The journey to Orttenburg was as uneventful as Theo wanted, but it was anything but peaceful. I spent most of my time in my room. Every now and then, I had to face Seth outside, and I could feel an intense longing for him. I knew it was because of the mate bond, and I needed to get used to it since this sense of lust would bombard me once we were in his kingdom.
The instant we arrived at Orttenburg, they sent us an invitation to a masquerade ball. So, after organizing our things-Inanna, Ninus, Gezer, Ruth, and I-start preparing for the ball.
During the night, we arrive at the grand ballroom. We are all wearing the finest garments, courtesy of Seth. I am dressed in a deep blue, floor-length gown embroidered with silver flowers. I am even given a delicate silver mask to wear for the ball.
Ninus, Gezer, Inanna, and Ruth are wearing masks like me. They are all beautiful in the vibrant colors of their gowns, all chosen by Seth.
Walking through the ballroom, I look around to see that it's filled with guests-their laughter and conversation filling the air. Various musicians and performers play instruments while servants in matching liveries circle around the room, offering drinks and treats.
I can't help but be mesmerized by the beauty of it all-it is as grandiose as the colors and music in Pitchford.
Then, at the center of it, all is Seth. His red hair is striking like a beautiful torch flickering and still noticeable within a room full of colors. I feel a pang of desire as my gaze falls upon him. I quickly look away, determined not to succumb to this bond.
Unfortunately, Seth makes his way to me, his eyes twinkling as he speaks, "Why, Kaiya, the dress looks wonderful on you."
"Thank you, my King," I say, my cheeks flushing on their own.
"I am sure you are the prettiest here."
I grimace at him. "You can only say that because the mate bond is blinding you to real beauty."
He chuckles. "Let's see how long you will be able to resist the mate bond," he says, perfectly knowing what his presence does to me.
It's only when he walks away that I can finally breathe. I need all the control I can gather to remind myself that this is just because of the mate bond. Besides, I know that I love Theo, and I will never hurt him–not anymore.
And so, as the night progresses, I feel more and more at ease, even if I can feel Seth's eyes on me. I laugh with the vampires, joke with the other guests, and even have a few dances with some confident Orttenburg men.
At one point, I find myself dancing with Gezer.
"Orttenburg citizens are more accommodating than I expected," he comments.
"Does that mean the Pitchford citizens are mistreating you?"
"It's different. The Pitchford people know us. They are afraid of us at first, until they realize we won't drink their blood without their consent."
"And the Orttenburg people?"
"It's as if they don't know we are vampires," he whispers as he twirls me around.
"But you guys have a unique aura... Even if they don't know what you are, most of them will still sense that you guys are different."
"Exactly."
"Maybe I can take on and continue this conversation?" a nice-sounding voice interrupts. I turn towards it and see Seth standing behind me, his hand outstretched.
"Will you give me the honor of dancing with you, Kaiya?" he asks.
"Can I even say no?" I retort while Gezer is retreating away from us.
Seth smiles, and just with it, I feel my heart flutter again. I groan. Stupid mate bond.
Seth takes my hand and asks, "I hear the vampire is finding it weird that they are not being feared?"
I nod as our dance starts. "Have an answer for it?"
"Well, that's because these guests are our prisoners."
I frown. "You give parties to your prisoners?"
"Ah, no." He leans towards me and whispers, "This is a party to identify if I can successfully control their minds."
I pull back from him, my eyes judging him.
"Don't look at me like that, Kaiya. We also need this."
"I thought you could only read minds, but you also control them?!"
"I just discovered that a few months ago. Something must have changed."
"Probably the appearance of vampires. Or the Moon Goddess' attempt to reap me even when I am not yet ready," I supply.
"I guess the fabric of magic gets twisted every time the humans try to play or call the gods."
"They tried to play god, but the ones who handle the chaos afterward are not the ones who played."
"Right, you, the people, and the created monsters are the ones suffering."
"They are called vampires, just as we are called werewolves."
He grins. "Right. Right. I wonder what I am called?"
"You are just a strange human with the ability to read minds."
"And now, to control them too," he says, completing my sentence. "Want to get out of this party instead, Kaiya?" I frown at him, and he adds, "You still need to mark me before we can start with work tomorrow."
"I still remember," I say.
"Let's go to my room."
"No. Let's do it somewhere that is not so private."
"You are afraid we won't be able to control ourselves?" he asks, teasing.
"I've been under the influence of the mate bond for too long, so I think it's safer to do it somewhere that is not your room."
He chuckles. "Okay. How about in the sitting room?"
I nod, and we walk towards a luxurious sitting room decorated with gold braids, velvet curtains, and a grand fireplace. There are also cream-colored couches in the center, with a glass coffee table.
"This place is open to everyone so control yourself Kaiya, or else people will walk on us while making love," he teases. He sits on the couch and taps the seat next to his and adds, "Come closer, Kaiya. How are you going to mark me if you are too far?"
Without a choice, I sit next to him. "With the mate bond activated between us, can you read my mind now?"
"No, but surely after this, I can sense some of your emotions."
"I will start then," I inform him, to which he answers with a nod.
I move closer to him, and even if I don't want to, I call on the Moon Goddess and let the magic fill the air. I open my mouth and let my fangs bury in his neck, drawing blood and inhaling his sweet fruity scent.
The air becomes electrified as if a spark of energy is ignited. This differs completely from when I was trying to mark Theo. Back then, there was that rotten smell with him, but with Seth, everything smells enticing.
Then focusing on Seth, I let the mark form-magic is coursing through our veins, creating an invisible connection between us. As the mark blossoms along his skin, I can feel it tugging at our link. My desire builds up. I long to push him against the couch and kiss him until I lose myself in his embrace.
And so, my grip tightens as I struggle to keep my emotions in check. I won't do that! I refuse to be dictated by the mate bond! I am in control of my feelings, and I won't let it consume me!
Once all the ends attach, the magic stops, and I pull away from him. I look into his eyes and feel a thrill going all over my body.
Seth is heaving, and so am I. The surrounding air is still shimmering with magic. He is covered in a somewhat golden light that I find so inviting.
Despite myself, I move towards him, and Seth scoots closer. He touches my arm, and I shiver at the contact of our skin. He is flushing, his eyes trained on my lips.
"I can't believe this is the feeling I've been missing all my life..." he whispers, leaning closer to me. His hands reach from my arms to the side of my neck. "You are feeling this too, right Kaiya?"
"Yes," I breathe.
I can't deny the pull of the mate bond. I am drawn to him, yet I know that my mind is stronger than my desires. And so I push at his heaving chest.
"Seth, we can't do whatever you are thinking," I gaze at him. "I am in love with Theo, and what I feel for him goes beyond the mate bond."
"Hmmm, I can feel that too, Kaiya," he mutters. "Now that we are connected, should we start learning how to control minds?"
I swallow hard. "By using your prisoners?"
"By using hardened prisoners who murdered other humans."
I purse my lips. Using prisoners as test subjects for mind control feels wrong. My stomach churns as I try to make sense of the moral dilemma in front of me. Yet, I also know we don't have any other options.