A gust of excitement vibrated through Hugh's body. Finally, he was going to get his hands on this pretty specimen. He had left early that morning to prepare for the prince's arrival, yet her beautiful face and alluring figure had clouded his thoughts the entire day. Everywhere he went, he saw those ocean-blue eyes staring back at him.
After his duties ended, he wandered the castle in search of her, only to come across Oryen—the woman he truly loved. Instantly, he adopted his usual gentlemanly demeanor, listening attentively as she spoke. She told him about a friend of hers who wished to work as a maid in the castle and explained that she needed his help to get her through the process quickly, since he was the head of that department.
Hugh hesitated, contemplating her request, when something clicked in his mind. He remembered seeing Oryen earlier, her fingers interlocked with another woman's back at the checking room. His suspicion grew.
"Is it that dark-skinned girl with blue eyes?" he asked carefully.
Oryen nodded.
"Yes!" Hugh blurted out before he could stop himself.
Oryen frowned at his sudden enthusiasm. Noticing her reaction, Hugh quickly corrected himself.
"I—I mean, yes. I'd be glad to help anyone connected to you."
Her frown melted into a smile, and Hugh's heart softened at the sight. That smile only heightened her beauty. He silently vowed to pursue her until she agreed to be his—and to treat her like the queen she deserved.
He instructed her where to bring the girl and headed there immediately, waiting patiently, like a hunter who had already laid his trap.
His heart pounded as voices sounded outside the door. The knob turned, and she stepped in, the door closing softly behind her. Her rose-like scent filled the air, intoxicating him.
"Hello there, beautiful," he murmured.
He heard her heartbeat stutter, and his lips curved as his darker instincts surfaced.
Hugh was a vampire—newly turned, only a few years into his existence. He had been human once, with no vampire bloodline to inherit power from. His fangs slid into view, and his eyes shifted color. He knew she would resist, so he prepared to take control.
Compulsion was an ability every vampire possessed, regardless of bloodline. They could bend the will of any creature—except other vampires. Only those descended from the first generation could compel their own kind.
The room was dark, and Dydra couldn't see him, but she felt his presence. Her body shuddered in disgust.
No. This couldn't be happening.
Did Oryen plan this? Was this her doing?
She bit her lower lip hard, drawing blood. The metallic scent filled the air—and Hugh noticed instantly.
Outside the door, Oryen leaned against the wall, waiting. She knew working in the castle wasn't simple. She now understood what that man had done to her the first time she arrived—how he had compelled her, twisted her thoughts. Over time, she realized that all the maids had likely endured the same fate. No one ever spoke of the mysterious disappearances that happened far too often.
Eventually, she uncovered the truth: the royal family were vampires—and so were some of those who worked in the castle.
Fear haunted her. Vampires drank blood. What if one of them had fed on her and erased her memories afterward?
Megan sprinted through the corridors, sweat streaking down her face. Her heart raced as she searched desperately. Spotting another maid, she rushed toward her.
"Have you seen an old woman with snow-white skin, dark hair, and blue eyes?" she asked breathlessly.
The maid nodded and pointed down the hall.
"Thank you!" Megan exclaimed, darting off.
After asking several others, she finally spotted Oryen.
"Oryen!" she called.
Oryen turned, frowning. What was the girl doing here?
"Madam Sandra needs you in the kitchen—immediately!" Megan said, bracing herself against the wall as she caught her breath.
Oryen pressed her lips together, cursing inwardly. She couldn't ignore Madam Sandra's summons. Taking a steadying breath, she reassured herself that Dydra would be fine—she was in good hands.
Or so she thought.
She followed Megan down the corridor.
Inside the room, Hugh lunged forward and seized Dydra's arm, his grip unyielding. Panic surged through her. She reached for the door, but he yanked her back effortlessly.
"Oryen!" she cried.
No answer came.
Her heart sank as realization dawned—she had been left alone.
Hugh stiffened at the sound of Oryen's name. He clamped a hand over Dydra's mouth, listening intently. When no footsteps followed, he exhaled slowly. She must have left.
Dydra struggled, but his strength overwhelmed hers. Tears filled her eyes as fear consumed her. She twisted in his grip, and he turned her to face him.
Her ocean-blue eyes met glowing red ones.
She froze.
This wasn't real. It couldn't be.
This had to be another nightmare—one she would wake from soon.
His gaze locked onto hers as he whispered,
"Don't scream. Don't run. You will do exactly as I say."
His power flooded her senses.
A strange calm settled over her. The panic dulled, the tears vanished. He released her, and though her mind screamed at her to flee, her body refused to obey.
What has he done to me?
She felt his presence draw closer, his breath brushing her skin. Terror clawed at her chest as she stood frozen, powerless.
Was this really how everything would end for her?