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“Mistress said never to do that. I cannot disobey the Mistress,” said Smaranda as she wrung a wet cloth. She sat on the bed next to Gabriel and began washing his face, stained with dried blood. Her tender moves made me feel weird to be privy to their interaction. I never imagined Smaranda or even Vedoma aiming for a place in Gabriel’s heart. Gabriel gazed into Smaranda’s eyes and said, “You are so beautiful, Smaranda. Let me at least have a taste of you. I am hungry,” Gabriel said.
Smaranda blushed and giggled like a schoolgirl. “You just ate, my lord. Also, you cannot feast on vampire blood. It will not be good for you.”
“I meant a different kind of taste,” said Gabriel.
Smaranda’s brows shot up, mouth agape with incredulity. “My lord, I never thought you looked at me like that.”
“Those who cannot see your beauty are but blind fools,” Gabriel said with a smooth tone.
Gabriel promised high and low that nothing had happened between them. Now, I wasn’t sure anymore. I was forced to view one of my worst nightmares.
Chapter 6
Smaranda giggled some more and leaned over Gabriel to kiss him.
“I wish greatly to be free of my constraints so I can relish in your body. Please loosen my restraints,” Gabriel pleaded and kissed her hungrily. The longer their mouths stayed connected, the deeper their kiss became. Until Smaranda ripped her mouth from his and peered into his eyes.
Smaranda’s will became conflicted. I could see she feared Vedoma’s wrath, but the allure of being with Gabriel put a heavy weight on her decision scale.
Gabriel gazed deeply into her eyes, and for a moment, I thought he was trying to hypnotize her. Though from the way she moved, it was clear it didn’t work. Gabriel’s eyes lowered in defeat, but to his surprise and mine, she said, “Yes, my lord. I will release your hands. But your feet stay the same.”
“I will be eternally grateful.” Gabriel smiled, and Smaranda lost herself in its radiancy.
After undoing the shackles, she leaned closer to his lips as he wrapped one arm around her shoulders and the other grasped her chin. The second kiss made it unbearable for me to watch as this time it seemed like Gabriel was doing it out of his own volition.
But not a moment after, Gabriel snapped Smaranda’s neck and hurried to undo the shackles on his ankles. I, on the other hand, exhaled profusely. I trusted Gabriel, but seeing my enemy in my husband’s embrace wounded my heart. He could’ve told me everything, and I would’ve understood. I realized it was part of his righteous character. Still, if only he had chosen to trust me, things would’ve been easier for both of us.
Once free, Gabriel went supersonic, and by the time I blinked, I found myself in the woods. Gabriel sat next to a tree and spoke to someone I couldn’t see.
“Of all the torments I’ve come to experience, loneliness is proving to tear my will apart the most,” Gabriel said.
I still didn’t know who he was talking to, but then I realized he was speaking to the forest. The only place he felt somewhat safe.
“I managed to hide from the witch for the longest time. A relief I breathe out every day. But without Milady, I do not know how much longer I could bare.”
I looked at his attire, and it resembled a 1700 kind of clothing style. He had lived already for almost three hundred years. I couldn’t be prouder of him. At the same time, I wished so much to ease the pain. Why, oh, why hadn’t he told me how much suffering he had to endure?
A pair of voices resounded from afar. Gabriel stood and prepared to attack, just in case. For the longest time, nothing happened. Then, out of nowhere, a group of horseman hunters galloped next to him while he hid behind the tree. After they were gone, Gabriel emerged from his hideout, only to be knocked out by a hound. When I looked closer, it was Shadow, almost out of his pup stage. The jump startled Gabriel, but when Shadow began licking his face, he began laughing. I hadn’t heard Gabriel laugh since I transported myself into these events. Relief washed over me, and I hoped he felt it as well.
“Where are your owners?” asked Gabriel. Shadow didn’t care much and simply continued to snuggle with Gabriel. When he turned to see if the hunters would return, he remained motionless until he was convinced they wouldn’t. “I guess you’ll have to stay with me,” said Gabriel. “Like a shadow to my darkness. And that’s how I’ll name you. Shadow.”
The next blink transferred me to another hundred or more years based on Gabriel’s aristocratic attire. I couldn’t deny he looked stunning in such an outfit, but since when did he transition from a recluse to an aristocrat?
He stood with Shadow on a manor’s balcony that didn’t resemble Wallachia anymore. It had to be England. Gabriel told me about the time he visited Bram Stoker. It had to be during this historic period.
“My lord.” A woman in a dark pompous gown appeared from inside. I couldn’t believe it, but it was Vedoma again, looking her best. “I searched for you everywhere in Europe. You should’ve told me you chose England. The opulent countryside suits you.”
Upon seeing her, Gabriel froze. “I believe we have no reason to exchange addresses.”
“Ah, but we do. I tried many times to convince you to join my side. And after searching for you for centuries, I have no choice but to use my final weapon.”
“There is nothing that could convince me to aid your plans of destruction. I’ve heard enough rumors about your delusional aspirations.”
“Some might call it delusional, but I prefer to call it beneficial to your species. You chose not to stop at Smaranda. You picked to turn those who befitted you.”
“I turned only those in need, and they did not pertain to some grand scheme.”
“Ah, yes. Always the chivalrous and honorable knight. But you see, the ones you turned chose to turn others as well. The cycle will continue till chaos is ensured. You do not have a choice but to become their king, my lord.”
