Vinzo poured two glasses of crimson liquid, handing one to Kael.
"To victory," Vinzo said, his eyes gleaming.
Kael raised his glass.
"To survival."
They sipped in silence, the castle's grandeur a stark contrast to the devastation outside.
"Lilith's defeat won't bring peace," Kael said, his voice laced with warning.
Vinzo nodded.
"I know. The factions will vie for power."
Kael's gaze turned cold.
"And I'll claim the throne."
Vinzo's expression remained neutral.
"You've earned it, cousin."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"Don't think of challenging me, Vinzo."
Vinzo's smile hinted at secrets.
"I have other pursuits."
Kael's curiosity piqued.
"Such as?"
Vinzo's gaze drifted, his thoughts on Eliana.
"A certain human."
Kael's laughter echoed through the hall.
"A distraction, Vinzo. Nothing more."
Vinzo's eyes flashed, a subtle warning.
"Don't underestimate her, Kael."
Kael's grin faded.
"Is she... special?"
Vinzo's silence spoke volumes.
"Special?" Kael repeated, his brow raised. "What's so unique about this human?"
Vinzo leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting to the flames dancing in the fireplace.
"Her spirit," Vinzo said, his voice low. "Her defiance. She's... captivating."
Kael's chuckle held amusement.
"Vinzo, the great vampire lord, smitten with a mortal."
Vinzo's gaze snapped back to Kael.
"It's not a joke, cousin."
Kael's grin faded.
"Serious, then? You'd risk everything for her?"
Vinzo's expression turned resolute.
"I'll do what's necessary to protect her."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"From what? The war is won."
Vinzo's jaw clenched.
"From myself. From us. From the darkness that comes with our world."
Kael's silence spoke volumes.
"You plan to tell her?" Kael asked finally.
Vinzo's hesitation was palpable.
"I'm not sure."
Kael's warning was clear.
"Be cautious, Vinzo. Secrets have a way of destroying us all."
Kael leaned forward, his voice taking on a serious tone.
"Vinzo, think this through. Revealing our world to a human... it's a risk."
Vinzo's eyes flashed with determination.
"I know what's at stake, Kael. But I won't hide forever."
Kael's expression softened.
"I understand, cousin. But consider Eliana's safety. Our world isn't for the faint of heart."
Vinzo's jaw clenched.
"I'll protect her."
Kael's sigh was audible.
"And what about the Council? They won't approve of a human knowing our secrets."
Vinzo's gaze turned cold.
"I'll handle the Council."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"Vinzo, don't underestimate their power."
Vinzo's voice dropped to a whisper.
"I'll do whatever it takes to keep Eliana safe."
That Evening;
Eliana walked home from work, lost in thought.
Vinzo trailed behind, his eyes fixed on her.
"Tonight's moon suits her," Vinzo thought.
As Eliana turned a corner, Vinzo stepped closer.
Eliana sensed a presence and spun around.
"Who's there?" she called out.
No response.
Vinzo melted into the shadows.
Eliana quickened her pace.
Vinzo mirrored her steps.
"Why does she fascinate me?" Vinzo wondered.
Eliana arrived home, locking her door.
Vinzo watched from afar.
"You're safe, Eliana," Vinzo whispered. "For now."
The next day, Eliana received a bouquet – blood-red roses.
"No message, no name," the deliveryman said.
Eliana shivered.
"Who's sending these?"
Vinzo's smile lingered, unseen.
Few Days Later;
Eliana received another bouquet – black lilies.
"Seriously, who's sending these?" Eliana exclaimed.
Her best friend, Sarah, frowned.
"Maybe it's a secret admirer?"
Eliana rolled her eyes.
"More like a stalker."
Vinzo watched from across the street.
"She's lovely when annoyed," Vinzo thought.
That evening, Eliana walked home.
Vinzo trailed behind.
Eliana spun around.
"Stop following me!"
Vinzo stepped forward, his eyes gleaming.
"I'm ensuring your safety."
Eliana scoffed.
"From what?"
Vinzo's smile hinted at secrets.
"From everything."
Eliana's unease grew.
"Who are you?"
Vinzo's gaze locked onto hers.
"Someone who cares."
Eliana's heart skipped a beat, her eyes narrowed.
"Care about me? You don't even know me."
Vinzo's smile deepened.
"I know enough."
Eliana's frustration grew.
"Like what?"
Vinzo's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Your strength, your spirit... your beauty."
Eliana's cheeks flushed.
"That's not an answer."
Vinzo stepped closer.
"Perhaps I'm drawn to the unknown."
Eliana's heart raced.
"Stay away from me."
Vinzo chuckled.
"I couldn't, even if I wanted to."
Eliana turned to leave.
Vinzo's voice stopped her.
"Eliana."
She spun around.
"What?"
Vinzo's eyes burned with intensity.
"I'll see you soon."
Eliana's unease turned to fear.
Eliana's voice trembled.
"Leave me alone."
Vinzo's gaze lingered.
"As you wish."
Vinzo vanished into the night.
Eliana exhaled sharply.
"What just happened?"