"You need blood, Demetrio," Ezekiel said, his voice sharp.
"I won't fucking take human blood, Zek," Demetrio spat, his voice shaking as he clutched his stomach. The poison coursing through him could only be stopped by human blood.
"Then watch yourself leave this world," Ezekiel hissed.
Demetrio groaned and vanished.
Ezekiel scoffed, standing alone for a moment before he too disappeared.
...
The king had left, and Arianna was adjusting her robe when a sudden, unfamiliar, and dangerous presence made her freeze.
"Who…?" she whispered, but before she could react, Demetrio appeared in front of her, his hand clamping over her mouth.
Fear gripped her instantly. She struggled, but Demetrio's hold was iron-strong.
"Keep quiet… I just need a little sip of your blo—" His words caught in his throat when he looked into her amber eyes.
She was breathtaking—his mate. Words failed him, and the hunger in him dispersed, replaced by a strange, overwhelming reverence.
"I have finally found you," Demetrio murmured. The urge to drink vanished completely.
Arianna, too, was struck by an unfamiliar emotion as she stared into his deep red eyes. She watched him gently sink his fangs—not in aggression, but as a bond.
"You are my mate," he whispered, and their eyes locked, an unspoken promise passing between them.
Ezekiel stood in the chamber, invisible, a small smile playing on his lips as he observed.
"He finally found his flesh and bone," he murmured to himself before vanishing.
...
A few Months later King Basmus paced restlessly in his chamber. His second wife, Queen Arianna, had been in labor for hours.
"Your Majesty," a guard announced, hurrying in.
"The royal physician is here," the guard continued.
"How is she?" the king asked as the woman entered, her expression grave.
"The Queen has delivered a bouncing baby boy… but…" She lowered her head.
King Basmus, who had been smiling, immediately frowned.
"But what…?" he demanded.
"We lost Queen Arianna."
"What?!" The king nearly stumbled in shock, his world tilting as grief and disbelief washed over him.