My Stepmom Is a Vampire
Copyright© 2025 by Vamp
Chapter 19: Love & Sacrifice
“So they’re scared of me?” Seamus asked, clenching his hands.
Seamus Danford had lived in the shadows of others for as long as he could remember. He hid in them, tried not to be noticed, as if something terrible would happen the moment someone truly saw him.
It was only a feeling—an instinct—but now he understood why. And he was glad he listened to it.
Now, with a system that could make him strong, he would hide a little longer. But not forever. One day, he’d rise above them all.
Madeline’s eyes widened in interest. “In a way, yes,” she said, tilting her head. “But don’t you get frightened, Seamus? From what I’ve seen, you’re a coward.”
Seamus frowned. “I might be,” he admitted, “but I’m not suicidal. I plan to live.” He leaned in, eyes sharp. “And I know you know how. But I can’t let Isolde die.”
The room went quiet. He took a deep breath.
“I’ll be the patriarch of this covenant. It’s only fair, isn’t it?”
Madeline gasped. The cup in her hand slipped, crashing against the table. Tea spilled everywhere as did her laughter.
She laughed hard and loud, and didn’t stop. But Seamus didn’t flinch. His expression didn’t change. He’d heard worse.
He had served others for years—twelve-hour shifts, just to pay off his father’s debts. Getting yelled at, humiliated, and talked down to. It was nothing new.
“I’m not joking, Madeline,” he said calmly. “I never had anything. I never even dared to want anything. But now ... I have purpose.”
Madeline’s laughter faded. She crossed her arms. “And how much are you willing to sacrifice?”
Seamus paused. His fingers tapped slowly against his thigh. Her question was layered, and it wasn’t about money.
“I can only sacrifice myself,” he said.
Madeline smirked. “How about Viviane? Isolde? Or your dear father?”
She stood, then leaned in close, her lips near his, her dress slipping slightly to expose just enough.
“I heard your father’s a drunk and a gambling addict who made your life hell. Isolde only wants your power. She’ll keep bleeding you dry.”
“And that sweet, sweet girlfriend of yours? She’s trying to kill you. Don’t you want to get rid of them all, Seamus?”
“I’ve never had that thought cross my mind,” Seamus said, grabbing her jaw gently but firmly. “But what about you, Madeline? How much are you willing to sacrifice? Since you seem to think you’re the best of us all.”
He smirked. “And frankly, you should be willing to give up more than I am. Because you need me more than I need you.”
Madeline’s expression darkened. “You arrogant, weak brat. The last time someone disrespected me like this, his head ended up rolling on the floor.”
“But mine’s still attached,” Seamus shot back. “Isn’t it?”
“If you were as strong as you say you are, you would’ve destroyed this House already. But you haven’t. You came to me with some pity speech no one with a brain would believe.”
“Seamus! Don’t hide from me!” Viviane’s hoarse voice tore through the silence of the garden.
Fire swirled into her palm before she hurled it into the bushes. The explosion sent ash and smoke curling into the air, blackening the petals and scorching the grass.
“I know you’re here! You can’t run or hide from me!” she screamed again, fire trailing her fingertips like claws.
“We’re soulmates! We’ll die and burn together in eternity! No woman is going to take you from me!”
Veins popped on her temple, red and pulsing like molten lava beneath her pale skin. Her long nails gleamed crimson, and her wild hair moved like it had a will of its own.
The scorched bushes shifted suddenly. They didn’t just part—they reshaped and morphed into something.
The leaves shimmered then melted into the form of a woman. Isolde stepped forward without a single scorch mark on her skin and the same condescending smile on her face.
“My, my, look at you,” she said, folding her arms as if she had been watching a performance.
“You’ve finally evolved. Burning bushes and screaming declarations of eternal love. How charming.”
Viviane’s eyes widened as she realize who was in front of her. The fire around her blazed hotter.
“You...” she hissed. “Traitor! You slept with Seamus without my permission!”
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