I sighed impatiently, checking the grandfather clock for the twentieth time.
Ivan should be home by now.
Surely buying groceries didn't take this long?
I began pacing around the room, stopping when the others entered.
Ludwig: He still isn't back yet.
Francis: Maybe he got lost?
Arthur snorted in response.
Arthur: Don't be ridiculous, he isn't a child.
Ludwig: Well what do you propose we do then?
Arthur: I didn't suggest we do anything.
This is getting us nowhere.
Quietly, while they were still arguing, I slipped out of the room, through the foyer and into the evening air.
What should I do now?
Oh, I know!
Let's retrace his steps.
I began heading to the marketplace, jaw clenching.
I'm sure I'll see him any minute now, haggling over the price of some vegetable.
When I finally reached my destination it felt as though the wind was taken out of me.
Deserted.
Not a single soul in sight.
Where could he have gone?
???: You're as stupid as you look, girl.
I spun around to be met by black cloth.
Reader: Let me go!
I yelled, strong hands gripping my arms.
I let out a scream as I was lifted into the air, being dragged away.
Reader: Fwuah!
The black hood was ripped from my head, revealing a concrete room.
At the back was a figure slumped against the wall.
Reader: Ivan!
His eyes widened in shock, morphing into regret and anger.
His arms were tied behind his back by thick chains, rattling as he attempted to move closer.
Blood trickled down from his forehead.
I went to go towards him when a hand held me back.
I squirmed before demanding-
Reader: Let him go!
There were several vampires in the warehouse, circling.
???: We've heard an interesting rumor, haven't we?
They stepped towards me, smiling.
???: A young woman, presumably the Fated Gift, was snatched from a ball.
I swallowed.
They laughed, dim light dancing in their eyes.
???: I'll make this easy for you. Give yourself to us and he lives.
Ivan: No!
Ivan: _, you can't!
I answered without hesitation.
Reader: I'll do it, so please, don't hurt him anymore.
The vampire grinned, walking closer to me.
???: I heard he kidnapped you and yet you're this willing to save him.
They wasted no time, gripping my neck with one hand, my wrist another.
Reader: Agh!
I yelped in pain as their fangs entered my neck, burrowing into my skin.
I screwed my eyes tight as they swallowed.
They stopped.
???: You...th-this doesn't make sense.
???: You taste absolutely normal.
I turned my head slightly as Ivan let out a laugh.
Ivan: Have you forgotten the foretelling? Only her soulmate will receive the power.
The vampire snorted.
???: You believe that's you? How naive. I'll force this woman to be my soulmate no matter the cost!
Reader: Mnng?!
Lips met mine, forcefully.
I instantly tried pushing away but their grip was too strong.
Reader: Ah!
They pierced my neck again, watching the blood roll down my neck, flowing over my collarbone.
The other vampires became restless at the scent and sight of blood, circling around Ivan.
Thirsting.
No, this is wrong!
The only soulmate for me is...
Feliciano: Ivan!
I blinked in surprise as the others burst into the room.
The vampire relaxed their grip on me, enough for me to break away.
I dashed across the room, falling to my knees in front of Ivan.
Reader: Ivan! You're okay...I saw the blood and cuts and I-and I didn't know what to do so I-
I stopped as he weakly reached up, rubbing my cheek fondly.
His weak smile was heart wrenching in numerous, confusing ways.
I went to speak when his head fell backwards, passing out.