Rest your mind and slumber.

Upon walking into the area, it dawned on me that it wasn't just an ordinary room but rather a hall bustling with a lively event.

Immediately after my arrival inside the hall, the bouncer entered.

A dense atmosphere filled the hall, causing all eyes to suddenly shift in my direction. I felt a sudden fear engross me as my body trembled under their scrutinizing gazes.

In the dimly lit space, my gaze landed on a substance dripping from above.

A liquid droplet landed on my arm, prompting me to raise it towards my face for closer inspection. On closer observation, the droplet appeared to be red in color and emanated an unusual scent. Could this be blood? I wondered internally.

As I stood in the hall, an intimidating man directed his question towards Roy: "Why is she present here?"

With a nervous gulp, I couldn't help but feel fearful at his harsh demeanor.

Roy's response was given with an intense stare directed towards me as he asserted, "It was an error, Josh; I am unsure of how she managed to avoid me."

Another individual quipped, "When have you allowed yourself to be bested by a mere human?"

The humorous comment caused laughter to fill the room.

As I contemplated, I found myself puzzled and anxious, wondering if these people were not humans.

"I'm sorry; I regret my actions." I began nervously. "I believe there may have been a misunderstanding or confusion of some sort."

"I apologize for straying from my path and becoming lost." With nervousness hidden by a fake smile, I expressed my intention to leave.

The initial man seized my arm tightly and commanded, "Pause your pace, Missy!"

I felt my heart racing violently as he stared at me viciously; his eyes seemed red with anger.

"Let her go!" My relief was immense as Derek made his long-awaited appearance.

"Derek!" With a sense of delight and amazement, I called out his name upon seeing him unexpectedly.

He smiled at me, and I could feel the emotions emanating from his soft gaze.

As I stared back at him, a mixture of sorrow and affection welled up within me, causing tears to trickle down my cheeks.

"I can hardly believe it's truly you!" I exclaimed with mixed emotions. A part of me was still very angry at him for disappearing from my life all these years.

"You know each other?" Josh inquired with a suspicious glance at both of us.

Derek was right beside me as he held my hand in his. "She's my friend," he responded briefly, glaring at Josh.

Josh questioned, "Is she really human?"

"It could be risky to release her without confirming her true intentions," he said, adding with a sinister grin, "What if she's a spy?"

Derek switched into full defensive mode as he swiftly and forcefully pushed Josh, nearly provoking a retaliatory response from Josh until a voice intervened.

"What's going on here?" It was the sound of a man's voice with a rich Italian accent, and it was like a melody to my ears.

As he entered with grandeur, everyone exhibited reverence and cleared a passage for him. In contrast to my 5'8" stature, his towering height and chiseled physique resembled those of a fashion model.

He appeared flawless, just like the enigmatic man that appeared in my dream—oh wait, I think it's him. Lowering my head, I attempted to conceal my countenance. It was unfathomable now that I was eyeing my boss.

What the hell is going on? And why does this man always make me feel tense? Does he know the power he holds over me?

He positioned himself ahead of me and now stood before me, exuding his impressive aura.

He inquired while tilting his head, "What brings her to this place?"

"Boss, she's my friend," Derek hesitantly stated, lowering his head slightly. He also explained that, due to my lack of knowledge, I might have made a mistake coming here.

"Boss, it's uncertain if she is working as a spy or in any similar capacity," chimed in Josh with a cocky grin, which he sent my way. "We can't just let her go."

"Boss, she is unaware of everything." Derek quickly refuted Josh's claims. "It is possible that her reason for being here is because of my presence." He confidently assured, "I guarantee that she poses no threat."

With a suspicious gaze, the boss examined me for a moment, his piercing gaze scrutinizing my entire body and, then instructed, "You're aware of what needs to be done!"

What the hell were they talking about? I returned a quick glance in his direction, only to later look away bashfully. Ok, I need to get out of here.

Derek expressed his understanding by nodding and then letting out a breath of relief.

"Boss, allow me to handle the matter." Josh smirked at me and said, "I want to ensure it's done correctly." His statement elicited an eye roll from Derek, who was openly fuming at him.

Again, what the heck were they talking about? Could they possibly be members of a clandestine group? It appeared to be the case; I had unintentionally discovered a covert meeting spot for a secret cult. Oh my, I'm so dead!

"Please, can I go now? I swear I won't mention anything; please don't hurt me." With my teeth visibly trembling and my mouth stuttering, I pleaded with them.

Derek smiled softly at me, trying to reassure me and alleviate my anxiety. "Crystal," he called softly. "There's no need to panic. He's simply going to compel you."

Did he utter the word "compelling," or did I mishear? I let out an uncontrollable laugh while they watched with a sense of enjoyment, as if they thought I was insane. Possibly I had reason to be baffled as to the situation at hand.

At this moment, I found myself negotiating with vampires for the preservation of my existence and liberty. How funny! Vampires exist? I guess I'm dreaming again.

Josh unexpectedly came up to me and put his hand on top of my head. I guess he's going to try and compel me—oh well, anything but dying.

After a few seconds, with utter bafflement, I observed him steadily moving farther from me, almost as if I posed a threat to him.

"It didn't work, boss," he announced in a near-terrified tone, casting a suspicious look at me.

The boss gazed at me intently, scrutinizing every fiber of my being; he was clearly taken aback by Josh's announcement.

Derek was instantly in front of me. "Allow me to try," Derek offered, glancing at the boss while resting his hand on my head.

Despite his efforts, there was no occurrence.

Derek faced the boss hesitantly and shook his head.

Ok, why is it not working? I am willing to sacrifice my memories in order to escape this place. I needed to take action quickly; maybe I could feign memory loss.

I frantically scanned my surroundings and asked with a look of confusion, "Could you kindly inform me of your identities and our current location?"

The boss gave me a sharp look and said, "Let's skip the act; I'm aware that you're pretending."

Oh, welp, he didn't buy it. I've always known I was a bad actress.

"You'll be coming with us," the boss said, smirking at me with an air of arrogance. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

"No, please," I begged frantically. "I don't know anything, please." I added, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"Derek, please do something." I held his right hand urgently, beseeching him to take action.

"Crystal," he called as he expressed regret and directed his apologetic gaze towards me. "I'm sorry."

I shook my head in horror. I felt my anxiety reaching an all-time high; this can't be happening, and I'm not leaving with them. I'm not even sure what they are.

"Why should I go with you?" I inquired, glancing at the boss nervously, trying to keep my emotions at bay. "I said I wouldn't say anything, please, and what do you want with me?"

In a sinister tone, he menacingly declared, "Should you conduct yourself well, I may consider granting you the privilege of serving me as my slave."

Is he crazy or something? Maybe he was joking, but I scanned his countenance for any sign of amusement, and he looked dead serious. I was left dumbfounded as to what was actually happening right now. I only followed Derek; I didn't bargain for all this.

Before I knew it, the boss, completely disregarding my tears, called out to his men to take me while motioning with his hand.

I cautiously asked for clarification: "At least tell me what y'all are?"

"We're vampires." With confidence and a broad grin, he stated.

My suspicion proved correct, as the individuals in question turned out to be vampires. I guess this is how I die: by freaking vampires.

As I was led to face the boss, I struggled with all my might and strength to break free from their hold, but they were just too freaking strong for me.

I was now placed in front of him. His piercing gaze was fixed upon me, revealing the deep blue hue of his eyes, resembling the vastness of the ocean. It seemed as if he was delving into the depths of my essence.

For a brief moment, he pondered before placing his hand atop my head, maintaining his gaze fixed on my eyes. I wondered if he was going to try to compel me too.

In a calm manner, he softly spoke, "Rest your mind and slumber."

Wait what? What did he mean by that? Suddenly I felt my eyes drooping, and my knees became weak and unable to support my weight.

As the feeling of sleepiness crept in, I struggled hard to prevent my eyelids from closing, yet eventually succumbed to the darkness that consumed me. The last thing I saw was his handsome face staring intensely at me. What a good way to go!