Zheira felt cheated. It’s as if the stranger knew she’d never be able to come back to the Martins even if she wished to. She didn’t want to trust him, but she’s obliged to comply with his words without reason. After all, he’s a manipulative jerk who desired nothing but his goals. She also had this hunch that Vladimir was aware she’d never come back to her adoptive parents unless she understood her nature.
Was it possible he could read minds? It’s likely.
She sighed before standing in front of the dirty mirror. Cracks were dancing all over its surface, making Zheira’s reflection a bit distorted. Her eyes were back to their normal shade. She couldn’t understand why a feeling that she missed something yesterday lingered in her heart. What she knew was that her eyes have a different shade, and after the red shade was stained with gold, everything blacked out.
While staring at her body, she remembered something. She opened her palm and saw the silve
Vladimir stared at Zheira’s serene features. He traced the few freckles at the upper region of her cheeks. A small smile curved his lips. Now he understood why she didn’t want eye contact. She could read memory. If she hones it to its maximum, it could be her greatest asset. All she needed was to learn to control it, so she wouldn’t be in pain when using it. He then came to realize that by saving her life, he had bestowed a gift like no other.When she stirred, he pretended to be asleep in her arms. It didn’t take long before he felt a gentle knock on the head. He took it as a cue to look up. He faked a yawn before asking her if there’s a problem.Zheira shook her head and smiled. “T-Thank you.” She cupped his cheeks with her shaking hands. Her soft palms sent sparks to his body.“For what?” He diverted his gaze from her as his ears reddened, his irises moving uncomfortably.“For saving me from the fire, for taking me away from the nurses, and
For the next four weeks, Zheira exceeded her physical limit. Every morning, Vladimir would wake her up, and whenever she denies his calls, he would then splash her with cold water. Having no choice, she would follow him toward the field where she was supposed to train. Shivering slightly with the early morning’s wind, she did what was told, which sometimes include jogging, curl-ups, jumping jacks, and rolling around the mud.By the start of October, her body had turned dramatically into a punching bag. Purplish bruises rest around her tanned hips and shoulder—the intense sunlight did nothing whatsoever to tarnish Vladimir’s desire in making Zheira’s life a living hell, at least that’s how she saw it.The scorching sun peered below the field, illuminating the dazzling golden leaves on the trees lining up in the corner. As a tall figure sprinted through it, the leaves would start to fall. Like some kind of rain that danced on the rooftop, it bounced on the gr
Zheira tied her faded golden hair in a messy bun, noting a lot of dead strands. Her eyes then landed on the two small horns at the top of her head. It had a lot of scratches, but compared to her cheeks and shoulders, it looked well-kept.Touching the white cloth covering the flesh of her right cheek, she imagined the creepy pinkish something underneath it. After her shoulder had been sliced, she thought she’s given high immunity to pain now. Though she couldn’t deny the throbbing of her body, she could easily pretend it to be something of no importance.A small smile curved her lips. Change seemed to be the only constant thing in her life. She grew an inch or two. Last time, she barely reached the height of the mirror, but now she’s towering over it. Her legs and biceps have grown muscles, too. It’s not that big, though.She sighed before going to the kitchen. It’s quite unlike anything she had seen. The wooden floor was neatly polished, the cabin
For the next few days, Zheira rarely met Vladimir. She couldn’t help overthinking that he wanted to keep his distance. She didn’t know what game he’s playing, or why he’s doing such a thing, but she had an inkling idea it was, somehow, connected to her being sick two days ago.When she woke up that day, she felt her gratitude toward him rocketed to its highest peak. However, she became worried about the way he was sweating. His lie was so obvious as well. Just like the old times, she would never understand him unless he explained his side.“I mean, if he didn’t like treating me, he could just say so. It’s not as if I’ll force him to do such a thing,” she said when she saw yet another letter on the table, flatted under the tray of food. It had always been I’m off to fill my soul. As if she believed it. All she could think of was that he’s doing his best to ignore her.She looked left and right. “I know you’re here, okay? Let’s stop playing hide and seek. I nev
Volioirae was a busy town square. It was packed with vampires—wearing black cloak—who loved walking under the warmth of the scorching sun. Though surrounded by wide and tall mountains, a lot of tall towers still manage to occupy some of its space.At the main center, lay a tall fountain where a naked statue of a vampire was crouching. It looked alive with its dark-tinted eyes. From its hands, dark water serenely flowed to a large basin where it shifted from dark to a lighter shade of red, drowning a statue of silly men.Zheira, Vladimir, and Louise made their way to the crowd, comforted by the stretching silence. Their footsteps were barely audible due to the noises from the hoarding crowd, and yet, red eyes narrowed at them, scrutinizing every part of their body. Some of them even felt thirsty at the smell of Zheira’s blood, but what made her brows furrowed was the way they glared at Vladimir, as though he’s some kind of garbage that dared to stain their front law
After the son and father staring contest, three vampires wearing red cloaks entered. Their knees hit the ground as they bowed. They were all concealing their faces with their hood. It’s clear they’re men, though. Their muscles were bulking on their cloaks.“Escort the young prince to his quarters, and find a room for his dear Zheira.” The king waved his hand, and the three vampires led Zheira outside.Vladimir glared at his father for the last time before walking out of the room.“I know how to walk, thank you!” snapped Vladimir when one vampire tried dragging him like what they’re doing to Zheira. Inclining his head, he crossed his arms. “Put your filthy hands away from that girl.”“The king’s order—” the vampire holding her tried to counter, but Vladimir gave him a steamy glare.“Don’t force me to cut that hand, you lowly Elite. I can ensure your misery with nothing but a flick of my thumb. So when I say you put your hands away
Zheira’s eyes widened. “W-what are you talking about? You said I’ll m-meet them after you see my improvement.”Vladimir looked down. “I’m sorry!”“I don’t understand, Vladimir.” She shook her head. “Did you lie all along?” Her brows knotted as angry lines mottled her cheeks.“I’m sorry!” he whispered yet again. It was the only word that made absolute sense.She wiped the tears trailing past her cheeks. “I hate you!” Heat rushed to her head. She wanted to explode. “I trusted you, but you used my parents to tie me with your words. I thought you’re different. You’re nothing but a lying scumbag!”With the nerves of her head pulsating, she ran away from him. If there’s something she hates, it’s when she’s being lied to. Those words of fabrication were nothing but bait to lure the fools. Sadly, she’s stupid enough to let herself be a victim.Her footsteps were heavy, accompanying the weight in her heart. A scurrying behind her made her
It had been about three days after Vladimir’s eyes first laid on Zayne. Ever since, he could not take her features out of his head. He could even imagine himself sleeping with her. He erased those thoughts by trying to steer his mind to his goal of knowing how he could become a human; however, it only made his blood boil. Intentional or not, his father had, somehow, managed to keep them from being alone together.Even on his birthday two days ago, he was heavily guarded. The visitors could not take their attention away from him, and it made him anxious. A part of him wanted to see Zayne for the sole purpose of acquiring knowledge, but at the deepest part of his mind lurked the thought of knowing her. It didn’t feel right for him. Every time he could take a glimpse of her smiling face, he couldn’t help longing to be the reason for that happiness.There’s a whisper in the back of his mind, telling him to hold her hand and do reckless things with her.“