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
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
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"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
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
TrianaThe wide smile formed on those charcoal lips. Angular cheeks and a sharp nose and chin elongated her wrinkled face. Her thin white hair was left uncovered by her tattered hat this time, perhaps only to enhance her eerie appearance.Triana, a bright blonde-haired girl, stood at the side of the cluttered and foul-smelling room. She was the antithesis of the witch across from her. Clad in a beautifully embroidered dress, her slender body exuded the scent of flowers and dried fruits. Her eyes depicted a bright spring sky."Eternal beauty, you said?" A putrid chuckle escaped the lips, encasing sharp, rotten teeth.The shrill voice startled Triana from her focus on the decrepit tiny house. She was certain; even her uncle's chicken coop on the farm was much better than this place.Interlocking her hands, Triana gave quick nods. "Yes, ma’am. Can you possibly do it?""Your question belittles me, young lady. I am even surprised you and your dozens of guards managed to reach my nest! Khe k
TrianaA black horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by ten mounted guards, sped along the road that cut through the lush forest.Inside the constantly creaking and rattling carriage, a girl with skin like a field of snow under the morning sun kept peering out the window, only to swallow her saliva for the umpteenth time.Since birth, Triana had always been in the comfortable, protective embrace of her parents. Castles, palaces, and other beautiful buildings were places she should visit. Roads that were neatly paved were what her soft feet should tread upon. She wasn't even allowed to leave her castle before the sunset, when the sky darkened.But now, Triana sat alone in a carriage, traveling on a muddy and rocky road that cut through the most feared forest in Galvadea, the Dark Forest. An invitation from the king required her mother to accompany her father to the palace as a form of respect. Additionally, visiting the witch to ask for eternal beauty was a secret between Triana and her par
Triana.Triana could hear the pounding of her heart. Without her consent, her eyes rolled sideways to avoid the gaze of the skull-faced vampire.‘Oh, God! I've never lied in my entire life! I truly apologize!’ Triana cried in her heart.Occasionally, Triana glanced at Vlador's face. She truly couldn't read the vampire's expression—not because of his cold demeanor, but because skulls don't have facial muscles to express. Even the man's lips didn't move when he spoke. He simply opened his mouth, and words miraculously escaped past his rows of teeth.The silence made Triana's hair stand on end. She didn't know what the vampire, who no longer spoke, was thinking.Was he suspicious of her? Well, who wouldn't be? She was foolish enough to claim that the potion would make him young again.The tale of the disappearance of the vampire race had been passed down through generations. Vampires perished after warring with humans, who were aided by witches. In other words, witches and vampires were a
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