Viktor held Mikel close throughout the night, his arms wrapped around him as though shielding him from the world's darkness. Mikel, exhausted from the attack in the studio, burrowed deeper into Viktor's embrace.
Despite the comfort of Viktor's presence, Mikel could sense the lingering fear in the air, the unspoken dread that neither of them wanted to fully acknowledge.
"I won't let anything happen to you," Viktor had whispered earlier in the night, his voice thick with emotion. Mikel believed him.
The following days passed in a haze of eerie occurrences.
Mikel began to noticed shadows where there shouldn't be any, dark figures lingering in the corners of his vision only to disappear when he turned.
The feeling of being watched pressed down on him, heavy and constant, like an invisible presence lurking just out of sight.
But he kept it to himself, not wanting to burden Viktor further. After the attack, Viktor had been more protective than ever, and Mikel didn't want to add to his worries.
However, one afternoon as Mikel was working in his studio, Viktor arrived with a somber expression. He closed the door behind him, his eyes flickering with something dark and foreboding.
"We've been summoned," Viktor said quietly.
Mikel looked up from his canvas, wiping his hands on a rag. "Summoned? By who?"
"The Vampire Council. The Queen wants to meet you."
Mikel's brows furrowed in confusion. "The Queen? You have a queen?"
Viktor nodded, his face unreadable. "Yes, and a council. It's a formality when a vampire finds their mate. The Queen grants her blessing. But this… this is more than that." Viktor's voice was tight, as if he was holding something back.
"Is something wrong?" Mikel asked, a sense of unease creeping over him.
"No, nothing's wrong," Viktor said too quickly. "It's just… protocol."
Mikel wasn't convinced. He mused over the idea of vampires having a monarchy and council. It seemed archaic, like something out of an ancient fable, yet here they were, living in a world where vampires and their hierarchy existed in the sshadows
Still, Viktor didn't seem inclined to share more, so Mikel let the matter rest for now.
"When do we leave?" Mikel asked.
"Tonight," Viktor replied. "We need to go as soon as possible."
Later that evening, Viktor led Mikel through the streets, keeping to the shadows as they made their way to the grand palace hidden in the heart of the city.
Mikel had never been to this part of town, and the deeper they ventured, the more otherworldly everything felt.
Tall, darkened spires loomed overhead, casting long, ominous shadows across the cobblestone streets. The air grew cooler, and Mikel felt a shiver run down his spine.
As they approached the palace gates, Mikel couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size and grandeur of the structure before tthem
It was gothic and imposing, with towering arches and intricate stonework that seemed to glisten in the moonlight. The air was thick with the sense of ancient power, and Mikel could feel it in his bones, a palpable weight that made him uneasy.
They entered through the massive gates, which creaked open to reveal a long, dimly lit corridor.
The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings, each depicting scenes of battles, feasts, and rituals that felt far removed from anything Mikel had ever known. He followed Viktor closely, his heart pounding in his chest as they walked deeper into the palace.
When they finally reached the council chamber, Mikel's breath caught in his throat. The room was vast, with high ceilings and towering columns. At the far end of the chamber sat the Queen, draped in deep crimson robes, her presence regal and commanding.
Around her, the council members sat in shadow, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light, watching every move they made.
Mikel swallowed hard, feeling small and vulnerable under their gaze. Viktor stepped forward, his posture stiff and formal, but Mikel could sense the tension in him, the underlying fear he was trying to hide.
"Viktor," the Queen spoke, her voice smooth and commanding, "you have found your mate. Congratulations are in order."
Viktor bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment, but his expression remained tight. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Queen's piercing eyes shifted to Mikel, studying him with a kind of detached curiosity. Mikel resisted the urge to fidget under her scrutiny, standing tall despite the weight of her gaze.
"So this is the human you've bonded with," she said, her voice carrying a hint of disdain. "Your choice is… unusual."
Mikel clenched his fists at his sides but said nothing. He could feel Viktor tense beside him, and the air in the room seemed to grow colder.
"He is my mate," Viktor replied firmly. "There is no other."
The Queen's lips curled into a small, cold smile. "I see. But there is a problem, Viktor. His humanity makes him a liability."
Mikel's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Viktor, whose face was expressionless, but Mikel could see the flicker of worry in his eyes.
"His humanity," the Queen continued, "is a weakness that could be used against you. Your enemies will exploit this, and it will put both of you at great risk."
Viktor's jaw tightened. "I am aware of the risks, Your Majesty, but I will protect him."
The Queen's smile faded, replaced by a stern, almost cruel expression. "You cannot protect him forever, Viktor. His mortality is fragile, fleeting. The longer he remains human, the more dangerous this bond becomes. The council agrees."
Mikel felt a surge of anger rise within him, but he kept it in check. He couldn't let his emotions get the best of him here, not in front of the Queen and the council. Still, the idea of being labeled a "liability" because of his humanity stung deeply.
"You have a choice to make," the Queen said, her gaze shifting back to Viktor. "You will turn him, or you will face the consequences of defying the council's decision."
Mikel's blood ran cold at the ultimatum. He glanced at Viktor, who stood rigid, his fists clenched at his sides.
"How long?" Viktor asked, his voice strained.
The Queen's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "You have one month. After that, if he remains human, we will intervene."
Mikel's heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to remain calm. He could feel the weight of Viktor's gaze on him, but he couldn't bring himself to look at him. The room was suffocating, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
The Queen leaned back in her throne, her eyes narrowing as she regarded Viktor. "I trust you will make the right decision. For both your sakes."
With that, the audience was dismissed. Viktor and Mikel turned and left the chamber in silence, the heavy weight of the Queen's ultimatum hanging over them like a dark cloud. As they exited the palace, Mikel finally allowed himself to breathe again, but the tight knot of anxiety in his chest remained.
Outside, under the cold night sky, Viktor remained quiet, his expression unreadable. Mikel stole a glance at him, searching for any sign of reassurance, but found none. The weight of the situation bore down on both of them, and for the first time, Mikel realized just how dire their circumstances had become.
"We'll find a way," Viktor finally said, his voice low and filled with determination, but Mikel could hear the underlying fear in his words.
Mikel nodded, though his heart was heavy with uncertainty.