Lauren had heard so many things about vampires, especially those sitting at the top of the food chain. It was forbidden to kill, but it wasn't a secret how some people got away with their crimes. Even when it wasn't reported, she knew some vampire families were secretly abusing their power.
They treated humans poorly, seeing them as livestock they could feed on. Even those lowly mages weren't spared. She wasn't ignorant of the cruelty in the world, the reason why she toughened herself up. Because at the end of the day, she got no one but herself.
And now, in the face of this vampire who wanted to feed on her, she felt a little anxious. Never did she think of being bitten by any vampire. She had witnessed one she knew who fed on a maid and the poor human was sucked dry as if there was no single drop of blood left in her body.
Vampires were cruel in nature. And with how things were going, she doubted if she was heading on the right track with her plans. What if she would end up under this man's control when her plan was the opposite?
"Want to go back on your word now?" A glint of red came across Alec's eyes for a second.
"Haven't you fed back home?" Lauren asked, making sure the anxiety didn't show on her face.
"I wasn't actually thirsty on the way here. But that little scene the bastard made pissed me off... and when I'm pissed, I get thirsty pretty bad that only fresh blood can satiate me."
She knew she had no choice but to give what he asked for, but she still couldn't fully trust him. What were the odds that he wouldn't suck her blood dry?
And those fangs of his... she didn't think this was a good idea.
"Then you should have fed on that man you killed," this time, her tone had an edge of sharpness that didn't go unnoticed.
"The thing is, I'm quite picky. I don't just go for anyone."
She stared at him with disbelief.
"So princess, can you give me what I want or not?" he asked impatiently, putting her on the thin line between life and death.
"Do you have plans on killing me?"
A crooked smile crept on his lips. "A bite won't kill you, Princess Lauren."
"Really?" Her tone was sarcastic because she knew better. The moment a vampire lost control, a bite could lead to death.
"Now, shall you lead us to a room? You don't want me killing anyone here to ease my thirst, don't you?" His eyes narrowed darkly at her, letting her know it was a threat.
"If that is what it takes, then why not?" She challenged him back.
"Hmm... you are right, I can just do that. But somehow, I feel like your blood will taste better."
Lauren's jaw clenched. She wanted to curse him. Why didn't she think about this when she offered herself to him? He was a bloody vampire, of course, it was possible he would ask for this!
"Did you accept my proposal to have me as your blood bank?"
"I'm getting thirstier by the minute, princess. Time is ticking. Give me your decision. Quick."
She paused for a moment to calm herself. She looked around and most of the people were enjoying their time. The King would formally announce their engagement any moment from now, but this goddamn vampire wanted them to find a room so he could feast on her blood.
"His Majesty might look for us-"
"Fret not, it will be quick," Alec cut her off.
It was against her will to follow the vampire lord's whim, but in the end Lauren decided to do it.
They went upstairs discreetly and while walking in the corridors, her heart was beating loudly in her chest even when she was trying her best not to be nervous.
When they got inside the room of her choice, she locked the doors to make sure they had enough privacy. Having someone to witness her in such a situation was the last thing she would want. She wasn't that shameless.
"What room is this?" she heard him ask.
When she looked around, that was when she realized what room they got into.
It was the room filled with the King's collection of ancient mirrors. Relics that were passed down to the mages of the royal family.
Lauren hadn't explored this room in the past as she held no interest in ancient mirrors. But based on what she heard, some of them still held some power. Mage's relics weren't just ordinary relics, they held magic. Some could even be lethal.
"My father's collection of ancient mirrors," she answered. "I think we should find another room though."
He raised a brow. "Why not here? I like it here."
"But-"
"His Majesty wouldn't be pleased by it?" One corner of Alec's lips rose. "I know you as someone who doesn't stick to rules, Princess Lauren. Why care now?"
He walked to the center of the room and faced the largest mirror. He craned his neck to give her an imposing look.
"Come here."
Lauren pursed her lips as she gritted her teeth silently. Now she wondered if she caught the lord under her trap, or if it was him who had his fingers wrapped around her.
But it didn't matter, right? After all, she wasn't just the one being used. She was using him too.
"Face the mirror," he ordered when she stopped in front of him.
She held her breath for a second when she saw their reflection in the huge mirror.
With her soft features and elegant dress, Lauren looked like a modest princess raised to be gentle and pure, standing there stiffly like an offering to a beast. While Alec who stood tall behind her smaller body, looked rough on all edges, dark and vicious. Like a devil behind an angel. Like a shadow behind the light.
Alec moved his head down to whisper in her ear, making her shiver.
"Watch me how I give you my first bite, princess."