Chapter 52: The Choice (Part I)

The atmosphere gradually became tense, and the cold air flowing through their nostrils sent a chill down the spine of every vampire present.

"Your Majesty, the time has come. If possible, let the dance begin now. The decision is yours..." Risking the wrath of Lord Lode, S still managed to interject in time.

　　Further discussion was pointless; the tense standoff between the two was on the verge of shattering the entire venue. 

　　For a moment, everyone held their breath, waiting quietly for the autocrat's command. 

　　Lod lowered his eyelids, his flickering red eyes brimming with a faint sadness. 

　　Suddenly, he raised his gaze and locked eyes with Ivina, who was staring at him in a daze.

　　Their eyes met, and she hurriedly lowered her head, unconsciously gripping the glass cup on the table.

Lod's furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

"I declare the dance banquet open." He continued to stare intently at Ivina beside him.

What of a vampire's eternal life? At least he was no longer lonely, binding her, imprisoning her. Even if he couldn't get a single loving glance from her, as long as he could keep her by his side, he was willing to compromise.

　　The entrance door was solemnly opened by the combined efforts of the two vampires.

　　Ivina tried her best to avoid Luo's gaze and looked up without hesitation, looking at one side of the door.

　　The moment the door opened, it stunned everyone.

　　It was a woman of breathtaking beauty. The fiery red attire she wore accentuated her allure to the fullest. The bold makeup on her captivating eye sockets and the confident expression on her face seemed to declare to all the women present—she was the queen of this place.

It felt like an eternity before she finally approached. Ivina turned her head and sipped the wine in her cup.

　　She dared not look her in the eye. The woman's stunning appearance was like a sharp blade, triggering Ivina's feelings of inferiority.

"Slave Bia." The woman bowed her head deeply. Whether by coincidence or not, her sash slipped down her smooth shoulder without warning, revealing her ample bosom.

"Raise your head. This is Bucher. Lord Qisa, you will be his dance partner until this banquet ends." Luo spoke mechanically, word by word, unaware of the subtle change in Biya's expression. 

She had meticulously adorned herself, constantly striving for perfection, waiting, waiting for an opportunity to approach that flawlessly perfect man. She believed this dance banquet was the perfect opportunity; she believed that arrogant man had finally noticed her charm and value; she thought he would take her hand and dance with her in the spotlight of the gathering.

Gripping the shawl tightly in her palm, Bia suppressed her emotions with a smile.

"Lord Qisa, you are Bucher of the Underworld. Lord Qisa. I am honored to dance with you and deeply grateful." Bia folded her hands over her chest and bowed respectfully once more.

　　Ivina watched the scene before her and, for some reason, gradually exhaled. It turned out that the beautiful vampire was not Luo's dance partner.

　　But the Underworld? As she thought about it, Ivina slowly placed the wine glass back on the table, but it slipped out of her fingers.

　　No! This dress... it will be stained by the wine in the glass! She didn't want that!

　　"Ah…" As the glass fell, Ivina's mind was filled with that thought alone.

　　Luo turned quickly, reaching out to catch the glass.

"Are you okay?"

　　Looking up, Ivina saw Bucher's calm face.