"Your Majesty, please," Bella whispered, her voice trembling. "Make another request… that's something I can't do."
Damien's expression didn't change. "I'm quite the gentleman," he said in a calm, matter-of-fact tone. "I don't force women into my bed they usually jump in willingly." His lips curved faintly. "So, I'll offer a better deal this time."
"Anything, Your Majesty," Bella said quickly, relief flooding through her that he wasn't pressing the matter. Lumi, however, looked uneasy. What kind of deal could a vampire possibly make, if not for blood?
The silence stretched. Damien simply stood there, watching Bella, his crimson eyes unreadable.
Finally, he spoke. "You'll come with me," he said quietly, "and from this day forth, I may drink from you whenever I please. A fair exchange, don't you think? a life for a life."
"No, Your Highness! Don't agree to that!" Lumi cried out, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Your mother is still waiting for you. It's my fault we shouldn't have brought that stupid idea!"
Bella dropped to her knees beside her, tears glistening in her eyes. "No, Lumi. It's not your fault it's mine. I should've stayed ,… now you're suffering because of me."
Damien watched them both as though observing a play. He clicked his tongue softly. "Humans," he muttered with disdain.
With a single stride, he reached them. In one swift motion, he lifted Lumi, prying her away from Bella with effortless strength. The warmth drained from his expression, replaced by something dark and merciless.
"You know," he said coldly, "when humans get emotional, their blood releases endorphins. It makes the taste… exquisite."
Before either could react, he sank his fangs deep into Lumi's neck. She gasped in shock, thrashing weakly as pain shot through her he had made the bite deliberately cruel.
"I'll do it!" Bella screamed, clutching his leg in desperation. "I agree to every condition please, just stop! I'm begging you!"
Damien withdrew his fangs, his mouth stained with blood. His eyes glowed brighter, and a chilling smile touched his lips.
"So we have a deal, then," he said smoothly. "Next time, be quicker with your answers. Patience isn't one of my virtues."
He released the limp Lumi, her body collapsing to the floor. Bella rushed forward, catching her before her head hit the ground. Cradling her, she looked up at Damien, tears streaming down her face.
"Monster!" she shouted.
Damien's smile widened. "You discovered my other name quite fast," he said, voice dripping with mockery. "Clever of you… though I wonder what name would you give your brother, then?"
---
"We leave first thing tomorrow," he said flatly. Then he turned and walked out of the room, his eyes cold and distant.
"Michael," Damien called as soon as he stepped into the hallway.
In an instant, a vampire appeared before him and knelt. "Forgive me, Your Majesty," Michael said, his voice heavy with self-reproach. "I couldn't find any trace of it."
"Seems those rats hid it well," Damien muttered, referring to the witches who had concealed the relic years ago.
He was about to leave when Michael added, "Your Majesty, a letter arrived from the palace."
Rising to his feet, he presented an envelope sealed with wax.
Damien took it, his face devoid of emotion. Tearing the seal open, he unfolded the parchment and began to read.
Dear Damien,
I trust you are well. The palace feels emptier in your absence, and we eagerly await your return.
There was another attack on a human town last night—by the Soul Snatcher. I suspect the Night Walkers are behind it. We managed to contain the situation quickly; I led the Shadow Guards myself to purge the contaminated humans. Unfortunately, this has greatly reduced their numbers. I hope you can procure a thousand more to replace the lost ones.
We await your response–and even more, your return.
Yours lovingly,
Vivianne.
Damien scoffed, rolling his eyes as the letter burst into flames between his fingers. The ashes fell to the floor, scattering like black snow.
Without another word, he turned and vanished into the darkness.
Outside, the night slowly yielded to morning–a morning destined to change everything.
Bella lay beside her mother, who was fast asleep. The woman's serene face looked peaceful, as if lost in a deep and dreamless rest.
Carefully, Bella rose from the bed, not wanting to wake her. She reached for a pen and a piece of parchment, her fingers trembling slightly as she began to write.
When she finished, she placed the note on the small table in Lumi's room. Her gaze lingered there for a moment, taking in every familiar detail, every memory held within those walls.
Then, with a quiet sigh and one last look, Bella turned and walked away, her eyes blur with tears.