Beneath the Vampire King's Desire

Chapter 54

The room is dimly lit. The soft glow of a nearby fire painting the walls with flickering shadows. I stand by the desk, my fingers hovering over my half-packed bag as if I'm deciding what to take and what to leave behind. The quiet crackle of the fire fills the heavy silence between us. Across the room, Lucius leans against the doorframe, his arms folded tightly across his chest. His sharp gray eyes follow my every move.

"You're not going alone." Lucius said breaking the silence, his tone firm but calm.

I pause mid-motion as I glance at him over my shoulder.

"I've already told you, Lucius. I'll be fine. I don't need anyone." I said as I closes the bag with a quick tug. My voice steady but slightly defensive. "And besides kasama ko sina Grimhowl at Liwayway."

Lucius pushing off the doorframe. His movements deliberate as he steps closer towards me.

"It's not about whether you need someone, Elara. It's about what I need. And I need to know you're not wandering without protection." Seryosong sabi nito habang mataman na nakatingin sa kanya.

Nagpakawala ako nang malalim na hininga at hinarap si Lucius. Wala naman dapat ipag-alala ito lalo na at sa Elderglen lang siya pupunta pero naiintindihan niya din si Lucius na hindi mawala dito ang pag-alala.

"I'm not helpless. I can handle myself." Sabi niya dito.

Lucius narrowing his eyes slightly as his voice lowering, laced with quiet authority.

"I know you can. That doesn't mean you should have to." Lucius gestures vaguely toward the door. "Take one of my legions. They'll stay out of your way, but they'll be there if things go wrong."

Pinagkrus ko ang dalawang braso ko sa dibdib habang nakakunot ang noong nakatingin dito. Nang sabihin niya na aalis siya papuntang Elderglen ay agad na ipinatigil nito ang ilang operasyon  para may sumama sa kanya paalis na agad niya naman hindi sinang-ayunan.

"Lucius, I don't want anyone following me around." Dahilan ko dito. Lucius gaze hardens. The faintest edge of irritation creeping into his tone.

"And if something happens? If you end up in the middle of one of those situations you always seem to find yourself in? What then?" He takes another step closer, his presence commanding. "Humor me, Elara. Let them follow at a distance. You won't even know they're there."

I looked up at him. My resolve faltering slightly under the intensity of his gaze.

"Lucius—"

Lucius cut me off as voice softer now but no less resolute.

"It's not a suggestion, Elara. If you're going to Elderglen, you're taking one of my legions. That's final." Saad nito at marahang hinaplos ang kanyang buhok.

"Do you want me to accompany you instead?" Umiling siya sa tanong nito. Hindi dahil ayaw niya kasama ito kundi dahil alam niya na maraming kailangan gawin at responsibilidad din si Lucius.

"Lucius, you don't have to do that. You've got responsibilities here." I said and gave him a smile.

"I didn't ask if I had to. I asked if you wanted me to." Lucius said raising an eyebrow as his voice lowering slightly.

"You're needed here. The manor, your people—there's too much that depends on you. You can't just drop everything to follow me around." I said meeting his gaze. My smile fading slightly as I sighs.

His jaw tighten briefly.

"I can handle my responsibilities, love. They won't fall apart without me for a few days." He pauses studying me carefully.