Ch. 316..320: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 316-320

Chapter 316: Stay away from my sight

"Are you saying the Princess is planning to marry me?" Lewis asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Lillian’s face flushed as she quickly responded, "I-I... That was just a hypothetical question. Whoever becomes your wife will want complete honesty between you two."

"And that woman will be you, Lily," Lewis said, his voice steady as he approached her with deliberate, measured steps.

Lillian shot him a sharp glare. "I haven’t decided yet if you’ll be my husband. And if you are, I won’t tolerate any secrets between us. You’re already hiding something from me," she accused him with a frustrating tone.

Lewis stopped in front of her, looking into her eyes. "I can’t imagine my life without work, even after getting married," he explained as his voice softened.

"True. However, hiding things isn’t good," Lillian said firmly.

"I will keep that in mind," Lewis replied. He paused before continuing, "I overheard your earlier conversation, Lily. Don’t you approve of your brother choosing a human to be by his side? I’m sure Prince Izaak made this decision after much consideration."

"Melody is a sweet woman, but it seems strange to me. Why did she approach my brother? There’s a conspiracy here that only I can see," Lillian declared, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"Then, help me see it too," Lewis suggested, sitting down beside her. She looked at him in surprise, while he smirked.

"Don’t you have to leave for work? Don’t blame me later for making you late. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can spend time with me," Lillian remarked, turning her head away.

Lewis hummed in response and softly called her name.

"What do you need—" Her words were cut off as her eyes widened in shock. She had turned to look at him, and their lips met in an unexpected kiss.

Pulling away, Lillian peered into his eyes, her heart racing with an unfamiliar feeling, something she had never experienced before.

"You can’t kiss me like that," she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I never kissed you. It was you who stole my kiss," Lewis replied with a mischievous grin. His gaze lingered on her lips before he continued, "If you open up to me, I’ll open up to you. Then there will be no secrets between us. However, you have to prove to me that you are trustworthy enough to know the secrets I hold," he pronounced, his expression turning serious.

Lillian remained silent, her mind reeling from his words. She blinked, and he was no longer in front of her. In the distance, she saw the curtain sway, indicating that Lewis had left already.

She brought her fingers to her lips and smiled slightly. Lewis was bold, and his actions made her heart flutter in a way she wasn’t used to.

"Sweet Little Sister!" Magnus’s voice interrupted her thoughts, and she promptly lowered her head. Magnus sat across from her, resting his hand on the armrest of the recliner. "What is it that’s troubling you about Melody?" he asked, arching an eyebrow as the smile faded from his face.

Lillian rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Brother Magnus, you shouldn’t pry into everyone’s thoughts around me. It’s a violation of privacy," she remarked pointedly. "And I simply want our eldest brother not to be fooled by the sweet words of a human. You shouldn’t interfere with what I desire," she added sharply.

"Don’t do anything that will make Izaak mad. He has always been warm to you since you are the youngest and our only sister. But that doesn’t mean you should plot against Melody. That woman isn’t evil, so don’t do anything you’ll regret later," Magnus warned her, his gaze intimidating.

Lillian dropped her hands to her lap. "How do you even know, Brother? Don’t forget how Rubin fooled you. Not to mention, Alora was the one who manipulated your thoughts. You never trusted any human, and now all you do is defend them. It’s frustrating to see the most special sibling among us become a pawn to a human," she proclaimed.

Magnus’s eyes narrowed. "Seriously, Lily! Now you have problems with Alora too? If I was fooled by Rubin, I also brought an end to him with proof. All you do is seek support from others to remove Melody from the palace," Magnus stated, staring at her with a mix of disappointment and confusion.

Lillian’s eyes flared with defiance. "I’m not seeking support just to remove Melody. I want to protect our family from potential harm. You may believe in her goodness, but I see danger. I won’t sit idly by and watch as our family is led astray."

"Izaak had a vision of her. He pursued Melody only after that vision. Don’t make me angry with your ridiculous suspicions," Magnus stated, his voice edged with frustration.

Lillian’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Brother Magnus, why does it seem like you might be the one benefiting the most from all this?"

Magnus’s brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"Don’t play innocent with me, Brother Magnus," Lillian said, her tone sharp. "You were never interested in our family matters, especially those involving Brother Izaak. It’s well-known how you’ve regarded him—more like a rival than a sibling. Now, suddenly, you’re the most ardent supporter of this alliance. It makes me wonder if you’re not just waiting for an opportunity to seize the throne yourself."

Magnus’s face darkened as he absorbed her accusation. "So now you’re suggesting that I’m scheming to become the next King?"

Lillian’s eyes bore into him. "It’s not merely an accusation; it’s a concern. You are defending Melody so vehemently, it makes me question your motives. Are you using this situation to advance your own position?"

Magnus’s jaw clenched, his irritation evident on his grimace. "Lily, I am disappointed in you. You better not face me," he muttered in annoyance.

"Are you threatening to kill me again?" Lillian questioned him.

"No. I will forget that I ever have a younger sister. Your words had hurt me. You better stay away from my sight. That’s my last warning to you," Magnus said and walked away in anger.

Chapter 317: Have it everyday

Alora pivoted toward the chamber, but before she could proceed, Magnus appeared out of nowhere and enveloped her in a tight embrace. Startled, her steps faltered, and she found herself pressed against the balustrade behind her.

"Magnus," she whispered, utterly bewildered by his sudden action. Her hands instinctively grasped his arms for support.

"Let’s leave the palace," Magnus urged.

"Eh? Why?" Alora asked, taken aback by his unexpected proposal. However, Magnus remained silent, his demeanor intensifying her worries.

"Magnus, is everything alright?" Alora asked again, trying to free herself from his strong grip, but he held her too tightly while his silence adding to her growing concern.

A minute passed as they stood there in silence. Magnus eventually released his hold on her, his gaze intense as he looked into her eyes.

"I was with Lily," he began, his voice edged with frustration. "She’s completely lost her mind. She accused me of scheming for the throne and said that’s why I didn’t stop Melody from marrying Izaak."

Alora’s heart ached at his words, her expression reflecting her distress. "What? How could she think such a thing?" she murmured in confusion and disappointment.

"Lily and I never had any real understanding," Magnus said, his voice trembling with anger. "Now, I don’t even want to see her. My blood was boiling the moment she spoke those words. Alora, you know I’ve never cared for the throne or any of this political maneuvering. Let them all suffer and leave this place if they must."

"Calm down," Alora said soothingly, her fingers gently caressing his arm to offer comfort. "It’s hard when someone so close to you speaks irrationally like that. But remember, it’s not the fault of those around us."

Magnus’s breathing gradually steadied, though the turmoil inside him remained. His disagreements with Lillian were nothing new, but her accusations today felt like a sharp, painful blow to his heart.

Alora took his hand in hers and guided him into the room. She helped him sit on the edge of the bed before settling next to him. "Just try to calm yourself," she urged softly. "We both know what your true desires are. Sister Lillian will surely come to apologize once she realizes the gravity of her mistake."

"I’m never going to forgive her," Magnus said with fierce determination, his voice filled with unrelenting anger.

Alora fell silent, her only response a soothing caress of his hand. She searched for a way to lift his spirits, her mind racing for a solution. In a moment of inspiration, she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. As he turned his head to look at her, a small, hopeful smile appeared on her lips.

"You know," she said softly, her eyes locked onto his, "you look quite cute when you’re angry. Did you know that?" Her gaze was full of warmth, but when he remained unresponsive, she felt her attempt to cheer him up had fallen short.

Sighing, she lowered her eyes, her thoughts returning to how she might truly lift his mood. Just then, his lips brushed against hers in a sudden, unexpected kiss.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she felt herself being gently lifted onto his lap. Magnus’s hands guided her with careful tenderness, one hand cradling the back of her neck while the other supported her waist.

He angled her face just so, as if seeking the perfect alignment for their kiss. Her hands wrapped around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair as she reciprocated his kiss with equal passion.

The gentle nibbles of his lips coaxed her to part hers, granting him easy entry. What began as a tender kiss quickly escalated into a fervent, hungrier one.

Just as Alora felt the need to tap his shoulder to slow down, Magnus pulled away, leaving her breathless.

Now, his lips began to trace a path of kisses down her chin, each one igniting sparks along her skin. He moved to her throat, lingering there for a moment before trailing down to the left side of her neck.

Alora yelped softly when his teeth nipped the sensitive spot on her neck, the sharp sensation mingling with a gasp of surprise and pleasure.

Magnus’s pupils dilated, a deep, primal hunger for blood reflecting in his eyes. His nostrils flared as the scent of her blood filled his senses, intensifying his desire.

"You can drink, Magnus," Alora whispered, her voice breathy and filled with a mix of anticipation and trust. "Don’t think too much."

Magnus hesitated for a moment as he gazed into her eyes, searching for any sign of doubt.

"It will hurt you," he whispered.

She reached up, her fingers gently caressing his cheek, urging him on. "No. Go on," she insisted.

With a low growl, Magnus’s control slipped away. He lowered his mouth to her neck once more, his lips brushing against her skin before his fangs sank into her flesh.

Alora gasped, her body tensing momentarily before relaxing into his embrace. The initial sharp pain quickly gave way to a strange, euphoric sensation, a warmth spreading through her veins as he began to drink.

Magnus’s grip tightened around her, his other hand cradling the back of her head, holding her securely. Each pull of her blood seemed to draw them closer, the bond between them deepening with every passing second.

Alora’s breathing grew shallower. She could feel his hunger, the desperate need that had been building within him for days.

Magnus drank deeply, savoring the essence of her life, but he was careful, mindful not to take too much.

As he drank, Alora’s fingers tightened around his neck, her own body responding to the strange mix of pleasure and pain.

Finally, Magnus pulled back, his lips stained with her blood, his eyes reflecting a mix of satisfaction and concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice rough with emotion.

Alora nodded weakly, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I’m fine," she whispered, her voice filled with a serene contentment. She saw him licking his lips and then he licked that spot clean from where he drank.

He nuzzled his nose on the crook of her neck, his breath fanning it. "Your blood tastes heavenly. I wish I can have it everyday," he murmured.

 

Chapter 318: Shapeshifters in the kingdom

"Alora, I’m calm now. I feel better," Magnus said, a relieved smile spreading across his face.

"That’s good to hear," Alora replied, her own smile mirroring his. She paused for a moment before continuing, "I almost forgot to ask if you’ve made any decision regarding my grandmother’s letter."

"Yes, I have," Magnus responded, his tone turning serious. "I sent Lewis to Elmswood to investigate what your grandmother is scheming. But don’t share this with anyone," he added firmly.

Alora nodded in a thoughtful expression. "Hmm. I was surprised too. Grandma never really cared for me, and that letter was... strange," she muttered, knitting her brows together in contemplation.

Magnus reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "That’s why I sent Lewis. I would have gone myself, but my presence here is crucial," Magnus explained.

"Hmm. I understand," Alora replied, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I truly wanted my grandmother to change, to turn over a new leaf. It seems she isn’t ready to do that," she added, her tone heavy with regret.

Magnus’s eyes darkened with frustration. "The spots on a leopard never change color. It’s the same with your grandmother. If your family had agreed, I would have imprisoned her long ago," he said, his teeth gritting in barely suppressed anger.

"Father couldn’t do that," Alora said, her tone steady yet tinged with worry. "However, I do hope Grandma doesn’t do anything reckless this time. It would hurt Father the most."

Just then, a knock on the bedroom door interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention. Alora quickly shifted from Magnus’s lap to sit beside him, smoothing her dress as she did so.

"You can come in," Magnus called out.

The door creaked open, and Tobias stepped just inside the threshold, hesitating slightly. "My lord, my lady," he greeted, bowing respectfully.

Magnus nodded. "What is it, Tobias?"

"Your Highness, it’s a matter related to your work," Tobias said, his tone conveying the importance of the issue without revealing too much.

Magnus glanced at Alora, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before rising. "I’ll return soon," he promised, excusing himself and following Tobias out of the room.

As they walked through the corridors, Tobias briefed Magnus on the situation. "The King has summoned you and your brothers to the lounge. It’s an urgent matter."

Magnus nodded, his curiosity piqued. They soon arrived at the lounge, where the other princes were already gathered alongside King Esmond. Magnus took a moment to observe the room, noting the tense atmosphere.

"Magnus, have a seat," King Esmond stated, his voice authoritative yet calm. Once Magnus sat down, the King looked at his three sons with a grave expression.

"Damien Von Grimm is alive," Esmond informed them. "I’ve confirmed it with a reliable source who saw Damien a few months back in our neighboring kingdom. And the recent attack on both of you," he continued, looking pointedly at Izaak and Magnus, "was orchestrated by him."

Magnus’s eyes narrowed, a mixture of anger and realization crossing his face. "I knew it. Except for Damien, who else would have the desire to trouble us?" he remarked, his voice laced with frustration.

Alaric leaned forward, his brows furrowed in concern. "Does Father know where he is now? Is he in Velaris?" he inquired.

Esmond shook his head. "His location isn’t known," he pronounced gravely.

"I think he has returned to Velaris. He must be somewhere around us. Damien is sharp and clever. He knows when and where to attack. He must be strategizing to jeopardize the situation here," Izaak explained, his eyes narrowed in thought.

"Yes, and as Magnus mentioned last time, there are shapeshifters present in the kingdom too. Recently, a pack lost its alpha because of a shapeshifter who took the shape of the beta to kill the Alpha!" Esmond shared with them, his tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"So, that night, it was a shapeshifter who attacked Brother Izaak," Magnus said, piecing the information together.

"Yes," Esmond agreed, nodding solemnly.

"Shapeshifters weren’t present in Velaris before. It seems Damien brought them here. How many he brought, we don’t know," Alaric remarked, his voice filled with concern.

Magnus leaned forward, his mind racing with questions and strategies. "How does Father plan to catch Damien? He even fooled us last time with his supposed death. We were assured he was dead," he asked, eager to know what was in the King’s mind.

King Esmond took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting years of wisdom and experience. "Damien’s deception has been a formidable challenge. His alliances with shapeshifters make him even more dangerous. Any suspicious activity which is reported has to he looked into. Damien will weaken the defences around us, so an emergency meeting needs to be done to gather the opinions from the others."

"Damien told Alora he would take her," Magnus said, furrowing his brows in concern. "I suspect he will use that threat to manipulate and intimidate those around her. It’s likely he’ll try to create chaos by targeting her loved ones."

"Then her family is the most vulnerable right now," King Esmond stated, his face serious. "We must ensure they are well protected, as they may be his primary target."

"We all need to be on high alert," Izaak suggested, his tone resolute. "Especially with shapeshifters potentially among us. Their ability to disguise themselves makes them incredibly dangerous. We need to ensure that everyone is vigilant and that our defenses are as strong as possible."

"For that, I have decided to give every being a unique identity mark in the palace. One who doesn’t have it will be the suspicious one. I’ve planned for it and in the council tomorrow we will further discuss about it," King Esmond narrated them the plan he had thought to get saved from any kind of shapeshifter. As he rose to his feet, his three sons left their seats too.

They bowed theirs heads as they watched their father leave. Magnus knew his father was disturbed because Damien was alive.

Chapter 319: Want your wolves

"The problems seem never-ending for us," Izaak remarked, his voice heavy with frustration. He turned his gaze towards Magnus, who remained silent, deep in thought.

"I’m leaving," Magnus said.

"Do include us in your plans," Izaak called after him. "We need to be in the loop if we’re going to tackle this threat effectively. This affects all of us."

However, Magnus didn’t reply him.

He stepped out into the corridor where Tobias was waiting. "Let’s go," Magnus instructed.

As they moved through the winding halls of the palace, Magnus’s mind focused on the information his father had shared earlier.

"What’s His Highness thinking?" Tobias inquired.

"A lot of things," Magnus replied briefly, his mind already preoccupied with the multitude of issues at hand. "Tell Alora to have her dinner and go to bed, as I’ll be returning late tonight," he instructed, then continued down the corridor.

Tobias watched Magnus’s retreating figure before turning back to his task. As he made his way to Alora’s chambers, his thoughts lingered on the urgency and gravity of the situation Magnus was dealing with. He found Alora in the living room, seated with Selvina.

Upon spotting Tobias, Alora’s face shifted from a look of calm to one of immediate concern. "Magnus didn’t come!?" she asked, her voice edged with anxiety.

"No, Your Highness," Tobias replied, maintaining a respectful and humble tone. "Prince Magnus said he would return late and instructed that you should have your dinner and go to bed in his absence."

Alora’s concern deepened. "Oh. Is everything fine, Tobias?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for reassurance.

"I believe so, Your Highness," Tobias said, trying to provide some comfort. "Prince Magnus didn’t share any specifics with me, but I trust he’s managing the situation as needed."

"I see," Alora responded, though her worry did not entirely dissipate. "Thank you, Tobias. I’ll have my meals then."

Tobias bowed and left her presence.

Turning to Selvina, Alora’s expression softened slightly as she tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy. "You should also eat with me, Selvina," she suggested gently. "There’s no need for you to wait until later."

Selvina nodded, her demeanor calm but attentive. "Of course, Your Highness."

~~~~~

"What? Who has come?" Ralph exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. His annoyance was palpable as he had no desire to see Magnus, and the sight of the Vampire Prince in his domain was particularly unwelcome. Ralph cursed the moment he had confidently approached Venus, thinking to expand his influence, only to find himself entangled in this inconvenient encounter.

"Make the Prince sit in the private lounge," Ralph ordered the servant with a hint of irritation. As the servant quickly scurried off to carry out the command, Ralph took a moment to compose himself, mentally bracing for the confrontation ahead.

After a brief pause, Ralph made his way to the private lounge, where he found Magnus standing near the fireplace. Magnus’s posture was calm and composed, though his attention was clearly directed outside the window. The soft glow of the firelight cast shadows across his face, highlighting the seriousness in his expression.

Ralph cleared his throat to announce his presence. "Prince Magnus," he said, his tone a mixture of begrudging respect and thinly veiled irritation. "I see you’ve not made yourself comfortable yet."

Magnus turned to face Ralph, his expression a mixture of seriousness and a hint of reproach. "You seem to be quite enjoying your newfound status as the alpha after consolidating three packs under your command," he remarked pointedly. "Yet, despite the significant role I played in facilitating this for you, it appears you haven’t taken the time to express your gratitude properly."

Ralph’s face tightened slightly, though he maintained a semblance of composure. "I did send my thanks," he replied, his voice tinged with a defensive edge. "Prince Magnus might recall receiving a bouquet of flowers along with a letter of gratitude."

Magnus arched an eyebrow, a sardonic smile curling his lips. "Ah, yes, the letter. That was more of a formality, wasn’t it? It hardly seemed genuine."

Ralph’s eyes narrowed, though he struggled to keep his irritation in check. "It was a gesture of appreciation, as appropriate as I could manage."

Magnus’s gaze sharpened as he took in Ralph’s reaction. "It’s evident that my visit to your pack house hasn’t exactly been met with enthusiasm. The way you’re reacting suggests that you still harbor some degree of fear or discomfort regarding my presence."

Ralph’s face grew more stony. "I assure you, Your Highness, any discomfort is merely a result of the unexpected nature of your visit. Moreover, who’s not scared of Prince Magnus!? Not to mention, vampires and werewolves have always been rivals," he reminded Magnus.

"You are right. Mind knowing why I am here," Magnus said, resting his hand on the armrest.

"I can’t read minds, Your Highness," Ralph responded.

"I want you to provide security to the Wilson Family," Magnus stated.

Ralph’s expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Pardon me?" he said, his voice tinged with astonishment. The request was jarring, given the recent past.

Magnus had previously made it clear that associating with the Wilson Residence was dangerous, even suggesting that it could be fatal. The abrupt change in stance left Ralph both confused and concerned.

"Only recently, you advised me to avoid the Wilson Residence if I wanted to stay alive. Now you’re asking me to protect them? This doesn’t make sense."

Magnus’s gaze remained steady, undeterred by Ralph’s confusion. "The situation has changed. The Wilson Family is now at risk, and their safety is critical for reasons that I can’t fully disclose at this moment. Your pack’s involvement is essential because of your strategic position and resources."

Ralph’s mind raced as he tried to reconcile the new information with the previous warnings. "Why the sudden shift? What has happened that makes their protection so crucial now?"

Magnus leaned forward slightly, his tone grave. "The reports of shapeshifters have been found recently. Alora’s family can be a target, so I want your wolves to guard her house," he asserted.

"So, it’s all for Princess Alora again!?" Ralph chuckled.

Chapter 320: A promise

"Forgive me," Ralph apologized immediately as he realized his statement irked Magnus. "I also heard about the shapeshifters. One of ths packs Alpha died because of the shapeshifter. However, I wonder why Princess Alora’s family needs a protection and why not the vampires can guard that place?" he asked.

"You don’t need to know now. Just help me protecting my in-laws," Magnus stated.

"Your Highness, it would be good to know the truth. I am not going to betray you. You know this well. We are friends, no?" Ralph remarked as he wished to know the reason behind such a security.

"We definitely aren’t friends yet. You did wonder earlier why you had to see my face again after so many days. Friends don’t think that way about each other," Magnus commented, his tone cool and measured.

Ralph opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. After a moment, he said, "I admit I thought all those things. But I’m not evil. It’s fine if His Highness doesn’t wish to share the entire matter with me."

Magnus’s expression softened slightly. "When the time is right, I’ll tell you more," he proclaimed. "For now, it would be better if you prepare the team best wolves from your pack. I need only five. I’ll come to check on it tomorrow," he stated, rising from his seat.

Ralph also stood up and nodded. "Sure," he agreed. He escorted the prince to the carriage, maintaining a respectful silence.

Once the carriage disappeared from view, Ralph couldn’t help but wonder aloud, "What’s going on now? He looked troubled. Why is he so mysterious?" Frustration simmered beneath his curiosity, and he stomped his foot on the ground in exasperation before heading back inside the pack house.

Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Magnus was deep in contemplation. He pushed the curtain aside, gazing out at the night sky. Ever since Izaak had told him about the ominous vision concerning Alora’s mother—that she would die because of her eyes—he had been consumed with finding a way to prevent such a tragedy.

Lost in his thoughts, Magnus didn’t notice the passage of time until the coachman opened the door for him. With a start, he realized they had arrived. Stepping down from the carriage, he made his way into the palace, his mind still preoccupied.

Upon reaching his chambers, he was greeted by Tobias, who seemed to have been waiting for him. Magnus began to shed his overcoat and waistcoat, unbuttoning his sleeves and rolling them up as he spoke.

"Your Highness took longer to return than expected. Princess Alora has already retired to bed," Tobias informed him, taking the coats and preparing to send them for laundering.

"Hmm. You should also leave," Magnus said, removing his boots and placing them aside. He rose from the plush stool and left the dressing chamber, making his way to the washroom.

In the washroom, Magnus splashed water on his face, the cool droplets trickling down and clinging to the tips of his hair. He rested his hands on the counter, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

Pulling a towel from the shelf, he wiped his face and exited the washroom. Entering the bedchamber, he found Alora peacefully sleeping in the large poster bed. The windows were open, allowing the cool night breeze to drift in. The soft glow of the moonlight fell on her face, highlighting her features and making her look enchanting.

Magnus locked the door behind him quietly and walked over to the bed. Removing his slippers, he slid into the sheets beside her, turning to face her. He watched her for a moment, captivated by her serene expression.

Tenderly, he brushed a few strands of hair away from her cheek, careful not to disturb her slumber. "I won’t let anything happen to your mother. I promise," he whispered, his voice filled with determination and love.

As he lay there, he felt a deep sense of responsibility. He would do whatever it took to protect Alora and her family, no matter the cost. With that promise echoing in his mind, Magnus closed his eyes, seeking the solace of sleep beside the woman he loved.

~~~~~

Lewis arrived in Elmswood late midnight. As per the instructions, he headed to the Wilson Family Residence about which Magnus had clarified him. Since he was faster than any human, the human guards didn’t sense his presence when he crossed the gate, except for a gust of wind.

The residence itself was quite old, its exterior worn and in need of repair. It had clearly been years since it had seen any significant renovations.

Lewis had anticipated that the elderly woman residing there would be asleep by now. However, as he approached, he noticed an unexpected sight: lights were shining from one of the rooms. This anomaly caught his attention and caused him to pause, his senses sharply attuned to the potential for anything out of the ordinary.

He moved stealthily around the perimeter of the house, carefully observing the illuminated window, trying to discern what might be happening inside.

"Wait! Why did I sense a vampire’s presence here?" Lewis murmured, his brow furrowing in confusion. The residual aura left behind was unusually strong, suggesting that a vampire had visited Madam Aubrey recently—most likely earlier in the day or evening. The lingering presence was unmistakable, and he could feel it clearly, even though the vampire was no longer in the vicinity.

Determined to find out more, Lewis decided to investigate the room from which the light was emanating. He slipped inside the house, careful to avoid making any noise. The few servants who might have been present were already retired for the night, their absence giving him the freedom to explore without interference.

Lewis entered the room, noting that it was empty. Despite the brightness visible from outside, he found no one inside. The candlelight still flickered, casting a warm glow across the room.

"Someone was here. But who?" Lewis thought and wondered what Alora’s grandmother was scheming. He thought to leave since he didn’t wish to leave any of his residual aura behind if stayed for more time.

Just as he turned, his felt something pressed beneath his shoe and he moved it away.

Leaning down, Lewis grabbed the expensive and unique brooch. He decided to take it to Magnus and left the house.