1. August, 7 pm
A girl with a face as pale as snow stood under the brightest light. She wore a gown that seemed to glow like an ember in comparison, but when she smiled it was brighter than any diamond.
She appeared to be celebrating judging from her gleaming eyes and laughter, though the room around her was dim.
An unknown man reached for her hand and kissed her fingers. He said something only they could hear before leaving towards the balcony.
I'm not sure if she had any intention in following him since I approached her before she had time to make a decision.
"Im glad you're having fun."
Her lips curved slightly into a smile before turning toward me.
"Long time no see, brother."
"Yeah..." I muttered, looking back at the ball. "It's been a month and a half."
"That long?" She said as she walked up next to me. Her voice was soft, yet she sounded so cheerful all the same. "We should go upstairs and talk for hours. Alone." She chuckled as her hands traveled to my shoulders.
I shifted between my left and right leg while the uncomfortable feeling overwhelmed me.
"Why are you acting like this?" I asked, still avoiding looking directly at her. "It isn't like you."
Lina laughed. She turned her attention away from me, taking in a deep breath of air. "What are you talking about, I'm always like this."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"No, you don't act like that," I insisted. "When we talked last time you were just... Nevermind. I'll get you a glass of water."
"No. Don't go." She grabbed my arm tightly. "Let's dance together, okay?" Her words made me feel uneasy even more.
I glanced towards the royal family only to see Lord Leroi glaring daggers at me.
"Fine." I shrugged and turned my eyes back on her.
"Good." A wide grin split on her cheeks as she took hold of my hand and let me a few steps closer the where the vampires danced but not close enough for it to be a problem.
She moved her hands down my arms and then rested them around my waist. I reached down for her hands and removed them from my body. If we are going to dance I would much rather prefer hand-in-hand dancing.
"You know how to pick 'em, huh?" An unfamiliar man said as he approached us. His tone was friendly enough, but his eyes held a dark tint of hostility and a cruel edge.
My grip tightened around Lina's hands.
The man chuckled and then continued speaking. "I am sorry to interrupt but I arranged a little bit of Lina's time on the balcony, but she never came. I guess you are the reason why."
His gaze switched between Lina and me.
"Who are you?" I asked.
He smirked. "Not here to make small talk with you, just came here for her."
"So what?" I said through gritted teeth. "Leave now."
Lina gasped and tried pulling on my hand but I didn't budge. Instead, I placed one of my hands on the small of her back and pushed her slightly behind me.
She looked back at me and mouthed, "Brother, please."
"Brother?" The stranger repeated with an unreadable expression on his face. "Is this how you treat your own sister? Well I suppose when the number of females is tight you can ignore some boundaries." He laughed. "I'll make you a deal, I will let you have her first and I'll have her afterwards."
I scoffed. "Yeah right. Why don't I just hand you my sister on a silver plate right now."
"Oh, now that sounds too easy. " He leaned forward with a smirk. "Don't worry I will give her to you as soon as I'm done."
I felt anger rising inside of me but I kept myself composed. "Go ahead, try it," I replied.
"Hah! Do you think I'm scared of someone like you? What kind of fool do you take me for?" He said as he reached for Lina. I stepped in front of her quickly and shoved him away.
"Don't you dare!" I threatened, trying desperately to restrain myself so that this scene wouldn't escalate even more.
He laughed coldly. "You're starting to get on my nerves now."
He raised one of his hands towards me. "I think we need to settle this right now."
I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth. This wouldn't end well, not if I don't get control of myself.
I inhaled deeply as I reopened my eyes slowly.
Before I could do anything, however, something flew past me and hit him directly in the chest.
A loud clang echoed throughout the whole room as a figure landed on top of him.
"What the" My eyes widened in surprise when I saw who it was. "Cora?"
"Are you alright?!" I heard Lina's worried voice.
Cora grunted in pain and sat up, her hand clutching her head as she attempted to stand up. She swayed slightly but she managed to stay on her feet.
"Hey, hey, calm down, okay?" I crouched down to help her stand. "Here, lean against me."
"What is going on here?" A demanding voice interrupted. The music ceased and everyone turned toward the source of the voice.
Standing a few feet away was Lord Chamberwood himself, looking annoyed. Behind him stood master with a shocked expression while her younger brother hurriedly made his way toward us with a worried expression on his face.
"Lord Chamberwood," Cora spoke, barely managing to stand up straight. "This human has assaulted Prince Leroi's pet."
"I did no such thing." The man spoke.
"Who's pet is this?" Calius asked motioning towards that man.
"Sadly that one is mine. "Princess Lottie said as she approached us. "I apologize for his behavior and I assure you he will be properly punished."
"I expect the same fate for the remaining two." The Lord said. "Have I made myself clear, Luise? Calius?"
The bitter feeling of fear overwhelmed me as this could mean only one thing.
I glanced at Cora but there wasn't a single feeling on her face. She was looking death in the eyes and refused to show any trace of fear.
"Of course my Lord." They said in unison.
"Get them out of here." The Lord said and we were immediately escorted out of the room by the royal guards.
All four of us fell silent after exiting the ballroom. Our breathing was irregular but neither of us said anything.
I thought we were all being escorted to our rooms but at some point, Cora and I were separated from two other two and led inside another room. As soon as we walked in the guards closed the door behind us and left.
Cora walked over to a window and stared outside, but she didn't say anything.
"Why did you attack him?" I asked cautiously.
She gave a soft chuckle. "I wasn't thinking clearly." Her voice sounded almost sad. "But I did more harm than good."
I sighed softly as I leaned against the wall. "I understand that but I started it first by shoving him. If there's anyone to blame it should've been me."
"But this could be good." She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "All we need now is to get the vampire pricks to send us away."
My heart sank at her words. Would Luise give me away? I never thought about it until she mentioned it. Now that it might happen it was terrifying.
"Isn't there some other forms of punishment we can get besides being sent away?" I asked.
"Like whips or chains," Cora stated in an indifferent tone. As if hearing my thoughts, she turned toward me and glared. "Or perhaps..." she said. "A knife in the chest... Or death."
"I get it." I interrupted.
I heard her sigh, but before she could reply, the door opened. One of the guards stepped into the room followed by my master.
I bowed politely.
Right after her, Calius walked into the room as well. After locking the doors, he crossed his arms across his chest and glanced in between Cora and me.
"I am very disappointed in you Aster." Master spoke. My stomach dropped.
"I expected better from you, Cora." She walked further towards us. "After what happened this evening I could only assume that you have a death wish."
"So for your punishment-" Master began.
"I will handle her." Calius interrupted. "You should worry about your pet."
Master frowned but nodded. "As you wish."
Calius took Cora by the hand and led her out of the room.
"So what's my punishment?" I asked once we were alone.
"You have to leave."
"What?" I whispered in shock.
"You have to leave." She repeated more firmly. "It's either that or your death."
My breath hitched in my throat. She's sending me away...
"What about Cora?" I managed to ask. "And my sister?"
"You're sister will stay here but I doubt Cora will be joining you. My brother is strangely attached to her." She replied.
A cold pit formed in my stomach as a sense of dread filled every part of my body. "I thought you liked me as your pet."
Her lips twisted into a small smile. "I don't like people, just their blood."
"But you never drank mine," I replied bitterly. "How would you know?"
She let out a deep sigh. "Aster I'm trying to make this easier for you."
"Nothing you say can make this easier," I replied. "Please don't send me away. Even though you hate me, I still consider you family."
"Family is nothing compared to power. I was offered a position of the Lady Chamberwood in one of our territories if I send you away."
"But I don't wanna leave," I said tears forming in my eyes.
"Dammit Aster, this is everything I ever wanted in my life and you are not gonna ruin it." She clenched her jaw in frustration as she shook her head. "Your sister will be safe enough here. So you don't have to worry about her. Cora will be well too."
I looked at her in silence as I tried hard not to break down completely. "I guess I won't be seeing you again then, will I?"
"No, you won't. " She replied. "The guard outside this door is waiting for you now to take you to the truck. Be sure to behave yourself and you shouldn't find any problems."
"Can I at least hug you for the last time?" I asked.
She hesitated a little, looking reluctant but eventually, she gave me a nod as she extended her arms and embraced me tightly.
I wrapped mine around her waist, holding onto her as if my life depended on it. Tears trickled down my cheeks uncontrollably.
She caressed my back gently and soothingly rubbed my hair while murmuring comforting words to me as I let out my grief.
After several minutes, we finally pulled apart.
"Now go."
I didn't say anything more but wiped my eyes quickly and nodded, giving her one last look before I pushed the door open and walked out with a heavy heart.