Blood and Stars

The Beginning Of Fate

I recommend you read the prompt before you read the story. For those coming from Pinterest I marked the point where it continues!
Now then, have fun!
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"Yes" the young female responded "but frankly I never thought much of traditions." She saw the short raven black hair of her opponent move as he gave out an amused chuckle, letting go of the act. "Good. Neither do I." As Rave turned around he ran a hand through his hair and seemed more exhausted now than he had let on before.

"It is a fact that you are in a cage now though, and in that cage you will stay if you value your life and the lives of your friends." the red eyed vampire said with a much colder stare than before now. The white haired huntress clenched her fists. "I knew what I'd get into from the beginning and I'm not afraid."
His eyes narrowed before he scoffed. "Not afraid? Don't play tough." Within an instant he stood next to her, leveling his head with her ear. "I know that you're scared of me and I have no reason to like you either. I'm only doing this for my family's success. So don't get any funny ideas." Leila tried her best not to let it get to her, but the words stung. Hope was so cruel at times.

Rave knew he was lying. He felt it in his bones, like he did everytime when he lied. The feeling disgusted him, but he had to. She was a hunter and he was a vampire. He had to kill these budding feelings before they had a chance to grow inside him. This was just another mission, he tried to tell himself, failure was not an option. Would it be a failure to love her?

She heard him let out a deep sigh and step away again. In the pale light of the moon he really seemed more exhausted than ever. She knew him, she had seen him fight, kill. But she had also seen him protect and care. Were vampires capable of such feelings? When Leila was honest the hunters didn't know much about their sworn enemy. Maybe there was a point in learning.

"You're still my husband now, so would you mind helping me out of this dress?", she asked after a few moments. Rave turned around and raised an eyebrow, but ultimately shrugged. "Of course." While he didn't like it, he now had responsibilities as her husband and he would take them seriously. Even though she was the one who asked he still caught her flinching as his cold fingers touched her back.
Leila hadn't considered that he would have to step so close for her request. It was obvious now, but too late, she was already nervous. "So I take it you're not gonna bite me in my sleep?", she asked, her voice cracking a little as he finished zipping her dress open. She couldn't see his angry glare but hear it in his voice. "Of course not! An honorable knight would never do such a thing! I am disgusted by the mere thought of taking someone's blood unwillingly and you are going to be a lot safer if you assume the same goes for everyone in this castle." Of course somewhere in his head Rave knew she couldn't know any better, but sadly there was nothing else that could hurt his pride more.

Leila froze, clutching her dress to herself. "I'm sorry, that was very tactless of me. I... Will try to be more open, I promise." Her words were soft and honest and it startled him. She couldn't see it but he looked to the side embarrassed. "No, it's alright. It's not like I don't have the same amount of prejudices regarding you."

Just as she was about to say something, the door swung open together with Rio. "Just wanted to check on- ohhh I see you're already getting to the good part, nicely done brother!" Both of the newlyweds started shining like ripe tomatoes. "I am not-, we are not-, you stupid idiot know I'd never do that! Get out!", Rave shouted at him and actually created tiny black rocks with his magic to throw at him.
"Ohhhh? OK then, I'll leave you guys to your business. See you later~!" With that the door closed again and they could hear him running off while laughing. An awkward silence came over the room. "I... Listen, I am very sorry for my younger brother, I swear he knows exactly that I'd never-" Rave was interrupted by a bright laughter. As he turned in surprise, his eyes widened and his heart seemed to beat for a moment.

She was hunched over and laughing, clutching her dress and her stomach at the same time. He couldn't say anything, the sight just captured him. He felt his cheeks flush. "It's quite alright, really. He seems like a funny guy.", she said before wiping away some tears and looking up at him again, only to catch him quickly covering a very visible blush with his hand. "Is everything alright? Should I not have laughed?"

Rave slowly shook his head before catching his breath. "No! No... It's fine." Now it was her turn to shyly look away. Once more awkward silence fell, neither of them really wanting to move before the other. 'A vampire and a knight. What a troublesome combination!' She smiled a little to herself. "I'm not scared." Rave didn't understand her words at first. "I'm not scared of you anymore."

Continuation for those coming from Pinterest:

He didn't understand how she could catch him off guard so easily. "I'm glad that you feel this way. I apologize for my rude behavior earlier. I will treat you with the respect that you deserve, that is a promise." His response was stern and very serious and Leila couldn't help but believe him. Clearing his throat he finally stepped over to what turned out to be his wardrobe. "Would you be alright wearing some of my clothes for a night? I fear it would prove rather troublesome to try and get your things here now." She blinked a few times before the information registered in her brain. "Uhm, I mean yes, of course. Thank you."

Only now as he searched for something that could fit her did she really have a chance to take in the room. It was huge, like she would expect from a castle. The bed was next to the second window while a neatly arranged desk stood under the third. The shelves were decorated with many things and a few paintings hung on the walls, one especially remarkable because some colors seemed to glow in the dark. There were many things she couldn't see because of the dark though, which was also why she was startled by the shirt and pair of pants handed to her.

"I think these could roughly be your size. I haven't worn them in a while. If you like you can change in the bathroom over there. It has a bit of light. I will see that my room is accommodated for you as well soon." Rave pointed to a door that Leila could barely make out. She couldn't see his blush anymore and she hoped hers would not be too obvious either, though his voice was softer now. "Yes, that would be nice… Thank you, again."

The time alone in the bathroom gave her room to think. It was fairly big as well, with a beautiful bathtub and sink as well as an extra shower. Everything seemed incredibly well cared for and tidy. It was obvious that Rave was a very orderly person but what captured her the most was the map of constellations on the wall next to the bathtub. 'He seems to like the night sky quite a bit. That could be the first similarity between us.'

Rave changed far quicker than she did, because it was his habit to distract himself with work in order to collect his thoughts. Everything was folded neatly and put back where it belonged before Leila even thought about stepping out. When she did Rave was sitting on the bed and looking out at the moon, though his gaze immediately fell on her. He barely held back his laughter. "I know this looks hilarious but it's not my fault you're so stupidly tall!", she pouted, which looked adorable with the sleeves that were covering her hands. "Well, at least you will be comfortable tonight.", the vampire chuckled, running a hand through his short hair.

The bed was more than big enough to fit both of them, so that was not something to be afraid of for her. Instead Leila came to wonder if he never got lonely occupying such a humongous bed by himself. As she tried to fall asleep under the silk sheets Rave felt her stares in his back. "What constellation are you looking at?", she suddenly asked quietly. "The unicorn. Over there.", Rave responded pleasantly surprised. She seemed to be able to follow his finger immediately. "I see it! The view from here is wonderful."

It was a simple gesture, just a peaceful moment, but Rave knew it had sealed his fate. A feeling of content spread through him like the roots of a tree. The only way to get rid of them now would be to die with them.