Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 26

"You know I can escort you with him." Ngumiti siya sa kaibigan at umiling.

Kakatapos niya lang ayusan. She wore a long, white gown that flowed gracefully around her. Her brown hair, wavy and cascading down her back, was adorned with a delicate tiara that sparkled softly in the light.

"I will be fine." Ngumiti siya sa kaibigan at hinawakan ang kamay nito.

"It's not just any other place, Elara." Nag-aalalang sabi ni ni Mira. "It's Noctrisrealm."

"I will be living there after our union, Mira. I will be okay." Ngumiti siya dito para makumbinsi ang kaibigan. "Kung gusto akong ipahamak ni Lucius, matagal na niya sanang ginawa."

Sa huli ay nagpakawala ito ng malalim na hininga at tumango sa kanya.

"Alright." Niyakap naman siya nito ng mahigpit. "I don't trust him, Elara."

Hinagod niya ang likod ng kaibigan. Naiintindihan niya ito. Kahit ang Inang niya ay ramdam niya din ang pag-alala nito. She was preparing to journey to Noctrisrealm to meet Lucius' family and the vampires who were once their enemies. To ensure the peace treaty's success, she needed to act as the bridge between the two sides. During this visit, their union would be officially announced, marking a significant step towards forging lasting peace.

"I understand. I will be bringing Liwayway with me." Ngumiti siya sa kaibigan ng maghiwalay sila.

Sabay naman na lumabas sila ni Mira sa kanyang silid habang nakasunod si Liwayway sa kanyang gilid. Lumapit ang ina niya at hinagkan siya sa pisngi. Tumango naman ang ama niya sa kanya.

"I will be off, High King, Lady Queen." Bahagyang yumukod siya sa mga magulang.

"We'll see you soon." Sabi ng ina niya.

She saw Lucius enter the palace. Agad naman na nag-iwas ang ibang elves nang makita ang pagdating nito. His face was serious as he scanned the large hall. When his gaze finally settled on her, his expression softened, and a faint smile touched his lips.

"We'll be heading out." Sabi ni Lucius sa kanyang ina at ama nang makalapit.

"Take care of Elara." His father said while his face remains serious.

Sinamahan siya ni Mira sa labas. Nang makalabas ay nakita nila si Vesto na naghihintay. Seryosong nakatingin lamang ito sa kanila. Alam niya na hindi din nito gusto na aalis siya at pupunta sa Noctrisrealm.

"Vesto." She said greeting him.

"Elara." He said acknowledging her. "You take care there." He said.

"Of course, she'll be safe with me." Malamig na sagot ni Lucius. Ayan na naman ang bangayan ng dalawa. Mag-uumpisa naman ang mga ito.

"Not sure about the vampires surrounding an elf." Matigas na sabi ni Vesto.

Magsasalita pa sana si Lucius nang tingnan niya ito na parang nagpapahiwatig na tumahimik na.

"I'll manage." She said assuring him.

Yumakap naman siya kay Mira at nagpaalam. Vesto opened the portal outside the Elderglen. She, Liwayway, and Lucius enter the alternate space and in just a blink of an eye, they were in the forest.

"Where are we?!" Liwayway shrieked.

"We're outside the Sylvan Glade." Lucius answered.

"This is the boundary of Noctrisrealm, right?" Tiningnan niya ito.

Tumango naman ito at bahagyang ngumiti sa kanya.

"So, are we going to walk there?" She asked him again.