Her Devious King

Ready to kill

The hallways resonated with high heeled shoes and polished leather. There was a low hum in the background. Whilst Adeline strode past, the whispers grew louder. Albeit only for a select few, with keen eyes that had seen beyond the facade.

- - - - -

"Asher," Adeline shakily murmured his name. It almost sounded forbidden on her tongue, although she had called it many times as a kid. However, her memories were distorted now, for years had passed since then.

"Y-you saw me dancing with that man, right?" Adeline questioned.

Adeline was standing beside the sleek black car that had brought her to the ball. It was a large van, similar to the ones high-class Hybrid celebrities drove in.

The most popular actors and actresses were Vampires. It would explain why they were so stunning and beautiful. Humans could never compare to them.

A hundred human celebrities did not equate to a single hair on the head of the dazzling Vampires. Who would dare to outshine the superior species?

"Are you cold?" Asher asked, concern lacing his warm, adoring voice. The moon stalked over them, casting a pale light upon her creamy white skin. He saw the goosebumps speckled across her collarbone, the valley of her chest, and her thin, slender arms.

"You're too delicate to be wearing just a dress in the middle of winter," Asher added on. He slipped off his black suit-jacket.

"Asher—"

"What was Viscountess Eleanor thinking when she didn't give you a shawl?" Asher huffed. With ease, Asher slid the jacket over her trembling shoulders and tried not to smile. She looked like a child wearing her father's clothes. It was adorable.

Asher could not take his eyes off of her. Usually, he couldn't anyway, but seeing her in his jacket was an entirely different story. Carefully, he buttoned up the suit, so that she would be properly covered.

Adeline stiffened and looked down at his jacket. She parted her mouth to speak, but he didn't want her to say anymore,

"I apologize for calling you Princess back there," Asher stated, his voice becoming more serious and sincere. "I was a bit irritated, though I don't have the right to be." Witnessing him in pain also hurt her. His sadness was her melancholy.

"I wasn't angry with you."

Adeline didn't say he was.

"I was angry at myself," he declared.

Adeline couldn't help but think he was still annoyed with her. Why else would he ignore her pressing question? Despite that, he had offered his jacket to her. Did that mean his frustration had lessened?

His kind features were twisted with dissatisfaction. He exhaled deliberately and tugged on the shoulder of his jacket. He had adjusted it to conceal her neck.

With this many disgusting, blood-sucking creatures lurking around, Asher would prefer it if they didn't gawk ather like fresh meat. Many Vampires breezed past them, and every single onecast her an intrusive stare. Some sneered at her, others simply blinked.

"Forget about it," Asher gritted.

Adeline frowned. Did he have an internal argument with himself and lose? Asher was usually not this short tempered. What happened? He was more patient and welcoming than this.

His full lips were screwed into a scow, his chocolate brown eyes were as dark as bitter cacao. She wanted to compel him for more answers, but knew he would only dismiss her again.

Their dynamic was strange. It was nothing like bodyguard and master. She couldn't describe their relationship—even though he made it clear they were just friends.

"Alright," Adeline sullenly said. She didn't want to cross the line and sour his mood further. Besides, it was not like he was being rude, or anything. Asher was in a bad mood. That was all.

Without warning, Asher thrust his hand out.

Adeline flinched and squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for a blow that never came. Her heart drummed against her ribcage, blood thundered in her ears. She sucked in a trembling breath. Asher was not going to hit her. He never had and never will.

"I'm sorry, did I frighten you?" Asher whispered. "I just wanted to adjust the collar of the suit, so your neck would be properly covered."

Adeline unsteadily nodded her head. She intertwined her fingers together to stop them from quivering like a brittle leaf during winter. As he fixed the collar of his jacket, she caught sight of Aunt Eleanor. Subconsciously, Adeline hugged her stomach.

Adeline watched as Aunt Eleanor exchanged words with a gentleman near the enormous doors of the castle entrance. Pillars held up a marble arch that bore an emblem of the Noble House of Highmore.

"What is it?" Asher asked. What could've captured her attention for that long?

Suddenly, a chill crawled down his spine. His head snapped around, searching for the source of evil. He could sense it, a deep, rooted hatred and bloodlust. Who was it? And why was it directed towards naive, little Adeline?

Asher observed his surroundings. They currently stoodnear the large, looming gates of the castle. Tall, golden lamps lit the way for the lost wanderers under the star speckled night.

There was a white stone pavement leading directly into the front entrance of the castle, with a majestic marble fountain and an even more impressive garden. There was a lingering scent of floral sweetness and vanilla essence frequently used by Vampires.

Everyone was heading towards their cars without hesitation. They slid into their vehicles with the poise and ease of experience; humans and Vampires alike.

Asher had done an extensive background check on the majority of the guests. They were all high-profilers, the majority being Vampires, since they occupied the top one percent.

"Get into the car," Asher demanded.

His voice left no room for argument.

Adeline rapidly blinked. For a split second, Asher looked like he was prepared to kill. Not wanting to challenge him, she climbed into the tall vehicle. The car was warm, as the driver already had the heater running. Compared to the frigid weather outside, it was much safer.

"Will you join me?" Adeline asked in a small voice. Did he have to investigate something? Why?

Humans and Vampires had made a pact. Neither race would target, nor hurt each other. The millions of deaths from the Species War two centuries ago had guaranteed that much. Though, recently, there were a lot of mysterious deaths around the city… all in the form of young maidens.

"I will get Viscountess Eleanor and ensure both of you return safely," Asher stated. He firmly twisted to her. "Stay in here and don't leave the van."

Adeline nodded her head. She didn't plan to, anyway. She wasn't motivated by foolish courage to save someone, despite possessing the skills to do so. If only… if only she wasn't so weak. Then, maybe she wouldn't shake at the thought of harming someone.