In the tense atmosphere of the standoff, Lucas and Evelyn were locked in a stalemate with those black-robed figures, and neither side made a hasty move first. Lucas watched his surroundings vigilantly, every one of his senses on high alert, ready to respond to any possible attacks at any moment. Although Evelyn was filled with nervousness, she also tried her best to calm herself down. She knew deep in her heart that she couldn't panic at this moment and had to face this sudden crisis together with Lucas.
Just when the situation was at a boiling point, the crisp sound of high heels clicking on the ground broke the heavy silence. The sound grew closer and closer, and each click seemed to strike at everyone's hearts, carrying a unique sense of oppression. As the sound approached, a graceful woman slowly walked out of the shadows.
She was Victoria, with flaming red hair cascading freely over her fair shoulders. That red hair looked particularly dazzling in the night, like a mysterious fire burning brightly. Her face was as exquisitely crafted as a work of art, with a high, straight nose and bright red lips that curved up slightly, forming a faint, arrogant smile. However, her deep eyes were cold and fierce, like bottomless icy pools. She wore a tight black long dress with a trailing hem. As she walked, the hem swayed like waves, fully displaying her nobility and allure.
Victoria walked with an elegant yet somewhat lazy gait to the front of those black-robed figures. She raised her hand slightly, signaling those in black robes to step back. Upon seeing this, the black-robed people respectfully lowered their heads and quietly took a few steps back, yet they still stared at Lucas and Evelyn with menacing looks.
When Lucas saw Victoria appear, his brows furrowed slightly, and a complex look flashed in his eyes. There was wariness, and even a barely noticeable hint of annoyance. He lowered his voice and said to Evelyn, "She's Victoria, a rather difficult character among our kind. She's ruthless in her actions. Be careful." Hearing this, Evelyn's heart tightened. She could sense the powerful aura emanating from this woman and the underlying hostility, and subconsciously shrank further behind Lucas.
Victoria's gaze lingered on Lucas for a long time. There seemed to be a thousand words in that look, as well as an indescribable sense of attachment and possessiveness. Then, she slowly shifted her gaze to Evelyn, looking her up and down with a look full of contempt and disdain. She parted her red lips, and her voice had a captivating charm yet was bone-chillingly cold. "Well, this is the little human girl by your side, Lucas. I'm really curious. What charm does she possess that has made you so enchanted, disregarding the rules of our clan?"
Lucas snorted coldly and replied, "Victoria, my affairs are none of your business. The feelings between Evelyn and I are genuine. It's not your place to interfere." Hearing this, the smile on Victoria's face disappeared instantly, replaced by a look of anger. She raised her voice and said, "Genuine? Lucas, don't forget that you're a vampire. There can be no future between you and a human. You'll only bring trouble to our entire clan like this. Moreover, how can you waste your feelings on such an ordinary and fragile human?"
Evelyn felt a surge of defiance in her heart when she heard this. She stepped out from behind Lucas, bravely looking directly into Victoria's eyes, and said, "Although I'm human, my feelings for Lucas are no less than anyone else's. We'll take responsibility for our own affairs. We don't need you to pass judgment here." Victoria was taken aback for a moment, seemingly not expecting this seemingly weak human girl to dare to talk back to her like this. Then she let out a shrill laugh that echoed in the quiet garden, sounding particularly harsh.
"Oh, you're really overestimating your abilities, little girl. Do you think you can bear the consequences of being with a vampire? You don't understand our world at all, let alone Lucas's past. Do you think he can really protect you all the time?" Victoria said mockingly, her eyes full of malice.
Lucas took a step forward, blocking in front of Evelyn, and said coldly, "Victoria, don't go too far. I won't let you hurt Evelyn. If you dare to touch a single hair of hers, I won't let you off." Victoria saw how protective Lucas was of Evelyn, and the flames of jealousy burned even more fiercely in her heart. She gritted her teeth and said, "Lucas, for her sake, you dare to talk to me like this. Fine, then I want to see how capable you are of protecting her all the time."
As she spoke, Victoria's eyes became fierce. A powerful dark force began to emanate from around her. That force seemed capable of freezing the surrounding air. Under the influence of this force, the flowers and plants in the garden began to tremble. The originally serene and beautiful atmosphere was instantly enveloped by a suppressed and dangerous aura.
Lucas didn't show any weakness either. He summoned the power within him, his body tensing slightly as he prepared to meet the attack. He knew that Victoria was serious this time, and a fierce battle was probably inevitable. No matter what, he had to protect Evelyn behind him, even if it cost him everything.