Ch. 361..365: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 361-365

Chapter 361: Enjoying yourself by troubling Venus

"How is Princess Alora faring these days?" Griffin inquired, his tone carrying a note of genuine curiosity. "I must say, she seems quite content in her new form. Even now, she retains a strikingly human appearance despite her transformation," he remarked thoughtfully.

With a playful glint in her eyes, Alora parted her lips to reveal her gleaming fangs. "I do have fangs to prove it," she declared, flashing them with a proud smile.

Griffin chuckled, nodding in acknowledgment. "Well, now I can confidently say she’s every bit the vampire," he replied, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Are you two finished? You’re acting like children," Magnus’s voice cut through the air as he entered the chamber, holding a parchment in his hand. Odin and Tobias followed closely behind him.

Alora and Griffin turned around, pursing their lips as if caught in the act. "But I’m only 24," Alora pointed out with a playful shrug. "I suppose I’m still young enough to play."

Griffin chimed in with a grin, "And I’m the youngest among us vampires." He reached out to drape his arm around Alora’s shoulder in a friendly gesture but halted midway as Magnus shot him a stern look.

"Keep your hand to yourself, Griffin," Magnus warned, his glare sharp as he settled onto the sofa, crossing one leg over the other. Alora glanced at Griffin, noticing how quickly he lowered his hand to his side.

"Please forgive this humble servant," Griffin apologized, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

"You’re not a servant, Griffin," Alora corrected gently.

"Indeed," Magnus agreed, his tone shifting to one of authority as he held up the parchment. "Now, let’s focus on the task at hand." His words commanded everyone’s attention. Alora was quick to reach his side and looked at the parchment in his hand.

"We received a reply from Rienna," Magnus announced, his voice firm. "However, she insists on meeting with a five-member committee of the witches," he continued, a note of disapproval in his tone. "Only one representative is permitted," he added with finality.

"Does that mean Prince Magnus will go?" Alora asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

Magnus shook his head. "Yes, I want you to go," he declared, looking directly at her.

"Me?" Alora exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock as she pointed at herself. The idea seemed impossible to her.

"Yes, you," Magnus confirmed with a nod. "You’ve grown stronger than before, and I believe you’re the perfect candidate for this mission, Alora," he affirmed, handing her the parchment. "Read the message," he instructed.

Alora opened the parchment and read each word loudly.

"Your Highness, I believe you should be the one to go," Odin interjected, his voice laced with concern. Tobias nodded in agreement. "At this moment, we can’t afford to trust the witches completely. Sending Her Highness alone is too risky," he added, offering his humble opinion.

Magnus met their gazes calmly. "I trust Alora," he stated with unwavering conviction. "I believe she can secure the best outcome. Besides, no magic can affect her—she’s protected by her magical eyes. Since becoming a vampire, I know she’s gained abilities that make her more than capable," he explained, his confidence in Alora evident.

Alora couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Magnus was entrusting her with such a crucial task. Uncertainty gnawed at her—could she really succeed? But when she saw the trust in Magnus’s eyes, a wave of confidence washed over her.

"I will do it!" Alora declared with a bright, determined smile.

"No one is to speak of this to anyone," Magnus instructed firmly, his gaze sweeping across the room to ensure his command was understood.

"Princess Alora, good luck! I have no doubt you’ll succeed in this task," Griffin said with a bright smile, his confidence in her evident.

"I have to," Alora replied, feeling the weight of the responsibility, yet grateful for Griffin’s support. She offered him a thankful smile before turning back to Magnus.

"Prepare yourself. We need to depart within an hour," Magnus said, his tone leaving no room for delay.

"Why? Is this dress not suitable?" Alora asked, glancing down at her current attire.

Magnus shook his head slightly. "I think the maroon gown would be more fitting for this occasion," he suggested.

"Alright! Wait for me—I’ll be back in no time," Alora responded with a burst of excitement, before hurrying out of the chamber to change.

"Princess Alora’s energy does seem different," Odin observed, his brow furrowing slightly as he sensed the shift in her aura.

"Indeed," Magnus agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "She’s truly happy in this new form," he added before shifting his gaze to Tobias. "Please arrange a carriage for Alora," he instructed.

Tobias bowed respectfully and exited the chamber to carry out the task.

"Take a seat," Magnus gestured to both Griffin and Odin. As they settled down, Magnus clasped his hands together and placed them on his lap, his expression calm but with a trace of amusement in his eyes.

"Odin," Magnus began, his tone light, "it seems you’ve been enjoying yourself by troubling Venus quite a bit."

Griffin glanced at Odin, noticing the sudden shift in his friend’s expression from confidence to embarrassment.

"Do you like her?" Magnus asked, his voice probing yet gentle.

"No," Odin replied almost too quickly, a hint of defensiveness in his tone.

Magnus raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "You can’t deny it so easily. She’s not the same person she once was—she’s changed for the better. And, Odin, I’ve delved deep into your thoughts, so there’s no need to lie to me. I can help you sort through your feelings," Magnus pronounced, his voice carrying the weight of someone who understood more than he let on.

Griffin nodded in full agreement, silently supporting Prince Magnus’s assessment. It was clear to him that Odin’s feelings were more complicated than he wanted to admit.

"Seems like Venus has even threatened you with my name. Alora will be upset if she finds out her only sister is being troubled by her friend. And I can’t afford to see her angry," Magnus stated. It was difficult to say if he warned Odin to drop this habit of his or was it something else.

Chapter 362: Tell me, Odin

"I apologize, Your Highness," Odin murmured, lowering his eyes in respect and perhaps a bit of shame.

"There’s no need to apologize," Magnus responded gently. "But I am curious—why are you doing this?" His voice was calm, yet his gaze was probing.

"Apparently, there’s no reason for it," Odin asserted, his tone firm, though it was clear he was holding something back.

"Venus annoys me," Odin finally admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. "She showed up at an all-vampire bar with the excuse that she wanted to give me milk cakes. There are so many things about her that get under my skin," he revealed, his irritation evident.

"Prince Magnus, it’s obvious they’re made for each other," Griffin chimed in with a grin. "I’ve seen firsthand how Odin and Venus bicker—they argue like lovers," he added, his tone teasing.

"Don’t call us lovers. There’s nothing going on between us," Odin snapped, glaring at Griffin, his voice sharp with denial.

"Lies," Griffin countered, shaking his head with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I saw it with my own eyes—you kissed her."

Odin’s face drained of color, his expression shifting to one of shock. His throat went dry, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Magnus couldn’t help but chuckle at Griffin’s revelation. "If you’re interested in her, then pursue her properly," he advised Odin, a hint of amusement still in his voice. "But if you’re not, there’s no need to tease her all the time and then wonder why you’re doing it," he added, his tone shifting to something more genuine.

Odin, however, quickly shook his head. "I didn’t kiss her," he denied, even though he knew deep down that lying wouldn’t help him in this situation.

Magnus’s expression grew serious as he leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking onto Odin. "What are you afraid of?" he asked, his voice low but direct. "Tell me, Odin. I’m here to listen," he pressed, his words offering a rare moment of vulnerability in their usually stoic interactions.

Odin shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Magnus’s eyes. He could feel Griffin’s gaze on him too, though Griffin had gone silent, seemingly waiting for him to speak.

Odin’s mind raced—he knew that Magnus wasn’t someone he could easily deceive, and the weight of the prince’s unwavering trust made it even harder to hide. He swallowed hard, feeling the pressure to open up, but years of keeping his emotions in check made it difficult to find the right words.

"Odin, there’s nothing wrong with pursuing a human, especially someone like Venus," Magnus said, his tone gentle but firm. "If I told you that she has feelings for you, would that change your approach? Would you pursue her, or would you step back?"

"She has?" Odin asked, his eyebrows rising in surprise.

"Yes," Magnus confirmed with a nod. "I learned this during my last visit to the Wilson House. Venus was visibly upset by your departure. Since she is my wife’s sister, I don’t want to see her in such distress. Alora is also worried about her. Given that you’ve already developed strong feelings for her, it might be worth considering pursuing those feelings," Magnus advised.

"Odin, I can’t understand you," Griffin said, his tone filled with frustration. "You need Venus in your life, so just do what’s right. Don’t forget you’ve already missed many opportunities to settle down. Venus is a good person."

"I’ll think about it," Odin replied, his voice noncommittal, not offering any clear indication of his intentions.

"Great," Magnus said, turning his focus to Griffin. "And what about you, Young Vampire?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"M-me?" Griffin stammered, caught off guard by the sudden shift in attention.

"Yes, you," Magnus confirmed. "I heard from Alora that you’ve been attending various parties to find a suitable match."

"I haven’t found anyone," Griffin admitted with a sigh. "A lot happened, and I eventually stopped looking." He had even forgotten how Alora told him she would introduce him to Selvina.

Magnus studied Griffin for a moment. "It seems you might have let opportunities slip away," he remarked, his tone thoughtful. "But it’s never too late to reconsider. If you’re ready to make a decision, you might find what you’re looking for."

"Prince Magnus, why don’t you introduce me to someone? I’m tired of searching for the right person. Besides, I don’t come from a well-established vampire family, which makes it harder for women to see me in that light," Griffin confessed, his frustration evident.

"You have me," Magnus responded calmly. "You can tell them I’m your brother."

Griffin laughed, shaking his head. "That would be wrong," he said, his amusement evident. "I don’t think that’s a feasible solution."

Magnus smiled, understanding Griffin’s reluctance. At that moment, Selvina entered the chamber, announcing that Alora was ready and requesting a private word with Magnus.

Griffin’s attention immediately shifted to Selvina, and his expression softened noticeably.

"You should go," Magnus said, rising from his seat and making his way out.

As Magnus departed, Selvina busied herself with collecting the cups from the table, her movements graceful and efficient.

"Let’s go," Odin said, preparing to leave.

"Hmm. You go ahead. I’ll join you shortly," Griffin replied, watching as Odin exited first.

With Odin gone, Griffin took a deep breath, gathering his courage before speaking. "Selvina, would you mind going out with me?"

Selvina looked up in surprise, her hands tightening around the tray. "Pardon me, My Lord?" she asked, clearly taken aback.

"Um..." Griffin started, his resolve wavering slightly under her questioning gaze. "I’m asking you out because Princess Alora mentioned that you aren’t seeing anyone at the moment. If you need time to think about it, you can let Princess Alora know," Griffin said quickly, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I have to leave now," he added, then hurriedly exited the chamber.

Selvina stood there, stunned and perplexed, her mind racing to process what had just happened.

~~~~

Hello Dear Readers,

Chapter 363: Willing to give her word

Magnus and Alora stood at the entrance of the grand mansion, the air filled with the lingering scent of herbs and other mysterious plants. The ancient estate was home to the witches, a place where many secrets thrived. As they stepped inside, the heavy door creaked shut behind them.

In the drawing room, the butler greeted them with a courteous nod. "Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said, his voice smooth and respectful, gesturing towards the plush velvet sofa by the fireplace. "I will inform Mistress Rienna of your arrival."

Magnus and Alora exchanged a glance before settling into the luxurious sofa. The butler bowed slightly before turning on his heel and leaving the room.

"Magnus, I haven’t had time to prepare anything," Alora admitted, her voice tinged with concern. "But I’ll do my best to ensure a favorable outcome."

Magnus met her gaze with unwavering confidence. "I trust you," he replied simply.

Alora, still puzzled, pressed further. "I can’t help but wonder why you suddenly chose me for this task. It seems like more than just trust."

Magnus hesitated for a moment before offering a thoughtful explanation. "I believe women have a unique way of understanding and communicating with one another. There are things that men might overlook or fail to grasp, but women often perceive them naturally. That’s why I chose you for this task."

He stopped short of elaborating further, not wanting to burden Alora with the high expectations he silently harbored.

"Prince Magnus, Princess Alora, you are welcomed to the abode of the witches," came Rienna’s voice, breaking the silence. Both turned their gazes toward the door as she entered. Alora was the first to rise, her movements graceful, while Magnus remained seated, observing her.

Rienna approached them with an air of quiet authority, greeting them both with a slight bow. Only then did Magnus stand, offering his thanks. "Thank you, Rienna, for agreeing to this meeting."

Rienna smiled, though her curiosity was evident. "But I must ask, why has Prince Magnus brought his wife here?" Her sharp eyes flickered to Alora, who stood with her lips pressed together in a firm line. As a witch, Rienna could sense the potent energy that radiated from Alora, a power that intrigued her.

Magnus didn’t hesitate as he revealed his decision. "Princess Alora will be meeting with the five-member committee of the witches."

The announcement caught Rienna off guard, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. This was not what she had anticipated. "I expected Prince Magnus to be the one attempting to calm our anger," Rienna remarked, her tone carrying a subtle edge.

Magnus cast a contemplative glance at Rienna, trying to gauge her thoughts, but her mind was an impenetrable fortress, giving nothing away.

"I’ve heard much about Princess Alora in these past few months," Rienna continued, her gaze shifting to Alora. "I trust that this meeting will yield an outcome favorable to all of us."

Her words held a weight that Alora didn’t miss, especially as Rienna added a pointed warning. "We witches will not be gentle with the Princess when the meeting begins."

"Neither will Alora be," Magnus responded, his voice steady as he glanced at his wife. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and Alora felt a surge of confidence under his touch.

Rienna observed the exchange before addressing Alora. "Very well. Please follow me, Your Highness," she instructed, then turned to Magnus. "His Highness can wait for his wife here."

"Of course," Magnus agreed, watching as Alora followed Rienna out of the room. As the door closed behind them, Magnus settled back onto the sofa.

~~~~~

Alora entered the large room, which resembled an imposing hall, and immediately noticed four women seated around a polished mahogany table. As Rienna introduced her to the group, they greeted Alora with reserved nods, their eyes assessing her with quiet intensity.

"Please, Princess Alora," Rienna said, using her magic to elegantly pull out a chair for her. Alora couldn’t help but feel a twinge of fascination as the chair moved effortlessly, guided by Rienna’s power. She offered a polite smile and a word of thanks before taking her seat. The five witches then followed suit, settling into their chairs with an air of solemnity.

Alora took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "First of all, I want to thank you for granting me the opportunity to speak with all of you," she began, her voice sincere as she clasped her hands together. "I am truly sorry for the loss you all have had to endure."

"Is Princess Alora and her family truly sorry for our loss?" Rienna questioned, her tone sharp as she rested her hands on the ornate armrests of her tall chair. Her gaze was piercing, and her skepticism was evident. "I doubt Your Highness fully understands what it means to lose someone."

Alora took a deep breath, her expression thoughtful as she responded. "I do understand that feeling. I’ve lost much in my life before gaining what I have now. In my experience, losing people while they are still alive is often more painful than any other loss." Her voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of emotion. "My husband was fighting for his life the very night Head Witch Gloria was murdered. I know the anguish of almost losing someone dear to you."

The second witch, her eyes narrowing slightly, interjected. "But your husband is alive and well, Princess Alora."

Before Alora could respond, the third witch spoke up, her tone laced with anger. "Why should we continue listening to the vampires, who are the root cause of our suffering? We have been more than forgiving. Not a single death has been reported where a witch harmed a vampire."

"Qasima was the one responsible for countless innocent deaths, both in the past and after her recent awakening. I’m sure you’re all aware of her. And there was another witch in the South, whose son turned out to be a hybrid. They were terrorizing humans, vampires, and even werewolves in that region," Alora explained, her tone measured yet firm. "Prince Magnus personally visited that place over a month ago to put an end to it."

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "Prince Magnus and the King chose not to publicize these events because they understand their duty to all of you, to all of their subjects," she asserted, her voice carrying a note of conviction.

Rienna rubbed her fingers together thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing in contemplation. "Why does Princess Alora believe that the vampires will continue to protect us in the future?" Rienna asked, her voice tinged with bitterness. "After what Damien did to us, our trust has been shattered. Madam Gloria was like a mother to us."

Alora felt the weight of Rienna’s words, the deep wound that the loss of Head Witch Gloria had left on these women. "That is indeed the most painful part," Alora acknowledged, her voice softening with empathy. "The loss of a mother is irreplaceable. However, what I do know is that Head Witch Gloria had decided to pursue a peace agreement if she had lived. Velaris is renowned for its peace, which is why so many people from other kingdoms come here to settle."

She looked around the room, meeting the eyes of each witch in turn. "Head Witch Gloria’s vision was one of unity and harmony. I believe that if she were here, she would want us to continue walking on this path."

"Time changes, Your Highness. Even you have changed," Rienna remarked, her voice carrying an air of pointed observation. "I’ve heard you were once forced to wear a blindfold, only to remove it when your own family disowned you. Everyone feared you then. But now, here you stand before us!"

Alora paused, reflecting on Rienna’s words before responding. "It’s true, I’ve changed," she acknowledged. "But I’ve never used my power for selfish reasons or out of greed. Even when my family disowned me, I never thought of harming them, despite the terrible things they did to me."

She met Rienna’s gaze, her voice steady and resolute. "However, now the witches are demanding the freedom to use all forms of magic, without restraint. But that is something we cannot allow. We cannot control everyone’s actions, and with great power comes great responsibility."

Alora leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with determination. "If Head Witch Rienna is willing to give her word—to take full responsibility for any wrong that occurs because of the witches—then the King will have no issue granting them the freedom to use every kind of magic."

All of them found themselves at a tight spot. The four witches glanced at Rienna, who had turned quiet.

"Can Head Witch Rienna do that? Can she stop some of the witches from being selfish. I’ve already told her about Qasima, who did plunder on her return. What our king wants is to keep the peace and keep such magic in control so that everything remains under control or else it’s not difficult to break a war," she remarked, keeping her gaze fixed at Rienna.

 

Chapter 364: She’s possessive of me

Rienna’s eyes moved deliberately over the four witches, sensing the unspoken understanding that passed between them. It was as if they shared a language of their own, one that needed no words, just eye contacts.

Turning her attention back to Princess Alora, Rienna’s expression softened, but her resolve remained unshaken. "Princess Alora," she began, her voice low but clear, "I cannot offer you the promise you seek." She paused, allowing her words to settle, as if weighing the gravity of what she was about to say.

"That said," she continued, "I am prepared to show a degree of leniency in my dealings with the Vampire King. I am willing to ease my conditions, but only to a point that remains fair and just. My loyalty to my people and my duty to protect them will not allow me to compromise on what truly matters. But for the sake of maintaining peace, I will approach our negotiations with an open mind." Rienna clarified to Alora as she agreed for the negotiation finally.

Alora smiled warmly and offered her thanks to Rienna and the four witches. "I will convey your message to the King," she assured, her tone confident. "I’m certain His Majesty will soon call for a meeting."

Rienna acknowledged with a slight nod. "Then, let us conclude this meeting on a positive note," she declared, her voice steady. "It was an honor to meet with you, Princess Alora."

Alora returned a gracious smile to all present before her expression turned more solemn. "I would like to say that once we lose someone dear to us, it’s never easy to recover from that loss—if we ever do at all. Yet, it is in their memory that we must strive to be better in everything we do. The Late Head Witch must have believed the same when she shared her wisdom with all of you. Her vision, too, was for a world of peace and harmony."

The witches exchanged thoughtful glances, clearly moved by Alora’s words, impressed by her eloquence and the depth of her understanding.

"Princess Alora, our anger is born from the injustices we’ve endured," Rienna said, her voice softening as she spoke. "But it’s true that we can’t control everyone, nor prevent the misuse of magic that is now forbidden. Not everyone will choose the path of good. Please convey to His Majesty that I will personally apologize to him the next time we meet," she added, her tone humble and sincere.

Alora nodded with understanding, her smile warm and reassuring. "I will inform His Majesty of your personal apology," she promised.

As the meeting concluded, Rienna turned to the four witches. "I’ll see you all later," she said, offering them a nod before guiding Alora back to the living hall where Magnus awaited them.

As they entered the room, Magnus rose from his seat, his smile brimming with pride. He had already anticipated the outcome and now looked upon Alora with admiration, recognizing that she had more than met his expectations.

"Can I have a word with Prince Magnus?" Rienna requested, her voice steady. "In private."

Alora paused, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she wondered why Rienna wished to speak with Magnus alone. After a brief moment, she nodded. "I will wait outside in the carriage," she said, her tone composed, though she couldn’t hide the slight hesitation.

Magnus, not wanting her to leave, watched as Alora gracefully walked away with the butler. Once she was out of sight, his gaze shifted back to Rienna, his expression serious. "What is it that you wish to discuss with me in private?" he asked.

Rienna stepped forward, closing the distance between them until she was standing right in front of him. "I am only thirty," she began, her voice carrying a note of frustration. "I’ve sent proposals for Prince Magnus many times, but you’ve never shown any interest in me." As she spoke, she reached out, her hand moving toward his chest, only to be stopped by Magnus’s firm grip.

"Stay back, Rienna," Magnus warned. "I acknowledge that you are quite exceptional, that at such a young age, you’ve already achieved the position of Head Witch. Your abilities are indeed remarkable, but that does not give you the right to think you can win me over. Also, you are forgetting I’ve a wife and I love her," he stated.

"You could have a second wife, you know," Rienna suggested, her voice laced with determination.

Magnus couldn’t help but chuckle at her persistence. "You really should stop living in a fantasy world," he remarked with a slight smirk. "I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that," he added dismissively, brushing past her without a second thought.

But Rienna wasn’t ready to give up. "Prince Magnus, just consider it for a moment. I could be better than your—"

"Don’t make me kill you," Magnus interrupted coldly, his tone sharp as he stopped and turned his head to look at her, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Let’s leave this in peace. My wife would likely burn you alive if she heard this. She’s possessive of me, and I intend for her to be my only wife until my last breath," he declared, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument. With that, he resumed his path, making it clear that the conversation was over.

As Magnus stepped outside, the coachman quickly sprang into action, opening the carriage door for him. Magnus entered, and the door clicked shut behind him. Inside, Alora was waiting, her expression curious and slightly concerned.

"What was it? What did Rienna say to you in private? I hope she isn’t upset about anything," Alora asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

Magnus leaned forward slightly as the carriage began to move, his expression calm but serious. "She asked me to marry her," he replied evenly.

Alora’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" she exclaimed, her breath catching. "Don’t jest with me," she said, searching his face for any hint of a joke. But the seriousness in Magnus’s expression told her he wasn’t teasing her.

"How could she say that?" Alora’s voice trembled with rising anger, and suddenly, her pupils shifted, darkening as her fury took hold. Her fangs grew longer, a fierce, primal response that took Magnus by surprise.

Magnus acted swiftly, sliding over to Alora’s side as he saw her anger intensify. Without a second thought, he cupped the back of her head, drawing her close as he pressed his lips to hers in a deep, calming kiss. His hand stayed firmly on the back of her head, protecting it from hitting the window as he leaned over her, pouring all his affection into the kiss to soothe her rising fury.

Alora’s fangs began to retreat almost immediately under the gentle pressure of his lips. But even as her anger faded, she didn’t pull away. Instead, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, locking him in place as she returned the kiss with passionate intensity.

Her initial anger transformed into something else entirely, a fierce love that she conveyed with every touch and every breath.

"Alora," Magnus whispered as he gently pulled away, trying to get her to slow down. His breath was slightly ragged, but his gaze remained soft, full of understanding.

"Don’t you like it?" Alora asked, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I love you, Magnus. You can’t marry anyone else," she added, her eyes locking onto his, searching for reassurance.

Magnus held her gaze, his expression serious but tender. "Do you really think I would ever do that?" he asked softly, his voice laced with sincerity.

Alora shook her head slowly, her anger beginning to ebb away. "No, I know you wouldn’t," she murmured, her voice quiet now, almost ashamed. "I just... I just felt so angry about it. Forgive me," she said, her tone apologetic, though her heart still raced with the lingering fury she felt toward Rienna. The thought of anyone else trying to claim Magnus made her blood boil, and the desire to confront Rienna still burned within her. How could she even dare to ask Magnus to marry her?

Magnus reached out, cupping her face gently in his hands. "There’s nothing to forgive," he said, his voice soothing. "Your anger is understandable, but you don’t need to worry. My heart belongs only to you, and no one else will ever come between us. Rienna is lucky that I didn’t take her heart out for saying this to me." He leaned in and kissed her forehead, hoping to calm the last of her lingering doubts and anger.

Alora held his collar and made him look into her eyes. "What if she again asks you? I never felt like this before. My insides are burning with anger," she muttered.

"Rienna won’t dare to do it. Also, it’s normal for my vampire wife to feel like this," Magnus said with an amusing glance. His thumb caressed her cheek and he kissed her again on the lips, making her feel better.

Chapter 365: Losing your temper

Kneeling in the garden, Venus plucked a delicate flower from the ground, her fingers brushing over the petals. She had hoped that by doing this simple task, she might finally push aside the memory of the kiss Odin had given her, one she knew he had done just to get under her skin. Yet, as she reached the last petal, she frowned at its silent message: ’I have feelings for him.’ With a sigh, she tossed the flower away and slowly rose to her feet.

Shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts, Venus muttered, "Why can’t I stop thinking about it? I need to find something, anything, to occupy my mind, or I’ll keep dwelling on this." Determined, she made her way back into the house, only to freeze in her tracks when she saw Griffin and Odin inside.

The sight of Odin, in particular, made her heart race, and she felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. The last thing she wanted was to face him now, so she tried to quietly slip away, hoping they hadn’t noticed her.

But before she could escape, Griffin’s voice called out, "Miss Venus, where are you going?" His words halted her retreat, forcing her to stop in her tracks.

Norman and Rhea exchanged glances before turning their attention to their daughter. "Venus, they’re here to tell us about Elliot. He may be returning soon," Rhea said with a warm smile.

Venus’s eyes lit up with delight at the news. She quickly walked over to the sofa, eager to hear more. "When will Elliot be back?" she asked, her curious gaze fixed on Griffin. She purposely avoided looking at Odin, knowing that his piercing eyes always made her uneasy.

"Probably by next week," Griffin replied.

"That’s wonderful to hear," Venus responded, a genuine smile spreading across her face.

"But there are certain things that need to be kept in mind," Odin interjected, his tone was both serious and authoritative. "A newly turned vampire struggles to control their bloodlust. You all need to be cautious. We believe it’s best if Elliot isn’t in this house during the night, as that’s when vampires are most active."

Griffin nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring the concern that was beginning to spread across the faces of the Wilson family.

Norman, ever the practical one, considered the situation carefully. "Then it may be necessary to keep Elliot in a separate house," he mused aloud.

"I can take him in at my place," Odin offered, his voice calm but firm. "It would be wise to keep him away from human colonies while he’s still learning to control his blood urges."

Venus, who had been quietly processing the conversation, suddenly spoke up. "What about you, Griffin? I think Elliot would be more comfortable with you," she suggested, her eyes meeting Griffin’s.

"I would have, but I’m usually busy with work and often away from home," Griffin replied, casting a quick glance at Odin before adding in a lower voice, "Take good care of Elliot."

Odin’s eyes lingered on Venus, who avoided his gaze, focusing on something else in the room.

"We should leave," Odin said, standing up from his seat. Both Norman and Rhea also rose, offering to see them out.

"It’s fine," Odin replied, declining the offer as he headed toward the door. Griffin gave a polite smile and quickly followed Odin outside.

As soon as they were alone, Rhea turned to her daughter with a concerned expression. "Why did you say that, Venus? Odin was only trying to help us. What he’s done for our family is beyond words. We should always be grateful to him," she gently advised.

"I understand, Mother," Venus replied, her voice soft, though a hint of reluctance lingered in her tone.

~~~~~

"It seems Venus is upset with you," Griffin remarked, settling comfortably into the carriage. "Don’t you think it’s because you’ve been treating her so coldly?" he mused, a hint of teasing in his tone.

Odin’s expression darkened as he clenched his fists, struggling to keep his anger in check. "Stay quiet, Griffin. She always gets on my nerves. There are no feelings attached," he snapped, his voice edged with frustration.

Griffin’s lips curled into an amused smirk. "You’ve always been the calm one, Odin. Losing your temper isn’t something I’ve ever seen from you. It seems Venus has managed to push your buttons in a way no one else ever has," he observed, clearly entertained by the situation.

"Are you enjoying this?" Odin asked, his tone sharp.

"No," Griffin denied, but the slight curve of his lips betrayed him.

"You are," Odin countered, his eyes narrowing.

Griffin heaved a deep sigh, leaning back in his seat. "Odin, even if I am enjoying this, why should it bother you? After all, you just claimed you don’t even like Venus," he said with a smile that was more of a challenge than reassurance.

Odin turned silent and closed his eyes. He didn’t wish to talk about Venus anymore.

"It’s hard to admit the feelings we carry. But once he do that, the process after that is simple," Griffin pronounced with a smile.

Odin opened his eyes and found out he was now looking outside the window.

~~~~~~

"What?" King Esmond was stunned to hear that Rienna had agreed to uphold the initial rules set for the witches.

Magnus couldn’t hide the pride in his eyes as he glanced at his wife. "Father, Alora succeeded in convincing the witches to accept the terms," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "It wasn’t easy, but she managed to secure their agreement, ensuring peace between our people and the witches."

"Your Majesty, Rienna has sent a message for you. She said she would personally apologize to you and also be a part of the meeting, where His Majesty had initially invited her," Alora informed him.

"That’s so wonderful to hear! Alora, you are truly amazing. What we couldn’t do, we all did. How am I supposed to thank you?" King Esmond asked.

"Your Majesty, please don’t thank me. You should thank your son, who entrusted me with this task," Alora stated with a smile while glancing at Magnus.