Being A Vampire's Slave

Chapter 12: Unexpected

Chapter 12: Unexpected

Rene POV

Ever since last night, nightmares have gripped my sleep, dragging me into a realm of fear and confusion. For three consecutive nights, they've yanked me from my dreams at the witching hour, leaving me gasping for breath, my heart pounding like a war drum. I stared at the ceiling, its blank expanse offering no solace. With a sigh, I slid out of my cold, unyielding bed. Thirst gnawed at me, insistent and unrelenting, and though I knew it was against the rules, I had to find water.

The halls were long and shadowed, the ancient stones whispering secrets as I crept towards the kitchen. Each step echoed ominously in the eerie silence, amplifying my unease. The fridge's light was blindingly bright as I opened it, the cool air a brief respite. I grabbed a bottle of water, my parched throat aching for relief. The palace seemed unusually empty, devoid of the usual lurking vampires. I turned to head back to my room, but a voice, smooth and teasing, shattered the quiet.

"Sneaking around is not your style," Aries spoke, his sudden presence making me squeal and drop my water. He caught it effortlessly, his vampire speed a blur, and handed it back to me, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I'm sorry, Aries," I stammered, clutching the bottle. "I was thirsty. My nightmares have been bugging me."

"Nightmares, huh? Let's go back to your room and discuss this." His tone was gentle, yet firm, leaving no room for argument.

I nodded, leading the way back to my room, which I often referred to as my dungeon. The dark, cramped space offered little comfort. After taking a sip of water, I sat on the cold bed, Aries settling next to me—closer than ever before. His eyes, deep and probing, urged me to speak.

"It starts with me running through foggy woods at night," I began, my voice trembling. "I keep looking back, but as soon as I turn around, it's there, menacing and emotionless. Its bright gold-red eyes and shark-like teeth haunt me. Then, the scene changes, and I'm surrounded by dead bodies and blood, encircling me. They're my friends and family... even you and Tristan. This nightmare has plagued me for three nights in a row."

Aries's expression softened with concern. "I'm sorry you're having nightmares, little one. Maybe you shouldn't watch horror movies anymore," he suggested gently, trying to lighten the mood.

I shook my head, the weight of the nightmares pressing down on me. "It's not the movies."

He turned to face me fully, his eyes searching mine. "Rene, you know it's dangerous to walk around the palace alone, especially with Karla lurking in the halls," he said sternly, his protectiveness evident.

"I know." I said.

We sat in silence for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words. Then, he moved off the bed, a hint of nervousness in his demeanor. "There's a ball that every vampire must attend, and I was thinking... you and I could go together?" His voice wavered slightly, and I was taken aback by his vulnerability. A vampire prince asking a human to a ball?

"I wonder what Tristan would think," I mused aloud, more to myself than to Aries.

"He's going with Karla. He won't mind," Aries said, reading my thoughts as if they were laid bare before him. A twinge of irritation flared at the mention of Karla, but I pushed it aside.

"I would very much like that," I replied with a smile, warmth blooming in my chest.

The next morning, I woke up early as usual, prepared to go to Tristan's room, but a note slipped under my door informed me I didn't need to come. Strange, but I shrugged it off. I decided to head to the kitchen for breakfast, rules be damned.