Chapter 5: Echoes of the Night

Elliot's POV

The scent still lingered in my mind, teasing my senses like a whisper of something forbidden. It had been hours since that fleeting encounter—since I caught a glimpse of her. Yet, no matter how many reports I reviewed or how much blood I consumed, I couldn't rid myself of the nagging hunger that burned within me.

I sat in my vast office, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked my empire. The night had long faded into morning, but my thirst remained unsatisfied. My fingers drummed against my mahogany desk as I glanced at the pile of documents before me—financial records, expansion plans, security reports—none of it mattered. Nothing mattered.

A knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I commanded.

The scent of expensive perfume flooded the air as the door swung open. Vivian. A beautiful, high-ranking vampire from one of the noble families in my clan. Her golden curls cascaded over her shoulders, and her sharp emerald eyes gleamed with mischief. She was one of those who thrived in power and luxury—one of Katherine's many tormentors.

"My king," she purred, her voice a delicate balance of submission and seduction. She stepped closer, her hips swaying in a way that would have tempted any man. "You seem… troubled."

I leaned back in my chair, exhaling through my nose as I studied her. Vivian was a distraction, and perhaps a needed one. If I couldn't have what I truly wanted, I could at least entertain myself.

She approached with practiced grace, placing her hands on my desk as she bent forward slightly. "Let me ease your worries," she whispered, her eyes flickering to my lips.

For a moment, I allowed it. I reached out, pulling her onto my lap as she gasped softly. She smelled of roses and power, but it was wrong. She wasn't her. Still, I let my hands roam over her waist, let my lips brush against hers—trying, failing, to summon even a flicker of satisfaction.

She moaned against my mouth, her fingers tangling into my hair, but all I saw was her. That girl in the dark alley. Those hauntingly beautiful eyes. That intoxicating scent.

Disgusted with myself, I pulled away sharply. Vivian gasped, startled by my sudden withdrawal. "Leave," I ordered, my voice cold.

Her eyes widened, flickering between rage and humiliation. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Yes." I stood, towering over her. "You're not her."

Her face twisted in confusion, but before she could demand answers, I was already turning away, dismissing her with a flick of my hand. She stormed out, slamming the door behind her, but I didn't care.

I pressed my hands against the desk, inhaling deeply. This was ridiculous. I was Elliot King. The most powerful vampire in existence. I did not crave things. I took them. And if fate had dared place something so rare on my land, then it was only a matter of time before she became mine.

I smirked, darkly amused by my own obsession. Run all you want, little flower. I always get what I want.

Katherine's POV

The morning sun barely pierced through the thin, tattered curtains of our home. My mother was already out, trying to sell what few flowers we had left, while I remained curled in the corner, my knees pulled to my chest.

I kept replaying the events of last night. The way Jace had dragged me away, the way I had felt his panic. And, of course, those piercing red eyes.

I never wanted to see them again.

"Katherine?" Jace's voice pulled me from my thoughts. He stood in the doorway, his expression hesitant.

I forced a small smile. "Morning."

He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. His usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by something more serious. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "I should be. I'm alive, aren't I?"

Jace hesitated before sitting beside me. He was silent for a long moment before he finally spoke. "You have to be careful."

"I was careful."

"No, you were lucky," he corrected, his tone sharp. "You don't understand, Katherine. Elliot… he's not just a vampire. He's a king. And once he wants something, he doesn't stop."

I swallowed hard. "You think he'll come looking for me?"

Jace ran a hand through his dark hair, frustration clear on his face. "I don't know. But if he does…" He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You can't let him find you."

I studied him for a moment, taking in the tight set of his jaw, the tension in his shoulders. Then, softly, I asked, "Why do you care so much?"

His head snapped up, eyes locking onto mine. And for the first time, I saw something raw in them. Something vulnerable.

"Because I—" He hesitated, then clenched his fists as if trying to contain his emotions. "Because I love you, Katherine."

The air in the room shifted. My breath caught.

Jace? Loved me?

I opened my mouth, but no words came. My mind raced, scrambling for something—anything—to say.

Seeing my shock, he let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "I know," he murmured. "You never saw me that way. And that's fine. I just… I needed you to know. Before—"

He stopped himself.

"Before what?" I asked softly.

He sighed, looking away. "Before everything changes."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. Because deep down, I knew he was right.

Things were changing. I could feel it. I just didn't know how much.

But one thing was certain.

I never wanted to see Elliot King again.

What I didn't know was that it was already far too late.