I lay on her, my hand gripping her thigh, feeling her heartbeat slow and its rhythm shift at my question. "Am I a vampire?"
"If I say yes, you'll want to know why you lived a normal life all these years, why you suffered from an incurable illness, or why your mother died if she was a vampire," Meredith replied, her fingers gently combing through my hair. I wanted to meet her gaze and ask again, but instead, I stared up at the ceiling, my heart already sensing the truth of my identity.
"I'm a vampire, and my mother was too. One of the Blood Clan, the first blood mage," I confessed, tears welling up as memories of my mother's passing flooded back.
"You don't have to hide your pain. I understand what you're going through. Let it out," she whispered, her face close to mine. I looked at her from where I lay and allowed myself to sob gently. I felt a mix of embarrassment and relief; she was seeing me at my most vulnerable. The emotional scar that had marked my life began to feel lighter, the burden of my difference from others now explained, now shared.
I had more questions to ask Meredith, but the slow thump of her heartbeat resonated in my ears like a melody. I closed my eyes, and a vivid image flooded my mind: my mother holding my father's hand, both of them laughing. I could hear the faint strains of her favorite piece, Clair de Lune, playing from the record player in the background. The memory wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and I felt myself drift into sleep.
*
We woke to a letter, handed to Meredith by one of the maidens we had encountered in the tunnel. Shortly after, we were on our way to the palace, traveling in a carriage drawn by two magnificent horses. As we approached, the castle came into view, and I caught my breath.
It was a sight to behold—a magnificent structure perched atop a hill, its walls glinting like gold under the embrace of the sun. Towering and regal, the castle seemed almost otherworldly, as though it had been plucked from a fairytale. Its golden stone walls shimmered softly, broken only by elegant bands of pure white marble that stretched across its surface, adding an air of purity and refinement.
The spires of the castle reached skyward, twisting like delicate, outstretched fingers. At the pinnacle of the grandest tower, a red crystal gleamed, catching the sunlight and scattering it like shards of rubies. Ornate windows framed in white marble hinted at the splendor within, while the battlements, though designed for defense, were adorned with intricate gilded patterns, transforming the structure into a blend of fortification and artistry.
Surrounding the castle was a sprawling courtyard, alive with lush gardens and sparkling fountains that shimmered like liquid glass. The path leading to its golden gates seemed to beckon us forward, an invitation to step into its majestic embrace.
"Your Highness," a booming voice interrupted my reverie.
I turned to see a young man hurrying toward us. Meredith, her face lighting up with a mischievous grin, turned to greet him. He cast a quick glance in my direction before bowing deeply in reverence to her.
"You've been gone for so long I feared you might leave Ethereal for the outside world," he muttered, his tone hushed as though the thought alone might invite misfortune.
"If I did," Meredith replied with a laugh, "my mother would drag me back by the hair."
The young man chuckled, his shoulders relaxing as the two exchanged words, their conversation flowing naturally, as if they had known each other for years. For a moment, I might as well have been invisible.
After a pause, Meredith turned toward me, gesturing with a warm smile. "This is Jaze," she said, her voice light. "He's a member of the royal family."
The Young man, who couldn't have been older than twenty three stared at Meredith with wide, unblinking eyes. His gaze fell to her hands, and his expression shifted to one of shock when he noticed she wasn't wearing her gloves.
"Meredith, your gloves! Where are your gloves?!" he retorted, his tone laced with shock. His hand pointed accusingly at hers, which rested close to mine. A look of betrayal spread across his face, his eyes piercing into Meredith's.
"You wouldn't… did you? Did you—" He was abruptly cut off as the golden door behind us creaked open.
A boy I knew all too well strode in, dressed in a black uniform. My heart clenched as I recognized him—not just as someone from my past but as someone I considered my enemy.
"You!" My voice rose with anger. "What are you doing here? Monster!"
I lunged at him, my arm swinging toward his face, but before my hand could connect, the air seemed to ripple. In an instant, a firm grip caught my arm, stopping me mid-strike.
"Look who we have here."
Her voice was enchanting yet commanding, sending a shiver down my spine. I looked up and found myself gazing into her scarlet-red eyes. She towered over me—at least 6'5—with a presence that demanded attention. Her silver hair seemed to move gently, as if caressed by an unseen breeze.
She wore a flowing black gown that reached the ground, elegant yet foreboding. On her middle finger, a diamond ring sparkled, and around her neck hung a pendant eerily similar to mine. A silver crown, shaped like twisted thorns, rested upon her head, completing her imposing appearance.
"My godson has returned home," she said softly, her tone both welcoming and unsettling. With a gentle yet firm motion, she lowered my arm. "Welcome to Ethereal, dear one. Please, come inside."
At her gesture, the golden doors closed behind us.
The hall we entered was grand, illuminated by streams of sunlight pouring through massive stained-glass windows. Each pane depicted eerie yet majestic scenes of warriors locked in battle.
Jack walked beside the queen, his demeanor calm, almost smug. A scabbard hung at his waist, a clear reminder of his dangerous capabilities. My blood boiled. This bastard had tried to kill me once before, and now here he was, walking alongside the queen of the Blood Clan as if he belonged here.
My mind raced, piecing together fragments of the past. Had Jack acted alone? Or was it the queen's plan all along to have me eliminated? Either way, I knew one thing for certain—I couldn't trust anyone but Meredith. Even so, a part of me couldn't forget that she was the queen's daughter.