can attend the next Convocation in fifty years."

I stared at the invitation again. Of all the things to ask, he'd chosen the most precious.

"So Victoria gets my spot at the Grand Convocation while I wait another fifty years?"

I looked to Thomas and Margaret, Damien's parents whom I'd turned and supported for years.

Thomas turned away.

Margaret came over with a placating smile. "Scarlett, dear, Victoria and Damien grew up in the same neighborhood. They have so many shared dreams. Of course she should experience vampire society. Just wait for the next Convocation and meet us there."

Lily chimed in: "Sister Scarlett, Victoria is human - she can't wait fifty years like you can. You're immortal, you have countless fifty-year periods ahead of you. But Victoria only has one human lifetime. Surely you can understand that?"

I laughed bitterly. "Who's really family here? A human outsider gets treated better than the vampire who turned you all, your provider. Anyone would think Victoria was your true family!"

Damien's eyes flashed red with anger. "It's just one Convocation. Stop being so selfish. Victoria is family - we grew up together since childhood. We can't deny her this dream. Make this small sacrifice - show what it means to be a generous Sire!"

The front door of our mansion opened then.

Lily rushed to greet Victoria, who swept in wearing designer clothes that cost more than Damien's monthly salary.

"Victoria! I'm so excited for you! Come in, come in!"

Lily helped Victoria with her massive designer bags.

"I can't wait to see you at the Grand Convocation! If only Damien had met you first - you could have been my real sister when you became part of our family!"

Margaret grabbed Victoria's manicured hands. "Exactly! I always saw you as my future daughter-in-law. In my heart, no one compares to you!"

They said this right in front of me, without a shred of shame.

In that moment, my heart froze toward them all.