Eleanor's P.O.V I woke up from my deep sleep which Daniel had put me into before leaving. As I sat up straight on the bed as a yawn passed my lips, making me stretch my body. My eyes lingered to the clock that was on the wall.5 o'clock. So, it's evening. Seeing the time, I lied back down on the bed once again as I stretched my entire body and started rolling on the soft mattress like a kid.Ugh... So comfortable.... So soft...Groans and moans left my lips as I twisted and turned in the bed sheets. But, that only lasted til the time I rolled to the edge of the bed and fell off from it, landing on my ass making my entire back sting."Fuck!" A curse left my lips. Though, the pain wasn't as much as before probably due to the medication Daniel gave me but it was still there.Still there lingering in my senses.My hand held the hard edge of the bed as I slowly and steadily took the support of the bed to get back up to my feet despite the pain coursing through my veins. As I stood back
Eleanor's P.O.V I looked around as my feet unconsciously dragged me in taking me to the old bench, which somehow seemed awfully familiar to me even when I had never been here. In this life, I guess.It wasn't until I walked there, staring at the bench as I realized that there was sweat on my neck. As I decided to wipe the sweat off, I realized that it wasn't sweat at all.They were tears. Tears that had streamed down from my eyes to my cheeks and then to my neck.I was crying. Why?I had absolutely zero idea.I wanted to know why I was crying but I just didn't know. I tried helplessly to wipe off those mysterious tears that were flowing and stop them but they never did stop.I sat down on the bench, feeling defeated and confused as I placed the journal beside me. What was wrong with me?As I sat there, lost in thought and trying to piece together what could have triggered my tears, I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see a man walking towards me.He was tall, with dark ha
Eleanor's P.O.V "Hello there." A voice peirced my ears as I jumped to my feet, slowly turning around to look at the owner of the voice. A tall, shadowy figure stood before me, its face completely obscured by the darkness. "Who are you?" I asked nervously, my heart racing in my chest."I am the collector," the voice replied, "and I have been waiting for you.""The collector?" I repeated, confused."Yes," the shadowy figure replied, "I collect memories, and I believe you have something of mine.""I don't understand," I said, my hands shaking with fear."The journal," the collector said, holding out his hand. "I believe it belongs to me."I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then, suddenly, the memory came rushing back to me. That brown, coarse sheet, the signature scrawled across it. It wasn't mine. It had never been mine. I had taken it. Yet, why did it feel like it was mine? Like I was the owner of it? Why did it feel so familiar?"I'm sorry," I said, handing the jou
Eleanor's P.O.V My body jolted as I finally was able to take control of my body by standing up. Run.The word was coursing in my head like a fast, strong, potent poison that courses through a person's veins. I knew I had to run, to get as far away from this place as possible. My heart was pounding in my chest, and my legs were shaky as I took my first few steps away from the secret portion of the garden.My mind raced as I tried to figure out what had just happened. How had I ended up in there? Was Daniel really going to hurt me and Danielle? Where has Danielle been? Why couldn't I see her after marriage? What was happening to me? Why did I suddenly start leaning onto Daniel?I couldn't remember anything before that moment. That moment ever since Daniel started feeding me that medicine. My head was throbbed with pain as tears ran down my cheeks.No! No! She was lying. She has to be lying. My Daniel wouldn't betray me.But, what was the guarantee? I stumbled forward, trying to fin
Daniel's P.O.V "Keira, I hope you know the consequences of betraying me." The words left my mouth as I stared at the woman standing in front of me, expressionless."Your Majesty, I would never betray you. There will be no such overdosage as you are imagining in your head. Her Majesty will be fine. Nothing will happen to her due to the medicines. Except the effect they are being given to her for."I could some sort of hesitation in Keira's eyes as she spoke. Something that seemed to be screaming to me that I couldn't fully trust her words. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had made the right choice.It had come down to this - a critical decision that would shape the future of our kingdom. Our home. Our family. Which led me to feed my beloved wife, Eleanor those disgusting medicines.It was a calculated gamble, one that I had reluctantly agreed to for my sake. For my selfish desires to keep Eleanor tied down beside me. But as the da
The wind brushed past my cheeks as I watched the clouds go dark. My coarse hands brushed against the fur of the horse I had mounted. My neck twisted as I turned around to glance at the grand door of the castle. The place I was leaving behind. The home I was running from.Somehow, I couldn't feel my heart thumping in my chest. Did I leave it behind? I guess I did. A dry mocking laugh passed my lips as I turned around looking at the rocky path ahead. I guess I've also left something else beside my heart in the castle that seemded to become my home.Myself. Eleanor. I've left her behind. Beside Daniel. I was running away as Knife. Knife, the criminal who had been killed for the world to keep Eleanor, the wife of Daniel, the Vampire King alive.The night was descending upon me as I urged my horse forward, the pounding of its hooves on the rugged trail drowning out any thoughts of turning back. The cloak of darkness seemed fitting for my new persona, the name Knife carrying with it th
Eleanor's P.O.V "Eleanor?" The figure walked into the moonlight from behind the bushes as my eyes remained trained on it.Derek?"Eleanor? You're alive? Or, I'm hallucinating about you again? Ha! How I wish you were still alive. How I wish Hailey was still here. Eleanor... I'm sorry." Derek apologized out of nowhere crashing down to the ground as I watched tears slide down his eyes, making a very uncomfortable shudder run down my body.I hesitated for a moment before taking a step closer to Derek. The moonlight highlighted the lines of grief etched on his face, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him even when I didn't like him before he was the first guy to stay beside me from the moment my mother died. Though, he became more twisted than me after his mother died."Derek, you should go back to the village. Roaming in the woods... What if a vampire were to kill you?" I urged, my voice filled with genuine concern. Derek scoffed and wiped away his tears with the back of
Eleanor's P.O.V My body burned with rage as I watched Daniel throw Derek on the ground like a rag doll."You want to kill me?" Daniel's low growl echoed through the forest as I watched Daniel ripping out Derek's heart from his chest throwing it away from his now lifeless body."Kill me now. Why don't you, bastard?" Daniel spoke in his cold as he threw Derek's lifeless body to one corner of the forest before turning his gaze to me.I felt a shiver run down my spine as Daniel's eyes locked with mine. The once warm and comforting gaze I had fallen in love with now held a sinister and chilling darkness. It was as if the man standing before me was a completely different person, a monster lurking beneath the surface.Fear gripped me tightly, but beneath it, anger swelled within my chest. He killed Derek without a thought. I'm next. He's going to kill me then Danielle just like before. How... How did I fall for such a monster?I could feel the fire of my own rage burning inside me, threat
Eleanor's P.O.V We rode on the horse for approximately two hours before we arrived at Henry's castle where the guards opened the gates, letting the four of us in.From under the hood of my cloak, I watched a young lady run in our direction followed by a man and a woman.Daniel dismounted the horse, gently picking up Serphy and placing her on the ground as I did the same with Rayn."Dad! You're here!" The young lady screamed as she jumped at Daniel, making him laugh as he twirled her around, placing her on the ground as she began to chatter. "I've made lots of preparations for mom's birthday this time, dad. Will she come back this year?" Danielle... My baby..."Hello, elder sister!" I watched as Serphy jumped beside Daniel, shaking Danielle up."Ummm... Hello, love. Who are you?" Danielle asked crouching down a little shocked. However, she masked it quick enough with a smile for Serphy to ever know. "I'm your little sister!" Serphy chirped as Danielle's face hardened. Danielle snap
Eleanor's P.O.V"Mom, how did the table break? And, did you cry?" Serphina asked as she walked in my direction."There's someone in the kitchen!" Rayn finally spoke after a long while, making my body grow tense as he walked in its direction."Wait! You can't go there!" I tried to stop Rayn from entering. However, instead of him, Serphina ran into the kitchen."Hey! That's the man we met in the park! Mom, why is he here?"Great! I am so screwed.I quickly rushed after Serphina, my heart pounding in my chest. As I entered the kitchen, I found Serphina pointing towards Daniel holding a glass of water in his hands."Daniel!" Couldn't this guy stay still until I sent the twins back to their room?"What!? I was hiding. It's your son's fault he found out," Daniel spoke as he placed the glass on the counter, coming out from hiding."My brother is very smart. Humph. Even if you stayed still, he would have found you out," Serphina spoke, holding her nose high as she praised her brother. "But, I
Eleanor's P.O.V "You live here?" Daniel asked, his eyes staring at the wooden cottage. "Eleanor, my children grew up here?""It's better than a castle and a luxury life with a sword hanging over their heads instead." I retorted, rolling my eyes as I stood back on my own two feet again. "Coming inside?" I asked the man staring at my house, criticizing it surely inside his head."You know the one in Black Forest is fancier than this. You should have stayed with the children there if you had to.""I didn't want them to be isolated and have no friends, Daniel.""Well, to protect all of us you decided to isolate them from their sister and me." I sighed, frustrated with Daniel's lack of understanding. "It was for their own safety, Daniel. And, yours and Danielle's as well. Do you want to come in or not?"Moon Goddess! Please help me or I might smack this man today.Daniel crossed his arms, a disapproving frown on his face as he entered the wooden cottage behind me.I locked the door once
Eleanor's P.O.V "Okay. So, we are here at The Orphanage. You can go to the park and play with the kids. I'll help the adults. Don't create trouble. Am I clear?" I looked at the twins, strictly as they looked at each other before saluting me."Yes, mom!"And, the next moment I knew, both of them were running in the direction of the park."They are so cute, Ele." Crystal said, chuckling at them, making me sigh."When you marry Eden, you can have your own pair. Let me see how cute they look to you then." I replied as I watched Crystal turn red, making me chuckle as both of us walked to the backyard of The Orphanage."Hey, Ele! Hey, Crystal!" Martha, the dean of the Orphanage and everyone else greeted me and Crystal. "Hey guys! What are you all doing?""Sewing new clothes for the orphans, Ele. Come join us!" Martha replied, motioning for Crystal and me to join the circle of the village women.I smiled and joined Martha and the other women, sitting down and grabbing a needle and thread.
Daniel's P.O.V "What do you what?" I asked the man standing in front of my horse. "You must pay up if you want to cross the forest." The man spoke in a rough voice as he withdrew his sword, holding it out.Ugh! I can fight. But, why waste time? I'm feeling very relentless. I must go visit Danielle quick and get rid of this feeling. "How much do you want!?" I asked the bald man as I stared at him."3 golds." The hell!? What a rip off! But, whatever. I got no time. Be cool, Daniel. Just pay and leave. You don't need to kill these bastards.I dipped my hand in my pocket as I pulled out three gold coins in his direction. "Can I go now!?" I demanded impatiently, holding the coins towards the man.The man sneered and quickly snatched the gold coins from my outstretched hand. "You may pass," he grumbled, stepping aside to clear a path for me and my horse.I wasted no time in urging my steed forward, eager to continue my journey. The encounter had left a sour taste in my mouth, but I coul
Eleanor's P.O.V Okay.Balloons. Check.Gifts. Check.Breakfast. Check.Flowers. Check.Birthday Cake? Oh! I kept it in the fridge so that it cools down.I walked to the fridge as I opened the door, a gust of cool air hit my face. I smiled, knowing that the cake inside would soon be the centerpiece of our celebration. I carefully took out the cake and placed it on the kitchen counter, admiring its perfectly frosted layers.The kids will be so happy. I smiled staring at the cake when my stupid subconsciousness struck me.Happy birthday to you too. Thanks. I replied as I rolled my eyes. But, my birthday is something now that doesn't exist. I'm happy my children didn't have to go through all that I experienced. Isn't it nice?You're trying to live your life through them, Eleanor. Nonetheless, smooth lie it was, wasn't it? I'm an orphan so neither do I know or celebrate my birthday. My subconsciousness retorted as my smile hit the wooden floor. There have been lots of eventful things
Daniel's P.O.V "Your Majesty, the Sapphires are the best in the Empire. The mine will be of utmost help to the Empire." My eyes stared at the fraud merchant standing in front of me as I gazed at him with icy cold eyes.Are these people stupid? They really think I wouldn't see right through their lies?"Baron Sendor. If the Sapphires are so good. Please keep the mine. I'll write the deed of the land for you personally. Remember, to pay the taxes of course. You wouldn't want your head detached from your body after all." I spoke coldly, making Baron Sendor tremble as he stared at the ground. I had dealt with enough corrupt officials and conniving businessmen to recognize when someone was trying to deceive me. Baron Sendor's attempt to sell me on the supposed value of the Sapphires was transparent and insulting.I could see the fear in his eyes as my words sank in. The threat of losing his head, a fate that had befallen many others who had attempted to deceive or betray me, was enough t
Eleanor's P.O.V "Mom! It's all Rayn's fault!" Serphina's chirpy voice rang in my ears as I stared at the twins standing in front of me drenched in mud."Rayn? Have something to say for yourself?" I crossed my arms and looked at my son, awaiting his response. Rayn, the older of the twins, seemed unfazed by the accusation. He calmly glanced at Serphina and then turned his attention back to me.He was a replica of him..."It's not entirely my fault, Mom," Rayn said, trying to defend himself as I snapped out of my thoughts. "We were playing tag near the pond, and Serphina tripped and fell in. I couldn't help it. But, I did get her out of the pond like a good brother would and didn't let her die by herself. Which I regret now because she pulled me in too."Serphina huffed, crossing her muddy arms over her chest. "That's not true, Rayn! You pushed me! So, I pulled you in."Actually, neither of them are like me. They both are little Daniels. I miss Danielle. Hic... my big baby was so cute.
Daniel's P.O.V Nervous.I was nervous as I walked back and forth in the hallway. What was I thinking? What the hell was I thinking when I let her go? I should go...No. Let's wait a moment. I'm pretty sure that Eleanor would stay. She would leave me given the chance. She wouldn't go, right?How much time has it been? Should I go back? Should I not? Should I wait a little longer?These thoughts were racing through my mind, causing my heart to pound and my palms to grow sweaty. I couldn't help but imagine a little picture in my head of me watching Eleanor walk away, her figure becoming smaller and smaller until she disappeared completely.I should go back. I should go back. She wouldn't have left. I'm just worried for no reason! Eleanor wouldn't leave me. She wouldn't. What are the odds she wouldn't leave me after all that I've done to her? What are the odds she would stay? What are the odds that when I walk into the room that she would run into my arms and hug me? What are the odd