Summary: It’s the night of the Sanguis Solemne, the blood ball hosted by your enemy Lovell. Thankfully, when you arrive, your host is mysteriously absent, and thanks to Beaumont marking you, you’re able to make it through the first half of the ball unscathed. However, Lovell soon shows his face…and whether or not he’ll care about your markings remains to be seen.

Author's Note: I put "MM4F" because there are two main characters in this part (is that how this works? Sorry; I'm still learning!) But if a single VA wants to do it with multiple character voices, feel free! *thumbs up*

there's more Latin in this one y'all, I'm so sorry T_T

PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4 PART 5

Characters:

• SILAS LOVELL (“Luh-VELL”) - Vampire; head of the Lovell Clan. Self-important, dominant, salacious. Enjoys holding power over others, particularly humans.
• ZACHARIAH BEAUMONT - Vampire; head of the Beaumont Clan. Kind and humble. Believes that humans should not be enslaved, and that vampires should only subsist off donated blood. Lovell’s biggest rival, and a thorn in his side.
• CHARLES - Butler at the Beaumont Mansion. Very proud of his job. Drives the carriage.

CW: curse words, poisoning/drugging, mentions of vampiric biting/feeding, threats

Usage:

• OK to record & monetize, as long as you give me credit in the video/audio description as the scriptwriter! I would also love to listen to the recording when it’s done–please send me the link on Reddit! Paywalling is okay; however, if you paywall, you must make it possible for me to listen to the finished product.
• Gender-flipping and small tweaks are okay, but no large edits are permitted.
• Feel free to use music or insert sound effects if you’d like. Any sound effects given are suggestions–use at your discretion. *Sound effects in bold, set apart by asterisks\*
• Any dialogue or reactions given by the Listener are purely for the benefit of the VA, to help them feel like they have something to respond to while they’re acting. Listener reactions in italics.
• Please let me know if you have any questions!

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\Sound effects–elegant music; chatter of guests\**

Beaumont appears behind the Listener, glass of blood in hand.

BEAUMONT: Nightingale?

The Listener jumps, flinching.

BEAUMONT: It’s alright; it’s just me! How are you holding up? No one’s tried anything, have they?

The Listener shakes their head.

BEAUMONT: Good. \lowers voice** Any sign of Lovell?

“No. Something feels off.”

BEAUMONT: You’re right…I don’t like it. Why would he go to all the trouble of hosting, and then not show up? It doesn’t make any sense.

\Sound effect…sipping sounds\**

BEAUMONT: \disgusted noise** I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed the taste of hospital blood. Still, if it’s ethically sourced, I suppose I can’t complain. Somehow it tastes even worse than usual, though…I’m afraid you may have spoiled me for life, darling.

“Just consider it an appetizer,” murmurs the Listener.

BEAUMONT: Hmm? Consider it an appetizer? What do you mean?

The Listener explains he can drink from them at home later, if he wants.

BEAUMONT: I can drink from you later, if I wish? Oh, darling…you have no idea how tempting that is. But no—I shouldn’t. It means so much to me that you’d offer, but I had enough trouble stopping the first time. If I taste you again…I don’t know that I could hold back.

You will.

BEAUMONT: No—you don’t know that.

I know you, Zach. You’ll stop. I trust you.

BEAUMONT: You trust me? Oh, Nightingale…sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve you. I’ll never understand how you manage to have so much faith in—in me—

Beaumont suddenly makes a noise of discomfort, feeling a pain in his stomach.

“Are you alright?” asks the Listener.

BEAUMONT: Hmm? I’m fine…it’s just stress. By our Lady of Night, I’ll be glad when this is over. Don’t worry—we don’t need to stay much longer. If that bastard doesn’t show his face in the next two minutes, I’m calling the carriage.

LOVELL: \evil chuckle** Dear me…you’d leave without saying goodbye to your host, Beaumont? How terribly inconsiderate.

BEAUMONT: Good evening, Lovell. How kind of you to finally grace us with your presence.

LOVELL: Says the man who hasn’t felt the kiss of moonlight in months. I must say, the Council and I were starting to worry, Beaumont. The way you’ve been holed up in your manor like a mouse in the wall, refusing all social invitations, missing meetings…too busy guarding your stolen treasure, hmm?

The Listener speaks up, saying their master bought them legally. Lovell turns to the Listener.

LOVELL: What’s that? Your “master” bought you legally, you say? \dark chuckle** Ah, yes. How lovely to see you again, my pet. I see none of that fire of yours has dimmed since we last met…nor has your delectable scent. *inhales* ...Mmm. You look ravishing tonight, darling. That outfit only makes you all the more appealing. The greatest delicacies really do come in the finest wrappers, don’t they?

BEAUMONT: Watch your step, Lovell.

LOVELL: Come now, Beaumont. A compliment to your slave is a compliment to you. You can’t deny she looks enchanting. \to the Listener** He’s been taking good care of you, I trust? Of course he has. Keeping you locked away, safe and sound, like a jewel in a vault. But ah, what a waste, to own something so rare, so exquisite, and not use it. Tell me, my pet…did your so-called master explain to you the workings of a Sanguis Solemne? [Author's Note: pronounced "SONG-gwiss so-LEMM-nay"]

BEAUMONT: Back off, Lovell. I won’t warn you again!

LOVELL: Hush, boy. I wasn't talking to you. Well, my dear?

The Listener says yes; Beaumont did explain it.

LOVELL: He did? Well, then…did he also tell you that the host gets the privilege of the first drink? Oh, yes. I’d say it’s time I take what I’m owed.

BEAUMONT: Lovell!—

LOVELL: Silence! You know our traditions, Beaumont! Come here, pet. Let me see that tender throat of yours. Good...finally, I shall—

Lovell sees the dark twin scabs from when Beaumont fed on the Listener.

LOVELL: —What!? No!…\turns to Beaumont, enraged** NO! You filthy rat…you marked her!?

BEAUMONT: Get your hands off her, Lovell. Now! \yanks the Listener from Lovell’s grasp** Nightingale…are you alright!?

LOVELL: You vile knave! How dare you defile what’s mine!?

BEAUMONT: I can feed from my Nightingale if she chooses. You’d be wise to know your place, Master Lovell.

LOVELL: \seething with rage* Cruciarius!* [Author’s note: an ancient Latin insult meaning someone fit for crucifixion] I’ll see you burn for this, boy!

BEAUMONT: I’d rather burn for all eternity than let you touch a single hair on her head, you son of a b*tch! Now, if you’ll excuse us, I promised my Nightingale one last dance, before we depart. Good evening, my lord*.* Our Lady of Night be with you.

\Sound effect—footsteps\**

BEAUMONT: \hushed voice** What? No; I know, I never said anything about a dance. I’m sorry—it was the first thing that popped into my head. I just had to get you away from him.

The Listener protests that they’re not a very good dancer.

BEAUMONT: It’s alright. I can show you, if need be. It won’t be long—just one song, and then we can go. Would that be okay?

The Listener agrees.

BEAUMONT: Wonderful. Hold on—let me do this properly. May I have the pleasure, my lady?

He leads the Listener out onto the floor. They begin to dance.

\Sound effect—waltz music\**

BEAUMONT: Would you look at that—perfect form; perfect rhythm. You dance just as gracefully as you fight, my darling. You were incredible back there. The way you stood your ground against Lovell, even with him bearing down on you…your bravery never ceases to amaze me. You…you—

Beaumont once again makes a noise of discomfort. The Listener asks if he’s alright.

BEAUMONT: I’m, I’m fine…just a little warm. That bastard…he knew exactly what he was doing. The way he looked at you…I could have torn him limb from limb, right then and there.

“Hey, don’t forget; I’ve got first dibs.”

BEAUMONT: \chuckle** True; I suppose you do get first dibs on that. One thing that he said was true, however…you look absolutely stunning tonight. If I had a heartbeat, it would be racing at the sight of you. May I make a confession?

The Listener nods.

BEAUMONT: I’ve been trying to work up the courage to ask you to dance all night. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I suppose I have Lovell to thank for finally giving me the push I needed. \softly, tenderly** By the Lady…I can’t take my eyes off you. Even surrounded by darkness, you still glow like the face of the moon. I…I…\breaks off with another noise of pain, this one worse than the others**

Once again, the Listener asks if he’s alright.

BEAUMONT: I—I don’t know. I feel...weak. My insides— \groans** Lady Night…it’s like they’re burning!

“What could be causing it!? Could it be something you ate?”

BEAUMONT: I don’t know. All I’ve had tonight was that damned blood from the…\realizes** Oh, sh\t.*

“What is it!?”

BEAUMONT: Nightingale—look at me! What color are my eyes!?

The Listener tells him they look paler than usual. Beaumont instantly realizes what’s happening.

BEAUMONT: They’re pale? Oh, no. Come on—we have to go! I’ll explain on the way—we need to get out of here, now!

\Sound effects—hurried footsteps\**

CHARLES: Mr. B! I wasn’t expecting you for—good god! Are you alright!?

BEAUMONT: No time, Charles! Just get us home, as fast as you can!

CHARLES: Yes, my lord!

\Sound effects—a whip crack, and a carriage racing away\**

LOVELL: \sinister chuckle** Trying to fly away, my little bird? \begins an ancient spell* Surgite, servi immortales! Exsurge, et obsequere mandata mea!...* [Translation: “Arise, my immortal servants; arise and obey my commands!”]

\Sound effect as the Ghouls appear\**

LOVELL: Yes. Now…get them.

\Sound effects—whooshing sounds, punctuated by inhuman growls/snarls, getting louder and then fading away, as the Ghouls fly off after the carriage\**