1970, Oregon
The fine rain fell over the empty streets of a small town in rural Oregon. The faint light from the lampposts reflected off the puddles, creating trembling circles on the water.
Alice, still with a face too young for her real age, walked quickly, her hand gripping Rose's tightly.
"Come on," she muttered. "Before they come back."
Rose, in a tight black dress, seemed indifferent to the danger.
"You're always running from something, Alice."
"I don't run," she corrected, glancing around. "I move away. There's a difference."
They turned into an alley, the sound of footsteps echoing behind them. Two men appeared from the corner, laughing to each other — but the laughter died when they saw Rose stop to face them.
"Stay behind me," ordered Alice, but Rose took a step forward.
The men exchanged glances, and one of them muttered something low — but there was no time to react.
In a swift motion, Rose crossed the space between them, and the sound of flesh being pierced echoed through the alley. Blood spilled, hot, onto the wet asphalt.
Alice pulled Rose by the arm, dragging her away.
"I told you not to do that!"
"They were going to attack us." Rose wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, her eyes gleaming.
"I just got ahead of things."
Alice stared at her sister, their fangs still exposed under the faint light.
"It's not about survival, Rose. It's about choice. It always has been."
Rose smiled, almost innocently.
"I did choose, Alice. You just don't like my choices."
The rain grew heavier, quickly washing away the red stains on the ground.
And that night, more than ever, Alice understood that protecting others from Rose would be an endless battle.
Present day
The dorm hallway was silent. Alice carried a folder of documents when she sensed the presence before even hearing the voice.
"Winter break, huh?" The words came from behind her like a needle piercing the air.
Alice turned slowly.
Rose was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a smile mixing amusement and challenge.
"Taking little Kara home with you?" Rose continued, almost singing the words.
"How adorable… and so risky."
Alice narrowed her eyes.
"How do you know that?"
"You told me." Rose shrugged, walking toward her with soft steps.
"Or at least, you let it slip. I pay attention when my sister talks."
Alice didn't answer, but her body tensed.
"If you're thinking of getting close to her for that reason… forget it."
Rose laughed, a low, dangerous sound.
"You've always been like this… guardian, protector. Remember when we were human? When you tried to keep me from going out at night because you thought I'd get lost?"
"We're not talking about before," Alice cut her off, her voice sharp.
"That ended when we were turned."
Rose took another step, so close now Alice could feel her cold breath.
"It didn't end, sister. I still feel hunger. And your little friend… she smells far too sweet to ignore."
"I won't let you touch her," said Alice firmly.
"Ever."
Rose sighed, tilting her head as if tired of the game.
"Then maybe I'll find another distraction. Her friend… Natalie, isn't it? Very nice, very curious… I think she'd love an invitation to spend the holidays with us."
Alice's stare became a silent warning.
"Rose, don't you dare."
"Oh, but I already am." Rose smiled.
"Think of it as… a family reunion. Two sisters, two human guests… the perfect opportunity to make memories."
Alice knew Rose wasn't just teasing. It was a test, a veiled threat.
And worse: ever since Rose had moved into the same house, a decision forced by her insistence on "bringing the family together", every move felt calculated to push Alice to the edge.
Rose walked past her slowly, leaving behind a trail of sweet, cold perfume.
"Get the house ready, sister. Winter will be… delicious."
Alice stood frozen in the hallway, fists clenched.
Deep down, she knew Rose wouldn't give up easily.
And that protecting Kara and Natalie would take far more than words.
That same night, Alice found Kara sitting on the wooden bench behind the library. The air was cold, and their breaths formed small clouds in the dark.
"So… winter break," Kara said, trying to sound casual, though her eyes held a curious spark.
"Is the invitation still up?"
"Yes," Alice replied, a bit hesitant.
"I just… wanted you to know that Rose will be there too."
"Your sister…" Kara adjusted her coat. "The one who tried to bite me the other day?"
"Yes."
Alice looked away, taking a deep breath before answering.
"She'll probably invite your friend Natalie too."
"Nat?" Kara frowned.
"Why would she want to involve her?"
"She's probably just trying to use her," Alice said quietly.
"She has… abilities I'd rather you didn't have to see up close. Rose likes to use people as pieces in her games. And she… likes to test limits."
Kara stayed silent for a few seconds, studying Alice's every expression.
"So, if I go to your house, we'll be… in the middle of you two?"
"You'll be with me," Alice corrected.
"And I won't let anything happen to her… or to you."
The words hung in the air, heavy with something Kara couldn't tell was a promise or a veiled threat.
And yet, somehow, she felt she could trust Alice.