Chapter 13

Chapter 13

ANDREAS

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18.00

One hour before the proposal…

I stared at the tied man in front of me. With his feet and hands bound, there was no way he’d escape. The smell of burning flesh penetrated my nostrils as he hissed in pain.

“Is this truly necessary?” he asked, angling his head in my direction. The rope I used to tie him was laced with a liquid from the plant called Nightshade. It’s painful for vampires and causes their skin to burn. The rope around his wrists and ankles served as torture as it continued to burn his flesh after his regenerative abilities set off.

“Depends. I’d like to ask a few questions before I’decide if I should let you out,” I said as I stood in front of him.

He looked up at me. There is nothing familiar about this man but I do know his kind. A vampire walking around Veridia and killing a werewolf was a huge mistake. For whatever reason he did it, I’d like to know.

“What is there for you to know? I killed a woman and I drained her of her blood.”

“You did not. Everyone knows a vampire drinking a werewolf’s blood can kill the former. And now you did. something impossible.”

His grin turned more wicked. “Impossible, yes. They all know it’s impossible and yet I could almost taste their fears in the air.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. I knew it.

His main goal was to spread fear amongst the wolves of Veridia.

“The Prince of the Vampires is coming,” he said, making me freeze.

“What do you know about the Prince of the Vampires?”

raits

He let out a chuckle and said, “Not much but I do know he’s vengeful and he’s going to bring this Kingdom to knees.” He started laughing.

I

I crouched in front of him and tipped his chin up using the dagger I was holding. It was also laced in Nightshade.

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“Tell that Vampire Prince—whoever he is—that if he sets foot in Veridia, I will be the one he’s facing. I won’t make it easy for him and he better bring an army. I’d feel bad fighting him if he’s alone.”

I dragged the tip of my dagger down to his neck and further down to his heart. I could hear his heartbeat getting louder as I pushed the dagger slightly into his skin, drawing blood.

“Another one of your stunts and you’re good as dead. Leave Veridia. Go where you came from and I shall never see your face again.”

He groaned in pain but I pulled the dagger away before I stood up, looking down on him.

“Even as I go back, the wolves of Veridia will be in a state of fear. They will know soon enough that you’re the last person she was with. It won’t be hard for them to piece the information together and make you the culprit. They’ll know more as that woman won’t be the last–”

Before he could finish his statement, I grabbed his neck, my nails burying to his skin. “Who are the others?”

Instead of answering, he grinned. “You’ll know them once the deed is done. From the ashes, we will rise.” He was choking at his own words as my fingers tightened. Snapping this man’s neck again would be too bothersome. Killing him would be too messy and not exactly a good idea. If he does have accomplices here who would discover his death, it won’t be good for the residents of this Kingdom.

Thankfully, Aiden arrived in time, looking at me in wonder.

“This is not your second victim, no?”

I gave him a look. “This is the one responsible for the murder. Bring him to the catacombs.”

Aiden’s eyes darted to the man in front of me who was already struggling to breathe. I could not care less. If I could, I would have killed him. But I have more questions to ask this man.

Without saying anything else, Aiden took the man by the arm, and in an instant, they disappeared, leaving me with my own thoughts..

The narrow alley was still quiet. I know there isn’t a single soul around and would dare to eavesdrop. Not when they already have an idea of who I am and what I am capable of.

Father had seen the death of his late wife—caused by a vampire. Seeing that dead woman at the back of the palace brought back memories, I suppose. Telling him about the situation would only make him on edge.

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15:08

But then again, he’s the Alpha King. He deserves to know what’s going on in his own Kingdom. With Philip, couldn’t trust this information. His bloodlust for vampires is something I’d rather not unveil.

As I was walking

out of the alleyway, Aiden arrived. His suit is still perfectly tailored.

la

“How’s our prisoner?” I asked as I lit my cigarette and continued walking my way to the palace.

I

“I think he’ll cope well,” Aiden said. “Although, he’s hurting himself trying to destroy that ward around the catacomb.”

“I’ll revisit him soon enough. Right now, I need you to find me a dining venue. I plan to propose to Henrietta.”

He stopped walking. Aiden’s brows furrowed, skepticism etched across his features as his eyes lingered on me. “You’re going to propose to Lady Henrietta?”

I puffed out a cloud of smoke before turning to him. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“You’re really marrying her?” Aiden’s voice echoed throughout the alley, his eyes narrowing as though he could not believe my decision.

“I need her for my plans, Aiden.”

His eyes narrowed more and I already knew what he was thinking about. I turned my back and continued walking, puffing another smoke. “Her family’s influential. I don’t know how she’ll play her cards but if she gains. control of her family’s riches, she’ll be next to the royal family. I need her.”

“Does she know about you and your plans?”

I looked up at the blue sky. That’s what has been bothering me for some time now. Do I tell her everything? Can

she be trusted?

Despite her attempts to conceal it, her emotions toward my brother are as clear as day. The public humiliation and rejection‘ she endured haven’t extinguished the flame of affection she harbors for him. Whether a lingering ember or a subtle spark, it’s a sentiment not easily extinguished, for matters of the heart seldom fade away overnight.

If she still has feelings for my brother, I can use her that way and I wouldn’t tell her about all my plans. But if she’s determined to make him and her stepsister suffer, then I am all for her.

Emergency calls onlyM-

chapter 13

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I threw the butt of the cigarette to the ground before stepping on it, the hiss of the fire echoed as I stepped it on the small puddle.

“I will have to find out,” I answered.