CHapter 1 | Royal Ties

In the forest of Killan, near the kingdom of Selevex, Eve was nestled inside a secluded cabin, surrounded by a dense canopy of trees. The distant sounds of nocturnal insects reverberated through the night air, blending with the occasional loud creak of the wooden structure.

The sweet moans of a woman pierced the stillness as Eve's fingers traced a delicate path down her companion's naked body. Her lips and tongue moved sensuously along the sides of the woman's neck, bestowing tender kisses without drawing blood. Eve's blood-red eyes shone with a predatory gleam in the dim light, reflecting her intense focus on the moment.

Her hand continued its deliberate exploration, gliding over the woman's curves until it reached the core of her pleasure, already slick with anticipation. Eve's touch was both commanding and gentle, evoking shivers of delight from her partner. The atmosphere was thick with the heady mix of desire and anticipation, the night outside providing a fitting backdrop to their intimate encounter.

Eve's fingers moved with a practiced grace, eliciting soft gasps and shivers from the woman beneath her. The scent of pine and earth seeped in through the cracked windows, mingling with the intoxicating aroma of their combined arousal. Moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting shifting patterns on the cabin floor.

"Do you like this?" Eve's voice was a husky whisper, her lips brushing against the woman's ear.

A breathless moan was the only response, the woman's back arching in silent plea. Eve smiled, her fangs glinting momentarily as she lowered her head to taste the skin just above the collarbone. Her fingers piercing her core, dancing from within, her touch was electric, sending waves of pleasure coursing through both of them.

Outside, a distant owl hooted, its call almost swallowed by the thick forest. The rhythm of their movements matched the natural cadence of the night—unhurried but deeply connected. Eve's own desire was a fierce undercurrent, held in check by an iron will forged over centuries.

The woman reached up, fingers tangling in Eve's white hair. "Don't stop," she whispered, voice trembling with need.

Eve responded by deepening her caresses, exploring every inch with reverence and hunger. The heat between them built steadily, each touch and kiss drawing them closer to an inevitable crescendo.

Suddenly, there was a loud crack outside—wood splitting under pressure. Eve's head snapped up, senses on high alert. She paused for a moment, listening intently to the sounds beyond the cabin walls.

"What is it?" The woman's voice broke through the haze of passion and concern.

"Nothing," Eve murmured, returning her attention to her lover with renewed focus. She couldn't afford to let anything distract her now—not when they were so close.

Their movements became more frantic, each seeking release in the other's embrace. The room seemed to pulse with their combined energy, shadows dancing wildly as they moved together in perfect harmony. The heat continued to build up relentlessly as Eve locked her legs together, her core pressing tightly against the woman's in a synchronous dance of pleasure. The sensation was intense, each rub and grind sending shivers down their spines as they moved in unison, their bodies intertwined in a passionate embrace. With each passing moment, the intensity grew, and they both knew that they were rapidly approaching the edge.

Finally, with a gasp that echoed through the small cabin, they both found release. Their bodies trembled with aftershocks of pleasure, holding onto each other as if afraid to let go.

Eve collapsed beside the woman on the narrow bed, sweat dripped down her chest, yet she was not exhausted. Eve's keen ears listened for any further disturbances outside but heard only the gentle rustling of leaves and distant animal calls.

The woman nestled closer to Eve's chest, her breathing gradually slowing to match Eve's steady rhythm. For a moment, everything felt perfect—an oasis of calm in an otherwise chaotic world.

"Stay with me," she whispered against Eve's skin.

"Mhm," Eve replied, tracing her fingers over the woman's form. "It seems that Duty calls once again,"

Then again, a sudden sound, this time heavy, echoed from outside the cabin, breaking the spell of the moment. Eve's eyes narrowed, and she quickly began to dress. The woman beside her, eyes wide with shock and concern, asked, "What's happening? Is someone out there?"

Eve pulled on her gear swiftly, her movements fluid and purposeful. "Stay inside," she commanded, her voice firm yet reassuring. "I'll handle this." She reached for her sword, the cold steel a familiar and comforting weight in her hand.

Eve flung the door open and stepped out into the night, her senses sharp. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting eerie shadows around her. She scanned the surroundings, only to find herself face-to-face with a humongous troll. The beast's massive frame loomed over her, a crude club gripped tightly in one hand.

The troll's voice rumbled in broken English, "Woman...? Woman! Woman eat! Woman eat!"

Eve couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "No, a vampire," she corrected with a smirk before launching herself at the troll with blinding speed.

The night erupted into chaos as Eve's blade danced through the air, cutting through the troll's thick hide with ease. The troll swung its giant club with bone-crushing force, but Eve's agility and speed made her an elusive target. She dodged and weaved, her movements a blur as she struck at the troll from every angle.

The troll roared in frustration, its massive club smashing into the ground where Eve had stood just moments before. She countered with a swift slash across its arm, dark blood spraying from the wound. The beast's attacks grew more frantic, but Eve remained composed, her strikes precise and deadly.

Each clash of her blade against the troll's hide sent shockwaves through the air. Eve's strength and skill were unmatched, and it was clear the battle was one-sided. With a final, powerful thrust, she drove her sword deep into the troll's heart, ending the fight in an instant.

The troll let out a final, pained grunt before collapsing to the ground, its life extinguished. Eve stood over the fallen creature, her breath steady and her expression calm. She wiped her blade clean and turned back towards the cabin, where the woman waited anxiously inside.

Eve's return to the cabin was marked by the soft creak of the wooden floorboards. She sheathed her sword and offered the woman a reassuring smile. "It's over," she said simply, her tone conveying both confidence and comfort.

"Was that a troll? It sounded like a troll," the woman asked, concern etched on her face as she clutched a blanket around her naked form. Her eyes darted to the door as if expecting another threat to burst through at any moment.

Eve wiped the troll's blood off her blade with a practiced swipe, her eyes still scanning the perimeter for any other threats. "Yeah, it was a troll," she replied, her voice steady as she stepped back inside the cabin. "But it's dead now."

The woman exhaled a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, her grip on the blanket loosening slightly. "You really are something," she said, admiration and a hint of awe in her voice.

Eve shrugged, her expression softening. "Comes with the territory," she said as she moved to the small washbasin in the corner of the cabin. She splashed cold water on her face, washing away the grime and sweat from both their intimate encounter and the brief battle.

The woman sat up, pulling the blanket around herself like a makeshift robe. "So, what now?" Her voice carried a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Now we move, princess," Eve said, gathering the woman's belongings and adding them to her own luggage stashed around the corner. "Are you ready, Lily?"

The princess pouted, her lips forming a slight frown. "Didn't I tell you not to call me princess?"

Eve chuckled, the sound warm and affectionate. "You're so cute when you're angry," she muttered, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

The two then gathered all the equipment they needed, ensuring nothing was left behind, before stepping out of the house just in time for the sun to rise.

Concern etched across Lily's face as she turned toward Eve. "It's sunrise… Eve, you have to take cover! Aren't you a vampire…?"

Eve pulled a hood over her head as her hair turned raven-black the moment the sunlight touched her face. "It's just… a minor inconvenience in terms of using my powers. On the other hand, my blade work remains unaffected," she said with a smirk.

"Mhm… good," Lily replied, slumping her head down. "It's sad that we will be separated after I return to Selevex… it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

She sighed deeply before continuing, "I'm growing tired of all the papers, wine, perfume, and the fake laughs echoing inside the castle… it's suffocating."

"It is a sad truth, that even I know," Eve muttered to herself before leading Lily to her horse and helping her up into the saddle.

Shortly after, Eve and Princess Lily mounted a horse and galloped towards the nearby gate of Selevex. The wind whipped through their hair as they approached the city, the imposing gates coming into view. As they neared, the gate guards stepped forward, their expressions a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Halt! State your business," one of the guards commanded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Princess Lily removed her hood, revealing her delicate features and regal bearing. "It is I, Princess Lily. We seek entrance."

The guards immediately straightened, their eyes widening in recognition. "Your Highness! Please, come in," the guard stammered, signaling for the gates to be opened. "Welcome back to Selevex."

As Eve and Lily entered the city, they rode through the commoners' area. Murmurs and whispers followed their passage, the citizens casting curious glances and exchanging hushed comments.

"Is that the princess?"

"Who is that with her?"

"I've never seen her before..."

[The sound of horse hooves on cobblestone] They continued towards the noble district, the atmosphere shifting to one of opulence and refinement. Here, the murmurs were more restrained, but no less curious.

"Princess Lily returns..."

"Who is her companion? She looks dangerous..."

Finally, they arrived at the gates of the royal palace of Selevex. Multiple guards stood at attention, their postures rigid and formal.

"Welcome back, Your Highness," one of the senior guards greeted, bowing deeply. "The king and queen will be pleased to see you."