𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬

𝐅 𝐈 𝐕 𝐄 - A New Day

Luwin

I woke up to the softest sheets I had ever felt against my skin, cocooned in warmth and comfort. For a moment, I lay still, savoring the sensation. The bed was enormous, far larger than anything I had slept in before, with plush pillows that cradled my head perfectly. The room was dimly lit by the soft morning light filtering through the heavy curtains, casting a warm glow over everything.

I could have stayed there forever, wrapped in the luxurious bedding, lost in the rare peace that came after such a chaotic night. But as the events of the previous evening slowly crept back into my mind, the tranquility began to fade, replaced by the realization of where I was. I was in the castle of the Queen of Vampires, under her protection—or perhaps her control.

A shiver ran through me, and I tried to push away the lingering unease. There was no escaping it, though. Queen Arabella had seen everything, and I had no idea what that meant for me now.

I sighed, finally accepting that I couldn't stay buried in the blankets forever. Slowly, I pushed myself up, the luxurious fabric sliding off my skin like water. The room was large and just as elegant as the rest of the castle, with dark wood furniture and intricate carvings on the walls. A large, ornate mirror stood opposite the bed, reflecting my disheveled appearance.

As I turned, a movement in the corner of the room caught my eye. My breath hitched, and I tensed, my heart leaping into my throat. A figure was standing there, tall and broad-shouldered, half-hidden in the shadows.

It wasn't Arabella. The figure stepped forward into the light, revealing a man with a calm, almost serene expression. He was dressed in a uniform of sorts, dark and crisp, with a faint insignia on his chest that I couldn't quite make out. His hair was close-cropped, and his eyes were sharp, but there was a surprising warmth in them that caught me off guard.

"Good morning, Luwin," he said, his voice deep but gentle. "I didn't mean to startle you."

I blinked at him, my mind racing. Who was he? How long had he been standing there? And more importantly, why was he in my room?

"Who are you?" I managed to ask, my voice shaky. I felt vulnerable, exposed in nothing but the thin nightgown I had been given.

The man offered a small smile and inclined his head slightly in a respectful gesture. "My name is Alaric. I'm the head of Her Majesty's guard."

The head of Arabella's guard? My heart skipped a beat, the implications of his presence sinking in. He must have been sent by her. But why?

He seemed to notice my discomfort, his expression softening. "I apologize for the intrusion," he said, his tone sincere. "I was sent to ensure your safety and to deliver a message."

A message? From Arabella? My thoughts were a jumble of confusion and apprehension. Why would she send her head guard to me?

Before I could voice any of my questions, Alaric stepped forward, holding out a bundle of fabric. "These are for you," he said. "A new set of clothes. Her Majesty thought you might appreciate something more comfortable, more... modern."

I stared at the clothes in his hands, blinking in surprise. The fabric was soft and looked expensive, some black slacks and a white button up shirt, nothing like the simple, worn garments I was used to. I reached out hesitantly, taking the bundle from him, my fingers brushing against the material. Modern clothes? Here, in this ancient castle?

It seemed almost absurd, but then again, everything about this place was a strange blend of old and new, timeless yet somehow contemporary.

"Thank you," I said quietly, still not quite sure what to make of the situation. "But... why?"