The Chosen Woman

Baron entered the room, followed by the man who had trapped Odel. The man who had claimed to be the family lawyer instead dragged her into this mess. He was also a vampire, and judging by his appearance, he belonged to the influential vampire nobility.

"Good evening, esteemed guests," the vampire announced in a deep, charismatic voice.

All eyes turned to him, and the atmosphere froze in anticipation of his next words.

"Tonight is a very special night for all of us—a night where we witness the presence of the chosen woman, the girl who will become part of our destiny."

Baron raised his hand gracefully, his gaze settling on Odel, who stood frozen in the center of the room. Every step she had taken felt heavier, her body stiff. Her anxious eyes met Clayton's, who kept his distance from her. Though he offered her a small semblance of protection, Odel could feel the overwhelming power surrounding her.

"Allow me to introduce Odel," Baron continued, his voice echoing throughout the grand hall.The woman chosen by fate. This girl bears a mark that will change everything for all of us. Now, it is time for us to witness the symbol we have awaited for so long."

The guests fell silent, their gazes fixed on Odel. Suddenly, she felt her body lift off the ground.

"What is this? " Put me down!" Odel shouted.

"Calm down, it's okay!" Clayton reassured her.

An invisible force seemed to raise her, gently lifting her body toward the center of the room. Odel looked down, her world spinning as she floated, her heartbeat racing. Below her, the vampires stared with a mix of awe and curiosity. They knew something significant was unfolding, and Odel felt trapped at the center of it all, unable to escape.

When she finally landed softly in the middle of the room, Baron stepped forward, his gaze sharp and intent. All eyes turned to the back of Odel's neck, now visible under the elegant dress she wore. Baron raised his hand, and a faint light appeared around her neck, revealing a distinct birthmark glowing under the shimmering crystal lights.

"This is the mark we have awaited," Baron declared. "The mark that signifies Odel as the woman destined to become one of us—a bridge to connect our world with a greater destiny."

Odel shivered, fear and confusion surging within her. What did all this mean? Why had she been chosen? As the guests whispered and stared at her with awe and hope, Odel bit her lip, trying to stay composed despite the turmoil inside her.

Clayton stood nearby, his eyes sharp and unreadable. Although he was a vampire, Odel had never felt that he was truly evil.

Baron raised his hand, commanding attention.

"Tonight, we celebrate not only Odel's presence but also the destiny that will unite us all. This woman will be the future bride of our next king. " Clayton, Emilio, and Daffin—three noble vampires of the Doyle lineage—have the right to become our next king!" Baron announced. "A toast to all of them!"

The vampires raised their glasses in unison, cheering enthusiastically. Odel, however, remained silent, her heart pounding. She had no idea what would happen next, but one thing was clear—tonight would change her life forever.

Baron turned his sharp yet gentle gaze toward Odel.

"Odel, I know this is overwhelming for you. " But you are the chosen one," he said after a long pause.

"What do you want from me?" Odel asked, her voice trembling.

"You need to choose one of the three to be your husband," Baron explained.

"I won't! " Let me go!" Odel pleaded.

"You cannot escape. " Your options are simple: accept your fate as one of us or die!" Baron stated firmly.

All the vampires turned their eyes toward her, including the three noble suitors who seemed to silently hope Odel would agree.

"I don't want to die!" said Odel.

"Then it's settled," Baron concluded. "You agree to become part of us." However, I'll allow you to set a condition before making your choice."

"A condition?" Odel repeated.

"You cannot escape your destiny, so tell us—what do you want from your future husband?" Baron clarified.

Taking a deep breath, Odel steadied herself. "I have one condition," she said, her voice firm despite her uncertainty. "I want all three of them to try living as humans." They must understand what it's like to live in the human world. I want to go to college, and they must enroll with me."

Baron raised an eyebrow, surprised by her request. Behind him, Clayton, Emilio, and Daffin exchanged bewildered and incredulous looks.

"Adapt to the human world? College? " Ridiculous!" Clayton exclaimed.

"Yes," Odel replied firmly. "I won't marry someone who only sees me as an obligation or destiny." I want to get to know them better—and for them to know me—not as the chosen woman, but as a friend and as someone who can be loved."

"Love? Nonsense! " Destiny and power are what truly matter!" Clayton retorted in frustration.

Baron chuckled softly. "We must respect Odel's decision. Besides, a little time in the human world won't hurt. Whoever wishes to become our next king and win Odel's heart must fulfill her condition."

"Ridiculous!" Clayton muttered under his breath, visibly irritated.

Daffin, ever calm and composed, folded his arms across his chest. A thoughtful expression crossed his face before he finally commented.

"This sounds like an interesting challenge," he said with a faint smile. "I might actually enjoy this idea."

Emilio, known for his naivety, let out a small scoff.

"You're really making everything complicated, Odel. I know nothing about humans. But fine, I have no other choice."

Baron chuckled warmly, his tone brimming with amusement.

"Fascinating. Very fascinating. I'll give you all some time. If any of you fail to meet Odel's condition, you will automatically be out of consideration."

Clayton shot Odel a sharp glare, his eyes narrowing. "This request? Pretending to be human? " Ridiculous!" he muttered, clearly displeased.

Odel, feeling cornered, had come up with the plan spontaneously. Her ultimate goal was to escape the vampires entirely. By forcing them to live among humans, she could position herself in a safer environment where she might find the chance to flee.

"Very well, the agreement is set! Starting tomorrow, the three of you will pack up and move to the human world. " Become vampires who can adapt to human life, and win over your future bride!" Baron declared with finality.

"What?! " Are you seriously granting her absurd request, Baron?" Clayton exclaimed, clutching his head as if the idea itself gave him a headache.

"Indeed, Sir Clayton. After all, wasn't it you who seemed the most attentive to her earlier? " If your intentions are genuine, prove it!" Baron teased, clearly aware of Clayton's subtle efforts to stay close to Odel.

Clayton let out a frustrated growl before glancing at Odel. The girl appeared calmer now, visibly relieved at the prospect of moving to a human settlement.

"Fine. " Whatever," Clayton muttered begrudgingly.

A few days later.

Odel and her three fiancés finally moved to the human world. She stood in front of a small apartment building she had chosen near the college campus. The structure was simple but cozy—or at least that's how she saw it. However, the expressions of the three vampires behind her were far from impressive.

"This is where we'll be living?" Clayton raised an eyebrow, staring at the apartment as if it were beneath him.

"Wait, are we really going to stay here? " Tell me this is some kind of joke," Emilio grumbled, not even trying to hide his disappointment.

"I think it's rather charming. " As long as Odel's by my side, I'll be happy," Daffin commented with his usual flirtatious tone.

Odel rolled her eyes, a wry smile on her lips. Seeing the three vampires following her every move was almost comical. Her plan was halfway completed—she was now in the human settlement. All she needed to do was blend in and wait for the right moment to escape.

I know this is new for all of you, but I hope you can start accepting the fact that you won't be living in a grand castle anymore. " Now, come on inside and take a look," Odel urged.

As they entered the apartment, the three vampires' eyes widened. A faint red glow lit up their irises, a telltale sign of their shock.

"Where are the servants?" Emilio asked, his gaze scanning the modest yet tidy space.

"There are no servants," Odel replied, setting down her bag. "You'll have to learn to do everything yourselves."

Clayton walked into the small kitchen and opened a cabinet. "Where's the blood juice? I don't see a single bottle."

"There's no blood juice. There's only water, and maybe later I'll get some soda. As for food, it'll all be human food. If you need blood, don't drink it inside the house. I hate the smell of blood! Go outside if you must. " I won't tolerate the stench in here!" Odel stated firmly, raising her eyebrows.

Daffin chuckled softly. "Well, this will certainly be an interesting experience."

"Interesting? This is insane! " Fine, I'm going out. " I'm starving!" Clayton declared before storming out the door.

Odel watched him leave in disbelief, then turned to the two remaining vampires beside her.

"Wait, where is Clayton going? " He's not going to bite someone, is he?" she asked, alarmed.

"You told us to find blood outside the house. " Where else would he go but straight for a neighbor's neck?" Emilio answered, his tone deadpan.

"Oh no!"

Panic set in, and Odel immediately ran to call Clayton back. Thankfully, he hadn't gone far and returned begrudgingly.

"New rule—drinking blood inside the house. I've stored some in the pantry. You can drink there. And another thing—absolutely no biting the neighbors!" Odel said sternly.

"Fine, whatever. " You're so annoying!" Clayton muttered as he headed to the pantry. The introverted vampire seemed eager to avoid social interaction, retreating to his own space.

One by one, the vampires settled into their assigned rooms, including Odel, who claimed the room closest to the front door—the easiest escape route.

"Perfect," she muttered under her breath. Once those vampires lower their guard, I'll make my move. Being engaged to a vampire? Do they think I'm stupid? Marrying a vampire is no different from signing my own death warrant."

Unbeknownst to the others, Odel had plans of her own—plans to break free from the fate imposed upon her.