The Immortal | Prequel Story |

Chapter 15 ~ Írásom Cvetkov

Mallen's arm rested across his knee, one leg stretched out on the windowsill, as he sat looking out at the beautiful landscape. Clad in a greyish white tunic with red embroidery, navy blue pants, and dark brown boots, Mallen looked very much like a prince in his castle. The wind blew at his loose hair, caressing his fair skin as he felt the cool breeze.

Mallen's castle hadn't changed, but there was a militaristic air that made things seem a little stiff than usual. Iérti's garlic knot banner hung in place of the old kingly banners, changing it from a medieval fairytale to a utilitarian reminiscence of the past.

Iérti continued to live in Mallen's castle until the construction of his own castle was finished, the vampire leader having decided he wanted his own castle.

Iérti became stern and serious while Mallen became quiet and thoughtful. Iérti treated Mallen with deference, not making him into a subordinate, allowing Mallen to do as he pleased.

Mallen spent most of his time in the castle, either staring out the window, knitting, sewing clothes, or reading a book. noticed Mallen's change in demeanor, but he didn't question him, instead focusing on his own priorities. He assumed the man was simply in shock of the sudden change of power, and thus, Iérti presented Mallen with a gift to liven him up.

Mallen glanced away from the window as the door to his room opened and Iérti came in, dragging a terrified young woman with him. The poor woman looked like she was too scared to run away or do anything in her defense. It didn't help that it was Iérti, the vampire leader himself, who was pulling her by the wrist.

Mallen got off the windowsill, frowning as he came close. "What is the meaning of this? Why are you bringing a young woman into my room? Can't you see she's terrified?"

"She's a gift to you, Mallen," Iérti said, pushing the woman towards him. "Your very own human to feed on whenever you want. That way you won't have to wait like the others; you can have the privilege of your own blood access whenever you desire."

The woman fearfully looked at Mallen, who regarded her with what looked like – kindness? – or sympathy, the woman couldn't tell. Just the name Mallen sent shivers of pulsating terror down her spine. Everyone knew Mallen as the cruelest vampire in the land. And here she was being offered up to him as a personal blood slave.

Iérti pushed her forward, almost shoving her. He lifted his head in a proud way, his eyes fastened on Mallen. "I expect some sort of thank you."

Mallen's olive green eyes met Iérti's dark brown eyes with a look of astonishment. "Are you serious? You expect me to thank you for terrifying a poor woman in this way? Please return her back to her – "

"She has no family," Iérti interrupted. "She is unmarried and has no mother nor father nor brother nor sister. She isn't pure, but I trust she will satisfy you."

"Iérti – " Mallen started to say, but Iérti turned and left as silently as a shadow, his burgundy red coat flying out behind him just before the door shut, leaving Mallen alone with the woman.

Mallen gave way to an exasperated sigh. He was about to turn back towards the window when he remembered the woman. He paused and turned his attention to her.

Panic flashed through the woman's eyes as she thought of all the horrible cruel things he might do to her, but Mallen said, "Hey, don't worry. You don't need to fear me; I won't hurt you."

The woman didn't say anything, just stared at him fearfully.

Mallen placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to put her at ease. He felt the woman flinch, but she didn't dare move, too terrified. Mallen sighed and removed his hand from her, deciding to let his actions speak for himself.