CHAPTER 6: NIGHTMARE

Leek's hands trembled as he reread the note for what felt like the hundredth time:

"I HAVE THE HEIRESS WITH ME, YOU FOOL. Meet me at the borders if you dare to claim her."

The words burned into his mind, mocking him. His dreams had already been tormenting him for weeks, visions of a woman whose face he could never fully see yet whose presence he felt in his soul. Now, the thought that someone else might have found her first was unbearable. Rage simmered beneath his calm exterior, his fangs itching to emerge.

The note was written with precision, no trace of its origin left behind. The handwriting didn't belong to Kael, but the arrogance in the words screamed of him. Kael was the only one with the audacity to toy with him like this.

Leek stood in the grand study of the V-clan stronghold, its towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes. The air was heavy with the scent of aged parchment and candle wax. He slammed the note onto the wooden table, its surface scarred from centuries of use.

"Kael," he growled under his breath.

The rival vampire lord had always been a thorn in his side, a cunning adversary who thrived on chaos. Leek couldn't ignore the possibility that Kael had somehow discovered the heiress. If Kael truly had her, the consequences could be catastrophic—not just for Leek but for the entire V-clan.

A sharp knock at the door broke his thoughts. "Enter," he commanded.

Hemer stepped inside, his silver eyes scanning Leek with calm curiosity. "You summoned me?"

Leek handed him the note without a word. Hemer read it, his face unreadable, though a faint flicker of concern crossed his features.

"This could be a trap," Hemer said, setting the note on the table.

"It doesn't matter," Leek snapped. "If she's there, I have to find her."

"And if she's not?" Hemer's tone was measured, but there was an edge to it. "Kael knows how to manipulate you. He's baiting you."

Leek's jaw tightened. He hated that Hemer was right, but the thought of ignoring the note made his chest tighten. "I can't take that chance."

Before Hemer could respond, another knock came at the door. A servant entered, bowing deeply before handing Leek another letter.

"This just arrived from Lord Zuiss," the servant said before retreating.

Leek opened the letter, his eyes narrowing as he read:

"Lord Leek, my daughter Ariel awaits you. The betrothal stands, and she will accept no other suitor. The treasures you sent to dissolve this union have been returned. Ariel's heart belongs to you, and I expect your arrival soon to honor our agreement."

The letter crumpled in Leek's hand as his fury boiled over. He had sent gold, jewels, and every valuable resource he could spare to break the betrothal. He had no interest in Ariel, no desire to be tied to her or her father's ambitions.

"She's relentless," Hemer observed, his lips twitching in a faint smirk.

"She's a distraction," Leek spat, tossing the letter aside. "I have more pressing matters to deal with."

Aiya bolted upright in bed, her chest heaving as she gasped for air. The nightmare had returned, more vivid and terrifying than ever. She had been running through a dark forest, the trees closing in around her like a cage. Shadows swirled, and a chilling voice whispered her name.

This time, she felt as though she was drowning, an invisible weight pressing down on her chest. She clutched at the pendant around her neck, its cool surface a small comfort against the suffocating fear.

Her grandmother rushed into the room, her face lined with worry. "Aiya, are you alright?"

"I… I don't know," Aiya whispered, tears streaming down her face. "The dream was so real. It's like I'm trapped in it."

Her grandmother sat beside her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "Dreams can be cruel sometimes, but they can also be a guide. Trust your instincts, my dear. You are stronger than you know."

Aiya nodded, though her heart still pounded in her chest. She wanted to believe her grandmother's words, but the lingering fear from the dream made it impossible.

The bell above the flower shop door jingled, and Aiya looked up from arranging a bouquet of lilies. Her breath caught when she saw the man standing in the doorway.

It was the same stranger who had purchased flowers a few weeks ago. His tall, imposing figure and piercing red eyes were impossible to forget. He exuded an aura of danger that made her skin crawl.

"Good morning," he said, his voice smooth and confident.

"Good morning," Aiya replied, keeping her eyes on the flowers.

He stepped closer, the faint scent of spice and cedar following him. "You're quite talented. These arrangements are beautiful."

"Thank you," she said curtly, hoping he would leave soon.

He extended a hand. "I realized I never introduced myself. My name is Kael."

Aiya hesitated before taking his hand. The moment their skin touched, the pendant around her neck flared a brilliant, fiery red. He felt a sharp cut, he instantly pulled his hand back as if burned.

Kael's expression shifted, his eyes narrowing in shock. He stared at the glowing pendant, but Aiya didn't seem to notice its strange reaction.

"I should go," Kael said abruptly, his voice tight.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the shop, the bell jingling behind him.

Aiya watched him leave, confusion and unease swirling in her mind. Something about him felt… wrong.

In the lavish halls of her father's estate, Ariel paced restlessly. Her golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her sapphire-blue eyes were filled with frustration.

"Father," she said sharply, stopping in front of Lord Zuiss. "When will Lord Leek come to claim me?"

Lord Zuiss sighed, setting down his goblet. "Ariel, you must be patient. He has responsibilities that demand his attention."

"He's avoiding me," Ariel said, her voice rising. "I've waited long enough. He is my betrothed, and I will not accept anyone else."

Zuiss frowned, his tone firm. "He sent treasures to dissolve the betrothal. Are you sure this is what you want?"

Ariel's expression hardened. "I don't care about gold or jewels. I want him. He belongs to me."

Zuiss regarded his daughter for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. I will not break the agreement. But remember, Ariel, not all battles are won with stubbornness."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Leek stood at the edge of the forest bordering his territory. The note weighed heavily in his hand, its taunting words echoing in his mind.

Hemer approached, his expression serious. "Are you sure about this? If it's a trap—"

"I don't care," Leek interrupted, his golden eyes blazing. "If she's out there, I have to find her."

Hemer sighed. "And Ariel? Lord Zuiss won't let this go."

"She's not my concern," Leek said coldly.

Hemer studied him for a moment before nodding. "Be careful, brother. Kael won't play fair."

Leek didn't respond. His resolve was unshakable. He is ready to face any danger he meets ahead