9. Seduce

Massimo was shocked by Kathy's sudden appearance and momentarily at a loss as to how to handle the situation. He waved his hand and said, "Alright. Take them to the east wing on the third floor for interrogation."

Two attendants lifted Laura, while two others escorted Kathy. Laura didn't resist, only staring coldly at Kathy with a seemingly sarcastic smile on her lips.

The nobles who were still on the top floor began to make their way downstairs. Seeing Kathy being escorted with a lifeless expression, they gathered to discuss:

"What's going on? Is Kathy also behind this? Wasn't Elena her good sister? What kind of grudge could there be for her to be so ruthless?"

Laura sneered inwardly. This was just the beginning. Wait until Kathy's true colors were revealed; the shock was still to come.

Massimo spoke righteously, "Rest assured, everyone. Although she is my daughter, I will uphold justice and not spare a single culprit."

All the attendants returned to their lord's side. Massimo clapped his hands, and the knights, armed with swords and wearing chainmail, marched disciplinedly into the crowd, heading towards the family leaders.

What were they going to do? Gasps of surprise were heard among the crowd.

"Don't worry, these men are not here to harm you," Massimo said.

"They are here to protect you," he continued loudly. "There have been too many unsettling incidents recently, and I know you are all worried. As your lord, it is my duty to protect you. From today onward, my knights will also guard you!"

The clan members were very puzzled, and someone whispered, "How is this possible? Without the knights' protection, he could easily be harmed."

Massimo held his palm up, and a mirror floated in the air. "My castle is protected by a magical spell left by the first patriarch. The power of death cannot cross its high walls. Don't worry about me. If you are afraid, you can also seek refuge within the castle."

——————

Laura was led into the cell, kneeling unsteadily on the floor, lost in her own thoughts. The moments ticked by unnoticed, her mind a blur of confusion. With a soft exhalation, she summoned Ned.

A wave of Ned's hand enveloped Laura in his cloak. Pulling her close, he nibbled tentatively at the delicate skin of her neck, never breaking the surface.

Accustomed to Ned's hearty appetite, Laura endured his bites until her bones seemed to show through. "Enough," she murmured.

"If you must feed, then do so. The itch is unbearable."

Ned's hesitation vanished as he sank his teeth into Laura's thigh. The force of his bite was brutal, the flesh catching in his throat. Struggling to swallow, he watched Laura's impassive face for any sign of discomfort.

Suddenly, Ned's world turned upside down as a vice-like grip squeezed his neck. Gasping for air, he coughed and sputtered. "What madness is this?" he demanded.

"Have you lost your senses, servant? I've done nothing to warrant this. You invited me to feed."

Laura's grasp tightened, pulling Ned's head into the shelter of her arms. "Cease your deceit," she whispered fiercely. "Your charm will not sway me. Do not mistake my restraint for weakness. My heart is mine alone to command." Her hand pressed against her chest, a solemn oath.

Ned wrestled free from Laura's embrace, his lips brushing hers in a fleeting kiss. A blush crept up her cheeks. "Such innocence," he chuckled, nuzzling her neck. "Is this your first taste of freedom?"

Laura's blush deepened, her words stumbling over each other. "I am no innocent," she protested. "I have known the touch of a lover before. This is not the same."

A sudden realization dawned on Laura. Her words tumbled out, unbidden. With a desperate lunge, she threw herself against the jagged edge of the cell. The pain was excruciating, but it cleared her mind. Gripping Ned's shoulders, she dug her nails into his flesh. "You've cursed me again," she hissed. "But I will not yield. I defy you. Whatever your plans, know that I will fight to the death."

Ned's eyes narrowed, but he made no move to pull away from her grasp. "Very well," he said calmly. "I will not tempt you further. Your heart is your own." He settled back against the cell wall, his gaze never leaving Laura's face.

Laura held his gaze for a long moment before relaxing her grip. She knew Ned would not make any further moves, at least not now. As for what would happen next, she would be ready. She had learned much about Ned in this short time. He was unpredictable, yes, but there was a childlike innocence to his cruelty that she found oddly compelling. Still, she would not let him win. She would resist him to the bitter end.