Burgundy, France.

"Jérémie! How many times did I tell you to keep these doors locked?" The stern voice made the younger vampire startle and stare at the lady of the house, or rather castle in this case. He had been given protection with the Toreador clan located in the Nevers area, but struggled with getting used to his life as a non human and Lady de Ménessaire wasn't helping.

The redhead descended the stone staircases in the lower section of the castle which she had inherited after her husband's passing a couple of centuries ago. "I'm sorry, my lady...." He stuttered, lowering his gaze as she closed the distance between them, her pale hand lashing at his throat, her petite frame hiding uncanny strength as she lifted him off the floor.

"I haven't fought for this place to be a sanctuary for centuries for your petty insouciance to let stray dogs or worse infiltrate the castle." Her piercing gaze was even colder than the fingers on his skin.

"If you can't do simple tasks, I will have no other choice than to send you to another of our clan." She put him back on his feet and folded her hands before her, her noble poise intimidating. He bowed and was about to apologize again when she spoke first. "It might be better for you for one dire mistake of you and your eternal life won't last long."

She gave no further attention to the man and carried on deep into the hallways leading to what used to be the cells of the medieval fortress. There was no direct thread to the Toreador clan in this area, but she knew that her sire and longtime friend, Gabrielle de Montespan, had enemies lurking in the dark and scheming to make a move. Anne knew it made her a target due to their bond and she knew better than to lower her guard.