Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 42

The soft glow of the chandelier bathed the vast expanse of Lucius' library in a golden light, casting intricate shadows that danced across the towering shelves. She ran her fingers gently along the spines of ancient tomes, their leather bindings worn and cracked with age.

Though she had been here many times before, it is the first time that she is able to explore the library. Pausing before a shelf, her eyes settled on a book adorned with a crimson sigil that seemed to pulse faintly under the light. Her eyes locked onto the crimson-sigil book, a jolt of excitement sparking through her. Without hesitation, she reached for it, her fingertips brushing the embossed cover as if it might vanish if she delayed even a second longer. The book was heavier than she expected.

Tiningnan niya ang librong hawak at mahinang binasa ang nakasulat na pamagat sa harap nang libro. Medyo may kalumaan na din ito at panas na ang ibang letra.

"The Immortal Wrath of Lazarius." Basa niya.

Napakunot ang kanyang noo.

"Lazarius?" She asked quietly to herself. Binalingan niya naman si Lucius na ngayon ay nakatayo na habang diretsong nakatingin sa kanya. "Isn't he one of the first royal ancient vampire?"

Maraming beses na narinig at nabasa niya ang pangalang 'Lazarius'. She was taught about the vampire history and such.

"Yes, he is." Lucius answered. "I'm his descendant."

"Yes, I know. I've read books about him." Saad niya dito.

Ever since she first heard of him, she couldn't shake her curiosity. The stories said Lazarius died under mysterious circumstances, and no one knew exactly why or how. Some claimed it was an accident, others believed it was betrayal, and a few spoke of dark rituals gone wrong. Whatever the truth, his death remained a puzzle, leaving more questions than answers.

"Do you know how did he die?" Patuloy na tanong niya dito at tiningnan ulit ang librong hawak niya.

"No one knows." Lucius said and shrug.

Napanguso naman siya dahil sa sagot nito. Naglakad patungo sa kanyang direksiyon si Lucius at agad na pinulupot ang kamay nito sa kanyang bewang. Tiningnan nito ang hawak niyang libro kaya doon napako ulit ang kanyang tingin.

"Paanong di mo alam? You're from his bloodline. Siguro naman ay may ilang ebedensiya kung paano siya namatay." Saad niya.

"In his time, vampires roamed the world in disarray, lacking unity or allegiance to any coven. Yet, Lazarius, with his formidable power and vision, was able to forge his own esteemed faction— the Noctrisrealm." As he spoke, his hands gently encircled her waist, pulling her closer. "All I know is that Lazarius disappeared into the shadows, and his death followed. No witnesses, no explanations. Just silence."

Tumango naman siya dahil sa sinabi nito. Tumingala siya at binalingan si Lucius. Tipid na ngumiti siya dito.

"Can I borrow this?" Tanong niya at itinaas ang librong hawak. "I want to learn about your history." She said never leaving her gaze at him. "And I must admit, I'm curious."

To understand Lucius' coven, she knew she couldn't just rely on rumors or the old books she was given in Elderglen. She needed to experience it herself, to see the truth behind their ways through her own eyes. Only then would she truly learn what bound them together.

"All that your eyes gaze upon is yours." His voice is low and certain as he spoke, his eyes meeting hers with a steady intensity.

In a single motion, Lucius is already seated in his chair and she found herself sitting on his lap. Her eyes widened in surprise and because of their position. Just before she could pull away, Lucius tightened his grip around her waist, holding her in place with a firm. His gaze never left hers, his presence commanding yet silent, as if silently urging her to stay.