Chapter 8
Harley POV
When Rhain left, I thought about everything he told me. Which part was a lie?
The fact that I was a Chosen One? The story he told me about how the war started? Or everything he ever said to me?
I sat down on the bench. I was to be killed to free him from the curse feeding on his flesh. The whole story was too much for me to process, and soon enough, I drifted off to sleep. But even in sleep, my mind was never at rest.
I was haunted by nightmares—of that night, the night my family was killed. I heard Kieran's scream echoing in my mind.
I woke up some time later. The candle was nearly burned out. I brushed several strands of hair from my face.
I remembered the rumors from some time ago—about the Vampire King taking off his mask. People were said to be cursed instantly upon seeing his face, dying almost immediately. Some who weren't cursed died from fear alone.
Was it truly that gruesome?
He refused to remove his mask, wearing it like a second skin. His hands were decayed, the curse eating away at him every single day. That was why he wore gloves.
He was like the living dead—only his decayed flesh never smelled. It should, but it didn't. Maybe he had one of his witches conceal it.
Rumor had it he spent a fortune trying to free himself from the curse. Even the most powerful witch couldn't break it. And despite carrying that pain every day, he remained strong—and feared by all. He would even go as far as sleeping in a coffin to break the curse.
The door opened, and I raised my head to see Vivian walk in. She wasn't alone. A male vampire with long dark hair and pale skin stood beside her.
"You're awake," she muttered. "I came earlier and saw you asleep. Didn't want to disturb you, so I left."
I stared at her in silence.
"Kael and I are going to escort you to your new room," she said. "You'll be staying there until we arrive at Shadowsvale."
"Don't try anything foolish—like escaping. Understand?" she added.
"Yes," I replied.
"That wasn't convincing enough," she said. "I saw how you tried to attack my cousin."
I glared at her.
She flashed me her fangs. "You should know who I am and what I'm capable of."
"I know you're a pure-blooded vampire," I said.
"Then you should also know I'm not Rhain. If you try to escape, I'll catch you and drown you in the sea. Don't mistake my soft features for weakness."
"True," Kael growled. "Neither of us wants to hurt you—not when we finally found the cure for Rhain's curse. But we will if you force us. Don't forget—you're on a ship, and we're in the middle of the sea."
"Werewolves can swim," Vivian snapped.
My nostrils flared. "What exactly do you want to hear from me?"
"We want you to be more convincing."
"Are you afraid of me? A werewolf?"
"I would never be afraid of your kind," she snapped.
Escaping wasn't on my mind. I wasn't foolish enough to run from a place like this—especially one filled with vampires. Rhain wouldn't save me like last time. He wanted me dead too—for his stupid ritual to lift the curse.
"Come on," Vivian said. "Let's take you to your new room."
Just as I stood, the door opened again, and a figure stepped inside.
"What are you doing here, mate?" Kael asked the man who approached.
"I came for her," he snarled, flashing his fangs at me.
"Fuck you, Sylas. Return to your post," Vivian ordered.
"I'm afraid I won't be taking orders from you, Viv," he said, stepping forward. "And I'm not alone."
As the words left his mouth, the door opened, and more vampires entered.
"You're making a bold move," Vivian warned.
"Her kind killed my wife," Sylas said. "I'm going to kill her in revenge."
"The King wants her alive."
"Fuck the King," he snapped.
"I know your face," I said. "I remember—you ran away in fear when my brother killed your mate."
Vivian shot me a warning glare.
"Fuck you!" Sylas snarled.
"The King won't spare you," Kael said. "He ordered that no one should touch his captive. He'll have your head if you harm her."
Instead of retreating, the men moved forward.
"The werewolves took my son from me," one of the older vampires said.
"She didn't kill him. Her pack is gone now. Don't forget—you killed her kind too."
"I understand that the King plans to use her to break the curse, but we all know there's a high chance it won't work. He's tried different methods for years. Why would her blood succeed now?"
"Worse is that she is his mate. She could use the bond to her favour."
"Go back, Sylas," Vivian barked. "Don't think I'll let you hurt her."
Sylas growled, and everything happened so fast.