The carriage came to another halt in front of the dark metal castle gates.
Mila presented the token to the on duty guard and they were granted a swift entry.
They slowly made their way into the empty castle grounds, Julian and Isadora refrained from peeking out of the window this time.
The carriage stopped smoothly, Mila and Nala exiting first, followed by Isadora and Julian.
"Damn." Julian said in astonishment.
It was a fitting exclamation to describe the splendor of the castle standing tall in front of them.
Grey marble tiles lined the walkway to the front door, with two raised platforms made from the same material along the way with light poles emitting red light on the edges.
The castle itself was the true spectacle.
Made from a deep black stone, with intricate carvings along the walls. Countless towers with tall spires who's sharp points pointed towards the sky.
Red light was shining through the tall windows, giving the castle the aura of a gothic Victorian style.
And even though it was past midnight, the presence of the crows flying overhead was constant.
(Image in discord channel)
"Welcome home, Prince Julian, Princess Isadora." Mila and Nala bowed elegantly in unison.
"Yeah." Julian said with a small smile on his face.
********
Tak tak tak tak.
The footsteps of the four of them echoed across the empty corridors of the castle, Nala and Mila leading the way.
They came to a stop at the end of the corridor, where to doors were adjacent to one another.
"These are your rooms, your Highnesses." Mila pointed out. "You should rest so that you can be in perfect condition for awakening in the morning.
And there is no need to worry about the Pegasi, they are in good hands at the stables.
Then, good night, your Highnesses." Mila bows and turned to leave.
"Mila." Isadora called out.
"Yes, Princess?"
"Father is not here?" She asked with her back turned to Mila.
"No, Princess. But he will be here in the morning, I assure you." Mila left after Isadora dismissed her with a nod.
"..."
"..."
The corridor fell silent after Mila and Nala made their exit, Julian and Isadora still stood in front of their bedroom doors, neither making any actions to enter.
"One last time?" Julian broke the silence first.
"Yes." Isadora's smile was heavy. "One last time."
Julian entered his room, and Isadora her own.
The room was expansive, bigger than all of the houses Julian saw in the slums earlier.
Soft, red linen was draped over the bed that's big enough to fit four.
In the corner was a study table made from black wood. Books, feather pens, ink and a lamp was placed on its smooth surface.
Crimson curtains hung from the tall windows, drawn close, blocking any outside light from entering the room.
The walls were black marble, they were so clean that Julian could see his reflection in them.
On the other side of the room was a door that led to the bathroom.
Julian's eyes quickly combed through the room, already used to all the grandeur of being born in the Imperial family.
His footsteps was muffled by the crimson carpet as he made his way to the closet.
Opening it, Julian took out sleepwear–loose fitting pants and a shirt, both black in color–and started dressing himself in them.
Once done, Julian made his way to the bed, removed the unnecessary large and abundant pillows, until only two remained.
The door to the room swung open, Isadora walked in dressed in sleepwear of her own.
A heavy atmosphere settled into the room upon her entrance.
Julian didn't say anything and got into bed. Isadora wordlessy got into bed herself.
There were plenty of space between them, until Isadora closed in on Julian.
The sheets rustled softly with her every movement, they only came quiet once Isadora's head found its place on Julian's chest.
"I'm going to miss this." She said, her voice breaking.
"...Me too." Julian replied.
Sniff... sniff...
Isadora's sobs filled the quiet room.
The sight of his sister's crying made Julian feel like his heart was being stabbed over and over again.
It made him think about the time their mother left and Isadora was crying like this too. And just like that time, there was nothing he could do about it.
He was completely powerless.
"I will break the curse, I promise, Isa." He whispered in a sleeping Isadora's ear.
Tomorrow when they undergo their second awakening, mana and the system will not be the only thing they awaken.
Along with that will come Isadora's curse.
Julian clenched his fist underneath the sheets.
'Another reason to get stronger, Julian.' He thought.
********
"Are you done yet?" Julian stepped into Isadora's room.
Dressed in a distinguished matte black suite, a white shirt underneath, and topped of with a black tie.
His black hair fell neatly over his forehead, allowing his crimson eyes a unobstructed view.
He looked very handsome and sophisticated. He will surely capture some hearts today.
Isadora was standing in front of the mirror adding the final touches to her outfit.
She was dressed in a refined white dress made from high-class material. The dress had frills from the hips that went down to a long train, completely covering her feet.
She was basically wearing a wedding dress.
Her long white hair that came to her rear, was neatly combed back.
She looked as pretty as a picture.
"Almost." She said, trying to put on the translucent veil.
"Let me help." Julian offered.
Isadora gave him the veil, and admired herself in the mirror as he got to work.
"Are you nervous?" Julian asked, done adding the veil.
"Yes." Isadora threw the veil over her head, uncovering her face. "And you?"
"Only a little." Julian said leaning against the wall behind Isadora.
"So, is that a yes?" Isadora made eye contact with Julian through his reflection in the mirror.
"Yes." Julian said with a small smile.
Isadora fully turned towards Julian. "Don't worry. Everything is going to be okay." She said, closing in for the hug.
"That's my line." Julian hugged her.
The two of them looked like they were going to some high-end ball instead of to their awakening.
(Image in discord channel)
And that is true. They are first going to the ball where they will be crowned, and then they will undergo their awakening.
Knock knock
A knock on the door forced then to break their embrace, after which Mila stepped into the room.
"It is time, Prince Julian, Princess Isadora." She announced with a bow.
Julian and Isadora shared a nod and stepped into the corridor that leads to the throne room where their father and the leaders of the vampire world await them.