It Doth Shine by Candlelight

*Mykhol*

Why did that damn queen have to put us so fucking far away! Mykhol cursed bitterly through his clenched fangs. Every step felt like he was running through fire. Every step only made it worse to endure.

Mykhol snapped his teeth together to make a pop before pressing faster. Pushing his sandals deeper into the plush red runner. Sprinting through the halls. 

Paintings and gold vases flew past in a blur. He was getting closer, but the rooms were still far. Even if he used all his vampiric power. It was still a ways ahead.

Mykhol gripped Ana closer. Protectively cradling her head in one hand - his other arm board around her chest and legs. She felt so small. So fragile. 

Thank Gods, Ana was unconscious for this part. Mykhol could be grateful for that small grace. She had passed out from the pain shortly after. She wouldn't have to writhe in agony as he had to make the long journey back. 

But when she wakes up, it will be the real problem. 

Mykhol's chest flared with a nervous heat of what he already knew. He needed to get her back pronto.

"I'll take it from here," Mykhol shouted over his shoulder. The guards following behind him nodded and stopped as he turned the corner. The halls were getting sparse again. He was close.

Then, in a short time, he could see their rooms just ahead.

But despite the small gasp of joy at seeing them, something nagged him. He could still feel the man. Worse, the man was determined to keep up. Mykhol felt a growl rip from his throat. 

"I said, I got it- go back!" Mykhol barked harshly back at King Alexander. His fangs snapped and snarled.

"Just go!"

"But-" The king moved his hand as if to reach out. He was still trying to keep up. But this only set something afire in Mykhol.

Why must he be so annoying? Mykhol seethed through his teeth. He hated the fact that the human was with him. He wanted him gone.

She doesn't need you! Mykhol's crimson eyes flashed with anger. But her father only rilled against him. Stubbornly moving on. He didn't have any intention of leaving.

That is until his manservant appeared. The old man ran up to finally reach his king. And when he did, he yanked him back.

"Your Majesty, please," The old man breathed with sweat shining on his brow. King Alexander turned to him with hesitation.

"You need to return."

"But I want to stay with-"

"Your Majesty," The old man cut him off. 

"You need to secure the other guests."

"The guests?" Again, King Alexander seemed to hesitate. He looked back at Mykhol, but the vampire only smiled triumphantly back.

Yes, go back, human! You're not welcome here- We don't need the likes of you. Mykhol could practically purr at the chance to win. 

Mykhol shuffled his cousin to half-sit up before rounding the last corner. Free and out of sight of those damn blue eyes. The humans were now behind him, and Mykhol was in their hall.

"Mhmm," A whimper broke from underneath him, and Mykhol's breath hitched. He could feel her starting to stir. She would be awake soon.

"Just wait a little longer," Mykhol implored in a low pleading whisper, shuffling her head into the crook of his shoulder. Digging his claws to grip and unravel her braid.

"We are almost there."

Mykhol didn't bother knocking. He kicked the door open to have it shake loose from the old frame. Making the vampire jump up from the lounge with a scream.

"What the fuck!" Naska cried blinking up at him, but her anger quickly drained as she saw them both.

"Your- why are you covered in blood?" Her words dribbled out of her mouth in shock. But Mykhol had no time to speak. He needed to secure the door. Ana was going to be fully awake soon. 

He needed to make sure she wouldn't get out.

"Shut up and help me!" Mykhol snarled shoving Ana into her arms. Something which Naska almost pushed back- but not before Mykhol shot her a death glare.

"What the Fuck are you doing!" 

Naska jolted but took the small girl into her arms the second time. Her eyes scanned the girl. Ana's face and entire body were soaked in both fresh and dried blood. Her lace dress completely soaked through. Her braid was unwound into a mess of silver tangles matted in red. And she reeked of heavy metals.

Naska looked at the girl covered in blood before turning back to Mykhol.

"What's wrong with her?"

What's wrong- Mykhol nearly wanted to reach over and slap the girl for being so stupid. What's wrong, she says.

How stupid are you!

"Can't you see?" Mykhol spat as he pushed a tall dresser to block the door. It was heavy enough. Even if Ana were able to somehow slip around them and try - the guards would hear the wood scraping. Alerting them that it moved.

That was something at least. Mykhol clenched his hands stepping back to look for anything else he could use.

"She's having her first blood."

"Now!?" Naska seemed comically shocked. "Of all the times-" 

Naska looked down at the girl with a pitiful shake of her thick hair. Even she could feel for the girl at the moment. Her wide lips pouted with sympathy.

"Poor thing."

"Mhm?" Ana's eyes began to roll behind her eyelids. Her silver lashes fluttered softly before slightly shifting. She was beginning to wake.

"Quickly, put her on the couch." Mykhol directed, and Naska went to do so. But setting her head down on the pillow suddenly made Naska jump back. Ana's eyes were open and black. And then she was screaming.

"Mykhol!- Mykhol!" Ana cried in pain. Her claws ripped and slashed at Naska, kicking her away.

But before Mykhol could get over, Ana was on her feet. The bleeding had stopped but now she was shaking. Her body was lurching out. It needed blood. 

She was walking aimlessly, a wet slapping noise dragging a trail of blood from her dress. She lifted her arms outstretched as if to reach.

"Mykhol!" Ana's voice was a mix of fear and agony. Tears were running down her cheeks to cut through the caked-up blood. 

Mykhol swiftly moved to pull her back up. Stealing her into his arms. He squeezed her tightly to him.

"Yes, Ana, I'm here." Mykhol cooed gently, yanking off the once-white scarf off her head. It fell to the floor to drop into the pool of blood. He could now weave his fingers into her hair and gently scratch her scalp. The silver hair looked like spider webs against all the red blood.

As he held her, Ana let out a tremor. Shaking her so hard her fangs clattered. But just as suddenly, she stopped, melting into his arms. Her head fell heavy on his shoulder.

"It hurts." Her voice was small and weak with tears. She shuddered and gasped before clenching his black tunic. Holding it tight.

"Everything hurts."

"I know, Ana. I know, but it's going to be okay." Mykhol raked his fingers on her back. Trying to soothe her in this vulnerable moment. Ana's thin arms wrapped around his neck.

"I'm scared." 

Another tremor ran through her as a new gush of blood fell down her leg to drip over Mykhol's arm.

Mykhol only pulled her closer, gritting his teeth. He looked after Naska to get out of the way. She nearly stumbled, but he could get to the couch. He was careful to sit down without moving Ana from his arms.

"Shh, I got you." Mykhol pulled her legs up to his lap. Ana slightly lifted her head to see they were sitting, but Mykhol pulled her back to him. His long fingers untied the strings of his collar to free his neck into view.

Naska opened her mouth in a soft gasp, but Mykhol shot her a dark look. His expression said that he wanted no word from her. And the maid looked down, falling silent and still. She could only watch Mykhol shift Ana's head to the vein.

"Listen, can you hear it?" Mykhol softly commanded as he lifted her by the chin. "The sound of my heart?"

Ana held her breath a moment, pressing her lips together, but nodded slowly after.

"Yes. It's…nice." Ana's voice drew out lazy and slow. Mesmerized. 

Mykhol smiled as he lifted her head to see her face better. The black eyes were gone. Her crimson-red eyes were starting to gloss over with need. That could only mean one thing.

"Go ahead, then." Mykhol offered to turn his neck to the left to let the vein pulse against his skin. It pumped fresh blood right underneath. His breath stopped as he waited.

"But, no-" Ana tried to pull back, but Mykhol pressed her closer. He didn't even need to force it. 

Just a gentle tap and she was against him again. Ana was so weak now. She needed to feed.

"I know you want it." Mykhol traced his finger on her neck. It made Ana shiver. Mykhol could see her red eyes linger on the pulse. Again, he felt a wave of excitement.

How long have I waited for you like this? Mykhol thought as he pulled her closer again. His fangs were sharping from the excitement. 

"Shh, it's okay. Just drink." Mykhol's words were lower than a whisper. He relished the sensation of Ana's breath hitting his face. Little hot puffs of moisture tinged with the smell of iron and sandalwood.

"Mykhol," Ana gave one last protest. He only pulled her head into his neck. 

"Don't worry, I got you," Mykhol spoke into her ear before daring himself to go further. He pressed a kiss to her head.

"Take as much as you need."

"…thank you," Ana whispered back before Mykhol could feel her bite down. Her little fangs pierced into his skin before growing deeper. A low slurp followed as Ana began to drink. And gulp.

Oh gods. Mykhol felt his toes curl at the sensation. He wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her even closer. It encouraged Ana to bite down harder. The blood lust was now taking over.

Ana was lost to it now.

"Ah." Mykhol gasped as he felt Ana's fangs pierce deeper. The sharp pain made him fall back on the couch and close his eyes. It was like a dream. A dream he had waited for so long.

And now it was finally coming true. Their plans. Everything. And one thing above all else.

Finally, I have you.