Ethan's POV
I wore a helpless expression as I observed their shrew-like bickering.
Who would believe that even the strongest beings in this world could stoop to using such vulgar language and behaving like street thugs? It was almost surreal to witness.
The sound of their argument came to an abrupt halt as they simultaneously turned their heads toward me, their gazes landing squarely on my face. Unfortunately for me, they caught sight of my helpless expression.
I hurriedly adjusted my demeanour, adopting a stoic expression as if my previous reaction had been nothing more than an illusion.
Master and the Duchess exchanged glances, looking mildly embarrassed by their behaviour though they quickly composed themselves.
"You, kid," the Duchess began, her tone suddenly kind and measured, "since you're going to be staying in Scarlet Hollow City for a while, why don't you take some time to tour it?"
Before I could reply, she tapped her armrest in a deliberate pattern. The blood-red barrier surrounding us dissolved into wisps of crimson smoke that drifted into the air before being absorbed back into her petite frame. The sight was both fascinating and unsettling, a reminder of her immense power.
As the last tendrils of smoke vanished, the sound of footsteps echoed from the left side of the grand throne hall. My attention shifted, and soon an elegant figure appeared.
The newcomer was striking—a voluptuous woman clad in a flowing red gown that seemed to ripple like liquid fire with each step.
Her proud breasts straining against the silk seemed to demand my attention while her wide hips swayed enticingly as she moved.
I could even glimpse the faint imprint of her navel through the thin fabric, a tantalizing hint of the curves beneath. Her presence was magnetic drawing all eyes to her with effortless grace.
She had a mane of blonde hair elegantly curled into a bun, framing a face of exquisite features. Her ruby-red eyes gleaming with an intensity that made my breath catch held a captivating allure.
Seeing her youthful appearance, I could guess that she couldn't be more than eighteen or nineteen but there was a presence of maturity, a quiet confidence that belied her years.
A serious expression adorned her face as she glided across the hall her every movement a study in grace. Without so much as a glance in our direction she approached the throne.
Stopping precisely ten meters before it, she lowered herself onto one knee in a smooth practiced motion.
The silk of her gown pooled around her, revealing a glimpse of thigh that sent a jolt of awareness through me.
As she knelt, her stretched dress highlighting her ass and a sexy thin back was thrust into my full view. It was a tantalizing display of her womanly form that left me breathless.
I was startled and had a wry smile as I guessed my age was playing a major role in stirring my emotions and desires.
Bowing her head respectfully, she spoke in a melodious voice that resonated with both deference and confidence,
"For what purpose have you summoned me, Master?"
Curious, I turned my attention to the Duchess. She was once again cloaked in shadows, her petite form seemingly swallowed by the darkness.
Only two glowing red orbs which were her eyes were visible through the haze but this time the shadows appeared larger towering as if to mimic the stature of an ordinary adult.
A peculiar thought crossed my mind, one that was amusing enough to make me want to chuckle. Could it be...? My suspicion seemed ridiculous but I made sure my expression betrayed none of it.
As I pondered, I sneaked a glance at Master's face. Her lips were curved into a sneer, one directed at the Duchess with unmistakable amusement. Her disdainful expression seemed to suggest she found the Duchess's theatrics either overly dramatic or unnecessarily pompous.
"Look behind you."
The young woman rose gracefully and turned around to face us. Master stood with an indifferent expression her arms crossed and her face unreadable except for the faintest trace of annoyance.
An invisible pressure radiated outward from her and it reminded me of the first time we met in the underground cave.
The oppressive aura was enough to make even the most hardened warrior falter and I could see from the serious look on the young woman's face that although she didn't know who Master was she recognized the immense power she wielded.
The girl's gaze then turned to me and I responded with a faint smile.
"Virelle, meet Ethan disciple of the Nightshade Dragoness," the Duchess announced. "He is going to stay with us in the castle for the next three years. Show him the castle and the greatest city of the vampires."
The beautiful girl named Virelle visibly stiffened at the mention of the Nightshade Dragoness. Her face quickly shifted to a proper expression of respect as she bowed deeply to Master.
Then, as she straightened up and faced me, I noticed the forced small smile on her lips. It was clear that being cheerful and social was not her strong suit.
"Ethan, come. I will show you our Scarlet Hollow City and your accommodations in Scarlet Hollow Castle," she said in a polite tone.
I nodded pensively and followed her out of the throne hall, the darkness of the gloomy castle enveloping us both as we trudged out of the throne hall dominated by red shadows.
Nyx's POV
I watched as Ethan disappeared into the darkness alongside the young girl Virelle. My eyes narrowed and I turned my head toward the throne, where the shadows had cleared to reveal little Altheria once again.
My lips curled into a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Is it absolutely necessary for him to stay here for most of the days every month for the next three years to help develop his vampire identity?
Heh, don't try to lie to me Altheria. I've known you for the last two hundred years. Speak. What do you plan to do with my disciple?"