Étienne stormed through the hallways of the DeLacroix estate, dragging Adrian behind him. His irritation was palpable, his grip firm as they finally reached Gabriel's study. Without pausing to knock, Étienne pushed the door open, revealing Gabriel seated behind a grand mahogany desk. The room was adorned with shelves of ancient books, intricate maps, and artifacts that spoke of centuries of wisdom and history.
Eliana was seated on a nearby armchair, her arms crossed as she discussed something with her father. Both turned toward the door as Étienne entered, his expression a mixture of frustration and disappointment.
Gabriel's sharp crimson eyes landed on Adrian, who shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the elder vampire's gaze. Étienne let go of Adrian's arm and took a step forward.
"Father," Étienne began, his tone clipped, "I caught this idiot sneaking out of the estate. He went back to his old apartment despite your warnings. I had to step in before he got himself killed by rogue vampires or worse, the hunters."
Gabriel sighed, rubbing his temples as his expression grew darker. "Adrian, I thought I made myself clear about the dangers outside these walls. Do you understand the risk you put not only yourself but our entire family in?"
Adrian's shoulders slumped. "I just… I just wanted to get some things from my apartment. I didn't think it'd be that bad."
Étienne scoffed, his frustration boiling over. "That's exactly the problem you didn't think!"
Gabriel held up a hand, silencing his son. "Enough, Étienne. I'm glad you were there to bring him back safely, but your tone is unnecessary."
Étienne's jaw tightened, clearly stung by his father's words. Without another word, he turned and stormed out of the study, his frustration echoing in the heavy slam of the door.
Gabriel turned his attention back to Adrian, his disappointment evident. "We accepted you into our home, Adrian, despite the complexities of your situation. Yet, this is how you repay that trust?"
Adrian looked down, guilt gnawing at him. "I'm sorry."
Gabriel sighed again, his voice softening. "You're lucky Étienne was there. From now on, you will listen to what I tell you. Understood?"
Adrian nodded silently, unable to meet Gabriel's eyes.
"Eliana," Gabriel said, turning to his daughter, "take Adrian to his room. Ensure he doesn't attempt anything else foolish."
Eliana stood, her expression unreadable as she approached Adrian. "Come on," she said curtly, gesturing for him to follow.
Eliana's Wrath
As they walked through the halls, Adrian tried to break the silence. "Eliana, I "
"Save it," she interrupted, her tone cold and clipped.
A maid followed them, carrying Adrian's bag. The weight of Eliana's silence was suffocating, and every attempt Adrian made to apologize was met with an icy glare or complete disregard.
When they finally reached their destination, Adrian realized with a start that they were standing in front of a room far more ornate than the one he had been shown earlier. The maid opened the double doors to reveal Eliana's personal chambers.
Eliana's room was a striking blend of elegance and individuality. The walls were painted a deep crimson, accented by black and gold designs. A grand canopy bed with sheer curtains stood at the center, draped in silk and velvet. One wall was lined with bookshelves, filled with everything from ancient tomes to modern novels. A small table held an array of perfumes and trinkets, and a large bay window with heavy drapes overlooked the estate's sprawling gardens.
The maid placed Adrian's bag near the bed before quietly exiting, leaving the two of them alone. As the door shut behind her, Eliana turned abruptly, slamming the door with enough force to make Adrian flinch.
"Why are we in your room?" Adrian asked, his voice hesitant.
Eliana didn't answer immediately. Instead, she approached him with a sharp glare, her movements measured but seething with anger. Without warning, she slapped him across the face, the force of it making him stumble slightly.
"I get that you don't want to be like us," she began, her voice trembling with restrained fury. "But my father accepted you regardless of your nature. He gave you a place in our home, and this is how you repay him? By disobeying his direct orders and putting yourself and all of us at risk?"
Adrian held his cheek, his face stinging both from the slap and from her words. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I just wanted to get something from my old apartment. That's all."
"What if the hunters caught you?" Eliana demanded. "Or worse, the rogue vampires? Do you even realize how dangerous it was for you to go out there? If it wasn't for Étienne, you'd be dead right now. And do you know what that would mean for us? The hunters or the rogues would've had your body your DNA! They'd track us down, Adrian!"
Adrian lowered his head, guilt pressing down on him like a heavy weight. "I didn't think…"
"No, you didn't," Eliana snapped. "And because you can't be trusted to be alone, you'll be staying here. With me."
Adrian's head shot up, his eyes wide. "Wait, what? Why?"
"Because clearly, you need someone to watch over you," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "So settle down. The sun's about to rise, and it's time to sleep."
Adrian wanted to protest but stopped himself. The truth was, she was right. He had been reckless, and it had nearly cost him his life. With a resigned sigh, he nodded and moved toward the chair near the window, sitting down heavily.
Eliana watched him for a moment, her anger softening slightly. "This isn't about control, Adrian," she said quietly. "It's about keeping you alive. Whether you like it or not, you're one of us now. And that comes with responsibilities and dangers you don't fully understand yet."
Without another word, she climbed into her bed, drawing the curtains around it. Adrian sat in silence, staring out the window as the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon. For the first time, he truly felt the weight of his new reality pressing down on him.