Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 45

She woke with a start, her head heavy and her vision swimming in a haze. Blinking rapidly, she brushed her fingers across her eyes, trying to clear the fog clouding her sight. As her vision sharpened, her brows knit together in confusion. The room around her was unfamiliar—its walls painted in a color she didn't recognize, adorned with strange decor.

As the memories surged back, her breath hitched, and she quickly pushed herself to her feet. The haze of sleep was replaced by the sharp sting of realization—she was traveling with Lucius, heading to Stonevale. Anxiety spurred her into motion as she crossed the room in quick strides. Reaching the large window, she grabbed the thick curtain and yanked it aside. It was still cloaked in darkness outside. Sa pagkaalala niya ay madaling araw na sila nang umalis ni Lucius sa Noctrisrealm. How long had she been asleep? Buong araw ba siya nakatulog?

She just noticed what she was wearing. Instead, she had on a white long-sleeved sleepwear gown, soft and light against her skin with loose sleeves that tapered at the wrists. The neckline was modest, accented by a delicate lace trim flowing down to her ankles. Si Lucius ba ang nagpalit sa kanya? Napalunok siya sa isiping iyon.

Naglakad siya patungo sa pinto at binuksan ang seradura. Nakakabinging katahimikan ang bumungad sa kanya. Where could Lucius have gone? She stepped into the hallway, her bare feet soft against the cold stone floor. The dim light from flickering wall sconces cast long shadows on the walls. The hallway was long and wide, and she felt like she could easily get lost in it. She walked carefully, unsure of where it led. At last, she stepped through an archway and found herself in a large sala. The high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and ornate furniture made the space feel even bigger. Dahan-dahan na bumaba siya sa eleganteng hagdan habang pinapalibot niya ang kanyang tingin sa buong paligid.

She roamed around the grand sala, her footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. Intricate tapestries, elegant furniture, and portraits that seemed to watch her. As she wandered, her gaze landed on a large,
door at the corner. She grasped the handle and pushed it open. Instantly, a cold breeze rushed in, brushing against her skin. The wind swept through her long hair and fluttered the hem of her dress.

She walked slowly, her eyes scanning the surroundings, but there was nothing in sight. The silence seemed to press against her mind. A chill ran through her as she saw a familiar figure in the distance. He stood with his back to her, and though she couldn't see his face, she knew it was Lucius. It was as if he had deliberately made himself invisible, ensuring she couldn't feel his presence at all. She walked toward him, her steps slow but steady.

As she got closer, she caught a glimpse of his hand holding a glass, and it looked like he was drinking. When she saw his side face clearly. His gaze was fixed on nothing, staring into the void, his eyes completely empty of any emotion. The coldness in his stare was so intense it made the chill of ice seem warm in comparison. Slowly, he turned toward her, his movements calm and deliberate. A faint smile curved on her lips as their eyes met. The coldness in his gaze remained, but now there was a softness to it. She opened her mouth, ready to speak, but before she could utter a word, Lucius spoke.

"It's cold in here. You shouldn't be out here." He said to her.

"You weren't there when I woke up." She said, her voice soft but laced with a hint of confusion. "So, I went outside to find you." She added.

Napalunok siya nang hindi magsalita si Lucius at matagal na nagkakatitigan lamang silang dalawa.

"Let's go inside." He said, his tone flat and emotionless. "You must be hungry. You haven't eaten all day." His words were matter-of-fact. There was no urgency in his tone, just a quiet, detached observation.