Idrus gazed intently at the ring on Iridessa's hand while she was lost in thought, admiring the city lights reflecting on the window like twinkling stars. He shifted his attention from the ring to the wearer, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed posture that belied his true nature. He exuded a predatory aura, ready to strike at any moment, cunning and dangerous.
Raising the wine glass to his lips, he took a sip. As a vampire, he had no need for food and didn't particularly enjoy or despise it like other vampires did. However, for appearances' sake, he indulged in it. But the taste of the wine couldn't satisfy his craving for blood. It had been weeks since he had found the type of blood he preferred, and he couldn't return to the kingdom because of the blood ring that plagued him.
Idrus's gaze fixated on the pale, smooth neck before him, barely visible veins tempting his fangs to emerge. He brushed his tongue over his teeth, but quickly composed himself when the object of his bloodlust turned to him with an innocent smile that both delighted and tormented him.
"The view is absolutely stunning," Iridessa remarked, taking a slice of Black Forest Gateau adorned with edible gold leaf.
Suppressing his primal instincts, Idrus focused on Iridessa's words. "Indeed, the view is breathtaking," he replied, his voice deep and husky.
"But it pales in comparison to the beauty before me." He forced a smile, concealing the hunger that raged within him, causing Iridessa's cheeks to flush like a ripe tomato.
Iridessa returned his smile, her eyes filled with warmth. "You always know how to charm a lady, Idrus," she playfully remarked.
"The city lights truly create a magical ambiance, don't they?" She took another sip of her wine, her gaze lingering on him. "But you seem a bit distracted tonight. Is everything alright?"
Iridessa finished her wine, looking satisfied as she glanced at Idrus. "I'm quite full now," she said contentedly. "Are you still hungry?" She gestured towards his barely touched plate of food, wondering why he hadn't eaten much.
Knowing that their bill was already taken care of due to his partnership with the restaurant owner, Idrus discreetly signaled the waiter to clear their table and ensure their privacy. Leaning closer to Iridessa, he whispered playfully, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, "Shall we continue our evening elsewhere?"
Idrus stood up, and Iridessa followed suit. As they left the restaurant, he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist. He felt a momentary dizziness, but quickly regained his composure with a subtle shake of his head.
His thirst for blood gnawed at him, growing weaker with each passing day, yet Iridessa remained oblivious as they made their way to the car.
The city lights created a mesmerizing atmosphere as they walked, but Idrus's mind was consumed by a more primal desire. The image of Iridessa's neck lingered in his thoughts, the pulsing veins calling out to him like a seductive melody.
Despite the ache in his chest, he masked his inner turmoil behind a charming smile, determined to keep his desires hidden from Iridessa's innocent gaze. Opening the car door for her, his mind raced with dangerous thoughts.
As they settled into the car, Idrus couldn't shake off the weight of Manuel and Gabrielle's considerate gesture. They had brought animal blood, hoping to satisfy his hunger, but the mere thought of consuming it disgusted him. His cravings were solely for the metallic tang of human blood. He prided himself on his self-control, but this hunger seemed to be beyond his grasp. His heightened senses could already detect the pure blood of Iridessa, and it was driving him to the edge.
Idrus started the car, trying to distract himself from his desires. Iridessa's animated chatter provided some relief, but his grip on the steering wheel tightened as his eyes involuntarily glanced at her delicate neck, illuminated by passing headlights.
A surge of desire coursed through him, his fangs threatening to reveal themselves. Shaking his head, he forced his attention back to the road. When Iridessa noticed his subdued demeanor and asked what was wrong, he brushed it off, assuring her that everything was fine.
But with each passing moment, the hunger grew stronger, his restraint slipping away with every beat of her veins beneath her skin. He knew he had to make a decision, and he made it quickly.
As they arrived at her apartment, Idrus turned to Iridessa, his gaze intense as he leaned in and captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. She responded eagerly, her body melting against his. However, he pulled away abruptly, leaving her breathless and bewildered.
"I'll see you tomorrow, my princess," he whispered, his voice filled with desire as he met her puzzled gaze.
Confusion and worry flickered in Iridessa's eyes as her brow furrowed. She had expected more time together, perhaps even continuing their evening at one of their places. But she held her thoughts back, unwilling to voice her concerns.
With a nod, he gracefully exited the car, extending a hand to assist her. Together, they strolled towards her doorstep, the night air thick with unspoken emotions.
As she stood on the stairs, Idrus couldn't help but notice the troubled expression etched on her face. Gently, he lifted her chin, meeting her gaze. "Càra, what's troubling you?" he inquired softly, his concern evident in his eyes.
Iridessa hesitated for a moment, her head shaking slightly. "It's nothing," she replied in a hushed tone, forcing a smile to mask her inner turmoil.
Idrus's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, his reluctance evident. "I have some matters to attend to princess. I'll see you tomorrow," he murmured, a hint of regret coloring his voice.
With a final nod, he reluctantly stepped back, turning to walk away. Iridessa remained on the steps, her heart heavy with unanswered questions, as she watched him disappear into the night.
As Idrus drove off, Iridessa's eyes followed his car until it vanished from sight, leaving her with a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. Perhaps he had grown weary of their new relationship, or maybe he had responsibilities waiting for him elsewhere. These possibilities, once foreign to her mind, now swirled within, but she chose to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Just as she was about to retreat inside, a pained cough echoed from the nearby alley. Intrigued, she moved closer to investigate, only to be startled by the sudden opening of her apartment door.
Nathaniel, her roommate, greeted her with a playful smile, raising an eyebrow as he noticed her gaze fixed on something. "Well, well, well, look who's wandering the streets at this hour. Did you forget where you live, Iridessa?" he teased, his tone light-hearted.
Iridessa couldn't help but roll her eyes, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Oh, come on, Nathaniel," she retorted, nudging him with her elbow in a playful manner. "I was just curious about that noise in the alleyway."
Nathaniel chuckled, shaking his head at her antics. "Always the curious one, aren't you? Next time, give me a heads up before you embark on your detective missions. I'll be your trusty backup," he quipped, giving her a wink.
Iridessa laughed, appreciating Nathaniel's light-hearted banter. It helped to alleviate the tension she felt after her encounter with Idrus, if only momentarily. As they made their way back to their cozy apartment, Iridessa's thoughts briefly lingered on Idrus and his abrupt departure, but she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the warmth of home and the presence of her friends.
Entering the kitchen, Iridessa spotted Indiana bustling about, preparing a late-night snack with practiced ease. With a mischievous grin, Iridessa jokingly called out, "Mummy!" before joining Indiana at the counter.
Indiana turned, a surprised expression on her face before breaking into a chuckle. "So now I'm 'mummy,' am I?" she teased, a playful glint in her eye. "I'll never hear the end of it, will I?"
Iridessa joined in the laughter. "Not a chance," she replied, her tone light and teasing. "It's too much fun to tease you about it."
As they worked together in the kitchen, Iridessa and Indiana chatted easily, catching up on the events of the day. Meanwhile, Nathaniel had slipped out, donning his black coat and disappearing into the night.
Indiana arranged the plates of grilled salmon and roasted vegetables on the dining table, the delicious scent wafting through the room. "How was your day, Iridessa?" she inquired, her voice filled with warmth.
Iridessa settled into her seat, picking up her fork. "Not much to report," she replied casually, spearing a piece of salmon. "Although I did notice something off about Melissa."
Indiana's curiosity was piqued as she raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What did you observe?" she asked, pouring herself a glass of water.
Iridessa hesitated, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "I can't quite put my finger on it," she confessed, her gaze wandering. "It just felt like she was keeping a secret."
Deciding to keep the details to herself, Iridessa waved it off. "It's probably nothing," she said nonchalantly. "Just a strange vibe, I suppose."
Relaxing in her chair, Iridessa changed the topic, eager to share about her evening with Idrus. "By the way, I went out with Idrus tonight," she began, her tone brightening. "We tried out that new Italian place downtown."
Indiana's eyes lit up with interest as she listened to Iridessa's story. "Sounds wonderful, dear," she commented, a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm glad you had a great time."
Iridessa gave a subtle nod, her thoughts wandering back to Idrus and the enchanting moment they had experienced together. Although uncertainties clouded her mind, she couldn't resist the undeniable attraction she felt towards him. Unaware of the impending twist of fate, she carried on with her meal, oblivious to the unexpected events that awaited her, whether they would bring fortune or misfortune.