A thousand years rolled by since Vleka became a divided realm: Arkavis, the land of vampires; and Commonwealth, the land of mortals—two great lands that were once united in power, but now separated by race. However, the story behind the phenomenal disunion between these lands, once penned in the pages of history, is now caged in the remnants of the past.
Historians left different narratives, writing renditions of stories of how Vleka fell into chaos. Some wrote that vampires betrayed mortals, while others believed that humans usurped the vampires' supernatural powers. Some portrayed vampires as dominant creatures, imposing their immoral values on humans, which resulted in bloodshed; a long-lasting feud that even time failed to cure.
Among these claims, there also came myths and folk tales. Scarlet Wedding was a famous story circulating across the realm through the mouths of the storytellers. Gathering audiences in taverns during their travels, these storytellers would often recount that in bygone days, there used to be twin brothers from a pureblooded clan of vampires in Vleka, who fell in love with the same girl from the mortal land.
She was a girl with exceptional beauty, catching both the twin brothers' affection. However, she was promised to be wedded to the eldest twin brother as per the agreement between their families. This left the youngest twin brother utterly broken and hateful toward the betrothed couple, and on the day of their wedding, a bloody massacre occurred; crimson blood spread in the land, resulting in abhorrence between vampires and mortals.
The girl's father was beyond furious upon the brutal murder of his daughter. In her grave, he pledged to break away from the vampires and eradicate the night creatures until the last vampire standing fell into his hands. Passed on with multiple versions, the myth was speculated to be the closest truth to why Vleka became the divided realm it is today.
But neither vampires nor mortals could distinguish which story to believe in. After all, truths were long buried in scrolls as history stilled in time. Today, however, another historical event is worth releasing in the newspaper.
After three years of diplomatic deliberation, the once divided realm finally executed the last phase of the peace treaty between the land of Commonwealth and Arkavis. With profound exertions from the Union Council of the vampire descent and the Armed Forces of the human race, both night creatures and mortals gradually complied with the signed reformations for the past three years.
Since the war on the borders has been put to an end, death casualties also plummeted, benefiting both humans and vampires. Abandoned towns and districts were restored and the expansion of the trading business increased in size. In due course, humans and vampires, though reluctant at first, resorted to a cordial cohabitation and began to coexist in accordance with the law. These amendments received positive annotations from the public.
Even so, three years were not sufficient to unlearn old grievances. Past conflicts had taken thousands of lives and given birth to hostility, distrust, and vigilance. In spite of the successful truce, there were still groups of citizens from both races who strongly opposed the coexistence of vampires and humans, denouncing that predators and prey could not exist in one place together.
To vampires, humans are nothing but part of the food chain. To humans, vampires are beastly creatures to be hunted and slaughtered. These disparities emanated through generations after generations, and a mere peace treaty of three years old, was unable to wipe out the constant malevolence between these two opposite races that were separated for a thousand years.
Achieving a ceasefire is one thing, but sustaining peace and harmony is another. Hence, the union of Elizabeth Sinclair of Commonwealth, the daughter of Chief Commander Solomon Sinclair, and Dimitri Caedmon Valaravan, the pureblooded Lord of Arkavis, must take place. The union of two dignified figures from both lands displayed the sincerity of the peace treaty, honoring what was agreed and signed in papers.
But this is a betrothal never heard of in a thousand years, considered as a taboo in the vampire realm, and viewed as a curse among humans...
The carriage came to a halt, pulling the young miss out of her straying thoughts. Her gaze drifted outside. A long procession of regular vampires and humans crowded the streets, following the grand parade up to the Castle of Ridgehelm atop the hill where the wedding would be held. Several high-ranking officers were mounted on horses and surrounded the carriage to prevent possible external threats.
''We have arrived, Young Miss,'' Bethany announced through the window.
Elizabeth tore her eyes off the crowd and wordlessly descended from the carriage. With her face draped with a long, red veil, no one could read what expression the young miss was wearing today. Three years ago, along with the peace treaty offered by the vampires, came the engagement that sealed her fate.
The relentless conflict on the borders brought fear and anxiety throughout the land of mortals, stealing people's peace, happiness, and even their future. Soldiers were at the mercy of death, unsure whether they'd come back alive, injured, or dead. But what brought the Commonwealth to agree with the ceasefire was the abduction of Colonel Alexander Recesswinth who led the 43rd Battalion at the time.
When the news spread throughout the land of mortals, panic arose among the citizens, demanding rescue operations to save the Colonel. But before the infiltration in Arkavis could take place, a sudden truce was proposed: in exchange for the Colonel's release, the young miss of the Commonwealth must sign a betrothal agreement with the Lord of Arkavis.
This proposal shocked the entire land and earned an immediate refusal from Chief Commander Solomon Sinclair. But his decision gathered opinions and complaints from the public as people demanded Colonel Recesswinth's release. Between an ungifted young miss and a high-ranking military officer, the citizen would undoubtedly choose the latter.
'We are paying our taxes just to feed a defective young miss? What benefit would it do to keep such an ungifted, useless princess?'
'All she had was an exceptional face! If the Lord of Arkavis wants her, just send her off to his castle! The Chief Commander should be wise enough to choose the Colonel over his daughter!'
'If they're not bringing him back, the Commonwealth will be doomed! Colonel Recesswinth governs 33 districts. With his absence, how could we ever feel safe? His men are not as reliable as him. We are all about to be devoured by those vampires!'
'But aren't those two fancying each other? If the young miss agrees to marry the Lord of Arkavis, what will happen to the Colonel?'
'What are you even saying! Though they're not related by blood, they're technically siblings. Besides, the young miss being ungifted, is unworthy to become the Colonel's wife!'
These vindictive criticisms and baleful mockery were spoken left and right, even reaching the ears of high authorities. Had it been a normal circumstance, Elizabeth would have feigned deafness. But with the growing pressure surrounding the Armed Forces, and the abduction of Colonel Recesswinth—Elizabeth sought out her father, and for the first time, the two argued.
''Have you forgotten how your mother died at the hands of the vampires? They ripped her chest open, Ellie! Took her heart out and fed it to the wolves! I barely managed to save her remains!''
Elizabeth watched the Chief Commander, his ocean eyes glistening in fury. After a while, she calmly explained, ''What the vampires are offering benefits the welfare of our people. The Armed Forces are exhausted defending the borders. In recent years, we have been holding more funeral services than banquets. Men are dying; gifted children are yet to join the Cultivation Camp. With the ongoing war, our military enforcement will decline in the years to come. If that were to happen, father, how else are you going to defend the Commonwealth and its citizens?''
After hearing this, a hardened look of scrutiny fell on the Chief Commander's face. Since his wife's passing, Solomon kept their daughter in the Capital City, guarded by several elite officers.
Her nanny was a military officer from the Armed Forces, her governess was a member of the Hunter's Association—a high-ranking, private organization that specializes in confidential missions. Even Bethany, her personal attendant, is a trained soldier who once fought on the borders. The brutal death of his wife left the Chief Commander extra cautious, assigning these people to protect Elizabeth.
The young miss grew up motherless with her father always holed up in the military camps near the borders, yet she developed a keen sense of foresight. Perhaps, it was the undeniable influence of those people guarding her. In the blink of an eye, the once small figure cradled in his wife's slender arms, stood before him with perceptive remarks over the conflict in the war zone.
It reminded him of Bethany's report: The young miss might be ungifted but she is uncharacteristically sharp, Chief. With this passing thought, Solomon traced her daughter's beautiful countenance, his hardened gaze was replaced with a helpless stare. Her brave conduct and insightfulness overlapped those of her mother.
Once, it was commendable.
Once, it was virtuous.
But where did that brilliance end?
''I will not hear any more of this,'' recollecting his stand on the matter at hand, Solomon firmly dismissed her. ''You are to stay in the Capital City—''
''I insist on marrying the Lord of Arkavis.''
''Elizabeth!''
''Isn't learning the ways of your enemies one of the ploys taught in the military? The vampires allow us a three-year trial period. Within these three years, we could watch them closely and study their nature. Their—''
''Did you really think I hadn't thought of that?''
''Then, allow me to—''
''Vampires are cunning creatures. Their words are never to be trusted! Even if we sign the peace treaty, there is no guarantee they will honor their words and release the Colonel. I've never risked my life in the borders for years just to get fooled by their kind!'' with a fixed, decisive gaze, Solomon stolidly ordered, ''I would pretend we never had this conversation. Now, leave.''
Elizabeth unflinchingly stood before him, unmoving.
Massaging his temples, Solomon let out a deep sigh.
''Preserving the lives of our people is my responsibility, Ellie. You are one of these people. A citizen of the Commonwealth, the only treasure your mother left for me. My daughter. How could I bear to hand you to the vampires?''
''Alex is also your people,'' she murmured.
''We can save him without—''
''Or is it because I am ungifted you don't trust me, father?'' resorting to her last option, Elizabeth held her father's gaze, expressing emotional tantrums. ''Is it because I am incapable you doubt—''
''When have I ever thought less of you?''
''You never allowed me to leave the capital—''
''That was for your protection!''
''Then, why do I feel like I'm inside a cage?''
Solomon was rendered speechless.
''Ellie...''
''Keeping me in the capital won't always ensure my safety, father,'' staying collected, she persisted. ''There will come a time when I need to depend on myself. Alone, with my own abilities. But if you continue to treat me like I am the most fragile thing in this world, I will not die in the hands of the night creatures but of our people.''
Solomon was wary of the noise the Commonwealth had been making about his daughter being ungifted and unsuitable to become the next Chief Commander of their land. At the age of fifteen, she still hasn't activated her gift.
Gifts are mystical weapons that children would start to cultivate by the age of five. Upon activation, they will be sent to the Cultivation Camp to hone their gifts. When these gifts are developed successfully, these children will be accommodated in the military until they can join the war zone.
These mystical weapons were the exact resemblance to the vampires' supernatural forces, sustaining their lives on the borders. Along with their firearms and gifts, humans stood bravely in the face of the night creatures. Yet, Elizabeth, didn't experience the same fortunes as the others, and it was the sole reason why Solomon had kept her in the Capital City. How could his daughter have distorted his fatherly intentions?
''With me ungifted, the Lord of Arkavis will lower his guard around me. We can use the peace treaty as a privilege to infiltrate their land and collect relevant information about the Union Council that may be favorable to the Commonwealth. Father, we cannot let go of this chance handed freely to us.''
Veins protruding in his forehead, Solomon retaliated with restrained anger, ''How could you be so certain that the Lord of Arkavis won't kill you? He is the feared pureblooded vampire from the Clan of Valaravan, governing the entire land of Arkavis. Do you think he will spare a mere human like you? You will be confined in his castle, becoming his food, and serving his bed! Did you ever consider my feelings as your father?''
''Then, did you ever wonder why he wanted to marry me? There must be something behind it, father. We—''
''Elizabeth!'' reaching the last thread of his patience, Solomon slammed his hand against the table. ''I am the one who governs the Commonwealth, the Lord of Arkavis' mortal enemy. How else will he crush me but steal my daughter away?!''
Uh-oh.
Colonel Jakobe De Loughrey, who was stationed just outside the Chief Commander's library, cocked his head to the left side of the door, casually commenting. ''It's rare for the Chief Commander to lose his temper.''
Before Bethany could utter a reply, the library's wooden door swung open, and Elizabeth wordlessly walked past them, leaving the Chief Commander even more enraged. No one knew what transpired between the father and the daughter that night, but later that week, a peace treaty was publicly announced, and the following three years were a series of reformations implemented in both the Commonwealth and Arkavis.
Even up to this day, none of them could guess how the young miss' convinced the Chief Commander to accept the peace treaty. None of them could gauge out the reasons behind Elizabeth's downright compliance with her sudden betrothal to the Lord of Arkavis. Or perhaps, none of them would want to admit that they all pushed the young miss to her limits, cornering her until the last resolve left was to marry the pureblooded vampire from the distinct lineage of Valaravan...
Jakobe glanced at the man beside him. With a cold, expressionless face, Alexander silently watched the young miss walking toward the Lord of Arkavis. When Elizabeth signed the peace treaty three years ago, he was released as part of honoring the truce. Witnessing the price of his freedom today, Alexander could only regard the young miss with a pensive stare.
''It's not too late to stop the wedding,'' Jakobe said, scanning his eyes around the venue. With respect to the traditional practice of mortals, the wedding was held inside a gigantic church near the Castle of Ridgehelm. ''We have enough men stationed in every corner, waiting for your order to abduct the young miss. I don't have much knowledge about romance but watching your lover marry another surely feels like shit. As a friend, I'm giving you a chance to end your pain.''
''We aren't lovers.''
''Ellie said the same thing. But who are you two fooling around? She even gave up her ring finger in exchange for your freedom. Only people in love do that.''
An icy stare landed on him, ''I wonder what the Lord of Arkavis might think if he hears you spouting nonsense.''
''You care what he thinks? Goddamn. Hell has frozen, huh.''
Alexander shifted his gaze back to Elizabeth, and just then, the young miss peered up in his direction. The red veil covered her face, yet he saw it clearly, how the corners of her lips curved into a small smile that seemed to say, 'You'll be fine now.' A bitter taste spread in his tongue; his chest burned with deep hatred. Whoever that hatred was subjected to, only he knew.
The stolen exchange of glances never skipped the keen eyes of the pureblooded vampire. He stood before the young miss of the Commonwealth, wearing a wedding suit that matched the color of his bride's wedding dress. Crimson, bloody; the very color vampires adored. His silky, long raven hair was neatly tied, with some strands falling loosely on the sides.
When Caedmon proposed the peace treaty to the Union Council three years ago, the noble officials strongly opposed it. Not only did his sudden decision shock the vampire realm, but it also caused a big commotion among the House of Elders. To stop the war was reasonable, but to marry a mortal was beyond the understanding of the vampires.
The Lord of Arkavis is from the distinct lineage of Valaravan. He carried blood that held dominance and authority over other vampires. As the one who governed Arkavis, his blood was meant to stay pure, pristine, and immaculate. To preserve the purity of his blood, the House of Elders offered pureblooded women to become his betrothed, yet Caedmon never once gave his commitment.
Assuming that the Lord of Arkavis preferred to marry his own sibling, Lady Rebekka Luzelle Valaravan, the House of Elders patiently waited for the public announcement of their wedding. It was common for pureblooded vampires to practice incest to keep the purity of their blood, and for the Clan of Valaravan, wedding among siblings was a family custom unless the siblings decided otherwise.
However, no one expected that Lord Dimitri Caedmon of the Valaravan family would neither marry his sister nor the pureblooded women presented to him, but the daughter of the Chief Commander Solomon Sinclair, who was the mortal enemy of Arkavis. It was, at first, received as a mere jest; considered as their Lordship's way of provoking the Armed Forces, until they realized that the Lord of Arkavis wasn't one to joke around.
Caedmon's determination led to today's historical event with the rest of the guests keeping their thoughts to themselves. Whatever their Lordship attains from this betrothal, none could ever predict. His word nonetheless was the law of Arkavis; irrefutable. All they could do was follow his lead and obey his rules.
''Milord, you may now cut the palm of your bride,'' the vicar announced, handing Caedmon a small, sharp knife.
Elizabeth was thoroughly informed about this vampire tradition of cutting the palms of the bride and the groom during wedding ceremonies. Both their blood will be collected in two separate golden cups. Then, the bride and the groom would exchange their cups and drink each other's blood.
Had she been a vampire, she would gladly do so. But she is a mortal, a young miss unfamiliar with the taste of blood. A vampire's blood. No matter how mentally prepared she was for this moment, the mere thought of drinking the other's blood was unthinkable. Behind her red veil, Elizabeth's stoic face imperceptibly contorted, swallowing her uneasiness.
''My bride is a delicate mortal. We can disregard this tradition and exchange red wine instead,'' the Lord of Arkavis spoke with consideration. His voice, echoing a resemblance to midnight breeze and ocean waves, conveyed dismissive leniency that the vicar could not retort.
The exchange of blood between the groom and the bride is the conclusion of the union, legalizing them as husband and wife. Skipping this tradition would imply that the wedding did not happen at all. Caught in this predicament, the vicar began to sweat, unsure whether to discard the vampire tradition or heed the Lord of Arkavis' order.
Witnessing this, muffled whispers fell among the mouths of the guests, especially of the vampires who were strictly and strongly bound by their long-time protected tradition. Caedmon stayed composed, unfazed by the murmurs of his kind. Elizabeth, on the other hand, felt rather slandered by the word 'delicate mortal'.
She lifted her chin, laying her pale purple orbs on the pureblooded Lord of Arkavis for the very first time today. The man has a well-defined jawline; his nose is straight and relatively narrow. When their gazes finally met, a pair of amber eyes was steadily holding hers. They were the colors of sunset, glowing with saturated hues over the high mountains of Arkavis.
Night creatures normally have red eyes, but pureblooded vampires are so unique and rare that they are endowed with orbs like those of humans, yet they could instantly change them to dark crimson whenever they want. These amber, sunset-like eyes were the famous attribute of the Valaravan family: a distinction one would never mistake.
Elizabeth's gaze did not falter, telling the vicar in a serene voice, ''Hand the knife to his Lordship. A little cut wouldn't cost a life.''