Ch. 336..340: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 336-340

Chapter 336: If you can hear me

In the grand palace, the heavy wooden door creaked open as Margaret quietly entered her son’s room. From the doorway, she gazed intently at Magnus. "Has the Prince been like this since last night?" asked Queen Margaret, her voice tinged with concern, directing her question to Selvina, the chambermaid.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Selvina responded, her tone respectful yet worried.

Margaret’s heart sank further at the confirmation. She turned sharply and left the room, her elegant robes as she made her way to the private chamber. This was where her husband, King Esmond, typically spent his mornings. She found him there, as expected, reviewing documents at a large oak desk.

The moment she entered, Esmond looked up and immediately sensed her distress. "What troubles you, my queen?" he asked, setting the papers aside.

"Your Majesty, we need to do something for Magnus," Margaret began urgently, taking a seat across from her husband. "Magnus has been staring at Alora since last night. He hasn’t moved, hasn’t spoken, hasn’t even acknowledged anyone’s presence," she continued, her voice laced with a mix of worry and frustration.

Esmond’s expression grew serious as he spoke. "Only magic can help Alora wake up as a vampire. However, with Gloria’s death, I don’t think any witch would be powerful enough to do it. Damien killed Gloria before coming to the palace to see Alora," he informed the Queen.

"Gloria must have passed her knowledge to her juniors," Margaret stated hopefully.

"She did. But the witches won’t aid us anymore. A vampire killed their head. Things are no longer peaceful now. More troubles will occur," Esmond affirmed, his brows furrowing deeply. "The witches are bound to seek revenge from us."

Margaret brought her hand to her temple, pressing it as the weight of the situation bore down on her. "Your Majesty, I had a dream in the past. I didn’t tell anyone about it, except for Izaak," she finally revealed to her husband.

"A dream? What was it? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?" Esmond inquired, concern lacing his voice. He was well aware of how powerful and prophetic his wife’s dreams could be.

"It was about Alora. I saw Magnus crying profusely after Alora died. I thought Izaak might convince Magnus not to give his heart to a human, but it couldn’t happen. Alora will wake up, which is a relief for us, but for Magnus, it will be difficult to live for a while," Margaret explained, her eyes clouded with worry.

Esmond sighed, feeling the gravity of his wife’s words. "I will see what I can do. Perhaps we can find a witch who will be willing to help Alora. However, the main issue is that we can’t even trust the witches now. It’s going to be a difficult time for Magnus," Esmond asserted.

Margaret understood her husband’s words and turned quiet. Esmond, sensing her distress, reached out and gently took her hand.

"Everything will turn out well. Don’t stress. It’s just a matter of time," Esmond suggested, giving her a comforting smile.

~~~~~

Magnus gazed at Alora’s wounded wrist, his heart aching at the sight of the unhealed wound. Gently, he cleaned the wound and wrapped it in a fresh bandage, his movements tender and meticulous. "I wonder if you can hear me, Alora," he murmured softly, his voice a mixture of hope and sorrow.

As he looked at her pale face, his eyes fell upon a loose strand of her hair. With a delicate touch, he tucked it behind her ear, his fingers lingering momentarily against her cold skin. The chill of her flesh sent a shiver through him.

Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision. He blinked them away, but a few escaped, tracing silent paths down his cheeks. How many dreams had Alora cherished as a human? Dreams he had promised to help her fulfill but never did. He had failed to protect her, to keep her safe from harm.

"Magnus!" Alaric called out, striding purposefully toward his friend. As he reached Magnus, he rested a comforting hand on his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Alora is fine. Don’t lose heart. And don’t neglect yourself," he stated firmly, his voice was steady and filled with concern.

Magnus sighed heavily. "I know. But I am dying to hear her voice, to look into her eyes. My mornings always started with that. I miss her so badly, and it hasn’t even been a whole day," he remarked, his tone tinged with annoyance and deep sorrow.

Alaric understood the depth of his brother’s pain. Seeing someone you love in such a vulnerable state was agonizing. "It hurts to see your beloved like this," he acknowledged softly.

"But you need to understand that the way you act now will, in some way, affect Alora when she wakes up," he advised, his voice gentle but firm. He moved his hand to Magnus’s back, caressing it in a soothing motion, hoping to offer some comfort.

Magnus hummed softly and lowered his head, his gaze falling on the white stone bracelet around his wrist. A flurry of questions stormed through his mind. Why hadn’t Raphael come to protect her? Why was she hurt when she should have been able to easily repel the attack?

"I wish to be alone," Magnus requested, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alaric nodded, understanding his brother’s need for solitude, and quietly left the chamber. As the doors closed behind him, Magnus swiftly took off the bracelet from his wrist.

"Hey, Raphael. Show yourself. I want to ask you some questions," he demanded, his tone urgent and edged with frustration.

But nothing happened. The room remained eerily silent. He waited, his patience wearing thin, but still, there was no response. His lips twitched in irritation as he gave up and gently placed the bracelet in Alora’s hand.

Leaning down, he kissed the center of her forehead, his touch tender and filled with unspoken promises. He caressed her cheek with his thumb as he looked at her affectionately.

He had a task to fulfill— a promise to himself and to Alora. He needed to punish Damien with his own two hands. "I will be back soon, Alora," Magnus vowed.

As he prepared to leave, he stopped as Alora held his hand.

Chapter 337: Thirsty for what?

"Magnus!"

"Alora!"

Their voices echoed simultaneously through the room, each calling out the other’s name. Their eyes locked, a mix of surprise and longing passing between them. Magnus moved swiftly, closing the distance between them to sit in front of Alora and pull her into a warm embrace.

Alora, however, gently pushed against his chest as she wanted to check on the wound on his chest to ensure he was truly alright. But her gentle push was stronger than she intended, and Magnus stumbled backward, landing on the edge of the bed with a soft thud.

A look of shock crossed Alora’s face as she stared at her own hands, unable to comprehend what had just happened. "I-I didn’t mean to do it," she murmured, filled with confusion and guilt.

Magnus, still reeling from the unexpected force, looked at her with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. His gaze softened as he noticed the familiar blue of her eyes, the same enchanting hue that had always drawn him to her.

Alora moved swiftly, her fingers deftly unbuttoning Magnus’s shirt in a flurry of motion. "Your wound... is it healed?" she asked in anxiety.

Before she could fully inspect him, Magnus caught her hands, stopping her in her tracks. Their eyes met, and she saw the shock etched across his face.

"Aren’t you thirsty?" he asked, his voice laced with an unusual intensity.

"Thirsty for what?" Alora asked and knitted her brows together.

Magnus couldn’t help but chuckle softly at her bewildered expression. "You really don’t know?" he asked, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone.

"What are you talking about?" Alora demanded, her concern for him momentarily overshadowed by her frustration. She dropped her gaze to his bare chest, her eyes widening in surprise. The wound that had so worried her was gone, not a trace left behind as if it had never existed. She ran her fingers lightly over the smooth skin.

"You’re healed," she murmured, a smile spreading across her face. "That’s such a relief."

Magnus was at a loss, his mind whirling with confusion and concern. He tried to piece together the fragments of the situation, but it all felt too surreal.

"Why did you go after Damien? Do you know how scared I was?" Alora’s voice broke through his thoughts. She hit his chest lightly, but even that small action carried an unintended force due to her newfound strength.

Magnus was caught off guard, stumbling back with the impact. His back collided with the wooden pole of the poster bed, which splintered and broke under the force. The ornate roof of the bed came crashing down, and the leg of the bed on their side gave way with a loud crack.

Reacting instinctively, Magnus moved with a speed and agility that belied his confusion. He wrapped one arm tightly around Alora’s lower waist, pulling her close to him. In one swift motion, he flipped her down onto the mattress, shielding her with his body. The heavy canopy of the bed struck his back with a dull thud, but he gritted his teeth, absorbing the blow to protect Alora.

Alora gasped, wide-eyed with shock and fear. "Magnus!" she exclaimed, reaching up to touch his face. "Are you alright?"

Magnus winced slightly but managed a reassuring smile. "I’m fine, Alora. Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, her hands trembling as she cupped his face. "No, I’m fine. I-I... Something is wrong."

Magnus’s laughter rang out, a surprising sound given the circumstances. Alora’s glare was sharp, cutting through his mirth. "It isn’t funny, Magnus. Something is wrong. Even if I touch you, you get hurt!" she exclaimed, frustration and worry evident in her voice. "How did I become so powerful?"

Before Magnus could respond, the door burst open, and Selvina and Tobias hurried inside. Their eyes widened at the sight of the shattered bed, and Tobias coughed awkwardly.

"Princess Alora woke up!" Selvina exclaimed in shock, her gaze darting between the broken furniture and the disheveled pair.

"Tobias, help us get out of here," Magnus commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos.

"Yes, Your Highness!" Tobias responded promptly. He moved swiftly, lifting the heavy, ornate roof of the poster bed with surprising ease.

Magnus climbed out first, then turned to help Alora, guiding her safely out of the wreckage. He brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face, his hand lingering on her neck in a comforting gesture.

"Princess Alora is awake!" Another servant, who had been near the door, shouted with joy and ran off to inform the King.

Tobias looked bewildered as he surveyed the scene. "How did this happen?" he asked, his confusion deepening as he tried to piece together the unexpected events. "Why is the bed broken? And how is Princess Alora awake so early?"

Magnus exchanged a glance with Alora, who took a deep breath before addressing Tobias. "I don’t fully understand it myself, Tobias. I woke up feeling... different. Stronger. And when I touched Magnus, I hurt him without meaning to."

"Your Highness, aren’t you thirsty?" Selvina asked them.

"Why would I be thirsty?" Alora asked, her confusion deepening. Magnus had posed the same question to her earlier, and she still didn’t understand.

Magnus took a deep breath, his expression softening as he spoke. "Because I turned you into a vampire last night," he said affectionately.

"What?" Alora’s eyes widened in shock.

"Yes," Tobias interjected, still trying to process the situation himself. "Her Highness died after her grandmother stabbed her from behind."

"But I..." Alora’s voice trailed off, her mind racing. She felt no different, no insatiable thirst for blood, no hunger that she had heard vampires were supposed to experience.

"I don’t feel any thirst for blood. If Prince Magnus turned me, shouldn’t I have been asleep for a year? Why did I wake up in just a day?"

"That’s exactly what I want to know. We all do," Magnus stated firmly. He paused, then a thought seemed to strike him. "Push me away," he said, his tone insistent.

"What? Why?" Alora shook her head, refusing him. The idea of hurting him again was unbearable for her.

"Do it, Alora!" Magnus encouraged her. "We need to understand what’s happening."

Alora hesitated, fear and uncertainty clouding her mind. But Magnus’s unwavering gaze and encouragement pushed her to act.

She raised her hands and, with a gentle push, sent him flying backward. Magnus crashed into the wall with a force that shook the room. The impact caused the bedside table to topple over, and the vase on it shattered into pieces on the floor.

Chapter 338: Love you in all the forms

"Magnus, I-I am sorry," Alora stammered, rushing towards him. She moved with such speed that she reached him in less than a second, her vampire agility far surpassing that of others.

Her hand grasped his arm, and she looked up at him with a mix of anxiety and remorse. "Did I hurt you badly?" Her voice was soft and filled with concern as she gently caressed his arm.

Tobias and Selvina, who had been watching from a distance, stared at Alora in disbelief, unable to comprehend the scene unfolding before them.

Magnus, ignoring their astonished gazes, cupped Alora’s face in his hands and leaned in, capturing her lips with his. Her eyes widened in surprise, and her hands, which had been resting on his arms, clenched instinctively. Despite her initial shock, she closed her eyes, surrendering to the unexpected kiss.

Tobias and Selvina exchanged glances and then lowered their heads, smiling to themselves at the tender moment.

Reluctantly, Alora pulled away, her breath coming in short gasps. In a hushed whisper, she began to protest, "What are you doing? We have–" But before she could finish, Magnus drew her back to him, his lips finding hers once more.

"Ignore them," he murmured against her mouth, nibbling gently on her lips. The words felt inadequate to convey the depth of his longing, the way his heart had felt revived at her touch. He was joyous, overwhelmed by emotions he couldn’t fully articulate.

"Magnus! Did Alora really—" Izaak’s voice cut through the moment, his sudden halt and wide-eyed stare directed at the sight of them kissing, oblivious to the broken bed behind them.

"Leave these two," Izaak commanded Tobias and Selvina, motioning for them to follow him out of the chamber. They hesitated briefly before complying, casting curious glances back as they closed the doors behind them.

Once they both ran out of breath, Magnus was the first to withdraw, his eyes remaining fixed on her with an affectionate intensity. Alora, still dazed and confused, opened her mouth to speak, but Magnus silenced her with a series of tender kisses peppered across her face.

"Magnus," she whispered between giggles, "it tickles. Please stop."

He paused, a playful smile tugging at his lips, but then he pulled her into a tight embrace. "Alora, I thought I would see you like this after one year. Every second without you was killing me. All I wanted was to hear your voice, to look into your eyes once again, to talk to you and hold you like this," he confessed.

Alora’s confusion melted away as she listened to him. "Forgive me, Magnus. I-I didn’t know that would happen," she mumbled.

"But why am I awake so early?" Alora inquired once again, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Because you are magical," Magnus replied, his tone filled with admiration.

Alora couldn’t help but smile and chuckle at his words. "Be serious," she stated, shaking her head slightly.

"Oh, I am serious, love," Magnus insisted, his nose nuzzling against hers affectionately. "I love you. I love this new form of yours. You’ve always been incredible in my eyes," he asserted, his voice sincere and unwavering.

"I love you too, Magnus," Alora responded, a radiant smile spreading across her lips.

A moment of silence passed between them, filled with unspoken emotions. Then, Alora’s expression turned more serious. "Ah, did Grandma get caught? She tried to kill my mother. You prevented my mother’s death by coming between us," she said, her smile fading and replaced by a sense of gratefulness.

Magnus’s expression darkened slightly, but he didn’t hesitate to tell her the truth. "I killed that evil old hag by ripping her heart out!" he said bluntly.

Alora took a deep breath, absorbing his words. "Ah, I see," she replied, her voice steady. She wasn’t upset about her grandmother’s brutal death; the woman had deserved it. Alora’s thoughts drifted to the danger Magnus had faced because of her grandmother’s actions. Her heart ached at the thought, but she was also relieved and grateful for his intervention.

"Because of her, your life was in danger," Alora continued, her voice soft but resolute. "She deserved that kind of death."

Magnus hummed in agreement and caressed her cheek tenderly. "But now, you need not worry. Your mother is fine too. I imagine they must be mourning and may even hate me because they witnessed me killing your grandmother. But that doesn’t matter to me. You are safe, and that’s all I desired," he stated firmly.

"Hmm. What about Damien? Did he get punished?" Alora asked, her curiosity piqued.

"He is locked in the dungeon. He was supposed to be punished today," Magnus replied.

"I see. Let’s go out. Everyone must be waiting for us," Alora asserted. She glanced at the broken bed and shook her head with a small smile. "I made a mess. I think I need to be more careful from now on," she muttered.

"It’s alright. We can commission a new bed for ourselves," Magnus said, brushing off her concern.

"Yes. I have a design in my mind," Alora replied with a spark of excitement. Suddenly, a thought struck her, and she looked at Magnus more seriously. "You never wanted me to convert into a vampire. Are you upset that now I’m a vampire?" she asked, searching his eyes for any hint of regret.

Magnus’s expression softened as he looked at her. "I’m not upset, Alora. I wanted you to enjoy some years as a human. I thought you might miss everything related to being human. But in all forms, I love you and will always love you," he stated with conviction.

Alora’s heart swelled with affection at his words. "I love you too, Magnus," she said. She leaned in and kissed him softly.

They lingered in the embrace, savoring the peace they found in each other’s arms. "Let’s step out," Magnus said, pulling away and holding her hand. They finally stepped out of the chamber and saw everyone from their family awaiting them outside.

Chapter 339: Embarassing for me

"Alora! Dear!" Margaret exclaimed, her eyes wide with joy as she extended her arms and placed her hands on Alora’s shoulders. "You are awake!" She pulled Alora into a warm embrace, her voice trembling with emotion. "That’s unbelievable!" she remarked, pulling back to study Alora’s face with an awe and disbelief.

Lillian, standing nearby, looked equally astonished. "But why did Alora wake up so early? I heard she became a vampire, but she looks more human to me," she said, her eyes scanning Alora from head to toe.

Esmond stepped forward, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "I think it’s because Alora was always a special kind of human," he said. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he turned to Alora. "Don’t you feel thirst for blood?" he asked, his tone light but curious.

Alora shook her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. "No, Your Majesty. But my strength has increased," she replied, her voice steady despite the uncertainty she felt. She glanced at Magnus, silently pleading for him to explain what was happening. She needed answers as much as everyone else did.

"We need to look more into this case, Father," Magnus said, his tone firm yet thoughtful.

Esmond nodded, studying his son closely. "Hmm." He couldn’t help but notice how alive Magnus looked, a stark contrast to the worry that had etched itself into his features over the past weeks. "Everyone was worried about you. You look well now, which is a relief for us," he asserted, his voice filled with paternal concern.

"Yes. You don’t know, Alora, how sorrowful Magnus had turned," Alaric interjected, ignoring Magnus’s subtle signals to keep quiet. "He wasn’t leaving your side even for a second."

Alora’s eyes softened with gratitude and a hint of guilt. She had no idea the toll her condition had taken on those around her.

Scarlet, ever curious, chimed in, "Alora must have awakened more of her powers. Shouldn’t we check them?" She looked around at the group, her eyes bright with anticipation.

Alaric shook his head gently. "We will, but after she gets plenty of rest," he stated firmly, his protective instincts kicking in.

Alora, intrigued by the possibilities of her new abilities, asked, "Can I run as fast as vampires?"

Magnus smiled reassuringly. "You can," he confirmed.

Margaret glanced at her husband, unable to contain her smile. The relief she felt was indescribable. Her son was finally back, the glow on his face had returned, and the darkness that had clouded their lives seemed to be lifting.

"I am curious to know what kind of vampire I will be," Alora said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she smiled brightly.

Margaret smiled softly at her enthusiasm but gently suggested, "Let’s leave them alone. Alora might need some rest. Magnus, make sure you give her blood first. As a vampire, she has to drink it," she advised, her tone serious.

Alora’s smile faded slightly as she asked, "Do I have to drink human blood?"

"Yes," Margaret replied, squeezing Alora’s hands tightly. "It’s necessary to build your strength. You were injured last night and you’re still weak. Drinking blood is essential for your survival as a vampire. It may upset you in the beginning, but you cannot run away from this."

Alora nodded, her expression resolute. "I understand, Royal Mother."

Margaret patted her shoulder, a gesture of comfort and encouragement. "Good. Now, you should rest. We’ll leave you to it." She glanced around the room. "Let’s go, everyone."

Izaak gave his brother a comforting smile. "We’ll see you later in the evening," he said, then turned and left the room.

Scarlet hugged Alora warmly. "I’m so glad to see you awake. If you need any kind of assistance, I’m always here," she said, giving Alora a reassuring squeeze. She glanced at Magnus, exchanged a knowing look, and then left with Alaric.

As the room cleared, Lillian lingered for a moment longer. "Alora, I’m curious about your powers. I thought you would lose your humanity, but it turns out you’re the same as you were before," she remarked, her voice filled with wonder.

Magnus snickered at her comment and gently but firmly asked, "Lillian, give her some space. You should leave."

Lillian gave Alora one last glance before exiting the room, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and respect.

"Tobias, we need a new bed. Make sure to replace it soon," Magnus instructed, turning to his trusted servant.

"I’ve a design in my mind. I will give the sketch to Tobias. Please wait a minute here," Alora interjected, her excitement evident. Before Magnus could stop her, she vanished from the room in a blur, reappearing moments later with a sketch in hand.

Tobias chuckled, clearly impressed. "Her Highness is fast," he said with a smile, taking the sketch from Alora.

"Yes, she is," Magnus agreed, a hint of pride in his voice. "Just keep a temporary bed here for now. Her desired bed will take time to build."

Tobias nodded. "Understood, Your Highness. I’ll have a temporary bed set up immediately and start working on the design right away."

Suddenly, Alora appeared with a sketch in her hand. She handed the sketch to Tobias, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Thank you, Tobias. I can’t wait to see it finished."

Tobias bowed slightly, acknowledging her excitement. "It will be my pleasure, Princess. I’ll ensure it’s crafted to your exact specifications."

As Tobias left to carry out his instructions, Magnus turned to Alora, his expression a mix of amusement and concern. "You are amazing."

Alora laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "Really? Everything feels so new and exciting. Then, tilting her head playfully, she added, "So, will you not offer me the blood?"

Magnus chuckled and called out, "Selvina, arrange the blood for Alora." Selvina bowed gracefully and left the chamber to fulfill the request.

Once they were alone, Magnus walked over to Alora and gently pulled her close, his hand resting possessively on her lower back.

"You broke the bed with just one light push. What will happen if we make love?" he teased, his lips brushing against hers. His eyes locked onto hers, reflecting the shyness that mirrored her own feelings.

Alora blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. "I’ll be careful, husband. It was embarrassing for me," she admitted softly. She leaned in, inhaling his scent deeply. "I never experienced such a scent before," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder as she gazed into his eyes.

Chapter 340: Hungry for blood only

Magnus’s eyes softened, his thumb gently caressing her back. "It’s part of your heightened senses," he explained softly. "Everything will feel more intense now."

Alora’s arms locked around him, seeking comfort. "Did you feel this way too?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Magnus nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I did." He looked deeply into her blue eyes, noticing a fleeting redness that flashed for just a moment. From this close distance, he was the only one who could witness the magical transformation in her eyes.

"Magnus."

"Hmm?"

"I feel strange," Alora confessed, swallowing hard. Her gaze was fixated on the vein pulsing in his neck, an unspoken desire swirling in her eyes. She didn’t need to elaborate further; Magnus had already read her thoughts, understanding the powerful urges that now coursed through her.

"For blood?" Magnus asked gently.

Alora nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I suddenly feel thirsty now," she murmured, the longing evident in her eyes.

"Your Highness, I’ve brought the fresh blood," Selvina announced as she entered, her gaze respectfully lowered. She set the glass on the table as Magnus guided Alora to the sofa. As he helped her sit, he took the glass from Selvina and handed it to Alora.

"Drink it," Magnus instructed softly.

Alora hesitated for a moment, her internal struggle visible. Finally, she closed her eyes and drank. The liquid’s warmth coursed through her, bringing an immediate sense of relief, but also a pang of guilt. She had to drink a human’s blood. She wanted to resist, but the craving was too powerful. She continued drinking until she finished the entire jar.

Magnus watched her closely, noting her remarkable control. Unlike other vampires who struggled initially, Alora seemed to manage her thirst naturally. He knelt before her and gently wiped her mouth with a handkerchief.

"It’s alright," he reassured her. "You don’t need to feel guilty. It’s necessary for your survival."

Alora looked into his eyes, silent but thoughtful. Selvina quietly exited, taking the empty jar and glass with her.

Magnus squeezed Alora’s hands tightly, his gaze unwavering. "Tell me, what do you feel? I love listening to you," he said.

She licked her lips, gathering her thoughts. "I feel hungry for blood only. I thought of eating something, but it didn’t satisfy me. But when I thought of blood, something strange happened. Now, I understand why you wanted me to live as a human for a while," Alora confessed.

"You haven’t tried eating normal food yet. Who knows, my magical Alora might be able to digest it easily?" Magnus suggested with a small smile.

"Hmm. Then, I must eat something to find out," Alora agreed, a hint of determination in her voice.

"Of course!" Magnus replied, his smile widening.

"But first, I’ll freshen up," Alora asserted, standing up.

"Hmm," Magnus acknowledged, rising with her. He then called for Selvina. "Make sure she has a good bath. And if anything happens, inform me immediately," he instructed firmly.

"I understand, Your Highness," Selvina replied, bowing slightly. She then turned to Alora, her demeanor respectful and gentle. "Please, follow me," she said.

Magnus watched as Alora followed Selvina out of the room. His concern lingered, knowing the challenges that came with being a newly turned vampire. He decided to stay nearby, ready to assist if needed.

Selvina led Alora to a luxurious bathroom, the scent of fresh lavender filling the air. "I’ll prepare the bath for you, Your Highness," Selvina said, turning on the taps and adding fragrant oils to the steaming water.

As Alora waited, she couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s events. Her senses were heightened, every sound and smell amplified. The transformation had brought new challenges, but also an unfamiliar sense of power.

Once the bath was ready, Selvina stepped back, allowing Alora some privacy. "If you need anything, I’ll be just outside," she said before closing the door behind her.

Alora sank into the warm water, letting it soothe her tense muscles. She closed her eyes, trying to process everything that had happened. The thirst for blood was a constant reminder of her new reality, her new life.

~~~~

"Your Highness, I heard that Princess Alora is awake. Can I see her? I was denied entry saying I’m a human," Melody said urgently as she stepped into the study room where Izaak was present.

Izaak lifted his gaze from the parchment he was examining, his sharp eyes taking in Melody’s anxious expression. He set the parchment aside and gestured for her to sit. "Please, have a seat," he said.

Melody hesitated for a moment before sitting down, her hands wringing nervously in her lap.

"Alora has a good control on her thirst. However, it’s good to be cautious. Also, I wanted to talk to you about something important. I’m glad you have come here," Izaak stated, his eyes serious and contemplative.

Melody leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she inquired.

"Would you be interested in becoming a vampire?" Izaak questioned, his voice steady.

Melody’s eyes widened in surprise, but her answer was immediate and unwavering. "For you, yes," she replied without hesitation.

Izaak studied her for a moment before continuing. "What about you, Melody? You’ll sleep for a year after the transformation. Do you truly want to do that? Also, Alora woke up early because she was always different from the others. It won’t happen with you unless we find a strong witch, which seems impossible after what Damien did to Gloria," he explained, laying out the situation clearly.

Melody met his gaze, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and longing. "Your Highness, I’ve only borne tortures and pain in my human life. It was a life of hardships and suffering. If I had been a vampire, things might have been different. I would be more powerful and more agile. I would choose becoming a vampire over staying a human," she affirmed, her voice strong and unwavering.

Izaak nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "I understand, Melody. The life of a vampire does offer power and longevity, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly."

Melody contemplated deeply and then replied, "I know, Your Highness. But my human life has been filled with too much pain. I want to change, to be stronger, to have a different future. If becoming a vampire can give me that, then I am willing to face the challenges."

"Alright. Then, I’ll turn you on our wedding night. I’ll miss you, but I can wait for you," Izaak stated with a broad smile.