The sun was rising, bathing the horizon in soft hues of gold and amber.
Inside my chamber, Liza stood at the center, wrapped tightly in several layers of thick blankets. Not a sliver of sunlight touched her skin. She waited silently, patiently—for my command.
I reclined elegantly on a velvet sofa, one leg crossed over the other, dressed in nothing but a short satin nightgown, its smooth fabric caressing bare skin beneath. In one hand, I swirled a crystal glass of blood wine. In the other, quiet satisfaction.
The morning rays slowly filtered through the tall arched windows. As the light grew stronger, creeping across the marble floor like fingers of fire, I finally gave the order.
"Liza. Step toward the window. Let the sun touch your skin."
There was a pause. Then, without hesitation, she unwrapped the blankets and moved toward the sunlight—until the golden light washed over her face, arms, and chest.
I sat up slightly, watching with the focus of a scientist and the anticipation of a sorceress.
No smoke. No burning. No blistering skin or cries of agony.
"Does it hurt?" I asked, softly.
Liza shook her head. "No, my lady. I feel… warm. But not in pain."
I approached her, inspecting her eyes and checking her fangs. Still there—just barely longer than a human's. Still vampire, and yet… so clearly changed.
"You did well," I said, brushing a strand of her black hair behind her ear. "We'll continue the next test after breakfast."
---
Later, in the Garden
After breakfast, the warm light of midmorning fell across my private garden—lush, manicured, and wide enough to hold small tournaments. Tania stood nearby, clipboard in hand, observing.
This test was about speed and control.
I turned to Liza. "Watch carefully."
With a sudden burst, I activated my vampiric speed, vanishing in a blur and reappearing two hundred meters away at the far end of the garden. My feet left no trace on the grass. I raised my hand and signaled her.
Liza took a breath—then launched forward.
A gust of wind followed her motion. She wasn't as fast as I was, but she was close. Very close. She dashed across the field and arrived with barely a delay. Her breathing was even, her posture balanced. Her eyes gleamed with pride, but also reverence.
"Impressive," I said, walking around her. "You're about… eighty-five percent of my speed. Strength and reflexes likely follow the same ratio."
Tania approached, noting everything with a thoughtful expression. "She's definitely stronger than a standard vampire, my lady. But slightly below you."
I nodded. That was expected.
"This is not failure. This is success. She is a Daywalker—and she is mine."
I turned to Liza, brushing a thumb along her cheek, lifting her chin gently.
"Tonight, we perform the final test."
Liza bowed her head. "I am yours, body and soul."
I smiled, stepping back, the wind stirring my silk gown as the garden fell into silence. The birds continued to chirp, unaware that history had just shifted under their wings.
I had succeeded. I had created another like me. A loyal, sun-walking vampire, shaped by my own blood.
And soon… perhaps, I would not be the only one.