Right Outside My Window (ErrInk)

Chapter 23 - Return

Ink's POV

The carriage slowed to a stop in front of the castle. A smile appeared on my face from the familiarity. Nothing had changed since I last left except for a few more bloomed roses.

Others were making their way through the front gates, bowing to one another in respect. Xander opened the door for me, allowing me to step out.

I thanked him as I steadied myself on the ground, Reaper following close behind me. He stared up at the moon, which was a brilliant ocean blue, and looked around at the people.

Me: What is wrong, Reaper?

Reaper: I am figuring out who is a vampire without having to smell them. You can always tell by watching their behavior. Vampires and their mates will be more cuddly than mortal couples.

He suddenly motioned towards a pair. I followed his gaze and saw a man and a woman standing together while talking with two other people. The woman was snuggling against the arm of her male counterpart while staring up at him.

Reaper: Like her. She is practically attached to his hip. She is experiencing overwhelming love because of the moon. Being clingy is one of the ways to vent out that energy.

Xander led us to the front gates. When we walked past the couple. The clingy woman suddenly looked at me, allowing me to see a surprised expression on her face and her eyes turn slightly red.

I recoiled in fear as I was not expecting her to stare at me all of a sudden.

After gathering my thoughts, I admired the roses as we passed by the hedges. The butler turned around and he smiled as he walked backwards.

Xander: The king has kept these roses in prestige condition, knowing that you'll return one day.

Me: The... king?

Xander: Of course. King Geno was crowned two years ago. He works tirelessly to be as good as King Vlad so he likes to tend to the rose hedges to prevent himself from becoming stressed.

We entered the castle and was led down one of the many hallways. Not much was different, flowers being the only ones to have changed. Memories were slowly coming back to me as we made our way to the ballroom.

Music gradually grew louder as Xander led Reaper and I closer. Violins and cellos played in harmony which I could tell it was uncomfortable for my werewolf companion to hear.

Eventually, we stopped in front of double doors with heavily armored guards standing at both sides. The butler looked at my friend.

Xander: Do you wish to stay out here?

Reaper: Why would I do that?

Xander: Because his majesty will not be happy to see you. Especially when you are accompanying his soulmate.

Reaper growled.

Reaper: I am not going to stay and sit. I am not a pet that does tricks for mortals or vampires.

Xander nodded, seeming to annoyed with the wolf. He put on a smile before ordering the guards to open the door.

The ballroom was extravagant. Large crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, magic fire floating around to make the gems sparkle. Curtains were pulled opened to show the tall glass stained windows behind them. The marble floor had recently been waxed and polished to have a shiny surface.

People dressed in their finest clothing danced together to the music. Butlers and maids walked around while holding trays of beverages to offer to the guests. Although, Reaper was right, it was somewhat easy to tell who was a vampire.

At the end of the room was a platform that was home to three thrones placed evenly apart from each other. The center seat drew the most attention due to its detailed beauty. The right one was the darkest, telling me that it belonged to Error. The left was still designed for a mortal prince, the middle of the royal family.

As I looked around in awe, I heard a familiar voice. I turned around to see Geno.

The clothing that he once adorned was replaced with something more extra. The bloody white eyepatch on his right eye was replaced with a proper black one.

We hugged, not seeing each other for three years.

Geno: I did not know you were attending this celebration. It has been such a long time, Ink. How are you?

Me: I am doing alright at the school. You do not stutter anymore.

Geno blushed shyly.

Geno: I had to grow my confidence. I am a king now. A kingdom cannot be led by a coward.

Me: You do not wear a crown?

The king shook his head.

Geno: My family does not believe in wearing accessories to show authority. We already are authority because of our blood.

I hummed in response. My friend noticed Reaper standing next to me. The happy expression disappeared.

Geno: And who might this be?

Me: This is Reaper Ren. He is a friend of mine I met back in Valcon.

Reaper and Geno stared at each other for a few seconds.

Geno: You are a werewolf. I do not see those very often.

Reaper: How did you know?

Geno: Let's see... disinterested expression, dilated pupils, easily annoyed behavior, lack of manners, and bad posture. Werewolves do not commonly come into mortal villages and do not like being told what to do. They normally only listen to their Alpha or to someone they trust but it seems that you are a lone wolf based on how you act.

Blush lightly dusted Reaper's cheeks. Geno cleared his throat before turning to me.

Geno: Now if you'll excuse me. I have some matters to attend to. It was nice seeing you again, Ink.

He smiled to me and left. I glanced at the werewolf, noticing his face completely covered with blush. Reaper returned my stare.

Reaper: He's good. I'm...

I'm in love