Grace went to one of the steamer trunks and lifted it by herself. Ten minutes ago, two men struggled to get it off the ground and were more than happy to be rid of it.

“What did you pack in here?” Grace asked as the weight was enough to strain even a vampire.

Evelyn turned on the lights and both flinched for the second needed to adjust their eyes to adjust. For a second she considered turning them off to avoid their reality. Given time, the four poster bed, and red velvet furniture would be joined by art pieces of her making.

“Everything a gal needs to take pictures and produce prints,” Evelyn said.

“Why do we need to take so many?” Grace asked.

“You’ll see…”

“So, anywhere?” Grace confirmed.

Evelyn giggled, before hugging the younger vampire. While unsaid this was her way of apologizing for having to embody her role.

Grace was not done wearing that uniform however. Given her youthful appearance the younger vampire could easily move throughout the bowels of the hotel unnoticed. There were entire sections of the hotel dedicated for hotel and guest staff to move about without interaction with the main areas.

“The walk-in closet will probably be more discreet,” Evelyn said.

“True,” Grace said.

That kind of language was common throughout the land. Everyone was doing their part, including the women who even gave up wearing corsets so the steel could be diverted towards the war machine. I heard they built a dreadnought with that steel.

“Speaking of which,” Evelyn said. “We need to unpack. Please focus on the photography equipment.”

“Where will we set up the dark room?”

Evelyn walked towards the door and flicked off the switch. The main lights went out plunging them in a world devoid of light. As vampires they could still see without difficulty, humans would be entirely unable to move about. That’s a feature, like the soundproofing.

“The same reason why the other side will send agents,” Evelyn said. “To figure out what we are up to.”

“Is that why you accepted their offer?” Grace asked.

The lady had been invited by the staff to create a whole series of art pieces. Evelyn was a master painter and sculptor, and had the opportunity to create works that would catch the eyes of guests for decades.

“Of course not,”  Evelyn said before giggling. “First and foremost, I’m bored.”

“So why not have a bit of fun while he’s off to war?”

“Exactement,” Evelyn said. (Exactly.) “Besides, if it helps the cause…”

The allure of The Grand was its neutral status. Vampires on opposing sides of the conflict were said to be safe within these walls. Having the telephone bugged says otherwise.

“I suspect every room is bugged,” Evelyn replied. “When they are done, I suspect this wand will always glow red.”

She suspected that some would view that as being neutral. No one has an advantage over another.

“Then why are we here?” Grace said.

“The same reason why the other side will send agents,” Evelyn said. “To figure out what we are up to.”

“I will not tolerate any further lapses in etiquette, Grace,” Evelyn said. “Am I clear?”

“Y-y-yes, mistress,” Grace said.

From a hidden pocket built into the side of their travel bags Grace produced a little metallic cylinder and handed it to Evelyn. The lady took a sip of blood from a flask, and within a minute the device emitted a soft blue glow.

“Be a dear and draw my bath,” Evelyn said.

Evelyn made her rounds through the room, the water closet, and the adjoining maids quarters. The colour remained consistent until she approached the bed. The device transitioned to a purple and devolved further into a bright red as she neared.

The maid opened the door and took a quick look down both ends of the hallway. After confirming they were alone, she went back inside and barred the door.

“All clear, Evelyn,” the maid said.

“Pardon?” Evelyn said in Parisian French.

While the tone was harsh, and her eyebrow was clocked and that impish smile confirmed it was part of the act. Nevertheless Evelyn moved her lips to say ‘Sorry’ and slapped her maid hard across the face.

“M-m-my apologies, m-m-mistress!”

Evelyn cupped one of her ears, before using her hand to make an all around signal. The maid nodded, and went for their bag.