You Are My Prize

"No!" The speed of a vampire was something I couldn't compete against. But as the words left his mouth, I found myself running and blocking his way. He cocked a brow and locked eyes with me. I could feel the weight of his gaze making my breathing strained.

"If you spill blood during the negotiation, my man will never accept it as a peace treaty," I was reminded, clinging to a silver hope that he might fall for the mere lie. He held my hands again, kissing them like a chivalrous gentleman, only to see me flinch and Damon burn with rage as he chuckled.

"I will respect your wishes," he announced in a glorious voice that made bile rise in my throat again. "But I don't want second-hand goods with me either. I hope you can consider that."

He knew! This bastard knew! My nails dug deep into my skin as I nodded. He scanned everyone's pale faces again before nodding back.

"Then our marriage will be announced in an hour, and the ceremony will take place in three days. After that, you are coming with me to my lands." It wasn't a question or a suggestion; it was a command.

The devil turned, and everyone stepped aside. It was as if the curse of blood could spread through touch; they all stood as far away as possible when he left the room. My knees gave out, but before I could fall, Damon held me in his arms. However, when I looked at him, the vampire's warning echoed in my ears, and I pushed my lover away.

"Commander Damon, know your position," I stood up, proud and defiant.

"You all have heard the terms of negotiation, and your silence has accepted it," they flinched, finally feeling guilt for selling me. They didn't dare to meet my eyes, but I didn't care. At this point, it didn't matter.

"Since the negotiation is concluded, you are all dismissed." Then I turned to my senator. "I want a detailed contract on my desk before dawn." He bowed his head and left, followed by the others. Damon's father dragged him out, and it was the first time I'd seen him so shattered. It hurt, but there was nothing I could do. Holding him would only give him false hope.

"Evra..." My mother looked at me, but I didn't see her eyes.

"It's late, Mother. You should rest." And before she could say anything, I left the room.

The hall where I had walked all my life... I was going to leave it behind in three days. This palace would be abandoned, and I would leave for the land of vampires, alone and vulnerable. I saw everything in a new light.

The red stain in the corner of the table was left by me when I brought my first hunt to show my father. And that broken edge of the table, I had struck it with my weapon. I laughed, but it was laced with pain.

My feet didn't drag me to my room; instead, I found myself walking to the garden of our palace. Novus Palace, my home, and a small part of Auron, the capital of Seraphica Dominion. The place where I thought I would spend my whole life. The area was surrounded by thick walls to protect us from all threats. Two guards stood at the door, ensuring we were warned before danger approached. But today, I had invited the danger in, and it had already consumed me.

They looked at me, confused. I had always been rebellious against rules, and the rules stated that no one could cross the walls after sunset.

"Your Highness," they bowed, worry in their eyes.

"Did that vampire leave?" They sighed and nodded, but it only deepened their concern.

"If I may ask without being rude, what did he demand in exchange for peace, Your Highness?" I could sense the tension in their voices and laughed. Would they still be so worried if they knew they had to give up nothing but me?

"Rest assured, Oswine. I will never let harm befall us." The man felt guilty and embarrassed as he slowly nodded. "Will you open the doors for me?" His eyes snapped to me in confusion again.

"I want to see their camps, their warriors, and those who fought on his command." Oswine struggled to find words, nervousness evident.

With a nod, he cautiously opened the door.

"Your Highness, it's not just vampires that pose a threat beyond these walls," he hesitantly explained as my hands reached for the daggers that always adorned my waist.

"I know, and I've been preparing for them my whole life." The man sighed and said nothing as I crossed the threshold.

The walls didn't just surround the palace; they enveloped our entire territory. Every kingdom on the continent had erected towering walls to meet the sky. These walls weren't built for protection against each other; they were built to defend against what lay beyond human lands. The bloodland of vampires and the dark territories of sorcerers and monsters. And each of these threats was most active at night.

The cold night was moonless and starless, with chilling winds that seemed to cut to the bone. Yet, there I stood, dressed in only a gown without a cloak or coat. I walked silently in the darkness, becoming one with the shadows of the woods. The occasional sounds of reptiles and the hoots of owls startled me, but I pressed on until I saw smoke rising in the distance.

Several blue tents formed a new barrier, a fire burning in front of them with rows of vampires seated around it. But among them, my widened eyes saw humans. Most were beautiful young women sitting on their laps, but what horrified me was the sight of their fangs sinking into the throats, hands, or shoulders of those girls.