The chains around her wrists clinked softly as Aria followed the silent vampire guards through Castle Umbriel. Stone walls stretched high above, lined with flickering torches that cast restless shadows. The air smelled faintly of incense and something metallic blood, she realized, and her stomach twisted.
Ahead, King Lucien Valerius moved with quiet grace. Even from behind, his presence was undeniable. His black cloak brushed the floor, and the faint glint of his crimson eyes cut through the dimness. He didn't look at her not once.
Aria kept her gaze low, hands twitching at the chains. One misstep, one wrong word, and she could be punished or worse.
"Do not wander your thoughts too far, human," Lucien said at last, his voice low and cold. "You are not here to admire the castle."
"Yes, Your Majesty," she whispered.
From a nearby hallway, a soft chuckle echoed. Prince Kael, Lucien's younger brother, leaned casually against the wall, dark hair tousled and eyes bright with mischief. "Not so scary up close, huh?" he said quietly.
Aria stiffened. "I—I wasn't looking," she stammered.
Kael smirked. "Sure. Just follow instructions, and you might survive the tour."
Lucien's voice cut through again. "Enough chatter. You are a slave. Remember your place."
Aria's pulse raced. His gaze though distant was suffocating in its authority. She nodded, forcing her nerves to settle.
The hallway opened into a massive chamber lined with ancient tapestries depicting centuries of vampire history. Kings and queens, battles, and alliances—painted in rich reds and blacks. Statues of long-dead rulers stood in alcoves, their eyes seemingly following her every move.
Kael leaned closer. "Impressive, huh? If it weren't so terrifying, I might be jealous."
"I… I suppose it's beautiful," Aria murmured.
Kael chuckled softly, clearly amused. "Careful now. Speak too freely, or His Majesty might take offense."
Lucien's voice returned, sharp and precise. "You will not make jokes at my court, human. Step carefully, or the shadows will remind you of your place."
Aria's stomach tightened. The shadows seemed to shift at his command, stretching toward her as if testing her courage.
The tour continued slowly. Lucien showed her the main hall, library, and servants' quarters. At every step, he remained distant, moving ahead silently, never speaking except to issue commands.
Kael lingered in the background, offering small hints. "Watch the staircase," he whispered once. "Slippery, and the shadows don't forgive mistakes."
Aria nodded, grateful for the small kindness but wary of drawing attention from Lucien. The king watched her, always watching, though he said nothing.
By the time they returned to the main hall, Aria's feet ached and her wrists burned. She lowered her head in relief, promising herself she would survive, no matter what.
Lucien's voice cut through the hall once more. "This castle is not for human curiosity. Eat your meal quietly. Remember every rule. Disobedience will not be tolerated."
"Yes, Your Majesty," she said.
Kael smirked slightly. "And don't worry. I'll try to keep him from scaring you too badly… for now."
Aria offered a tiny, uncertain smile, careful not to meet Lucien's eyes.
In the dim corridors of Castle Umbriel,
Aria learned the rules of survival: obey, observe, and never forget
the vampire king saw everything, but he said nothing.