VRROOOOM... CLAARRRR... VRR-BUSHHH,
Kael's bike roared down the road at
216 km/hr
He followed closely behind Celestara's sleek red car, which had a body similar to a Ferrari but with advanced features.
The car seemed to glide, its tinted windows hiding Celestara's figure, adding to the aura of mystery around her.
As they crossed the borders of the Vampire kingdom.
Kael teeth chartered softly.
"Brr..... It's freezing!" Kael muttered.
"This place seemed designed for vampires, who preferred the chill and darkness." Kael muttered again ,while leaning forward to conserve warmth.
The capital, Velyria, was draped in a dark mist, giving it a haunting, ethereal beauty.
The city's streets lit only by pale, flickering lights.
Well Vampire kingdom was located at northern side of continent, where sunlight barely touched the land.
.....
After riding for almost 3 hours.
Finally, they approached the grand castle.
It was unlike anything Kael had ever seen—massive, ominous, and intricate.
Its stone walls stretched high into the sky, adorned with ornate gargoyles and spires that seemed to scrape the clouds.
Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
It was his first time stepping foot inside a royal palace, and he couldn't help but wonder if his mother's castle would be as grand as this one.
As Celestara's car rolled to a stop in front of the castle steps.
"CLICK—CLACK "
Kael cut off his bike's engine and came to a halt beside her.
"Welcome to Nightfall Citadel, the royal castle," Celestara announced as they stood before the colossal fortress.
Kael's gaze traveled upward, taking in the sprawling towers and darkened arches.
His awe was interrupted as two women, dressed in elegant, dark robes, approached them gracefully.
One of them, with silver-streaked hair tied back and an air of authority, stepped forward.
"Welcome back, Your Highness," she greeted Celestara with a respectful bow. Her sharp gaze then turned to Kael, studying him with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
"Your Highness, who is he?"
Celestara answered with a slight smile.
"Marina, he is my guest. Take him with you, provide him with some fresh clothes and food, and afterward, bring him to my office."
With a nod, she disappeared, her form vanishing into thin air with a hint of violet mist, leaving Kael alone with Marina.
Marina raised an eyebrow, her expression softened but still holding a touch of curiosity.
"Well then, young man, follow me," she instructed, her tone both welcoming and brisk as she turned and began walking toward a side entrance of the citadel.
....
"Knock knock."
"Come in," Celestara's voice echoed from within.
"CLICK"
Marina opened the door and stepped inside.
Kael following behind her, now dressed in a finely tailored black jacket that seemed to blend with the room's somber yet grand decor.
Celestara looked up from her desk, giving him an appraising look.
"Marina, you can leave now," she declared, her voice carrying authority.
With a respectful bow, Marina exited, leaving Kael and Celestara alone in the opulent study.
Dark tapestries adorned the walls, casting shadows that gave the room an air of mystery, as the only light came from an ornate, glowing crystal chandelier above.
Celestara stood up, gesturing to Kael.
"So, let's go, Kael," she said, her tone businesslike but laced with curiosity.
"Wait," Kael interjected.
"do you have any branches or leaves from the Evernight Tree?" His eyes held a glint of urgency.
Celestara raised a brow, considering his request.
"I don't know offhand," she admitted thoughtfully,
"but I believe we have access to it."
"Then, please, I'll need some branches and leaves from that tree," Kael said, his tone firm but respectful.
Celestara gave a small nod.
"Very well."
Kael took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself.
"Alright, then—let's go. First, let's check his condition." kael declared.
Celestara motioned toward the grand doors.
Together, they moved through the halls of the citadel.
As Kael followed Celestara through the dimly lit corridors, he mulled over his plan.
I don't actually know how to cure her husband, he thought, his mind racing. But after hearing the grand reward she's willing to offer, I suppose I can give a try .
He knew his true intent wasn't to undo the curse himself; instead, he'd play into a different angle.
If he could figure out who had cast the curse in the first place, it might lead to a solution—or eliminate the threat entirely.
Celestara glanced at him briefly, her cold yet curious gaze flickering in the shadowy light.
She clearly expected results, and soon.
"Well," Kael began, clearing his throat
"I may not be able to remove the curse directly, but I know of a method to identify the one who cast it. If we find them, the curse should dissipate… permanently." kael muttered to himself
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