Ch. 386..390: The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride Chapter 386-390

Chapter 386: To trust Griffin

Selvina’s heart fluttered as she finally opened the velvety blue box. Her eyes shimmered with a mix of surprise and awe as she gazed at the delicate gold chain inside. The pendant, adorned with her initial intricately carved into it, was surrounded by tiny, glimmering diamonds that caught the light beautifully.

She gently lifted the chain, its weight and craftsmanship hinting at its significant value. The thought struck her—no man had ever given her such a gift, not even the one she had once loved. Holding it against her neck, she reached for the mirror on the bedside table and studied her reflection.

"It looks pretty," Selvina murmured to herself, admiring how the pendant complemented her appearance. But the reality of her situation quickly dampened her excitement. As a servant, such luxury had no place in her daily life. With a heavy heart, she knew she couldn’t wear it while performing her duties.

After a moment’s hesitation, Selvina gently placed the pendant back in its velvety box, closing it with a soft click. She then carefully tucked it under the mattress, whispering to herself, "Perhaps next time I can wear it."

Steeling herself for her duties, Selvina exited her room and made her way to the chamber, wondering if Princess Alora had returned. As she walked through the corridor, Tobias intercepted her. "Selvina, please take these drinks inside," he instructed, gesturing for another servant to hand her a tray. "Prince Magnus and Princess Alora have just returned. So, hurry," Tobias urged.

Selvina nodded obediently, taking the tray from the servant. With steady hands, she made her way to the chamber. Upon entering, she bowed respectfully to both Prince Magnus and Princess Alora before offering the tray with the two goblets balanced on it.

Magnus quickly finished his drink, the fresh blood disappearing in a single gulp. "I need to see my father about an important matter," he informed Alora, before swiftly leaving the chamber.

Alora watched him go, then turned her attention to Selvina. "Take a seat," she invited with a gentle smile. "We didn’t get a chance to talk last night. How was the festival? Did you have fun?"

"Yes, it was fun, Your Highness," Selvina replied, seating herself across from the princess. Her expression grew more serious as she added, "I have something to tell Her Highness."

"What is it?" Alora asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Yesterday, I met Lord Griffin. He asked me why I’ve been avoiding him, and we ended up having a conversation while dancing with the crowd," Selvina confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"You two danced together?" Alora’s smile widened with delight. "That’s so romantic," she exclaimed. "I told you to trust Griffin. He’s a good man, Selvina. I wouldn’t have encouraged you to meet him if I had any doubts about him," she explained to her.

"I didn’t tell Princess Alora about what happened in my past," Selvina said, her voice trembling slightly. "It still frightens me."

Alora’s gaze softened with understanding. "Magnus has told me. He has the ability to read minds, and he used that power long ago to keep everyone in check, including you. It was truly dreadful. But do you know who punished the man who wronged you?" Alora’s eyes searched Selvina’s face, gauging her reaction.

"Was it Prince Magnus?" Selvina asked, confusion and disbelief in her tone. "But why would he concern himself with a servant like me?"

"It wasn’t Magnus," Alora clarified. "He shared the information with Griffin and, I believe, Tobias as well. It was Griffin who dealt with the man who betrayed and abandoned you."

Selvina’s eyes widened in shock. "What?" she breathed, her gaze was frozen momentarily.

Her mind raced back to the moment she learned of the man’s fate. Griffin, the very person she had recently danced with, was the one who had punished him.

The realization hit her with a forceful jolt, as she remembered visiting the place long ago, hoping to find out if the man was living well after betraying her. Instead, she learned of his death, which filled her with joy.

"Give yourself a chance," Alora said with a reassuring smile. "Those were the words you once gave me when I first married Prince Magnus and felt insecure about everything around me. I want nothing more than for you to find happiness, Selvina."

"I never knew," Selvina whispered, her voice filled with a mix of astonishment and gratitude. Determined to find closure, she decided she would seek out Griffin and discuss everything with him.

"Griffin isn’t in the palace today; he’s likely at his house," Alora informed her. "I can arrange for an escort to take you there. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with him directly."

"I’ll go as soon as I’m free, Your Highness. Thank you for sharing this with me," Selvina said, her face reflecting a deep sense of gratitude.

"You are free to go now; there’s not much else for you to do," Alora said, rising from her seat. "Come with me." Together, they walked to Tobias’s office nearby the chamber.

As soon as Tobias saw the princess approaching, he quickly set aside his quill and stood up from his chair. "Your Highness, what brings you here? If you needed anything, you should have called for me," he said, his tone filled with concern.

"Please arrange a carriage for Selvina," Alora requested gently. "Have the chauffeur take her to Griffin’s house."

"Of course," Tobias replied, bowing slightly before turning to Selvina. "Please follow me."

"I’ll return soon," Selvina assured Alora, giving a small, appreciative nod.

"Take all the time you need," Alora replied warmly, watching as Selvina followed Tobias out. Alone, Alora murmured to herself, "Heaven has listened to me. Both Venus and Selvina have found their paths. I’m truly happy." Her heart swelled with contentment, knowing that both women she cared for were finding their way to their own happiness.

As Alora made her way out, she decided to meet Melody once since it had been many days when she properly sat with her for a conversation.

 

Chapter 387: Filled with hardship

Griffin lay on his bed, hands tucked under his head, restlessly tossing and turning. "Life feels so dull without work," he muttered to himself, frustration evident in his voice. "But more than that, I can’t stop wondering if Selvina would reject me again." He sighed deeply, his thoughts swirling.

A sudden knock at the door interrupted his musings. "Come in," Griffin called out, his tone casual but curious.

The door opened, and Edwin, the ever-polite butler, entered with a slight bow. "My Lord, a lady from the palace has arrived," he announced respectfully.

Griffin sat up immediately, his curiosity piqued. One knee bent while the other leg remained flat on the bed. "Who is it?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"She introduced herself as Selvina, Princess Alora’s attendant," Edwin replied, his tone was steady and humble.

"Selvina!" Griffin’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Bring her to the living hall. I’ll be there in a few seconds," he instructed, his voice brimming with anticipation.

Edwin, taken aback by the sudden shift in Griffin’s demeanor, nodded. "Yes, My Lord," he replied, before quickly exiting the room to carry out the order.

Griffin wasted no time. He hurriedly pulled on his boots and rushed to the dressing room. Standing before the mirror, he grabbed a bottle of cologne, applying a light spritz before running a hand through his hair to smooth it down. "I look good, don’t I?" he asked his reflection, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. He gulped, suddenly aware of the fluttering in his chest. "Why am I even feeling like this?"

Taking a few deep breaths to steady himself, Griffin inhaled and exhaled slowly before making his way to the living hall, his heart racing with anticipation.

Meanwhile, in the living hall, Selvina sat on the plush sofa, her fingers nervously fidgeting in her lap as she waited for Griffin to arrive. The room was quiet, her mind swirling with thoughts as she anticipated their meeting.

The sound of his voice made her jump slightly. "Selvina!" Griffin called out as he entered the room, his tone warm and welcoming.

Selvina quickly stood, bowing respectfully. "Greetings to Lord Griffin," she said, her voice soft yet formal.

"Please, have a seat, Selvina," Griffin responded, gesturing to the sofa as he moved to sit across from her. As he settled into his chair, his eyes instinctively searched for something—only to notice the absence of the pendant he had gifted her just the day before. A pang of unease gripped him, and his heart sank at the possibility that she might be here to return it.

Trying to mask his disappointment, Griffin sat down, his gaze resting on Selvina, awaiting whatever she had come to say.

"Edwin, you may leave," Griffin instructed, his voice firm but polite. The butler bowed and quietly exited the room, leaving Griffin and Selvina alone in the living hall.

Griffin turned his attention back to Selvina, his curiosity piqued by her sudden visit. "What brings you here so unexpectedly, Selvina?" he asked, his tone calm but edged with concern.

Selvina didn’t hesitate. "Why did Lord Griffin never speak about punishing Cazzio?" she asked, her voice direct and unwavering.

Griffin raised an eyebrow, surprised by the question. "I never felt the need to," he replied evenly. "It wasn’t part of the initial plan."

"But I should have known it was Lord Griffin who made that decision," Selvina responded, her gaze steady on him.

Griffin leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "We never talked with each other back then. Neither you nor me. So, I couldn’t even bring it to you," he said. "If not for Princess Alora, we wouldn’t be having this conversation now."

"I’m thankful to Lord Griffin for punishing the man on my behalf," Selvina began, her voice carrying a mix of gratitude and something darker. "When I went to that place, I was happy to see that he was dead. I wonder... was it a painful death?" she asked, her eyes searching Griffin’s for the answer she desperately wanted to hear.

Griffin’s expression hardened slightly. "It was," he affirmed, his voice steady. "I may appear to be lenient, but I am not. I made sure you received justice—for yourself and your unborn child." He stopped short of describing the exact manner in which Cazzio was killed, not wanting to drag Selvina through the gruesome details.

"Did he beg? Did he cry?" Selvina pressed, her voice tinged with a haunting eagerness. Memories of the past flooded her mind, bringing a vivid and painful clarity.

Griffin nodded slowly. "He did ask for mercy," he confirmed. "But in the end, it was a painful death for him."

Selvina lowered her gaze, her fingers curling slightly in her lap as she nodded. "That’s good to hear," she murmured, her voice laced with satisfaction. "Thank you for avenging me. I’ll never forget this favor you’ve done for me."

Griffin shook his head, meeting her eyes with sincerity. "It’s not a favor, Selvina. It was justice that needed to be served," he said firmly. "If you want to thank someone, it should be Prince Magnus. He’s the one who wanted me to look into the details. The decision to end Cazzio’s life was mine," he stated, making it clear that his actions were driven by a deep sense of duty rather than a simple favor.

"Would you like something to drink?" Griffin asked, trying to prolong her stay.

"No, thank you," Selvina replied, a hint of regret in her voice. "I have to leave soon since I left in the middle of my work."

Griffin wasn’t ready to let her go just yet. "I suppose Princess Alora wouldn’t mind if you stayed a little longer," he said with a playful glint in his eye. "She’s a good friend of mine, and if I complain to her, she might just scold you for leaving too soon."

Selvina couldn’t help but smile at his words. "Princess Alora did say I could take my time here," she admitted, feeling a bit more at ease.

Griffin’s face brightened. "That’s wonderful!" he exclaimed. "In that case, how about a tour of the house? It’s your first time here, and I think a tour is a must." His smile was enthusiastic, eager to show her around and spend more time with her.

"Sure, my lord," Selvina replied, rising gracefully to her feet.

Griffin stood as well, leading her toward the gallery of his grand house. As they walked through the elegantly decorated halls, Griffin began to open up, sharing a part of his life that few knew about. "You know, I used to live a pretty ordinary life as a human. In fact, you could say I was poor, barely getting by," he asserted, his tone calm but tinged with the weight of past struggles.

Selvina looked at him in surprise, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh, I didn’t know this," she replied, clearly astonished by his revelation.

Griffin continued, his gaze distant as he recalled the memories. "I wasn’t from a noble background, even as a human. My life was filled with hardship, mainly because of my father, who was a drunkard and a gambler. He buried us in debts that I couldn’t escape from. I lost my mother and siblings because of his recklessness," he said, his voice growing quieter as he spoke of the painful losses.

"I hated being human," Griffin admitted, his tone turned more intense. "I always felt like I was born into the wrong life. If I had been born a werewolf or a vampire, I would have had power from the start—power to protect those I loved, to change my fate."

Selvina listened intently, her earlier nervousness fading as she became absorbed in Griffin’s story. It was clear to her now that the man before her had endured much but still his humanity didn’t end. He was still that kind and warm person.

"I shouldn’t speak about it," Griffin murmured, as if catching himself revealing too much. He quickly shifted the conversation as they entered a different room. "This is the music room," he said, his tone lighter. "I’ve always loved playing the piano. So when I finally had the means, I made sure to buy one. I have many other instruments as well, but the piano has always been my favorite." His fingers gently brushed over the keys, a familiar touch that brought him comfort.

Selvina reached out and touched the keys as well, her fingers resting lightly beside his. "I once heard a musical performance in our village," she said softly. "A band of musicians had come to play. It was beautiful. I think it must take a lot of practice and patience to master such a beautiful art."

Griffin nodded, appreciating her understanding. "You’re right," he replied, a small smile playing on his lips. Then, an idea sparked in his mind, and he looked at her with a mix of hope and eagerness. "Would you like to hear me play? I can play something for you," he offered, his eyes reflecting a deep yearning to share this part of himself with her.

Chapter 388: Desire and possessiveness

"My Lord, it’s still hard to believe that you’re getting married. I’ve prepared the guest list for you," Arthur said, extending a sheet of paper secured to a clipboard towards Odin.

Odin set his goblet on the table beside the recliner and quickly scanned the list. "It looks good to me," he replied, satisfied.

"I’ll proceed with the invitations then, My Lord," Arthur confirmed.

"Make sure to bring me the first printed card. I’ll need to deliver it personally to the palace," Odin instructed. Arthur bowed respectfully before leaving the room.

After finishing his drink and setting the empty goblet back on the table, Odin couldn’t help but wonder what Venus was up to. The thought tugged at him, and with his inhuman speed, it didn’t take long for him to arrive outside her room.

He leaped onto the gallery leading to Venus’s room and noticed that the balcony door was slightly ajar. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.

The familiar, intoxicating scent that always seemed to surround Venus enveloped him, making it harder to understand how he had ever managed to ignore it. His gaze locked onto Venus, who stood before the mirror, struggling to zip up her dress. The sight of her, so focused and vulnerable, drew him in, his eyes lingering on her as if seeing her for the first time.

"Is there anyone outside?" Venus finally called out, hoping a servant might be nearby to help.

Her breath caught when she felt a presence behind her—one that was unmistakably Odin’s. Only he could enter her room so silently and effortlessly. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes through the mirror.

Without a word, Odin grasped the zipper of her dress, his movements deliberate as he slowly pulled it up. The cool pad of his finger traced a line up her spine, stopping just below her nape, sending a shiver through her.

"Thank you," Venus whispered, her voice steady despite the sudden rush of warmth. "But you’ve come uninvited again," she murmured, half-heartedly.

"I think you wanted me to come uninvited," Odin countered, his voice was both low and teasing. "Isn’t that why you left the balcony door open?" His warm breath brushed against the nape of her neck, her hair swept forward, exposing the sensitive skin.

"What are you doing?" Venus’s eyes fluttered open and shut rhythmically, her breath shallow.

"Nothing," Odin replied, his tone deceptively innocent.

"Leave before you’re caught," Venus urged, though her voice lacked conviction.

"You expect me to leave without getting anything in return?" Odin arched an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.

"What do you want?" Venus asked, turning her head slightly to face him.

"Of course, you," Odin murmured before capturing her lips with his. His hand cradled her neck as he gently but firmly turned her toward him. The kiss was intense, filled with a mix of desire and possessiveness. Venus, caught off guard, stumbled back slightly, her back hitting the chair behind her. She pressed her hands against his chest, eventually breaking away from the kiss.

"I need to go downstairs. I’m already late," Venus said, her voice tinged with urgency as she tried to regain her composure.

"And what about me? I came all this way," Odin teased, his voice laced with amusement.

"I’ll bring my breakfast upstairs. I’ll be quick. So, just wait for me here. Is that good?" Venus’s eyes sparkled with a playful glint as she awaited his response, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Okay. If you don’t come in two minutes. I’ll come downstairs," Odin told her.

"Give me five minutes at least," Venus said.

"No. I want you to come here within two minutes. If I come downstairs, your parents will get to see me. I bet they will be surprised," Odin teased her this time.

Venus pursed her lips together and she ran out of the room.

Odin smiled seeing how Venus listened to him. "She looked beautiful even in the simple dress. How come I never noticed it before?" he muttered and smiled in his own.

To Odin’s surprise, Venus returned within two minutes, panting slightly as she entered the room. She carried a tray, which she carefully set down on the table before collapsing into a chair. "Y-you..." she began, but the words failed her as she tried to catch her breath.

Odin closed the door behind her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I didn’t expect you to sprint so fast. Didn’t your parents ask why you wanted to eat alone in your room?" he asked, settling into the chair beside her.

"I lied because of you," Venus replied, straightening up as she finally regained her composure. "Now, let me have my meal," she declared, determined.

"And what about mine?" Odin mused, his voice playful. Before she could respond, he swiftly pulled her up and settled her onto his lap.

"Odin!" Venus protested, trying to wriggle free. "You can’t drink from me. I don’t like the pain—it hurts too much," she said, her voice tinged with genuine concern.

Odin chuckled at her assumption. "Who said I want your blood?" he replied, his tone further teasing her. "I want something else."

"What?" Venus asked, peering into his eyes without blinking, her curiosity piqued and her heart racing in anticipation of his answer.

Odin leaned in closer, his gaze darkening with intent as his lips brushed against hers. A soft, teasing lick of his tongue sent a shockwave through Venus, her eyes widening in surprise.

Her fingers instinctively pressed against his shoulder, but there was no escaping his hold. His hand firmly cradled the back of her head, drawing her closer as he crashed his lips onto hers with a fervor that stole her breath.

Venus’s heart pounded wildly in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears as if it might burst at any moment. Despite the initial shock, she found herself matching his intensity, her lips parting involuntarily as his tongue explored her mouth, igniting a fire within her that she thought had long since been extinguished.

After the betrayal of her first marriage, Venus had believed she would never experience such feelings again—that her heart had been sealed off from this kind of passion and intimacy.

But here she was, lost in the depths of a kiss that made her forget everything else, a kiss that made her feel alive in ways she hadn’t thought possible.

Chapter 389: A storm of emotions

Selvina snapped out of her daze as Griffin’s fingers lifted from the keys, the last notes of the piece lingering in the air. "That was such a beautiful piece, My Lord," she murmured, her eyes still captivated by the piano. "You have a remarkable knowledge of music. I wonder what it’s called."

"It’s called *Lost in the Winters,*" Griffin replied, rising from the piano bench and turning to face her.

"Lost in the Winters?" Selvina repeated, her brow arching in curiosity.

Griffin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It’s about a man who sees a woman on a winter night and then loses her."

"Ahh, that’s a sad one," Selvina whispered, the smile that had adorned her lips fading into a more somber expression.

"It is," Griffin agreed, "but the lyrics are beautiful. If you’re interested, I could take you to a theatre where they perform this story. It’s quite popular."

As he spoke, he walked towards her, closing the distance between them. His presence was commanding, yet his tone remained gentle.

"Did you check the gift?" Griffin asked softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yes, I did. I liked it," Selvina replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it looked expensive, Lord Griffin. I couldn’t wear it because I was at work," she admitted, her eyes lowering.

Griffin tilted her chin up gently, his gaze meeting hers. "If anyone asks, you can tell them it’s from me. There’s nothing to hide," he said with a reassuring smile.

Selvina’s heart skipped a beat, the sensation so foreign after such a long time that it felt almost new. A faint rosy blush crept across her cheeks, deepening as she noticed the way Griffin’s eyes held a warmth that she dared to interpret as affection. She gulped softly, especially when his thumb brushed against her cheek, his gaze flickering between her eyes and her lips.

"Wear it the next time you see me. It would make me happy," Griffin murmured, his voice low and sincere.

Without fully realizing it, Selvina found herself nodding in agreement, her body responding instinctively to his gentle command.

Griffin withdrew his hand, taking a step back and clasping his hands behind his back, creating a more formal distance between them. "I’ll escort you back to the palace," he offered.

"Lord Griffin, there’s no need to trouble yourself. I can manage on my own," Selvina said, trying to maintain a polite distance.

"I need to see Prince Magnus," Griffin replied smoothly, "so it’s convenient for us to go together. Though, I’d prefer it if you could stay a little longer." His words carried a subtle hint of longing, revealing more than he might have intended.

"Does Lord Griffin get bored here?" Selvina asked, trying to lighten the mood. "It must be tough living alone," she added softly, her eyes reflecting the loneliness she imagined he must feel.

"Well, it is," Griffin admitted as he began to walk, with Selvina following closely beside him. "I’ve grown accustomed to it, but even I need a companion now," he confessed, his tone hinting at something deeper.

As they walked through the vast corridors of Griffin’s mansion, Selvina took in the grandeur of the place, her thoughts drifting to Alora’s recent advice. ’Maybe I should give myself a chance too,’ she mused, glancing at Griffin from the corner of her eye.

His presence, his words, and the way he made her heart flutter left her wondering if this could be the start of something she had long since given up on—love.

"Does Lord Griffin think I can be a good companion?" Selvina’s sudden question brought Griffin to an abrupt halt. He turned to look at her, surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Yes," he replied after a moment, his voice steady. "You understand my work well. The women I’ve encountered often complained that I prioritize the Prince’s work over my own life. But what they fail to grasp is that everything I’ve achieved is because of Prince Magnus. I believe you understand that, having worked for him too."

Selvina nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, I am aware. But is that the main reason you think I would be a suitable companion?"

Griffin shook his head, his gaze softening. "No, Selvina. It’s more than that. You are a sweet woman, a caring one. I like you for who you are. I yearn for care, love, and joyful days in my life too. You know, during the festival, I can’t tell you how good I felt just by being near you. Every moment I spent with you yesterday was something I cherished. I have this strong desire to make you mine—not through force, but with love and respect."

Selvina’s heart fluttered at his candid confession, but she remained quiet, letting him continue.

Griffin’s voice lowered as he spoke, revealing a vulnerability he rarely showed. "I may appear cheerful and carefree on the outside, but inside, there’s always a storm of emotions. I yearn for a family, something I could never have... and I feel that you might be the one who can give me that. I’ve never opened up this much to anyone before."

He chuckled softly, running his fingers through his hair, turning away as if suddenly self-conscious about how much he had shared.

Selvina knitted her brows together not in confusion but because Griffin thought so high of her that he shared this part of his life with her.

"Lord Griffin, I think I will leave in the evening. Why don’t you tell me how was your life? I want to know more about you..." Selvina said, making him turn to him.

"Really? It’s going to be sad and I don’t wish to make you sad. Princess Alora will scold me to turn you upset," Griffin stated.

Selvina shook her head. "My Lord, don’t you want me to be your companion? I think it’s important to know each other well. You know everything about me. I want the same so that I can heal you," she asserted with a hopeful gaze.

Chapter 390: Griffin’s Past 1

"Mother!" Young 18 years old Griffin pushed the door open and walked into their house only to find she was lying on the floor after being thrashed by the loan sharks. Her both siblings a younger sister and brother of 14 and 12 respectively were crying with their bodies trembling.

Griffin rushed to his mother’s side and held her up. "What happened to her?" Griffin asked his both siblings. There was a bruise on her forehead and also near the chin. Carrying her up his mother on his back, Griffin told his siblings to stay home and not come out.

He took his mother to the nearest local physician’s house for the treatment.

The physician was a kind man who used to treat freely those who couldn’t afford the treatment. "Boy, your mother is quite weak. It seems she’s not eating much. I understand you don’t have enough money, but if she keeps eating less than her body needs, she may fell sick. Rest I’ve tended her wounds. She must wake up in a few hours," the kind physician told Griffin before walking away.

Griffin lowered his eyes and took out the coins he had earned today. They weren’t enough for them to have their meals properly for more than two days. There was still some debts on his head which he needed to clear.

Sighing, Griffin stuffed the coins into his pocket and carried his mother back to their home. His both siblings were happy to see their elder brother and asked about their mother’s condition.

"Mother will be fine soon. The physician said that she would wake up in a few hours," Griffin told them, resting his hands above their heads. "Come, I will cook for both of you," Griffin said, "let the mother rest." He took both of them out with him to the kitchen.

’Will I able to give them a good life? It’s all because of my evil father. He has made our lives hell,’ he thought while filling two bowls of rice for his both siblings.

"Brother, I should work too. At this rate, we will starve to death," said the youngest one, Roger.

"I can also work as a maid in a house, Brother. Please let us work. You work the entire day and don’t even take a proper sleep," said his sister, Nora.

"You two are young. Just focus on the studies. What I couldn’t do, you both should do. Don’t worry about brother. He will get a good paying job soon," Griffin told both of them and asked them to eat more.

Both Nora and Roger looked at each other before began eating. They were lucky that they could get only rice to eat else it was difficult for the poor to live in this world. The humans at the higher ranks did nothing for those who were vulnerable and the vampires had no sympathy towards them since they had given the humans administration in the hands of the humans only.

Griffin had started working at the age of 11 after dropping out of the school. He used to have a lovely family until his father lost everything in gambling. He started drinking and this habit of his became so addictive that destroyed their entire family.

Even after working vigorously for seven years, Griffin was unable to pay off the debts of his father. Whenever he looked at the people of his age, he would envy them. His siblings deserved a better childhood, but they couldn’t either get it.

Griffin washed the utensils and sat outside the kitchen on the ground. Thinking all this, his worries increased more. For how long he would live like this. His mother needed better food, his siblings needed a good life and he had no way to give them all those things.

He brought his hand to his hand and tears formed in his eyes. "I should have complained about my father the first time he gambled. If he hadn’t been in our lives, at least we would be living a bit better," he murmured.

That entire night Griffin couldn’t sleep the entire night. In the early morning, he left for the work in the dockyard. After so many days, he got a good work where he could actually earn better by carrying those sacks.

After collecting a few coins, Griffin hurried to the market, purchasing what little food he could afford. His thoughts were focused solely on getting home and providing for his family. But as he opened the door and stepped inside, the bags of food slipped from his hands, scattering across the floor.

The sight that greeted him was beyond comprehension: his mother and both siblings lay motionless in a pool of blood, their lifeless bodies sprawled across the ground. Horror gripped Griffin as he rushed to them, desperately shaking their shoulders, pleading for them to wake up. But their eyes remained closed, and their bodies cold. They were gone.

Griffin’s world shattered, but there was no time to mourn. The door burst open behind him, and the menacing figures of the loan sharks’ enforcers filled the room. "Leave me!" Griffin screamed, his voice raw with rage and despair, as they seized him. He kicked and thrashed, but they were too strong, dragging him out of the house and into the dark, foreboding forest.

In the clearing, the gang leader stood waiting, flanked by his men. With a cruel smirk, one of them reached into Griffin’s pockets, pulling out the few pennies he had left. "This is all you’ve got?" the leader sneered, before shoving Griffin to the ground.

Griffin’s grief exploded into fury. "How could you kill them? I’ll kill you all! I won’t let you live!" he shouted, his voice hoarse with pain. But before he could do anything, a sharp kick landed in his abdomen, knocking the breath from his lungs and leaving him curled up on the cold earth, gasping in agony.

The leader got on his knees and grabbed the fistful of Griffin’s hair. "I told you not to enjoy your life. You were supposed to pay my debts!" He gritted his teeth before shoving Griffin back to the ground.

"Kill him!" The leader ordered.