Eleanor's expression turned grave, her hands tensing into fists. She looked into his eyes, which still sparkled with warmth, but his cold tone made her shiver despite the cloak wrapped snugly around her.
Escape wasn't an option. It was nighttime, and the vampires were out in full force, their presence suffocating.
She wanted to escape, but she wanted to be strategic, not impulsive. She let out a deep sigh, feigning defeat, and shifted her gaze to the brothel. "I'm not planning to escape," she said, trying to sound convincing. "You'll just catch me anyway, so why bother?"
She wanted to plant this idea in his mind, to make him less vigilant and less likely to expect an escape attempt.
"Let's go in," Ares said, already walking ahead, seemingly oblivious to her ruse.
She hastened to catch up with him, walking beside him as they entered the brothel. She struggled to resist the instinct to cling to his arm, especially as they attracted attention from the surrounding vampires.
The stuffed bear she carried seemed to be drawing extra stares, but Ares didn't instruct her to put it down, appearing indifferent to the whispers and snickers from the crowd.
His nonchalance was a small comfort, but she appreciated that he didn't seem to mind the bear.
As they ascended the stairs and entered the building, Eleanor was hit with a wave of sensory overload. The air was heavy with the metallic tang of blood and the sweet burn of alcohol, making her head spin.
The sound of raucous laughter, clinking glasses, and sultry music filled her ears, while the sight of vampires indulging in every immorality imaginable assaulted her eyes. Female vampires danced with reckless abandon, their bodies undulating like serpents.
In the midst of this sinfulness, Eleanor's eyes darted to Ares, searching for a reaction. But his face remained a stoic mask, his eyes gleaming with a hint of nothingness, as if he was a statue amidst the tumult.
Her eyes lingered back on the vampires' merrymaking, her lips curling into a wry smile. She knew that vampires were notorious for their insatiable lust, and yet, Ares seemed utterly unmoved by the carnal spectacle. She turned her attention back to him, intrigued by his restraint.
"Give me your hand," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Eleanor hesitated for a moment, clutching her stuffed bear tightly against her chest. Then, she extended her hand, and Ares enveloped it in his, his grasp warm and firm. He led her out of the room, navigating through a curtain of beads that rustled softly as they passed.
For a second, the music, laughter, and all other sounds ceased, and Eleanor found herself transported to a lavish room radiating luxury and royalty.
The vampires' attire and the half naked women and men surrounding them made it clear that this was a privileged area, reserved for the elite.
Ares guided her to a secluded corner of the room, where they settled onto a plush golden carpet, their backs supported by a large, ornate pillow.
Before them stood a small, elegantly carved table, adorned with a single bottle of rich, red wine and two delicate crystal glasses, glinting in the soft light.
A stunning, half-naked female vampire approached them, her smile bright. "Excuse me, but are you two lost? This chamber is reserved for royalty," she said, her voice heavy with a hint of curiosity.
Eleanor's lips pursed, her mind racing to remember their disguise. Ares, however, looked unfazed, his eyes fixed on the vampire.
"Bring us your finest delicacies," he commanded, his tone authoritative.
The chambermaid's eyes widened, her face flushing with surprise. She seemed taken aback by Ares's audacity, her gaze lingering on his chiseled features. This commoner... she thought, her mind trailing off in wonder. Why is he so devilishly handsome?
The chambermaid cleared her throat, her voice firm but polite. "Sir, please be aware that this area is strictly for royalty. If you fail to vacate, you will be escorted out, and it will be... humiliating."
Eleanor's eyes snapped to Ares, her eyes widening in alarm. She parted her lips, her voice caught in her throat, but Ares's words cut through the air first.
His eyes blazed into their deep ruby form, his irises gleaming like hot coals. "I do not enjoy repeating myself," he hissed, his voice a low, venomous whisper, his words dripping with displeasure.
A wave of fear washed over the chambermaid, her breath catching in her throat. She hastily lowered her head, her eyes darting away from Ares's intense gaze. "Y-yes, I'll bring the food immediately,"
She scurried away with an air of urgency, her entire body quivering with fear.
Eleanor's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression thoughtful. "Why not reveal your true identity?"
He was still instilling fear with just a stare, even with his disguise.
She shook her head. Ares Mazitzis, You're truly terrifying.
"I can't release my presence. Not when I'm suppressing yours." Ares's response was flat and matter-of-fact.
Eleanor's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh?" she exclaimed. "You're suppressing my presence?"
Ares nodded, his expression serene, and released her hand. Only then did she realize that they were still holding hands, a gentle warmth lingering in her palm. She quickly cleared her throat, hugging her stuffed bear tightly to her chest.
A sense of relief washed over her, grateful that her true nature as a phoenix remained concealed. "Are you expecting a thank you?"
Ares's lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Not really," and he grasped the bottle, his fingers wrapping around it sluggishly.
Eleanor eagerly placed her stuffed bear beside her and reached for the bottle. "I want to try it,"
Ares raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Why would you want to drink this?"
"There's no harm in drinking," Eleanor replied, grunting softly, as she tugged on the bottle.
But Ares swiftly snatched it from her grasp. "You are not drinking this." he said, narrowing his eyes.
Eleanor scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Don't tell me what to do."
Ares sighed, shaking his head, clearly torn. Should I let her drink it as a punishment?
Suddenly, a raucous burst of laughter echoed from the far corner of the room, where a group of vampires were reveling in merriment, feasting and drinking.
At their center, a naked female vampire danced sensually, adding to the cacophony of noise. But then, a voice cut through the din, a voice that made Ares's face fall and Eleanor's eyes widen in shock.
"Oh, trust me, I'm well acquainted with the Lord," the voice boasted. "He was practically begging me to grant him more lands to add to his territory."
The laughter erupted again, even louder this time, and Ares's expression turned dull and lifeless. Eleanor's eyes, on the other hand, narrowed into slits, her rage simmering just below the surface.
"Atlan."