Charis's words were laced with a deep sadness, "You should listen to Valentin, Nita. Never fall in love with me. I am a monster."
Nita's heart ached at his statement, but before she could respond, Valentin departed, leaving the two alone. Charis turned to leave, but Nita's gratitude and impulsiveness got the better of her.
She ran into his arms, her voice barely above a whisper, "I never got to say thank you, Charis. Thank you."
Her lips brushed against his cheek in a gentle peck, and then she quickly retreated to her bed, hiding under the blankets. Charis stood frozen, his eyes fixed on the spot where she had vanished.
For moments, he stood lost in thought, confusion swirling in his chest. No one had ever shown him kindness or gratitude like Nita did. And that peck on the cheek...it felt like a spark had ignited within him.
Charis's chambers were filled with unexpected visitors, their voices echoing through the halls. "We heard you were single, Charis. We brought someone who would make a perfect queen."
Charis's gaze fell upon the vampire girl they presented, his expression unimpressed. "I appreciate the offer, but she's not for me."
The visitors insisted, "Just give her a chance, Charis. She's beautiful, powerful—"
But Charis was resolute. "My answer is no. She can stay for a week, but then she must leave."
Nita, hiding in the corner, heard the entire conversation. She felt a pang of discomfort, her heart racing. As she turned to flee, a flower vase fell, shattering on the floor. Charis's eyes met hers, and he instantly sensed her distress.
"The new girl has only 7 days to go back home," he said, his voice softening. Then, he walked towards Nita's room, where she had already locked herself in.
He knocked gently, his voice low and soothing. "Nita, open the door. Let's talk."
But Nita remained silent, her heart heavy with emotions she couldn't explain.
Nita's voice was laced with emotion, "Go away, Charis. You've been given a queen."
Charis's response was calm, but his eyes betrayed his true feelings, "But I don't want her."
Nita's words spilled out like a torrent, "That's true, you don't want anyone. You're so heartless that you don't even realize that I love you."
The silence that followed was palpable. Charis's gaze never left Nita's room door as he calmly said, "Open the door, Nita."
When she did, their eyes met like magnets, drawing them together. Charis grasped her, and their lips collided in a passionate kiss. Time stood still as they lost themselves in the embrace, her heart beating.
A knock on the door broke the spell, and they reluctantly parted, gasping for air. Charis's eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and delight as he chuckled, "Excuse me."
Nita's cheeks flushed, but she couldn't help but laugh too. Charis composed himself and answered the door, revealing his butler, who announced a visitor.