The Van Helsing Conjecture – Excerpt No. 208

6 April 2025

“I missed that witty rapport,” Evelyn replied.

For Clara it was an obvious clue that being turned had changed this reality’s version of her… Transformed into a dark rendition, one with an obvious bloodlust.

Evelyn appeared to be deep in thought, eyes narrowed as though reflecting on how stark the differences were. Clara enjoyed it when the vampire dropped her mask long enough to give her a glimpse of her vulnerability. A vampire who struggled daily to get past the moniker they applied to her for centuries… whore…

I’m savin’ my love for you…

A dramatic, high-contrast photograph of a contemplative flapper, lost in thought, set against the lavish backdrop of an opulent art-deco room, evoking the luxury and sophistication of 1925 high-society United States. The flapper, adorned with a intricate beaded fringe dress, pearl necklace, and a fashionable cloche hat, sits poised on a velvet-upholstered armchair, her slender fingers grasping a delicate, ornate cigarette holder. Her porcelain skin glows with a subtle sheen, her almond-shaped eyes, painted with a subtle cat-eye, gaze downward, shrouded in introspection. The art-deco room, resplendent with geometric patterns, gleaming metallic accents, and ornate fixtures, is bathed in a warm, golden light, casting dramatic shadows that accentuate the subject's pensive demeanor.

Disclaimer: This novel is an work in progress and readers may encounter grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Please view this a draft and not a published work.