Carmila

With @d0llnkiss

Just as Carmilla had predicted, Velvette didn't waste a single second.

The moment she got permission to adjust the maybe temporary safehouse?

She took it and ran with it.

Her requests poured in like an avalanche:

specific wall colors,

custom furniture layouts,

even minor adjustments like where lamps were placed,

And obviously some bid requests.

Even Carmilla's personal architect had to arrive just hours later, a professional summoned under pressure to confirm if everything Velvette wanted was actually possible

And watching all this?

Carmilla stayed perfectly neutral.

No frown. No sigh of annoyance.

But inside?

Not guilt.

Not regret.

Just quiet irritation at being played so smoothly.

The worst part? Carmilla hadn't been forced. No pressure. No obligation.

She gave Velvette the permission freely of her own will. And yet…she couldn't even blame it on guilt anymore

Because normally?She ignored that feeling all the time.Dismissed it like noise in a crowded room

But now?For some reason… she couldn't shake this strange sense of something being off

It was confusing.

Annoying, even.

But at least Velvette seemed mostly herself again, despite the obvious exhaustion in her body language.

Especially after using her new magic to change her clothes, Her movements were slower.

Her energy dimmer.

"Is everything okay? Are you done yet?"

Carmilla walked over to where the workers were gathered, then approached the architect, a middle-aged woman with a tablet in hand and tired eyes

The architect looked up as Carmilla neared, and gave her a slightly strained smile

She held out a digital blueprint like she was proud of finally making the plan.

"Here you are, Ms. Carmine!"

"Everything… your girl asked for."

Her voice wasn't angry. But it carried weight, the kind that said: I barely made this work.

And sure enough, the plans showed intricate customizations.

Carmilla took the tablet from the architect…and scanned through the design

Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but surprise.

This wasn't what she expected.

Not just because of all the details

but because even the color palette everything about it felt wrong for Velvette

Velvette loved bold magenta. Flashy gold accents. Edgy contrasts. And purple details.

This? It looked like a graveyard's palette with a Pomegranate tree .

And yet…she had no right to say anything.

So instead?

She handed it back calmly

"Keep this draft. For another day, don't throw it"

"Make a simple version that can be done in three days. No construction fix"

No critique on aesthetics.

Just logistics: faster completion time .

Carmilla made sure everything was in order.She walked around quietly,

checking that the space was neat,

that no tools were scattered

The architect had already gone back to her tablet,focusing hard on simplifying Velvette's original demands, probably deleting some of the fancier elements after saving the original in another file.

These all were trustworthy souls that Carmilla trained both mentally and physically.

For someone else it might seem like labour, but they're definitely trained for it

All other workers stood nearby or sat down briefly.

Waiting. No one started building yet, they needed final approval of the architect first.

And then?

Without turning around completely

Carmilla glanced toward where Velvette, usually she would complain about the simplifying thing. But she didn't show any reaction about it. That's odd

"Velvette. Follow me."

Not loud or condescending. Just clear.

Carmilla led Velvette toward the small guest bungalow, a short walk from the main cabin through turquoise coloured ground

As they approached?Odette was already there,standing beside Clara who held several bags in her arms

Clara looked a little annoyed, like she knew this wasn't exactly part of Carmilla's plan

"Odette told Clara to bring everything else you asked for…"

"I don't remember agreeing to go shopping in your place."

Her voice wasn't angry.

But it carried quiet disapproval.

She hadn't refused when Velvette requested sewing tools earlier and a set of textiles with black fabric rolls, thread and paid without complaint.

She agreed because... just because, but she was still disappointed

This is the last boundary she'll cross.

Not because of money, she's rich and this was like nothing to her.

But Velvette might get too used to being spoiled by her and day one hadn't even begun.

*She didn't pass out, her vision still blurred and Carmila's noise got to her, at this point she forgot everything, she even forgot why she was here in the first place. Her body was so numb she didn't feel Carmilla's touch, but she could see things moving, it's Carmilla's hands right? She couldn't tell, her mind was busy with the pressure of the hypnosis.*

...m *She couldn't even let a sound or arch her back from the pain, whenever her eyes were about to close, the hypnosis attacks the shield of the spell, yes it kept her eyes open but it drained Velvette's soul now since she completely has so energy left to consume. It came to a point where those electric waves couldn't send a shock anymore, she was just about to finally close her eyes.*

*But Carmilla came in perfect timing again, Adjusting Vel's head on her lap, saying words that vel could not hear..could not feel the comfortable position Carmilla adjusted her body to or her touch.. but slowly, she started to feel something. Some liquid..she didn't know where she felt it and didn't process it at first, which made her do her first blink.*

Auww.. *A low Voice she made, whatever that liquid was, it began to annoy her, she started to feel some parts of her body again.* A-Ah.. *She closes her eyes shut, she wasn't annoyed, she was eas choking on the liquor. That shocked her enough to lift her hands and move them around, her vision is less blurry that before so she could see what to push, or what she believes she should push.*

AU..r sh-..toorrp *She said before aggressively reach to Carmilla's shoulder, holding onto them she pulls herself towards her, spitting the liquor on her.* FOR FUCKS SAKE I SAID STOP!!

*She coughed hard, gagging like a cat about to throw up a furr ball* hmph..

*She breath slowly, completely dizzy, not remembering whatever happened just now, all she remembers she she felt her spell working and that Carmilla 'interrupted her'*

I..don't remember letting you get inside..

*She whispers, squeezing Carmilla's shoulders as a support to push herself further mentally.* Whatever stupid reason you have..save it..I am doing something important now..

*She said, resting her forehead on Carmilla's clavicle* Melissa is getting hypnotized..I guess we might be fucked..

The motion was gentle. Careful.

Not rushed or mechanical like she didn't even realize she was doing it

Her face?

It showed everything she usually hid.

Worry etched deep in her brow.

Fear in her eyes, those dark irises wide with something raw and unfamiliar

She wasn't just concerned about Velvette being on death bed only…

She was afraid of losing her completely

And that fear had layers:

What if this worsened? What if whatever happened couldn't be fixed?

Would Velvette die right here on this floor?

If that happened…

Should carmilla hide Velvette's pieces and wait for her to respawn?

She's like this for a mysterious reason but definitely not from an angelic metal ..

No, wait, she did read that despite the Vee's separation as friends associates, they're still together in business.

But it can also mean that Velvette completely disappeared for unknown reasons? Carmilla couldn't think properly

Velvette shouldn't die, it would be an insult if she survived a partnership with Vox but dies the first day with Carmilla.

Carmilla's mind was a storm. Thoughts crashed into each other panic after panic.

The fear of losing Velvette. The consequences. The suspicion that might fall on her at some point if things went wrong.

She didn't hear anything at first.

Not the soft uncomfortable noises Velvette made.

Not the weak coughing or gags when the strong liquor forced its way down her throat

Her focus had narrowed completely:

she kept pouring slowly,

carefully tilting the bottle…

Completely lost in thought. And then a sudden sensation broke through.

Something light pressed against her shoulderd, warm weight leaning into it

Her breath hitched slightly, blinking slowly as if waking up from a trance

Carmilla finally processed what was happening. Velvette wasn't unconscious anymore.

Instead, she was alive enough to react, to spit out some of that harsh alcohol she'd just swallowed, coughing quietly between breaths… gagging from how intense it burned going down

"Welcome back..I almost had the place for myself again..."

Carmilla didn't mean to let that sarcastic comment out, it was just out of shock

"I..don't remember letting you get inside.."

"Do you even remember anything?"

Carmilla tilted her head a little, looking at the smaller overlord

" Whatever stupid reason you have..save it..I am doing something important now.."

Carmilla's expression shifted with a hint of irritation

Her eye twitched slightly, a tiny muscle spasm from the sheer audacity of it.

Velvette had just nearly died.

Was half-conscious moments ago and like a lifeless doll.

Had been drunk on liquor forced into her system by Carmilla herself…

And now?

She acted like nothing happened?

Dismissed everything?

Like Carmilla was some nuisance who'd interrupted her nap

Despite Carmilla's inner irritation, she still understood

Because based on experience?

People who came close to death rarely remembered details clearly after recovery.

the pain,their state…

even what others did for them.

It still hurts to almost think everything is over and you're losing someone while they remember nothing.

"I am being so sensitive.."

Carmilla scolded herself, maybe the stress and the page she read, and what happened just now is messing with her calm mindset

So yeah she wouldn't push right now.

No questions yet about why this happened, how she collapsed, or what might've caused it

But she's definitely going to ask when she gets the chance..

Velvette shifted closer. Slowly like her body moved on its own instinct after whatever crisis had passed

And then?She rested her head against Carmilla. Directly under her neck.

Weight gentle but present, which made Carmilla confused.

Velvette wasn't the affectionate type from what Carmilla knows. Never had been. Physical closeness like this would never happen usually. Maybe Velvette is still processing or using her for balance?

Maybe, she just went through another rough experience, the second death experience today.. and she still manages to look pretty white someone else would look totally the opposite.. that was impressive

Carmilla didn't question it out loud.

Didn't pull away or push back

Instead?

She simply allowed it,

letting Vellette stay close,

her body slowly relaxing under the quiet intimacy of the gesture

Then she glanced down at her ring

The skull half, the one that had dimmed dangerously earlier, was brighter now.

Still cracked, but some of his color came back. And for the sword, it Calmed down too

" Melissa is getting hypnotized..I guess we might be fucked.."

Carmilla looked at Velvette immediately, what? Why would she say that? And if it happened how could she know?

" if he pushes it any further he'll fuck her mind.."

With @d0llnkiss

Just as Carmilla had predicted, Velvette didn't waste a single second.

The moment she got permission to adjust the maybe temporary safehouse?

She took it and ran with it.

Her requests poured in like an avalanche:

specific wall colors,

custom furniture layouts,

even minor adjustments like where lamps were placed,

And obviously some bid requests.

Even Carmilla's personal architect had to arrive just hours later, a professional summoned under pressure to confirm if everything Velvette wanted was actually possible

And watching all this?

Carmilla stayed perfectly neutral.

No frown. No sigh of annoyance.

But inside?

Not guilt.

Not regret.

Just quiet irritation at being played so smoothly.

The worst part? Carmilla hadn't been forced. No pressure. No obligation.

She gave Velvette the permission freely of her own will. And yet…she couldn't even blame it on guilt anymore

Because normally?She ignored that feeling all the time.Dismissed it like noise in a crowded room

But now?For some reason… she couldn't shake this strange sense of something being off

It was confusing.

Annoying, even.

But at least Velvette seemed mostly herself again, despite the obvious exhaustion in her body language.

Especially after using her new magic to change her clothes, Her movements were slower.

Her energy dimmer.

"Is everything okay? Are you done yet?"

Carmilla walked over to where the workers were gathered, then approached the architect, a middle-aged woman with a tablet in hand and tired eyes

The architect looked up as Carmilla neared, and gave her a slightly strained smile

She held out a digital blueprint like she was proud of finally making the plan.

"Here you are, Ms. Carmine!"

"Everything… your girl asked for."

Her voice wasn't angry. But it carried weight, the kind that said: I barely made this work.

And sure enough, the plans showed intricate customizations.

Carmilla took the tablet from the architect…and scanned through the design

Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but surprise.

This wasn't what she expected.

Not just because of all the details

but because even the color palette everything about it felt wrong for Velvette

Velvette loved bold magenta. Flashy gold accents. Edgy contrasts. And purple details.

This? It looked like a graveyard's palette with a Pomegranate tree .

And yet…she had no right to say anything.

So instead?

She handed it back calmly

"Keep this draft. For another day, don't throw it"

"Make a simple version that can be done in three days. No construction fix"

No critique on aesthetics.

Just logistics: faster completion time .

Carmilla made sure everything was in order.She walked around quietly,

checking that the space was neat,

that no tools were scattered

The architect had already gone back to her tablet,focusing hard on simplifying Velvette's original demands, probably deleting some of the fancier elements after saving the original in another file.

These all were trustworthy souls that Carmilla trained both mentally and physically.

For someone else it might seem like labour, but they're definitely trained for it

All other workers stood nearby or sat down briefly.

Waiting. No one started building yet, they needed final approval of the architect first.

And then?

Without turning around completely

Carmilla glanced toward where Velvette, usually she would complain about the simplifying thing. But she didn't show any reaction about it. That's odd

"Velvette. Follow me."

Not loud or condescending. Just clear.

Carmilla led Velvette toward the small guest bungalow, a short walk from the main cabin through turquoise coloured ground

As they approached?Odette was already there,standing beside Clara who held several bags in her arms

Clara looked a little annoyed, like she knew this wasn't exactly part of Carmilla's plan

"Odette told Clara to bring everything else you asked for…"

"I don't remember agreeing to go shopping in your place."

Her voice wasn't angry.

But it carried quiet disapproval.

She hadn't refused when Velvette requested sewing tools earlier and a set of textiles with black fabric rolls, thread and paid without complaint.

She agreed because... just because, but she was still disappointed

This is the last boundary she'll cross.

Not because of money, she's rich and this was like nothing to her.

But Velvette might get too used to being spoiled by her and day one hadn't even begun.

*At first someone Velvette didn't know was the Interior Designer and the one that's gonna help with the decorations and space planning. That would work if Velvette didn't give a bunch of details and even crossed the lines carmilla drew. She didn't only want to change the decoration, she also wanted to adjust the outside look too.*

*The Designer and her team tried to reason with Velvette but it didn't end up good, they all got exhausted so the designer begged carmilla to delegate someone else with this mission. Spending some hours with velvette drove her and her team insane. So Carmilla had to call her own personal architect.*

*She already got the details and notes from the designer but Velvette said no to it, she changed her mind again about everything so she started deciding all over again.*

*The architect was so patient and discussed everything with Vel, it took so long. Whenever the Architect thought she finally had the perfect plan done, Vel says no and redo it. They stayed like this until finally reached to the final results, a plan that finally Vel didn't have any complaints about. Carmilla said no*

*The architect was tired but she followed Carmilla's orders anyway, and for Vel. For some reason she didn't really care or complain. And when Carmilla called for her, she followed her*

Why do you love the B&W with reddish brown so bad?..

*She asked as she sees that bungalow, it had the same palette and the luxurious hut it almost pissed her off* for fucks sake there are a lot of colours..

*Carmilla ignored this comment, she does this whenever she thinks certain argument is unnecessary. Vel wanted to keep pushing it but she wasn't in the mood for it*

"Odette told Clara to bring everything else you asked for…"

*Vel blinked, then looked away, trying to remember what did she exactly ask for, but it was a lot.*

"I don't remember agreeing to go shopping in your place."

Weelll you sent them anyway! Too late for regret! *Vel gave Carmilla a provocative smile after saying that. The older overlord could just ignore Vel's needs, but since Carmilla seems to agree, Vel would keep on pushing it.*

"Let's get inside..But let me remind you..no adjustments here."

We'll see about that!

*She kicks the already unlocked door open, already disappointed by the first impression* ...what the hell is this?.. DO YOU ONLY KNOW THREE COLOURS?!

Velvette didn't even look around properly.

She just… judged. Loudly. Critically.

Her eyes swept around like a critic at an art exhibit, and she found everything lacking

" ...what the hell is this?.. DO YOU ONLY KNOW THREE COLOURS?!"

"And do you need the whole rainbow to not feel threatened?"

"AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO SAY NO ADJUSTMENTS?? BITCH I MIGHT EVEN GET REDEEMED IF I FIXED THIS PLACE"

Carmilla frowned hard, clearly offended by Velvette's words, anyway, your room.

Carmilla didn't react. Didn't argue. Didn't defend the decor any further.

She just kept walking, leading Velvette through the short hallway of the bungalow, past the bathrooms door,

until they reached a wooden door at the end. Without ceremony.

"This is your room."

Her voice was flat.

Neutral. Not cold… but not warm either.

Then she stepped aside slightly,

gesturing with one hand toward it.

"Go ahead."

No rules. No conditions.

Just silence after that.

*Velvette said as she walked towards the bags to check them, they had everything. Perfect. Now Velvette definitely has temporarily distraction* okay this is acceptable for now, shoo

Her words. Her tone.

The way she immediately started unloading bags onto the bed like Carmilla was already in the way

definitely a clear message: "You're not welcome here." She now has what she wants.

And that made Carmilla deeper frown, as she closed Velvette's door behind her

She didn't slam it. Just shut it gently but firmly. Then turned away,walking down the short hallway toward another identical door, her own room.

Quietly opening it, stepping inside, and finally letting herself relax after everything negotiations… dealing with this mess

The second Carmilla stepped into her room? Her eyes landed on it immediately.

Compared to the one she gave to Velvette, this one was well done, comfortable and luxurious because Carmilla actually stayed here.

A neat stack of files sat right in the center of her bed, red professional-looking folders with labels like " Contracts" and " Reports"

She knew that handwriting anywhere.

Odette's elegant script was all over them

And she also knew what this meant

Normally?

Odette would never bring work home

She hated it when Carmilla did and always scolded her.

"Home is for resting."

"Not your office!"

But now?

These files weren't just brought here…

They were placed deliberately on her bed. Like a statement.

And deep down?

Carmilla understood.

Odette was pissed. And she has the right to, despite understanding it..

Carmilla definitely doesn't want to imagine Clara's reaction when finding out, unlike Odette, Clara wasn't kept up with everything.

All she knows is she's not allowed to participate with the drama.

Carmilla didn't fight it.

She picked up the stack of files,

one arm cradling them securely against her side

Then she walked over to the corner where her medium but elegant desk sat, a sleek piece of furniture made from dark wood with silver accents

On top?

Right beside an open drawer.

a single bottle of wine rested in its designated holder, a custom slot designed specifically to keep expensive bottles upright and safe from tipping

It was Carmilla's favorite vintage.

A rare red. Probably worth hundreds.

But Odette knew not to touch that so even bringing work here didn't interfere with "sacred things"

She placed the files down gently,

then paused for just a second, staring at both: the work… and that quiet symbol of peace(the bottle)

With practiced ease, Carmilla used the sharp tip of her long nail to pop open the cork of the wine bottle, no corkscrew needed. She did it like she'd done a hundred times before: quick, precise.

Then she lifted the bottle to her lips,

took a deep swig and drank straight from it. One gulp. Then another. And another.

Within seconds?

Half was already gone, the rich red liquid staining slightly at her mouth before she wiped it with backhand

She exhaled slowly,letting out tension through her nose, then reached for one thick file on top

Opening it revealed pages upon pages:

Detailed surveillance reports

Photographs taken in secret

Notes handwritten by Odette herself in elegant cursive that matched every word precisely

The targets listed were staggering:

High-profile demons tied to political schemes and even some about lilith

Odette had chosen her spies perfectly.

Every soul assigned wasn't just some random informant.

They were trained. Disciplined.

The kind who could blend into any crowd without a single glance betraying them

Their abilities were handpicked too:

Some could teleport silently over short distances perfect for quick recon

Others couldn't teleport… but they had shapeshifting powers, letting them mimic faces, voices, even postures flawlessly

Those souls Carmilla had eye on them during their first day and sneakily made them belong to her in exchange for safety when exterminations used to happen

No slip-ups.

No mistakes.

And Odette made sure to document it all:

each file contained coded notes on which spy was where, codes only Carmilla and Odette can understand, who was observing whom…

All classified intel gathered with precision

As Carmilla flipped through page after page?

She reached for the nearly empty bottle again, took one last long sip until it drained completely and set it aside

Then muttered under breath:

"What a mess…"

Just the first page and she's already all worked up.

Carmilla stood up, her footsteps quiet against the wooden floor as she walked toward her special drawer, the one holding her collection of fine wines and alcohol

She pulled it open, reaching in to grab a new bottle dark glass, elegant label

But just as her fingers brushed it?

The ring on her finger flared to life.

Not warm. Not gentle.

A sudden pulse of energy

It wasn't painful…

but noticeable

The sword side glowed brightly a sharp white-and-red light that cut through dim room lighting like a beacon

Meanwhile?

The skull half reacted too… but weakly:

just a faint flicker,

like an old bulb struggling to turn on

And then?

A tiny crack sound came from it not loud,

but audible. Like something fragile splitting under pressure

"Damn it Velvette what did you do?.."

The moment Carmilla felt that pulse from the ring? She froze.

This wasn't a sign of broken contract.

It wasn't Velvette betraying their deal

But it was something just as serious a call from the deal itself.

A silent alert that said: "Something is wrong with the other side."

Deals between powerful beings always had signs like this, always alerting when something important happens. And it also depends on the deal.

Without grabbing another bottle,

she turned sharply and started moving fast toward Velvette's room

Knocking lightly but firmly on door?

"Velvette."

She called, but no response

"I'm coming inside."

*At least now if she had any embarrassing moments it's going to be between her and herself..and her current magic that for some reason hadn't spoken for a while.*

Ugh I still can't believe I'm going to stay here.. *She sighs in disappointment, she had no other choice if she really wanted the ability to have her time without any disturbance* whatever..

*She began to unpack the bags, she wanted to use her magic to put everything in place, that would be easier. It wouldn't hurt, right? Just a simple thing*

*Velvette took a step back looking at the containing in the bags, lifting her palm in the air she tried to move them, she immediately felt a sudden uncomfortable squeeze in her head making her fall on her knees.* What the *she couldn't finish it, she felt a huge pressure on her back and handed. The gloves on them melted, her gazes fell on those injured hands. She didn't like the view so she looked away.*

Hey, are you there? *she called for the voicr of her magic but it was quite.* Is this your way to make your existence noticeable again?.

*No answer* fuck it *Velvette said as she hardly fixed her position, with her hands on the floor, she summons her magic book. That only appeared after she was about to lose her consciousness* this is way more than just a side effects syndrome...*she whispered under her heavy breaths, reaching to the book. She needed answers. She needs to know if she forgot anything important* SFS SFS SFS..

*She looked through the titles of every page ignoring the spell ones, until she reached the one she's looking for* there you are.. *reading it, the page talked about a lot of things, and some of them matched with what happened with her today. How the magic becomes the owner's burden when they go back to it after the abandonment with no appropriate rituals. This is what Velvette did, she just went back to this magic and even showed off some of it to Melissa in the car, and used it for her own benefits. And the magic made sure to make it different for her during the fight*

*Vel didn't want to remember that, because if her magic didn't decide to act like a clingy toxic ex, things would've been better, yes it did help her to figure out if the relationship between dust and magic is the same in hell as in on earth. But this doesn't mean it wasn't her weakest spot that made her suffer today.*

Mhmm..*She kept reading until she reached the energy debt title, she knows she had it, it's one of the SFS symptoms, she even used all of her energy and casted the spell on melissa because she knows she'll get it all back when she heals. She kept reading, until she reached the second stage that's called withered phase. She knows that phase, it's worse than energy debt and is dangerous, it when the user becomes completely numb which is bad because emotions are big pary of magic. The user becomes so numb that they don't feel some spells working on their own sometimes.* Wait a minute..

*Velvette immediately put the book away, crawling towards one of the boxes, she looked through the bags in it, she asked for several mirrors and she hoped to find one of them there. Thankfully she did.*

*She took a deep sigh, hoping that what she has in mind isn't happening, she pulls the mirror towards her, as she looked at her reflection, she finally started to realise that her recklessness won't always end as she wants. Her earrings had several cracks. She didn't notice during the meeting, but now she thinks that when the voice was trying to provoke her again, a spell casted on its own self and shut it up*

*She calmly put the mirror down, then crawled back to her book, she hated this, she's so out of energy she has to move now in a way that if anyone gets to notice, she won't wait for Carmilla to kill her, she'll kill herself* let's see what other shit I forgot.. *She's back to reading again, there are a lot of details, but the one caught her attention is when she finally decides to rest and heal, she shouldn't use her magic for some time and be in a natural place*

*She knew this, this is exactly why she asked for a place in the forest, when she thought it was just energy debt. As she kept reading, there was another information too*

"Keep an eye on how damaged it gets, you'll feel it when it's the last one before death"

*This is definitely talking about her earrings, every witch has something that they keep with them all the time like a part of them, not necessarily earrings like her*

I'm fucked..*She whispered, the spell she casted on Melissa would survive on her energy when it works. And knowing how Vox would waste no time. Vel is going to have a rough night today. Or rough time now.*

Dammit Vox..*She shivered hard, and her hands glowed a little, she felt like several electric waves looming in circles inside her. She hugged her self, her eyes shut as she tries to focus, this caused another crack but she couldn't let him know. She can't give up after everything she went through today. He's definitely plotting towards her. Maybe even would die to know that while he's hypnotising her assistant, he's slowly torturing Vel.* Mhm... *Her jaw shivered a little, feeling the electricity hardened. She squeezed her hands so hard her sharp nails digged into her already injured skin. Her breathing became heavier and her vision blurred a bit, she was about to close her eyes unintentionally from the mix of numbness and pain. Which made the ring on her finger appear, the sword part was glowing hard, but the skull barely reacted after the cracking sound in made.*

Her breath caught. Velvette was on the floor.

Not passed out. Not sleeping.

But… broken-looking. Her sharp posture collapsed into weakness.

Eyes half-lidded, body shivering, and it looks like she was about to lose her.

" pfft.. you came here already to see me like this.. right?.."

Carmilla approaches Velvette, checking her.

The younger didn't push her away, she was probably hallucinating.

Carmilla was looking for anything to understand what Velvette was exactly going through?

No physical harm, so what the fuck happened? Carmilla was so confused

She just left her happy with the bags and ready to organise her room so what could lead to this if she didn't get irritated again?.

"Even when I just want some privacy and peace..you ruin it.."

Carmilla cups Velvette's face in her hands, carefully forcing her eyes wide open, studying how they moved.

Then forced Velvette's mouth open, checking her tongue and its movements.

It looked dry so maybe a liquid shock would help her.

"You better tell me what happened when I fix this ..you have to."

The skull on Carmilla's ring wasn't just cracked anymore… It had grown darker,

fainter as if draining of life itself.

No hesitation.

Carmilla didn't another second.

She sprinted back to her room,

yanked open the drawer where she kept high-proof liquors the kind reserved only for emergencies and grabbed one of the strongest bottles: a dark amber liquid that smelled like fire

Then she was back, moving fast but controlled despite the mess she has inside her, she's going to be in big trouble if Velvette dies here, even if it wasn't her fault.

Without speaking, she gently lowered herself beside Velvette on the floor

Carefully..so carefully.

She adjusted Velvette's head until it rested properly against Carmilla's thigh, one arm supporting beneath shoulders

Then with her other steady hand she uncorked bottle effortlessly…

and lifted it slowly to Velvette's lips

The witch wasn't conscious enough to drink on own.

So Carmilla tilted bottle slightly…

letting just enough strong alcohol drip past cracked lips, moving velvette's head gently and carefully so the alcohol hits the right spot.

"Come on Velvette.. wake up. Insult my taste and lack of colours... don't be like this when we just became cooperates!.."

Carmilla said with a shaken voice while trying to keep her usual tone.

"Tell me to back off ..tell me that my decoration bored you so much to the point of taking a nap..."

Carmilla didn't feel her hand heading towards the velvette's hair, running two fingers through it.

"I don't like it when you're silent.."

Carmilla really fought herself to not put the bottle down and hug the smaller overlord, hoping that an embrace might give her enough warmth to wake up.

Silly guilt, messing with her usual steady, unbothered mind.

With @d0llnkiss

Just as Carmilla had predicted, Velvette didn't waste a single second.

The moment she got permission to adjust the maybe temporary safehouse?

She took it and ran with it.

Her requests poured in like an avalanche:

specific wall colors,

custom furniture layouts,

even minor adjustments like where lamps were placed,

And obviously some bid requests.

Even Carmilla's personal architect had to arrive just hours later, a professional summoned under pressure to confirm if everything Velvette wanted was actually possible

And watching all this?

Carmilla stayed perfectly neutral.

No frown. No sigh of annoyance.

But inside?

Not guilt.

Not regret.

Just quiet irritation at being played so smoothly.

The worst part? Carmilla hadn't been forced. No pressure. No obligation.

She gave Velvette the permission freely of her own will. And yet…she couldn't even blame it on guilt anymore

Because normally?She ignored that feeling all the time.Dismissed it like noise in a crowded room

But now?For some reason… she couldn't shake this strange sense of something being off

It was confusing.

Annoying, even.

But at least Velvette seemed mostly herself again, despite the obvious exhaustion in her body language.

Especially after using her new magic to change her clothes, Her movements were slower.

Her energy dimmer.

"Is everything okay? Are you done yet?"

Carmilla walked over to where the workers were gathered, then approached the architect, a middle-aged woman with a tablet in hand and tired eyes

The architect looked up as Carmilla neared, and gave her a slightly strained smile

She held out a digital blueprint like she was proud of finally making the plan.

"Here you are, Ms. Carmine!"

"Everything… your girl asked for."

Her voice wasn't angry. But it carried weight, the kind that said: I barely made this work.

And sure enough, the plans showed intricate customizations.

Carmilla took the tablet from the architect…and scanned through the design

Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but surprise.

This wasn't what she expected.

Not just because of all the details

but because even the color palette everything about it felt wrong for Velvette

Velvette loved bold magenta. Flashy gold accents. Edgy contrasts. And purple details.

This? It looked like a graveyard's palette with a Pomegranate tree .

And yet…she had no right to say anything.

So instead?

She handed it back calmly

"Keep this draft. For another day, don't throw it"

"Make a simple version that can be done in three days. No construction fix"

No critique on aesthetics.

Just logistics: faster completion time .

Carmilla made sure everything was in order.She walked around quietly,

checking that the space was neat,

that no tools were scattered

The architect had already gone back to her tablet,focusing hard on simplifying Velvette's original demands, probably deleting some of the fancier elements after saving the original in another file.

These all were trustworthy souls that Carmilla trained both mentally and physically.

For someone else it might seem like labour, but they're definitely trained for it

All other workers stood nearby or sat down briefly.

Waiting. No one started building yet, they needed final approval of the architect first.

And then?

Without turning around completely

Carmilla glanced toward where Velvette, usually she would complain about the simplifying thing. But she didn't show any reaction about it. That's odd

"Velvette. Follow me."

Not loud or condescending. Just clear.

Carmilla led Velvette toward the small guest bungalow, a short walk from the main cabin through turquoise coloured ground

As they approached?Odette was already there,standing beside Clara who held several bags in her arms

Clara looked a little annoyed, like she knew this wasn't exactly part of Carmilla's plan

"Odette told Clara to bring everything else you asked for…"

"I don't remember agreeing to go shopping in your place."

Her voice wasn't angry.

But it carried quiet disapproval.

She hadn't refused when Velvette requested sewing tools earlier and a set of textiles with black fabric rolls, thread and paid without complaint.

She agreed because... just because, but she was still disappointed

This is the last boundary she'll cross.

Not because of money, she's rich and this was like nothing to her.

But Velvette might get too used to being spoiled by her and day one hadn't even begun.

*At first someone Velvette didn't know was the Interior Designer and the one that's gonna help with the decorations and space planning. That would work if Velvette didn't give a bunch of details and even crossed the lines carmilla drew. She didn't only want to change the decoration, she also wanted to adjust the outside look too.*

*The Designer and her team tried to reason with Velvette but it didn't end up good, they all got exhausted so the designer begged carmilla to delegate someone else with this mission. Spending some hours with velvette drove her and her team insane. So Carmilla had to call her own personal architect.*

*She already got the details and notes from the designer but Velvette said no to it, she changed her mind again about everything so she started deciding all over again.*

*The architect was so patient and discussed everything with Vel, it took so long. Whenever the Architect thought she finally had the perfect plan done, Vel says no and redo it. They stayed like this until finally reached to the final results, a plan that finally Vel didn't have any complaints about. Carmilla said no*

*The architect was tired but she followed Carmilla's orders anyway, and for Vel. For some reason she didn't really care or complain. And when Carmilla called for her, she followed her*

Why do you love the B&W with reddish brown so bad?..

*She asked as she sees that bungalow, it had the same palette and the luxurious hut it almost pissed her off* for fucks sake there are a lot of colours..

*Carmilla ignored this comment, she does this whenever she thinks certain argument is unnecessary. Vel wanted to keep pushing it but she wasn't in the mood for it*

"Odette told Clara to bring everything else you asked for…"

*Vel blinked, then looked away, trying to remember what did she exactly ask for, but it was a lot.*

"I don't remember agreeing to go shopping in your place."

Weelll you sent them anyway! Too late for regret! *Vel gave Carmilla a provocative smile after saying that. The older overlord could just ignore Vel's needs, but since Carmilla seems to agree, Vel would keep on pushing it.*

"Let's get inside..But let me remind you..no adjustments here."

We'll see about that!

*She kicks the already unlocked door open, already disappointed by the first impression* ...what the hell is this?.. DO YOU ONLY KNOW THREE COLOURS?!

Velvette didn't even look around properly.

She just… judged. Loudly. Critically.

Her eyes swept around like a critic at an art exhibit, and she found everything lacking

" ...what the hell is this?.. DO YOU ONLY KNOW THREE COLOURS?!"

"And do you need the whole rainbow to not feel threatened?"

"AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO SAY NO ADJUSTMENTS?? BITCH I MIGHT EVEN GET REDEEMED IF I FIXED THIS PLACE"

Carmilla frowned hard, clearly offended by Velvette's words, anyway, your room.

Carmilla didn't react. Didn't argue. Didn't defend the decor any further.

She just kept walking, leading Velvette through the short hallway of the bungalow, past the bathrooms door,

until they reached a wooden door at the end. Without ceremony.

"This is your room."

Her voice was flat.

Neutral. Not cold… but not warm either.

Then she stepped aside slightly,

gesturing with one hand toward it.

"Go ahead."

No rules. No conditions.

Just silence after that.

*Velvette said as she walked towards the bags to check them, they had everything. Perfect. Now Velvette definitely has temporarily distraction* okay this is acceptable for now, shoo

Her words. Her tone.

The way she immediately started unloading bags onto the bed like Carmilla was already in the way

definitely a clear message: "You're not welcome here." She now has what she wants.

And that made Carmilla deeper frown, as she closed Velvette's door behind her

She didn't slam it. Just shut it gently but firmly. Then turned away,walking down the short hallway toward another identical door, her own room.

Quietly opening it, stepping inside, and finally letting herself relax after everything negotiations… dealing with this mess

The second Carmilla stepped into her room? Her eyes landed on it immediately.

Compared to the one she gave to Velvette, this one was well done, comfortable and luxurious because Carmilla actually stayed here.

A neat stack of files sat right in the center of her bed, red professional-looking folders with labels like " Contracts" and " Reports"

She knew that handwriting anywhere.

Odette's elegant script was all over them

And she also knew what this meant

Normally?

Odette would never bring work home

She hated it when Carmilla did and always scolded her.

"Home is for resting."

"Not your office!"

But now?

These files weren't just brought here…

They were placed deliberately on her bed. Like a statement.

And deep down?

Carmilla understood.

Odette was pissed. And she has the right to, despite understanding it..

Carmilla definitely doesn't want to imagine Clara's reaction when finding out, unlike Odette, Clara wasn't kept up with everything.

All she knows is she's not allowed to participate with the drama.

Carmilla didn't fight it.

She picked up the stack of files,

one arm cradling them securely against her side

Then she walked over to the corner where her medium but elegant desk sat, a sleek piece of furniture made from dark wood with silver accents

On top?

Right beside an open drawer.

a single bottle of wine rested in its designated holder, a custom slot designed specifically to keep expensive bottles upright and safe from tipping

It was Carmilla's favorite vintage.

A rare red. Probably worth hundreds.

But Odette knew not to touch that so even bringing work here didn't interfere with "sacred things"

She placed the files down gently,

then paused for just a second, staring at both: the work… and that quiet symbol of peace(the bottle)

With practiced ease, Carmilla used the sharp tip of her long nail to pop open the cork of the wine bottle, no corkscrew needed. She did it like she'd done a hundred times before: quick, precise.

Then she lifted the bottle to her lips,

took a deep swig and drank straight from it. One gulp. Then another. And another.

Within seconds?

Half was already gone, the rich red liquid staining slightly at her mouth before she wiped it with backhand

She exhaled slowly,letting out tension through her nose, then reached for one thick file on top

Opening it revealed pages upon pages:

Detailed surveillance reports

Photographs taken in secret

Notes handwritten by Odette herself in elegant cursive that matched every word precisely

The targets listed were staggering:

High-profile demons tied to political schemes and even some about lilith

Odette had chosen her spies perfectly.

Every soul assigned wasn't just some random informant.

They were trained. Disciplined.

The kind who could blend into any crowd without a single glance betraying them

Their abilities were handpicked too:

Some could teleport silently over short distances perfect for quick recon

Others couldn't teleport… but they had shapeshifting powers, letting them mimic faces, voices, even postures flawlessly

Those souls Carmilla had eye on them during their first day and sneakily made them belong to her in exchange for safety when exterminations used to happen

No slip-ups.

No mistakes.

And Odette made sure to document it all:

each file contained coded notes on which spy was where, codes only Carmilla and Odette can understand, who was observing whom…

All classified intel gathered with precision

As Carmilla flipped through page after page?

She reached for the nearly empty bottle again, took one last long sip until it drained completely and set it aside

Then muttered under breath:

"What a mess…"

Just the first page and she's already all worked up.

Carmilla stood up, her footsteps quiet against the wooden floor as she walked toward her special drawer, the one holding her collection of fine wines and alcohol

She pulled it open, reaching in to grab a new bottle dark glass, elegant label

But just as her fingers brushed it?

The ring on her finger flared to life.

Not warm. Not gentle.

A sudden pulse of energy

It wasn't painful…

but noticeable

The sword side glowed brightly a sharp white-and-red light that cut through dim room lighting like a beacon

Meanwhile?

The skull half reacted too… but weakly:

just a faint flicker,

like an old bulb struggling to turn on

And then?

A tiny crack sound came from it not loud,

but audible. Like something fragile splitting under pressure

"Damn it Velvette what did you do?.."

The moment Carmilla felt that pulse from the ring? She froze.

This wasn't a sign of broken contract.

It wasn't Velvette betraying their deal

But it was something just as serious a call from the deal itself.

A silent alert that said: "Something is wrong with the other side."

Deals between powerful beings always had signs like this, always alerting when something important happens. And it also depends on the deal.

Without grabbing another bottle,

she turned sharply and started moving fast toward Velvette's room

Knocking lightly but firmly on door?

"Velvette."

She called, but no response

"I'm coming inside."

With @d0llnkiss

Just as Carmilla had predicted, Velvette didn't waste a single second.

The moment she got permission to adjust the maybe temporary safehouse?

She took it and ran with it.

Her requests poured in like an avalanche:

specific wall colors,

custom furniture layouts,

even minor adjustments like where lamps were placed,

And obviously some bid requests.

Even Carmilla's personal architect had to arrive just hours later, a professional summoned under pressure to confirm if everything Velvette wanted was actually possible

And watching all this?

Carmilla stayed perfectly neutral.

No frown. No sigh of annoyance.

But inside?

Not guilt.

Not regret.

Just quiet irritation at being played so smoothly.

The worst part? Carmilla hadn't been forced. No pressure. No obligation.

She gave Velvette the permission freely of her own will. And yet…she couldn't even blame it on guilt anymore

Because normally?She ignored that feeling all the time.Dismissed it like noise in a crowded room

But now?For some reason… she couldn't shake this strange sense of something being off

It was confusing.

Annoying, even.

But at least Velvette seemed mostly herself again, despite the obvious exhaustion in her body language.

Especially after using her new magic to change her clothes, Her movements were slower.

Her energy dimmer.

"Is everything okay? Are you done yet?"

Carmilla walked over to where the workers were gathered, then approached the architect, a middle-aged woman with a tablet in hand and tired eyes

The architect looked up as Carmilla neared, and gave her a slightly strained smile

She held out a digital blueprint like she was proud of finally making the plan.

"Here you are, Ms. Carmine!"

"Everything… your girl asked for."

Her voice wasn't angry. But it carried weight, the kind that said: I barely made this work.

And sure enough, the plans showed intricate customizations.

Carmilla took the tablet from the architect…and scanned through the design

Her eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but surprise.

This wasn't what she expected.

Not just because of all the details

but because even the color palette everything about it felt wrong for Velvette

Velvette loved bold magenta. Flashy gold accents. Edgy contrasts. And purple details.

This? It looked like a graveyard's palette with a Pomegranate tree .

And yet…she had no right to say anything.

So instead?

She handed it back calmly

"Keep this draft. For another day, don't throw it"

"Make a simple version that can be done in three days. No construction fix"

No critique on aesthetics.

Just logistics: faster completion time .

Carmilla made sure everything was in order.She walked around quietly,

checking that the space was neat,

that no tools were scattered

The architect had already gone back to her tablet,focusing hard on simplifying Velvette's original demands, probably deleting some of the fancier elements after saving the original in another file.

These all were trustworthy souls that Carmilla trained both mentally and physically.

For someone else it might seem like labour, but they're definitely trained for it

All other workers stood nearby or sat down briefly.

Waiting. No one started building yet, they needed final approval of the architect first.

And then?

Without turning around completely

Carmilla glanced toward where Velvette, usually she would complain about the simplifying thing. But she didn't show any reaction about it. That's odd

"Velvette. Follow me."

Not loud or condescending. Just clear.

Carmilla led Velvette toward the small guest bungalow, a short walk from the main cabin through turquoise coloured ground

As they approached?Odette was already there,standing beside Clara who held several bags in her arms

Clara looked a little annoyed, like she knew this wasn't exactly part of Carmilla's plan

"Odette told Clara to bring everything else you asked for…"

"I don't remember agreeing to go shopping in your place."

Her voice wasn't angry.

But it carried quiet disapproval.

She hadn't refused when Velvette requested sewing tools earlier and a set of textiles with black fabric rolls, thread and paid without complaint.

She agreed because... just because, but she was still disappointed

This is the last boundary she'll cross.

Not because of money, she's rich and this was like nothing to her.

But Velvette might get too used to being spoiled by her and day one hadn't even begun.

*At first someone Velvette didn't know was the Interior Designer and the one that's gonna help with the decorations and space planning. That would work if Velvette didn't give a bunch of details and even crossed the lines carmilla drew. She didn't only want to change the decoration, she also wanted to adjust the outside look too.*

*The Designer and her team tried to reason with Velvette but it didn't end up good, they all got exhausted so the designer begged carmilla to delegate someone else with this mission. Spending some hours with velvette drove her and her team insane. So Carmilla had to call her own personal architect.*

*She already got the details and notes from the designer but Velvette said no to it, she changed her mind again about everything so she started deciding all over again.*

*The architect was so patient and discussed everything with Vel, it took so long. Whenever the Architect thought she finally had the perfect plan done, Vel says no and redo it. They stayed like this until finally reached to the final results, a plan that finally Vel didn't have any complaints about. Carmilla said no*

*The architect was tired but she followed Carmilla's orders anyway, and for Vel. For some reason she didn't really care or complain. And when Carmilla called for her, she followed her*

Why do you love the B&W with reddish brown so bad?..

*She asked as she sees that bungalow, it had the same palette and the luxurious hut it almost pissed her off* for fucks sake there are a lot of colours..

*Carmilla ignored this comment, she does this whenever she thinks certain argument is unnecessary. Vel wanted to keep pushing it but she wasn't in the mood for it*

"Odette told Clara to bring everything else you asked for…"

*Vel blinked, then looked away, trying to remember what did she exactly ask for, but it was a lot.*

"I don't remember agreeing to go shopping in your place."

Weelll you sent them anyway! Too late for regret! *Vel gave Carmilla a provocative smile after saying that. The older overlord could just ignore Vel's needs, but since Carmilla seems to agree, Vel would keep on pushing it.*

"Let's get inside..But let me remind you..no adjustments here."

We'll see about that!

*She kicks the already unlocked door open, already disappointed by the first impression* ...what the hell is this?.. DO YOU ONLY KNOW THREE COLOURS?!

Velvette didn't even look around properly.

She just… judged. Loudly. Critically.

Her eyes swept around like a critic at an art exhibit, and she found everything lacking

" ...what the hell is this?.. DO YOU ONLY KNOW THREE COLOURS?!"

"And do you need the whole rainbow to not feel threatened?"

"AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO SAY NO ADJUSTMENTS?? BITCH I MIGHT EVEN GET REDEEMED IF I FIXED THIS PLACE"

Carmilla frowned hard, clearly offended by Velvette's words, anyway, your room.

Carmilla didn't react. Didn't argue. Didn't defend the decor any further.

She just kept walking, leading Velvette through the short hallway of the bungalow, past the bathrooms door,

until they reached a wooden door at the end. Without ceremony.

"This is your room."

Her voice was flat.

Neutral. Not cold… but not warm either.

Then she stepped aside slightly,

gesturing with one hand toward it.

"Go ahead."

No rules. No conditions.

Just silence after that.

@d0llnkiss

The sudden change of subject was out of nowhere, but not harmful

@d0llnkiss

DODGE CARMILLA AT ALL COST

Don't let her see you and open her mouth she might say why are you wet or something

...

Old news, this already happened.

DODGE CARMILLA AT ALL COST

Don't let her see you and open her mouth she might say why are you wet or something

...

Old news, this already happened.

Would you like to discuss this?

*Vox looks around to make sure that neither Alastor, nor Velvette are around*

I KNOW RIGHT?! And both are more of tsun-tsun than of dere-dere.

Raises an eyebrow.

"Now I see why Alastor and Velvette got called this name..."

Then she teases Vox.

Would you like to discuss this?

*Vox looks around to make sure that neither Alastor, nor Velvette are around*

I KNOW RIGHT?! And both are more of tsun-tsun than of dere-dere.

Would you like to discuss this?

*Vox looks around to make sure that neither Alastor, nor Velvette are around*

I KNOW RIGHT?! And both are more of tsun-tsun than of dere-dere.