Bruno and the Crimson Veil

After a short while, there I was, alone in a bathtub, replaying everything that had happened during that brief span of time.

In practically a single day, I had been introduced to this new world. I found myself shaken, disoriented… but I managed to take the first steps toward acceptance. And today, I could finally begin to grow strong.

From deep within, a feeling emerged — eagerness, excitement. The once-human Bruno had always craved power, had always loved to win competitions. And now, this new world… it wasn't just terrifying. It was thrilling.

As I stood up, I caught sight of the mirror. Still amazed by my new appearance, I began drying myself and quickly got dressed. Now that I was a vampire, I no longer had to worry about styling my curly hair. Flávia had helped me with a spell — now my curls were more defined and shinier than ever.

Once I was ready, I headed to a room where Flávia was already waiting.

I was wearing the same outfit I had on during the accident: beige cargo pants, Nike sneakers — black with purple accents — and a black workout shirt with a small shark printed on the right side of the chest.

After a few steps, I entered the room where Flávia awaited me.

She was seated on the couch, relaxed, wearing white slippers and short shorts that subtly revealed the contour of her body. Her loose, casual top draped gently off her shoulders. In her hands, she held a mug of something warm, sipping it calmly while casting a serene gaze my way — as if she had been expecting me for a long time.

When I arrived, she looked at me directly and let out a soft sigh — as if recalling something she had forgotten.

I sat on the couch — not too close, but not too far from her either.

She offered me the drink she was holding, but I declined with a subtle gesture. Then, naturally, she set the mug down on a small side table and said:

— I forgot you don't have your clothes yet. We'll need to go shopping.

Perhaps due to the intensity of emotions that come with being a vampire, I didn't like the idea of seeing her go out dressed like that.

Flávia, sensitive to my discomfort — perhaps even sensing my displeasure in the air — cast a subtle look my way and said casually:

— I'll go get changed. Be right back, then we'll head out.

I didn't say much — just nodded, as if it were out of my hands.

While she got ready, I remained on the couch, and, as expected… Flávia took nearly an hour and a half.

When she finally returned, she found me sprawled on the couch, slouched from waiting so long.

She gave an apologetic smile and quickly started talking about where we'd go to buy clothes.

She wore jeans that accentuated her curves, subtle sneakers, and a stylish sweater that concealed any attempt of mine to see beneath. A small purse hung from her left shoulder, completing the look with casual elegance.

Then Flávia said:

— We're going to Velvet Veil Street. It's an incredible fashion street inside my territory.

Bruno didn't love the idea, but he followed her silently.

She had already explained the concept of "territory" to him: as a Baroness, she had the right to manage her own area, with rules and influence — after all, in that world, only strength was respected.

What truly bothered Bruno wasn't her authority, but the place itself. He just wanted to buy clothes the usual way — walk into any store, try on what he liked, without rules or formality.

But going to a fancy place, full of shiny displays and aristocratic frills… that definitely wasn't his style.

Not long after, there we were, in front of the territory.

At my side, Flávia gently held my right arm as she spoke excitedly about the shops on Velvet Veil Street. Her tone was cheerful — almost too proud — like someone describing a rare jewel.

I chatted casually with her for about forty seconds, just to distract myself… until a beautiful carriage appeared before us, pulled by two beast-like horses, with glowing eyes and muscles that looked sculpted from black stone.

We entered the carriage naturally. Flávia sat beside me, adjusting her sweater with a light motion, her legs crossed in her form-fitting jeans.

As the carriage moved through the streets of the territory, she pointed out places, commented on establishments, and described curiosities with a sparkle in her eyes. Every now and then, I asked a question or two, and she always responded with that proud air — proud of every detail. Seeing her like that made me smile. Flávia looked cute, almost charming, and at the same time proud of her management. There was something comforting about seeing her so animated with it all.

So, I took the opportunity and started talking to her about various topics related to her territory. She spoke to me with joy, answering enthusiastically and in detail about every area, every shop, every decision she had made as Baroness.

We talked for about thirty minutes as the carriage moved calmly through the streets.

Then we arrived.

Before us stretched an incredibly luxurious street — impeccably organized, with refined architecture and storefronts that looked like they belonged to a never-ending runway. Velvet Veil Street lived up to its name.

Even more excited now, Flávia leaned forward slightly and asked the carriage chancellor to stop in front of a highlighted store — its facade gleamed, and there was an almost magical aura surrounding it.

As the carriage passed, people turned their heads to look, observing with curiosity. Their eyes sparkled as they saw us, as if Flávia were a public figure — admired… or feared.

When we finally stopped in front of the chosen store, I opened the carriage door and stepped out first. Then, I offered my hand to help her down — like a true gentleman. Flávia accepted my help and stepped down gently, holding my hand lightly.

As soon as her feet touched the ground, a lady came out of the shop and greeted her with a warm smile:

— It's been a few weeks, hasn't it, my lady?

Flávia smiled back with a soft laugh:

— Not that long...

The lady chuckled too, with a familiar and respectful air.

— What may I help you with today, my lady?

Flávia then gestured lightly toward me.

— He needs clothes. Could you help us pick some out?

The woman looked at me kindly and introduced herself:

— A pleasure, my lord. My name is Ádila Syster.

I returned the greeting with a polite nod and a slight smile.

— The pleasure is mine, Lady Ádila. My name is Bruno.

After that brief introduction, she led us to the men's clothing section of the boutique.

As we walked, Flávia wrapped her arm around mine again and leaned in, whispering into my ear:

— That's Ádila… owner of the finest boutique in my entire territory.

Flávia continued, smiling softly:

— Most of my clothes come from here.

I was a bit impressed… but given her style and status, it made perfect sense.

When we reached the men's section, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight: countless garments, all beautiful, well-crafted — and absurdly expensive.

Before I could say anything, Flávia noticed my hesitant look and said naturally:

— Don't worry. I'm paying.

I felt a bit uncomfortable at first, but seeing the gentle firmness in her tone, I could only nod silently.

Still holding my arm, Flávia began pointing out a few pieces, helping with the selection. Ádila, attentive, asked about my style, preferences, and tastes — to which I calmly replied:

— I like basic clothes, no big prints. Simple jeans… comfortable. Nothing too flashy.

With that in mind, the three of us — Flávia, Ádila, and I — chose about nine outfits to try on. Flávia, on her own, picked out five more, saying she wanted to see me in "something less obvious."

Guided by Ádila, we were led to a spacious fitting room, decorated with golden mirrors, soft lighting, and an air of discreet luxury. It was beautiful, elegant… almost intimidating.

I took a deep breath and began trying the outfits one by one.

Bruno started with the sets he liked the least.

The first was a black-and-white checkered shirt paired with ripped jeans. When he stepped out, both Flávia and Ádila complimented him — noting the fit and the modern combo. But despite the praise, Bruno wrinkled his nose. It just wasn't his style.

The second outfit was a casual black tuxedo. Bruno actually liked this one — especially when he paired it with a plain black shirt of his own choosing. For the bottom, he picked looser tuxedo pants that fit well and gave him an elegant, yet comfortable appearance. Flávia and Ádila enthusiastically approved the choice, so Bruno decided to take it.

The third choice made Bruno hesitate — these were Flávia's picks. None really appealed to him at first glance. Still, he gave a chance to a gray shirt with a stylized skull at the abdomen, creating an interesting contrast. He paired it with dark cargo pants made of polyester. When he stepped out, both Flávia and Ádila smiled in approval — that was Bruno's basic style, and it worked well on him.

After a series of tries, experiments, and combinations, Bruno ended up satisfied with five outfits:

1. The casual black tuxedo with a plain shirt.

2. The gray skull shirt and dark cargo pants.

3. The checkered outfit — the one he liked least visually, but accepted due to their insistence.

4. A workout outfit picked by Flávia — bold in design, but a perfect fit.

5. Finally, a casual look suggested by Ádila: white jogger jeans, a plain white shirt, and a light black hoodie — simple, versatile, and modern.

After payment and with all the clothes carefully bagged, Bruno thought the shopping saga was over.

But he was wrong.

Before he could say anything, Flávia was already tugging him by the hand, saying excitedly:

— Now let's take a quick stop… at the men's jewelry store right next door!

Bruno had always been a shy person — the type who only really opened up around friends or family. So, this whole shopping spree had been, at the very least, a bit exhausting for him.

On the way to the men's jewelry store, Flávia walked by my right side, arm wrapped around mine, laughing softly. In her left hand, she carried three bags filled with our new clothes.

It didn't take long before we arrived.

The jewelry store was grand and pompous, with lit showcases, golden accents, and an air of suffocating wealth. As we entered, we were greeted by a curious figure — a short man with features that resembled a goblin. He was fully adorned in expensive jewelry: rings on almost every finger, gleaming necklaces, thick bracelets that jingled with every movement.

He approached us with a wide smile and greeted Flávia enthusiastically:

— My lady! What brings you to my humble store today?

Seeing him made me want to laugh — it was impossible not to notice the flamboyance of his appearance. But out of respect, I kept my composure and simply observed.

Flávia responded naturally:

— I'd like to buy a Cuban link chain, a 6mm silver chain… and a light adorned ring.

Still smiling, the man guided us to a waiting room with plush chairs and chandeliers that hung from the ceiling like cascading crystal waterfalls. Then he called someone to fetch the items we had requested.

First to arrive was the Cuban link chain — a beautiful piece. It shimmered discreetly, with elegant craftsmanship and a clean design. It was short, around 47 centimeters, making it both basic and refined. I liked it right away and decided to keep it.

Then came the 6mm silver chain. Unlike the first, it was longer and slightly thinner, with fewer details but subtle charm. That chain had personality. And yes, I liked it very much too.

Lastly came the rings.

All of them, without exception, were extravagant: adorned with diamonds, rubies, braided gold — pieces that clearly drew attention. But they weren't my style.

Flávia, on the other hand, was delighted. Her eyes sparkled like the rubies themselves. She looked like a child in a candy store, giving me pleading glances to pick at least one.

I gave in — partially.

I agreed to try and choose the simplest one: a basic silver ring, with a single feature that made it special — a tiny metal chain embedded around its outer edge, rotating like a discreet fidget ring. Among all of them, it was the only one I truly liked.

After paying and saying goodbye at the jewelry store, Flávia and I walked together back to the carriage, which was parked not far away.

When we arrived, I offered my hand to help her in — a gesture she accepted with a gentle smile. I climbed in right after, placing the shopping bags on the seats before us, while Flávia settled beside me.

Still a bit shy and uncomfortable with so much luxury and attention, I turned toward her and said softly:

— Thank you.

She seemed slightly surprised by my sincere gratitude but responded with a kind sparkle in her eyes:

— You're welcome. Actually… I really enjoyed shopping with you.

I didn't know exactly what to say after that. I simply nodded with a slight smile, and silence filled the carriage.

For about two minutes, neither of us spoke. Only the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves and the gentle sway of the carriage filled the space between us.

Until I acted.

Perhaps on instinct… or from pure, contained happiness, I gently reached out and pulled Flávia onto my lap.

She didn't resist.

On the contrary — she aligned herself timidly against my body, resting her head on my shoulder as if that were the right place to be.

With one hand, I caressed her face, feeling the warmth of her cold vampire skin. And at last, I broke the silence with a serene voice:

— Thank you for everything so far.

— It's good… it's good to have someone truly by my side during this moment of transition.

Flávia reacted with shyness. Her face blushed slightly — or at least it seemed so, under the carriage's dim light — and she merely nodded, without saying a word.

The rest of the ride passed in silence.

But it wasn't an empty silence.

It was a silence filled with presence.

With mutual understanding.

With something being born there — quiet, but real.

Bruno and Flávia said no more.

They didn't need to.

They could simply feel each other.