Hers to Claim (Preview)

Chapter 2

The Round Table.

It's what the Monarchy terms the completion of all the cursed bloodlines' heads for a meeting.

I thought that I was summoned only by the Council of Lupi. But I guess not.

Just the mere thought of being the subject for the Round Table is enough to make me sweat profusely.

Leading me around some halls filled with historic paintings, expensive tapestries, and other collections which may have seen more years than me, Alexandrine and the wraith do not utter a single word. The deafening silence only bothered by the echoes of our footsteps encourages the loud thumping of my heart. My feet weigh heavier as we take more steps.

I wrack my brain, thinking and rehearsing of how I should behave and how I should speak. The people in that Round Table can kill me easily without blinking.

Alexandrine and the wraith stop on their tracks. Setting my focus back on what's in front of me, I see that we have come to the throne room. However, it's empty aside from the vampire who stands just a short distance from the throne.

"Thank you for your service, Alexandrine and Lerim. I'll take it from here." The vampire's velvety voice floats and echoes around as if a whisper made directly in my ears.

After a curtsy, Alexandrine magically disappears, leaving only dust particles in her place, and Lerim fades into black smoke, chasing the shadows behind us.

The vampire is pale and lean but he looks strong enough to impale me just anywhere within a second. His glossy, white hair tells me he has lived beyond centuries, but his flawless and handsome appearance betrays his age. His clear ruby red eyes, beautiful and dangerously compelling, are good signs that he is not thirsty for blood at the moment.

"My name is Dracul." He speaks once again, enchanting my ears.

I swallow nervously as he gives me a courteous smile, not failing to show his fangs.

"I'm-"

"Miss Bea Mireille Wood." He cuts in. "Or shall I call you Miss Selena?"

"How do you know that?" I stand defensively, feeling sensitive about that name.

"The Monarchy knows a lot of things." He replies nonchalantly. "So?"

"Belle." I answer him, avoiding eye contact.

He turns around and steps closer to the throne. The throne suddenly moves, revealing a spiral underground staircase.

"If you will." Dracul walks down the staircase, meaning for me to follow him.

Dangerous.

The warning bells in my head are ringing as the throne moves back to its place, successfully blocking my way out should I wish to run away.

Euan, Luca.

The desperation for the comfort of my mates makes my stomach churn. So much that I feel my heart burn.

Ending the long spiral trek, we meet the entrance to the Round Table, a stone arc elegantly carved with intricate details which seem like old cryptic languages.