The grand hall of the Vampire King’s fortress was alight with the glow of chandeliers, the ornate walls reflecting an opulence that felt suffocating rather than beautiful. The King rose from his ebony throne as the wedding festivities neared their peak, his crimson eyes gleaming with a cruel delight.
“A gift for the happy couple,” he announced, his voice carrying over the hushed whispers of the court. The guests turned as the heavy doors to the hall burst open, revealing two guards dragging a battered and bound figure between them.
Seraphine.
The court gasped collectively. Her silver eyes, defiant despite the bruises marring her once-pristine skin, scanned the room, locking briefly on Misery and Adrian.
She held her head high, even as the enchanted chains around her wrists glowed faintly with the magic suppressing her power.
Misery’s hand flew to her mouth, her gasp muffled by the overwhelming tension. Adrian, standing rigid at her side, clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. His voice was low, laced with restrained fury.
“What is this?”
The Vampire King descended the steps of his throne leisurely, a satisfied smirk curling his lips.
“A reminder,” he said, gesturing toward Seraphine. “A lesson for those who think defiance goes unpunished. She failed me. Now, her fate lies in your hands.”
The court murmured, uncertain of the King’s intentions. Misery’s crimson eyes darted between Seraphine and Adrian, her breathing shallow.
“You can’t do this,” she whispered, her voice trembling but fierce.
“Oh, but I can,” the King replied smoothly, turning his attention to Misery. “And I will. But I am a merciful ruler.” His smile widened, sharp and predatory. “Let this be a test of your loyalty, my dear Queen and King. What will you do with her?”
Adrian’s jaw tightened, his gaze burning with barely restrained hatred.
“You’re asking me to decide her fate?” he said, his tone venomous.
“Precisely,” the King replied, his tone almost playful. “Kill her, and you prove your loyalty to me. Spare her, and you risk undermining everything we’ve built. Choose wisely, Adrian.”
Seraphine struggled against her chains, her voice defiant.
“Don’t do it, Adrian.”
Misery’s eyes widened in horror, and she stepped forward, placing herself between Seraphine and the King. “No!” she cried. “This isn’t justice—it’s cruelty!”
The King’s laughter echoed through the hall, chilling in its intensity. “Ah, loyalty and love—such fragile things. Decide quickly, my dear subjects. My patience wears thin.”