TAMING THE HEARTLESS VAMPIRE

Chapter 7

Nakatitig lang ako sa babae sa harap ko, halos makalimutan kong huminga. Even in the midst of the c*****e I had just created, even with the metallic scent of Aaron’s life still clinging to my skin, I couldn't help but be struck by her presence.

She was breathtaking. There was no other word for it.

I looked at her, searching for the heavy layers of cosmetics I expected from someone so regal, but she seemed to wear almost no make-up at all. Hindi ko mapigilang mamangha dahil litaw na litaw ang natural na ganda niya. Her skin was like polished ivory—flawless, poreless, and glowing with an ethereal light that made the chandeliers above look dim. Her lips were a deep, natural red, mas makintab at mas pula pa sa pinaka-hinog na mansanas.

Perfect. Every feature was symmetrical, every movement deliberate. Para siyang isang international model na kakalabas lang ng runway, walking through the blood and shadows as if she were walking on rose petals.

Hindi ko namalayang napuri ko siya sa isip ko. I was thinking about how unfair it was for someone to look that divine while I felt like a monster.

“Oh, thanks!” bigla niyang sabi, her voice bright and melodic. She clapped her hands together, tila tuwang-tuwa sa nadinig niya sa utak ko. “You’re quite pretty as well, dear. A bit messy right now, of course, but the bone structure is lovely.”

Natigilan ako, ang puso ko ay tila tumalon sa lalamunan. Did she just… read my thoughts? Literal bang wala na akong itatago sa lugar na ito?

She didn't wait for my confirmation. Tumuwid siya ng tayo at tumalikod, her dark gown swishing against the marble floor.

“Erica,” tawag niya, her voice projecting effortlessly through the vast office.

Maya-maya ay may sumulpot na isang babae mula sa gilid ng hallway, moving so silently she might as well have been a ghost. Halata sa mahinahong kilos at sa simpleng uniporme nito na isa itong tagapagsilbi.

“Yes, Milady?” magalang nitong sagot, keeping her head bowed.

“Take Aria to her room. Prepare her bath immediately. Use the oils from the South—she needs to relax and wear something beautiful, okay? I want her looking like a Nightborn, not a street urchin,” Cassandra commanded, gesturing vaguely toward me.

“Yes, Lady Cassandra.”

Lumingon muli sa akin si Cassandra bago siya lumabas. She smiled like she knew something I didn’t—a secret that involved me but was far beyond my understanding.

“See you at dinner, Aria. We’ll wait for you there. Don't be late; Vale hates cold food and dull company.” Kumindat pa siya sa akin—isang mabilis at mapaglarong kilos—bago siya biglang nawala sa isang iglap.

Napakurap ako sa gulat. Hindi ko man lang nakita ang paggalaw niya. Para lang siyang naglaho sa hangin, leaving behind only the faint scent of lilies and cold rain.

Maya-maya ay lumapit si Erica. Her touch was gentle, inalalayan akong tumayo mula sa malamig na sahig. “Follow me, Lady Aria,” sabi niya, her voice neutral but kind.

Hindi ko na nilingon ang katawan ni Aaron na nakahandusay sa sahig. I forced my eyes forward, focusing on the back of Erica’s head. Hindi ko kayang tingnan ulit ang bunga ng aking pagkagutom. The guilt was a heavy stone in my stomach, but strangely, the physical strength I felt was undeniable.

Tahimik akong sumunod kay Erica habang naglalakad kami sa mahabang hallway ng palasyo. Pakiramdam ko ay napakalaki ng lugar na ito—isang maze ng ginto, kahoy, at kadiliman. Every painting we passed seemed to watch me, the eyes of dead vampires judging the new initiate.

Finally, huminto kami sa harap ng isang malaking pinto na gawa sa ukit na oak. Erica pushed it open, revealing a room that made my apartment in the city look like a closet.

“This is your room, Lady Aria. Please wait here. I will prepare the bath.”

Tumango lang ako, lost for words. Pagpasok ko sa loob ay napalingon ako sa paligid. Napakalaki ng kwarto—it was a suite, really. May malaking kama na may four-poster canopy, eleganteng furniture na gawa sa dark mahogany, at mga kurtinang gawa sa mabigat na pelus, parang galing pa sa isang lumang European palace.

Kumpleto lahat. From the stationery on the desk to the silk slippers by the bed. Napaisip tuloy ako habang tinitingnan ang paligid. Baka nga matagal na nilang inaasahan ang isang thrall tulad ko. Or perhaps, Vale had many thralls before me, and this was just the standard cage.

Napabuntong-hininga ako, dropping onto the edge of the bed. The silk felt cool against my skin. Ano nga ba ang magiging papel ko sa buhay ni Vale? Maliban sa pagiging alipin niya o pagiging laruan para sa kanyang amusement... ano pa kaya ang kailangan kong gawin? At paano ko maliligtas si Adrian mula rito?

“Lady Aria.”

Nagising ako sa aking pagmumuni-muni nang marinig ang mahinahong boses ni Erica mula sa kabilang pinto. “Nakahanda na po ang bath ninyo.”

Tumango ako at pumasok sa banyo. “Salamat, Erica,” sabi ko, my voice sounding foreign to my own ears.

“You’re welcome, Lady Aria. I have placed fresh clothes for you on the bed. Just call me if you need anything. I will be just outside the door.”

Nang maisara ko ang pinto ng banyo, agad kong nakita ang malaking bath tub na gawa sa clawed marble. Punong-puno iyon ng mainit at umuusok na tubig, na nababalutan ng mga talulot ng pulang rosas. The scent of jasmine and sandalwood filled the air. Parang isang luxury spa na pang-royalties.

Tahimik kong hinubad ang lahat ng suot ko—ang mga damit na punong-puno ng dugo at luha. Pandidiri ang naramdaman ko habang tinitingnan ang mga mantsa. Dahan-dahan akong lumubog sa tubig.

Napapikit ako habang unti-unting nare-relax ang mga kalamnan ko. The heat was soothing, washing away the grime of my old life. Marami akong napagtanto matapos ang nangyari kanina. After I drank Aaron’s blood... parang ipinanganak akong muli, but the soul I was born with felt fractured.

Pero hindi na ako tao. Ramdam ko ang pagbabago sa bawat cell ng katawan ko. Mas lumakas ang pakiramdam ko; I could feel the subtle vibrations of the water against my skin. Mas malinaw ang pandinig ko—naririnig ko ang paghinga ni Erica sa labas ng pinto, ang pagtakbo ng daga sa loob ng dingding, at ang mahinang tugtog ng piano mula sa kabilang panig ng palasyo.

Mas luminaw din ang paningin ko. Even without much light, everything looked sharper, the colors of the rose petals more vibrant. Even my sense of smell became stronger—I could distinguish the different oils in the water, the soap, and the faint metallic tang of the blood that hadn't been washed off yet. Parang walang bagay na makakatakas sa aking mga bagong pandama.

Halos ilang oras akong nakababad sa tub, trying to drown the guilt, bago ako tuluyang umahon at nag-shower.

Paglabas ko ng banyo, isang makapal at malambot na towel lang ang nakabalot sa katawan ko. Fresh na fresh ang pakiramdam ko, but the hollow ache in my heart remained.

Napansin ko ang damit na nakalatag sa kama. Lumapit ako at hinawakan iyon—isang itim na gown na gawa sa lace at silk. Napakaganda at napaka-elegant nito. When I checked the tag on the inside, nanlaki ang mga mata ko. It was a designer brand I had only ever seen in magazines.

“A-ang mahal nito…” bulong ko sa sarili ko. Ilang buwan kong sweldo bilang rank-and-file employee ang halaga ng isang pirasong tela na ito. “Ganito ba talaga kayayaman ang mga bampira? Is this where all the missing wealth of the world goes?”

Napailing na lang ako. Isinuot ko ang damit, the silk sliding over my skin like a second skin. It fitted me perfectly, as if it were tailored for my exact measurements.

Pagharap ko sa malaking salamin, napahinto ako. Muntik ko nang hindi makilala ang sarili ko. Ibang babae ang nakikita ko sa repleksyon. My skin looked paler, almost translucent, making me look like I was made of porcelain. The natural blush on my cheeks disappeared, but in its place was a haunting, ethereal glow.

Pero ang labi ko... ang labi ko ay naging mas pula, a deep crimson that stood out against my pale skin. Katulad ng kay Cas. Hindi ko na kailangan ng lipstick; ang dugo ni Aaron ay tila nag-iwan ng permanenteng marka sa aking anyo.

Ang mga mata ko ay may halong gintong kulay ngayon, sparkling whenever the light hit them. Ang buhok ko, na dati ay laging tuyo at sabog, ay parang bagong salon treatment—shiny, heavy, and black as obsidian. Nawala ang split ends. Nawala rin ang eyebags ko na nakuha ko sa puyat at stress sa trabaho. At ang ilang maliliit na wrinkles sa gilid ng aking mga mata? Burado.

Parang bumata ako ng ilang taon, but the wisdom—and the trauma—in my eyes made me look ancient.

Habang nagsusuklay ako, may kumatok sa pinto. Nang buksan ko iyon, bumungad si Damien. He looked me up and down, his expression remaining professional, but I saw a flicker of something—approval, maybe?—in his gaze.

“I’ll escort you to the dinner hall,” sabi niya. “The family is already gathered. They’re all waiting for you, Lady Aria.”

Tumango ako, clutching the fabric of my gown. Kahit kinakabahan at parang gusto kong tumakbo pabalik sa city, sumunod ako sa kanya. I felt like a lamb being led to a den of lions.

Habang naglalakad kami sa mga engrandeng corridors, iniisip ko kung ano ang makikita ko roon. In my mind, I imagined something gruesome. Hindi ko alam kung anong klaseng dinner ang meron ang mga bampira. Baka mga tao ang laman ng mesa nila, served on silver platters. Baka kailangan kong manood habang may pinapatay sila.

Napailing ako sa naisip, my stomach churning. But when we arrived at the massive double doors of the dining hall and they swung open—I was surprised.

It looked... normal. Or as normal as a billionaire's dinner party could look.

Napakalaki ng dining hall, illuminated by hundreds of candles. May mahabang mesa sa gitna na puno ng masasarap na pagkain—roast meats, exotic fruits, artisan breads, and pastries. Mas engrande nga lang kaysa sa kahit anong handaan na nakita ko sa TV.

Pero may isang detalye na nagpaalala sa akin kung nasaan ako. Sa halip na tubig o juice sa mga crystal decanters, wine at malapot na dugo ang laman ng mga kopita.

Bigla akong natigilan sa pintuan. Ngayon ko lang napansin na halos lahat ng naroon ay hindi ko kilala. There were about five people seated, all of them possessing that same terrifying beauty and golden gaze.

Then I felt a weight on my skin. Someone was staring at me.

Vale.

Nakatitig siya sa akin mula sa kanyang upuan. Dahan-dahan niyang hinagod ng tingin ang katawan ko mula ulo hanggang paa, his eyes lingering on the way the gown hugged my curves. There was no warmth in his gaze, only a possessive pride.

“Milord,” yumuko si Damien sa harap ng lalaking nasa gitna ng mesa. Napagaya naman ako kahit awkward ang pakiramdam ko. I felt like I was in a period drama.

Tumayo si Vale at lumapit sa akin. Bagong puting shirt ang suot niya, open at the collar, and he looked devastatingly handsome. Humahalimuyak ang mamahaling pabango niya—sandalwood and something metallic.

“Father,” sabi niya, his voice echoing. “Here’s Aria. My new thrall. As I promised.”

Tipid na ngumiti ang lalaking nakaupo sa dulo, ang head of the table. Tumayo ito, and the aura of power he projected was so strong I almost wanted to kneel.

“Welcome to Nightborn Palace, Aria,” sabi niya. He had silver hair but the face of a man in his forties. “I’m Caspian. I know everything is new and perhaps frightening to you. But you’ll get used to the shadows. We all do.”

Napakuyom ako sa kaba, my heart hammering against my ribs. “T-thank you, Lord Caspian,” sagot ko. Hindi ko nga alam kung tama ang tawag ko, but he didn't seem offended.

“Join us, my dear,” sabi ng isang magandang babae sa kabilang side ng mesa. She looked like a queen from a lost kingdom. Sigurado akong asawa siya ni Caspian.

Inilahad niya ang kamay patungo sa bakanteng upuan sa pagitan ni Vale at ng isang batang lalaki na mukhang kaedad lang ng kapatid kong si Adrian. My heart pained at the thought of him.

Umupo ako roon, feeling everyone’s eyes on me.

“I’m Edina,” sabi ng babae, her smile warm but her eyes sharp. “Make yourself at ease. You’re now part of the household. In a way, you're part of the family.”

“Stop it, mother,” putol ni Vale, his voice cold as he sat beside me. “She’s not family. She’s my thrall. Let's not confuse the girl with pleasantries she hasn't earned.”

Matalim ang tingin niya sa akin habang kinuha niya ang kanyang kopita at uminom ng dugo.

“Vale,” malamig na sabi ni Edina, the temperature in the room seemingly dropping. “I allowed all of you to have your own thralls to help with the transition. But do not make me repeat my warning. Don’t treat them like animals. Even a bird in a cage deserves a song.”

Napabuntong-hininga si Vale, looking bored. Bigla siyang tumayo, leaving his glass half-full. “I’ve lost my appetite. I’ll talk to you after dinner, Aria. Don't wander off.”

Pagkatapos ay umalis siya, the doors slamming shut behind him.

“Don’t mind him,” sabi ni Caspian habang kalmado siyang humihiwa ng steak. “He’s the most spoiled and temperamental among my sons. He takes after his grandfather.”

Tipid akong napangiti, not knowing what to say.

“And I’m the nicest,” sabi ng lalaking katabi ko. He was eating a plate of grapes, throwing them into the air and catching them in his mouth. Kumindat pa siya sa akin. He looked so human, so playful. Naalala ko tuloy si Adrian.

“Who’s Adrian?” tanong niya bigla, tilting his head.

Natigilan ako. I forgot—they can hear my thoughts.

“Is he food? Or a pet?” Theron asked curiously.

“Theron,” babala ni Cassandra mula sa kabilang dulo ng mesa, her eyes narrowing. “Watch your tongue.”

“What?” taas-kamay ni Theron, laughing. “I was just asking. She keeps thinking about him. It's distracting.”

“Just finish your food,” sabi ni Caspian, his voice like rolling thunder. “You still have a class later. Your tutor is waiting.”

Class? Nag-aaral pa siya? I looked at Theron. How old was he really? Centuries? Or just a teenager like he looked?

Napaisip ako, wondering how their society worked. Do they have schools? Do they study human history or their own?

Bumungisngis si Theron, sensing my confusion. “Don’t mind him, Aria.” sabi ni Edina. “Go ahead and eat. You need the strength.”

Ngumiti ako at nagsimulang kumain. To my surprise, the food was delicious—better than anything I had ever tasted. Pero maya-maya ay nakaramdam ako ng bara sa lalamunan, a dryness that the food couldn't fix.

Kinuha ko ang kopita na nasa tapat ko, filled with a dark red liquid. Akala ko wine iyon. Pero nang ininom ko—ang malapot at matamis na lasa ay agad kumalat sa dila ko. Napagtanto kong dugo iyon.

Naghintay ako na masuka. I expected my stomach to reject it. Pero hindi nangyari. Instead… I felt a rush of heat and energy. Before I knew it, I had finished the entire glass.

Napakasarap pala ng dugo kapag kasabay ng pagkain. It was like the ultimate condiment, enhancing every flavor.

Maya-maya ay may lumapit na isang babae sa harap ni Theron—her eyes glazed and empty. Tumayo si Theron at hinawakan ang kamay ng babae, giving me one last wink. Pagkatapos ay umalis sila patungo sa itaas na palapag.

Ilang minuto pa ang lumipas nang may dumating ulit sa dining hall.

Isang lalaki. Mas matangkad pa kay Vale at mas malapad ang balikat. Mas mature ang itsura niya, may maayos na balbas, at suot ang isang mamahaling business suit. May kasama siyang babaeng secretary-type na sumusunod sa kanya, holding a tablet.

“I’m here, Father,” sabi niya, giving a short, respectful bow kay Lord Caspian. Pagkatapos ay umupo siya sa bakanteng upuan, not even glancing at me.

“What took you so long, Lucaz?” tanong ni Caspian. “It’s been months since your last visit to the Palace. I thought you had forgotten us for the mortal world.”

Napabuntong-hininga si Lucaz, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Suminyas siya sa babaeng kasama niya, and she immediately stepped forward and poured him a glass of vintage champagne.

“Too busy,” sabi niya, his voice deep and authoritative. “The congress is full of clowns this session. Trying to pass tax laws that would affect our holdings. I had to spend the whole week in committee hearings.”

Natigilan ako, ang tinidor ko ay muntik nang mahulog. Congress?

Napatingin ako sa mukha niya nang maigi, searching my memory. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I knew that face. I had seen him on the news almost every night. He was a powerful congressman from a prominent political dynasty.

Doon ko tuluyang naintindihan ang nakakatakot na katotohanan.

The humans… the millions of people out there in the city... they have no idea. They think they are being governed by their own. They have no clue that they are living in a world where vampires walk among them, holding the strings of power, deciding their laws, and feeding on their society in more ways than one.

I wasn't just in a palace. I was in the heart of the shadow government that ruled the country. And I was now a part of it. 🩸