Deserve You

As the first rays of the morning sun cascaded upon my face, I experienced a newfound sense of tranquility. The serenity enveloping the room was a stark contrast to the terror that had plagued the nights prior.

 

As I shifted my gaze towards the spot where my master had been seated the night before, I realized he was nowhere to be found. It was an unusual sensation, one that held a distinct difference from the fear-ridden nights I had endured.

 

In some inexplicable way, the encounter with Lady Catherine had left an indelible mark upon me, nurturing a lasting resentment toward her. Yet, paradoxically, I found myself no longer invested in her actions, as if a shift had occurred within me.

 

Upon waking that morning, both Atlas and Gerber attended to me, blissfully unaware of the perilous circumstances I had faced the day prior. Excitedly, Gerber inquired about my encounters within the palace, eager to know the identities of the individuals I had met.

 

"The muses must have been delighted to meet you, presenting themselves in such a manner," Gerber remarked, acknowledging their significance.

 

Shaking my head, I clarified, "They greeted Lord Minir, not me."

 

"The muses may exhibit kindness, but they do not consider those beneath them as equals," Atlas purred, emphasizing the hierarchical nature of their interactions.

 

Eager to share something of great importance, Gerber shivered in anticipation. Atlas closed the door and placed a bowl of water on the bedside table, urging Gerber to reveal her revelation.

 

"So, you are indeed a Helsing, a rare and important creature within the kingdom's food chain. However, I have observed something of utmost importance. More important than," Gerber began.

 

"You've already said the word 'important' three times, Gerber. Just spit it out," Atlas interjected sharply.

 

"Calm down, vampire! The thing is, ever since you became Lord Minir's blood slave, he has been remarkably well. Does it imply that you have used some form of magic to heal him?" Gerber inquired, seeking confirmation.

 

"Yes, yes! I have noticed it too. It has been bothering me for the past few months. There has been no slaughter in this household...yet," Atlas chimed in. She added, "You have been here for almost a year now, and the changes are palpable. I have been under his care long before any of you... and it has been hell. Bloodlust consumed him every night, with blood spilling everywhere. He would show no mercy, killing any of us if our doors were not locked at night and if he thirsted for blood."

 

"I agree. Since Lady Sol arrived, he has been remarkably calm. Honestly, I didn't think she would survive a single night," Gerber remarked with a laugh, attempting to soften the impact of her words. She continued, "No offense intended, my dear, I am simply stating the truth. Considering your initial weakness, I genuinely believed you would die within a day, perhaps two, or at the very least, within a week."

 

"So did I," Atlas confirmed, looking at me intently. "I have read that Helsings, especially those born with gifts, possess the ability to heal any living creature they choose. They possess the powers of gods."

 

"Similar to the Hara..." I interjected, seeking clarification.

 

"The Hara is more than just a Helsing, my dear. She belongs to the First People, older than this Kingdom perhaps," Atlas explained, hinting at the Hara's immense age and significance.

 

"But the thing is, you made something. You made Lord Minir sane. You turned a vampire into bloodlust. You burnt two men. What else can you do?" Gerber caressed my hand, shaking her head at me.

 

"Honestly...I had no idea." I told them.

 

They looked at me, not wanting to believe any word I just said.

 

"Well, I do know I possessed abilities that are strange, and an abomination to this kingdom. But I only feel it whenever I am in danger...or whenever I am..."

 

"Mad? Angry? Violent? Jealous?" Gerber asked.

 

"Maybe?" I shrank.

 

"Should we make you mad to know what you're capable of?" Gerber looked at Atlas as if there's an idea forming in her head.

 

Atlas side-eyed her, "I don't think that's how it works, human."

 

Determined to unlock the true potential of my abilities, Gerber and Atlas pledged their assistance. Under the guise of a task assigned by Lord Minir, John discreetly borrowed valuable texts from the Palace Library, ensuring utmost secrecy to protect the significance of our endeavor. Throughout the day, we meticulously experimented with the spells and knowledge contained within the precious tome bestowed upon us by Atlas. Each incantation and ritual we tested brought us closer to comprehending my unique powers, revealing a wealth of possibilities that proved immensely beneficial in our quest.

 

Throughout my life, the concept of friendship had been foreign to me, and I harbored no desire to associate with individuals who couldn't match my standards. However, the presence of those who genuinely cared for me held an unforeseen significance, alleviating the weight of solitude that had plagued me for so long. Gerber and Atlas had become an invaluable comfort in my life. Gerber embodied the nurturing essence of a mother figure, offering unwavering support and care, while Atlas emerged as my stalwart guardian, fiercely defending every aspect of my existence.

 

Their genuine concern and unwavering commitment to my well-being bestowed upon me a sense of belonging that I had never known before. In the depths of their companionship, I discovered a newfound solace, a respite from the loneliness that once engulfed me. For the first time, I allowed myself to trust and rely on others, relinquishing the barriers that kept people at arm's length. With Gerber and Atlas by my side, the world felt less intimidating, and the burdens I had borne alone seemed more manageable, shared between the warmth of their camaraderie.

 

In the solitude of my chamber, only Atlas remained by my side, as Gerber tended to her duties in the bustling kitchen, preparing for the impending dinner gathering. The grand occasion was set to host esteemed guests, including Count Vlad and other nobles, all summoned under Lord Minir's command. Their presence was to mark the momentous declaration of my eternal union with him as his blood bride, or so Gerber had informed me.

 

As the anticipation swirled within me, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. The prospect of becoming Lord Minir's blood bride carried both profound significance and weighty responsibilities. Atlas, my steadfast protector, offered reassurance with her mere presence, though I sensed she too bore her own concerns about the upcoming event. Together, we awaited the arrival of the distinguished guests, uncertain of the destiny that awaited me as the night unfolded.

 

However, as I tried to swirl my hair with my fingers, Atlas confessed to me her feelings as of the moment.

 

"I know Lord Minir has been a monster in the past. But seeing him being kind to us around you felt...rather comforting."

 

She took my hand, "Lord Minir doesn't deserve you."