Fractures of Eternity

Unable to help it, I gazed at the vampire who had my beating heart in his hands.

“Well, I don’t have to tell you anything, Lexi. So, why don’t you hurry up and tell me what you want?” Loki asked straightforwardly, jumping over the bench and sitting next to me.

Even though my stomach was full of butterflies, I couldn’t help but feel his presence reassuring me of how safe I was.

Did my mother know of the feelings this vampire would cause in me? No… You hated vampires to the point that you even caused their god to remove their powers from them. You, out of everyone, wouldn’t approve of these feelings, yet… It’s your fault for linking me to these boys in the first place.

Even so, these emotions were a passing moment, much like Gerta had said.

That’s right, I’ll just enjoy the moment and soon forget them in the wind. This is nothing more than a moment of passion between two enemies.

While this internal dilemma was raging within me, the animosity between the two continued.

“Witnesses say you drank her blood in the middle of the battle, too. So, I’m curious about her potential.” Alexandria declared, biting her lip before gazing back at me.

A soft hum left my prince as he leaned forward toward her. “I find it hard to believe that for curiosity alone you left grandfather’s side. Where are you going with this?”

There was no love between these two.

The female vampire cackled, focusing back on him briefly. “Very well, I was wondering if I could get a try at her blood. You know, since it made you so powerful. I—”

I dare you.

I couldn’t barely hold down the smirk that wanted to erupt from my lips, triggering me to cover my mouth. However, Loki wouldn’t allow her to say another word when Eli hissed upon hearing that.

“Enough, she’s just like any other human, Lexi. I assure you.” The vampire lied without batting an eyelash.

Even though I was trying to hold on to the scorn that I was feeling for this female mortal. Loki’s words reassured me again of his intentions.

I…

“Hm… I don’t know about that. You never could use your magic to that extent. That alone has people talking. Imagine if she—” Lexi glanced back at Loki, who didn’t want a single word to come out of her mouth.

“Well, none of that matters. She’s mine, Lexi. Touch her and I won’t allow you to leave unscathed.” He declared, wrapping his arm around me before pulling me closer to him.

This motion caused Alexandria to laugh before smiling politely at the prince. His protective action was reassuring to me again, but it felt like I was about to be ticked off. Not by him. Well, a little because of his possessiveness, but mostly it was because of the vampire that appeared intent on trying my blood.

If she touches me, you won’t have to do anything to protect me, stupid prince.

“I see. Still, she should donate her blood. It’d be unfair for you to keep it all for yourself, Your Highness.” The female vampire countered.

Drawing away from Loki, I suddenly stood up, facing down the vampire, who quickly met my gaze with hers. At times like this, I probably should’ve shown fear, but she didn’t scare me. Unless she killed me instantly, she would be the one who perished in an encounter with me.

“Excuse me, but I’d rather you stop there. I’m the owner of said blood, and I refuse to let anyone drink it. The only reason his highness could was because it was an emergency. I also believe it’s no one’s right but my own to choose who I give it to.” I smiled politely, as I did to everyone else.

“Well, that’s a pity. I hope you reconsider. You’ll be handsomely compensated.” Lexi tried one last time.

I could almost feel myself snap.

Bribing me? Me? Hah… they must be overly interested in how Loki got so powerful from drinking my blood. Why does this prince have to be such a handful?

“I’ll pass. Thank you.” I struggled to remain polite.

Loki stood up to step between us.

“You heard her. Now, don’t harass my maid, Lexi. Never know who might be king next.” He scowled at her.

She took a few steps back with a smirk on her lips. “I never intended to harass the girl. Oh, I almost forgot one other thing.”

Loki rolled his eyes at her before crossing his arms. “You came all this way to be a messenger, too?”

“Well, the main reason I came out was to see the girl for myself. You would hear about this other thing from the king later, but I guess I can say it to you now.” Alexandria took out a notebook from her pocket before opening it. The king announced a ball for the entire town. It’s a pick-me-up after what everyone went through. There’ll be festivals for the townsfolk outside, while the nobles and those of royal blood will be inside the castle. I think it’ll be masquerade themed.”

A party? Argh… out of all the times to do this… Wait… Maybe I can use this to my advantage to catch the rogue warlock.

“Did he?” Loki grumbled.

“The king also said he hopes you find a fiancée to your liking there,” The female vampire announced, triggering pangs to rise in my chest.

Eh? A fiancée for Loki?

That was the moment my heart felt a new pain I had never experienced before, and it almost knocked me off my high horse.

If you get one, does that mean you do all the things that you did with me for the past five days with another woman? Huh… No… Will all our moments be replaced by her? No! I… I don’t… but do I have the right even to say that?

Much to my relief, though, was Loki’s expression when she said that, who appeared utterly disgusted by the thought.

“I already told that old fart that I’m not marrying anyone from this damned city.” Loki scoffed.

“The king only hopes, Your Highness. No one’s forcing you with Rem breathing down our necks, but you never know when you’ll have that fated encounter, I hear so much about, and if you don’t, there’s always me if you would like.” She shrugged, turning away from Loki.

What?!

“I would rather marry a rock.” The prince scowled, causing her to giggle.

If there were ever a union between the two, it wouldn’t be for love, as she only viewed him as a rock to achieve what she wished. Most vampire marriages weren’t for something like that either, much like the current queen and king. Just by simply watching their interactions, I could tell how little they loved each other, yet they appeared friendly, which was the best one could hope for in this society of vampires.

“Pity, I always look forward to keeping you on your toes for once, Your Highness.” She closed the book in her hands. “Unfortunate as that is. You’re forced to attend, along with Oswald and Alistair. Anyway, have a good day, Crown Prince.”

With that, she walked away, leaving Loki to clench his hands into fists.

“The bitch won’t ever leave me alone.” The irritated vampire muttered, causing me a bit of relief to fill my heart.

At least for the moment, those memories would only be shared between us alone. Even so, it wouldn’t last, and this emotion was slowly killing me.

Hah… When I walk away from you, it’ll be the moment my heart dies.

The little piece of the human girl I wanted to be would stay with him. Unable to get a lid to place to keep those emotions from going awry, I shifted away from him.

“Vivian?” He called before closing the gap between us.