48. Guarding
The Mansion at Night — Too Quiet
After the long strategy meeting, the mansion slowly fell into silence.
Sister Florence returned to her church.
Vincent and Amara went home with Mia.
The beast brothers stationed themselves around the mansion's borders.
Leo stayed inside, preparing for the journey.
Adele handled last-minute documents with trembling hands.
And Marcelline retreated to her room, finally alone.
The atmosphere was heavy—
like the calm before a storm.
She sat at her balcony, staring at the distant city lights.
The weight of everything pressed on her.
Her decision.
Her mother's tears.
Everyone's fear.
And the unknown terror waiting in Hollowmist City.
But she didn't regret it.
She whispered to herself:
"If something is waking…
I won't let history repeat."
She closed her eyes.
For a moment, she thought maybe—maybe—she could get a few hours of sleep.
---
But Then— A Soft Knock
Knock.
Knock.
Marcelline sighed.
"Victor… I know it's you."
His voice came through the door, annoyingly smug:
> "And here I thought I was stealthy."
Marcelline: "Not even close."
She opened the door slightly.
Victor stood there leaning on the wall, arms crossed, wearing black casual clothes instead of his usual royal attire. His eyes were serious, but there was something else too—
Fear.
Worry.
Determination.
Marcelline narrowed her eyes.
"What are you doing here?"
Victor gestured casually to the floor beside her door.
> "Taking the night shift."
She blinked.
"…What?"
Victor dropped down, sitting on the carpet like it was his throne.
> "I'm guarding your room."
Marcelline pinched the bridge of her nose.
"You're a High Table leader, not a watchdog."
Victor smirked.
> "Tonight, I am both."
She sighed deeply.
"Victor—"
He cut her off.
His voice dropped to a tone she didn't hear often—serious, raw, unfiltered.
> "Elli…
You're leaving tomorrow to face an unknown threat across the world.
Let me at least make sure nothing happens to you tonight."
Marcelline's breath hitched.
For a heartbeat, her chest tightened.
---
Marcelline Tries to Push Him Away
"You don't have to—"
"I know," Victor said softly, "but I want to."
She stared at him.
He stared right back.
Neither looked away.
Finally, Marcelline sighed dramatically to break the tension.
"Fine.
But don't flirt with my door."
Victor grinned instantly.
> "No promises."
She shut the door on his face.
He chuckled.
---
Inside Her Room — Marcelline Smiles Despite Herself
She leaned against the closed door for a moment.
Victor's presence outside it…
It was comforting.
Reassuring.
Annoying.
Warm.
She whispered:
"Idiot…"
But there was a small smile on her lips.
---
Outside — Victor Settles In
He stretched his legs, relaxing like he owned the hallway.
Alpha walked by, raising an eyebrow.
"Guard duty?"
Victor nodded.
Alpha snorted. "You're weak."
Victor smirked.
> "And yet she let me guard her door."
Alpha choked on air.
"WHAT?!"
Paradus walked by next and narrowed his eyes.
"You are not sleeping here."
Victor: "I'm not sleeping.
I'm guarding."
Paradus: "…Same thing."
Victor: "No."
Leo passed by with a cup of herbal drink.
"Brother, just let him.
He's worried."
Victor choked on his drink. "LEO—DON'T MAKE ME SEEM WEAK."
Leo shrugged.
Alpha mumbled: "I still don't trust vampire on night duty."
Paradus: "Fair."
Victor glared: "I CAN HEAR ALL OF YOU."
The beast brothers ignored him.
---
Inside — Marcelline Prepares Quietly
She changed into comfortable clothes, removed her jewelry, and packed the first few items she'd need tomorrow:
A reinforced dimensional ring
A shadow-veil disguise
Her encrypted travel documents
Two specially forged short blades
She placed them neatly in her astral travel trunk.
Then she pulled the curtains, turned off the lights, and lay on her bed.
Her eyes remained open for a long time.
Knowing Victor was there…
made the fear less suffocating.
---
Victor's Vow in the Dark
Around midnight, Victor leaned back against the wall, eyes half closed.
He whispered so quietly no one heard:
> "Elli…
Come back alive.
That's all I want."
His aura spread silently, forming an invisible barrier around her door.
No intruder.
No nightmare.
No dark pulse.
Nothing would reach her tonight.
Not while he was here.
---