Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 122946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 615(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122946 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 615(@200wpm)___ 492(@250wpm)___ 410(@300wpm)
Feeling the mood shift, I did what she said and looked around, but everyone was busy going about their lives like we didn’t exist. Just a few hours ago, all of them were openly staring, judging, and talking about me. It was a complete one-eighty. It wasn’t that I wanted to be the center of attention, but it felt like they were forcing themselves not to stare.
“In the animal kingdom, when a predator enters the jungle or sea, all the other creatures run. They keep their distance, avoid eye contact, and they don’t engage—it’s the same for us.” She chuckled like a madwoman looking across the floor. “They were all like this when Theseus first came here, too, cowards.”
“The only ones who should live in terror and fear are the ones who come at me with ill will. No vampire has anything to worry should they be genuine,” Theseus said, and Daiyu ignored him, tapping her chin as she pretended to think.
“I wonder what tales shall be told of you two, Theseus Thorbørn, the Vampire Eternal, Prince of Night and his mate Druella, the Vampire Witch?” She shrugged as if she couldn’t be bothered to think on it anymore. “Whatever shall come of you two, I’m sure I’ll be entertained until you visit us again. Goodbye, young one; Theseus.”
She nodded to both of us and strutted to her elevator as if it were a catwalk. It was only when she stepped inside and the golden doors closed that I saw the engraving of her on them. In the image, she sat in front of a straw bed, a large body in the background, dressed in armor. Her helmet was to the side of her long hair that pooled behind her back. She held her own sword to her neck, and she was smiling. It was chilling, mocking even, and unafraid, completely like her.
“Why am I not surprised she was a warrior, too?” I said gently; with her personality, she probably was like the only female commander of her time. I could only imagine the stories, and the art she had of that time.
“Not just any warrior,” Taelon said. “The daughter and killer of Genghis Khan.”
What? What was with this family and killing their mortal families? And more importantly, why didn’t I ask her more about herself. Why had she killed him? What was her story?
“Your father sure knows how to pick you all,” Theseus replied as if he could read my mind.
“Some would argue so does your father,” Taelon said, offering his hand to Theseus to shake. “My father will not say it, but I shall. Thank you for insisting with Jason. Once we investigate how much he has told the witches and how strong they are, he will be put to death. I will make sure of it. Though I wish you would have explained how you came to have knowledge of his betrayal.”
“You are free to keep wishing,” Theseus stated, his face void of any emotion. He was trying hard to contain his thoughts it seemed.
Taelon, understanding his mood, looked at me as he spoke. “I would have liked us to leave on calmer terms, but it seems there shall be no rest with you two here. I hope you do not forget us once you arrive in Ankeiros. No matter what, you are a vampire of these lands.”
“I doubt I could ever forget everything that has happened here.” I stretched out my hand to Taelon when he offered his.
He lifted it and kissed the back, and Theseus let out a small grumble, which only amused him.
“Good luck taming this one, Druella. Remember, should you ever need anything, I gave you my oath eternally. Lucy will call if only to demand where to mail your clothes,” he said, letting me go and moving to the side.
Charline stood back to normal with no red powder on her to be seen though I could still smell traces of the powder on her hands. After I had broken the spell, she’d broken Jason’s arms, tackling him on the rocks.
“Lord Thorbørn, Ms. Monroe.” She bowed her head to us, and I grinned.
“You don’t have to do that for me, you know?” I told her, and she just turned, leading us to the car.
The walk back, Theseus and I were silent. I noticed no one said goodbye, and it made me realize goodbyes for vampires would be akin to see you later. Chances were, vampires would meet again; forever was on their side. As we reached the doors, I did also notice what Daiyu had said. However, it was different from when I had first entered. It had only been hours, not even been a full day, although I wasn’t sure since time was slipping away—no not time exactly, but my care for time. When I hid among the mortals, I had to set alarms, be out when others were about, be in when others were in, clock in to work, clock out of work. But now, after meeting Theseus, keeping track of time seemed meaningless.