The Letter of Warning - The moon cast a pale glow over the royal desk in Rowan's chambers. With a tense jaw and cold eyes, Rowan dipped his quill in deep red ink—his grip firm, emotions simmering beneath every word. The parchment bore his fury. To Lucien, Prince of the Vampires,You dared to bite my princess—Ariana—when she resisted you, when she cried. When she pleaded.If I had seen it, I would have broken every single one of your fangs, right there.But for Ari's sake… I spare you. This time.Do not ever touch her again. Do not lure her. Do not charm her. Do not dream of her. Leave her alone.If you truly care for her, you'll let her go.And if you don't… then may the next time we meet be your last.—Rowan, Prince of the Human Realm He sealed it with the royal crest. A single drop of wax fell, and the flame of the candle flickered. He handed the scroll to his most trusted knight. "Make sure it reaches only Lucien," Rowan said calmly. As the knight disappeared into the night, Rowan stood by the window, arms crossed. His heart burned—not just with rage, but with sorrow. He had seen Ariana cry… and no wine, no war, no victory could numb that ache in his chest.
The Torn Heart - Days passed like the hush of falling leaves in autumn—quiet, drifting, aching. Ariana sat by her chamber window, staring at the grey skies. The bite mark on her neck had begun to fade, but the memory? It clung to her like frost on glass. She held the edge of her gown, fidgeting. A part of her trembled at the thought of Lucien—his eyes drunk, his fangs at her throat, his arms too tight to escape. And yet… another part… the foolish, tender part of her heart, remembered his smile when she returned in the rain, his words—"my little flame"—his apology, his charm, the warmth of their dance. But fear… had rooted itself deeper now. She was no longer sure who he was. And perhaps worse—she wasn't sure who she was around him. Her brother Edward entered quietly and sat beside her. "You've been quiet," he said gently. "I'm scared… of him, Edward. Of how I felt. Of what he did," she replied softly. Edward didn't speak. He simply pulled her into a hug. "It's okay to be scared. But you're not alone, Ari. I'll protect you—even from your own heart, if I have to." A tear slipped from her eye, landing on his tunic. "I hate him… I hate what he did… but… why do I still…" she whispered. Edward smiled softly. "Because love doesn't vanish when someone hurts you. But fear teaches you to protect yourself." He brushed her hair behind her ear, like a father would. "One day, you'll know what you truly want. Until then, let your heart rest." Ari closed her eyes and leaned on his shoulder. And though the night wind howled outside, inside her room—it was safe, and warm, for the first time in days.
The Caged Thirst - In the tall, candlelit halls of his castle, Lucien stood alone by the frost-glazed window. Rain tapped against the glass like sorrow knocking on his chest. He read Rowan's letter once more. The ink was still slightly smudged—like the fury had bled into the parchment. You dare bite my princess when she cried? If I could, I would break your fangs right there. But for her sake, I spare you. Don't ever touch her again. Leave her alone. Lucien crumpled the letter in his fist. "I never meant to hurt you, Ari…" he whispered. His eyes darkened with guilt. He hadn't fed since that night. Not even a drop. He punished himself for what he'd done. But gods… her blood still lingered on his lips, in his veins—like a forbidden wine that he could never drink again. He paced restlessly, remembering her soft voice, her flushed cheeks, her trembling hands when she cried. "I'll never forgive myself… but I can't give up on her," Lucien murmured, clenching his jaw. He turned to the moonlight, his reflection in the glass looking more like a ghost than a prince. "I'll change," he vowed. "I'll control it. I'll show her I'm not the monster she fears. And if she returns—just once more—I'll protect her. Even from myself." With that, he walked down the empty corridor. The palace maids whispered his name, afraid to speak too loud. The servants bowed silently. No one dared approach him tonight. For his thirst was not blood alone—his thirst was for redemption… and for Ariana's heart.
The Wall Between Them - In the quiet of the royal gardens, beneath a pale blue sky and the sway of tall lavender trees, Rowan stood before Ariana—his jaw clenched, his eyes burning not just with anger, but with a desperate need to protect. "Ari. Listen to me. If Lucien ever appears again—ignore him. Don't speak to him. Don't look at him. Do you understand?" Rowan said sternly. Ariana's lips trembled. She shook her head, slowly. "I can't… not completely," she replied softly. The wind picked up. Rowan's fist tightened at his side. He stepped closer. "He's a vampire! You're human! Do you really believe something like that could work?" he snapped. Ariana flinched at the sharpness in his tone, but he wasn't done. "He's not like us. He's not… safe. You saw what happened. You felt it," he continued, voice cracking slightly. Ari looked away, hands tightening around the fabric near her heart. The bite still ached—not just on her neck, but in her mind. "He bit you, Ari. Even after you said no. Do you really trust him?" Rowan asked, softer now, yet still fierce. And this time… she didn't answer. Her silence was her answer. Her mind, wrapped in fear and confusion. Her heart, broken—still haunted by his smile. His arms. His kiss. Finally, she whispered, "...Okay. I won't see him again." Rowan stepped forward, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "Good. I promise, I'll keep you safe. From him. From anything," he said. She nodded, tears threatening to fall. But deep inside, a single ember still flickered—one that neither reason nor fear could completely put out.