Eleanor’s POV

I woke up feeling excited, my heart fluttering in my chest. Today was Aurora's big day—her date with Max, the boy she'd been crushing on for two years. I couldn't help but smile as I stretched. Aurora had been bouncing around the house all week, talking about their plans: lunch, the zoo, and the botanical gardens. I secretly hoped he'd ask her to prom. She deserved that perfect high school experience.

Rolling out of bed, I pulled on sweatpants and a faded T-shirt. Mom and Dad slept in on Saturdays, so breakfast didn't need to be ready until 8:30. I glanced at my clock—7:04 AM. Weekends meant I could sleep until seven, a luxury compared to weekdays when I barely got three or four hours between all my chores and "duties."

The kitchen was quiet as I started breakfast. Saturday was special—I could eat three full meals and drink as much water and juice as I wanted. Saturdays during the day were my happiest time. Tomorrow, my parents would lock me in the basement with enough food to last while they went to church. But first, I had to endure Saturday night.

Aurora bounced into the kitchen while I mixed pancake batter, her face glowing with excitement.

"Today's the day, Eleanor! I'm so excited!" she squealed, practically vibrating with energy.

"I'm excited for you too!" I matched her enthusiasm, genuinely happy for her. Seeing Aurora joyful was one of my few pleasures in life.

Olive walked in, draping his arms over Aurora's shoulders. At nearly six feet tall with wavy brown hair and hazel eyes, he towered over us both. Aurora shared his coloring but with striking green eyes, while my black hair and silver-gray eyes marked me as different. My unnaturally pale skin contrasted with their healthy glow—they were allowed outside, after all.

We were triplets, technically. Aurora and Olive were fraternal twins, while Aurora and I were mirror twins. My birthday was October 31st; I was born three minutes after Aurora. Olive and Aurora shared October 30th.

"Hey, little sister. Ready for the big day?" Olive asked, ruffling Aurora's hair.

"Max is coming at eleven," Aurora said. "Mom said Eleanor can help me get ready after she finishes her morning chores."

"I did most of it last night," I said, flipping a pancake. "Olive, your clothes will be on your bed after breakfast."

"You're the best, Eleanor! Thanks for picking them up yesterday. I really want to wear my favorite shirt to the movies tonight."

Aurora's face brightened. "Maybe Mom and Dad will let you come with us this time, Eleanor."

"Maybe," I replied, not believing it for a second.

I knew my parents would never allow it. I had "work" tonight—cooking, cleaning, and feeding the vampires. My parents said it was how I atoned for being evil. Mr. Benedict was coming tonight, and I tried not to think about how he'd asked if he could bite me "elsewhere" last time. Mom had said "it" would happen eventually. I should be grateful; Mr. Benedict was the gentlest of my "clients."

My parents had discussed offering "it" to other vampires after Mr. Benedict was done, since he was willing to pay double for the privilege. As long as I could stay with my brother and sister, I'd endure whatever I had to.

After breakfast, I slipped away to clean my parents' room and fold Olive's clothes. I checked Aurora's dress for her date—a pretty blue sundress with tiny flowers. Perfect.

At Aurora's vanity, I arranged her makeup and jewelry. She came in wrapped in a towel, hair damp from her shower, and thanked me before I headed to the kitchen to clear breakfast dishes and eat my own meal—bacon, sausage, eggs, milk, and an orange. It was a feast. I savored each bite, chewing slowly. These Saturday meals sustained me through lean days when food was scarce.

After cleaning up and preparing dinner, I heard Aurora calling me. I found her in her room, dress on but unzipped. I pulled the zipper up and styled her hair, which was shorter than mine because she was allowed to visit salons.

As I applied eyeliner and eyeshadow, I remembered when I was ten and asked to cut my hair. Mom had shaved my head completely bald, and my "customers" had complained. I never asked again. Now my hair was nearly three feet long. Aurora's fell to the middle of her back, and I loved styling it for her.

"This looks amazing. You always make me so pretty, Eleanor," Aurora said as I applied lip gloss.

"You already are pretty. I just polish what's already there so you can shine like you're meant to."

At ten-thirty, everything was ready. Aurora whispered, "I love you, Eleanor," and I whispered back, "I love you too, Aurora." Our parents didn't like when we said such things.

I headed down to the basement to wait for Mom's call. I had to hide thirty minutes before any guests arrived—house rules. In my small section, I opened the wardrobe where I kept the clothes for my "clients." My parents only bought me athletic pants and T-shirts, but the vampires who fed from me liked me to look nice.

My hands trembled as I selected tonight's outfit.