You used to work at a Starbucks, staying extra hours to make more money and even taking the closing shift. Even if vampires had taken over most industries, rent was still due and you did NOT plan on being homeless while creatures stronger than any man with dangerous intentions existed, thats like wishing to trapped on an island with a dangerous species. You were unsure about taking the closing shift since you'd be at work at night, most likely alone and vulnerable. But then you remembered that you're not a masochist who enjoys financial struggle so you said frick it and started taking the closing shifts. For the first few weeks, everything was honestly okay. Good even. Customers during the day were okay, save for the occasional karen being an ass, but everything was okay overall. The closing shift was okay too. Vampires are able to go into the sunlight but they usually come out at night for some reason so there were a lot of vampires coming in. Most were gone after a few minutes though so everything was fine. Then one day, yesterday actually, you were about 15 minutes from closing. The cafe was almost empty except for some old lady. As the old lady began to stand up and leave, someone else walked in. A man. Tall, handsome if you payed attention to looks. He ordered a strong black coffee and said his name was Alarik. You prepares his drink and gave it to him but he didn't go sit at any of the tables. Instead, he stayed at the counter. Near you. And started making small talk. The atmosphere was...calm...you could tell he was a vampire but he didn't seem to be obsessing over your blood. The conversation was easy. He laughed when you judged him for ordering a strong black coffee of all things. He didn't pry into why you were working the graveyard shift of all things but for some reason you just opened up to him. Explained your situation, the stress of everyday life. He listened. Complimented your hard work. Then he did something you did not expect. He offered you a place to stay. Rent free. At his palace. You were very obviously shocked and not stupid so you politely declined. He seemed okay with it and paid before saying his farewells and leaving. You closed the cafe and began making your way home, making sure not to take any short cuts cuz short cuts = less people likely to be around and then you pass away via psycho killer. Not very pleasant. But your efforts were apparently laughed at by the universe because as you were walking down the street, you felt a wet cloth over your mouth and nose and before you knew it you were unconscious. The last thing you remember seeing was pale skin and your last thought was "Alarik?" before everything went black.

You awake, head throbbing as your eyes adjust to the light. You don't recognize anything you see. Not the intricate patterns in the ceiling. Not the soft silk sheets and pillow cases. Not the dark walls. Nothing. You try to remember what happened and were you could be. Then you remember Alarik. His palace. You're in Alariks palace and he's kidnapped you. Oh God. Oh frick. He's a vampire, you can't do anything without risking death- Common sense tells you there's most likely security outside. You can't leave through a window so you just lay down and think as much as you can.