Sunset slowly opened her eyes to find herself snuggled under the sheets of a large and very comfortable bed. Daylight seeped in through the nearby windows, illuminating the spacious and unfamiliar room she currently occupied. It didn't take long for last night's events to slam into the forefront of her groggy mind.
She was alive? That surprised her, all things considered. As far as she could recall vampires only ever kept someone alive after biting them to force them into bringing more victims to their nest. After a vampire bite, the victim would be forced to do as the vampire ordered, often forced to bring family or friends to their doom. Sunset wasn't sure how the process worked, but she always imagined the idea of being enslaved to a vampire to be terrifying.
Ironic, Sunset thought sourly as she slowly reached up from under the sheets, placing her hand on the spot Adagio had bitten her. She could feel the unevenness of her skin where the fangs pierced her. She cursed inwardly, knowing not only that she was enslaved but also that she was marked, and that no matter how far she ran she couldn't escape Adagio's grasp. Being marked meant she could run halfway across the world and still be found if Adagio wished it. The only possible refuge she could find was a world away, back in Equestria. A world she couldn't reach for over two years.
Slowly Sunset sat up, looking around the large bedroom. The floor was made of granite, a brown patterned throw rug sitting at the foot of the bed. Across from her a large TV sat on the wall, with an elegant dresser directly beneath it. To her right, she saw three large windows, each with something sitting underneath. Beneath the middle sat a small desk with a laptop. The right held a small bookcase, filled with a plethora of leather-bound books. To the left there was a simple small table with a lamp. On the ceiling between the bed and TV hung a chandelier. On her left, she saw a small table and chair, where on top sat a silver tray covered by a lid and a glass filled with what appeared to be orange juice.
Looking down at herself Sunset felt the blood in the veins turn to ice once more. She wasn't dressed in the outfit she wore last night. Instead, she wore a set of blue silk pajamas. She took several deep breaths, trying to push aside the idea that Adagio or some other vampire changed her in her sleep. Instead, she got out of bed and walked over to the nearby table, lifting the lid to see what was underneath. She found two eggs over medium, pancakes, and hash browns. Looking at her reflection in the lid she could see that her skin wasn't pale like she assumed it would be. Instead, she had all her color, as if Adagio didn't drink enough to cause her any harm. Next to the tray was the glass of juice and a small note, folded in half that she didn't notice before. She picked it up, opening it and looking inside.
I hope you enjoy the breakfast I had prepared for you. When you are finished feel free to explore the manor if you wish. Aria and I will likely be asleep but Sonata is known to be awake during the early hours. If you need anything please go to her. My sisters have been informed of your stay and will treat you like family.
-Your Queen
With a sigh, Sunset set the note back down and looked at the tray of food. She was hungry and the food looked like it was safe to eat. If Adagio wanted to harm her she would be dead already. Picking up the utensils Sunset bit into the egg and saw it was still warm. She ate the food in silence, looking around the rest of the room. She saw two doors, each on different walls. One must lead out into the rest of the manor, the other leading to a bathroom or closet most likely.
Finishing her breakfast she stood and approached one of the doors, which indeed did open to a small bathroom. Stepping inside she could see a set of clothes folded atop the sink. A band t-shirt with the Dazzlings logo across the chest and a pair of shorts. As well as fresh undergarments and socks. All things considered, she did want a shower.
Slipping off her current attire she put them in a nearby basket she assumed was for dirty clothes. She then stepped into the shower, turning on the warm water and just letting it hit her, soothing her tense muscles. Eventually, she did wash her body and hair, stepping out and grabbing a nearby towel to dry off. As she put on the clothes that were left for her she found that they, just like the pajamas, fit her perfectly.
She left the bathroom and opened the other door, entering a small yet elegant hallway. Across from her door was another door, then a small gap that lead to a second-floor balcony. Sunset kept straight, seeing two more doors across from each other and a staircase leading downward. Following it down lead her back to somewhat familiar territory. While she hadn't come down this hall during last night's party, at the end of it sat the living room and kitchen area where the party was thrown.
The room was cleaned of all the previous night's party supplies. A couch sat in the middle of the room, facing a large TV mounted to the wall. Behind the couch, there was a small kitchen area and to the left of that a small Dining room table. Sitting on the couch was a young woman with blue hair, sipping from a cup as she watched television. Her eyes moved to take in Sunset as she entered the room, an innocent smile growing on her face.
"Sonata Dusk?" Sunset asked cautiously, recognizing her color pattern from the stories she’d be told as a foal.
"Mhmm, It's nice to meet you Sunset. Well nice to meet you when you're awake." Sonata giggled before continuing "You must be really special for Dagi to take a liking to so quickly! She's never kept anyone before. I wonder if its because you’re from Equestria like us! It is kind of refreshing"
"Hold on" Sunset responded quickly, "You said Adagio never kept anyone before. I would have imagined she used her ability to control bite victims to her advantage"
"Well duh," Sonata replied with a giggle "Almost all vampire have done that. But Dagi was clear to me and Aria that you were not to be harmed, and we haven’t controlled anyone like that in centuries anyway. She said she thought you were special and that we should treat you like family. I guess that makes us sisters!"
With that Sonata jumped up and ran to Sunset, wrapping her arms around her tightly. Sunset gulped nervously, despite the joyous smile spread across Sonata's face. She seemed almost harmless, an innocent and sweet woman to those who were naive. But Sunset knew the other side of that coin. To survive as long as she has she drank the life away from many innocent ponies and humans.
Sonata took Sunset's hand and lead her to the couch, sitting down and motioning for her to sit with her. Sunset did just that, looking to the cup Sonata had in her other hand.
"Leftovers from last night?" Sunset asked, feeling sick as the words left her mouth.
"No, not quite! This is pig and cows blood. We purchase it in large quanities from the local butcher!" Sonata replied as she sipped from the cup, either not picking up on how uncomfortable Sunset was or simply not caring.
"So you say Adagio said I was special?" Sunset changed topics, curious as to why Adagio did decide to keep her around.
"Mhmm, though I don't know anything more than that. What did you say to her?" Sonata asked with a bit of her own curiosity.
"I mostly stroked her ego" Sunset answered, grumbling as she did. "I wonder if that's why."
"Probably" Sonata agreed "Dagi loves complements. Just how thick of an ego-stroking did you give her?"
"Well.." Sunset began, squirming in her seat as she recalled the events from last night, "I didn't know who she was when we first met and I was desperate to find a friend. I was rambling about my past and about history lessons I learned back in Equestria. About you and your sisters"
Sonata nodded, motioning for Sunset to continue.
"In the history books, Adagio was nicknamed the Queen of the vampire. I also mentioned how she was the most powerful of her kind, and that I came to the party dressed as a vampire because I found her so interesting"
Sonata couldn't help but laugh as Sunset shared her account of the previous night. A mischievous grin spreading across her face.
"Oh my God, that's just great. You called her a Queen, praised her power, and told her she was your inspiration for last night's costume. No wonder she kept you! I can't wait for the wedding" She teased, sticking her tongue out playfully.
Sunset's eyes widened as she heard the words, her body going rigid. "Wedding?" She whispered, her voice filled with fear.
Sonatas grin fell from her lips as she watched Sunsets reaction, rolling her eyes. "It was a joke, relax. If Dagi is interested in you then she'll probably want to get to know you better, not jump into something like marriage. You're too tense"
"Can you blame me?" Sunset bit back "I didn't exactly choose to become Adagios slave! I just wanted to make some friends! I didn't want to be alone anymore.."
Sunset stopped talking as she scolded herself in her mind. She should’ve just stayed in Equestria, the horrible memories be damned, where she’d be safe and surrounded by her friends. She snapped back to the present as she felt Sonatas arm snake around her shoulders, pulling her closer. A warm and compassionate smile on her face.
"You're not alone, Sunset. You're my sister now. Even if things don't work out between you and Adagio I'd still like to be your friend. But let's try and think positively. I've never seen Adagio interested in anyone before. So it's nice to know that she might have found someone to call her own"
After their small conversation Sunset sat in silence, trying to watch the TV and get her mind off of everything. Sonata sat beside her with a smile, seeming to enjoy the company.
The next few hours flew by. Suddenly footsteps could be heard coming from down the hall, a young woman entering the room. Her hair a moderate purple with light aquamarine streaks. She gazed at Sunset with a small frown.
"Are the clothes comfortable?" She asked with an almost bored tone. Her arms crossed across her chest.
"Yes," Sunset answered, turning to look at her. "Are you the one who left them for me?"
Aria nodded "Yes, Speaking of which, when your finished goofing off with Sonata I left some outfits out for you on your bed. Adagio made it clear she'd like you to be ready when she wakes up"
"Wait, ready for what?" Sunset asked, causing Aria to raise her eyebrow.
"Adagio said you were smart. Think about it, Sunset. Why would she want you dressed before she wakes up? She plans to take you out for lunch."
"Like a date?" Sunset asked, feeling the nerves she managed to tame return to the surface.
Aria sighed, her face returning to a neutral expression. "Yes, like a date. I put out three outfits for you to select from. I'm sure at least one of them will match your style"
With that, she began to walk past the two of them. Sunset stood abruptly, keeping her eyes on Aria as she did.
"Wait!" She called out with a raised voice, causing Aria to stop and turn back to her. "I didn't agree to any of this! Why does Adagio want to take me on a date? Why did she keep me? All I can do is speculate, and even then I don't know enough to know if my assessment is correct. I need answers!"
The vampire rolled her eyes, her voice full of indifference as she replied. "I'm sure many bite victims didn't care for the things we made them do. Be grateful for Adagio's kindness. I've never seen her keep anyone after biting them. Let alone put them in a guest room and offer them expensive clothing."
"Just because she's pampering me doesn't make me any less her slave!" Sunset bitterly replied, squeezing her hands into fists. She felt anger bubble in her chest at Aria's clear disinterest. "Besides, she can easily change her mind at any second and kill me if she wanted"
Aria looked less than impressed, walking over and poking Sunset's chest. Leaning in close as she replied. "Yes, she could. But I doubt she will. Adagio hasn't told me much, however, it's clear to me that she is genuinely interested in you. Even Sonata sees it. Not to mention the fact that we haven’t killed anyone in centuries. So go upstairs and pick an outfit for your date. If you have questions then ask the source. I only know as much as Adagio told me"
With that, she swiftly turned and walked away, leaving the two alone as she slammed a door behind her. Sunset stood in silence for a moment before taking a deep breath in an attempt to relax. She opened her hands and turned around, jumping back with a startled scream as she came face to face with a concerned Sonata.
"Sweet Celestia! I didn't know you were standing that close" She said, putting her hand to her chest as she tried to calm her racing heart. Sonata giggled, a smile returning to her face as she replied.
"Don't worry about Aria too much. She's always been a sour puss"
"I heard that!" she yelled from the other room with a hint of anger.
"You were supposed to!" Sonata shot back.
“Wait a moment...Aria just said you haven’t killed anyone in centuries, yet I saw your friends murder all of those innocent victims at last nights party!” Sunset yelled, pointing at Sonata with a look of certainty. The blue haired girl just waved her off, giggling softly.
“None of them died, Sunset. We just feed from them, then hypnotize them and send them home. Most wake up the next morning with no memory of the feeding. We don’t take enough to cause any lasting damage.”
Before she could reply Sonata took Sunset's hand in her own, leading her back towards the staircase. "Now come on, I want to see the different outfits Aria picked out for you!"
As the two entered the bedroom it didn't take Sunset long to select an outfit. Aria was right when she said one of them would most likely fit her style. She stepped out of the bathroom in a light blue form fitting short dress with dark blue leggings. She had her heeled boots back, as well as her leather jacket, which complimented the attire. Sonata sat on the edge of Sunset's bed, watching her as she entered the room.
"Wow," she spoke softly, looking Sunset up and down as she brought her hands together in wonder, "you look stunning. I know Adagio will be pleased"
"Great" Sunset replied with little enthusiasm. Sonata gave her a sad smile.
"Give her a chance," she begged, standing and walking over to the redhead and taking her hands into her own. "Dagi is really great when you get to know her better. Why not try and enjoy yourself?"
"Because this whole thing is being forced on me," Sunset replied, raising her head to look Sonata in the eyes. "I came to the party to make friends, not to be enslaved to a vampire. Ponies and humans value our freedom. We don't like belonging to someone else. How would you feel if you were told you belonged to another person, and you were forced to go on a date with them?"
"You're being too negative" Sonata replied with a grin "you got what you came for because I'm your friend. You told me yourself you didn't want to be alone anymore. Well, now you have me, Aria and Dagi. Plus if you're as lonely as you claim to be wouldn't it be nice to go out on a date, maybe get yourself a girlfriend? Besides, while you may belong to Dagi she has been nothing but caring thus far, and if after the date you two don’t hit it off I am sure she will release you."
She gave her a wink, giggling as a small blush stained Sunset's cheeks.
"Why does she even want to date me? Aren't I just food to her? Aren't I just food to you?" Sunset asked.
Sonata shook her head "Dagi wouldn't have kept you if she thought you were just food silly. She even told us you were special, remember? Not to harm you and such. Also, I wouldn't call you sister or friend if you were just food to me"
"But why? Why am I so special? She doesn't even know me. You don't even know me. It can't just be that I complimented her, there's more to it all." Sunset said quietly.
"Why am I so nice to you despite barely knowing you? You're important to Adagio, so you're important to me. And I can see what she may have seen in you. Your kind of charming you know" Sonata replied.
"Adagio said the same thing at the party" Sunset said low as a whisper.
"See? You wear your heart on your sleeve. I can tell what kind of person you are right away, as I'm sure Dagi did too. She must have seen something she liked. Maybe that's why she kept you. We can't know her reasons unless you ask her. Besides she's just wanting to take you on a date, get to know you better. Nothing too extravagant. Just relax and try to have fun!"
Sunset sighed again, turning from Sonata and hugging herself. The argument was pointless, though she already knew that. No matter what she said or did they would continue to push her to give Adagio a chance. Again she knew that. They were Adagio's sisters, they were vampires, of course they would side with her.
Sunset was afraid. Afraid of what Adagio planned to do with her. Afraid of why she kept her and if this was all some ploy. Afraid she would never truly be free again.
But what scared her the most was that, deep down, some of Sonata's words made sense to her. If she had the Dazzlings in her life she wouldn't be alone anymore. She would have sisters, and a girlfriend, both something she never experienced before.
What was it that scared Sunset the most? The fear of being enslaved to a vampire, of having her freedom ripped from her and not knowing the real reasons why? Or was it that deep down maybe, just maybe, she wanted to get to know Adagio too.