Broken Boundaries and Tainted Fangs

Chapter VII

Morning came and the golden sun flooded the castle with its warm light. Severa and Diaval were up again to complete another chapter of the prince's novel, only this time, they were in a grand, Victorian-style living room.

"So, what do we have to do to complete chapter four?" Severa asked from her seat.

"Do you play chess?" Diaval asked.

Like magic, Diaval made a chessboard appear between them.

"I've heard of it, just never played it for myself." Severa admitted.

"I'll teach you the basics, don't worry." Diaval said.

The prince soon spent the next few minutes explaining the strategic game. When Severa understood, the two began playing.

"Are you sure you don't want to do a practice round?" Diaval asked, "I won't hold back if we play for real."

"I don't waste time with lazy sheep," Severa said, "I go for a stag that can put up a fight. So, don't pull any punches, m'kay, Batsy?"

Diaval huffed out a low chuckle and his eyes shifted to a dark crimson.

"Remember, you asked for it." the prince grinned.

The wolf gave the vampire a smug look before leaning over the checkered pattern board. Severa made her move and leaned back into her seat.

"Your move, Your Majesty." Severa said boldly.

Diaval smirked and moved his pawn. The two spent the next half hour outthinking one another.

"And that's checkmate." Severa proclaimed, leaning back into her seat with a satisfied grin.

Diaval looked at the wolf in disbelief. He chuckled and shook his head.

"No, no, no. Rematch." Diaval said.

Severa shrugged and helped Diaval set up the chessboard for another road.

"I'll let you go first this time." Severa said, spinning the chessboard around.

This action almost frightened the dark prince.

"What game are you playing?" Diaval asked.

"Uh, chess." Severa answered nonchalantly.

Diaval glared at the mercenary and made his move. Severa wasted no time moving her pawn. The pair soon spent the next hour playing another round.

"Check." Severa called suddenly.

Diaval noticed where his king was placed and quickly moved it. Severa chuckled as if he did exactly what she wanted him to do.

"Thanks," Severa said, moving her queen, "Checkmate."

Diaval scanned the board and his shoulders dropped. He then let out a low chuckle.

"You know, you are the first person to beat me in chess, twice, in the past hundred years." Diaval commented, his eyes shifting back to silver.

"Hope I'm the last." Severa said.

What the wolf said caught Diaval off guard. Severa only realized what she said and quickly covered her mouth, her fingers feeling her cheeks burn up.

"Sorry, I didn't mean that!" Severa said, her words muffled.

Diaval's pale face soon turned red and averted the wolf's gaze.

"W-Why are you blushing?" Severa asked nervously, lowering her hands.

"N-No reason!" Diaval answered quickly.

Severa scoffed and rested a hand on her heated cheek.

"Shall we move onto chapter five?" Severa said, standing up.

Diaval looked up at the mercenary and grinned.

"Yeah, yeah," Diaval stammered, "In chapter five, we, uh..."

Diaval could barely form a word. Severa raised a brow at the flustered prince before chuckling to herself.

"I think I know." Severa said, walking up to the vampire.

Severa crouched in front of Diaval and lifted his chin.

"Can't believe I'm doing this..." Severa mumbled to herself.

Mustering up the courage, the wolf then sealed their lips together without a second to lose. Diaval was caught off guard, his head spinning with emotions. His eyes soon turned into a dark crimson in the process. Going in for another kiss, he gently bit down Severa's bottom lip. Severa pulled away from the prince in surprise. Touching her lip, blood-stained her fingers, and two spots were becoming visible. Diaval came to his senses and his face was full of concern.

"I am so sorry! I didn't mean to!" Diaval said, standing up friskily, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"I thought your novel prevented us from hurting each other." Severa said.