Settled upon the plush fabric of expensive sofa and sat before the fiery light of the fireplace, the vampire seethes in his silence. A glass filled with red 'wine' to satiate his appetite, the vampire stares into the kindling fire before him with an equally burning glare. His brows are taut with stress, expression steely and unmoving from his seemingly permanent frown, a disdainful scowl tugging at crimson-stained lips.

Mikhael's vampiric, pointed ears twitch at the distant sound of knocking, and he ignores it. He barely even blinks, barely even BREATHES. However, the knocking was as persistent as it was annoying, and the 6'3 vampire drags himself from his seat, long curls of platinum hair shifting with his movement as he moves towards the door.

His fingers twist the doorknob and pull it open, the wine glass still in his free hand as he lays sights upon who dared to disturb his peace. Or... whatever it was. It couldn't be peace when the lineation of his face bore stress.

The vampire blinks, his gaze lowering to fall upon nothing but a mortal being, gawking back at him like a deer in the headlights.

"What is it that you want, mortal...?" Mikhael speaks with a low rumble, eyeing up the human.

It is clear almost immediately that this man is anything but an ordinary human being. Imposing, tall and well-spoken. His fangs poke slightly from beneath his lips, and he is dressed in black net and laced corset with a slight heel to his boots.

With the deep red of his eyes, he scrutinizes the human on his doorstep, a flicker of annoyance present in his glare.

The vampire's lips curl into an amused smirk, eyes glinting dangerously as he watches the mortal attempt to leave. "Oh, I don't think so." His free hand snakes out and grabs the human by his collar, yanking him back roughly before pushing the individual up against the door with surprising strength. The wine glass clatters to the floor, spilling its contents as he leans in close enough that their breaths mingle, causing goosebumps to rise upon the mortal's exposed skin.

"You have nowhere else to be," he hisses softly, "and I am not finished with you yet." His gaze drops to the human's neck and his fangs elongate further in anticipation of what lies beneath.

The vampire narrows his eyes at the offer, clearly surprised. However, his initial distrust and annoyance give way to a slow, predatory smile. He releases the human's collar and takes a step back, eyeing him up and down once more. "Very well," he says softly, his voice still dripping with venom. "You may stay... for now."

He inclines his head towards the fireplace. "Come. I will show you to a comfortable spot." He's still cold and distant, but there's an undercurrent of hunger in his words that makes it clear he has other plans for the mortal.

Mikhael leads the way back towards the fireplace, his steps graceful and fluid despite his disdain for company. He walks purposefully, seemingly unconcerned about the human that follows so closely behind him. The vampire scoffs at the idea of anyone being comfortable around him, but plays along nonetheless.

As they near the fireplace once more, he pauses and looks down at the mortal with a raised brow. "You may sit here," he says coldly, gesturing to an ornate chaise longue before continuing. "But do not expect me to entertain you or keep you warm all night." With that final remark, Mikhael turns his back on the human and settles himself again into the plush embrace of a nearby armchair, wineglass in hand.

Despite the vampire's attempts to remain aloof and unimpressed by the mortal's presence, he can't help but feel a spark of interest flicker within him. There was something about this particular individual that piqued his curiosity... perhaps it was their fearlessness in the face of his wrath, or maybe it was simply their intoxicating scent. Whatever the reason, Mikhael finds himself glancing over at the human more often than he'd like to admit.

His gaze lingers on the mortal for several moments before speaking once more, words laced with barely concealed amusement. "Your bravery is admirable, but foolish," he says casually, taking another sip of wine. "Why do you dare to approach me, knowing what I am?" There's a flash of fang as he speaks the last word, hinting at

"Forgot?" the vampire repeats, arching a brow at this unexpected reply. "You mean you forgot your survival instincts? Or perhaps you forgot that I am not in the habit of allowing my kindness to be abused." His words are icy cold, but there's an edge of intrigue beneath the surface that he cannot quite suppress. He wonders what else this mortal might reveal about himself...and if it would be worth the effort to draw him out further. "Perhaps," he continues after a moment, "you should tell me why you're here." It isn't a command, exactly, but there is an unspoken expectation in his tone that suggests otherwise.

The vampire takes another sip of wine, watching the human intently as he waits for a reply.

The vampire laughs softly at this. "So, it seems you stumbled upon my mansion quite by accident." He takes another sip of wine before looking the mortal in the eye and asking pointedly, "And what makes you think I won't simply turn you over to them once they come calling?" His tone is light yet razor-sharp, hinting at the danger that lies beneath his cold exterior.

For a moment, it seems as if he's considering the mortal before him and weighing the pros and cons of keeping them alive. But something about this individual strikes a chord within him, piquing an interest that he can't quite explain. "Perhaps," he says at last, his voice barely more than a whisper, "I might find your presence...entertaining." His eyes glint with unspoken meaning as he sips again from the wine glass, watching the human carefully

The vampire inclines his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Then consider yourself welcome to remain here for the night," he says coolly, though there is a hint of something else beneath the surface of his voice. He takes another sip from the wine glass before setting it down on an ornate side table, seemingly satisfied for now. "But do not expect any more kindness than what you have already received." His expression remains impassive as he studies the human again, searching for some sign of weakness or fear. Perhaps finding none, he decides against pushing further for now, content to merely observe and wait.

While the vampire allows the mortal to settle down on the couch, his own restlessness keeps him pacing around the room instead of taking a seat. His gaze occasionally drifts over towards the human, studying their every movement and listening for any sign of discomfort or fear. But there is none; this individual seems strangely at ease in the presence of the vampire, even going so far as to fall asleep with such abandon.

He considers waking them up, just to see how they react, but ultimately decides against it. For now, he will simply observe and wait, wondering what it is about this particular mortal that makes them so...different from all the rest. Perhaps tonight's encounter won't be such a chore after all.

While the mortal slumbers fitfully, the vampire finds himself growing more and more intrigued by this seemingly ordinary human. There's something about them that he can't quite put his finger on...perhaps it's simply their resilience in the face of adversity. He remains watchful throughout the night, occasionally glancing over at the sleeping figure before returning his attention back to whatever book or piece of parchment happens to be within reach.

As dawn begins to creep across the sky, painting streaks of pink and gold across the room through the parted curtains, Mikha'el finally decides that he can no longer ignore this strange fascination. Slowly, quietly, he makes his way over towards where the human sleeps, bending down so that his lips are almost touching their ear. "Wake up," he whispers softly, a tone of command laced

The vampire straightens, his expression unreadable as he watches the human awaken. "I want you to answer some questions," he says simply. There is no trace of kindness in his voice now; it is cold and impersonal once more. "Your sister, for instance. Why do they believe she's a witch?"

He tilts his head slightly to the side, eyes narrowing as he studies the mortal's face for any signs of guilt or deceit. Whatever this human has done in their past, it seems that Mikha'el won't rest until he uncovers the truth. "And why," he continues, taking a step closer, "did you choose to come here?" The threat behind his words is unmistakable. He will not be ignored or lied to. Not this time.

The vampire narrows his eyes at the human as they speak, his expression unreadable as he takes in their every word and gesture. There's something about this mortal that piques his curiosity...and he can't seem to shake the feeling that there's more going on here than what they're letting on.

"I sense you're hiding something," he says softly, not quite able to resist one last attempt at drawing out whatever secrets this individual might be keeping. "You may leave now, but rest assured I will find you eventually." There is a predatory smile curling the corners of his lips as he speaks these words, and it chills the mortal's spine to its core.

Whatever happens next between them, one thing remains certain: Mikhael won't give up until he uncovers the truth behind this human's presence...and perhaps even beyond that.

Three days... That's how long it had been since he let the mortal leave his mansion. Three days filled with nothing but restlessness and endless searching, both within himself and throughout the confines of his estate. And still, Mikhael found no sign of what he sought: a purpose; an answer to the questions that nagged at him ever since their last encounter.

Perhaps if he removed himself from his usual surroundings...if he ventured into territory less familiar and more primal, he might find what he needed. And so, the vampire found himself wandering through the woods on this night, drawn to the seductive call of the moon-kissed sea beyond.

He drinks deeply from a flask filled with blood, savoring its coppery taste as it warms his insides and clears his mind. Gazing out across the water, he wonders what other secrets might be

His eyes narrow as something catches his attention; movement amidst the underbrush, not far from where he stands. He tenses, readying himself for whatever it is that approaches...and freezes when he realizes it's just another mortal. Or at least, one who looks like a mortal. There's something about this one that feels...off; a wildness lurking beneath the surface, barely contained by the thin veneer of humanity.

"You look lost," Mikhael murmurs, his voice smooth as silk despite the predatory edge to it. "Can I help you find your way?" He takes another sip from his flask, never taking his eyes off the other figure for even a moment.

The vampire tilts his head slightly to the side, studying the other figure with interest. He knew they were someone he had encountered before...but the memory eludes him momentarily. "I'm sorry," he finally says, sounding anything but, "but you seem so familiar. Have we met?" There's a hint of challenge in his voice as well, as if daring them to lie to him.

The vampire arches an ebony brow at the other figure's request, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "I'm afraid that is something I cannot do," he says coolly, taking another sip from his flask. "You came to my mansion, uninvited and unwanted...now you find yourself here in these woods, seeking solace or succor from me." His voice hardens at the last word, the implied threat in it clear as day.

The vampire steps closer, studying the human's features once more before speaking again. "Perhaps if you told me what brings you to this place...why I feel as if we have unfinished business..." He trails off suggestively, letting the words hang in the air between them like a noose.

The vampire eyes the other figure carefully, taking in every word and nuance. There's something here that he can't quite put his finger on...something that doesn't add up. "I see," he finally says after a moment, his voice even more chilling than before as he adds with an edge of malice, "but it seems you forgot one thing." Before the other figure can react, he lunges forward, grabbing their wrist and twisting it sharply behind their back.

Pain shoots through them, but Mikha'el doesn't seem to notice or care. His fangs elongate further as he whispers into their ear, "You forgot about me." The human gulps audibly, barely able to breath as they realize the danger they're in.

"Perhaps now you remember," the vampire continues coldly, his grip tightening even further.

The vampire laughs darkly at this, almost sounding amused despite the deadliness of his grip. "I don't think so," he replies with a shake of his head. "You see, you came back to me, whether by choice or force...and now it seems we have some unfinished business." His eyes glint in the moonlight as he squeezes harder still, testing the human's limits and enjoying every groan and whimper that escapes them.

"And," he adds cruelly, "I want to know why you kept running away in the first place." He pauses for a moment, savoring the fear that courses through their veins before continuing, "Perhaps I'll let you live...if you tell me what it is you're hiding from."

The vampire smiles then bares his fangs even further, ready to strike at any moment now. "No," he growls, "you're not going to die that easily." His grip tightens again for a moment before he lets it go just enough so the human can breathe without pain. He backs up a step and eyes the mortal, waiting for them to answer his question.

The vampire narrows his eyes as he listens to the mortal's desperate pleas for death. There's something about this encounter that doesn't sit well with him, something that stirs up old memories and unsettles his usually calm demeanor.

"So be it," he says at last, more to himself than to the human before him. With a flick of his wrist, he sends out a tendril of shadow from his hand, wrapping around the mortal's throat like a whip and squeezing tightly. The human tries to struggle free, but it's no use; the shadow is inexorable, choking off their air until they go limp and still in his grasp.

Mikha'el releases the dying mortal with a dissatisfied sigh. He rubs at his neck, feeling suddenly weary as he watches the body hit

The vampire looks down at the body on the ground, feeling guilty and conflicted. He knew there was something more to this mortal than they let on...but he couldn't seem to push past their defenses and find out what it was. With a sigh, he turns away from the corpse and walks back toward his mansion, lost in thought as he contemplates the futility of trying to understand those who so desperately want to remain hidden from him.

As he reaches the entrance to his home, he pauses and looks up at the moon, feeling more alone than ever before. Perhaps it was time for a change; time to find new purpose, new challenges that might distract him from these fruitless pursuits of the past. With this thought in mind, he steps over the threshold and disappears within the shadows of his domain, leaving behind another unsolved mystery and an emptiness that threatens