CHAPTER 3 , THE VAMPIRE PRINCE
3209 Words
PART 1
“Stay back!”
Isla stumbled over a root and fell hard against a tree.
The vampire hunter smiled.
“There’s nowhere left to run.”
“Please,” Isla gasped. “Just leave me alone.”
“You know we can’t do that.”
“I don’t know anything about you!”
“You don’t need to.”
He stepped closer.
Isla pressed herself against the tree.
“Don’t come any closer.”
“Your blood belongs to the king.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
The hunter laughed.
“You still don’t understand.”
Another hunter emerged behind her.
“She’s trapped.”
Isla turned.
Her face went pale.
“Please.”
The second hunter drew closer.
“Give us your wrist.”
“No!”
“Don’t make this difficult.”
“I said no!”
The first hunter grabbed her arm.
“Let go!”
Isla struggled violently.
“Help!”
The hunter laughed.
“Who do you expect to hear you?”
A cold voice answered from the darkness.
“I heard her.”
Both hunters froze.
The first slowly turned.
“Who are you?”
A tall man stepped between the trees.
His dark coat moved with the wind.
His face was calm.
Too calm.
“Let her go.”
The hunter stared at him.
“Prince Adrian.”
Isla’s eyes widened.
“Prince?”
Adrian looked at the hunter.
“You heard me.”
The hunter released Isla.
“You have no right to interfere.”
Adrian’s expression hardened.
“I have every right.”
The second hunter attacked.
Adrian moved.
“Wait!”
Isla barely saw what happened.
There was a sharp c***k.
The hunter flew backward.
He struck the ground.
Silence.
Isla stared.
“What did you do?”
Adrian didn’t answer.
The first hunter attacked him.
Adrian caught his wrist.
“Please,”
“You were warned.”
A second movement.
The hunter fell.
Isla covered her mouth.
Adrian turned toward her.
“Are you hurt?”
She backed away.
“Don’t touch me.”
He stopped immediately.
“Fine.”
“You killed them.”
“They came to kill you.”
“That doesn’t make it better.”
“It should.”
“No!”
Her voice shook.
“You’re one of them.”
“Yes.”
“You’re a vampire.”
“Yes.”
“And you killed them like they were nothing.”
“They were hunters.”
“They were people.”
“They were going to kill you.”
Isla stared at him.
“You’re more dangerous than they were.”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Perhaps.”
She swallowed.
“Then why did you save me?”
“I don’t know.”
“That makes no sense.”
“I know.”
“Who are you?”
“I told you.”
“Prince Adrian.”
“Yes.”
“Prince of what?”
“The Valemont kingdom.”
She stared at him.
“There are kingdoms?”
“Yes.”
“And vampires have kings?”
“Yes.”
“And you’re a prince?”
“Yes.”
Isla shook her head.
“This can’t be real.”
“It is.”
“I want to go home.”
“You can’t.”
“I have to find my grandmother.”
“We will find her.”
“You promise?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“I know enough.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means you’re in danger.”
“I already know that.”
“Then come with me.”
“No.”
Adrian frowned.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t trust you.”
“You shouldn’t.”
“Then why would I go with you?”
“Because the hunters will return.”
“Let them.”
“They won’t stop.”
“Neither will I.”
Adrian stepped closer.
“Isla.”
She backed away.
“Don’t.”
“You can’t survive alone.”
“I survived tonight.”
“Barely.”
“I still survived.”
“You were seconds away from dying.”
“But I didn’t.”
“Because I arrived.”
She looked away.
“I didn’t ask you to.”
“No.”
“Then leave me alone.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
Adrian hesitated.
“I don’t know.”
“You keep saying that.”
“Because I don’t have another answer.”
She shook her head.
“You’re not taking me anywhere.”
Adrian looked toward the dark forest.
“You have no idea how many are searching for you.”
“How many?”
“Enough.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It is the only one I can give.”
“Then I’ll take my chances.”
She turned.
Adrian caught her wrist.
She gasped.
“Let go!”
He released her immediately.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t touch me.”
“I won’t.”
She stepped away.
“You said they won’t stop hunting me.”
“They won’t.”
“Why?”
“Because of your blood.”
She looked at her wrist.
“What is so special about it?”
Adrian’s voice lowered.
“I don’t know everything.”
“But you know something.”
“Yes.”
“Tell me.”
“Not here.”
“Then where?”
“Somewhere safe.”
“I don’t want safe if safe means being your prisoner.”
“You won’t be my prisoner.”
“You’re a prince. You can make me one.”
Adrian’s jaw tightened.
“I won’t.”
“Then prove it.”
“How?”
“Let me walk away.”
He stared at her.
“I can’t.”
Her eyes filled with anger.
“Then you’re no different from them.”
The words struck him.
Adrian went silent.
“I won’t hurt you,” he said quietly.
“You already took my choice away.”
“I am trying to keep you alive.”
“I didn’t ask you to.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
Adrian looked at her.
“I don’t know.”
Isla stared at him.
For the first time, his expression looked less like a prince’s and more like a man who didn’t understand his own actions.
“Come with me,” he said.
“No.”
“Please.”
It was the first time his voice sounded almost desperate.
Isla hesitated.
“Why did you say please?”
“Because I don’t want to force you.”
“Then don’t.”
“I can’t let you die.”
She looked at him.
“You really believe I’ll die if I stay?”
“Yes.”
“How do you know?”
“Because they already found you once.”
A distant howl echoed.
Isla’s face changed.
Adrian looked toward the sound.
“They’re coming.”
She swallowed.
“More hunters?”
“Yes.”
Adrian extended his hand.
“Come with me.”
Isla stared at it.
“I still don’t trust you.”
“I know.”
“But I don’t want to die.”
“Then stay beside me.”
Slowly, reluctantly, Isla reached for his hand.
Adrian closed his fingers around hers.
“Good.”
“Don’t sound so pleased.”
“I am not.”
“You are.”
For the first time, a faint smile touched his face.
“Perhaps.”
Isla glanced at him once more.
“Do you always rescue people?”
“No.”
“Then why me?”
Adrian’s eyes held hers.
“I don’t know.”
“That answer again.”
“I wish I had another.”
“You’re supposed to be a prince. Princes should know everything.”
“Perhaps I am a poor prince.”
She gave him a doubtful look.
“Maybe.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For making this frightening night slightly less frightening.”
His expression softened.
“You’re welcome, Isla.”
She looked ahead.
“Just don’t betray me.”
“I won’t.”
PART 2
Isla kept looking at Adrian’s hand around hers.
“I don’t believe you.”
“You don’t have to.”
She pulled her hand away.
“I can walk by myself.”
Adrian let go.
“Fine.”
They continued.
Isla watched him carefully.
“You really are a prince?”
“Yes.”
She frowned.
“This is ridiculous.”
“What is?”
“Everything.”
“I understand.”
“No, you don’t.”
Adrian looked at her.
“Then explain it.”
“I woke up this morning thinking about my birthday.”
“Yes.”
“I saw a red moon.”
“Yes.”
“My grandmother acted terrified.”
“Yes.”
“Then vampires attacked my village.”
“Yes.”
“They hunted me through the forest.”
“Yes.”
“Then a vampire prince appeared and killed them.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
“You’ve summarized it accurately.”
“Don’t joke.”
“I wasn’t.”
She sighed.
“I just want to go home.”
Adrian’s expression softened.
“I know.”
“My grandmother is there.”
“We will find her.”
“You keep promising that.”
“I mean it.”
“How can you promise something you don’t know you can do?”
“Because I will do everything I can.”
“That isn’t the same.”
“No.”
She looked at him.
“At least you’re honest.”
“I told you I wouldn’t lie to you.”
They continued deeper into the forest.
Isla looked around nervously.
“Are the hunters still following us?”
“Probably.”
Her eyes widened.
“Probably?”
“They won’t reach you.”
“How can you be sure?”
“Because they know who I am.”
“You mean they’re afraid of you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m a prince.”
“That’s not enough.”
“It is for them.”
She looked at him.
“You really are dangerous.”
“Yes.”
“But you’re not going to hurt me.”
“No.”
“How can I know?”
“You can’t.”
She sighed.
“You're impossible.”
“So I've been told.”
A faint smile touched her face.
“By who?”
“People who knew me before you.”
“Were they right?”
“Usually.”
She laughed softly.
Adrian glanced at her.
“You're laughing.”
“I know.”
“You were terrified a moment ago.”
“I still am.”
“But you're laughing.”
“Because you're strange.”
He almost smiled.
“Perhaps.”
They continued walking.
Isla suddenly stopped.
“What is that?”
Ahead of them, lights appeared through the trees.
“Valemont.”
Her steps slowed.
A massive black castle rose beyond the forest.
Its towers disappeared into the night.
Isla stared.
“That is your home?”
“Yes.”
“It looks like a graveyard.”
Adrian almost smiled.
“People have said worse.”
“You actually live there?”
“Yes.”
“With all those vampires?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t want to go inside.”
“I know.”
“Then don’t make me.”
Adrian stopped.
“What?”
“I changed my mind.”
“About what?”
“I don’t want to go in.”
“You can’t stay outside.”
“I can go somewhere else.”
“Where?”
“I don’t know.”
“Exactly.”
She shook her head.
“I don’t trust this place.”
“You don’t have to trust the castle.”
“Then what do I trust?”
“Me.”
She laughed bitterly.
“That’s the problem.”
Adrian’s expression tightened.
“I know.”
She looked at him.
“You really expect me to walk into a castle full of vampires?”
“I expect you to stay alive.”
“And you think this is the only way?”
“For tonight, yes.”
“What happens tomorrow?”
“We will figure that out.”
“You keep making decisions for me.”
“I know.”
“I hate it.”
“I know.”
“Then stop.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because if I let you leave, they will find you.”
“Maybe I can hide.”
“They already found you once.”
“I can run again.”
“You won't outrun all of them.”
She stared at him.
“Then what am I supposed to do?”
“Stay with me.”
“For how long?”
“Until you're safe.”
“And when will that be?”
“I don't know.”
She sighed.
“You really like that answer.”
“No.”
“Then stop using it.”
“I'll try.”
The castle gates opened.
Isla stepped backward.
“No.”
Adrian turned.
“What?”
“I changed my mind.”
“About what?”
“I don't want to go in.”
“You need to.”
“I said no.”
Adrian remained still.
“You don't have to trust me.”
“I don't.”
“But you have to understand something.”
“What?”
“If you stay outside, you will be alone.”
“I can handle that.”
“No, you can't.”
She glared at him.
“You don't know me.”
“I know what I saw tonight.”
“What did you see?”
“Someone trying to survive.”
“And?”
“And someone who needs protection.”
“I don't need a master.”
“I don't want to be your master.”
“Then what do you want?”
“To keep you alive.”
“Why?”
Adrian hesitated.
“I don't know.”
She stared at him.
“That answer is getting annoying.”
“I know.”
“Then give me another one.”
He stepped closer.
“Please.”
She looked into his eyes.
“You really don't want to force me.”
“No.”
“Then why won't you let me leave?”
“Because I can't watch you walk into danger.”
Her anger softened slightly.
“That sounds like a choice.”
“It is.”
“For you.”
“Yes.”
She looked toward the dark forest.
Then back at the castle.
Finally, she stepped through the gates.
The moment she entered, they slammed shut behind her.
Boom.
Isla jumped.
“They're locked.”
“Yes.”
“You said I wasn't a prisoner.”
“You aren't.”
“Then open them.”
Adrian looked at the gates.
“Not tonight.”
“Then I am a prisoner.”
“No.”
“What's the difference?”
“You are being protected.”
“Without my permission.”
Adrian fell silent.
“You're right.”
She looked surprised.
“You admit it?”
“Yes.”
“Then let me leave.”
“I can't.”
Her frustration rose.
“You keep saying that!”
“Because it is true.”
They entered the castle.
The doors opened into a huge hall.
Isla stopped.
“Everyone is staring.”
“They're curious.”
“They're vampires.”
“Yes.”
“They could kill me.”
“They won't.”
“How do you know?”
“Because I told them not to.”
“That doesn't make me feel better.”
“It should.”
“It doesn't.”
Adrian looked at the servants.
“Leave us.”
They immediately obeyed.
Isla watched them disappear.
“You're frightening.”
“I'm sorry.”
“I didn't mean you.”
“I know.”
They quietly entered the castle together.
“Where am I sleeping?”
“Your room is prepared.”
“My room?”
“Yes.”
“Not a cell?”
“No.”
“Can I leave it?”
“Yes.”
“Can I leave the castle?”
Adrian stopped.
“Not yet.”
She folded her arms.
“Then you're still keeping me here.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I don't know who else is coming.”
“And you think I should trust you?”
“No.”
“Then what do you want from me?”
Adrian looked at her.
“I want you alive.”
“Why?”
He had no answer.
Again.
That same silence.
Isla shook her head.
“You're impossible.”
“So I've been told.”
She almost smiled.
Then she remembered where she was.
“What happens tomorrow?”
“I will find out what happened in your village.”
“And my grandmother?”
“I will search for her.”
“You promise?”
“Yes.”
She looked at him for several seconds.
“Okay.”
Adrian turned to leave.
“Wait.”
He looked back.
“Will I see you tomorrow?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I said I'd protect you.”
Isla hesitated.
“Adrian?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
He nodded.
“You're welcome.”
He left.
The door closed.
Isla stood alone in the unfamiliar room.
She walked toward the window.
Far below, the castle gates remained shut.
She touched the glass.
“I want to go home.”
Outside, Adrian stood in the corridor.
He heard her voice through the door.
He closed his eyes.
He should have fel
t relieved.
She was safe.
She was inside the castle.
The hunters could no longer reach her easily.
Yet instead of relief, Adrian felt something else.
Something he could not name.
He had protected humans before.
He had saved lives before.
But this was different.
He had looked at Isla in the forest and felt an immediate need to keep her alive.
He didn't understand it.
He didn't understand why her fear bothered him.
He didn't understand why her anger had hurt.
And he certainly didn't understand why hearing her thank him made his chest feel strangely warm.
Inside the room, Isla sat on the edge of the bed.
She stared at the unfamiliar walls.
“I don't trust him,” she whispered.
But she remembered his voice.
Please.
She remembered the way he had stopped when she told him not to touch her.
She remembered how quickly he had promised not to hurt her.
And she remembered his hand holding hers.
“I don't trust him,” she repeated.
This time, the words sounded less certain.
Outside, Adrian opened his eyes.
He looked toward her door.
For the first time in centuries, the prince who had never questioned his duty found himself questioning one simple thing.
Why did he care what happened to her?
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