Triana."What are you doing?" Triana stammered.The witch who had cursed them both was her only hope of returning to her former life. But now that witch was dead. Vlador had killed her. Why did he kill her?Suddenly, Triana felt a tightness in her throat, followed by a rumble in her stomach. The upheaval rose from her stomach to her throat, making her immediately bolt out of the witch's hut with her body slightly hunched over and her hand covering her mouth.Once outside the door, Triana released her hand from her mouth to allow the contents of her stomach to come out. She coughed while clutching onto a wooden beam attached to the witch's hut wall. The world around her seemed to spin. If she wasn’t holding onto something, she was sure she would be lying on the ground by now.Triana wasn't sure if the nausea came because she witnessed a gruesome murder right before her eyes or because she saw her only hope of breaking this curse die. Both shook her to the core.Wiping her mouth with the
Vlador.Watching the seasons change and the full moon appear and disappear from behind the small window eroded Vlador's soul. The despair made him hope for death several times, just like his family and his people.The war between humans and vampires finally ended after hundreds of years filled with bloodshed. Unfortunately, the war was won by the human race.From generation to generation, humans and vampires continued to wage war. Like any other war, they fought over territory to reproduce, seek sustenance, and build civilization. Vampires always remained the main enemy of humans because humans were their food.Humans always considered themselves descendants of gods, believing that they were the most sacred and perfect creations of God. Besides frequently killing their kind, they also hated vampires because vampires were descendants of demons, which was true.Like other vampires, Vlador also harbored a deep hatred for humans. However, he also despised the vampires around him. When he s
Vlador."I believe checking this won't kill me," Vlador said as he accepted the object Triana showed him.Certainly, among the pile of rubbish that seemed to be witchcraft materials, a small wooden stick wrapped in a piece of cloth and tied with a red string was something suspicious. Without needing to open it, it could be guaranteed that it was a letter or spell.Vlador untied the knot of the red string and unfurled the cloth. The piece of cloth came loose and fell, but Vlador's hand darted downward, catching it just as it landed on the palm of his hand.Triana's eyes widened. "There's writing on it."Unraveling the cloth, Vlador examined its contents for a few seconds, only to click his tongue. "This is witch language.""Oh..." Triana sighed as if her enthusiasm had evaporated along with the breath she exhaled. But it took just a second for her eyes to widen again. Then she reached out her hand to Vlador. "May I take a look? I've studied witch language before.""You have?" Vlador fur
Vlador.The human body differs from that of a vampire. Humans easily feel hungry. They need to eat and drink at least once a day. When their energy is drained but they are still forced to be active, their bodies will weaken, and they may even lose consciousness.Before being imprisoned for a hundred years, Vlador had never socialized with humans. He knew little about them. All he cared about regarding humans was which group had tastier blood and all their character flaws."Hey, wake up! Don't die!" Vlador said with a slightly raised voice while patting Triana's cheeks.But despite his repeated attempts to wake Triana, her eyes remained closed. Vlador had forgotten how weak humans were, and it seemed this girl was one of the weakest. He couldn't understand why Triana would faint just because she lost a little blood and vomited her stomach contents."This is not good. My life is at risk," Vlador muttered as he rose to his feet.Strong winds hit Vlador's body. Trees whizzed by at high spe
Triana"Oh… Mr. Great Vampire, I believe you wouldn't underestimate me if you've ever tasted the deliciousness of cakes, savory stews, tender beef steaks, and freshly baked meat pies from my castle's kitchen," Triana replied, lifting her chin.Suddenly... Krrrrr!Triana's eyes widened. Her hands quickly wrapped around her stomach. She smiled sheepishly at Vlador, who also seemed slightly surprised by the loud noise."Forgive me. It seems remembering all those foods has made me hungry.""I believe it's not just because you're imagining all that food," Vlador replied, rising from his seat. "Be thankful, naive Gosling. I have prepared food for you.""You prepared food for me?" Triana raised both eyebrows high."Don't repeat my words," Vlador said as he walked towards a table on the other side of the room.With a pounding heart and eager breath, Triana glued her gaze to Vlador, whose figure almost disappeared in the dark room that was illuminated only by the sunlight streaming through the
Triana.Bowing slightly, Vlador aligned his face with Triana's and formed a thin smile. "If you feel guilty, doesn't that mean you should understand if I seek revenge?"Triana's body tensed. She wanted to flee, but she didn’t know since when her face had been in Vlador's grasp. Swallowing hard, she muttered, "P-pardon?""Your ancestors slaughtered my family and my servants and seized my wealth. Now, their descendant is before me. What can I do to make them feel my pain? There are many ways to torture someone without actually killing them, right?"Torture? Triana had read about various types of torture inflicted upon criminals and kingdom traitors. Each was categorized based on the severity of the crime. But of all those, none she could read to the end because they were too gruesome.Would Vlador torture her with one of those dreadful methods?"Don't feel responsible for something you're not willing to take," Vlador whispered.Triana's held breath was released when Vlador's hand release
TrianaTriana's brow furrowed, then she responded to Vlador's remark, "My parents love their children dearly. They always strive for the best for us. Yes, they're not perfect because they're only humans, but they're the best parents for me."A small chuckle escaped Vlador's lips. "They love you so much to the extent of letting you seek a witch to make your beauty eternal.""Mr. Vlador, please refrain from judging my parents, even when you don't know them. As a child, surely we can feel our parents' love for us, can’t we?"Triana's words left Vlador silent. His jaw tightened, and he returned his gaze forward. It seemed that she had a very pleasant life, and her parents pampered her so much that she defended them with all her dignity.She spoke as if all children grew up with the same warmth and happiness. Nauseating."I… I apologize if I spoke out of turn. I didn't mean to remind you of your deceased family. Your family was slaughtered, and you were imprisoned alone for a hundred years.
Triana.As seen from the outside of the stained glass divider, it separated a small room.Once again, Triana glanced at Vlador, who still had his back on her. He probably wouldn't appreciate her exploring his treasure room. Since childhood, Triana had been taught not to inspect or enter places she didn't recognize because it could be dangerous for her. However, while her parents weren't here, she would break that rule just this once.Triana's slender legs stepped into the room. There, she only found a large, wide black wardrobe facing a dark red bench.Gulping, she approached one of the wardrobe doors and carefully opened it while holding her breath. The luck was with her because the wardrobe door didn't make any noise."Gowns?" Triana muttered before covering her mouth with her hand.Three beautiful gowns hung inside the wardrobe. All were dark in color but adorned with glamour and intricate embroidery details.Were they spoils of war or gowns belonging to Vlador's family? Or perhaps
VladorHis gaze followed Frederick as he made his way to his seat. Once the man settled into his chair, his attention shifted to Triana, who pressed her lips together.As he had suspected, Frederick was trying to manipulate Triana. At least she was sharp enough to grasp the situation and keep her words to a minimum, even though the vampires treated her kindly—a kindness that was nothing more than a facade.Vlado knew exactly how vampires viewed humans, and he was certain that the Verdonix clan was responsible for the killings of Verxic’s people, not wild animals."I was wondering if you’ve ever encountered the Elix witches on this island."Vlador’s sudden question silenced everyone at the table, including Frederick, who exchanged looks wit
Vlador"Welcome to the Verdonix Mansion, Prince Vlador. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Frederick Garvus Verdonix, the head of the Verdonix clan. We are truly honored that you’ve chosen to visit our humble mansion."Vlador remained silent, staring at the blonde man from head to toe. The man, with faint lines around his eyes, was the same height as him. His eyes were red but not glowing—similar to Dyan's."I need not say that your demeanor feels... odd, do I?" Vlador asked."Oh… haha..." Frederick let out a chuckle, then nodded. "Such a judgment is well deserved, prince. I apologize for any confusion our actions may have caused."The man then extended one arm and shifted to the side. “How if I explain everything during dinner?"Frederick’s offer was met by silence from Vlador. He fixed his gaze on the man’s eyes. It was clear to the vampire clan that Vlador didn't trust them simply because they were vampires.Clearing his throat, Frederick continued, "I understand you have some ques
TrianaHer tears eventually fell.Triana nodded. “I understand. Thank you for answering my question.”Without waiting for Vlador's response, she turned and hurried away from the man who remained rooted in place.As her tears continued to flow, Triana pressed on. Foolishly, she still hoped that Vlador would chase after her. She yearned for the cold-hearted man, who had never desired her from the beginning.She loved Vlador. She acknowledged it and screamed it silently in her heart. She longed to remain with him, aware that he regarded her merely as a companion on his journey. Yet, was that not enough to warrant her continued presence by his side?Triana refused to return to her family. She knew that their treatment of h
Vlador“So, you’re saying that the civilization of this island exists only in this small community?” Vlador asked.Rextov raised an eyebrow and nodded. “The good news is that we live harmoniously in this small community.”“Coincidentally, we came to this city in search of a family. They have hair as white as snow and eyes as blue as glaciers. Have you seen anyone matching that description here?” Vlador inquired.“Well, that’s quite unusual. I’ve never seen anyone like that, not even in this city,” Rextov replied while stroking his chin.“Are you sure?” Vlador pressed. “My parents said they should have lived on this ice plain for a long time.”“For how long, exactly?” Rextov countered. “I was born and raised here. My ancestors were natives. Most people on this island have blonde or red hair. Perhaps the family you’re looking for are newcomers, not the old residents of this city.”Rextov’s explanation silenced Vlador. He couldn’t provide further details that might raise suspicions about
Triana“What are you doing?” Vlador asked.“Repaying a favor,” Triana replied, blinking.Taking a deep breath, Vlador said, “Pull your hand back. I need you to do something other than give your blood.”“O-oh,” Triana retracted her arm. Her heart began to race, and she cleared her throat. “What is it you need more… than blood?”“Teach me the languages you know; for example, the language spoken by the two men who made you cry,” Vlador said.“Oh,” Triana chuckled. “Certainly. I would be happy to teach you, Mr. Vlador.”“Good. Now, move away.” Vlador ordered as he stood up and walked towar
VladorIn Triana’s room, he was watching her endless cry. “I’ve killed someone. I made four children lose their mother. I’m a criminal. I’m a murderer,” Triana sobbed. Sighing, Vlador glanced at the soaking-wet handkerchief in Triana’s hand. “The sun has set. How long do you plan to cry?” “I... can’t stop,” Triana replied, breathless. “It’s my fault, Mr. Vlador. I’m terrified.” “That’s just one person dead out of the dozens who healed. Aren’t you being overdramatic?” Vlador frowned as Triana looked at him with her swollen eyes. “One person, you say? To those who didn’t know her, she might be just one person, but she meant everything to her family.” “Gosling,” Vlador sighed. “That woman is dead. She won’t come back to life, no matter how much you cry. You’re just wasting your time and exhausting yourself. You’re doing something futile and pointless.” Triana fell silent, squinting her eyes. “You don’t need to clarify that. I can’t control my feelings!” Clenching his jaws
53. Triana She let down her long hair while staring at her reflection in the mirror. She still didn't understand why she cried and said strange things earlier. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to remember what she had dreamt that made her babble. "It was a bad dream. I can still feel the sadness and fear from it," Triana murmured, then opened her eyes again. "But I don't remember the content of the dream at all." She clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Never mind. There's no point in recalling it. As Mr. Vlador said, it’s just a side effect of the curse." Triana then submerged both her hands in the basin of water under the mirror. She almost yelped as the cold water froze her hands. But still, she used it to wash her face. After refreshing her face and body, Triana changed from her men's outfit into a warm woman's dress. Though it was a simple dress, it was certainly much more elegant than the loose trousers and shirt she had been wearing. A smile spread across Triana's l
TrianaThe blue bird shone brightly in her hand. Her eyes fluttered as she gazed at it.Pretty jewelry was not unusual for Triana. She owned chests of exquisite and luxurious jewelry and trinkets in her castle. But a brooch sold at the Harbour Market was different. It wasn't just pretty; it was beautiful."I didn’t know he was watching me," Triana murmured. A faint smile spread across her lips.Rising from her chair, she reached the window and opened it wide. The sea wind blew fiercely, tossing her long hair.The sea looked as if it was blending with the blue sky. Although they had just left the land, it seemed the strong wind pushed their ship faster.Holding the bird brooch up, Triana smiled again as she matched its blue shade with the colors of the sea and sky. The more she thought about it, the more she realized Vlador was not the cruel man people said he was. If he were keeping her because of their curse, that beautiful brooch wouldn’t be in her hand.If Triana hadn’t visited the
VladorA sly smile formed on his lips. He opened her fingers and lifted her index finger from the row.He stared at the tip of her tiny finger and pinched it, causing it to redden. Then he brought it close to his mouth and bit it with his fang."Ah!" Triana almost pulled her hand back."The blood's oozing out," Vlador said."Please hurry up so I can go to sleep," Triana said without looking at Vlador."I thought you had trouble sleeping tonight?" Vlador responded with a small chuckle before sucking on the finger.Closing her eyes tightly, Triana turned her head away. She almost turned her back on Vlador, though her hand remained in his grasp.A tiny hole at the tip