The corridors of Castle Umbriel seemed endless, stretching into darkness with shadows that flickered like restless spirits. Aria followed silently, trying not to falter, her heart hammering in her chest as each step echoed against the cold stone.
"This castle has seen more than a millennium of blood and fire," a calm, melodic voice said from behind her. Aria turned slightly. It was Prince Kael, leaning casually against the wall. His dark hair fell in soft waves across his forehead, framing amber eyes that glimmered in the torchlight.
"I'm Prince Kael," he said lightly, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Half the court fears me; the other half whispers I might be worse than the king in private."
Aria nodded cautiously, unsure how to respond. He was tall and lean, with graceful, fluid movements less rigid than his older brother. Where Lucien radiated authority and danger, Kael carried charm and subtle cunning.
"Every stone here has a story," Kael continued, walking beside her. "This castle was built five centuries ago atop an older fortress. Each hall holds secrets the king would rather you not discover."
Aria's gaze lingered on a tapestry showing a vampire king standing over a kneeling human. "So… humans were always slaves here?" she asked softly.
Kael's amber eyes met hers. "Not always. Some were soldiers, some advisors. But most… were expendable. The king rules with precision, and fear keeps the kingdom stable."
"And the king?" Aria asked, curiosity nudging caution. "Lucien… he's different from the others, isn't he?"
Kael's expression softened slightly, though a shadow of caution lingered. "Lucien is… exacting. Ruthless when he must be. He's ruled for centuries without faltering. His decisions are final. Never question him openly he does not forgive easily."
They stopped before massive black double doors etched with intricate carvings. "This hall," Kael said, voice dropping to a near whisper, "was once the royal council chamber. Decisions here shaped empires. Wars began and ended on this floor."
Aria's fingers itched to touch the carvings, but she forced herself to stay still. "It's… incredible," she whispered.
Kael's lips curved into a small smile. "Beauty isn't always soft. Sometimes it's sharp. Like the castle… and like the king."
He straightened, glancing at her. "Do not fear the shadows, human. Fear what you cannot see in them. Some truths are better discovered slowly."
Walking beside Prince Kael, Aria realized how little she truly knew about the castle—and the people within it. For all its history, all its darkness, she could feel there were layers yet to uncover.
Surviving here required more than obedience. It required patience, attention, and courage.
And most of all, she had to watch the king from afar, learning his moods, his patterns, and his rules.
For in Noxferra,
even the smallest misstep could cost a life.