The moon hung low through the dark clouds, leisurely looming over the Castle of Ridgehelm, and its full, round shape cast a shadow outside the large, arched window. A tinge of white-gray hues crept into the bridal chamber, reaching far corners and blending with the light emitted by the lit candles.
Half of Caedmon's face was stroked by an elongated dim shadow, stretching across his forehead down to the bridge of his narrowed nose, left cheek, and his chiseled jawline. While the other half was caressed by serene luminescence, his smooth skin turned even more ashen.
Elizabeth blinked at the sight, falling into a momentary daze. The Lord of Arkavis before her looked both benevolent and villainous as if he was duplicating himself, portraying two different roles in front of her. With the way her name came out so reverent and tender in his tongue, one would think he was teasing a lover, yet the malice behind it might be a reflection of boundless desire.
Collecting her strayed thoughts, Elizabeth stared at him and probed, ''What do you mean you're in poor health?''
''I am in poor health in the same way as mortals get terminal illnesses and die,'' Caedmon explained without a hint of jest. ''Now, if you'll excuse me...''
''Wait.''
''We'll talk about this tomorrow,'' Caedmon's gaze was dismissive, hinting that she wouldn't get an answer tonight. ''The servants are dismissed,'' he added, quickly checking Elizabeth out from head to toe, contemplating. ''Do you need assistance to undress your wedding dress? I'll call them back for you.''
Shaking her head, Elizabeth muttered an immediate refusal. Caedmon, who was peering down at the young miss, scrutinized her cold expression, and found her unfiltered aversion a bit amusing, as though something else dawned on her. After all, tonight is their wedding night, and vampires strictly abide by their ceremony of consummation.
The young miss, though a mortal, was surely given enough knowledge about it. As soon as she was betrothed to the Lord of Arkavis, the governess assigned to her made certain she would be well-versed with the ways of the night creatures when it came to coupling. But this response was rather entertaining, and perhaps, a little playfulness would finally crack her restraint around him.
With these thoughts running inside his head, Caedmon clasped his hands behind his waist, and then unhurriedly stepped forward, leaning his body toward her. Unexpectedly, Elizabeth lifted her chin at the same time, directly meeting his gaze. Now, they were just a foot apart from each other.
''One more important thing, milord,'' Elizabeth's rosy, moistened lips parted. Caedmon gave it a pensive stare, following the slightest movement of her mouth while she was speaking, ''Alexander will be returning to the Commonwealth with my father, and he will be tied by his military duties, but his vampire urges shouldn't be exposed. Do you have any arrangements for him?''
After Alexander got corrupted while he was on a mission, he stayed in Arkavis for three years, disguising his absence as close surveillance over the territory of the night creatures, which was part of the agreed peace treaty. But in truth, he was biding his time to stabilize his urges to go rampant.
When mortals turned into vampires, their bodies would naturally reject the corruption, becoming uncontrollable. During the process, they don't have the right minds to decide for themselves, only indulging in wanton killings. The pureblood's blood, upon entering the body, would force mortals to lose their reason and go feral.
Alexander was in that same state of disorder, and to ensure that he would not become a rogue vampire—whose mind was distorted and influenced by an ardent desire to devour and kill humans—he must consume a pureblood's blood.
For the past three years, Caedmon was the one who provided the means for Alexander whilst also concealing the truth from the Armed Forces. However, every trace of smoke is bound to be discovered, and so is Alexander's corruption. With him being a high-ranking military figure in the Commonwealth, Elizabeth could not exactly imagine what kind of judgment awaited him. He may have built himself a good reputation over the years but a corrupted Colonel governing 33 districts will never sit right with the citizens.
Caedmon's unfathomable gaze lingered on Elizabeth's face as his attempt to goad her was shortly interrupted by another man's name. Undoubtedly, the mortal Colonel holds a special place in her heart, mentioning him all the time. She even married the likes of him in exchange for the Colonel's freedom, which was truly altruistic for a human being. But to a pureblooded vampire like Caedmon himself, this sacrificial behavior would be naught but a weakness.
''Yes,'' after a few seconds, Caedmon reassured her. ''He will be accompanied by the same pureblood who corrupted him. I assure you that the Colonel will be fed sufficiently, milady. Does that finally ease your mind?''
''Same pureblood?'' Elizabeth's brows creased with reproach. ''Wouldn't that be torture for him?''
''The young miss is indeed thoughtful,'' Caedmon subtly smiled. ''However, the two have been joined at the hip for the past three years. No need to fret over the Colonel's comfort. Now, if you'll excuse me, milady, I shall take my leave.''
''You're just going to leave?''
Elizabeth, at some point, felt the need to ask that, and Caedmon's retreating figure slowly halted.
A wedding night is a wedding night, and she was taught to submit to her husband. Whether he was a vampire or a mortal, she was told to serve him in bed. Whether their union was merely for a cause or influenced by feelings, they were to do what married couples would normally do on their wedding night.
For the past three years, this day had crossed Elizabeth's mind many times, conditioning her thoughts and even bending her will, convincing herself that some things are inevitable. Humans are no different from vampires, they indulge in wine and debauchery. Men succumbed to profanity and sex enslavement became one of the top moral issues the mortal community was facing. Although caged in the Capital City, Elizabeth was not ignorant about this matter.
But her governess once shared that the night creatures were characteristically animalistic when they mate, resembling the behavior of a wild beast. Unlike humans, vampires chase after blood and ecstasy during copulation. They tend to be more aggressive, dominant, and utterly possessive.
Hence, Elizabeth expected the Lord of Arkavis to be just as hedonistic, tamed by his sexual pleasure, but he seemed to be purposely delaying the act tonight, which left her feeling uneasy. Apart from staying calm, he was also unaffected by the sight of her blood earlier. Whilst the crowd's thirst flared up, he remained dangerously collected, and this was a bad premonition for Elizabeth.
To attain such stillness could only mean one thing: the pureblooded Lord was no stranger to these stimulants—he might have seen worse than this—and it would require more of her to satisfy his future whims. Elizabeth clenched her hand, making her wounded palm sting. The cut started to bleed again, wetting the handkerchief.
''Just going to leave, you say,'' Caedmon mumbled in a low, deep voice, turning around to look at her. His expression was devoid of emotion. ''Why? Would you rather us consummate our marriage?''
''No.''
''Hm, that was quick.''
''But it would be better to do it sooner rather than later, wouldn't it?''
Caedmon chuckled dryly, lifting his hand to rake the loose strands of his long hair. Before Elizabeth could say something more, he was already in front of her, throwing her balance off. Her breath hitched as she gasped, her eyes widened. It happened so fast she barely noticed the hand swiftly wrapping around her small waist, pulling her body closer.
''You want to keep me occupied,'' Caedmon tilted and lowered his head, uttering breathily right next to her ear. ''I may be lenient, milady, but I am no fool, though I don't mind getting occupied by you.''
Elizabeth, with her heart thudding against her ribcage, feigned composure and placed her hands against his chest, swallowing her trepidation. ''My wound is bleeding,'' the words barely escaped her lips.
Caedmon silently gaped at her.
''When vampires lick a mortal's wound, it will heal, they say,'' Elizabeth pressed on, wanting to see how far the Lord of Arkavis could stay clear-headed in the presence of her blood. ''I wonder if that is true...''
For a moment, they both fell silent, searching each other's gazes as if they were in a staring contest, and whoever looked away first became the loser. Elizabeth didn't waver, a look of determination was evident in her purple eyes. Seeing through her intentions, Caedmon quietly unwrapped the handkerchief, bringing her palm near his mouth.
''Let's see and find out.''
As the tip of his nose grazed her open wound, Elizabeth's fingers twitched in anticipation. Whether she was nervous or scared, her gaze was stubbornly fixated on the vampire. Caedmon closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of fresh blood dripping from her palm. When they opened again, his orbs had already turned into stark crimson, piercing straight into her eyes. Without tearing his stare off the young miss, he stuck out his tongue and compliantly licked her oozing blood.
Stinging, ticklish sensations instantly overwhelmed the young miss, her delicate fingers started to curl involuntarily. She suddenly felt the urge to snap her hand away, but her pride was like a high fortress—she refused to back down. Since she was the one who started this, provoking the Lord of Arkavis, all she could do was watch him closely. Besides, it was true that she must keep him by her side. The pureblooded vampire must not leave their bridal chamber tonight.
Caedmon suddenly bit her wound, making her flinch. His fangs had grown, sharp and pointed, penetrating her flesh without warning, ''You're distracted,'' he said, his teeth grazing the cut as he spoke. ''Pay attention,'' the arm around her waist tightened as his tongue soothed the bitten flesh.
He was cold to the touch, but his tongue felt warm. Their faces became rather too close, only inches apart, and Elizabeth couldn't help but study his crimson orbs. It was her first time staring at a vampire's red eyes this close, and for unspeakable reasons, neither she felt fear nor appalled, just plainly curious. What is it about mortal blood that drives the vampires crazy?
''Why is it not healing yet?'' she asked.
Caedmon slobbered over her cut, wiping the blood clean, before he smiled at her, ''Well, maybe what they said wasn't true, then?''
She stared at him, ''How does my blood taste?''
''Sweet enough to bid your friend some time,'' tilting his head back, Caedmon finally let her go. He swiped his tongue on his moistened lips and sharp fangs, ''He better not be caught by any of my knights. Salathiel isn't forgiving, I tell you, milady.''
Of course, he knew, Elizabeth thought, unfazed. She dropped her eyes to her palm and the cut was completely gone. A bit astounded, she calmly replied, ''If you knew, then stay here. Don't make it so difficult for him to search your castle.''
''And what do I get in return?''
Elizabeth looked up, ''I will do my utmost duty as your wife, milord. Besides, a groom neglecting his bride on their wedding night sounds like a poor decision. You wouldn't want to become the very headline of tomorrow's gazette, do you?''
When Caedmon remained silent, Elizabeth took it as a positive response. With nothing more to say to him, she turned to leave, finding her way to the bath chamber just a few feet away from their bed.
Pushing the door open, she was welcomed by the sight of a central pool surrounded by marble columns supporting an entablature. Vines and dark red curtains were draped around the columns, softening the rigid structure.
Stepping inside at a slow pace, Elizabeth shut the door behind her and scanned the entire place. There were lounge chairs with cushions and throws, a small table holding fruits, and scented candles scattered around the room, providing a warm, ambient glow. The walls were ornamented with paintings, and the floor was decorated with an intricate geometric pattern. Sculptures were also put on niches and on pedestals, they were naked and headless but not horrifying to behold.
In the corner near the lounge chairs, stood a separate screen where one could undress in private and change clothes. There were sets of night garments placed inside, all for her to use tonight. Elizabeth absentmindedly gawked at her frame reflected on the long, arch mirror attached to the walls.
She still wore her wedding dress which was made of silk. It was deep red at the top and white at the bottom, adorned with intricate gold embroidery in floral and vine patterns. Her sleeves were long and wide, covering her delicate arms down to her slender wrists, and the flowing train that pooled around the base, heightened its regal appearance. Elizabeth, staring at herself, felt as though she was another person.
Averting her gaze, she started undressing. Not long after, she was soaked with lukewarm water in the pool with petals of red roses around her. Now that she had time to think alone, the bridal chamber was also garlanded with red roses. It was to the point that the room was filled with its fresh, harmless, yet elating fragrance.
Does the Lord of Arkavis delight in it?
Elizabeth mulled over her thoughts until she recalled the Lord's claim of poor health. Was he sick, truly? Or was he just playing a trick on her? Because he didn't seem sick at all, he was just cold to the touch, which was typical of vampires. But for what reason would the Lord jest about his sickness? What purpose would his lie serve? Whether it was true or not, Elizabeth would soon find out.
For now, she must make certain that this union wouldn't fall through, and at the same time, monitor the Lord of Arkavis closely. With the peace treaty going well, vampires are residing among the humans, occupying villages and towns in the Commonwealth, building rapport and trading businesses with the mortals. Although this three-year-old coercion was nothing but peaceful, no one could guarantee that the night creatures wouldn't at all scheme against them.
Lord Dimitri Caedmon Valaravan, Elizabeth mumbled each syllable in a trance. The man is the word and law himself. Whatever comes out of his mouth, Arkavis will submissively bow down and obey. She had witnessed how he imposed dominance over his kind during their ceremonial union, and such authority was terrifying like every vampire in this land was his property.
She married such a man. No wonder the Chief Commander was so angry about her persistence in agreeing with the betrothal. But there is no point in turning back now. There are things she must do as there are sacrifices she must shoulder alone. With this marriage, she can be at par with the Lord of Arkavis, and in this way, she will be able to protect her people.
As soon as she sorted her thoughts, Elizabeth dressed herself in a fresh garment. But when she returned to their bridal chamber, the pureblooded Lord was nowhere to be found. Her expression instantly hardened. She immediately walked toward the edge of their bed, slipped her hand beneath the red velvet pillow, and drew out her already loaded revolver, before she went out of the room and began to look for him.
In the first place, why would the pureblooded Lord listen to her request? He wouldn't just naively stay in their bridal chamber knowing his castle was being infiltrated, such was given. How could she overlook that? Trailing the long, dimly lit hallway, Elizabeth's heartbeat quickened. By now, Alexander must have obtained the thing he was searching for, and she hoped he was no longer inside the castle.
Otherwise, it'd be a disaster.