Ch. 196..200: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 196-200

Chapter 196: Am I not a fool?

Melody harbored a suspicion that Izaak was deliberately preventing her from working to the full extent of her agreed-upon monthly payment. "Should I bring this up with the prince?" she pondered aloud, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Yet, in the very next moment, she dismissed the thought, letting it evaporate like morning mist. As Melody dusted the shelves and meticulously arranged the books, scrolls, and parchments back in their rightful places, she found herself puzzled by Izaak’s unexpected benevolence towards her.

Once she had completed her tasks in the study, Melody made her way to the drawing room. There, she encountered Zerah, who was in the midst of delegating tasks to a handful of servants.

"Melody, have you completed your tasks?" Zerah inquired. Upon receiving her affirmative nod, he promptly placed a black cloak into her hands. "Take this to the dressing chamber. His Highness requires it," he stated with an air of authority.

Melody was quick to carry out her duty. She entered the dressing chamber with a spring in her step.

However, her brisk pace came to an unexpected halt when she caught sight of Izaak, clad only in a thin robe. His hair was wet and slicked back, a clear indication that he had just emerged from his bath. The sight left her momentarily astounded.

Izaak sensed her presence and pivoted to face her. "Melody!" His voice rang out, effectively snapping her out of her daze. She promptly lowered her gaze, acutely aware of the stature of the individual standing before her.

"Zerah sent you to assist me with my attire," he mused. "Please expedite the process. I am running late for an important meeting with the vampire council," Izaak directed, his tone laced with urgency.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Melody responded, her voice filled with respect. However, a sense of uncertainty clouded her mind. She rubbed her temple, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar task at hand. This was a duty she had never performed before.

"Your Highness, may I request the assistance of another female servant?" she asked, her voice wavering slightly. "I must confess, I am not well-versed in this type of work." Her honesty shone through her words. Unlike her, the palace servants had undergone extensive training, equipping them with the knowledge to handle a wide array of tasks.

"Of course," Izaak granted her request with a nod. Without wasting a moment, Melody hurried off to fetch another female servant. As she observed the servant’s skilled movements, Melody quickly grasped the nuances of the task at hand.

Once she felt confident in her understanding, Izaak dismissed the servant with a wave of his hand. He then ran his fingers through his hair, pushing it to the side of his temple, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Izaak lifted his gaze to meet hers, a question lingering in his eyes. "Is there something you wish to share?" he inquired, his voice gentle yet insistent.

Caught off guard, Melody could only respond with a surprised, "Huh? Nothing."

Izaak, however, was not easily dissuaded. His eyes, sharp and discerning, seemed to see right through her. "I sense there’s something on your mind," he stated confidently. "Please, feel free to share." He encouraged her.

"Your Highness, I think I’m not given work according to the payment I’ll be receiving next month," Melody stated, keeping her gaze low.

Izaak probed, "Do you find satisfaction in ceaseless labor, without rest?" His tone was one of genuine curiosity.

Melody met his gaze, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. "No, that’s not what I’m trying to say," she started, her voice faltering as she grappled with her thoughts.

Izaak, sensing her struggle, decided to change the topic. "Take pleasure in the tasks assigned to you. Starting tomorrow, I believe you’ll be assisting me in getting ready," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Yes, Your Highness," Melody responded, her voice barely above a whisper.

Izaak then gestured towards the table. "Then, drape that cloak over me," he instructed, referring to the cloak that Melody had placed on the table and subsequently forgotten.

Caught off guard, Melody could only utter a surprised, "Oh." She quickly rushed to retrieve the cloak from the table and returned to stand behind him, ready to assist.

This was Melody’s maiden attempt at such a task, and her uncertainty was palpable. She was unsure of the correct procedure, her inexperience evident in her hesitant movements.

Prince Izaak, noticing her discomfort, gently took her hand in his. His touch was startlingly cold, like a winter’s breeze, causing a jolt of surprise to course through Melody. He placed her hand on his shoulder, his voice steady as he instructed, "Drape it and begin."

Guided by his calm assurance, Melody began to follow his instructions. Her movements, initially uncertain, gradually gained confidence. The fabric flowed from her hands, draping over Izaak’s form as she worked.

Finally, she stepped back, her task completed. She looked at Izaak, her eyes seeking approval. "Your Highness, the task is complete," she announced, her voice echoing in the silent room.

Rising from his seat, Izaak moved to stand before the mirror. His reflection stared back at him, the newly draped fabric adding a touch of regality to his appearance.

His eyes, however, were drawn to Melody’s reflection in the mirror. She was smiling, a small, genuine smile that spoke volumes about her sense of small achievement.

Izaak found himself captivated by the sight, a strange warmth spreading through him. He watched as her smile transformed her face, making her seem more radiant than ever. It was a small accomplishment, but to her, it meant the world.

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind then, unbidden but not unwelcome.

’Am I not a fool in love, repeating the same mistakes? Will she really love me the way I do?’ he mused. His heart seemed to answer in affirmation, a silent acknowledgment of the truth he had been denying.

Yet, as he looked at Melody’s smiling reflection, he couldn’t help but think that perhaps, this time it would turn out to be better.

Chapter 197: A threat to my life

As King Esmond took his place at the head of the breakfast table, his gaze swept over his family, a sense of contentment spreading across his face as he smiled warmly at them. With a practiced ease, he unfolded a napkin and placed it neatly on his lap.

"Our family will soon be welcoming a new member," King Esmond announced, his voice filled with joy. "After that, Izaak needs to be ready," he remarked.

Queen Margaret, her face glowing with a radiant smile, chimed in agreement. "Yes, after Alaric, it will be Izaak’s turn," she stated, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

Magnus cast a sidelong glance at Izaak, his eyes conveying a silent message. Izaak, however, responded with a frown, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion at his brother’s gesture.

Meanwhile, the servers had begun to circulate, placing plates of breakfast delicacies before each member of the royal family.

King Esmond, breaking the silence, turned his attention to Alaric. "Alaric," he began, his voice carrying a note of curiosity, "Your mother mentioned that you spent the previous evening at the renowned coffee shop with Miss Scarlet. How did you find her company?"

His question was casual, yet his eyes held a spark of eagerness. He was keen to know if Alaric was ready to take the next step in his relationship this time.

"It went well, Father," Alaric responded, his fingers curling around the spoon.

King Esmond, pleased with this news, declared, "That’s heartening to know. Let’s commence our meal then." With his words, the dining table burst into a symphony of clinking cutlery and quiet murmurs, everyone partaking in the feast laid out before them.

However, Alora remained an exception. Her right hand was captured by Magnus’s firm grip. Her eyes, ablaze with defiance, bore into Magnus, a silent plea for him to free her hand. However, he just ignored it.

"Alora, why do you abstain from partaking in the meal?" Queen Margaret’s voice echoed in the grand dining hall, drawing the attention of all present towards Alora. "Does the cuisine not meet your preference?" she probed further, her gaze filled with concern.

"No, Royal Mother," Alora responded promptly, her left hand deftly reaching for the spoon. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as Magnus finally released his grip on her hand.

A triumphant smile played on his lips, a sense of accomplishment radiating from him, having successfully teased his wife to his heart’s content.

Once the breakfast was over, the grand dining hall gradually emptied.

"Why did you find it amusing to tease me during breakfast, Your Highness?" Alora questioned, her eyes shooting daggers at Magnus. "I have a feeling Sister Lillian noticed you holding my hand," she added, her tone laced with annoyance. With a firm resolve, she refused to let him hold her hand again and maintained a distance of a meter from him, her actions speaking louder than her words.

Magnus was swift in his approach, causing her to halt abruptly. Her back found support in the cold wall behind her as she looked up into his eyes. "Step aside. I intend to attend the council alone," she whispered, her hands resting against the solid plane of his chest. Despite her efforts, she was unable to push him away.

"I cannot allow you to head there alone," Magnus declared, his lips descending on hers in a sudden kiss that left her eyes wide in surprise. "Even if someone is around, I don’t care, Alora." His gaze was intense, and it seemed to penetrate the very depths of her soul.

"Cough! Cough!"

The sound of a cough echoed in the corridor, breaking the intimate moment.

"Your Highness, I beg your pardon for this intrusion," Tobias interjected, his gaze respectfully lowered.

At his words, Magnus stepped away from Alora, turning his attention to Tobias. Alora straightened up, her fingers nervously twining and untwining in an attempt to regain her composure.

"What is it, Tobias?" Magnus asked.

"Your Highness, Rubin is here. He wants to see you," Tobias replied.

A frown creased Magnus’s forehead at this news, a silent storm brewing in his eyes. Alora, on the other hand, looked towards him with bewilderment.

Without another word, they followed Tobias, their footsteps echoing in the silent corridors. They arrived at the opulent drawing room, where Rubin was present.

"Greetings to Your Highnesses," Rubin promptly left his seat to see them and bowed respectfully to them.

"Rubin, I didn’t anticipate your visit in the morning," Magnus said. Again, Rubin’s mind was clean, deprived of any thoughts that would be concerning for Magnus. It annoyed the Prince because Rubin was good at deceiving him. "Have a seat," he asserted after taking their seats.

As Rubin made himself comfortable on the luxurious sofa, Alora, her voice laced with concern, asked, "Is all well, Rubin?"

"Unfortunately, no, Your Highness. That’s the very reason for my sudden visit. Last night, an unexpected guest arrived at my door," Rubin revealed, his voice steady despite the gravity of his words.

"And who might that be?" Magnus queried, his gaze fixed on Rubin, skepticism etched in his eyes.

"Dylan," came Rubin’s simple reply.

"What?" Magnus could barely conceal his shock, his exclamation reverberating through the room. "Then, why are you alive? He would have killed you, wouldn’t he?" he questioned.

"I employed a technique I learned during my tenure with the Night Saviors Organization," Rubin responded, his voice trembling with fear.

Magnus’s jaw clenched involuntarily. Rubin’s lies were becoming unbearable. If Dylan had indeed surfaced, he would have been notified. Yet, losing his composure was not an option at this juncture. Thus, Magnus resolved to uncover Rubin’s sinister scheme.

"Your Majesty, I implore you to locate Dylan since he poses a threat to my life," Rubin pleaded.

Magnus, too, had laid his own trap, a counter to Rubin’s ploy. Perhaps Rubin was aware of it, perhaps not.

"I shall pay a visit to your residence to trace Dylan’s scent," Magnus declared.

"Your kindness is beyond measure, Your Highness. I shall remain eternally grateful to you," Rubin responded his hands almost coming together in a gesture of deep gratitude and respect.

’Rubin, I’m going to kill you tonight,’ Magnus thought with a determined gaze.

Chapter 198: Innocence in your gaze

Alora gently set the quill pen down on the polished mahogany desk, her fingers lingering on the feathered stem.

"Why would Rubin deceive us about Dylan?" she inquired, her voice barely above a whisper. The encounter with Rubin that morning had left her unsettled, her thoughts scattered, making it difficult for her to focus on her royal duties.

Magnus, engrossed in a parchment, paused at her question. He carefully placed the document on the table, his eyes meeting hers.

"Rubin must be scheming something vicious," he responded, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of caution. His fingers intertwined, resting on the table.

"How are you going to stop him then?" Alora inquired.

"I may have to kill him," Magnus replied with a menace.

Alora felt a shiver of unease at his words, but she held her tongue, not voicing her approval. She looked at him, her eyes filled with confusion and hurt.

"Your Highness, we have always treated Rubin with kindness and respect since he arrived. Yet, he chose to betray our trust. Why would he do that?" she asked.

"Enemies don’t need a reason for anything. And they betray you no matter what," Magnus proclaimed. "Rubin has a hidden purpose, which he thinks he will achieve. He forgot I hardly trust anyone easily," he affirmed.

"But His Highness trusted me so easily," Alora said with a pout. "Wait! Did he ever doubt my intentions?" She was inquisitive to know.

Magnus, with a gentle smile, responded, "Alora, your innocence was so pure that it never allowed a shadow of doubt to creep into my mind. From the moment our eyes first met, I could see the innocence in your gaze. But the truth is, my attraction to you began even earlier. It was the moment I discovered you, unconscious and vulnerable, on the forest floor." His words resonated within her, causing her heart to pound fiercely against her ribcage.

"Oh." Alora smiled and looked down at the document in her hand.

He, too, smiled at her gesture, resuming his work.

"In the beginning, I thought Prince Magnus wanted to shun his boring life through me. I thought he was as lonely as me. I think my affection blossomed for him because I could look at him. And he was the first person in my life, to whom I looked with so much happiness," Alora murmured, lifting her eyes gradually.

"That’s what makes our relationship beautiful. We both were fated and destined to be with each other," Magnus affirmed, smiling at her. He then left his seat and walked to her. Lowering the parchment on the desk before her, he brought their conversation to work.

"The town magistrate of Crissolo are human and vampire. Now, recently it has come to notice that these both give biased decisions and it also leads to heated arguments between the two kinds. Now, the problem is both sides aren’t willing to acknowledge their mistakes. Remember the Town Magistrate rank is quite high," he proclaimed, "so, we can’t throw them out or punish them without solving the root problem. What do you think we should do?"

Alora contemplated before speaking, "Why they give biased decisions, we need to find that first. And if we can’t punish them, we need to replace them. Don’t you think?" she glanced at him as Magnus supported himself from the edge of the table.

"Let’s see first to know what these two are. Then, only a decision can be made," Magnus opined.

"Alright," she agreed when a knock on the door disturbed them.

"Come in," Magnus said and the door opened. Griffin walked in, who had returned from Sakaris. Alora tilted her head to check and her eyes lit up to see him.

Griffin greeted the two with a respectful bow and informed them he dropped Elliot safely to the training academy in Sekaris.

"Thank you, Elliot. That means a lot to me, to my family," she replied with a grateful attitude.

"Her Highness doesn’t need to say that. I did it as a part of my duty and also, I’m Princess Alora’s friend." His warm words brought a smile to Alora’s face.

"You should go and rest then," Magnus suggested him. "You did a good work," he added.

Griffin nodded in agreement and left the room.

"I just pray that Elliot learns everything well and makes a lot of friends," Alora murmured while joining both hands. She dropped her hands to her lap shortly and saw Magnus prepared to leave somewhere.

"I will be back soon. Until then, stay here. Don’t roam around," Magnus sternly told her and left.

As the door thud, Alora thought to only step out of the room for some time. She decided not to go too far, but stay within the vicinity of this room.

Rising to her feet, Alora stretched her arms out, feeling better, and went to the door. Opening it lightly, she stepped out and stood near the balustrade, lifting her head to look up.

"It’s so tall," she murmured.

"Her Highness may fall," a voice reached her ears and she promptly looked at her front. Her eyes widened to see William before her. Promptly she greeted him, and William smiled.

"A princess isn’t supposed to greet first anyone outside her family," William reminded her and he bowed to her. It wasn’t known if it was from his heart or just a formality.

"Prince Magnus isn’t in the office," Alora told him. She felt William was there to see Magnus.

"I know. I thought to talk to the woman who succeeded in capturing Prince Magnus’s heart," William asserted, his gaze was piercing as if it would bear holes in her soul. She was intimidated and looked away.

"However, every good thing doesn’t last for too long similar to a bad thing," William said.

She understood he referred to her eyes. Alora chose to remain silent, not knowing if answering an elder back would result in anything good or not.

William smiled a little and then, walked ahead.

Chapter 199: Special place in Izaak’s Heart

Lillian, her voice barely above a whisper, questioned the air, "Why do I detect a human aura here, apart from Alora’s?" as she meandered past Izaak’s manor. Her gaze was drawn to the imposing door of his chamber, a suspicion creeping into her mind.

Could it be that Izaak had brought in a new human, a source of fresh blood? With a dismissive shake of her head, she decided to move on, leaving the mystery behind.

Just as she was about to turn away, the grand door creaked open, and out stepped Melody, a copper water vessel cradled in her hands. Catching sight of Lillian, she offered a respectful bow before setting off in the opposite direction, leaving Lillian alone with her thoughts once more.

"Hold on! Why is a human serving in Brother Izaak’s manor?" Lillian exclaimed, her voice laced with surprise. The sight of a human in Izaak’s quarters was puzzling, as Izaak was known for his aloofness towards humans.

And apart from Alora, he barely interacted with them. Could it be that Lillian had overlooked something?

Just then, Zerah appeared from the direction she was headed, his voice respectful as he greeted, "Greetings to Princess Lillian." He paused, looking at her with a questioning gaze, "Does Her Highness require assistance with anything?" he inquired, ready to serve.

"Who was that human?" Lillian demanded, her tone sharp with curiosity. Zerah hesitated, remembering Izaak’s stern warning to remain silent about Melody. Yet, he knew Lillian’s uncanny ability to coax the truth out of anyone. "Look into my eyes, Zerah," she commanded, preparing to wield her power.

Just as the tension was about to peak, Izaak’s voice echoed through the corridor, "Lily!" He had just returned from his duties, and he couldn’t have been more relieved to have arrived at such a crucial moment.

Lillian swiveled around to face her brother, her face lighting up in a warm greeting. "It appears Brother Izaak has a secret," she mused aloud, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Why won’t he reveal the identity of the human in his service?" Her curiosity was piqued, and she was determined to uncover the truth.

"If Brother Izaak chooses to remain silent, then I’ll have no choice but to approach Father," she declared, her tone carrying a hint of a threat.

This was typical of Lillian; from a young age, she had a knack for getting her way. Except for Magnus, both Izaak and Alaric usually found themselves yielding to her will.

"I have taken a human into my service. She was among the many women rescued from the Slave Market," Izaak revealed, his voice steady yet withholding the true reason behind Melody’s presence in the palace.

Lillian, with a knowing smile playing on her lips, made an intriguing observation. "It’s quite fascinating, isn’t it? Brother Izaak has always maintained a certain distance from humans, only interacting when necessity dictates," she stated, her eyes twinkling with unspoken stories.

Just as Lillian finished her sentence, Melody made her reappearance. She had been absent during their conversation, and as fate would have it, she only caught the tail end of it. The part where Lillian was discussing Izaak’s approach towards humans only for his needs.

Spotting Melody, Lillian’s face lit up in recognition. "Ah, look who’s back! Human, you served my brother in a better way, right!?" she exclaimed, welcoming her into their midst.

With a stern tone, Izaak addressed Lillian, "Lily, it’s time for you to leave." His glare was intense, a silent command that Lillian understood all too well. Without a word, she hastily retreated from the scene.

As Izaak turned on his heel, he was met with the sight of Melody. She stood there, her posture respectful as she bowed to him, patiently waiting for him to proceed inside.

Izaak then turned his attention back to Melody, his voice softer as he tried to reassure her. "My sister tends to express herself in such a manner. Please, don’t take her words to heart," he advised, attempting to smooth over any discomfort caused by Lillian’s earlier comments.

Zerah watched his master, a sense of bewilderment clouding his features. It was unlike Izaak to explain situations to any servant. This unusual behavior led Zerah to a realization - Melody was not just another servant; she held a special place in Prince Izaak’s heart.

Izaak then retreated to his private chamber, with Zerah trailing behind him. After allowing some time to pass, Melody too, followed them inside.

Izaak let Zerah to take off the cloak from his shoulder while thinking if Melody would take another meaning of his help. Once Zerah had stepped back, passing the cloak to another servant, Izaak proceeded to remove his overcoat. He then settled into a chair, extending his feet for a servant to remove his boots.

As he sat there, a troubled thought crossed his mind.

’Lily won’t let this go easily. If she encounters Melody again, she’s bound to cause more trouble,’ Izaak mused, his brows furrowing in concern.

After a brief respite in the washroom, Izaak returned to his bedchamber, now donned in a fresh outfit.

Zerah, ever the dutiful servant, approached him with a humble query. "Your Highness, may I arrange the meals for you?" he asked, his tone respectful.

"Indeed," Izaak responded, his voice carrying a note of approval. He then made his way towards the round table, ready for his meal. As the prince settled into his chair, Zerah excused himself to relay the instructions to the other servants.

Izaak was lost in his thoughts when Melody walked in with a tray in her hand. She set the table for him and he looked at the subtle expressions of her face.

The other servant poured the cup with blood. Melody noticed that and recalled what Lillian said earlier to her. She quietly did her work and decided to leave when Izaak asked her to stop.

"Both of you, leave," Izaak commanded, his gaze fixed on Zerah and the other servant. Once they had exited the room and Zerah had secured the door behind them, Izaak turned his attention back to Melody.

"I didn’t bring you here to fulfill any of my needs. My sister has a penchant for meddling in my affairs and frightening the humans too," he confessed, his tone sounded sincere. He wanted to trust him rather than Lillian.

Chapter 200: Fall victim to such a fate

"His Highness need not to explain to me. The palace has only vampires, so it was common for the princess to wonder why a human could be here," Melody stated.

While she understood what Lillian wanted to say, but she also knew that Izaak wasn’t a bloodthirsty vampire. He was quite good to his servants and that was all she wanted.

Izaak was taken aback by her comprehension. Her empathy was unexpected, and it brought a sense of relief to him, lifting his spirits once more.

"I will be outside, Your Highness. Please summon me when you have finished your meal," Melody proposed, her voice steady and respectful. With that, she pivoted on her heel, preparing to exit the room.

"Have you had your lunch?" Izaak inquired, his tone laced with concern.

"Not yet, Your Highness. The servants typically do lunch around three," Melody responded.

"I find myself unable to finish all this food. Why don’t you join me for lunch? We have an extra plate here," Izaak suggested a playful glint in his eyes. He gestured towards an empty chair, inviting Melody to join him.

Melody hesitated, her eyes wide with surprise. "How could I possibly dine alongside the prince?" she questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.

Izaak simply smiled, his gaze softening. "You can. There’s no one else here," he reassured her, proceeding to fill a plate for her. As he did so, he noticed the absence of something. "Ah, there’s no water. You’ll have to drink it later," he murmured.

Melody felt she should take the experience of having such a lavish meal. Pulling back the chair, she quietly sat on it. Her culinary skills were not like the royals. The steak on her plate was a challenge; she was unfamiliar with the art of cutting it. As she picked up the fork and knife, she made a determined attempt to cut the steak.

Izaak observed her struggle with a hint of amusement. Noticing that she was having difficulty, he decided to intervene before he began his own meal.

He smoothly exchanged his plate with hers, offering her a plate with pre-cut steaks. "You can enjoy them as they are. They’re all cut," he announced, his voice carrying a note of gentle reassurance.

"But that’s..." Melody’s voice dwindled into silence as Izaak cut her off.

"Eat," he commanded, his attention wholly absorbed in meticulously carving the steaks that lay before them on the plate.

Melody, however, held back, her gaze fixed on Izaak. She waited, her own steak untouched, her fork poised in mid-air. It was only when Izaak took his first bite, did she allowed herself to follow suit.

As she delicately cut a piece of her steak and placed it in her mouth, a burst of flavors exploded on her tongue. The steak was unlike anything she had ever tasted before. It was incredibly tender, almost melting in her mouth, and the rich, savory flavors were simply divine.

A smile unbeknownst to her formed on her lips as she enjoyed eating the steaks. Izaak told her to taste the side dishes as well for which she no longer hesitated.

"Your Highness, may I pose a question?" Melody interjected, her voice cutting through the comfortable silence that had settled over their lunch.

"Certainly," Izaak responded, setting his fork down on the plate with a soft clink.

"I heard Prince Alaric would be married next week. I met a few servants, who look into the preparation of such big events," Melody asserted.

"Yes. But why do you look so happy about it?" Izaak was curious to know.

"Because I’ll have the chance to witness a royal wedding," Melody replied, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"But the servants are usually relegated to the back," Izaak pointed out with a matter-of-fact.

"Yes, I’m aware. But even being a small part of such a grand event is an accomplishment in itself," Melody responded, her voice filled with quiet pride as she returned to her meal.

Izaak was taken aback by her modest wish to merely observe a royal wedding. Such desires seemed so simple, so unassuming. It made him reflect on Melody’s background, a life that lacked even the basic comforts, and that was why she was joyous about such things.

"What about you, Melody?" Izaak inquired, his voice echoing in the quiet room. "When do you envision yourself getting married?" he asked, lifting a cup filled with blood to his lips.

Melody held his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "To even consider marriage, I would first need to find a suitable partner," she began, her voice steady. "However, given that I have no parents, the path to marriage might be strewn with obstacles for me," she confessed, her words tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"Why so?" Izaak rested the cup on the table.

"I bring no dowry to sweeten the marriage deal," Melody began, her voice a mere whisper, "And men... they can’t always be trusted. There are incidents, you know, of husbands who, drowning in their debts, sell their own wives to keep their heads above water. I’ve seen my one friend fall victim to such a fate." Her voice cracked slightly at the memory, "... She chose death over life. She thought it was a kinder option." Melody’s voice trailed off, a sudden melancholy descending upon her. Her eyes, usually so full of life, now mirrored the sadness in her heart.

"Humans have all such incidents more than vampires and werewolves," Izaak said.

"Indeed, humans seem to bear the brunt of such incidents more than vampires and werewolves," Izaak observed, his tone carrying a hint of sorrow.

Melody nodded, her expression solemn. "Yes, but I believe the root of the problem lies in the fact that we humans, especially those of us at the grassroots level, struggle to find employment. And when we do, the wages are often meager. My parents, for instance, fell into the vicious cycle of debt due to the low wages they received. It’s a harsh reality many of us face," she asserted.