° Chapter. 22

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Vampires; where did they come from? When did they first become known? Did these creatures appear by mistake; or were they designed to be the monsters they were? To understand this tale of blood and confusion, we must first turn to the long history that has been passed down through generations of Vampires; told by Vampires themselves.

Our story begins many aeons ago – back to the year 18,000 BC during the Mesolithic period; when human intelligence reached the stage of manufacturing stone materials and tools – alongside mankind becoming adept hunters to fill the bellies of themselves and their families. It was somewhat of a simple time, but it was a time of great change; change that was never recorded or fully understood by humankind.

This change began in an unknown location, but speculation and wonder points to somewhere in modern day Europe; albeit, confirmation has never been conclusive. Word of mouth spoke of a group of humans – rather, a 'cult' of humans residing in a village of approximately 80 souls, who all began worshipping what they blindly believed to be an almighty and powerful God. Through their sheer ignorance and lack of intuitiveness, they summoned not a God; but a sanguinem daemonium – a blood demon from the realms of the Netherworld. The sanguinem daemonium was sly, insidious and most malevolent as he used the group of human's stupidity to his own advantage; making them think that he was truly a God.

The demon spoke of an offer; one he knew that the humans would never be able to refuse. He dangled the idea of eternal life in front of them – immeasurable strength and great powers fuelled by hellfire from the Netherworld. He babbled about the worldly knowledge and intelligence they would gain as he informed the humans that there was an entire world to be discovered. And, as if the humans weren't already tempted by the demons delicious offer; he also promised to create an army for them to use at their disposal – however they pleased. But, as with any deal; both sides must receive something in order for it to be fair.

"All I require in return, is your allegiance to me…and your souls" the demons dark eyes glistened beneath the stars of the night sky in the deep woods where the humans had called for him. However, he omitted to tell the humans the other half of his price. In agreement to the trade, the humans would no longer be 'human' – rather, they would become Vampires. For eternity and a day, they would roam the earth with an unquenchable thirst for blood. Not only that, but the blood demon made it so Vampires wouldn't be able to set foot into the light of day and enjoy the sunshine on their skins; as doing so would immediately cause them to burst into flames. And the final thing he purposefully didn't mention; was that they would be answering directly to the sanguinem daemonium as their King of the Netherworld.

The humans were greedy for all that the demon promised them, and the notion of eternal life, a whole new world to be found and an army that answered to them far outweighed the cost of their souls. In agreement with the sanguinem daemonium, the deal was made – and the humans were turned into Vampires, while the demon used their souls to place hell's own children to walk upon the earth; the very first generation of what we know today, as 'Royal Vampires' – regium, from royal blood. The demon made these Royal Vampires in the image and likeness of humans - making them different races and such, but with all the demonic prowess that the Netherworld possessed. Unfortunately, this part of the tale doesn't end well for our gluttonous humans; for as soon as the sun awoke the next day, they perished in her glorious rays – and the blood demons laughter could surely have been heard from the Netherworld.

Royal Vampires from the Netherworld began emerging all over the earth thanks to the blood demons trade. For many years to come, these hellish Vampires stalked unsuspecting humans in many regions and continents – sweeping across nations and terrorising the lives of many innocents; all while the blood they spilled indirectly gave the blood demon even more power. The population of Royal Vampires grew at an unprecedented rate – as procreation amongst themselves wasn't a problem. Vampiric genetics were vastly superior to humankind; as essentially, inbreeding didn't cause hereditary deformities as it did with humans. Thus, the population of Vampires grew, becoming stronger and stronger; meaning that humans were quickly becoming outnumbered against something they could never hope to defeat.

However, in a world where there is evil; if one looks hard enough, one can always find the good. Situated in the modern day location of South Korea, the eastern Asian Royal Vampiric family – the Jeon's; began what could best be described as a revolution. Jeon Taejo, Jeon Jungkook's grandfather, was viewed by a large amount of other Royal Vampires as a King with his philosophy of life being meant for all living things; including humans, alongside Vampires. After many years of slaughtering humans for his survival, Taejo began to doubt his way of living; as he had found the friendships and bonds with humans to be unlike any other. As a family, the Jeon's declared that they believed killing mankind wasn't the correct way to live; and they called upon many others to join them in their fight to live peacefully off the blood of livestock, rather than subject humans to the pain and misery that they had experienced for the longest of times. Whispers informed other Royal Vampires across the globe of the great Jeon Taejo – even reaching the ears of humani generis – humans that had become Vampires by being bitten. However, Taejo could not declare himself as a King; for the blood demon owned his soul along with the souls of every other Vampiric being on earth.

Filled with honour and strength, Taejo took it upon himself to summon the sanguinem daemonium to conduct a 'business deal' – for ALL Vampires to no longer be hell's slaves; for each Vampiric soul to be returned to its rightful owner. The blood demon knew of Jungkook's grandfather's plans already, but he decided to entertain his speech. Taejo demanded that every Vampire's soul be returned to them – whilst also allowing them to freely enjoy and bask in the sunlight…and also demanding that they never thirst for blood again. The sanguinem daemonium let out a vicious laugh at Taejo's last request, saying;

"You wish to deny me of the very thing my Vampiric soldiers do to keep my power alive in the Netherworld? Nonsense! I refuse to meet your terms at this value…Vampires will ALWAYS thirst for blood – and that is my final word on the matter. Why should I give you anything?" the demon chuckled impishly at Taejo in the candlelit room of the Jeon Manor plot in its former days.

Taejo stood his ground as he faced the demon head on and without fear. "It's in your best interests to at least barter with me, demon. For if you deny me once more, I can assure you that I will lead an uprising; your soldiers will rally to my side and we will bring the fight to hell's gates if necessary…"

The demon replied "I will return to you, your souls – along with the freedom to dwell in your precious sunlight. But…not without something in return" he spoke immediately, as the demon knew of the influence and power that Taejo held amongst Vampires. Unlike the humans he had once tricked, the demon knew he could not trick or outsmart his own creation. If he wanted to remain in the Netherworld with power from the blood harvested by Vampires; he would have to at least compromise with Taejo.

"Speak, demon – do not waste my time with your lengthy babble!" Taejo flicked his long, dark hair from his forehead as he glared at the demon in his eyes.

"I require the next most powerful thing to a soul…I demand; your emotions" he grinned perversely, "But be warned; this offer only lasts for the next few moments. Whether you agree to accept or decline…afterwards, I will return to the Netherworld – and I will never respond to a summons again" the demon vowed in fear of being called again in the future to whittle down his bargain even further.

Finding himself stuck between a damning rock and a hard place, Taejo spoke for all Vampires – surrendering their emotions; in exchange for their freedom. The sanguinem daemonium sealed the deal with a nod of his head, giving Taejo and every single Vampire their souls, before he vowed never to respond when summoned again; taking Vampire's emotions back to the Netherworld in his stride.

Although left completely emotionless, Vampires still had their free-will fully intact, which didn't change their views and philosophies towards humans. However, not everything was rosy in the garden; for thereafter, came a divide. Most Vampires celebrated and agreed with Jeon Taejo; making him the first King of the new 'Eternal Kingdom' – free of hells chains. But, a portion of Vampires still lusted after the taste of human blood. Taejo then coined these individuals as 'rogues', and for centuries; good tried to battle evil to live peacefully on earth.

Our story takes a new turn at this point, as throughout the centuries after Taejo's deal with sanguinem daemonium, a new being was discovered. It has never been truly known how this being came to be, as it existed in a pure, human form. However, popular belief amongst Vampires was, and still is, that this being came from a heavenly body; a direct parallel to Vampires being original products of the Netherworld. These beings that were brought to Taejo's attention proved to be able to return lost emotions to Vampires with a mere single touch of their hand. With his emotions back, and him being smart and quick in his ways, Taejo saw these beings as a commodity to all Vampires and humans alike as he worked alongside them; getting them to touch Vampires and rogue Vampires – to help them to see the error of their ways. Essentially, these beings could somehow convert these rogues back into emotional, sentient beings; helping to tame them and eliminate the threat they posed to humans. Although these amazing beings held such a tender yet formidable power – their true powers were never fully known. All that was known was they held the ability to tame Vampires – to give them the emotional strength of a human.

Jungkook's grandfather, Jeon Taejo, graced these beings with the name 'domitor' – tamer, in the common tongue. For many years to come, domitor's would instil emotions into every Vampire they came into contact with;…a domitor, the tamer of Vampires.

As the world moved forward, rogues all but ceased to exist in mass numbers and domitor's eventually dwindled in number too, as there was no longer a divine need for them in the world. It came to be that, if any Vampire did decide to turn rogue, all that needed to be done was the obvious; to eliminate them or imprison for their crimes against humanity. Jeon Taejo's son, Jeon Jeonju went on to take his father's place as King – marrying Princess Serrena D'Avalos and making her his Queen. Both King and Queen were – and still remain avid supporters of Vampires and humans sharing the same world in harmony. With the emergence of modern technology (thanks to the sheer intelligence and progression of Vampires) they were able to create a way to synthetically manufacture blood; so that no sentient being was harmed in order for Vampires to exist. Jeonju and Serrena brought their three children up – Hyeja, Chaewon, and Jungkook with the same philosophies; right through to the present day…

"…I suppose I've just left you with more questions, rather than answering anything at all" Serrena noticed your rather astonished looking face, after what seemed to you like you had just been read a bedtime fairy-tale. Since she had began spilling the many secrets of Vampires to you – Taehyung and Jimin had returned to their seats after refilling everyone's coffee cups; while every Vampire in the kitchen listened closely to Serrena's tale. While Jungkook and the others knew somewhat of the details of their own history, a lot of it had seemingly been left out or omitted through the passing of time. Essentially, you weren't the only one learning about new things; for this was the first time Jungkook, his sisters and their husbands, along with Taehyung and Jimin had ever heard of a domitor.

"So…okay," you took a deep breath as you looked to the ceiling, attempting to gather all of your loose thoughts. "Jungkook's grandfather, Taejo…technically, he was never born? As in, he just came straight from the Netherworld?" you couldn't believe such words were passing your lips.

"Correct. This is why we are regium – Royal Vampires. Our blood would be considered 'pure' – whereas Taehyung, for example, would be considered humani generis – from human descent, as his family first became Vampires many moons ago after being bitten by a rogue. Our family saved them and nourished them accordingly – making them tied to us as a type of 'family bond' in a sense" Serrena smiled as you looked to Taehyung, seeing him nodding reassuringly in turn.

"So, they're not actually related…" you concluded in your own terms as you understood the logic behind the closeness of their families at long last.

"You said that Vampires were left without emotions after receiving their souls back…and then something about a do…domitor, was it? I'm assuming you've all had your emotions returned to you then?" was your next question, as your eyes flicked to Jungkook. Admittedly, you were nervous for the answer; as you dreaded to think that Jungkook had been lying to you every time he told you that he loved you. "Surely, if he can't feel emotions, it's impossible to love…" you bit your lip gently out of pure anxiety.  Jungkook picked up on your sentiments immediately, as he hid a worried look in response.

"Actually, up until quite recently – only myself and Serrena out of us here had been touched by a domitor, back when we were very young" Jeonju chuckled to his wife as she gave him a gleaming smile of endearment.

"Yes – I believe it was during the summer of my six-hundred and sixth birthday!" she joked back with him – with you being amazed that they had just referred to such an age as being 'very young.' However, you found yourself lamenting in a state of hesitation and confusion – wondering whether Jungkook had received his emotions before or after telling you his 'feelings' for you.

"Jungkook…is this true? You – you didn't have any real feelings? When did this domitor touch you? How could that even happen when your mother said that domitors basically became extinct after Vampires gained control of the rogue situation?" the apparent mistrust was more that obvious in your voice as you let dispute begin to fill you from your ankles up. Jungkook – with his eyes directly fixated on you, never let his stare waver as he spoke from his heart; feeling more at ease now that he knew exactly the reason why you had given him the ardent gift of emotions. Ever since you first touched Jungkook a few weeks ago at his Manor, you had become somewhat of a grand puzzle to him. As he took you by your hand and led you into his world, he had begun placing together each puzzle piece to get a better understanding of your true beauty and wonder. And – while he still had a fair way to go before the puzzle was complete, Jungkook felt like he was finally starting to see you for what you truly were; a magnificent female human who had saved him in every way imaginable, and against all odds, too.

"When I first met you over eight months ago…you're right in thinking that no, I did not possess any emotions, feelings or the likes. I had lived four-hundred years trying to imitate human emotions to assimilate normal human behaviour for the sake of my father's work in manufacturing blood. But, on the night you came to the Manor to return my wallet…when I felt your touch…" his eyes glistened as you felt your heartbeat quicken at the memory of him kissing you so passionately for the first time. "…it was like I had been reborn with life flowing through these barren veins of mine. And, perhaps the most wonderful thing in all of this is; the person who gave me the ability to love…is the person whom I fell in love with – the person whom I want to love until my end of days" his voice was reduced to all but a mere, loving whisper.

Under normal circumstances, your heart would have swollen to the size of a balloon in your chest and burst at the seams upon hearing Jungkook's tender-hearted words. Even Serrena and the rest of Jungkook's family were in pleasant shock at viewing just how gentle-natured Jungkook was with you. However, the softness of his words weren't enough to mask the fact that he had just told you that you had returned his emotions to him; causing you to sit back in your chair and look at him as if he had just grown a second head.

"Wait – huh? I….what did you just say?"

Jungkook's lips curled into a gentle grin as he leaned a little closer to you, with your hand still being in his the entire time. "(Y/N), I was touched by a domitor the first night you ever came to the Manor. That domitor…is you"

You stared blankly in response; knowing that everyone's eyes were on you to gauge your reaction. To say that it had been the most eventful night of your life thus far would have been quite a comedic understatement. Not only did Vampires exist and not only was it true that your parent's perished because of one; you had unknowingly been working for them for the past eight months. And on top of that, you had been dating one, too. Finally, as if your life couldn't have become any more complicated; Jungkook was now telling you that you were a domitor – someone who held the power to physically give Vampires their emotions back to them.

"Uh…" was all you could utter as you continued giving him a look of complete befuddlement. You wanted to tell him that perhaps he had gotten you confused with someone else. You wanted to address them all and say that there's no way that you could be a domitor; for you were nothing more than just a normal human being.

"But I…I'm just regular (Y/N); there's nothing strange or extraordinary like that about me. Surely, I would have known? Surely I would have felt it too? If I truly am a domitor, then don't you think my parents or someone would have told me about it? And anyway, Serrena said they had all died out…it doesn't make sense" you panned your eyes to the ground before looking in all directions around the room.

"My dear sweet child, you can rest assured knowing that you are in fact a domitor – and a very powerful one at that" Serrena spoke up again, catching your attention. "You may not feel anything when you touch us; but my goodness, it's like having wondrous jolts of life pumped into you. I suppose in layman's terms, it's similar to the feeling a human would get in the midst of an adrenaline rush; the feeling of being alive. I would never forget such a sensation."

"We all felt it when you touched us, (Y/N). Even though I had already previously 'unlocked' my emotional capability, due to the remnants of human DNA in my build-up…still, the feeling was nothing short of spectacular" Taehyung added from across the table.

"Wait – so you're saying that…I gave all of you…your emotions?" you narrowed your brows as you couldn't quite comprehend that you had done such a thing.

"Everyone bar mother and father…yes" Jungkook murmured softly beside you as he gave your hand a reassuring squeeze. He thought about telling you that the extent of your power had proven to speed up the process of Jimin's natum lamia state; but he concluded that perhaps – given the circumstances, there was more important things for you to understand before the finer details be explained to you.

"As for your other query…I'm afraid that none of us would be able to draw a conclusion as to why you are a surviving domitor. It could be – perhaps, that it skipped many generations. I can't know for sure, but I'm assuming that your mother and father weren't domitors – or your brother for that matter…especially when we take into account what Yoongi did, and what he was just about to do to your brother as well" Jeonju treaded carefully on the subject of your parents – as the damning notion of Yoongi and what he did returned to you. "(Y/N), sometimes we don't know why things happen when they do. All we can do is play the cards we've been dealt" he added gently, giving you a warm, father-like smile. Admittedly, it was all proving to be almost too much for you; but there was one thing Jeonju said that struck you as unnerving; and it sent chills running down your back.

"…what do you mean by 'taking into account what Yoongi did'? What does me being a domitor have to do with Yoongi?" you asked, seeing Jeonju flash a look you couldn't read to Serrena, before Serrena glanced at Jungkook, and finally landing her eyes on you.

"After the delightful little chat I had with Yoongi tonight, it appears that he is very much aware of what you are. However, I don't believe he knows the full extent of your capabilities. This might be difficult for you to hear (Y/N) – so I'll just be frank with you" she paused – while Jungkook slid his arm around your shoulders in a rather protective fashion; dreading what his mother would say next.

"I think, perhaps, Yoongi knew about you being a domitor before he took your parent's lives. The likelihood of you even remembering coming into contact with him as a child would be little to none. I can't know for sure, and this is just pure speculation; but I believe that Yoongi had planned on kidnapping you after eliminating your parents and brother – to take you and use your powers for his own gain"

You blinked over and over – your eyes feeling dry and sore from the headache that formed behind them. "That doesn't even make sense though. Use me for his own gain? What does that even mean? And how would he have known I was a domitor?"

"By simply touching you. He might not have known what it was at first…but it's not hard to find out if you have dark connections in all the right places. Yoongi had and has plenty of those" Jungkook spoke up as his eyes wandered to your hands, thinking back to the three other rogues that graced the ball with their presence.

"Exactly. He may have simply bumped into you by accident. It could have been the day before he decided to murder your parents, a week before…who knows. But it was absolutely premeditated. We knew that much from the beginning…we just didn't know why, until now." Serrena added as you began feeling helpless once again in the wake of knowing that you had already crossed paths with Yoongi before the devastation he would cause you in the future.

"Yoongi likes to think of himself as an intellectual; however, I'm afraid he doesn't have all the angles." You watched as Serrena crossed one leg back over the other.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, for instance – he had no idea that a domitor can speed up the process of turning a natum lamia into a fully fledged Vampire and –"

"A what?" you interrupted her at the sound of a new and unfamiliar term to you. Without hesitation, Jungkook quickly explained to you that natum lamia meant newborn vampire in the common tongue. From the explanation he gave you, you had come to understand that natum lamia was basically the stage between a human being bitten and becoming a Vampire. Jungkook had also informed you that Jimin was a natum lamia who had been bitten by Yoongi – until you touched him earlier on before the ball and making his transition into a Vampire complete. "He…he bit Jimin and just left him for dead like that…" you winced as you flashed Jimin a look of sorrow; yet, he returned a silent smile to you – as if to say "Thank you, (Y/N)"

After Jungkook's explanation, Serrena continued, "Going back to what I was saying, there are things about your powers that Yoongi doesn't know. However, he may have information that we do not possess, either. As far as I was aware, domitor's only held the power to restore emotions…I only learned tonight that you could help natum lamia's too. I believe that Yoongi…intends to take you and force you to use your power in some other way; what he intends to use it for? Well my dear…frankly, I have no idea."

"But there's one thing you can be assured of" Taehyung caught everyone's attention as he kept his eyes fixed on his hands on the table in front of him – his mind swirling with his brother's face, the face he would once have done anything for. "Whatever he intends to use (Y/N) for…no good will come of it." He whispered as he raised his eyes to meet yours; knowing that you were still blissfully unaware that Yoongi was in fact his brother.

Once again, silence took over the atmosphere as you and the rest of Jungkook's family sat with your thoughts leaving trails of ash in their fiery wakes. The mere thought alone of Yoongi terrified you; his sinister stare coming from his vicious eyes, the life he had ruined for you…and now; he was threatening your own future too. Jungkook knew that you were terrified – even now as you sat beside him and clutched on to his hand like a fearful child. He swallowed back the lump that had formed in his throat, thinking to himself that it was perhaps best to offer for you to turn in for the night; when Hyeja spoke up.

"Mother…what would happen if, hypothetically, a domitor was bitten and turned into a –"

"Hyeja…really?" Jungkook cut his eldest sister off mid-sentence.

"I said hypothetically! I wasn't suggesting that –"

Jungkook stood up immediately – almost scaring the life out of you as he slammed his hands down on the oak table, causing all of the coffee mugs to jolt from his forceful impact.

"Silence! I forbid such talk in my Manor…and you will do well to remember whose house you're currently in, sister" Jungkook's eyes burned into the back of Hyeja's head as she challenged him.

"Well – what if that's what Yoongi wants?! He obviously doesn't want her to use her for good, brother" she sneered back at him as she stood up to meet his gaze. "We can't just sit here like fearful little lambs. We must explore every possible route – for (Y/N)'s sake"

"I said be quiet!" Jungkook's powerful baritone voice shook the glass in the windows and rattled the furniture as he bellowed back in pure frustration at his sister. You sat in your chair as you looked up at Jungkook's face, seeing it twisted in anger as Hyeja pretty much mirrored it back to him while they proceeded to continue firing back useless insults at each other. "Why would the thought of me being a Vampire cause him to be so hateful?" you questioned to yourself silently.

"Enough of this!" Serrena stood up, silencing her two children. "Don't you think this poor child has been through enough tonight without you two locking horns and screaming the Manor down? What use is this? You're scaring her! Both of you – sit down and stop behaving like immature cretins…I won't ask a second time. Sit. Down" Serrena never shouted at them, but her voice was fierce and authoritative enough to stop both Jungkook and Hyeja in their tracks. Knowing that he had absolutely no chance of winning an argument with his own mother, Jungkook slumped back down into the chair beside you – stewing in his pot that Hyeja would even dare to bring up such a subject.

"(Y/N) – as I have already told you; no one in this room intends to hurt you. Furthermore, no one in this room wishes to poison you with our venom to turn you into one of us" Serrena spoke directly to you as she sat down – also while keeping her attention on Jungkook and Hyeja in case they were to suddenly start sparring again. "But, the issue here is – Hyeja's query isn't one we should ignore. Because the fact of the matter is…in all my years of living, with all of my years of experience; I have come across countless domitor's, more than I could even begin to count. But never once were there any cases of a domitor becoming a Vampire. Essentially – it's simply uncharted territory"

Jungkook almost squirmed in his seat as he nearly had to physically bite his tongue in order to not speak back against the Queen. What he wasn't expecting, however, was for you to speak up and offer your own insights.

"…so what you're saying is; no one knows how a domitor's powers could evolve if a domitor became a Vampire. And maybe, Yoongi might have a theory or two…and wants to test them out on me?" your voice was flat as you faced the graveness of what Yoongi might have planned to use you for.

"Exactly" Jeonju replied, tapping his index finger along an old indent in the table.

Taehyung raised his head as he wet his lips, not able to hold in his own thoughts for a moment longer. "If I may – I'd like to offer some of my own insights for a moment" he requested, to which Serrena nodded; while Jungkook rolled his eyes to the back of his head – absolutely hating the fact that the subject of you being a Vampire was even being discussed.

"When a human gets bitten by a Vampire – the Vampiric venom or poison, if you will, is pumped into the human's blood stream. For the sake of your lack of knowledge on this topic, (Y/N), it's important for you to know that human DNA is essentially broken down and rebuilt by the antibodies and poison that Vampire venom carries. Think of it like a battle, (Y/N). If Vampire DNA and human DNA were to go to war, Vampire DNA would always win due to its superior genetics. That is why humans become natum lamia, as this stage is like 'the war' inside a humans body. Ultimately, your cells try to fight against the venom, but the venom will always win and have full control over the human. Thus, we have the transition from human, to natum lamia…to Vampire" he paused as you soaked his words up like a sponge.

"So, I'm guessing that this process would be different in the case of a domitor?" you asked, much to Jungkook's frustration as you watched him cross his arms and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Bingo – it would have to be different. I have no solid information, but from what I have personally concluded…if you were to be bitten, per se…it could either go one of three ways" he leaned forward on the table as even Jungkook raised his head to hear Taehyung's deductions.

"You, my dear, possess both human DNA and domitor DNA – this is a fact. If a Vampire were to inject their poison into you, you would have not only your human cells fighting it; but the domitor cells, too. They could either, one – fight the venom and cancel it out…or two – they could mutate with it. And my darling, if the latter were to happen – if Vampire DNA and domitor DNA were to mix perfectly…well, there's no telling what kind of abilities you would posses then. You could possibly become a new breed of Vampire. And that, is what I think Yoongi might be hoping for…" he trailed off, letting the notion of you possessing a power far greater than the average Vampire settle in your mind.

"…and the third way? You said it could go one of three ways" you prompted him.

"…the third way would be…due to your body having to work so hard to fight the venom or mutate with it…it could prove to be too much for you to handle" Taehyung let his voice drop as Jungkook looked to you, seeing nothing less than pure fear habituate your features.

"…meaning; you would die." Jungkook's gravelly, low toned voice flooded your mind as you returned his gaze – feeling your heartbeat stop and start at the same time.

"But please be assured – you are safe here, (Y/N). Yoongi cannot step foot inside the Manor grounds as he would need permission from Jungkook to enter. It's part of our Vampiric creed; no being other than a Royal Vampire can walk on sacred, holy Vampire ground without the owner's permission. Jungkook willingly allowed you in – as he did Taehyung and Jimin. Yoongi would need verbal confirmation from Jungkook…and that's something that will certainly never happen" Jeonju's voice was deathly serious as he spoke.

"Where is Yoongi now, though? I mean – surely, because of what he did…" you trailed off, knowing that he had murdered your parents with intent to kill your brother and capture you, on top of biting Jimin and leaving him for dead.

Serrena smiled as she gestured to her mobile phone that was laying a few inches to her left on the table. "I received confirmation just before we landed in the helicopter that Yoongi had been safely returned to his parent's Mansion and has since been secured in his holding cell below ground. He will be put to trial in front of a selection of high ranking Royal Vampires and be judged accordingly for his sins" Serrena paused, giving Taehyung a look of empathy in preparation for her next words. "Yoongi was given a chance thirteen years ago to live out the rest of his days in solitary confinement. But now; he will absolutely be taken apart for his crimes. In other words, (Y/N); Yoongi will receive the harshest form of atonement – a death sentence" she kept her face completely emotionless as she turned away from Taehyung. Taehyung – although he immensely disliked his brother for the choices he made and the things he had done to him and others; he couldn't deny the fact that at the end of the day, Yoongi was still his only brother. Taehyung had lived in the hope for many years that one day, Yoongi would be able to see the error of his ways – for deep down inside, he loved his brother dearly.

"…so, I'm alright to leave the Manor and continue going to work in the meantime then?" you piped up, trying to remain positive despite the heaviness of the situation.

"Absolutely not" Jungkook looked at you as if you were the one who had just grown an extra head this time. "The trial could take anywhere up to a month to be finished and for his sentence to be declared. Yoongi broke out of his confinements once to track you down…I have no doubt in my mind that he will do it again"

"You mean I'm basically a prisoner here for however long it takes to sentence him?" you squinted your eyes at Jungkook as you grew impatient at the patronising tone of voice he conversed with. You knew that Jungkook must have been under a lot of stress; but it was nothing compared to what you had to deal with now that everything had finally come to light.

"Prisoner?" Jungkook repeated your harsh choice of word to you, looking at you in disbelief. "(Y/N) – if you go out and Yoongi manages to get a hold of you…you'll be more than just a prisoner. If…if he were to bite you and turn you…he'd be your damn lord and master and there isn't a thing you or I could do about it!"

In the midst of you opening your mouth to try and further reason with him, Jungkook spoke up once more. "No – this discussion is over. You will stay here until Yoongi has been put down. That's my final word on the matter; whether you like it or not" he didn't mean for his words to sound as caustic as they did, but his voice grew louder towards the end of his sentence. "I'm trying to protect you, (Y/N). I'm trying to keep that bastard as far away from you as possible" he screamed internally.

"Whether I like it or not? Excuse me?" you chuckled sarcastically as you shook your head at him. "Jungkook – you don't own me. You are not my 'lord and master' – as you so put it. I don't have to do anything you say. You may be my boyfriend, and you may have my best interests at heart…but you can't just order me around like you would someone in your office. That's not how this works" you fired back at him in the heat of the moment, seeing him narrow his eyes in pure frustration.

"It's for your own good, (Y/N)! Why are you being so insolent? Can't you see that I…" he let his words fall into thin air, before standing on his feet and looking down at you from his height. "You know what? Fine – have it your way. Excuse me" his voice was as cold as chilly December nights. You watched him turn on his heel as he proceeded to storm out of the kitchen – hearing him walk down the hallway before taking the stairs up two at a time; and finally, hearing the sound of his bedroom door slam that echoed throughout the Manor. You didn't even realise it, but your breathing had since become laboured as you knew he was right about everything; you just didn't like the way he was speaking to you. You knew now the reason why Jungkook had always seemed so cold and strange to you at times; he had, after all, lived hundreds of years being an emotionless vessel of a Vampire. As much as being in love was new to you; it was also new to him. "Ugh…I was too pig-headed…but so were you. Why did you have to talk to me like I was some damsel in distress that needed saving?" you let out a heavy, tired sigh as you turned sheepishly to see everyone staring right at you.

"Oh dear, it seems the Prince has thrown his toys out of the pram and stormed like an angtsy little teenager to his room" Chaewon muttered under her breath as Hyeja and Taehyung chuckled at the truth of her words. However, her words reminded you of something you had completely forgotten about – and it shook you right to your core. "Prince?! Fuck! That's right!" you let your mouth hang wide open as swung your head around to Serrena.

"I…Prince…I completely forgot…you…you're all Royals?" you almost stuttered as you then remembered having called Serrena a bitch earlier while you held a knife in front of her. Serrena gave you her usual golden smile as she attempted to hold back her laughter at your sudden retreat.

"Yes child – myself and the love of my life here are the King and Queen of the Eternal Kingdom! Which in turn makes Hyeja and Chaewon the two Princesses of Vampires; and your dear beloved, my son…the Prince who will take over his father's title of King someday" she couldn't stop herself from letting out a giggle as she watched ten levels of pure pandemonium wash over your features.

"I…I called you a bitch earlier…I tried to stab you – I just spoke to Jungkook like he was some asshole with a god complex…oh my god…" you bit your lip as you stood up to then bow down in front of her – causing every single Vampire in the room to burst out laughing at your sudden show of allegiance.

"Your great Majesty, please forgive me for my rudeness and my ignorance!" you belted out as you genuinely meant every word from the bottom of your heart; feeling mortified and disappointed by your uncouth actions. In a mere few seconds, you felt Serrena's hands on either side of your shoulder's – helping you to straighten up to view her gleaming smile and her deep black eyes that exuded such warmth and charm that they held you transfixed.

"You have nothing to apologise for my sweet girl, you had no idea of our lineage or our history. And furthermore; I am the Queen of Vampires; not humans" she placed the palm of her hand right on top of your cheek – eliciting a gentle smile from you as you knew that she could feel the life you bestowed upon her kind; and it made you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment from within you.

"She's got some massive lady-balls though – talking to the big bad, scary Prince like that~ I think we'll get along just fine (Y/N)" you heard Chaewon speak to you from across the table as she grinned a devilish, playful smile. Earlier on when you had met her, she had seemed rather indifferent towards you, and you had put it down to her being shy or just less talkative than her older sister, Hyeja. But with her last comment, she had you giggling and smiling to yourself – all while knowing that you'd have to have a serious talk with Jungkook sooner rather than later.

The time had slowly crept to the midnight hour before Serrena and Jeonju decided that you had been subjected to enough talking and shocking revelations for one night – and admittedly, you sighed a relief in agreement when they insisted you needed a good rest. As everyone began to gather their belongings, you watched as Jimin and Taehyung moved from behind the table to walk over to you; Taehyung donning a huge, goofy smile that always made your heart melt in wonder.

"Come here my little butterfly~ You did well tonight, and I, for one – am very proud of you" Taehyung pulled you in for a gentle embrace as his chin rested on your shoulder.

"By the way, I meant to ask you…is this what you meant earlier by 'no matter what happens' when you, you know…in the dressing room?" you asked quietly in regards to his strange words that Jungkook had repeated once you both arrived home – to which Taehyung giggled and nodded his dead deftly as he pulled away from you.

"I'm sorry for having been so…secretive with you. Can you forgive me?" he winked at you rather cutely, and you couldn't help but chuckle at him in response.

"Who could stay mad at that face for long?!" you playfully smacked your hand against his chest.

"Thank you for being understanding of everything, (Y/N). You really are special to us~ you're okay, right?" Jimin's usual gentle voice swaddled you in content as you took his cheek in between your fingers to pinch it endearingly.

"I'm still a bit taken aback; I won't lie. It will all probably hit me even harder when I wake up tomorrow. But for now, I guess everything is fine" your voice dipped – telling Jimin a half truth as you knew that there was the small issue of your previous spat with Jungkook to sort out before you could hope to get any sleep.

Serrena, Jeonju, Chaewon, Hyeja and their husbands all approached you – ready to leave after Jeonju made arrangements with the helicopter to get ready to take off.

"Shall I see you all to the door?" you gave a faint-hearted smile as Serrena nodded at you, taking your hand in hers as you all made your way down the hallway.

"It was lovely to meet you tonight, (Y/N). Do you mind if…can I just –" Hyeja spoke, taking your other hand suddenly to feel your skin on hers that left her with an awestruck look on her face that made you smile brighter than the moon in the night sky.

"Ah…" she produced a pleasure-filled sigh. "Just…simply amazing!" she gave your hand a squeeze before stepping back after Taehyung opened the front door for them all to make their way outside. "See you soon, (Y/N). Take care" Hyeja bid farewell to you, as did her husband.

"Goodnight (Y/N), and keep giving Jungkook an extra bit of attitude for us, okay?" Chaewon joked as she took it upon herself to shake your hand, feeling the same sensation as Hyeja just seconds before her.

"We'll be in contact with you both soon, (Y/N). Be good and stay safe – and…thank you" Jeonju placed a fatherly hand on your shoulder as he gave you an inviting smile in the midst of his goodbye. You inclined your head to a degree – fully in the knowledge that you were in the presence of not only royalty…but Royal Vampires; wanting to give them the respect they very much deserved for having been so accommodating and kind to you, despite everything.

Serrena was the last to join the others on the gravel outside as she turned to you, looking you straight in your eyes as she ran the backs of her fingers down your cheek in a featherlike, gentle motion. "You did so well tonight (Y/N). Don't let that fire inside you ever burn away. You and I…I believe that even though we are different, we're somehow cut from the same cloth" she admitted, leaving both of you producing tiny chuckles of understanding.

"Talk to him, my darling. Jungkook can be a brute when he's wrapped up in the heat of the moment…but he is absolutely besotted by you. I…I never thought I'd see the day that my son would discover his emotions and fall so beautifully in love. You're both the silver lining in this dismal, grey cloud of fearful ferity. He cares about you, and I know you care about him too"

You nodded at her words, knowing that she was speaking entirely from her heart as ultimately; she more than likely knew her son better than he knew himself at the best of times. "I will, I'll talk to him" you replied with a smile.

"I promise you, you're safe here. And like Jeonju said, we'll all be in contact very soon. So just – try to endure this struggle for just a little longer. You're a strong woman, (Y/N). You're a domitor – wear that title with pride and valour" she backed herself through the doorway into the still air of the night, as you all heard the whirring of the helicopter starting up in the distance.

"Get home safe, everyone. Thank you all – for everything" you felt slightly awkward – like you didn't really know what to say to the eight faces of the Vampires that were all smiling back at you. You watched them as they parted ways, with Taehyung and Jimin leaving via their car through the gates before Jeonju closed them post their exit. Feeling rather chilly with the door still open, you waved goodbye to the remainder of Jungkook's family, before closing the door and locking it from the inside.

"I guess it's time to go and talk to Jungkook…" you walked over towards the staircase, leaning against the beginning of the wooden banister as your mind raced with how you should approach him – what you should say to him; how you should talk to him now. "Come on (Y/N) – he's still the same person you fell in love with, regardless if he's a Prince or a Vampire…or both" you swallowed the lump in your throat, before you began quietly ascending the stairs to make your way to his room.

Outside, Serrena walked in between her two daughters – with the men following up from behind as they all neared the helicopter.

"Mother…I take it that (Y/N) isn't aware of the other little matter?" Hyeja whispered to Serrena.

"Of course she's not darling" Serrena replied.

"Ought we not to have informed her?" Chaewon questioned as she looked between the faces of her sister and her mother. Serrena peered over her shoulder to the back of the Jeon Manor, taking one last glance, before turning her head back around as the helicopter was almost within their reach.

"No~ She's had enough to contend with for one night. This matter will keep for a while longer. She'll find out soon enough" she grinned from ear to ear, but behind her wide smile, lay a fearful expression as she found herself dreading what might become of you; if Yoongi were to really get his hands on you.

You reached the top of the stairs, walking quietly by your room as you caught a glimpse of Mugsy who was currently sprawled out on your bed and seemingly fast asleep. "Oh to be a cat…" you found yourself feeling slightly envious at Mugsy's state of having no worries in the world. You approached Jungkook's door – feeling your heart in your throat while hearing it drum in your ears. You wanted to apologise for needlessly back-chatting to him; but you also wanted him to apologise for speaking so harshly to you. You knew that he only wanted to protect you from the evil in the world you didn't even know existed until tonight; but you wanted the balance between you both to be even when it came to fighting this battle – regardless of him being a Vampire and you being a domitor.

You took a deep breath as you extended your hand to the door-handle, holding the air in your lungs while you shut your eyes tight; wondering what he was doing – did he even want to talk? Was he still angry? You wouldn't know until you walked in. However, before you could put your hand anywhere near the door – it swung open; and you were being pulled through before you even had a chance to develop a coherent train of thought.

You let out a scream as you found yourself being rammed against the back of the door in Jungkook's room; with Jungkook standing before you – his muscular torso completely bare as his body pressed against yours, trapping you between himself and the wood of the door with his palms resting on either side of your face.

"Jungkook…what are you doing?!" you looked up, offering him a fearful glance as you attempted to catch your breath. You looked deep into his eyes – seeing them filled with what appeared to be nothing other than frustration; mixed with apparent lustful desire.

Jungkook remained silent as he listened to your heartbeat skyrocket, pressing himself further into you while his nose brushed with yours. "Are you scared of me?" he let out a husky whisper.

"Should I be?" you replied, his voice mixed with the way he was looking at you sending swirling pools of arousal to the space between your legs.

"You think I couldn't hear what you were all saying after I left? You know I'm the Prince of the Eternal Kingdom. You know I'm a Vampire…you know that your blood…your scent…it drives me insane" his lips ghosted over yours seductively – and it sent shivers down your spine as you raised your hands to touch his skin. But before you could, Jungkook grabbed you by your wrists; pinning them forcefully above your head before he continued.

"No touching…obey your Prince…" his voice dropped even further, before he took your bottom lip in between his teeth – biting down on it, but not hard enough to draw blood. However, you couldn't deny that you were overflowing with hedonistic imagines of what he could do to you – completely at his mercy.

"Yes…my Prince" you surrendered, despite your previous plans of trying to get you both to apologise to each other. Jungkook felt his erection grow painfully hard under his dress-pants, hearing your soft, tender voice along with how you addressed him; never thinking in a million years that such a thing could turn him on the way it did.

"…what are you going to do to me?" your voice quivered as Jungkook moved his lips to your neck, gliding his wet tongue across the most sensitive parts of your skin, before his mouth found its way to your ear, as he whispered;

"…everything"