As they arrived in front of the chamber's door, Eleanor let out a deep sigh, her expression hesitant. Ares pushed the door open, and she couldn't help but ask, "Do we really have to share a chamber?" Her voice heavy with a hint of frustration as they entered the room.
However, their entry was met with a surprise. A devilishly handsome stranger with long dark hair, some of which was braided, stood before them. His golden fox eyes narrowed into hard slits of rage, burning harshly.
Eleanor was taken aback, but she remained still, observing the tense exchange between Ares and the stranger.
The stranger's glare was directed at Ares, who was rubbing the back of his neck nervously, his eyes cold and defensive.
"Where the hell did you go?" the stranger snapped, his voice low and menacing.
Ares retorted, "Don't ask like you're not always aware of my whereabouts."
The stranger's jaw clenched, his teeth gritted in frustration. "You and your bird were ambushed on your way to the castle earlier. Wasn't that enough to keep you grounded for a while?"
"Bird?" Eleanor was highly offended.
The stranger looked at her, his golden fox eyes softening slightly. "Are you hurt, Your Highness?" he asked, his tone surprisingly calm and gentle.
Eleanor was taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor. She shook her head slowly, still trying to process the sudden shift. "N-no, thank you. I-"
Before she could say anything else, Ares suddenly spoke up, "I'll prepare a bath for you," and strode away towards the bathing room.
Eleanor wanted to stop him, but he was already gone. Was he really going to continue preparing her baths?
She closed her parted lips, slipped off the cloak, and placed it on the chair. She was surprised by the stranger's presence, particularly since he didn't seem intimidated by Ares, and Ares didn't appear offended by him.
She paused, turning back to look at the stranger, who was now placing books on a shelf. The more she stared, the more she sensed his dark, gory aura, which sent shivers down her spine. It was as dark as Ares', but there was a distinct difference. And just like Ares, this stranger wasn't human; he was a demon. And judging by his eyes, he was a fox demon.
"You're staring, Your Highness," his deep voice suddenly resonated, halting her slow approach. He turned to face her, his golden eyes gleaming brighter than before.
"Did I scare you?" he asked, his tone gentle.
"No," Eleanor shook her head, her voice firm. "It's just... unusual to see a demon right in front of me."
He nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "It's also unusual to see a phoenix right in front of me." He smiled politely. "It's nice to finally meet you, Eleanor."
Eleanor's eyes widened in surprise. "You know me?"
He nodded again. "I am Kaito,"
He skillfully dodged answering the question verbally, but she still offered him a warm smile.
"Ares' family is notorious for their ruthless ways and thirst for blood." Kaito warned, his tone serious. "As his betrothed and the last existing phoenix, you should prioritize your safety, Your Highness. Ares has many formidable enemies, acquaintances, and beings who fear him."
Eleanor took Kaito's words as both advice and valuable insight into her enigmatic fiancé. Feeling slightly more at ease, she approached him. "May I ask you something?"
Kaito was taken aback by her forwardness, but he nodded graciously. "Of course, please ask."
"Did Ares truly have no role in the extermination of my kind?"
Kaito sighed, expecting this question eventually, but not so soon. "The agreement was to hand you over to him on your eighteenth birthday. He was en route to Enebelle when he learned about the plan to eradicate your kind."
"A.. Agreement?" Eleanor's voice trembled, her fists clenched and her breath held. "The agreement made before I was even born?"
Kaito nodded and continued. "As the illegitimate child, Ares lacked the authority to halt the plans, so he made a deal with his brothers. Your life in exchange for the life of the entire vampire race."
Eleanor's eyes widened in horror. "W-what?"
Kaito smiled, a thin, mirthless curve, seeming to enjoy her shocked reaction.
At that moment, Ares emerged from the bathing room, his sleeves slightly damp, his expression emotionless. "Your bath is ready," he announced, his gaze shifting to Eleanor, who was still staring at Kaito with a stunned expression.
Without a word, she walked past him into the bathing room.
Ares shot Kaito an angry glare. "Why did you have to tell her that?"
Kaito smirked, enjoying Ares' discomfort. "Consider it a punishment for leaving the city without informing me," he said. "Besides, I didn't tell her everything. And this way, some of her hatred towards you might diminish."
Ares' lips twitched, his expression darkening. "Her hatred and pain will only increase when she learns the truth about this betrothal. She's a sacrifice, nothing more."
Kaito's smirk faltered, his expression turning serious. "What happened in the brothel?"
"Find that arrow and the assassin who used it." Ares growled, his fingers raking through his hair in frustration. "That arrow was meant to kill me and take my bird from me."
Kaito's smirk returned, his eyes glinting with amusement. "It's a rare sight to see you so worked up." He walked over to the door, pausing with his hand on the handle. "Do you have any idea who might be behind this?"
Ares' silver eyes darkened, icy cold. "No."
Kaito nodded curtly and exited the chamber, slamming the door behind him.
Ares entered the clothes chamber and selected a green floral nightdress, which he then placed on the bed.
Without a word, he exited the chamber and made his way to the library, where he found a large black snake coiled and gazing at Iris, who sat reading a book.
"Sister," he called out, approaching the snake.
"Brother," Iris replied, her voice chillingly cold."
Ares' eyes narrowed at the snake, which swiftly turned its attention to him. "Nyx," he whispered, his eyes transforming into a serpent-like shape, mirroring the snake's. His irises shifted into a mesmerizing mix of ruby and silver, a hypnotic shade that danced in the dim light of the royal library.