Dani would have arrived at Karnstein Manor earlier, but she didn't know where it was. She would have assumed it would be easy to spot, but it hadn't occurred to her it would be on the outskirts of town. It ended up being a pretty long walk to the manor.
"Note to self: ask Morgana for broom-flying lessons," said Dani, very worn out. She hoped Morgana wasn't expecting her to hurry back after making the delivery. If anything, she wanted to stay at the party. She hasn't talked to Taylor for a while. She knew her friend was feeling some self-worth issues over not actually knowing any shaman magic compared to Dani's witch apprenticeship and Jinx learning how to be a seer. Actually, Dani wanted to see Jinx too. She hoped the three of them would be able to have regular coven meetings after they've learned more of the respective arts.
Karnstein Manor looked a little foreboding at night, which made sense as it was a vampire lair. She headed up to the front door and used the big ring knocker on it. Presently, the door opened and Claudia and Liesel appeared in the doorway. "Typical. We can't go five minutes tonight without somebody interrupting us," said Claudia.
"Don't be mad, the night's still young," said Liesel before turning to Dani, "Can we help you?"
"Yeah, I've got a package for Selena and Taylor. Are they here?" asked Dani.
"Yeah, the werehyenas are all here," said Claudia, "They're all up in Tatiana's room."
"Ok," said Dani. She hesitated before asking, "Can I go up there?" She heard that invitations were very important among vampires.
"Sure, go right ahead," said Liesel, "I doubt the matriarchs will mind another guest."
"Thank you," said Dani before stepping inside. It didn't feel any different inside. Well, it was certainly cooler than outside.
"Now if you'll excuse us, we've got plans for the night," said Claudia.
As the vampires started crossing the threshold, Dani said, "Hey, there's something I wanna ask."
"Ok, but make it quick," said Claudia in irritation.
"Is it true that vampires can't enter a house unless they're invited?" asked Dani.
"Well, not strictly so," said Claudia, "It's just really rude if they do."
"They also lose some power if they intrude," said Liesel, "A vampire needs to be invited to cross a threshold at full power. Of course, there are ways around it. Like you could hypnotize someone to invite you in, or if it's a public building or place of business instead of a home. Or enough vampires could tear apart the house." Claudia gave her an odd look. "Hey, I come from a family of vampire hunters, remember?"
"Does that apply to anything else?" asked Dani.
"Faeries can't enter a house at all unless invited. But they have even more loopholes. Like if something that's an invitation for good or bad luck. Insults can be considered an open invitation to make trouble. By that same token, they're also easy to kick out," said Liesel.
"But more importantly, it can apply to you when you're entering the home of certain magical beings," said Claudia, "If they invite you in, they can't harm you unless you do something to break hospitality. But barging into their home means they're free to do whatever they want with you. Of course, you shouldn't expect hospitality from everyone. Looked what happened with Polyphemus."
"Good to know," said Dani.
"By the way, love your ears," said Liesel.
"Thanks, I'm planning on adding more feline features later," said Dani.
"I'm sure your aura will be exquisite," said Liesel.
"Ok, ok, enough dawdling. We've got things to do before sunrise," said Claudia a bit impatiently.
"You have fun," said Dani, "Er, which way is Tatiana's room?"
"Third floor, fourth door down. If the pack's already there, it should be easy to spot," said Claudia.
"Thanks," said Dani before heading into the house.
"Should we have mentioned Dracona to her?" asked Liesel.
"Eh, it'll add to the fun," said Claudia, "Now are we leaving the house or what?"
"After you," said Liesel before the vampires headed out.