Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 44

The night is young, alive with energy and revelry. The grand hall of Noctrisrealm buzzes with laughter and spirited conversation, as vampires from the Noctrisrealm mingle with those of the Bloodmoon Coven. Clusters of elegantly dressed immortals exchange tales and sharp witticisms, their voices blending with the ambient hum of the gathering. She roams her gaze across the expansive hall, taking in the glittering chandeliers, flowing crimson banners.

"Are you alright?" Napatingin siya kay Lucius nang marinig ang masuyong boses nito.

Bahagyang ngumiti siya at tumango.

"I'm fine. Everyone seems to be having a good time." Sabat niya at binalik ang tingin sa mga bampirang nagkukumpulan.

Naramdaman niya ang marahan at masuyong paghagod ni Lucius sa kanyang bewang kung saan nakahawak ito. Simula nang bumaba siya at pinakilala ay hindi na siya nito binitawan. Ang tanging oras lamang na binitawan siya ni Lucius ay nang kumain siya.

May ilang matataas na rangko ang nakikipag-usap dito kasama siya. Most of the time, Lucius was cold and seemed uninterested, but whenever their eyes met, his eyes will soften and would give her a small smile. Ngayon lang ulit sila nakapagsolo na dalawa. Nilibot niya ang tingin upang hanapin si Liwayway pero hindi niya na makita ang kanyang pixie kaya napailing na lamang siya. It seemed Liwayway was enjoying the nectar juice Lucius had prepared for them.

"My Lord, My Lady." Tumingin siya sa direksiyon kung saan nanggaling ang boses.

Victoria walked toward them with effortless confidence, her red dress hugging her curves and flowing gracefully with each step. Her signature red lipstick highlighted her sharp smile, and her long, curled hair framed her face like a dark halo. In her hand, she held a wine glass, the crimson liquid inside catching the light as she moved.

She didn't even feel Lucius move, his presence so cold and detached. Ginawaran niya nang isang ngiti ang babae. Sinulyapan siya ni Victoria at natuon ang tingin nito kay Lucius. Matagal na tinitigan nito ang lalake habang nanatili ang ngiti sa mga labi nito. Napalunok na lamang siya dahil walang may nagsasalita sa kanilang tatlo. Tanging ingay sa paligid lamang ang kanyang naririnig.

"I just wanted to offer my congratulations on the success of the alliance with the Bloodmoon." Saad ni Victoria matapos ang mahabang katahimikan.

"As if an alliance with them is a privilege." Lucius said it with a sarcastic tone, his voice cold and indifferent.

Marahang natawa naman si Victoria sa sinabi ni Lucius. She laughed softly, the sound rich and melodious, effortlessly exuding elegance with every note. Her poise never wavered, even in her amusement, as if her laughter itself were part of a graceful performance.

"You're right. Bloodmoon is truly fortunate to have formed an alliance with the royals." Saad ni Victoria.

She took a slow, sensual sip from her wine glass, her eyes never leaving Lucius as she did. The moment lingered, her gaze intense and deliberate. After a second, Victoria glanced at her, a subtle shift in her attention.

"My Lady." She said smiling at her. "You are incredibly stunning tonight." Saad nito habang nakatingin sa kanyang mga mata.

Hindi niya alam kung totoo ba ang sinabi nito dahil wala siyang may nakitang kakaiba sa mga tingin nito at ang tono ng boses nito ay parang mangha. Still, she remained her composure and smile.

"Ikaw rin, Victoria. You look beautiful in that red dress." She said softly.

"What an honor to be complimented by a High Queen." She said it with a sweet smile, though there's a glint at Victoria's eyes.