"I might be wrong" Dorian waved his hand, dismissing his thoughts. "I'll set up a trap for him to be actually sure…"
The informant nodded, continuing his report.
"The dark magic there is undeniably strong and will cause your corruption to act…putting the rest of the villagers in danger. My Lord, they have laid an ambush to have you take the fall of their actions in the village…I suggest you let us handle it, or at least—go with a white witch strong enough to counter them"
"White witches swore an oath to never cross paths with black witches. They've devoted their entire existence living within the churches in our land, acting as healers to help us fight against corruption in exchange for living freely as humans and not livestock. There's no way I'll be able to bring one with me"
The witches had carefully planned everything out. Which only proved the fact that Roarke was the one pulling the strings from the dark.
Witches weren't this smart.
"I have no choice but to walk into their trap" Dorian mumbled, stroking his chin. "They are only aware that I'll arrive after this month's hunting period—I'll leave while the hunt is ongoing"
"Won't that put you at risk? You know the rules of the hunting period…your status won't be able to keep you safe from those who will attack you and try to covet your position"
Dorian's red eyes landed on the man once again. This time, he studied his physical features and that's when it dawned on Dorian that the informant was just a young man.
"Aren't you too young to be a mercenary? You don't look older than 20"
The young man with blond hair looked up at the vampire lord above, sitting all high and mighty like the world revolved around him.
For Dorian Valdemar, the only man in the Empire who could go against the Emperor, the world did in fact revolve around him.
Blood and death had been his cradle. He was born on the frontlines, raised by war, and shaped by the duty to defend his kind from every creature that sought their end.
That was his entire existence, until he saved a white witch from being taken for her power, and his story veered off course.
The woman everyone came to know as Serenity Valdemar—Dorian's wife and the only one who could make him fall to his knees or smile.
Together with her and their son Aimes, Dorian felt like the world revolved around him, and acted like it too.
"Ahh…why am I suddenly thinking about her?" Dorian felt his corruption clawing against his heart, threatening to unleash itself and cause havoc.
His sclera turned black just as his vision did and his claws grew rapidly. This always happened whenever he thought about his lovely wife. The more he thought about her, the quicker his corruption grew.
It was like it prevented him from mourning the loss of his beloved.
How unlucky can one vampire be?
Anwen laid on her queen sized bed, staring at the intricate designs of the ceiling of her room. Just one glance at the sculptures, anyone could tell Dorian hired one of the best artists.
And also paid quite a fortune.
But that wasn't what was on Anwen's mind as she merely stared blankly. She didn't mean to, but her curiosity got the best of her and she ended up eavesdropping on the conversation between the duke and the strange man.
"Father is going to get attacked by witches…" She mumbled, swinging her legs absentmindedly. "They're going to use his corruption against him"
How can I stop this from happening? Am I supposed to interfere? Is it okay if I use my powers—just this once, to purify Father's corruption?
She lifted her hands in the air, her eyes filled with sadness as her mind spiraled at the countless possibilities of what would become of her if she used her powers.
Father will come to know of me being a Fae. He might ask me to heal him again…and again…and again. He might turn into Roarke—
No.
She fisted her hands, determination replacing her sad facade. He's not like that monster. Even if they're both vampires. Not all vampires are like Roarke…Laia, Aimes, Theon…and Father. They're different.
"Father has done so much for me. He didn't mind that I wasn't a vampire. He gave me a name, a big room and hasn't hurt me in any way."
Anwen sat upright, I should've told him about my identity a long time ago. Keeping it a secret, how would he know why Roarke is after me? He wouldn't be able to protect me properly….
And besides, saving him from corruption is the least I could do, he's been such a good Father.
She slipped on her flats and with bold steps, left for Dorian's study "I shouldn't keep this a secret anymore, I'll go find Father now and ask him to let me heal him"
The sun had already set, casting shadows without the halls of the mansion. But Anwen wasn't scared, not in the slightest. She had gotten accustomed to everything and everyone, it truly felt like her home.
She didn't want this to end. Her new family, friendly staff, tasty food and the softest bed. She wouldn't let her hidden identity as a Fae be the reason it all comes crumbling down.
Nor Duke Roarke, who had planned to kill her Father with the help of the witches. She wouldn't let him, absolutely not.
"Where do you think you're going to?"
Anwen froze mid step, her body turned rigged as Aimes' voice echoed behind her. Oh great, just the person I have been avoiding for days. Her tough demeanor had dissolved in an instant.
She turned around slowly, only to see him standing a few feet away. Her gaze casted to the floor, doing everything in her power to avoid his reprimanding stare.
"I was only my way to get a glass of milk…it helps me sleep better at night" She lied through her teeth, as hushed as a mouse but Aimes heard her fine, all thanks to his supernatural hearing.
"The kitchen is that way" He stuck a thumb behind him and Anwen's cheeks turned red due to embarrassment.
She already knew what was coming next.
"You've lived here for more than a month yet you still can't find your way around. Hunting season is around the corner and any vampire within the estate can decide to make you their prey and hunt you down. How would you escape when you don't know your left from your right?"
Anwen whipped up her head so fast it startled Aimes. "What do you mean?"