"Now Elijah, give me one reason I shouldn't kill her right now, and don't you dare threaten me again or your punishment will worsen," Cassandra said coldly.
Selena felt a pang of fear at the threat, her stomach tightening. Elijah sighed, looking exhausted. "Now, sister, this is something I truly want. Don't you love your brother? Can't I also want things in life?"
Cassandra's eyes narrowed as she studied him. "But why? You've never shown interest in anything except... her. What is it? Now, I might be more ruthless than Selene, but I am also more reasonable." She glanced at Selena, analyzing her with a cold, calculating gaze.
Before anyone could speak further, there was a knock on the door. Cassandra opened it sharply, revealing Selene, who walked in and gave Selena a look full of disdain. She walked toward her, the door locking behind her.
"So my brother has chosen you," Selene said, her voice dripping with venom. It was clear she did not like her.
Selena hesitated before speaking up, her voice quiet. "Umm, well, I certainly don't wish to die, and I definitely didn't choose this."
Both sisters glared at her, and Selene spoke with authority, "Speak when told to."
Elijah, caught between his sisters, was about to say something, but Cassandra, not having any of it, punched him square in the face. He was sent flying, crashing through a desk with a loud thud. She glared down at Selene. "Sister, our brother has forgotten lesson number one. I let you live with him because I thought you'd keep him in check."
Selene retorted coolly, "But this is your fault. After all, it happened on academy grounds. You were the one not doing your job."
Selena rushed to Elijah's side, helping him up, feeling guilty for what had just happened. Elijah gave her a tired smile, thanking her quietly.
As the two sisters continued to argue, Elijah muttered aloud, "Well, at least someone cares about me."
Both of his sisters froze and glared at him. Selene spoke first, her voice seething with anger, "How dare you say that."
Cassandra's glare intensified, her anger almost palpable. Elijah sighed, knowing the situation had just gotten worse.
Selene, after a moment's pause, decided to get to the point. "We need to talk to her parents. She has to live with me and our idiotic brother. His life cannot be harmed because of such a stupid mistake."
Cassandra crossed her arms, speaking with a cold finality. "I'll do the talking. Also, I have to punish our brother. It's clear you haven't been enforcing lesson number one. You know what he did earlier? He dared to threaten me for her... some girl he doesn't even know."
Selene's voice was laced with sarcasm as she replied, "Oh Elijah, I must say, you're quite bold—threatening two sisters in two days. You must really have a death wish."
Selena, still trying to wrap her head around the situation, finally spoke up. "Wait... my teacher is part of the Velmont family? A family of powerful witches? But... you called Elijah your brother. Does that mean...?"
Elijah smirked, a small, bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Well, not anymore. I lost that title long ago."
Cassandra finally spoke up, her voice laced with frustration. "Elijah, I understand you want to defy our father, but you already have your two older sisters. What do you need her for?"
Elijah sighed, clearly tired of the endless back and forth. "Is that really important?"
Selene chimed in sharply, her gaze fixed on him. "Of course it is. If you plan to abandon me for a commoner..."
Cassandra, almost in perfect sync with Selene, added, "Of course it is, if you plan to abandon me for a commoner."
Elijah exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "I'm not abandoning you two."
Selene's tone grew sharper. "Oh really? That's not what it sounds like. You threatened to kill me!"
Cassandra followed, her voice cold and accusing. "You also threatened to kill me."
Selena's eyes widened in shock as she realized the depth of the situation. He had threatened to kill his own sisters over her. Her heart raced. How far would he go for this?
Elijah's expression softened slightly, though his frustration was clear. "Why can't you two just let me have freedom? I love you both so much, I would kill our own mother for you two. So if this is a mistake, just let it happen. It's not like I'm asking for a lot."
His words only deepened the storm in their eyes. Cassandra's voice was ice-cold. "You're not asking for a lot? I love you more than my own life. If you aren't mine, I lose all purpose."
Selene echoed the sentiment, her tone a mirror of her sister's. "I love you more than anything. If you're not mine, then I have nothing."
Elijah closed his eyes, feeling the weight of their words. His sisters weren't twins, but their bond, their purpose to protect him, had been unshakable for as long as he could remember. The thought of abandoning them, even for someone like Selena, felt impossible. But at the same time, the desire for freedom, for something more, gnawed at him.
He let out a heavy sigh, the only thought that came to his mind feeling absurd but perhaps the only way to appease both sides. "Then what if I had three wives?"
The room went dead silent. Both sisters turned toward him, their eyes narrowing dangerously. In unison, they spoke the same chilling words. "Not possible."
Elijah didn't back down, though. "It's not impossible. I have stamina. Besides, I will love you all equally."
The words hung in the air, almost too absurd to believe. His reasoning wasn't just because of his desire for freedom—though that was a part of it. It was also because, as vampires, they didn't have the same kind of DNA structure as humans. Their blood was different—undying and pure in a way that blurred the lines between family and others.
His sisters looked at him seriously, their expressions hardening. "Put that on your life," they both said.
Elijah sighed, the weight of his commitment clear. "I put it on my life."
Selena, who had been listening carefully, looked utterly confused. "Aren't they your sisters?"
Elijah glanced at her and nodded, though his eyes held a strange sorrow. "Vampires don't work the same way as humans. Our blood doesn't follow the same rules. And as for her," he pointed at Selene, "she's already supposed to be my wife."
Selena's confusion deepened, but Elijah's words echoed in her mind. Vampires were different. Their relationships, their very essence, didn't adhere to human concepts of family and lineage. Everything was complicated, and the ties between them weren't so simple.
The air in the room was thick with tension. Elijah had made his choice. Now, it was up to his sisters, and to Selena, to decide what came next.
Both of Elijah's sisters sat there, their expressions unreadable as they mulled over the situation. Selena, still uncertain, finally spoke up, her voice wavering slightly. "Do I still get freedom?"
Elijah met her gaze, his expression earnest. "Of course. You might not believe this, but my word is as important as my life."
His words seemed to sink in, and after a long pause, both of his sisters spoke in unison, their voices cold but resolute. "Very well."
Selena wasn't entirely convinced. She glanced at the two sisters before looking back at Elijah. "I don't know about this... but if this is what I need to be strong, so be it. I will be your wife."
Elijah gave her a small, knowing smile. "I knew you three could get along."
The response was instant and unanimous. "Get along? I didn't agree to that."
Elijah sighed, realizing how complicated this situation had become. The idea of offering them all to be his wives had been a last resort, a way to make peace among the chaos. If they couldn't get along, things would get much harder. But for now, at least they had a fragile agreement.
Cassandra's voice broke through the silence. "And don't think just because of that you won't be punished. Just because I'm bonded to you doesn't mean I won't punish you." Her eyes darkened as she continued, "But there are more important matters I need to discuss with father before we leave. And we still need to talk to her parents."
Elijah felt a knot form in his stomach. Three wives? Two of them stronger than him on a normal day, and Cassandra's punishments—well, they were out of this world. His situation was only getting more complicated by the minute.
"Well, let's come to an agreement for now," Elijah said, trying to regain control. "No one will harm the other. At least not to the point of killing."
His sisters, without a second thought, both nodded in agreement. Then, as if on cue, they began exchanging blows—sharp, swift jabs at each other that seemed to be a mix of practice and instinct.
Selena, still processing everything, looked at Elijah, her eyes wide in disbelief. "Are they usually like this?"
Elijah watched his sisters for a moment, then shook his head with a tired sigh. "Well, I can't remember the last time they talked, so I couldn't tell you."
Selena looked at him, "Just what kind of family dynamic and drama did you force me into?" Elijah could only helplessly smile as he watched the two girls fight. He had only planned on having one wife, but if it would make his sisters get along and stop trying to kill Selena, it was the best solution—or so he thought.
Selena looked at him, a bit worried. "Shouldn't you stop them?"
Elijah began walking toward the door. "No, so they can attack me, I'm quite okay. But if you want, you can stop them." Selena heard his answer and said, "No, you're right. They can continue," she said helplessly.
But before they could leave, Cassandra called out, "Elijah, where are you going?" she said, deflecting one of Selene's blows, and Selene continued for her, blocking one of Cassandra's heavy blows. "Yeah, you most certainly aren't off the hook. In fact, for daring to take another mate in front of me, I believe you deserve another round of regeneration training."
Elijah's face fell. He quickly said, "But—"
Selene stopped him, still defending against Cassandra, before throwing another attack. "No talking back. Sit there until we finish, then we will deal with you."
Elijah helplessly walked back into the room, but Selena couldn't help but ask, "What is regeneration training?"
Elijah said softly and dreadfully, "Torture."
Selena frowned a bit, scared, but Selene said, "It's not torture; it's just a method I've devised to help Elijah realize his place when he seems to have forgotten things."
Elijah frowned. He wanted a divorce, but he knew better than to say it out loud. That might actually get him killed. She didn't know how to actually kill him, but he would be wishing for it after she finished with him.
After a while, they finally finished. Cassandra had definitely held the upper hand, most likely due to her age and the many more years of experience she possessed. She had Selene locked in a hold, asking, "Is your temper tantrum finally finished, younger sister, or are you going to keep this up?"
Selene angrily muttered something under her breath, and Cassandra let her go, then turned to Selena. "Now, I believe we need to speak with your parents."
Selena looked worried. "What are you going to tell them?"
Selene looked at her, clearly annoyed. "Oh, we're just going to walk in, say we'll be taking your daughter, then leave," she said sarcastically.
Hearing the sarcasm, Selena whispered to Elijah, "I don't like that one very much."
Elijah chuckled, earning a glare from Selene. "You know vampires have super hearing."
Selena immediately apologized, bowing, but Elijah stopped her. "Don't do that."
Cassandra sighed as she walked out, with Elijah following. The other two trailed behind, Selene glaring at Selena. Selena hesitated before asking her, "Do you hate me or something?"
Selene didn't hesitate. "I would kill you if my brother wasn't so protective of you. In fact, I still want to kill you more than anything. I have no idea what he sees in you at all."
Selena was shocked. She couldn't understand why they wanted to kill her so badly. This family was a bunch of weirdos. Honestly, it would have been much better to just die yesterday than deal with these psychopaths.
Elijah broke the tense silence, addressing Selene. "Did you see the others?" He was curious to know how his two younger siblings were doing.
Selene nodded. "Lloyd was his usual self, grumpy as always. He asked me if you'd changed at all. And Layla told me to tell you hi, but she also told me not to tell you—" Selene stopped herself abruptly.
Elijah stopped walking. "Told you not to tell me what?"
Selene kept walking ahead of him. "Nothing."
Cassandra, ever the big sister, intervened. "I'm pretty sure you two know that we all can't be seen together. So let's split up and meet at the girl's house later, around seven-ish."
Elijah nodded, heading off in a random direction when they got outside. Most students had already left, though a few lingered to practice. He wanted to escape from these three anyway. He didn't entirely want to leave Selena behind, but the urge to find something fun to do was stronger.
Elijah wandered over to a group of students practicing magic. It was the elite class—his brother Lloyd's class. Feeling mischievous, he scanned the group until he spotted his brother with his messy black hair tipped in white, dressed in the same school uniform as Elijah but adorned with gold accents marking his high status.
"Oh, well, look at this. Little Lloyd," Elijah said with a sly grin.
Lloyd's face immediately soured, his frown brimming with venom. "Elijah."
The other students turned to look at Elijah's uniform, clearly identifying him as a member of the lowest-tier class—the "trash class." Confusion and disdain spread among the elite students. How did someone like him know Lloyd, the number one student? And why did Lloyd seem to hate him so much?
Lloyd's frown deepened as Elijah continued, grinning wider. "Lloyd, I've missed you ever so much. I come in peace."
Lloyd's expression darkened further, but before he could respond, another student from his class stepped forward. "What right do you have to talk to the number one student, you piece of trash?"
Elijah sighed dramatically. "Hmm, that's a bit harsh. But it saddens me more that you think that way. I have information for Lloyd—information that doesn't concern someone like you."
The student's temper flared at his dismissal. "I doubt anyone from a class like yours has anything important to say."
Elijah's grin remained as he took a step forward, his patience already wearing thin. Placing a hand on the student's shoulder, he began applying pressure—crushing it with an almost casual strength, increasing it steadily. The student cried out in pain, but before Elijah could escalate further, another student hurled a spell at him.
Elijah dodged it slowly, with deliberate, human speed. He sighed theatrically. "Oh, Lloyd, are your little goons attacking me now? You might want to call them off. I told you—I really did come in peace."
Lloyd raised a hand, signaling for his classmates to stop. His curiosity was piqued, though his irritation was palpable. "This better be good, or I swear I'll—"
"Relax," Elijah cut him off, waving a hand dismissively. "You're too serious all the time."
Lloyd's teeth clenched, his anger barely contained. "Just tell me what you want so I can stop looking at your face before I deal with you myself."
Wrapping an arm around his brother's shoulders, Elijah grinned again. "Well, I think it's better if you see for yourself." He pointed across the yard.
Lloyd sighed heavily, his curiosity overcoming his frustration as the two began walking toward whatever Elijah was pointing at.
Layla, dressed in a uniform similar to Lloyd's but tailored for a feminine fit, was idly chatting and laughing with a boy who seemed to be flirting with her as they walked together. Her carefree demeanor shifted the moment she glanced to her left and saw two familiar figures approaching. Her expression immediately soured.
"Crap," she muttered under her breath before quickly turning to the boy. "Listen, you have to go—now."
The boy, confused, furrowed his brow. Before he could respond, Elijah's sharp voice cut through the air.
"Oh, it's far too late for that," he said, his glare fixed on the boy. "Stay right where you are."
Layla stepped in front of the boy, frowning in defiance. "Elijah, Lloyd, this has nothing to do with you. He's just a friend."
Elijah ignored her protest, gently but firmly moving her aside. He grabbed the boy by the jaw, his grip just shy of painful, and tilted the boy's face up to meet his eyes. "Tell me," Elijah said, his tone almost casual, "how long have you two been talking?"
The boy, trembling under the pressure, stammered, "T-two weeks."
Hearing this, Layla's anger flared. "Elijah, that's enough! You can't keep doing this—Lloyd, stop him!"
But her pleas fell on deaf ears. Lloyd, standing a few steps behind Elijah, was just as protective of his little sister. In his eyes, Layla was still a baby, far too young and naive to be trusted with things like "friends."
Lloyd finally stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Now, now, Elijah. We can't make a scene in public. Let's take a walk."
Elijah released the boy with a slow, deliberate motion, his sharp gaze lingering on him as if to make sure his message was clear. Then, with a smirk, he turned to Layla.
"We'll finish this later," Elijah said, his voice low enough for only her to hear.
Layla's glare could've melted steel, but she bit her tongue as Lloyd motioned for Elijah to follow him, leaving the boy pale and visibly shaken.