CHAPTER 7 Bitten

I spent the entire day in my room until the others arrived. They were preparing for an event in the mansion. Caytln took charge of choosing a dress for me and doing my makeup.

I felt thrilled. I hadn't attended any parties or mingled with people since I arrived at this mansion. As Caytln and I entered the ballroom, I sensed everyone's eyes on us, filled with a hunger that sent shivers down my spine.

I clung to Caytln's arm, beginning to doubt the wisdom of attending this party. The people here looked as if they wanted to tear me apart.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when a stranger yanked me away from Caytln, pulling me into his solid chest. Fear prevented me from looking up.

The stranger's fingers threaded through my hair, igniting a fire within me. I recognized this sensation; only one person could make me feel this way—Dylan.

"You look beautiful," he remarked, his blue eyes locked onto mine.

"Um, thank you," I stammered, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

"You're blushing," he teased with an amused smile.

I was about to retort when another voice chimed in, "Mr. Aithne, the Royals have requested your presence." Her face flushed red with irritation.

"We will be right there."

"Without your human companion," she added, clearly frustrated by my presence.

Dylan held my face in his hands. "Stay safe, okay?" he said, giving me a reassuring smile.

Why had she called him Aithne? Was his name not Dylan? I couldn't help but wonder why there were so many things happening around me that I didn't understand.

As boredom crept in, I wandered out of the ballroom into the hallway. I walked further away from the event when a strange feeling washed over me.

Turning around to locate the source, I found nothing.

Suddenly, I was pinned against the wall, my gaze meeting a guy with golden orbs for eyes and ivory hair. His eyes bled over with darkness, revealing fangs between his lips.

"Sorry, princess," he muttered before baring my neck. He sank his fangs into my flesh.

A pain that felt like I was being shredded slammed into me all at once. He had his teeth inside of me, I clutched his strong arms and screamed loudly.

The next thing I heard was the sound of a crash against the wall. I slumped to the ground weakly, my neck bleeding.

My eyes grew heavy, and I felt something soft beneath me, probably a mattress. I tried to speak, but before I could utter a word, darkness overcame me, and I passed out.