Chapter 13 - The Vampire's Kiss

Freedom from the dungeon came with a dismissive gesture from the caretaker, a grumpy centaur who sent them off with a grunt. Gabriel rose slowly, feeling his stiff joints and the damp chill still clinging to his bones. He brushed his fingers against the marble wall, which seemed to vibrate under his touch – a shiver ran down his spine.

As they headed for the exit, Seraphine, who had remained silent until then, deliberately slowed her pace, allowing Gabriel to catch up. Greta and Lira were already far ahead. He watched her from the corner of his eye: the black dress absorbed the little light, creating an almost unreal effect, as if she were about to disappear into the shadows.

When the twilight sun finally touched their faces, Seraphine stopped. Gabriel, surprised, almost bumped into her. She turned slowly, her red eyes fixed on his. For an instant, Gabriel saw something beyond the arrogant pose: a glimmer of… hesitation?

But then, the predatory smile returned.

"Enjoying the view, human?" Seraphine's voice was low and velvety, but with a thread of steel. "Or do you desire something… closer?"

She took a step forward, intentionally brushing her shoulder against his. The contact was brief, but electric. Gabriel felt a sudden warmth where her skin – cold as ice – touched his. He saw Seraphine's pupils dilate, and the tip of a canine pierced her lower lip, a single drop of scarlet blood appearing like a jewel.

And with a soft laugh, she moved away, leaving Gabriel paralyzed, his heart pounding, and the icy sensation of her touch still burning on his skin.

"And… well, I know biting is a vampire thing, right?" Gabriel replied, his voice a little shaky, trying to disguise his nervousness with sarcasm, as he moved away, massaging his shoulder. "I thought… I don't know… you had something more original in your repertoire."

Seraphine stopped walking. Slowly, she turned to Gabriel, her ruby eyes shining in the twilight.

"Original, human?" Her voice was a dangerous whisper. "You dare challenge me?"

Before Gabriel could answer, Seraphine disappeared and reappeared in the blink of an eye, shoving him forcefully against an isolated column, out of sight of curious eyes. He hit his back against the cold stone, losing his breath.

Seraphine pinned him against the column, her body inches from his. Gabriel could feel her breath, morbid and strangely sweet, on his face. Her gaze was intense, hungry, frighteningly beautiful.

"Time to taste my idiot human…" She hissed, her voice laced with malice and desire. "…my guard dog…"

The stamp on Gabriel's hand burned.

"Ooh! Tense atmosphere!" Fay exclaimed enthusiastically. "Is it happening now? Get him, vampire!"

Gabriel ignored the annoying voice. His eyes were fixed on Seraphine's, a mixture of fear and… fascination coursing through his body. His heart beat hard against his ribs, an uneven beat that echoed in his ears.

Seraphine slowly licked Gabriel's face, from his cheek to his neck, her tongue rough and cold causing an involuntary shiver. Then, with a theatrical movement, she licked her own lips, savoring the faint metallic taste she found.

"Delicious…" she murmured, her eyes fixed on his.

Gabriel thought, but the words didn't come out.

"Mmm… How romantic!" Fay mocked. "Is she marking territory? I hope she doesn't pee on you, or on us, after all, I'm here on your hand, gross!"

Gabriel tried to move away, but Seraphine held him tighter, her fingers pressing possessively against his neck, but not enough to hurt.

"You… won't…" he began, his voice failing.

"Shut up, human."

Seraphine tilted her head, exposing her own neck in a provocative and dominating gesture. Then, with frightening speed, she sank her fangs into Gabriel's skin.

He expected excruciating pain, the end of everything. He imagined the transformation, the curse, the eternity as a monster… But the pain didn't come. There was, yes, a sharp sting, followed by a throbbing discomfort, but nothing comparable to what he feared.

"How disappointing…" Fay yawned. "Not even a little scream?"

Gabriel, confused and relieved, mustered his courage. With an effort, he pushed Seraphine, pushing her away from him.

She stumbled back, surprised, her lips stained with his blood.

"What…?!" She snarled, her eyes flashing with fury.

"That's enough, Seraphine!" Gabriel said, his voice firmer than he expected. "What is your problem?! First you provoke me, then you bite me… What the hell is this?!"

"A joke?" Seraphine repeated, her voice laced with scorn. "You think this is a joke, human? You're nothing but a…"

"… filthy mutt?" Fay completed, with a giggle. "I've heard that one before…"

"…a toy!" Says Seraphine.

"And I wouldn't turn a ridiculous human like you into a vampire. Not going to ruin my fangs with your ordinary blood."

Anger surged through Gabriel. Without thinking, he grabbed Seraphine by the arm and pinned her against the wall, reversing their positions.

Seraphine widened her eyes, shocked by his audacity.

"How dare you…?!" She hissed, her voice trembling with rage. "Let go of me, insignificant human!"

Gabriel ignored the protest. He held her firmly, staring into her ruby eyes. His face was inches from hers. He could feel her breath, now irregular and surprised, on his skin.

"I'm not your toy, Seraphine." Gabriel's voice was low and firm. "And you… need to learn to control your… impulses."

A tense silence settled between them. Seraphine averted her gaze, her pale face flushing slightly.

"Ooooh… here we go!" Fay shouted, excited. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Gabriel brought his face even closer, ignoring the throbbing stamp and the annoying voice in his head. He tilted his head, his lips brushing against hers… and kissed her.