Avelina's eyes flickered rapidly, and she lowered her head to look at his hand. It was…cold.
"Thank you, master," she appreciated it with no expression visible on her face.
Draven let go and rested his arms behind his back.
"Bring her along with you," he said to Santino.
Without looking at Edward, he stepped down the stairs. Under the heavy and bewildered gazes of the audience, he strolled out of the hall, leaving their jaws all fallen in incredulity.
Twenty million euros for a slave! He must be demented!
Above the stage, the host, whose hands contained the paycheck, smiled willfully, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Santino turned to Avelina. "Let's go."
Avelina obediently followed behind him out of the hall.
They walked towards the SUV and met Draven, who stood beside it.
Santino proceeded to inquire, "Young master, shall I have her follow in the second car?"
"No," Draven replied.
"She will ride with me." He glanced at Avelina and reached out his hand.
Reluctantly, Avelina took hold of his cold hand and stepped into the car.
The chauffeur started the car's engine once Santino had taken his place in the front passenger seat.
They drove off onto the road, and throughout the ride, Avelina uttered not a word but simply had her head down with her fingers constantly tapping her thighs.
Draven, who noticed, abruptly asked, "What are you nervous about?"
Flabbergasted, Avelina raised her head and looked at him. She bit her lip, unable to find the courage to give him an answer.
How could she? She was not just uneasy, but she was fearful of him as well.
She was literally seated in a car with a vampire who was undoubtedly taking her to his home to suck her dry.
Who knows where they were even taking her? Humans were nothing but food for them and so she was more than sure that she was his meal. Although…wasn't twenty million still too much for her?
I know I am not worth that much by common sense, so…could he have another reason? Goosebumps rose all over Avelina's body as she thought, and she anxiously gripped her dress.
A soft breath suddenly exited from Draven, and he said, "When I ask you a question, you at least give me an answer. Do you understand?" His tone hinted a bit at his displeasure.
Avelina gulped, her expression a mixture of panic and worry.
"Yes..." She nodded obediently.
…
A long hour progressed, and by the time they arrived at the supposed huge mansion, it was already midnight.
The royal mansion stood tall and proud in the heart of the vast compound, its grand facade illuminated by the soft glow of the moonlight. It was a magnificent blend of gothic and modern architecture, with intricately carved pillars and ornate balconies overlooking the sprawling gardens.
Its grounds were manicured with tall trees and colorful flower beds, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The water fountain in the middle of the compound gurgled softly, and it's gentle splashing added to the sense of calm.
The chauffeur parked the car in the parking lot alongside the rest of the cars, and the first to get down was Santino. He pulled the door open for Draven.
Draven stepped down, and Avelina followed suit.
They walked toward the entrance, and the security men standing at the door bowed in salutation at the sight of him.
"Welcome back, young master."
But Draven's expression was as stiff as a board.
Avelina's brows furrowed.
Not even a simple nod of acknowledgment? She thought about it but dared not voice it out.
Upon entering the mansion, they were greeted by a grand foyer with a glittering chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The white walls were lined with exquisite artwork, and the plush carpets adorned the floors, leading them further into the mansion.
The living areas were spacious and luxurious, with plush sofas and armchairs arranged around grand fireplaces.
Avelina's eyes flickered, this having been the opposite of what she expected. This mansion looked gorgeous, unlike the frightening eerie style of houses the humans jotted down in their books.
"Come with me."
Draven gently seized her dirty hand and walked off, pulling her along with him.
They made their way to his royal quarter in the compound, and upon arrival at his room, he pushed the door open.
He stepped inside and yanked her in, shutting the door afterward.
Avelina glanced around, immediately taking in the look of the room.
The bedroom was spacious and inviting, with king-sized four-poster beds draped in white fabrics and tall windows that let in the soft glow of the moon. The walls were painted in warm colors, and plush carpets covered the floors, creating a cozy and comfortable space.
"There is something we need to discuss."
Draven let go of her hand, and Avelina stood gazing at him in perplexity.
Discuss? Was it finally going to happen? Would he drink her blood now? Was this going to be the end of her?
She flinched in fear once she saw him take a step toward her.
Draven instantly frowned, not sure why she had just jolted.
"Why did you flinch?" he questioned.
Avelina stared at him, and not wanting to die in such a way, she abruptly fell to her knees, her chained hands cupped together in a pleading manner.
"Please don't kill me! Please spare my life," she began to implore.
In reaction to her sudden behavior, Draven drew his head back in perplexity. He was baffled.
Avelina continued, "Please, just let me live. I don't want to die." She moved closer to grab his legs. "I promise, I will never disobey you. I am willing to be a loyal servant to you. Please do not kill me. Give me a chance to live. I beg you!"
Draven's right brow crinkled, and he pushed her hands off, not at all comfortable with the way she was clutching onto his leg.
What was she going on about? What exactly was happening? He never had the intention to kill her or do anything of the sort.
Draven took a deep breath and said to her, "Calm down." He squatted down and with the use of his right hand, he grabbed her chin, his gaze fixed on her.
"Do you really want to live?" he asked.
Avelina furiously nodded her head. "Yes! Yes!"
"Then I'll only do that under one condition," Draven stated.
Clueless of what it might be, Avelina knelt, peering at him, waiting to hear what this condition would be.
Draven's expression became deeply serious, satisfied by the curious look on her face. He let out a soft breath and proposed.
"Marry me, Avelina."