Kiss

The events of the previous night faded away, leaving behind no trace of the fear-inducing incident or the looming bounty that had haunted me. All my anxieties and worries dissipated into thin air, replaced entirely by an overwhelming sense of longing. This longing was solely directed towards one thing—his kiss. It consumed me, overpowering any remnants of apprehension or doubt, and all I desired was to experience the touch of his lips upon mine.

 

He moved away, pulling himself from the kiss. I gasped for air as I stared deep into his soulful eyes. He smirked.

 

In the dimly lit chamber, I found myself standing before Lord Minir, his piercing silver eyes capturing my every breath. The air crackled with an electrifying tension, his voice dripping with a potent blend of devotion and danger.

 

"Listen to me, bride," he began, his words seeping into the very core of my being. "I would traverse the ends of the earth, defy a thousand adversaries, and spill torrents of blood to safeguard you."

 

My heart skipped a beat as I stared into his mesmerizing gaze, his commitment washing over me like a tempestuous wave. I had always known Lord Minir possessed an unfathomable ferocity, but this declaration surpassed my wildest dreams. The weight of his words settled deep within my soul, intertwining our destinies in a way I could never have imagined.

 

"I don't make empty promises," he continued, his voice softening as his hands cradled my face delicately. "Every pulse of my immortal heart yearns to shield you from harm, to ensure your happiness and well-being. I would annihilate anyone who dares threaten your existence."

 

A mixture of awe and trepidation coursed through me, grappling with the gravity of his unwavering devotion. I had willingly immersed myself in this forbidden world, fully aware of the risks that came with falling in love with a vampire. Yet, his unyielding dedication ignited something primal within me, forging a connection that transcended the boundaries of mortality.

 

As Lord Minir drew closer, his breath mingling with mine, I could taste the fervent desire that fueled his words. "Darling," he whispered, his voice vulnerable yet resolute, "know that I would extinguish the stars themselves if it meant preserving our bond. I would kill, without hesitation or remorse, to keep you forever at my side."

 

In that moment, his words enveloped me, intertwining with the intoxicating allure. I comprehended the risks, the darkness that lurked within his very essence, and yet, I couldn't deny the magnetic force that drew me to him.

 

Should I dare to allow myself to fall in love with my master? The very man who claimed me as his blood slave? The unspoken rules dictate that blood slaves are never meant to forge romantic connections with their masters. Yet, I find myself grappling with this dilemma. The declaration he made, surpassing my every expectation, has left me pondering my path forward.

 

Seeking solace, I retreated to the tranquility of my chamber, the soft glow of candlelight casting warm shadows upon the bedside table. Atlas, my loyal companion, appeared to sense my need for solitude, for she remained silent, granting me the space I yearned for. Within the confines of the mansion, silence enveloped everything, save for the sound of my own breath, filling the room with a gentle rhythm.

 

If Lord Minir is willing to go to such lengths, even to the point of taking lives, for my sake, then what can I, in turn, offer him? What sacrifices am I prepared to make? These questions echo through my mind, compelling me to confront the depths of my devotion and the boundaries of my own willingness to reciprocate his affection.

 

A sense of unease permeated my being as I rose from my bed, compelled by an unsettling instinct. With hesitant steps, I made my way towards the balcony, only to be startled by the sudden, swift motion of a sharp object slicing through the air, embedding itself into the wall before me—an arrow. Standing frozen, my mind raced, uncertain of what to do next. Another swift movement and I found myself pulled into the protective embrace of the shadows. As I looked up, I discovered it was Lord Minir.

 

Confusion clouded my thoughts as I grappled with the unfolding events. Who could be responsible for this assault? Sensing my vulnerability, Lord Minir uttered a single word: "Hide." But did I obey his command? No, I chose instead to position myself discreetly behind the wall of the balcony, carefully peering out to observe the scene that had transpired. Before me stood a group of lesser vampires, clutching torches and an array of weapons, their presence seemingly intended to threaten my master.

 

"What is the meaning of this?!" Lord Minir's voice boomed, confronting the intruders from the vantage point of the balcony. In response, the agitated mob raised their weapons and voices in unison.

 

"Eliminate that sorceress! She will only bring chaos to the kingdom!"

 

"I've come to collect the reward on her head!"

 

"There will be no more female bishops!"

 

"Depart immediately."

 

Lord Minir's voice resonated with an eerie calmness, akin to thunder rumbling within the confines of a cave. It sent chills down the spines of all who dared to defy him, a chilling warning that permeated the air.

 

"We shall not leave unless we have her head!" the intruders defiantly shouted.

 

"Very well," Lord Minir responded, his gaze shifting to where Gerber and Atlas stood. He fixed a cold stare upon Atlas before turning back to face the agitated crowd below. With a stern expression, he commanded, "Release the wolves."

 

"W-Wolves?"

 

"He had wolves?!"

 

As the haunting howls echoed through the surrounding woods, the intruders outside began to scatter in panic. Their shouts, cries, and attempts to aid one another filled the night air as though they were being pursued by an unknown terror.

 

Seeking solace in a cold corner, I hugged myself tightly. Gerber came to my rescue, offering me a comforting blanket.

 

"You're safe now. Let's get you back into bed," she reassured, assisting me as I settled onto the bed. She ensured the comforters were arranged to provide extra warmth.

 

"Are you frightened? It's alright," Gerber asked, her caring nature ever-present. I shook my head and replied, "I'm fine."

 

"Someone should remain here to watch over her while she sleeps," Atlas suggested, preparing herself to climb onto the bed alongside me.

 

However, Lord Minir's commanding presence filled the space, his hand extending in a sweeping gesture that brought Atlas to a halt. With a deliberate grace, he advanced towards us, the weight of his authority palpable in the air. As he drew nearer, a sense of purpose emanated from him, resonating with each step. Finally, with a deliberate motion, he closed the grand balcony doors, sealing us off from the outside world, encapsulating our fragile sanctuary within the confines of the room.

 

"I will watch over her. The rest of you may return to your chambers now," he instructed, his gaze fixed upon me.

 

Atlas wore an expression of confusion, her brows furrowed in puzzlement, while Gerber, ever mischievous, playfully arched an eyebrow in response to our interaction. Once they departed, Lord Minir settled onto the edge of the bed, positioning himself in close proximity, his hand gently finding rest near the curve of my hip. His cold hand felt comforting.

 

"Now, it is time to sleep," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement.

 

"I will be fine, Master. I can sleep on my own," I protested.

 

He smirked and replied, "What a pity."

 

As I was about to say something else, he interjected, "It is bedtime. You are not permitted to speak unless your master gives you permission."