Fractures of Eternity

Placing all of that behind me, I focused back on the vampire before me, who mumbled under his breath.

“So, why did you help me? Don’t you hate your brother?” I asked straight up, without holding back.

Even though I should’ve been careful, unlike the others around us in Alistair’s eyes, I saw no desire to go for my blood. In fact, I could almost tell how he wanted none of it.

“What? Where did you… Hah… I don’t hate him, little lamb.” He sighed, resting his chin on his hand while his elbow was on the table.

Huh? Does that mean the tensions in the castle aren’t from Alistair’s side?

We focused on the vampire because it was what my power showed my mother, but my predictions were usually hard to read for mortals like her. Usually, she would tell Papa how it came to her in chunks and never as a clear picture, but she was sure Alistair was there and was the one who gave the killing blow.

Yet in your eyes… There is something else.

“I see,” I mumbled, prompting him to reposition himself a bit.

This boy was only eight to nine months older than the boys and me, and lacked the means to be a murderer from my point of view.

There isn’t a scary bone in you, is there?

“Look, I just don’t want Loki to end up like me, that’s why I helped you, and don’t tell him I said that, though he’s already annoying enough and full of himself as it is.” Alistair huffed, rolling his eyes.

I narrowed my eyes, studying his demeanor.

Huh… Alistair and Loki might not have the best brotherly relationship, but they’re still brothers and are all they have left from their dad.

“Hm… Even though you threatened to take me on my second day here?” I reminded the prince as he winced as if something stabbed him.

“Ah… That day I was…” Alistair trailed off, shaking his head before facing me. “I was annoyed that a certain fearless maid wasn’t being respectful towards me.”

“Oh? Is that the first lie you’ve told me, Your Highness?” I mumbled high enough for him to hear.

His eyes twitched before he gazed towards the side, pouting somewhat.

They really have silly little vampires in this city, or perhaps this is a trait your father passed down to you all because of his trait of being known as a gentle soul?

Alistair’s mother was a beloved lady, too, though sickly and long gone due to that illness, which meant this boy was alone. He had no one in his corner.

“Look, I thought you wanted him like everyone else that comes here. Until I saw what you did for him in that vid. If anything, he’s lucky to have someone like you run to his peril. I wish I had someone like that for me, too.” Alistair refused to face me head-on as his cheeks were rosy, yet in his eyes was an agony I was too aware of.

Lucky to have someone like me... Someone who cared enough to save you when you’re in danger, or…

“Hm… Why do I think that’s another cover?” I hummed, prompting him to click his tongue.

“Alright, I’ll bite this time. I don’t mean to put you on edge.” I mumbled again, shaking my head. “Does that mean I won your approval, Your Highness?”

After those words left my lips, the eldest brother leaned on his chair, turning those blue eyes towards me.

“Little lamb… You’re unique. I apologize for treating you like an object that day.” He commented, shifting his gaze towards the two maids who came back with what he had ordered, when his lips curled downward as if he had seen something unpleasant.

Interesting…

During my first encounter with this vampire, I noted how awful his mood was, which I assumed was because Loki beat him, but perhaps it had been a meeting with Asher. Every day, the youngest brother would always defeat him, yet he had always been a good sport about it—sometimes he would admire the technique used against him.

Not only that, but today you were here earlier than usual. Hah, was that because you wanted to keep the nobles inside while Loki was warned? Honestly, you might be as dishonest as I am when it comes to the feelings we experience. Hah… People… are hard to understand. But… it seems they’re also…

“You’re a hard person to understand, Alistair,” I breathed, standing up from the table.

Shame, I wanted to know more, but there isn’t any reason to push my luck while your two leeches are with you.

However, before I could move away from him, he grabbed onto my arm, triggering a sudden shudder to rush through me as I shifted my gaze toward him, trying to stay firm where I stood. He wasn’t Loki, but his touch made me remember how my vampire had held me this morning. Luckily, the eldest brother didn’t notice my subtle signs of distress.

“So are you, Vivian. How come you’re so fearless against us?” Alistair asked.

Hah, is that a nickname upgrade? No more Lamb for me?

I wouldn’t know, but in his eyes, there was something that allured me.

Perhaps I can push it, but not here… Maybe I can lure him into one of the private rooms used to discuss personal matters.

“Because there are scarier things in this world than what a mortal can do to me, Your Highness,” I answered, causing him to let me go, smiling.

Does no one ever chatter with the poor boy? It seems like you crave this type of interaction, don’t you?

“Oh? Are you speaking about the dead gods?” he carried the conversation further, prompting my eyes to dart to the floor.

That innocent question made me want to walk away from him, but something about his previous touch wasn’t threatening. In fact, it was inviting almost as if he was saying, “Don’t leave me yet.”

Alistair… who are you really… A murderer or a scared child who is about to be used. What’s your story? What leads you to kill, Loki? How can I… stop it?

“No… of the living ones,” I answered honestly, instigating him to appear perplexed by what had come out of my mouth.

The ones that plagued our world were the ones from the soul cairn, which were dead.

“What? I didn’t take you for the religious type.” Alistair raised his eyebrows at me.

That’s…

“No… I’m not.” I trailed off, feeling a bit off by it all.

Why am I being honest with this boy? Why can’t I bring myself to lie while he gazes at me so intently? Argh… Get a grip, Vivian.

“Then why are you scared? It’s said the gods haven’t been to this world in a long time.” He noted, crossing his arms.

Crap… now who’s the direct one?

I released a nervous cackle, clenching my hands into fists. “I guess… I’m scared that they’ll come down one day.” I smiled politely, trying to hide my true feelings about the matter.

“Do you think such a day will come?” he continued, unaware of what he was stirring within me.

“I hope it never does,” I answered, gazing towards Loki for comfort, as Eli locked eyes with me.

The prince was sparring with a female vampire this time, while the Blond took a break on the side.

By the gods… How much do I want you next to me right now?

“I see,” Alistair mumbled before shaking his head.

Took another step away from him before I bowed as his maids tried to hand him what they brought, yet his eyes remained on me.

“I’ll take my leave now, though. I did enjoy this friendly chatter with you. I hope we can do this again.” I bid farewell only to be stopped by the prince again the moment I turned to go away, when his fingertips held my sleeve hostage. At this moment, a wooden sword was cracked in half as the girl yelped in pain from Loki’s blow, triggering cold sweat to drip down the back of my neck.

Oh… Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this later?

“Eh? You want to talk to me again?” Alistair questioned, appearing much like a puppy deprived of attention.

Hah… Maybe… I should push my luck. This lonely boy… is starving for company and not the sexual kind.

“Why not? I feel like… we would get along.” I answered, studying his reactions.

“I don’t know about that,” he mumbled, gazing at the floor.

Even though he surrounded himself with female attention, it wasn’t the one he wished to have, prompting me to get bold.

What if… Maybe I’m right…. about Gerta’s words and Alistair’s reaction.