The Vampire's Court

Chapter 32- I'm a Winged Insect, You're a Funeral Pyer

Dimitri strode through the dimly lit corridors of the manor with a satisfied smile playing on his lips. The night was quiet, the distant echoes of the manor's nocturnal life barely whispering through the vast halls. He knew exactly where to find her; it had become a routine, almost instinctual, to seek his little fox out during these quiet hours—most of the time unbeknownst to her. As he approached the small parlor, a favorite secluded spot of Seraphine's for late-night reading, his anticipation built with each step.

It had been a few days since their last flirtatious duel, but Dimitri was hellbent on turning the tides back in his favor.

He entered the room with a confidence that filled the space, his presence immediately drawing Seraphine's attention away from her book. "Good evening," he greeted, his voice smooth and laced with a warmth that was reserved just for these moments. "Caught in a world of fiction, are we?"

Seraphine looked up, her emerald eyes sparkling with a mixture of surprise and delight. "Dimitri," she replied, her tone playful yet welcoming. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Can I not simply wish to spend time with my enchanting wife?" Dimitri countered, his approach casual as he took a seat opposite her. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows that danced across his strong features, adding an almost ethereal glow to his already striking appearance.

The room filled with their banter, each line more flirtatious than the last, as they skillfully navigated the delicate dance of words. Dimitri, feeling bold, leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You know, your beauty could put the stars to shame tonight," he teased, watching her cheeks flush with a mixture of bashfulness and pleasure.

Seraphine laughed, a sound that stirred something deep within him. "And you, Your Grace, could give the moon a reason to hide in envy," she shot back, her words sharp yet affectionate.

Their exchange continued, the air thick with tension and unspoken desires. However, as Seraphine skillfully parried each of his advances with her witty retorts, Dimitri found himself cornered by her intellect and charm. In a moment of playful desperation, he reached for the music box in his pocket, a device enchanted to deepen the allure of any interaction.

Dimitri chuckled, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees, drawing slightly closer. "You know, I've found a peculiar little item the other day. Thought it might pique your interest," he said, producing a small, ornately carved music box from his pocket.

"Really?" Seraphine's interest was piqued as she leaned in to get a better look. "And what might that be?"

"It's a music box from an old Hungarian market, famed for its captivating melodies, some say it's imbued with fae magic ." He produced an exquisitely crafted music box from his pocket, its gold filigree twinkling in the light of the candles.

Seraphine's interest peaked, she leaned forward, her gaze fixed on the intricate carvings and filigree. "Play it for me," she said, her voice soft yet commanding.

As the lid of the music box opened, releasing its melodious, seductive tune, Dimitri watched Seraphine's reaction closely. The music weaved around her, pulling her deeper into a state of captivation. Her eyes glazed slightly, her posture relaxed, and a serene expression settled over her features. But as he observed her succumbing to the enchantment, a pang of guilt struck him sharply.

"This isn't right."

His heart clenched at the sight of her under the spell, not truly free in her responses. He wanted her smiles, her laughter, her witty comebacks—all of it—genuine and untouched by magic. With a resolute flick of his wrist, Dimitri snapped the music box shut, cutting the enchantment short. The abrupt silence that followed seemed to snap Seraphine out of her trance.