Ashes of a Bloodline

CARMILLA’S POV

The dream always started the same way. I was eight years old again, hiding behind the heavy velvet curtains in my father's study while he conducted his late-night business. The moonlight streamed through the tall windows, casting everything in silver shadows.

Father sat behind his mahogany desk, his pale hands folded neatly on the leather surface. Mother stood beside him, her long b