Reborn As The Vampire Noble Lady

I opened my eyes…

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the soft interior of my room with its warm golden glow. The ceiling above me came into focus—familiar, comforting. It was the ceiling of my own bedroom.

So… I made it back.

I pushed myself upright, slowly, until I was sitting on the bed. My body felt stiff, but not broken. As my vision cleared, I noticed faces.

To my right, Liza knelt beside the bed, tears brimming in her eyes. She called my name softly, voice trembling with emotion. To my left, Emilia sat close, her face etched with worry and relief.

Just beyond them stood Kane, Gaim, and Tania—all looking pale, tense, but relieved.

"What… happened?" I asked, my voice rasping slightly.

"You've been unconscious for two days!" Liza said, wiping her eyes.

"When you wouldn't wake up, we fed you animal blood little by little," Emilia added gently. "Just enough to keep your strength from fading."

"My Lady," Gaim said, stepping closer. "How do you feel?"

I touched my ribs, then my stomach. No pain. No soreness. Just calm breath and the familiar hum of power beneath my skin.

"I feel fine. I've probably healed already," I answered. Daywalkers regenerate faster than most. Still, it was unsettling to have blacked out for so long.

Tania approached with a tray and offered a cup of plain water. I took it, grateful, and drank deeply. The coolness soothed my throat.

"Gaim… you seem unhurt," I noted.

"Don't worry about me, my Lady," Gaim said with a slight bow. "I am fine."

Then he dropped to one knee, head lowered.

"My Lady, I must apologize. Eric and some of his underlings escaped. I failed to protect you. I will accept any punishment you deem fit."

I stared at him for a moment, then shook my head.

"There's no punishment," I said firmly. "It's not your fault. That man—Eric—is not ordinary."

Kane stepped forward.

"My Lady," he said, grim-faced. "There's more. The vampire nobles you attacked at the hidden manor… they weren't real nobles."

I blinked, confused. "What?"

"They were decoys," Kane continued. "Eric's underlings disguised themselves as nobles. The real vampire nobles remain safe and untouched in their own estates."

I clenched my fists.

That bastard.

Eric. His name was now burned into my memory like a brand. Calm, polite, and sadistic—he toyed with us. With me.

I took a breath, struggling to suppress the rage boiling inside me.

"Is there any more bad news?" I asked through gritted teeth.

Kane hesitated. "There is, my Lady, there are—"

"Stop." I raised a hand. "I need a moment alone."

Kane nodded silently.

"Tania, bring me my animal blood wine," I added.

Liza, Emilia, and Gaim looked hesitant, concerned, but I gave them a small, reassuring nod.

"Sorry… I just need to be alone for a little while."

"We understand," Emilia said softly.

They left the room, one by one.

Soon after, Tania returned with my drink and set the goblet gently on the table beside me. I took it with a whispered thanks and walked over to the window.

I stood there, gazing out at the vast landscape of my estate. Trees swayed in the gentle breeze, and the sky was blue without a cloud. It should've been peaceful.

But my mind was a storm.

What happened back there? I clenched the goblet tightly. My sword couldn't touch him. No barrier, no shield, no magic… just nothing.

I sipped the wine, trying to calm myself, but my thoughts kept circling the moment—Eric tapping his ring to that strange metal orb, the soft chime… and then I was frozen, powerless to strike.

That wasn't magic…

My eyes widened.

Wait.

I remembered something from my past life—TV shows, YouTube clips, documentaries. Magic shows, sleight of hand, illusions… and mentalists. Tricksters who used suggestion, psychology, and subtle cues to influence others. One technique used a chime or a trigger.

"Hypnosis…" I whispered.

My eyes burned with renewed fury.

"HYPNOSIS!"

That old vampire—Eric! He didn't block my blade with magic. He tricked my mind. He manipulated me without me realizing it. He forced my body to believe I couldn't reach him.

"Damn you," I growled under my breath. "You made a fool out of me."

I exhaled sharply and took another drink, forcing myself to regain composure.

No more surprises, Eric. Next time, I'll be ready.

I changed into a fresh outfit—an elegant but black dress—and headed out of the room with fire in my eyes.

There was work to do.

And the next time we met, Eric wouldn't leave in one piece.