Sold To My Fated Enemy

Chapter 7

Nickolas's POV

I barely heard what Draven had been saying. My mind was in a haze, the thoughts of Nyra occupying my headspace like a fever. It was incessant and frustrating.

I didn't know what was wrong with her, but how could she already be confiding in Silas on her first day? She’s a fool. She didn't know what she was getting herself into. I thought she hated vampires, but it seemed everything she stood for was just a lie.

The more I remembered her words about them being "friends," the more the anger in me amplified, vibrating in my chest. Then, another thought flickered through my mind. It had been the second time I almost lost control and bit her. I didn't know if I would be able to restrain myself a third time.

I couldn't understand why she had such an influence on me. Why her blood and her scent could set my whole body on fire and make me want to devour her...

“Is there something wrong?" Draven tapped the desk, shattering the haze instantly.

“What were you saying?" I asked, staring at him.

He raised his brows slightly, confusion and curiosity etched into the lines of his face. “Is there something going on with you?" he demanded.

I shook my head. I hated talking about it, that some fragile girl had a hold on me, making me lose my grip. Admitting it would make me look weak, and I wouldn't have that.

“I couldn't catch on. Repeat what you said," I ordered.

He exhaled an irritating sigh. “I mean, there's a decrease in revenue by 20% this quarter," he repeated.

“Why?" I demanded, my face twisting into a confused frown.

“There's a drought in the human village, which has resulted in less blood supply and less trade. The merchants are anxious..."

“What's your solution?" I cut him off.

“We can increase the blood collection from the humans, or make a deal with the witches for alternative supplies."

“No!" I declined instantly. “Making a deal with the witches can lead to unexpected circumstances. I don't want the kingdom to have any relationship with the witches." I paused, a sigh escaping my lips as I weighed the options. “Just increase the collection and find other ways to balance the books," I ordered.

“Yes, King." He bowed, then turned to go, but stopped. “If there's something going on with you... tell me. Not as your second in command, but as your friend."

I scoffed. “Nothing is wrong with me," I lied. He nodded, but didn't move.

“But you know..." He paused, coming closer to my desk and leaning over. “Telling others about what you are going through doesn't mean you are weak. It means you need—"

“Do you think I have time for all these motivational quotes?" I lashed out at him, heat flushing through my body.

“It's because I know you. You don't want anyone to know your weakness, and that's why you decide to suffer alone."

“Who told you I'm suffering?" I growled, baring my fangs at him in a sharp warning. “You should go if you don't want to lose your head."

“Okay," he said, finally turning. He walked to the door and opened it. I expected him to leave, but instead, he closed it back and turned to face me again, making me groan in frustration.

“In three days, it's the full moon. You know—"

“I know," I cut him off. “There's no need to remind me."

Every first full moon of the month, I lost control and hurt my kind.

“It's just a reminder," he defended, shrugging his shoulders.

“Now, get out!" I snarled, and he finally moved out of the office.

A sigh left my lips. I bowed my head, running a hand roughly through my hair. It was just another month—another devastating, agonizing month. I felt like I was wasting too much time on this curse. Since I had finally found the cure, I had to get to work.

But first, I had to see the witch—the one who knew the secrets of the cure better than I did.

****

The witch's house sat at the outskirts of the kingdom. She was known as one of the greatest witches of all time, but she wasn't just a witch; she was also a vampire. She had been turned when she was seventy years old.

I had met her two centuries ago, during the war. I saved her from a tormenting, evil man back then. I had thought of bringing her into the kingdom when I saw how useful she was, but I couldn't. The laws stated no witch could ever reside in the kingdom for security reasons. So, I had her reside at the outskirts, where I could always find her.

“To what do I owe this pressure? The great Vampire King visiting all by himself," she said as I entered. She was sitting by the fire, the orange light dancing on her aged skin.

“You talk as if I never visit at all," I replied, my voice devoid of any warmth.

“But it's been twenty years already," she complained.

“That's because I didn't have a reason to visit you," I defended.

“But now you do?" She questioned, and I let out a frustrated groan. “I heard you took yourself a bride."

“Be careful, old woman. She's not a bride," I warned, but she only let out a sickly, rattling chuckle.

“So you finally found her. A girl with a rosy, fire scent."

“I always get what I put my mind on. No matter how long it takes."

“I know how determined you are. That's why you earned my respect," she muttered.

“So, when do we start the sacrifice?" I demanded.

“There's something you need to know about the curse first."

“What?" I questioned in a detached voice.

“The curse..." She paused and sighed, making my brows furrow in bewilderment. “You only have three months to live. And if you can't cure the curse until then..." Her voice trailed off, darkness evident at the edge of her words. “YOU DIE!"

“That's why we need to start the ritual as soon as possible," I said, urgency sharpening my tone.

“But, in order to perform the ritual... it has to be during an eclipse..." Her voice trailed off again. I could see the omen hanging at the edge of her words.

“So where are you ending?" I demanded.

“I don't know when the eclipse will happen. In a month... three mo

nths, or even a year. Nobody knows," she replied.

My breath hitched.

What the f**k is going on?