100 days amongst the fangs

Day 3

Fangy Kingdom: Morning

Darren and Ethan jolted awake as ice-cold water splashed over them, soaking their already disheveled clothes. The dungeon’s metallic stench and the damp chill were unrelenting, but now their misery was compounded by the mocking laughter of the vampire guards towering above them.

“Rise and shine, humans,” one of the guards sneered, his fangs glinting. His crimson eyes gleamed with malice as he kicked a nearby bucket aside.

Ethan groaned, rubbing his wrists where the silver shackles had left burns. Darren shot the guards a glare, his defiance unwavering.

“Breakfast,” another guard growled, tossing a tray of stale bread and watery soup onto the floor.

After their meager meal, the guards hauled them to the castle’s grand arena. The air there was electric, buzzing with the presence of Kael, the crown prince of the Fangy Kingdom, and his younger sister, Princess Fiona.

Kael was a towering figure with an angular face, sharp cheekbones, and a perpetual scowl that gave him a menacing aura. His raven-black hair was tied back, and his crimson eyes bore into everyone present. He carried himself with an authority that sent shivers through the humans and vampires alike.

Fiona, though equally striking, shared her brother’s cold demeanor. Her long, dark brown hair cascaded down her back, and her piercing blue eyes were framed by a look of icy disinterest. She leaned against her chair, observing the proceedings with a faint smirk.

“Let’s see what these humans are made of,” Kael announced, his deep voice reverberating through the arena.

Darren and Ethan were forced into combat against other human captives. The test was grueling—hand-to-hand combat with no weapons, designed to push them to their limits. Darren’s agile movements and brute strength earned him quick victories, while Ethan’s strategic thinking and adaptability helped him triumph over stronger opponents.

When the dust settled, Darren and Ethan stood victorious. Kael’s lips curled into a faint, predatory smile as he descended into the arena, his heavy boots echoing ominously.

The two men were brought before him, now dressed in dark uniforms marking them as guards. Kael circled them slowly, his gaze predatory, as though he were assessing cattle.

“You’ll serve well,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “But remember, you belong to me now.” His words dripped with cold authority, sending a chill down their spines.

Fiona stepped forward, her eyes fixed on Ethan. “This one interests me,” she declared, her tone lighter but no less commanding. “He’ll be my personal guard.”

Kael raised an eyebrow but didn’t object. He turned to Darren. “And you’ll serve as a parole guard. See to it that you prove your worth.”

With that, the two were dismissed, though the weight of Kael’s presence lingered heavily in their minds.

***

Veenise Kingdom: Morning

In the servants’ quarters, Alina and Nora were roused before dawn by the bustling of the other human servants. The room was a hive of activity as women hurried to prepare for their duties.

“Wake up, you two,” a kindly servant urged. “You don’t want to be caught unprepared.”

Alina and Nora washed quickly in the communal bath and joined the others for a modest breakfast of bread and fruits. The atmosphere was tense, each servant focused on ensuring they were ready to serve the royal family.

By the time they were dressed in plain but neat uniforms, the other servants had left for their respective duties, leaving Alina and Nora alone.

Nora took a long stare at Alina.

“You'll bore a hole through me, " she said. “ Let's be brave, " she continued in a reassuring manner, fear screaming on her face. “ I don't know when or how or where but I'm sure at the end he is safe, " she smiled at Nora who's close to tears. “As long as we are careful of Loiri, they said. Alina added.

“Liora, Nora corrected. “You couldn't even spell out the name well, " she teased. Her gaze returned worried and sad, “I hope so, Alina. “I'm scared of the uncertainty here, the fate we hold here, I'm worried about Ethan and Darren. We aren't sure of their situations. Are they dead, alive or -or- I don't know, she broke down in tears.

Alina watched as her ever cheerful friend shed bitter tears for a long time. She couldn't help but weep softly and said a little prayer not audible enough for Nora to hear. And like what they dreaded came true, the doors burst open, and in strolled Liora, her mischievous grin lighting up the room. Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders, and her violet eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at the two.

“Well, aren’t you two a sight?” she teased, her voice dripping with mockery. “Wipe those tears, , you're safe here, " she scoffed again. “Fresh meat for the royal family. I suppose she grinned.I wonder how long you’ll last.”

Alina glared at her but bit her tongue. Nora shrank slightly under Liora’s piercing gaze.

“Come along,” Liora said, gesturing for them to follow. “The king and queen are waiting.”

---

The Royal Family

The throne room was a masterpiece of gothic architecture, with high vaulted ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows casting colorful patterns on the marble floor. King Aldric sat on a grand throne, his presence commanding. His graying black hair and deep-set emerald eyes gave him a regal yet intimidating air. Beside him was Queen Seraphine, her golden-blond hair styled in elegant waves, and her striking beauty softened by a calm, maternal aura.

The rest of the royal family stood to the side—Prince Eric, the crown prince, with his imposing stature and piercing green eyes; Cassian, the youngest prince, with his blond hair and friendly demeanor; and the twins, Lyra and Liora.

As Alina and Nora entered, Aldric frowned. “Liora,” he said sternly, “I told you to stay away from the new intakes. Your behavior is unbecoming of a princess.”

Liora rolled her eyes but said nothing, stepping back as the king addressed the newcomers.

After a moment of deliberation, Aldric assigned Alina to serve Aric.

“Father, I have no interest in taking a new servant yet. Aric said politely. His expression remained stoic, though a flicker of annoyance crossed his face.

“Then find one, " Aldric replied. “There's a lot on the desk, you need to be assisted, you can't go about fending for yourself forever because of a decade long mistake.Also the blood moon is around the corner, this makes it easier. He said pointing at Alina.

“It’s been years since I’ve had a personal servant,” Aric said evenly.

“Of course and more reason you need one,” Aldric replied. “ Any further objections to the crown prince of Veenise? He asked, definitely not expecting a reply. He got none, let out an inaudible purr and moved his attention to Nora. “You weaklings seem quite young. Tell me how many years have you?

“A 2 and 2, your highness. Nora replied shyly, her head still bowing.

“Interesting, he said. ‘And who takes on the mantle of your servitude? He asked again unsure.

“Father, I wa…

“ I ask for nothing from you, Liora. Definitely not you!!! He let out a loud growl shutting up liora. This shows a hint of displeasure towards her behavior.

“ Well, since Lyra still has her own, I would love to take her, father. Cassian said .

“Perfect! She goes with you. He replied.

Their act of service starts immediately. He concluded leaving the gall with his queen.

“I would love to take her , father. Liora mimicked Cassian out of jealousy. “Little brother, isn't it daring to think you can protect her from my gripping fangs? You amuse me honey, she teased and walked away.

“Uhm, your name, Cassian asked.

“Nora, my Lord.

“Nora, pay her no mind, it's all bluff, okay? He said, trying to reassure her.

“It's no bluff, missy. She's dangerous, be weary of her. Aric laid emphasis on the word weary and left the room while Alina followed suit.

Lyra smiled. “You've got this, little bro”

“Really??? Cassian exclaimed

***

Alina quietly followed Aric to his chambers without saying a word. His cold aura sends shivers to her spine at every turn they take leading to his chamber. Different thoughts ran through her mind. Is he like Liora or just pretending, or maybe worse. What does faith hold for me? What's the blood moon?. Her thoughts were cut short by the creaking sound of the door, as they made their way inside ,a grand room with dark, luxurious furnishings. The walls were lined with shelves of ancient tomes, and a large desk sat near a window overlooking the castle grounds.

Alina stood awkwardly near the door, her eyes darting around the room. She resisted the urge to touch anything but couldn’t help marveling at the rich decor.

“What are you doing?” he asked. His voice is deep and intimidating.

Alina jumped, turning to see Aric looking at her askance. His piercing gaze bore into her, and she felt her cheeks flush.

“I-I was carried away,” she stammered. “I'm sorry my Lord.

Aric raised an eyebrow but said nothing more as he took some more steps into the room. He came out almost immediately with a sheet of paper that looked old.

“Here, he stretched forth the paper and took a walk back into the inner chamber he came out from.

Alina looked through the sheet with her and read the contents. It was the daily routine and list of tasks to be done for him. But one thing stood out, “every last Fridays of the full moon No servitudes”

***

Meanwhile, Nora found herself pleasantly surprised by Cassian’s kindness. His chambers were less intimidating, filled with warm lighting and playful decor.

“This is assuring at least, away from Liora’s piercing look for a while”Nora muttered to herself.

“You know I can hear you, right. Cassian teased. He turned swiftly to catch her gaze and smirked. “All of our senses are a bit heightened from humans,” he said again. “Be careful” he winked before resuming his steps towards his fluffy couch. He sat heavily sinking into the couch, Nora was still standing halfway the room scanning through antiques and figurines in the rooms.

Unknowingly, she let out a little scoff.

“I can hear that too, he teased again. “ So, Nora ... .he called, rubbing his index finger on his forehead, “what can you do for me?

“I'm always at your service, my lord. Nora replied, moving further into the room. “What is it you'd like me to do, " she asked.

“Let's play a game of cards for a start, " he said sitting upright.

Nora looked surprised. She was expecting something else, something more tasky, not a game. What if someone walks in? she thought again, “isn't this against the rule”

“No, it's not and what if it is? He replied, gesturing to her to come take a seat before him. Nora took a baby step towards him with her hands locked together in front of her.

“Come , " he gestured again, smiling , showing off his fangs. “Here's how it's done, " he said , placing the cards on the desk between them. Although Nora was reluctant, Cassian insisted on showing her the card game, explaining the rules with enthusiasm.

“You’re not like the others,” Nora said, smiling. “You read my thoughts, too? She added.

Cassian grinned. “I like to think I’m the fun one in the family and yeah we do, more reason I warned you earlier”.

“Now , I know better, She smiled. “I meant I read it in history books but they never mentioned mind reading as part of your superpowers” she explained further.

“You can't know the real history if you’ve never lived in it," Cassian replied .

As the day went on, Nora felt a growing sense of ease around Cassian, though the weight of their predicament remained in the back of her mind.

***

As night fell, Alina and Nora lay in their respective chambers, their thoughts consumed by worry for Darren and Ethan and their new car of service.

“I'm scared, " Alina started staring at the ceiling of the chamber. “Prince Aric…. I'm beginning to think he could be more dangerous than Princess Liora, she whispered.

“What makes you think so? Nora asked in a husky voice.

“ He only said a few words to me today, with a stern look. He's not welcoming, She pouted. “ I hope I'm not in deep s**t!

“Hushhhh, they can hear us. Nora cautioned.

“Oh, that's right, Alina said. “ How's Prince Cassian treating you? He seems nice and friendly. She asked jealousy.

“Yes, he is. She replied grinning from ear to ear. “ We played a card game today and he made me win,” she said again.

“Lucky you, Alina rolled her eyes in jealousy. “It would be in my dreams” ugh!!

“Do you think they’re okay?” Nora whispered changing the topic

“I hope so,” Alina replied.