Valen and Liora sat across from each other, the moon casting a silver glow over the clearing. The silence between them was thick with tension, each moment stretching into eternity. Finally, Liora broke the silence, her voice cautious.
"I'm Liora, Liora Seren Willow" she said, her gaze unwavering. "What's your name?"
Valen hesitated. He had heard stories of fairies able to curse those who gave away their true names. But lying wasn't an option either, fairies were notorious for detecting lies. His mind raced, trying to find a safe middle ground.
"Valen," he said finally, his voice low and guarded. "I'm Valen, Valen Thorne Evernight."
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
Now she knows my name. This could be a problem. Play it cool, Valen. Don't let her see you're unsettled.
Liora's eyes widened as she processed his name. Valen, the vampire prince. The stories she had heard about his power and ruthlessness filled her mind, making her heart race even faster.
Liora's Inner Thoughts:
Valen... the Evernight vampire prince Valen?. Ughhh... How can this night get any worse. This is a nightmare. He IS dangerous, and I'm trapped here WITH HIM..... Stay calm, Liora, just stay calm.
Valen, feeling the intensity of her gaze, began to grow increasingly uncomfortable. He shifted slightly, trying to appear relaxed but failing miserably. He could sense her fear, which only heightened his own anxiety. What if she decided to use her magic against him?
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
What in hell's name is she waiting for? If she's not gonna curse me then what? This situation is just getting worse by the second. If I let my guard down then I'm I'll really be in trouble.
Liora's breathing quickened. The vampire's unease only confirmed her worst fears. Her vision started to blur as panic set in, and she felt herself losing control.
"Are you... alright?" Valen asked, his voice softer than he intended. The concern in his tone was genuine, but to Liora, it sounded more like a threat.
Liora's Inner Thoughts:
Oh no, I-I knew it he's gonna eat me, he's coming closer. This is it. He's going to attack! I can't... can't breathe...
Her eyes widened, and she instinctively shouted, "Stay back!" As soon as the words left her lips, an invisible force pushed Valen back, causing him to fall heavily to the ground.
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
What was that? What just happened? Commandment magic? Damn it I was wrong she's not just some fairy, she's... She's a royal. Damn it, I misjudge the situation She's incredibly strong. This isn't just about fear, she's far more dangerous than I anticipated.
As Valen struggled to his feet, the realization hit him hard. The sheer force of her magic was overwhelming, a sign of her immense power. He watched as Liora swayed slightly before calming down.
Liora's eyes fluttered open, and she found Valen sitting a few feet away, his face showing a mix of shock and discomfort. Despite the fear still gripping her, she managed to sit up and glance at him.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Valen nodded, his expression softening despite the fear in his eyes. "It's... fine. Are you okay?"
Liora nodded back, her fear not completely dissipated. "I think so."
Liora's Inner Thoughts:
Alright, think, Liora think. If I offer him some food, then maybe he'll see it as a gesture of goodwill and probably won't eat me right? Plus I don't have much blood inside of me so he probably won't find be appetizing, I need to make sure he feels full and not hungry. If he's not hungry, he's less likely to see me as a source of food. It's a long shot, but it's better than risking him turning his attention to me. Please let this work.
Trying to break the awkward tension, Liora offered, "We should eat something."
"Uh, sure, what do you have?" he asked carefully.
Liora's face brightened with relief. "Just some fruits and vegetables. I hope that's okay."
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
Fruits and vegetables? Duhh Of course, what else would a fairy have? You're an idiot Valen.. an idiot! I'd rather have blood, but that's clearly not an option here.... Mom I'm sorry but your child is about to go vegan.
Valen forced a smile and nodded. "That sounds... fine."
They ate in silence, the meal a simple fare of fruits and vegetables that Liora had foraged. Valen found the food barely palatable but forced it down, not wanting to offend her.
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
This is by far the most disgusting thing I've ever put in my mouth. How can she eat this stuff? I'm gonna be sick, but I can't let her see that, it might make things worse than they are.
He swallowed hard, his stomach churning. The food was revolting, and he felt like he might vomit, but he forced himself to finish. His face was pale, and he had to avert his gaze to hide his discomfort.
Liora's Inner Thoughts:
He's eating it all! That's a good sign, right? That's right just eat the fruits and veggies, no need to eat a poor small fairy, hehe now he won't have to feel the need to... Eat me. I need to keep him full if that's the case.
As Liora mistook Valen's strained smile for appreciation. She continued to offer more and more to valens plate believing that he was genuinely pleased. She handed him a large portion of fruits and vegetables, thinking it would satisfy his hunger and kept him full for the night.
"Here, have some more" she said with a smile, Valen however felt that she was being sadistic for forcing this on him, but he had no choice but to. "Th-thanks" he said almost vomiting.
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
What is she planning? Making me eat all of this... this.. Filth!? please stop torturing me and just curse me already.
Liora, seeing him finish the plate, clapped her hands together with a bright smile. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Would you like some more?"
Valen's heart sank further. He forced a nod, his expression a mix of grim determination and agony. "No!!!!!" He shouts, shocking liora to the core, "that's... that's alright. I'm already quite full."
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
I don't think I can take another bite. If she offers more, I might not make it through the night. Just hold it together, Valen. You can make it.
Liora's face fell slightly at his refusal, but she quickly masked her disappointment with a smile. "Alright, if you're sure. If you need anything else, just let me know."
Valen, nods as Liora went away into the distance.
Valen's Inner Thoughts:
This was a disaster. I've never been so humiliated in my life. But hey! at least I didn't die. Maybe... maybe tomorrow will be better. I hope.
Liora's hospitality had unintentionally turned into a test of Valen's endurance, but the night wore on with both trying to ignore their discomfort. Despite the misunderstandings and unease, there was an undercurrent of tentative connection forming between them. As the moon climbed higher in the sky, both hoped for a peaceful end to the night, each contemplating the strange circumstances that had brought them together.