Alice were focused entirely on the coming social event and we're chatt

d appeals to him? Oh God, he is going to drink her blood. I felt a little s

The human districts were grand but felt worn down. The vampire territory, however, was superior in

saw the

as far as I could see, then topped by spires that looked sharp enough to pierce the

of Eternal Night. Even the

in dark clothing opened the door. I was eyeing them suspiciously befor

grabbing my arm just before I stepped out

unning, designed perfectly to appeal to the court. Irina follo

ing vampires gathered in one place. It was overwhelming. It felt like standing too close to a powerful

ve and beyond what should be considered the norm. The ceiling seemed miles high, supported by gigantic columns carved with symbols I didn't r

nly graceful. They moved with a slow, deliberate confidence that screamed authority. Their eyes were their most disturbing feature. They weren't red

and whispering nervously. I couldn't imagine what they were saying among themselves.

on. Alice immediately detached herself from us and went towa

hick veil hiding my face. I looked exactly like what I

bright colors, trying to attract attention. The vampires, however, wore d

t me. "Do not move. Remember, if anyone asks,

hole year. I got it already folks! H

ely high-ranking vampire couple. The vampires were polite but their faces looked like they would prefe

le spectacle was a moment of power display and socialization. Everyon

ion in the room grew palpable. Ev

voice tight with anticipation. She smoot

up. You probably

could hear the rustle of the silk gown on the woman standing next to me. It felt like everyone had held their breat

ve doors at the far end of the hall swung inward, revealing a fi

istair V

dn't see the colour of his eyes considering the distance and the thick veil but for some reason, I was dying to know. He wore a dark, fo

. No, focus! I slapp

mpire in the room dipped their heads as he walked by them, and every human bowed low.

at the marble floor. I could feel him approach

, stern-faced vampire in military attire that looked like he would have six packs u

infully bored. He passed the gathered human daughters, ignoring their carefully planned curtsies and nervous smiles. This confirmed the rum

the women he passed. Sorry darlings, I

thout a flicker of recognition even though he must have seen her in

the small cluste

ould end and I could go back to my hidden room and hidden life. At least I h

stopped

s body despite the cool air. The sort of metallic scent that clung t

there was an interesting scent in the air and he still didn't continue walking. My hear

I did not breathe

ir Valerius turned h

, sharp gasp esc

na. He didn't look at Alice who was s

ed direc

the place whe

space separating me from Irina. He stopped right

boring through the lace but I kept my h

a low, deep baritone, a sound that h

sin, my Lord. She is frail. She was only presented to satisfy the requirements of the law. Rue, my sec

ng, pale finger, placing it under my chin and lifting m

What the hell?

haled

e heat rush over my skin

the veil. He looked displeased that he could not see my face. Gods.

ssed his face then he smiled wic

up my dress, turned 180 degrees and ran. I wanted a

, I heard

uc