The Mountain Prison

Lord Galadriel's fears were confirmed. The words spasmed shivers he had never felt in years. 

His hand went up to his chest in an attempt to calm his pants, and Vader had to hold him from behind as he feared he might collapse. 

"Let's go in. We shouldn't be having this conversation here", Vader suggested. 

And supporting Galadriel, they went into the chamber with the guards. Vader had to help Galadriel to a seat before proceeding to pour him some water. The fifty-one years old VampLord was seeming he might suffer from a heart attack. He wouldn't blame him; that was the scariest news anyone could hear. 

When the water reached him, Galadriel took large gulps and sighed heavily as he slammed the cup on the table. 

"How did this happen?" He got to his feet and asked, his eyes looking all red and furious as he glared at the guards. 

"We...We have no idea, My Lord. Mato, Kasa and Karuk were in charge of guarding the mountain prison yesterday. So, Edgar and I left two nights ago, leaving the mountain in their watch. However...we returned this morning to meet the tragedy - all three guards were dead on the ground, and when we went into the prison, Jaha was gone", Dasan explained with so much fear. 

For a man who was well built like him, the fear didn't suit him. But at that moment, he didn't know which to be more scared of - the strange escape of the most dreaded VampLord, or the anger of Lord Galadriel. 

"This is outrageous", Vader gritted. "Jaha has been locked up for eight years. Why would he suddenly escape? And with who's help? We all know he couldn't had done it himself, he had the rondel dagger in him".

There was a brief pause as the guards lowered their heads in diffidence. 

"Unfortunately, the only persons that could've given us the full details are dead. Mato, Kasa and Karuk. They're all dead. Now, we have no idea what happened", Raksha grouse. 

Lord Galadriel paced tho and fro for a while. Restlessness dwelt on him. He never thought he'd have to worry so much about a person. He never thought he'd have to be so troubled. 

"This cannot be happening", he grumped. "This... Not now", he paused and ran his fingers into his hair, dishevelling it. 

"Take me to the mountain prison. I need to see things for myself", he turned to the guards and said. "But for now, we must keep this between us. Not even a word should get out. If anyone, especially the wolves gets to hear of this, we will be doomed - everything and everyone. This whole collaboration will be a waste! We must keep this to ourselves. Am I understood?" 

"Yes, My Lord", Raksha and Mato responded quickly with a bow. 

And when Galadriel noticed Vader didn't, he turned to him.

"Vader, am I understood?" He asked emphatically, looking right into his eyes. 

He wasn't doubting his right-hand man, but at that moment, he needed to be sure. 

"Of course, My Lord", Vader lowered his head. 

And finally, they left the room. 

***********************

Masha was beginning to feel so uncomfortable with the silence in the room. The prince was still standing by the window and her waist was beginning to hurt a little. Although, the long wait and silence had aided in reducing her tension. But now, she was beginning to feel borer and tired. 

Why hadn't he made a move? Surely, she shouldn't be first one to make a move. So, what was she supposed to do? Her father might not be happy if she walks away. 

She traipsed to the bed and sat, concluding she couldn't keep standing. The silence was so awkward, she wondered how a married life would be with someone like him. If only the whole thing could turn out to be a prank, or a dream. How badly she wished...

Playing with her nails, she dwelt on her thoughts. Should she be the first to speak? But that shouldn't be the order. Moreover, he had nearly knocked her down the previous day, shouldn't he be apologizing or something?

The thoughts disturbed her, until suddenly, he turned away from the window. 

Masha felt a skip in her heartbeat the moment he made that move. She didn't realize when she sprang to her feet, like she had been wrong for sitting. There was something about this guy - something that brought about a commanding aura even without him trying. 

She gripped the sides of her dress and noticed he didn't even look at her as he walked away from the window, going to the table before him. At least, she was able to look at him.  

He was handsome - no doubt. Not just handsome, but charming. His hair was brushed into a ponytail and dressed in a shoulder-padded suit, he looked just like a fighter. Indeed, the rumours about him were true. Prince Czar was always ready for a fight. 

She watched him pour himself some wine and slugging from the cup afterward. She stood adjacent to him, yet he acted like he couldn't see her. 

He emptied the wine in his cup and began pouring some more, to the discomfort of Masha who had lowered her head. 

"Have you killed before?"

Masha flipped her head at once, surprised she had heard his voice. Of course, it had to be him because they were the only ones in the room. 

Her eyes goggled in bewilderment. First, she was surprised he had finally said something. And secondly, what was he question?

-Have you killed before?- she was sure those were the words she had heard, she just couldn't comprehend why he'd ask such. Maybe he was mistaken. 

Czar slurped down the second cup of wine and hit for the third. 

"I asked a question", he grumped while pouring in the wine. "Have you killed before?" This time around, he lifted his gaze at her.

It was the first time he was sparing Masha a stare, it made her twitch. But one thing she noticed - his blue-flecked eyes were the coldest she had ever seen. They complimented how icy his voice was. 

Back to his question, she arched her brows and shook her head. 

"N...No. I haven't", her eyes flickered with confusion. 

"Well, I have", Czar added immediately. 

Holding his cup of wine, he flitted toward her. Masha felt a twinge of fear. What was he doing? Why was he getting closer?

She darted backward but stopped when her legs hit the bed. Her breath hitched as he kept coming closer but eventually stopped with a very short gap. He was standing so close to her, his mean eyes intimidating and making her feel he might eat her up. 

"I have killed a lot of people and ninety-five percent of them were vampires", he continued, looking into her eyes. 

Masha could feel his breath on her face. 

"This implies that I hate vampires so much. I hate them with everything in me and seeing one makes me realize how much I love using my claws. It disgusts me that I have to get married to you, but for your own sake, I hope our fathers are not making a big mistake".

Masha had to gulp nervously. His words were so raw and blunt, she couldn't believe it. At that point, she could barely see the handsomeness in him, but a scarred man who had nothing but hate and revenge. 

After staring silently at her for a few minutes, he let the cup spill on the floor and left the room.