Chapter 5: A new mate

I woke up slowly, my body aching like it had been crushed under something heavy. The pain was dull but deep, like a cruel reminder that I wasn’t dreaming.

I sat up.

The room around me was empty—but painfully elegant. Gold-gilded walls, velvet drapes, and polished dark-wood furniture surrounded me like a prison dressed in riches. This wasn’t just any place.

It belonged to someone powerful. Someone dangerous.

And I had no idea how I got here.

Panic curled in my stomach.I stood, legs wobbling beneath me, and tiptoed to the window. Outside was eerily still—no wind, no birds, no signs of life. Just a quiet that felt suffocating.

Should I lie back down and pretend to be asleep? Or face whoever brought me here?

I chose the latter.

I opened the door quietly and stepped out. My heartbeat thundered louder with every step. A grand staircase spiraled downward into the heart of what looked like a mansion. Slowly, I descended.The sitting room was massive—almost absurd. High ceilings, marble floors, golden chandeliers, and walls lined with ancient paintings. Even Simon’s house, as wealthy as it was, couldn’t compare to this kind of power.

“You’re awake,” a voice said behind me.

I spun around, heart jumping into my throat.

A tall man stood at the end of the hallway. He was huge—easily two feet taller than me—and strikingly handsome, like someone pulled from a dark fairytale.

“Yes,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady.

He stepped closer. “Don’t be scared. I don’t bite… well, I do—but not you.”I blinked, confused. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He gave me a lazy grin. “It means I bite—but you’re safe.”

I didn’t laugh.

He didn’t smell like a wolf. And he didn’t radiate Alpha energy either. If anything, his presence felt colder. Sharper.

“Raymond,” he said suddenly.

“What?”

“My name. Raymond.”

I nodded, barely processing it. Names didn’t matter right now. Escape did.“Please,” I said, moving toward the door. “I need to go.”

“Not so fast, princess,” he said, stepping in front of me and blocking my path.

I froze.

“Why?” I asked carefully.

His lips twitched. “No one enters the Vampire King’s home and simply walks out.”

I blinked. “The what?”

He didn’t repeat himself.

Fear seized my chest. “How did I get here? Why did you bring me? I don’t even know you—I don’t belong here! Please, just let me go!”Tears stung my eyes. I didn’t have the strength to fight him. Not now. Not against someone like him.

He tilted his head. “You called for me.”

My breath caught. “I did what?”

“You were about to hurt that human. I stopped you. But when I turned to leave, I heard you—calling me. Not with words. With your mind.”

I shook my head slowly. “He wasn’t innocent,” I muttered. “But I didn’t call for you. Why would I do that?”

“You may not remember,” he said calmly. “But only mates can reach each other through the mind.”

“Mates?” I echoed, stunned.He smirked. “I believe you’re mine.”

I stared at him—and laughed, bitter and sharp. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. You’ve been watching too many fantasy dramas. I’m not your mate. I’m not even a vampire.”

“No,” he agreed. “You’re not. But you’re not human either. And that’s why you’re here. Until I figure out what you really are… you’re not leaving.”

My blood ran cold.

“I need to get out of here,” I whispered.

“I’m sorry, princess,” he said, already turning away. “Back to your room. If you resist, the guards will escort you. Food will be sent.”“Wait—” I began, but he waved a hand and disappeared into the shadows.

I returned to the room, head down, heart heavy. I didn’t want to be dragged like some wild animal. Not tonight. I needed to think. Plan.

Maybe I could stab whoever brought my food. Escape through the kitchen. But what if I got caught? I didn’t even know where I was. The corridors were a maze, and if the guards were vampires… it’d be suicide.

Still. Doing nothing would kill me faster.

A few minutes later, the door creaked open.The cook entered—a man. Tall. Broad-shouldered. So much for the stabbing plan. Even if I got the knife in, he’d probably laugh and snap my neck.

I forced a smile as he placed the tray down. I would wait. Night would give me cover.

The food smelled too good for a prisoner. I didn’t trust it—but my stomach betrayed me. I ate in silence, pushing every thought of Simon, Mira, and even Richard out of my mind.

I needed strength.

I needed to survive.

When I was done, I lay down, pretending to sleep. I waited.Night fell.

Silence draped the halls like a veil.

I rose and crept to the window. Still too high to jump. I backed away and moved to the door. Gently, I turned the knob and slipped into the corridor.

Empty.

Perfect.

I tiptoed down the stairs, every creak beneath my feet tightening my chest. I reached the main door, heart pounding like a drum in my ears. I pushed it open.

Cold night air hit me like freedom.I bolted across the courtyard, my breath loud in the stillness. The gate was just ahead—massive, wrought iron, and cracked open just enough.

Almost there.

I reached for the latch.

Then I heard it.

A deep, animalistic growl.

My body froze.

I turned slowly.

In the distance, glowing red eyes burned like coals in the dark.

Then his voice—low, furious, dangerous.

“I warned you.”Raymond.

I opened my mouth to explain—but he was already there. One blink and he stood inches from me, too fast to follow.

His hand clamped around my wrist like iron.

“No—wait—” I gasped.

His head dipped—and his fangs sank into my neck.

Pain lanced through me, sharp and raw. My legs gave out.

Warm blood rushed down my skin.

My heart pounded in panic, but my body was crumbling—trembling—betraying me.

Darkness swirled at the edge of my vision.

And I knew, in that moment—I didn’t just meet a stranger.

I’d awakened something ancient.

And I wasn’t leaving this place unchanged.