"The ritual."
Astraea fixed her gaze on Ophelia, her mind racing with the implications. Deep down, she knew that there had to be a vampire ritual before she could embark on her witchcraft training. But she hadn't expected Ophelia to initiate everything so abruptly. Ignoring Astraea's curiosity, Ophelia strode toward another shop, prompting Astraea and David to trail closely behind.
As they wandered through the market, Ophelia turned to Astraea, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Look around at everyone and tell me what you think they're feeling."
Astraea squinted at the bustling crowd, struggling to discern their moods. They all appeared engrossed in their own lives. "Neutral?" she ventured hesitantly.
Ophelia shot her a sharp look, then swept her gaze over the passersby. "A skilled human should be able to look someone in the eyes and read their mood, whereas a vampire can simply sniff it out."
Astraea frowned, her confusion palpable. "If this is a vampire skill, why should I learn it as a human?"
With an exasperated sigh, Ophelia replied, "You don't learn this as a vampire; it just happens. It's a haunting reality if you ever find yourself in a crowded place. Understanding human emotions as a human will help you navigate those interactions."
Nodding in understanding, Astraea resolved to work on it. As they continued walking, Ophelia detailed the subtle cues associated with each emotion. "Remember, just because you can identify emotions as a human doesn't mean it takes away the pain of experiencing them as a vampire. Some feelings are invisible to human eyes, but a vampire's senses can detect them immediately."
They stepped into a shop filled with various mystical trinkets, the air heavy with the scent of herbs. David, sensing the lesson was on pause, sighed in relief. He opened his mouth to approach Astraea but hesitated as she wandered off after Ophelia. He reached out, his lips forming her name, but the sound never left his mouth as he withdrew, frustration mingling with disappointment.
"Is it possible for me to see the list? I'll see what I can do," Astraea asked tentatively. Ophelia regarded her with a moment's hesitation before producing a piece of parchment from thin air. Astraea's eyes widened in admiration—spatial magic was no small feat to master.
Embracing her confidence, Astraea focused on the list. If there was one thing she was sure of about herself, it was her memory. The palace teachers had always marveled at her ability to retain information.
Picking up a striking red stone, she held it out to Ophelia, who nodded in approval and pointed toward the basket she was carrying, even though her magical prowess meant she didn't actually need it.
They continued shopping, the sun dipping lower in the sky until the vibrant blue faded into shades of twilight. The three gathered their belongings, ready to return to the cabin. The walk back was quieter but less awkward. David stumbled over a twisted tree root, nearly falling, but Astraea caught his arm just in time. Ophelia observed their interaction with an approving smile, her thoughts drifting, *Well, they need as much time together as they can get; they won't be together for long.*
As they approached the cabin, a strong wind blew, causing the crystals hanging from the eaves to jingle melodically.
Once inside, they retreated to their designated spaces. Astraea spent hours in contemplation, her thoughts a whirlwind about her future. Never had she imagined her life unfolding in this way. While she didn't mind being away from the castle, she wished for different circumstances.
Yet, Astraea refused to dwell too long on her misfortunes; she contemplated her plans. Her destiny was to become a Vampire-Witch and marry the King, but how would their paths cross? People often said that fate worked in mysterious ways, but she couldn't see how this fate would play out. She didn't mind avoiding the palace, as tales told that the King rarely ventured outside except for military matters.
Eventually, fatigue overcame her, and Astraea drifted into sleep, her sheltered past looming in her dreams.
---
Astraea's long eyelashes fluttered open, her eyes lingering on the wooden ceiling before she swung her legs off the bed. The cold floor sent a shiver through her as she pushed herself up. After freshening up in the bathroom Ophelia had shown her, she navigated the maze-like cabin until she reached the dining table. With a sigh, she sat down, taking in the sight of the empty plates around her.
"Now that her 'Highness' has arrived," Ophelia remarked, her tone laced with sarcasm as she finally turned to Astraea, her eyes questioning whether she could possibly be any later. The clock on the wall mercilessly ticked close to noon, a silent reminder of Astraea's tardiness.
"Please accept my apologies, ma'am; I overslept," Astraea replied, her tone genuine. She picked up a fork and glanced at the stack of pancakes in front of her, relieved to have something to eat. She had money, but she knew there might come a time when she would need to conserve it.
Ophelia sighed dramatically, pushing her chair back as she stood up. "The ritual will take place tomorrow. You two should spend a relaxing day in the woods or something," she said, a mischievous smirk dancing on her lips as she strode out of the room.
Astraea turned her attention back to David, who sat behind an empty plate, fidgeting nervously as he glanced around the room. Following Ophelia's earlier suggestion, Astraea watched him closely. He looked anxious. "Are you okay?" she asked, genuine concern lacing her voice.
His head snapped toward her, surprise evident in his eyes, and he nodded as he stood up, taking his plate to the kitchen. Astraea followed, watching as he rinsed the plate with the supplies nearby. "You're my guard, not my maid," she teased, trying to lighten the mood as David offered to clean her dish.
"Are we heading into the woods?" he asked, drying his hands on a cloth. Astraea's mind flickered to the woods, remembering how they had gotten lost but feeling an inexplicable pull to return. Embracing the sensation, she returned the plate to its rightful place and nodded.
A few minutes later, they stood on the cabin's porch, and Astraea smiled, waiting for him to take the lead. She had no idea where they were going. "Follow the wisps if you get lost," Ophelia called from the cabin door, and Astraea thanked her before they set off into the woods.
The path was quiet, the only sounds were the crunch of leaves beneath their feet and the distant chirping of birds. Astraea couldn't help but steal sidelong glances at David, who seemed tense and distracted. "Do you have something on your mind?" she asked, carefully sidestepping a spiky branch.
David avoided her gaze, looking everywhere except at her. He was afraid that if he met her eyes, she would see through his façade. Ophelia had been sending him warning glances all day, making him increasingly uneasy. The suggestion that he spend the day with Astraea gnawed at him. He felt that his time here was limited.
He shook his head and quickened his pace, creating a slight distance between them. Astraea frowned, her concern deepening as she turned her focus to the tall trees that lined their path. She resolved to question him about it later.
Lost in her thoughts, Astraea scanned the area to ensure she wouldn't trip over anything. Suddenly, she realized David was no longer beside her. Panic surged through her as she searched the woods frantically, tears welling in her eyes. "David! If this is a joke, I'll never forgive you!" she cried out, her voice cracking with emotion. She couldn't imagine David playing such a cruel trick.
Determined not to give up, Astraea sprinted through the underbrush, her heart racing as she called for him. After what felt like an eternity, she stumbled into a clearing, coming to an abrupt halt, panting heavily.
As she surveyed her surroundings, her gaze landed on a hooded figure seated on a log. The silhouette had broad shoulders that suggested a man. For a fleeting moment, Astraea considered that it might be David if not for the stranger's imposing build. Intrigued yet cautious, she found herself walking toward the figure, curiosity overcoming her anxiety.
"Hello, stranger,"