"You shouldn't look so frightened, little human," he murmured, his hand grazing her arm. "We don't bite… unless invited."
Selene froze, her heart hammering in her chest. His touch was light, but it was enough to send panic spiraling through her. She tried to step back, her mind screaming for her to flee, but fear kept her rooted to the spot.
And then, in an instant, the hall grew deathly silent. The vampire before her stiffened, his eyes widening in sudden horror. Selene's breath hitched as a familiar, terrifying presence filled the room. She didn't have to turn to know who it was—she could feel him, like ice creeping down her spine.
Vampire king.
His footsteps were slow, deliberate, echoing in the silence as he crossed the hall. Selene dared not move, her body trembling as she sensed the raw fury radiating from him. The vampire who had dared to touch her remained frozen, his confidence evaporating as Lucien approached.
In one swift motion, Lucien's hand was around the man's throat, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. The sound of bones creaking under his grip filled the room. His crimson eyes burned with an intensity that made Selene's blood run cold.
"You dare touch what is mine?" Lucien's voice was low, like the rumble of an approaching storm. His words sent a jolt of terror through her. His? Selene's breath hitched, her fear clawing at her chest.
The vampire gasped, his eyes wide with panic, but Lucien's grip only tightened. "I should tear you apart for your insolence."
With a flick of his wrist, Lucien threw the vampire across the room, his body crashing into the far wall with a sickening thud. Selene flinched at the sound, her heart racing, but she couldn't move. She felt trapped, like a bird caught in a predator's gaze.
She didn't knew what destiny has held for her.
°°°