Episode 88: Mini Vamps in Training

I sit at the kitchen table, quietly sipping iced tea.

Twilight is soft, and the manor’s shadows stretch long across the floor.

Peresphone and Hades are perched on the counter, perfectly still… observing.

“…You’re staring again,” Hades mutters, though his eyes are glued to me.

“…Not staring,” I reply, quietly.
“…Just… thinking.”

Peresphone smirks.
“…You sound like Mom when she’s annoyed with teachers.”

I freeze slightly.
“…Do I?”

“…Exactly,” she says, arms crossed, tilting her head.
“…Sharp eyes. Good posture. Stays quiet until the right moment. Then—bam. Everyone falls in line.”

I glance at Hades.
He nods, approving.

“…We’ve been studying,” Peresphone continues.
“…For when we’re older.”

“…Studying what?” I ask cautiously.

“…The art of subtle domination,” Hades says, very deadpan.
“…And quiet intimidation.”

I blink.

“…You’re… learning from us now?”

“…We’ve been taking notes,” Peresphone adds.
“…Mom’s techniques are… effective.
Her little nibble, her whispers, the way she moves—you don’t even notice until you’re hooked.”

I shift in my chair.
“…I see.”

“…We want to try,” Hades says casually,
“…without biting. Yet.”

Peresphone grins.
“…We can pull scarves, nudge gloves, whisper… little commands.”

“…And you’re going to practice on me?” I ask carefully.

“…Yes,” they say in unison, like a pact.

I sigh.
“…This is… going to be interesting.”

They start small.

A scarf tug.
A gentle nudge on my shoulder.
A soft, teasing “command” whispered just above my ear.

“…Good,” Peresphone praises.
“…Exactly like Mom.
Beckett responds perfectly. You see, Hades?”

Hades nods, very serious.
“…Impressive. Subtle obedience.”

I can’t help the small chuckle that escapes.

“…They are mini vampires,” I murmur quietly.

Peresphone smirks.
“…Exactly.
And you’ll never be rid of us, Father.
We learn too quickly.”

I glance toward the living room.
Diana emerges from the shadows, dark eyes glinting.

“…Teaching well?” she asks softly, voice like velvet and steel.

“…They’re… exceptional,” I admit.
“…Already outdoing me in some ways.”

She smirks faintly.
“…I see my influence is effective.
And your obedience—still perfect.”

Peresphone giggles.
“…Mom taught us how to sniff out weakness.”

Hades shrugs.
“…And exploit it if needed.”

I sit back, sipping my iced tea.
“…This is… terrifying.”

Diana steps closer, brushing my scarf gently.
“…And perfectly normal,” she whispers.
“…Welcome to the family, Beckett.”

The twins giggle quietly, practicing another subtle nudge on my arm.

“…Yes,” I murmur,
“…I get it now.
We’re all… mini doms and subs here.”

Diana laughs softly.
“…Exactly.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The shadows lengthen.
The twins continue their subtle mischief.

And in the gothic manor,
the family hierarchy—quiet, playful, and perfectly intense—remains intact