All Chapters of Vermillion Haze (Red Riding Hood Series): Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The carriage dashed upon the sea of frozen trees. Though it was snowing outside, the carriage remained warm inside. My eyes were almost closed, preparing for a long slumber, but I forcefully tried to keep them open.Riftan was before me, eyeing the windows with a bored expression. Riftan looked aristocratic and princely. Those dark suits perfectly matched the male's tanned body and snow-coloured hair. Well, it is safe to say that whatever Riftan wears—whether rags or sacks—he triumphs over them and brings them to their best image. Any outfit would look good on him. He shifted his head to me and crossed his arms, "Nervous?" I shook my head and rolled my eyes. "What would I be nervous about? It's just a celebratory banquet, isn't it?""A celebratory banquet of all the influential Weres in this continent," he added. "It is not just a mere dinner. Many alphas, just like me, are going to be dining with us at the same table.""Well, that is not something I should be scared about. Afte

RUBY VERMILLIONWhat's taking him so long?I had already finished my meal, and I still couldn't spot him anywhere. If I leave this place and escape, I swear that it would be his fault. I looked around me, trying to catch a glimpse of his silhouette in the surroundings. But all I see were Weres on their beautiful suits and dresses.Riftan is a tall man with unusual white hair, so spotting him would be easy. I just don't understand why I am not seeing him right now."Hey there," a woman whispered to me. I turned my head aside and realized she was one of the table's Lunas. I gently arched my head and bowed at her in respect.I can't make too funny movements. I must remain pleasant because if these Weres ever found me disrespectful, they would break my bones and feed on them."What's your name?" she asked. "My name is Stella.""It's Ruby," I responded to her and smiled. "Ruby... you have a very beautiful name. It befits you perfectly.""Thank you," I responded to her. "Yours too. It so

RUBY VERMILLIONRiftan and I walked toward the taverns, our steps echoing the tension between us. After last night’s strange encounter, we’ve been avoiding each other, unsure if that kiss was a dream or reality. The memory was too fuzzy.This morning, I found Riftan pacing the room, his restlessness stirring the floorboards. Irritated, I threw a pillow at him. He stopped, wide-eyed, scratched his nape, and then turned away, avoiding my gaze. I wasn’t sure if he was embarrassed, but I wasn’t taking the blame—it was his kiss on my forehead, after all.Riftan pointed to a busy, run-down shack. “Shall we eat here?”“Sure,” I mumbled.As soon as we stepped inside, the tavern fell silent. All eyes were on us, particularly on me. Riftan remained indifferent, but I could feel the weight of their stares, the whispers that followed us.“Isn’t she the assassin who killed our brethren?”“Why did Lord Dreyar let her into the camp?”Their words didn’t hurt me anymore. I’d been through enough.“Rift

Riftan lay on the couch, eyes heavy from the alcohol. I chuckled as his head hit the cushions with a soft thud. Poking him did nothing—he was out cold."Weakling," I muttered, amused. Who knew one mug of beer could knock him out so easily?As I stared at him, a dark thought crept into my mind. Kill him now.The voices in my head told me.I could end him, use the lamp to stab him... But then what? I'd be hunted before I even got back to the palace."No," I breathed, shaking my head. "It's not the time. Don't mess this up."Taking a deep breath, I crouched and lifted his arm over my shoulder, dragging him to the bed. He groaned in his sleep as I tucked him in."Let's get you to bed," I whispered, more to myself than him. He was out for the count. I had the whole day to myself, and an unsettling memory of Dreyar’s offer lingered in my mind. Evening came, and Riftan still hadn't stirred. I watched the golden clock tick away the hours, then sighed. Waiting for him to wake up wasn’t an opt

ZEN RIFTANMy body felt so heavy.I remember waking up in a vast flowerbed of daisies and dandelions. The warm sun gently bestowing me with its ethereal light. As my irises focused to grasp my surroundings, I slowly lifted my self up and probed around.I remember this place.Where was I exactly? What was I doing? How did I end up being there?All of those, I can remember.