The forbidden bond

The queen of Umbra

'But I can tell, you're a good person.'

Lucien's gaze lingered, his curiosity piqued.

'I see,' he murmured.

'Does that mean you'll come?' Aurelia asked, hope sparkling in her voice.

Lucien's expression hardened.

'I don't go to such places, little girl.' He turned to leave, a hint of irritation in his stride.

But Aurelia's voice stopped him.

'I'll wait for you here tomorrow, by this time!' she called out, undeterred.

'Then we'll go to church together, okay?'

Lucien turned back, his eyes narrowing. For a moment, he searched her face, seeking any sign of doubt or fear.

Finding none, he shook his head, a mix of amusement and annoyance.

'You don't know what you're getting yourself into,' he whispered, before disappearing into the night.

Aurelia's giggles echoed through the night as she sprinted home, exhilarated by her encounter with the enigmatic stranger.

Lucien went back home, to the dark underworld of Umbra, his thoughts remained consumed by Aurelia's daring invitation.

Lucien entered his massive chamber, and as he undressed, the door to his chambers creaked open.

Without looking, Lucien knew whom it was.

'A king without manners isn't fit to be king, Cassius,' he said, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Cassius, the ruler of the dark underworld of Umbra smiled, but his eyes betrayed no warmth.

He tolerated Lucien's disrespect, knowing his younger brother was the one person who could speak freely, without fear of retribution.

Everyone in this kingdom fears him except Lucien, which hurts his pride so badly, but Cassius knew better than to wake up a sleeping lion.

Lucien's dynamic gnawed at Cassius, fueling his resentment. As the eldest and reigning monarch, he felt diminished by his need to accommodate Lucien's whims.

'Lucien, I see you're still entertaining mortals,' Cassius said, his tone laced with disdain as he sautéed into Lucien's room with an air of power and superiority, ignoring his brother's need for privacy.

'I believe you know, it's against our law.'

Lucien's gaze narrowed, his eyes locking onto Cassius as he stood before him in his full glory unbothered by his own nudity.

'What brings you here, brother?' he asked, his voice low and even.

The tension between them was palpable, fueled by Lucien's simmering resentment.

'I just came to check on you, little brother,' Cassius said, his smile hollow.

Lucien's chuckle was cold.

'Spare the pretense, Cassius.'

'I have somewhere else to go.'

'State your business, or leave.'

He said, then strode to his closet, his powerful frame undiminished by his nudity.

Cassius's expression twisted in bitterness. 'I see you're in no mood to talk.' With a curt nod, he turned to leave.

As the door closed, Lucien's thoughts shifted to Aurelia.

'Who was she?' He thought to himself.

Lucien strode into the dimly lit stable, the scent of damp earth and hay filling his nostrils. The stable was a cavernous space, lit only by flickering torches that cast eerie shadows on the walls. The air was thick with the scent of blood and power, a reminder that this was the vampire realm, where the strong ruled and the weak were preyed upon.

Lucien's eyes scanned the stalls, his gaze settling on his favorite horse, a majestic white stallion named Warrior. Warrior was a beast of legend, as strong and powerful as Lucien's own personality. His muscles rippled beneath his sleek coat as he snorted, sensing Lucien's presence.

Just as Lucien was about to mount warrior, a vision of elegance and beauty glided towards him with two maids following behind. It was Valtira, Cassius's beloved wife, her raven-haired beauty and porcelain skin a stark contrast to the darkness of the stable. Her eyes gleamed like stars in the dim light, and her full lips curved into a subtle smile.

"Lucien," she said, her voice husky and confident. "I see you're preparing for a journey. Where are you off to?"

Lucien's gaze never wavered from Warrior as he prepared to mount the stallion. Valtira's approach was met with silence, Lucien's expression unyielding.

"Lucien," Valtira said, her voice husky and confident. "I just asked a question and I shall not be ignored."

Lucien's response was curt, his tone dismissive. "None of your business."

Valtira's smile never faltered, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. She took a step closer to Lucien, her voice taking on a persuasive tone. "Oh, come now, Lucien. I'm not just asking out of curiosity. As a member of the Vampire Council, I have a vested interest in knowing what's happening in our realm."

Lucien's gaze finally met Valtira's, his eyes flashing with a warning. "I said it's none of your business, Valtira. Don't make me repeat myself."

The air was thick with tension as Valtira's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with challenge. "Oh, Lucien. You're so predictable. But I'll let it slide... for now."

Valtira's smile never wavered, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of distaste as she spoke. "I actually sought you out for a reason, Lucien. I wanted to remind you of the upcoming ceremony which will be held in three days."

Lucien's gaze narrowed, his interest piqued. "Ah, yes. Cassius's new concubine. How... thrilling."

Valtira's expression remained neutral, but Lucien detected a hint of disdain beneath her polished facade. He chuckled, amused by her attempt to conceal her true feelings.

"You're as enthusiastic as ever, Valtira," Lucien said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I'm sure you can barely contain your excitement about Cassius's new... acquisition."

Valtira's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with a hint of annoyance. "I'm simply performing my duty as a member of this household, Lucien. I'm sure you'll attend the ceremony and show the proper respect."

Lucien's chuckle deepened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, I'll be there, Valtira. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Valtira turned to leave, her elegant gown rustling against the stone floor as she glided away. Her two maids, dressed in simpler but still finely made attire, followed closely behind her.

As she left, her fake smile vanished from her face instantly.