Ch. 306..310: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 306-310

Chapter 306: Best gift of your life

In the dimly lit room, two figures sat in tense anticipation. The server moved with practiced grace, placing the tea tray on the table before quietly exiting, the door closing with a soft click.

"Do you truly believe you can eliminate Alora and Magnus?" Madam Aubrey inquired with skepticism. "Alora is invincible because of her eyes," she added.

She lifted the delicate porcelain cup to her lips, taking a sip of the steaming tea, her eyes never leaving the man seated across from her.

"I do," the man replied, his voice filled with unshakable confidence. "That’s precisely why I’ve summoned you here, Madam. Magnus will fall easily once Alora is out of the way," he added, a confident smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

As Madam Aubrey set the cup gently on its saucer, she probed further, "How do you plan to kill Alora? It’s not easy to get close to her. Magnus is always by her side," she stated in a bitter tone.

The man leaned forward slightly, a calculating look in his eyes. "But her grandmother can approach her," he suggested calmly, as if presenting an obvious solution.

Madam Aubrey’s expression darkened, a frown creasing her forehead. "You seem to forget why I was exiled to Elmswood," she said, recalling how she was thrown out of her own house. "I am condemned to live out my remaining days in this house, isolated and alone," she pronounced in anger.

"As long as you pretend to love your granddaughter, everything is possible," the man proclaimed with unwavering resolve. He reached into his coat and produced a tiny, ornate bottle, which he slid across the table toward her.

"This is the most deadly poison in the world. Even the tiniest drop is enough to kill anyone who ingests it," he affirmed, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous intensity.

Madam Aubrey eyed the bottle warily, the weight of the situation pressing heavily upon her. "If you help me kill her," the man continued, leaning back in his chair, "I promise you, I will take care of Magnus as well. Once they are both gone, you will be free to return to your family," he offered, his voice dripping with persuasion.

Madam Aubrey shook her head slowly, her frown deepening. "Magnus reads minds. He will find out what is going on," she reminded him while knitting her brows together. "You have to ensure that the day I meet Alora, Magnus won’t be in the palace," she remarked.

The man nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I will make the necessary arrangements for it," he promised. "Shall we seal this deal?" he inquired.

"Yes," Madam Aubrey said with a evil grin.

’Magnus, I will give you the best gift of your life soon,’ the man named Damien thought.

~~~~~

Alora removed the jewelry from her neck and settled into the chair, preparing to brush her hair. She carefully took off the clips and pins, setting them aside with a delicate touch, and picked up her brush. As she gently combed through her silken locks, a serene smile graced her lips.

The day’s events replayed in her mind, filling her heart with warmth and contentment. She had enjoyed the festivities with her family, the laughter and joy creating precious memories that made her heart flutter with delight.

The lively conversations, shared meals, and affectionate embraces lingered in her thoughts, painting a picture of perfect happiness. Yet, a tinge of sadness lingered as she thought of Elliot, the only one absent from the celebration.

Alora’s gaze drifted to the mirror, her eyes catching a reflection of movement. She spotted Magnus entering the chamber, dressed in his night clothes. She was quick to place the brush on the dressing table and left her seat.

"Magnus, are we sleeping now?" Alora asked, her voice gentle yet tinged with hesitation.

"Yes. Aren’t you tired?" Magnus replied with a playful quip, a hint of a smile on his lips. In the blink of an eye, he was standing before her, his movement swift and silent. He lifted his hand and tenderly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his touch reassuring.

"I am tired," Alora admitted, her gaze softening as she looked up at him. "But I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Magnus’ expression grew serious, his eyes locking onto hers. "Hmm. What is it?" he asked, his voice a low murmur.

Alora took his hand and led him to the bed, where they sat side by side. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I had a conversation with Father," she began. "He was worried about Venus. She cries late at night, and Father goes to her room to check on her. I think I made a mistake by punishing my own sister," Alora confessed in a regretful tone. She tilted her head to look at Magnus, seeking his understanding.

Magnus listened intently, his hand gently squeezing hers. "If not you, someone else would have punished Venus," he opined. "Let her fight this. She needs to learn and grow from her mistakes," he suggested, his eyes conveying both compassion and wisdom.

"Umm... I was wondering if I could do something for her," Alora said softly, her eyes searching Magnus’ for understanding.

Magnus looked at her thoughtfully, his expression turned serious. "What do you want to do for her?" he asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "You can’t bring her here," he added firmly.

"Why not?" Alora questioned, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Because Venus needs to fight this by herself. We’ve discussed this before. Unless she truly wants to be happy, it won’t happen," Magnus stated in his gentle voice. "External changes won’t make a difference if she doesn’t change within."

"I see," Alora murmured, her eyes downcast as she processed his words. "I thought a change of environment for a few days might help Venus, give her some peace."

Magnus sighed. "She may not feel good here, Alora. Do you know why?"

Alora shook her head.

"She became a widow because of her own mistakes," Magnus explained in a somber yet patient tone. "Seeing the happy couples here might not bring her comfort. Instead, it could remind her of her past and the betrayal of the man she married. Every smile, every shared moment between couples might only deepen her pain, recalling the life she lost and the choices that led to her current situation."

Alora nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I hadn’t thought of it that way," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "I just want to help her, to see her smile again."

"I know you do," Magnus replied, his hand gently squeezing hers, his touch was both warm and reassuring. "But sometimes, the best help we can give is to let them find their own strength. Venus has to confront her demons and learn to move past her mistakes. Only then can she truly heal."

Alora sighed, leaning her head on Magnus’ shoulder. "It’s so hard to watch someone you love suffer," she whispered.

"It is," Magnus agreed, wrapping an arm around her. "But have faith. Venus is stronger than you think. She just needs time and space to discover that for herself."

Chapter 307: It’s affecting us

Scarlet looked at the documents on which Alaric had been working for the past few days, her eyes narrowing as she read through the dense text. "Damien Von Grimm..." she murmured, the name sending a chill down her spine. She couldn’t fathom why Alaric would be investigating someone like Damien, who was no more.

"Scarlet, what are you doing here?" Alaric’s voice broke through her thoughts as he entered the study room, his tone carrying a hint of concern. "I was looking for you in the bedchamber," he added, his eyes falling on the papers in her hands. He immediately understood that Scarlet had seen what he hadn’t intended to share.

"Isn’t Damien dead? Why are you looking into him, Alaric?" Scarlet questioned, her voice tinged with worry and confusion.

Alaric sighed and took the documents from her gently. "Damien is immortal like us. We highly doubt he is dead," he explained, placing the papers inside a drawer and locking it securely. He then met his wife’s gaze, trying to reassure her with his calm demeanor.

"Are your brothers also looking into this?" Scarlet inquired, her curiosity piqued and her concern growing.

"No. They are busy with other matters," Alaric replied, a hint of frustration in his voice.

"They’re busy with their own lives. They don’t care about all this like Prince Alaric does. Damien is dead. We all saw it with our own eyes," Scarlet pronounced, her tone firm as she tried to convince herself as much as him.

"I understand your concern," Alaric said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Let’s head to bed now. It’s late."

"You won’t look into it anymore, Alaric. Promise me," Scarlet insisted, her eyes pleading with him.

Alaric glanced at her with a bewildered expression, surprised by the intensity of her fear. "I won’t be harmed. You don’t need to worry so much," he asserted, trying to soothe her anxieties.

"Let Prince Magnus handle this matter. I request you," Scarlet urged earnestly.

"Of course, he is also working on this case. However, I cannot take a step back when my brothers need me. Scarlet, my work and my personal life are two different things. You should know this," Alaric affirmed, his tone firm yet gentle. "What are you scared of? Why don’t you tell me?"

Scarlet’s eyes welled up with unshed tears as she looked at him, frustration and sadness mingling in her gaze. "You don’t give me enough time. All you do is work. Is this the way we’re going to grow a family? When I look at the others, I feel we aren’t the same as them," Scarlet finally said, her voice breaking with emotion.

Alaric couldn’t believe his ears. Scarlet was comparing them with other couples. What was the need for it? He tried his best to be a good husband to her. It hurt him deeply because Scarlet thought his care and affection were less compared to others.

"I am not able to show my emotions well in front of others. Didn’t I tell you this?" Alaric asked, his gaze locked onto hers, searching for understanding in hers.

"I never said that, Alaric. However, I feel as a prince you aren’t supposed to work all the time. Prince Izaak will marry a human soon and I’ve heard how much they enjoy with each other. He doesn’t work a lot because he knows not every matter needs his attention. I also know he’s not looking into this case. It’s only you, who wants to engross yourself in work," Scarlet stated, her gaze accusatory and filled with disappointment.

Alaric felt a stab of pain at her words. He had always believed his dedication to his duties was for the greater good, but now he saw how it was affecting Scarlet.

"Scarlet, Brother Izaak is different. But my responsibilities are different. I have always been the one to take on more because I can handle it. I thought you understood that," he explained, his voice tinged with sorrow.

"But you are not the one who will be the next King. Why do you have to work more than him?" Scarlet questioned with exasperation.

The question struck a nerve with Alaric, and his patience reached its limit. "What exactly do you want from me, Scarlet? Don’t tell me you wish for me to be on the throne," he said, his tone sharp, trying to grasp what was truly on her mind.

Scarlet looked taken aback by his response. "No, I never said that," she clarified quickly, her voice softening. "I just meant that you’re the second prince. You don’t need to take on so much responsibility. It’s affecting us—our relationship, our life together."

Alaric’s face hardened, a mix of frustration and hurt flashing across his features. "If you feel this way, maybe you should leave," he said, his voice colder than he intended, unable to hide the sting of his words.

Scarlet’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Huh? Why are you upset?" she asked.

"I’m not sleepy anymore," Alaric replied, his tone clipped as he turned away from her. He needed space to cool off, to process his emotions.

"Alaric! Please stop!" Scarlet called out desperately, stepping into his path and blocking his way. "Why did you suddenly get so angry? All I want is for you to work less and focus on us more," she implored, her eyes filling with tears.

Alaric’s expression was a mask of anguish as he struggled to maintain his composure. He couldn’t bring himself to meet her gaze, the weight of their argument pressing heavily on him. His mind raced with conflicting emotions—frustration, guilt, and a deep-seated sadness.

"I just... I need some space," he said, his voice strained as he averted his eyes. With a heavy sigh, he brushed past her. He walked out of the room, his steps echoing down the corridor, leaving Scarlet standing alone. The dim light cast long shadows around her, mirroring the growing distance between them.

Scarlet watched him go and her heart ached because Alaric didn’t get her words.

Chapter 308: Marry out of love

"It’s unusual to see Brother Alaric here at this hour," Magnus remarked as he entered the private lounge, a secluded space reserved exclusively for the four of them.

"I’m not in the mood to talk," Alaric replied in a low voice, his eyes shadowed with fatigue. He barely lifted his head to acknowledge Magnus’s presence. "And why are you even awake at this hour? Shouldn’t you be with Alora?" His gaze finally met Magnus’s, a hint of irritation flickering in his eyes.

"I was looking into something," Magnus responded as his curiosity piqued. He crossed the room and settled into the armchair opposite Alaric, the leather creaking under his weight.

"But what about you, Brother Alaric? You never stay up late. What’s keeping you from your rest?" His had a genuine interest to know, his eyes searching Alaric’s for answers.

"Scarlet and I had an argument," Alaric confessed, his voice laden with frustration and hurt. "She thinks I’m not as good as the others and that I don’t give her enough time. She accused me of neglecting her, saying that while our brothers hardly lift a finger, I’m always buried in work and never spare a moment for her. Her words cut deep, so I left the chamber. I needed space to clear my head," he admitted with a distant gaze.

Magnus leaned back in his chair, a sympathetic smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "That’s the typical Scarlet I know. She craves attention all the time," he said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"Her family wasn’t kind to her because her vampire abilities are weaker compared to others. That’s why she acts this way, always seeking validation. But, Brother Alaric, you do bury yourself in work. Now that you’re married, you need to balance your duties and your marriage. Remember, you didn’t marry out of love, which means you have to give time to nurture a connection with her," he advised his elder brother.

Alaric remembered Scarlet telling him how she needed love. He realized he shouldn’t have showed his anger on her. This wasn’t him who would get furious like this.

"In love, you do experience a range of unexpected emotions. There’s nothing wrong with getting angry; in fact, I believe such fights can strengthen the bond between a couple," Magnus asserted, offering a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Magnus, for listening to me. Your advice was truly an eye-opener," Alaric proclaimed, his thoughts finally coalescing into clarity.

"Anytime, Brother," Magnus responded warmly. "But why are you looking into Damien?" he questioned.

"I decided to share your burden. I know you’ve been tirelessly trying to track him down," Alaric affirmed. "There have been reports of shapeshifting incidents, so I thought they might be connected to Damien."

"Damien sent a shapeshifter that night to test the extent of Alora’s abilities," Magnus explained, his expression growing serious. "He’s not like our other enemies; he’s always strategic and careful. He wanted to see how far Alora’s eyes could reach. This means we need to be even more vigilant."

"I don’t think he will dare to come close to Alora," Alaric said.

"But he will try to harm her in other ways. Perhaps using her family," Magnus said while frowning.

"But her family won’t betray Alora anymore, will they?" Alaric waited for his response.

"The old woman in Elmswood can. Though I wanted to punish her to death, but I couldn’t do it since she’s my in-law. She’s cunning and I know she won’t hesitate to harm Alora," Magnus affirmed with a skeptical gaze.

"Then, you need to make sure Alora’s grandmother won’t see her. Also, she’s banned from entering Elmswood. So, don’t worry over this," Alaric soothed his agitated nerves.

"I hope so," Magnus said. They soon retire to their respective chambers, bidding a goodnight.

~~~~~

As Magnus slid into the duvet, the slight movement disturbed Alora’s sleep. She stirred, turning around to wrap her arm around him, her warmth and the softness of her touch a comforting presence in the dim light.

"Where have you been?" she asked in a low, sleepy voice, her breath warm against his neck as she snuggled closer.

"Nowhere important," Magnus replied softly, his voice a soothing murmur. He gently caressed her face, feeling the smoothness of her skin beneath his fingertips, then ran his hand through her hair, his touch was both tender and warm.

Alora kissed his lips lightly and smiled, her eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and affection. She placed a series of playful kisses on his lips, each one accompanied by soft giggles that made Magnus smile.

"What’s gotten into you?" Magnus chuckled, his eyes locking onto hers with a blend of amusement and curiosity.

"I don’t know. Perhaps a spirit of love," Alora remarked, her grin widening as she teased him.

Magnus felt a surge of affection and desire. He brought his hand to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer as he kissed her fervently. Since she was already awake, he saw no reason to hold back. His other hand slid from her waist to her hip, drawing her even nearer.

She moaned softly against his mouth, her body responding to his touch. The friction of their clothed bodies heightened the intensity of the moment, each kiss deepening their connection.

Magnus’s hand lingered on her hip, his fingers pressing gently but possessively as he continued to kiss her passionately. Alora’s hands roamed over his back, her touch electrifying, and she pressed herself against him, her breathing growing heavier with each passing second.

When Magnus finally pulled his lips away from hers, Alora inhaled deeply, her lungs filling with the cool air as she exhaled slowly, trying to steady her racing heartbeat.

The warmth of his mouth continued to travel down her neck, each kiss a tender, lingering touch that sent shivers through her body. His hands were already in the process of undressing her, moving with a mix of eagerness and reverence.

As Alora’s fingers gently threaded through his hair, her touch soft and caressing, Magnus paused. He met her gaze once more, his eyes filled with a deep, intense affection. The brief respite between their kisses allowed them to fully absorb the connection they shared.

"I’m sleepy again," she murmured. Alora sighed contentedly, her worries easing as she nestled into him, the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat lulling her back towards sleep.

Chapter 309: As beautiful as the morning sun

Scarlet was taken aback to find herself in bed instead of the recliner where she had fallen asleep. The previous night had been filled with tension and hurt, and after their argument, she had waited in vain for Alaric to return.

By midnight, with no sign of him, she had eventually drifted off, unaware of when he had come to find her and moved her to the bed.

As she lay there, she studied his serene, sleeping face, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.

Had he forgiven her? She tried to slip quietly out from under the blanket, her movements deliberate as she turned her back to him. However, just as she was about to sit up, Alaric’s arm encircled her waist, drawing her back into his embrace.

"Don’t leave," he murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Scarlet looked back at him with a startled expression. "You’re awake?" she asked.

"Yes," Alaric replied, though his eyes remained closed. His breath lightly brushed against the sensitive skin of her neck, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. She bit her bottom lip, trying to suppress the flutter of her heart.

"Isn’t His Highness running late?" she asked.

"Late for what?" Alaric’s voice was husky, his warm breath tickling her ear.

"For your work. I believe it’s already quite late," Scarlet replied softly.

"Don’t you enjoy being in my embrace?" Alaric’s voice was soft, his tone laced with a tenderness that contrasted with the previous night’s tension.

"I do," Scarlet admitted, her voice filled with sincerity. "But I thought His Highness didn’t like being late."

"Forgive me for last night," he began with an apology. "I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. You were right about everything. I failed in my role as your husband. I’ve realized that I don’t truly know you as I should. Instead of making an effort to understand you deeply, I’ve only perceived you through my observations and assumptions from a distance."

He shifted slightly, his arm holding her close as he continued, "I understand now that I never took the time to genuinely connect with you on a personal level. I see how important it is to truly know you, beyond just what I see in the daily routine. I’m sorry for not making that effort sooner. I want to change that and be the lover you deserve."

Scarlet’s heart softened at his heartfelt apology. "I’m sorry too, Alaric," she said, her voice gentle and tinged with embarrassment. "I didn’t mean to suggest that you should take the throne. It was just a misunderstanding, and I didn’t express myself well. Please forgive me."

"It’s alright," Alaric reassured her with a soothing tone. "I understand now what you meant last night. There’s no need to worry about it."

He gently turned her to face him fully, his expression softening into a warm, genuine smile that lit up his eyes. "I’ve been thinking," he said, his voice carrying a note of excitement. "I want to take you somewhere special. It’s been far too long since I’ve left the palace, and I believe we both need a change of scenery."

"Really?" Scarlet’s eyes widened in surprise, her heart lifting at the thought of a new adventure with him.

"Yes," Alaric confirmed with enthusiasm. "I want us to escape the confines of the palace and explore somewhere beautiful and tranquil. Let’s spend a few days in a place where we can immerse ourselves in nature, far from our usual routines. I believe it will do us both good and give us the chance to reconnect."

"I’ve never been outside the Capital," Scarlet confessed with anticipation.

"Hmm," Alaric pondered thoughtfully. "Then perhaps you should suggest a place for our short trip. I’d love to hear where you think we should go."

Scarlet’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh! There’s a beautiful location I’ve heard about," she said eagerly. "I think they’ve already had some snowfall there. It’s supposed to be stunning, especially with the winter landscape."

Alaric’s interest was clearly piqued. "Snowfall, you say? That sounds absolutely enchanting," he said.

"Yes, we can enjoy our time in the City of Niveria," Scarlet said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Sounds perfect to me," Alaric responded with a warm smile, clearly he was enthusiastic about the idea.

"Should we plan to stay for a week?" Scarlet suggested, already starting to consider what they might need to bring. "I’ll pack our things accordingly."

"No," Alaric said with a determined tone. "I want us to spend an entire month in Niveria."

Scarlet’s eyes widened in shock. "What? A whole month? But what about your work? Don’t you need to address the situation with Damien? Surely, a week would be sufficient—" Her words faltered as Alaric placed his index finger gently over her lips.

"We will stay a month in Niveria," he asserted softly, his gaze unwavering. He slowly lowered his finger, then leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender, lingering kiss.

As their lips moved together, Alaric gently nibbled on her lower lip, seeking entry to her mouth. Scarlet eagerly parted her lips, her fingers weaving into his hair, pulling him closer.

Their kiss deepened, and as Alaric’s face hovered above hers. Pulling away, they both gasped for air; their eyes locked in that moment.

"Scarlet, you are beautiful," Alaric complimented her and brought her hand to his mouth to kiss her knuckles.

"How beautiful I am?" She locked her hands around his neck while carrying an amusing smile.

"As beautiful as the morning sun. You bring me warmth and hope every day," Alaric stated.

"That’s very flattering words," Scarlet remarked.

"No. That’s how I look at you. I wasn’t hoping anything from this marriage. I never felt I belonged to someone alone after the woman I loved all my heart left me. You acted like a wife since the day we got married, a true companion, who always waited for me. I feel warm in your presence. That’s the meaning you hold in my life, Scarlet," Alaric pronounced with a serious tone.

Scarlet’s heart fluttered to hear those deep words regarding her. "No one ever said that I brought warmth to them. Thank you, Alaric. That means a lot to me," she confessed with misty eyes.

Chapter 310: Like a queen figure

After everyone had finished their breakfast, Alaric cleared his throat, drawing the attention of those still seated around the table. "I would like to inform Father and Mother that I’ve decided to go on a short trip with my wife to Niveria," he announced, his voice calm and resolute.

The announcement was met with expressions of delight and approval from everyone at the table.

"That’s wonderful to hear, Alaric!" Margaret exclaimed, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "I’ve been telling you to take some time to go out with your wife for such a long time," she added, a note of satisfaction in her voice.

His father, King Esmond, nodded in agreement, a proud smile on his face. "It’s a good decision, son. For how long will you two stay in Niveria?" he asked.

"For a month, Father," Alaric replied.

"Hmm. Enjoy your time together," Esmond stated with a nod, his tone warm but tinged with a hint of authority. "However, you should go after your eldest brother gets married," he added, glancing pointedly at Izaak. "He has decided to marry a human, just like our Magnus did."

"That’s strange, Father. Izaak used to absolutely hate humans," Magnus said with a grin, his eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

"Don’t start teasing me," Izaak shot back, a hint of defensiveness in his voice. "That was all in the past. Now, we are more open to the inclusion of humans within vampire society. It allows both kinds to live well together."

Esmond’s frown deepened, his discomfort with the idea evident. "The vampires don’t want to welcome humans into our society. It’s crucial to remember that our very existence was once threatened by humans, who formed vampire hunter groups," he explained, his voice heavy with the weight of history.

The room grew quiet, the gravity of Esmond’s words sinking in. The tension between humans and vampires had a long, tumultuous history, and it was clear that the older generation held deep reservations about such a significant change.

"But times have changed, Father," Magnus interjected gently, his tone both respectful and persuasive. "We can’t hold onto the past forever. By integrating humans into our society, we have a chance to build a better future for both species."

"We are at the top of the hierarchy for a reason. Our pure blood cannot be tainted by including humans," Lillian declared firmly, her voice echoing through the room with authority.

She glanced pointedly at Alora, then continued, "Alora was special; that’s why Father, Mother, and the other vampires agreed to her inclusion. But what’s so special about Melody? Brother Izaak should seriously consider the implications for the future of our kingdom before making such decisions."

"Lily, that’s enough," Izaak retorted, his tone sharp with irritation. "I know what I’m doing."

"Lillian isn’t entirely wrong, Izaak," Esmond interjected, his voice carrying a stern note. "I am allowing you to marry Melody because you never found the right life partner among our kind. You believe a human can bring you happiness that a female vampire couldn’t. But that doesn’t mean we should continue to dilute our bloodline."

The room grew tense as Esmond’s stern gaze moved from Izaak to the rest of the family, clearly emphasizing the seriousness of his concerns.

Magnus remained silent, not wanting to ruin his mood this early in the morning. However, he couldn’t help but notice the way Izaak’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with frustration as Melody’s capabilities were questioned.

Magnus knew his brother well enough to see that the constant scrutiny and doubt were wearing on him. It was clear that Izaak deeply cared for Melody and believed in her potential, but convincing the rest of the family was proving to be a difficult task.

"Who knows what Melody will become after turning into a vampire. Lily, you may have to apologize to our brother for questioning Melody’s strength," Magnus stated, his tone calm but firm.

Lillian furrowed her brows, clearly displeased. "I don’t think she’ll be strong enough even after turning into a vampire," she confidently pronounced, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Lillian, stop acting like a bad sister. If you can’t support us, then you don’t need to speak in our matters. Do you get it?" Magnus reprimanded her, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

Lillian’s face flushed with indignation, but before she could respond, Margaret intervened. "Quiet, both of you!" she commanded, her voice carrying a tone of finality. "You need to act like grown-ups." She turned to Esmond and added, "We should leave; we have to meet the elders."

After their parents left the room, Lillian glared at Magnus. "You always speak so bluntly to me," she muttered, her eyes flashing with anger.

"Because bluntness is the only thing you understand, Lillian. Now, keep your mouth shut and admit your faults," Magnus retorted, not backing down.

Lillian scoffed and shifted her gaze to Izaak. "Was I wrong, Brother? Melody doesn’t even speak much. She isn’t like a queen figure. You should think about it," she said, her voice laced with frustration as she stood up from her place.

Izaak met her gaze calmly, his confidence unwavering. "Lily, time will tell," he pronounced, his tone steady and resolute.

Lillian shook her head, still unconvinced by his words. "I just hope this decision doesn’t bring trouble to our kingdom," she said, turning on her heel and leaving the room.

As the door closed behind her, Alaric turned to Izaak. "Don’t let her words get to you, brother. I believe in your judgment. Melody will prove herself in time."

Izaak nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you. I appreciate your support. I know this isn’t easy for anyone, but I believe Melody has the potential to be a great queen."

Alora realized that they were still considered weak in the eyes of the vampires, which was true. Humans didn’t possess abilties like them and that’s where they lacked behind them. Werewolves were still at a better position than the humans, but the recent conversation made her realize that Melody might find it difficult to thrive since everyone would want to prove herself as the next Queen.