Vlador.
The water that was welling up on those bright blue eyes rippled. They gazed at him like a lost, starving puppy. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.
Vlador slid his grip from Triana's wrist to her small, fragile hand. He turned her hand over and placed a bottle of ointment in her palm. He shouldn't be spoiling her.
"If you think you need it more, apply it yourself."
Blinking, Triana wiped her eyes with her other hand. She nodded and gave a short giggle. "Sorry if I'm being a crybaby. You're very kind, Mr. Vlador. You've helped me so much today."
Clenching his jaw, Vlador stood up. "You are my responsibility as long as our lives are connected."
Triana chuckled. "You're right. I almost forgot. But still, thank you."<
VladorThrough Harbour City, Vlador could see how advanced human civilization had become.The ships had grown larger and appeared more robust. This likely explained the many vessels docked at the city's large port. The ships arriving and departing carried numerous people and logistical goods. It's no wonder the kingdom of Galvadea had grown wealthy. Their king seemed to be a wise trader.As they navigated the bustling streets, a few eyes lingered on them until they arrived at a small inn. Like before, the inn had a tavern on the first floor.“Welcome,” the innkeeper said.“We'd like to stay for some nights,” Vlador said, taking out his coin pouch.“We only have one room left tonight,” the innkee
Triana"It-It's not what I meant," Triana stammered, shaking her hands in front of her chest. "I trust you wouldn't do anything wrong to me, Mr. Vlador. And you've proven that so far."Vlador paused, narrowing his eyes. "Don't make me laugh. Why would I need to prove myself to you, Gosling?"Triana pressed her lips together, lowering her hands with a sigh. "I thought you might be more comfortable sleeping alone because you seem to value your privacy and don't like being close to me.""Why did you think that?" Vlador asked."Well..." Triana looked down, rubbing her nails together. "Because you always look at me with disdain when lying beside me."Vlador was silent for a moment, then nodded once. "That's true."Triana's eyes widened as she looked up at Vlador's cold face. So her suspicions were correct—Vlador didn't like being close to her. It made sense since he had hated her from the beginning.Triana's eyes softened, and a thin smile appeared on her lips. "Now that we're sleeping sep
Vlador"Out of so many people, why did you choose that man?" Triana whispered."I can smell the strong wealthiness in him.""You can do that?" Triana's eyebrows shot up."What worries you?" Vlador asked."From his face, he looks drained out. It seems his wife's illness is severe, which we might not be able to treat," Triana answered."It doesn't matter if we fail. We're not the only physicians who have failed to cure patients in this city. What's important is that we can draw money from them with some explanation.""Oh, Mr. Vlador... you are so cruel." Triana shook her head."Do you think we could have gotten here and you could enjoy a comfortable bedroom and full m
TrianaAdding strain to her heart after the series of shocking events in recent days, Triana couldn’t believe Lexi and his wife had agreed to Vlador’s proposed procedure to remove the fetus.Biting her lower lip, Triana set a glass of anesthetic potion on the small table beside the bed."You’ll be fine, my love. When you wake up, you’ll be healed," Lexi reassured Vera."Mrs. Berrayard can drink the anesthetic now," Vlador instructed.Lexi took the glass of potion and helped Vera drink it. "Don’t be afraid. I’ll be right here. After this, you will wake up and be healthy again. I’ll take you to the flower fields we used to go to when we were young."Vera nodded and drank the potion. "I&rsquo
VladorHis hand hung beneath his chin. His eyes stared at the girl standing still in front of the bathroom.It took a few seconds before Triana's wide eyes blinked. A second later, she dropped her gaze and grabbed the wooden basin lying on the floor."I’m sorry," Triana said before going back into the bathroom and closing the door.Lowering his gaze, Vlador looked at the lump of meat and blood in his hand. He stood silent for a few seconds with his jaw clenched.It was just human meat and blood. He never cared about what part of a human he ate. To him, it was all the same.But he didn't understand why his appetite suddenly vanished, even when he wasn't full yet. It never happened before.Putt
TrianaHer eyes widened. Her mouth went dry."Am I right that you are enjoying it?" Vlador asked again, now with a disbelieving chuckle.Triana shook her head and swallowed to moisten her throat. "Mr. Vlador, what are you talking about? I'm the most tortured person in this activity. My eyes are tired, and my shoulders are tense.""The smile on your face says otherwise, Gosling," Vlador said before sighing. He then pulled a book from the top of the pile. "Use your time well. We still have to find medicine and herbs for the hotel owner's son.""I know what I need to do, Mr. Vlador," Triana said, picking up a book about parasites."Then I'll expect great things from you," Vlador replied, opening his book and pouring his focus on it.
Vlador.They returned to the hotel late at night, carrying numerous herbal packages. Besides that, they also bought new clothes with the money they got from Lexi Berrayard."Even though these are men's clothes, I love them because they're not second-hand. They smell so fresh!" Triana cheered, spinning in front of the mirror. "We're lucky they provide hot water even at this hour.""That's reflected in the price of this place," Vlador replied, watching Triana from the edge of the bed. "I thought you'd be exhausted after all your work since this morning."Triana chuckled and shook her head. "The day was exhausting, but strangely, it energized my soul. I have never felt this excited, not even on my sixteenth birthday.""You're a weird girl," Vlador said.
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
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