Fractures of Eternity

The turn of events allowed me to clear my mind, although my body still ached for Loki. Behind the doors before me lay a bunch of ravenous vampires, itching to make a tasty treat out of me.

“They’re so desperate to get your powers that the stupid fucks forget you were born with them. Though… I’ve never seen you that powerful before. Maybe her blood is special, but not to the extent these crazy people think it is.” Lucas sighed, shrugging.

Idiots… How do I…

“Well, I don’t drink that much blood to begin with.” Loki huffed, clenching his hands into fists.

He was ready to fight everyone in the other room if needed, but that couldn’t happen.

The coven and Alistair… which means this needs to be squashed. Yet why did he…

From the brief moments I spoke with the eldest brother, he appeared different from what I expected.

Alistair… there’s more to you than I first thought. Maybe the loneliness in your eyes is the clue to this, or perhaps you’re also being used by someone. Used… like a tool. But… by who?

“I do, but they still… I don’t know, man, stupid rumors spread faster than the truth.” Lucas shrugged.

Hah… Enough.

“Excuse me,” I said as I passed next to the boys, who were quick to pursue me into the other room.

“Wait, Vivian!” Loki grabbed me by my hand as I yanked myself away.

I could barely handle the warmth that radiated from him, and it almost made me stumble before I caught myself. There, I realized everyone’s eyes were on me.

Crap… Calm down, heart.

Even though my internal dilemma had to do with Loki, all the hungry eyes gazing at me caused me to snap into place. Shaking my head, I continued to walk towards the center of the stadium while Loki followed closely behind me.

If only I could… No, I must steady my hand.

“Hello, everyone, it’s come to my attention that you want a taste of my blood.” I cleared my throat, “It’s too much disappointment that I announce it isn’t for sale or up for grabs, and if anyone tries to drink it by force, well…” I trailed off, gazing at everyone in the coliseum before a defined smirk rose on my lips. “I challenge you to try if you have a death wish. I’m not afraid of shadow demons that are immortal, god-like beings. So, what makes you think I’ll crumble to you a mere fraction of what they are?”

My declaration prompted all their eyes to narrow, while I stood there, showing no fear towards their demeanors. That was when a random applause suddenly erupted from the crowd as Gerta emerged from them with a wide grin on her lips.

Huh? Why are you…

“Well said, Vivian,” she announced, standing in front of me.

“Gerta,” I greeted her with a slight nod of my head before she turned towards the rowdy vampires.

“I came because a little birdy told me what these younglings were thinking of doing.” The old woman placed her hands on her hips, staring at the vampires she had served for years. “You don’t need me to remind you that staffers are off-limits. Suppose we find any of you guilty of forcing anyone to feed them their blood, well, you’ll have your fangs ripped out per the law. A fate worse than the death of a vampire.”

“You can’t do that to us. We’re nobility! We should be able to feast on whoever we like!” One female vampire growled from the crowd.

Gerta shook her head, smirking in her direction. “I don’t give a rat’s ass if you’re royal or low-born. Laws are laws and are enforced by Cerberus. None of you will be above them. They were placed there to avoid wars, and you surely aren’t worth a country.”

For a moment, she stared at them all before grabbing hold of my shoulder, “This maid is Prince Loki’s personal aid. I’m sure he’ll personally rip those fangs of yours out if you hurt her. Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”

The maid turned to the vampire who was next to me with his cousin when a defined smirk rose on his lips. Taking a step towards me, he grabbed onto my waist, triggering my gaze to lock on him.

“Hah… I’ll ensure whoever touches her will never be able to again, and I can’t say what my familiar will do to you lot, he really likes her.” Loki declared, as Eli hissed, once again appearing like a viper ready to strike.

All the nobles quickly focused on the dangerous snake, which was an immortal threat to them.

“I’ll swallow them whole.” He snickered, eyes giving off an unearthly bright hue.

“I hope you won’t tarnish your good standing for a ridiculous rumor. Those who do well, you’ve been warned. I’m sure any of our crowned princes won’t allow it to stand.” Gerta shrugged, “Please remember, there’ll be a ball in a week, and there you’ll have the chance to woo the crown princes, which means you should withhold from doing anything rash and for the boys. Well… maybe you’ll be able to woo the princes too.”

Following her gaze, I could see Alistair wince the moment she said that, and that was something I tried to ignore but couldn’t.

Huh? There’s no way that… No… you’ve had so many women before. I must’ve misunderstood, right?

Then again, I knew what pain looked like, and the elder brother had become a focus for me to research.

You… had the same expression Emma had this morning while looking at Oswald.

“Gerta… That isn’t necessary to say,” Loki grumbled.

“Now, now, I said chance, Your Highness.” The head maid giggled before bidding us farewell.

After she left, everything calmed down enough for me to sit at the table in a corner, near the eldest brother’s table, whom I couldn’t help but stare at, hoping to see something that would change my mind.

There’s so much… I want to know about you. Yes… I need to get to the bottom of this quickly because you…

Before the ball happened, I needed to dissect this threat to see where everything went wrong.