Destiny has left its mark (Vampire Romance) (Completed)

3 ~ A universe inside you

The library's soft lighting and muted tones lend a peaceful atmosphere, only interrupted by the occasional whisper of movement from Ellie. She's perched on a ladder, her auburn curls falling over her shoulders as she meticulously organizes the shelves. The smell of aging books and the quiet creaks of the old wooden floor blend together, creating a soothing backdrop."He's gorgeous." Ellie's laughter rings out, light and melodious, like the delicate clinking of glass. "Can a man really be that?"

I glance over, a small smile playing on my lips as I place a book back on the shelf. "Who are you talking about?" I ask, my mind half-focused on finding the correct spot for another volume.

"King Elijah. Who else?" Ellie replies, her voice carrying a dreamy quality that makes me pause. I follow her gaze to the guards stationed near the entrance, their stoic expressions unchanged.

My heart sinks slightly, and I try to keep my tone casual. "He's engaged," I remind her, hoping to deter her infatuation. "And trouble—stay away from him."

Ellie shrugs, a defiant glint in her eyes. "Well, he's not married yet," she says, slotting a book onto the shelf with a decisive thud.

I lower my voice, casting a wary glance at the guards. "Don't let them hear you," I warn.

"I don't care," she retorts, picking up another book and checking its number with brisk efficiency. "The one on the right is his personal guard. Don't you know anything?"

"You should totally give Abraham a chance," I suggest, hoping to shift her focus. "If royals are really your thing. Personally, I think they come with too much baggage. Besides, his fiancée didn't look too happy on the news." From where I stand, I notice the personal guard suppressing a chuckle.

"That's funny." Ellie rolls her eyes, clearly not amused. "Abraham has a crush on you, and he's like a brother to me. Not that he doesn't look good."

"Is it man-hunting season?" I joke, half-serious. "Women all over the city must have caught the same virus. I thought you hated men after your last breakup three months ago." None of her other friends were allowed to show interest in guys or have fun in front of her for weeks. Eventually, they started avoiding her, and she'd come to my place to sulk.

"Let's just say, after seeing the best, I'm certain I can date and even get married," Ellie says, her eyes sparkling with newfound determination.

Abraham never felt like a brother to me; I guess it's because he's a vampire and I'm not. I do consider him a friend who will always help. He's the one who got me the job at the City Hall library. "Don't you have plans for tonight?" I ask, glancing at the clock. It's past six. I want to avoid any more talk about her crush. "Get drunk and find a boy to take home. That way, you might realize you're not really interested in Elijah."

She looks at me, grinning. "How can I cheat on him?"

"Just go, please," I beg, my tone desperate.

"I'd rather help you first, then I can drop you off."

"Go. I'll be fine," I assure her.

Ellie hugs me briefly before rushing to the counter for her bag. "See you tomorrow morning," she calls out as she leaves. I finish putting away the last three books on the trolley, my movements mechanical. I glance at the two security guards at the front door. I haven't seen Elijah all day, but the two vampire men have been standing there since before Ellie and I arrived this morning. I recall the crowd of women earlier, all waiting for a glimpse of their king, disappointed when told he was already inside and wouldn't greet them.

What's keeping Elijah so busy?

The desk phone rings, jolting me from my thoughts. I answer it. "Hello?"

"It's Ruth," comes the familiar voice. "I'm glad you're still there, Daniella. Do you remember where I usually keep the keys to the cabinet in my office?" Ruth left at four for a family emergency.

"Yes, I remember," I reply.

"There's a file in there that King Elijah wants. It's the only pink file. Just lock the drawer and hide the key again."

"Okay," I say, my mind racing.

She hangs up, leaving me with the lingering question: what's in that file that's so important to King Elijah?

I manage to pull out the pink file and lock the cabinet when I hear a loud bang outside—an explosion that rattles the windows and reverberates through the floors. My ears ring from the blast, and I instinctively duck. Peering through the blinds, I see a chaotic scene unfolding below: a group of armed men, their faces obscured by masks, are firing at another group that has just arrived. The air is thick with the acrid smell of gunpowder, and the sharp cracks of gunfire echo against the buildings.

Elijah bursts out of his office, his expression grim. "You should leave. Alrich, take her home." His personal guard appears at his side as if summoned by magic.

Fear grips me, and my heart pounds so hard I can feel it in my throat. "Who's doing this?" My voice trembles, barely audible over the cacophony outside.

"My brother," Elijah replies, his face darkening with anger.

"Neo?" I blurt out before I can stop myself.

Elijah's eyes narrow with suspicion. "Wait. How do you know my brother's name?"

Panic flares within me. Am I not supposed to know his younger brother's name? Neo was the one I dated before I met Elijah in my previous life. I struggle to keep my expression neutral.

"You know my brother?" Elijah asks again, his suspicion deepening. "He hasn't been around for three hundred years, and before that, no one knew who he was or that his name is Neo."

Before I can respond, I hear Neo's voice behind me, calm and confident despite the chaos. "Glad I caught your attention, brother."

I'm caught off guard. With Elijah in front of me and Neo behind me, I wish I could disappear into the floor. How will I explain knowing his brother's name?

"Should I come back another time?" Neo asks, his tone almost playful.

"This woman knows your name," Elijah replies, his eyes locked onto me, waiting for an explanation.

Neo walks around me to stand next to his brother. He's pale but composed, his eyes scanning me with an intensity that makes my skin prickle.

Why do I feel like he sees me, even though I don't look like my former self?

Neo's voice is steady as he says, "It's because we met before tonight."

Elijah and I both look at him in surprise. "It's a first that someone remembers your name after meeting you. Except for Alrich," Neo adds, glancing at the guard.

"Whatever, I need to talk to you," Elijah says, brushing off the comment.

"Why all the drama this time? Couldn't you have just called?" Neo asks, an edge of annoyance in his voice.

"I was bored," Neo replies, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Can I go?" I ask, holding out the pink file to Elijah. My hand trembles slightly.

Elijah nods, his eyes softening slightly. "Go ahead."

I turn to leave, feeling all eyes on me, the tension in the air almost suffocating.

"Wait," Neo says. "Can I have a moment? I'll walk you out."

I can't say no since I'm supposed to have met him in this life. I nod, uncertain. Knowing Neo, if he's still the same as when we briefly dated—and judging by how he looked at me when he arrived—I'm sure he'll try to figure me out. He can't see that it's me, can he? That would be impossible.

Neo smiles. "Good, see you later, bro."

"Don't forget to tell your men to clean up." Elijah's voice follows us as we leave together. "And if you pull that stunt again, I'll lock you up for a hundred years."