A MYSTERIOUS DARKNESS

Following the massive, busy capital, there was a large forest with expansive snow fields, which was the next stop on the route leading to the magnificent, luminous Malenia royal castle.

Squinting her eyes at the speed at which they were traveling, Eleanor wrapped her arms around Ares's neck. She was aware that vampires moved fast, but Ares was just... he was not giving her the slightest opportunity to look around.

Fortunately, she was not getting whipped by the cold wind as she had anticipated. Maybe he had cast a spell or something?

She simply held on tight, resisting the urge to look into his face.

Ares swiftly arrived at the castle's compound, right at the entrance where sentries were stationed. There were an abundance of opulent carriages parked throughout the compound, all meant for the aristocratic and royal vampires now housed within the castle.

When the guards saw the prince, their already pale faces became even paler, and they bowed their heads, afraid to look him in the eye.

Gazing down at the phoenix cradled in his arms, Ares noticed her looking at the castle with a great deal of curiosity. She was beginning to resemble a curious kitten. It was not promising.

"It is so... big." Taking in the sight of the lights emanating from the castle, she parted her lips in wonder.

Ares remained silent, his ruby eyes flickering dimly. Gently, he placed her to her feet and she turned back to face him.

"Do you think it will sound a bit dramatic to say that the entire Enebelle can live here?" Glancing back at the castle, she asked with a giggle.

Ares gave a long, heavy sigh. He was baffled as to why she was talking about a place that... Was destroyed. He was dumbfounded, rendered speechless by the excitement in her eyes as she spoke of a place she had tragically lost.

Grasping her chin, he steadily drew her eyes back to him.

"Pay attention." He exhaled.

Eleanor gripped his wrist, her lips quirking in annoyance. "Do not tell me what to do."

Ares clamped his hand around her chin and pressed his face against hers. "As you can see, we are running late."

Eleanor yanked her face away from him, allowing her gaze to rove around. Except for the guards stationed at the castle's entrance, there was no one else.

Her eyes glistened dully as she turned to face him. "I am not to blame."

Ares bit his bottom lip hard. Of course... Her temper tantrums. He let go of her chin and adjusted her cloak appropriately. "I did not mean it like that."

"Tch!" Eleanor squinted at him. "Shall we enter?"

Ares held out his hand to her, nodding. "Certainly."

Eleanor fixed her gaze on that hand. Her pulse skipped a beat. Something... Something was yelling at her to hold back on taking that hand. Her gaze strayed towards the castle. That spacious, well-lit area that led to its interior. She had a feeling that there was no turning back.

Nevertheless... She found her hand on his again and met his ruby ones with her gaze.

The cold warmth. It spilled something. Something much more sinister. She felt as if she were staring at her demon, her greatest nightmare.... A bewitching terror that held her in his arms. Trapped.

Together, they ascended the stairs and entered the castle. Their footsteps resounding ominously in perfect unison on the dark marble floor.

And as they entered the ravishing ballroom, which was crowded with vampires dancing, laughing, and whispering amongst each other, the music abruptly stopped and all of the lights in the space went out, leaving the space in a chilly blackness.

Cries of terror erupted throughout the space, and the sound of running feet and terrified whispers could not be stopped.

Conversely, Eleanor was terrified by the sudden turn of events. The only thing stopping her from screaming was his tightened grip on her hand as she froze in terror. Was he trying to reassure her? He was just keeping her from screaming, not improving her mood!

Meanwhile, the room continued to echo with the screams of the vampires that were inside. All it did was heighten the tension in the room.

Eleanor was taken aback. The darkness was absolute. She could not see anything, but she assumed vampires had excellent night vision. Though it was apparent to her that not every vampire was screaming—the bulk seemed to be coming from the females—why was there still so much tension?

Abruptly the room was illuminated once more.

Everything, including the chandeliers and fire torches, was incredibly brightly lit—even more so than before—and she could see that every single vampire was staring at her with looks other than gladness and contentment.

Suffocated by the stares, Eleanor felt her whole body tremble. Never in her life had she seen so many beings! Nor had she ever had so many people watching her! Her heart was beating so fiercely she was afraid it would burst! She was feeling very faint! But rather than losing her cool, she composed herself, stepped back a little, and hugged Ares' arm.

Unbeknownst to her, the vampire prince was wearing a completely neutral expression. This time, his silver-hued eyes were blazing in a different way. They held no warmth at all.

Naturally, murmurs started to emerge from every angle.

"Is that...?"

"That is Ares Mazitzis."

"What a presence."

"Do not look into his eyes!" A scream of terror shot through the air, causing everyone in the room to duck their heads and avoid making eye contact with the vampire prince.

"Huh?" Eleanor was astounded beyond belief. They were not looking at her, but Ares? She glanced up at his face slowly. A scalding cold shot through her body. What... Why... Why did he look so dangerous all of a sudden?!

She clenched her grip on his arm, pulling his eyes back to her. In contrast to the intense cold she had just noticed, those eyes suddenly possessed a cold warmth.

Ares studied her expression. Her eyes widened in complete bewilderment and incredulity. He found it incomprehensible that someone could be so cute while they were confused. He suppressed his laughter into a small smile.

Eleanor blinked, befuddled. What caused his sudden smile? Was he not able to hear what the vampires were saying? And that blackout, what was it about? Why was he so unfazed about it?

"Wait! Is that a phoenix?"

"It is true?!"

"Princess Eleanor Dankworth of Enebelle...! The last of the phoenixes!"

"She is as beautiful as they say!"

"Have you heard the rumors about her blood?"

Eleanor felt shivers down her spine at those words. She gave Ares an even closer hug while taking deep breaths to calm herself.

"What is happening over here? This is a celebration, not a funeral!" A familiar voice rang out in the room. A voice that filled her whole being with anger and fear.

"Atlan". She sneered quietly, casting a menacing glance in his direction, and let go of Ares' arm.