Lilian's fingers dance on the chess board, moving her piece delicately as she finds herself enjoying the prospect of this mind game. A gracious smile hangs on her lips, her brown eyes following his every move. The beauty of embracing the insanity within her is enticing…
Victor, despite his usual confidence, finds himself intrigued by the enigma that is Lilian. Her calm and calculated moves on the chessboard mirror the complexity of her intentions. The game becomes a reflection of the intricate dance between sanity and madness, a dance in which she seems to be in perfect control.
Unlike the prideful Seraphina who uses everything to her advantage, Lilian's calculated steps are a sight to behold. The grace of Lilian embracing the insanity within her becomes an intriguing spectacle for Victor, who now faces a foe unlike any he has encountered before.
It makes him wonder, what does it take for him to peel away that nonchalant façade she is wearing?
Victor, usually the puppet master in such situations, begins to feel the weight of Lilian's calculated moves. Her ability to play this mental game with such finesse raises questions in his mind. What motivates her?
"I must say, it is quite unusual for House Vatore to send a human down these cells…" the words dance on his tongue as the vampire continues "I guess Caleb Vatore truly cares for his little mate after all…"
Lilian sets down her chess piece firmly, the mention of Primrose cracks down her calm demeanor, yet she masks it immediately. The mind game is one where nobody can read their opponent's next move, and she must not subject herself to this. However, her wavering façade doesn't go unnoticed.
A sly smile forms on his lips, a weakness he can now exploit…
"But that princess of his is a feisty kitten as well, I wonder how her night was at the Straud castle."
Lilian closes her eyes, blocking his taunting out of her ears. This man was the sole reason why Primrose was on the brink of being violated, yet he talks about the matter in such a nonchalant way. Disgusting…
Victor continues his advance, placing the chess piece as he mentions how he kidnapped the raven head, how her pleas for help were met with an eerie silence, and how he was promised to have a taste of her as well. The more he speaks about the event, the more she feels her blood boil.
Calm down now Lilian…You must not let these words affect you…
"Your little friend screamed so beautifully, you know," he remarks casually, his tone sending shivers down Lilian's spine "I wonder if she'll ever fully recover from the trauma."
Lilian's eyes snap open, the mention of Primrose's suffering cutting through her like a knife. The struggle to maintain her composure intensifies, but she refuses to let Victor see the impact of his words. As Victor places another chess piece, the brunette takes a deep breath, pushing the emotions down. This game, with its twisted stakes, is far from over.
"I see that you are the type who enjoys light banter during a chess game…" looking at the board, she continues "If I may say, Caleb has been taken very good care of his mate, so good that he chases that nightmarish event away…"
Victor's smile falters slightly at Lilian's response, the subtle defiance in her words not going unnoticed. He expects a more volatile reaction from her, yet she maintains her composure, using Caleb's care for Primrose as a shield against his attempts to unsettle her.
"Ah, the protective lover," Victor muses, leaning back in his chair. "A classic move, my dear. But do you truly believe that love is enough to erase the scars of such an experience?"
Lilian hums, wondering if the question is meant to jab at Primrose or herself. Her fingers move the chessman on the board, pondering his question. She has no doubt that the young Head of House Vatore's unwavering love and devotion will erase that pain from Primrose. Their connection is built on a foundation of love, trust, and respect, she admires them for that. The trauma is indeed unbearable for her friend, but Primrose has a strong heart, her resilience is not something these foul foes can knock down that easy.
"And what about you? I guess that love is not enough to erase the scars that you choose to inflict pain on other people?"
Her comeback is strong and Victor flinches at her words. A strong jab that slowly melts away his cunningness. Lilian's words cut through his facade, questioning the scars he inflicts on others. The air in the cell becomes charged with tension as the chess game and the verbal sparring continue.
"Love," Victor scoffs, attempting to regain his composure, "A quaint notion, my dear. But it cannot erase the darkness within. It cannot undo the pain and suffering I choose to unleash."
Nodding at his answer, Lilian raises her head, holding a steady gaze. She looks at the chessboard in front of her, pondering her next move. It seems like she has opened an unknown can of worms.
"Darkness, pain, suffering…" she muses, her voice steady, "Those are choices, Victor. Choices you make willingly. Love may not erase the past, but it has the power to shape a different future."
"And you speak as if you understand everything…" knitting his brows, he continues with the game.
As Victor contemplates his next move, his mind wanders back to the days of glory when he was still in the Straud family.
Abandoned by his parents at a young age, Victor had to navigate a world where strength was valued and the weak were often scorned. In this challenging environment, Vladislaus Straud took Victor under his wing. Under Vladislaus's guidance, Victor flourished, becoming a powerful vampire alongside Kian, Lord Straud's own son.
Under the care of Vladislaus Straud, he experienced the familial love that he could not find elsewhere. He saw Kian as his brother, even if the man was a weak vampire at the time. They formed a bond that was deemed unbreakable, and yet…
The downfall of House Straud took away everything from him…
Kian left to join House Vatore, Vladislaus Straud's arch-enemy. He followed the calling of love and formed a connection with Lilith Vatore, while Victor struggled to build back House Straud to its former glory. His wishful thinking was met with the agonizing news of Caleb Vatore slaying Lord Straud, bringing an end to a once mighty house.
The void left by the absence of familial love and camaraderie pushed Victor further into the shadows. The bitterness of defeat and the demise of House Straud fueled his desire for power and revenge. Victor's path took a darker turn, and the manipulative, cunning vampire emerged—a reflection of the pain and loss he had endured.
"I may not understand everything, but I know the meaning of a wound that can never be undone…" Lilian speaks up softly, holding a black chess piece in her hand.
Victor raises his head, staring at the woman in front of him. For a moment, he catches a glimpse of vulnerability, a sense of loss within her eyes. Her gaze softens, a flicker of emotion that contrasts her nonchalant expression, as if she is trying to convey something, a personal matter, maybe?
"Then may I ask, my dear…" holding her black chess piece in his hand, the vampire smiles casually "What kind of wound makes you desire to dance on the edge of sanity and madness?"
A subtle smile plays on Lilian's lips as she considers his question. The chess pieces, symbols of their moves in this intricate dance, await an answer. Her gaze holds a mixture of contemplation and subtle satisfaction, she can already tell that she has an upper hand in this little game they are playing.
"Hm…what kind of wound…?" she ponders playfully, grabbing his white chess piece and setting it on the side "Maybe some other time…"
Her elusive attitude captures his attention again as Victor leans in, staring at her with a calculated yet curious gaze. What is this woman hiding beneath that nonchalant façade?
"Some other time, my dear? The stakes are already high, you want to push it even further?" Victor smirks, placing another chess piece on the board. "Perhaps you're not as innocent as you appear."
The mention of innocence brings a subtle chuckle from Lilian. Her dubious moves, the wits she has in store, the underlying tone of each word become a wildcard in this battle of wits and power. The silence stretches, broken only by the occasional sound of a chess piece being placed on the board. Lilian's thoughts remain guarded, and Victor, though skilled in the art of manipulation, finds himself facing an opponent whose moves are unpredictable.
"Primrose takes the cake when it comes to innocent. I, however…" she pauses, setting down her chessman "I guess looks can be quite deceiving in a sense…"
"You speak of deception, my dear, as if it's a virtue," Victor remarks, his gaze narrowing slightly. "What is it that you're hiding behind that charming smile and calm demeanor?"
A soft chuckle escapes her lips as if to praise him for his daring question. In front of the vampire is a woman with a nonchalant façade, yet beneath her mask is something else, something that Victor has never seen in a woman before. Even Seraphina whose façade is a graceful noblewoman can't entice him this much.
This woman in front of him, what is her name? What is her motive? What is it that draws him into this chess game so much?
Lilian looks at the board, a knowing smile hangs on her lips as she leans in, feigning an innocent look.
"Do you care to know?" she asks, her voice holding a subtle teasing tone.
There is a dangerous glint in his icy blue eyes as Victor returns her tease, inching closer until he senses her breath tickling his skin. The close proximity excites him…
"You're quite the intriguing one, my dear," the vampire muses, locking his gaze on her "Perhaps this little dance between us is longer than I expected…"
"Are you sure about that, good sir?"
Again with that teasing chuckle, her chess piece is set firmly on the the board. A victorious smile dances on her lips…
"Checkmate, Victor!"
Victor, momentarily caught off guard by Lilian's checkmate, recovers quickly, a sly smile forming on his lips. The vampire leans back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the brunette. The air in the cell is charged with a different kind of tension now, a mix of intrigue and amusement on his part.
"Checkmate indeed, my lady." a low chuckle escapes his lips "That is quite an interesting game, I must say."
Lilian, still wearing a victory smile, collects the chess pieces back into the container as she sets the chess board on the side. A playful glint sparkles in her eyes, an accomplishment nonetheless. Making herself comfortable on the seat again, she tugs her hair strands behind her ears as her brown eyes lock onto his.
"Now, I assume that you are a man who keeps his word, unless…" she trails off, words dancing on her lips like a lovely melody "Dishonesty is your middle name…"
Her comment strikes a nerve as he looks at him, feeling his vein pop up at her accusation. For someone with a pretty face like Lilian, she too, enjoys toying with other people. Rising from his seat, Victor draws near, standing in front of her with his icy blue eyes, intrigued and enticed by her nonchalant attitude. Snatching a hand under her chin, he raises her head and leans closer, the proximity leaves little to the imagination.
"This is harassment…"
"What do you know? You completely entice me, my lady…" a dangerous smirk plays on his lips as he caresses her cheek "Shall I reward you as well? A kiss maybe?"
Lilian slightly flinches at his suggestive tone, prying his hand off her face and shaking her head.
"Another chess game sounds lovely to the ears, actually. However, I do need my information."
"The missing students, you mean?" leaning against the table, pondering his thoughts before wearing a sly smile "There is a saying in Chinese that means…"
Knitting her brows, is this another game he wants to play?
"The most dangerous place is also the safest one." eyeing her disdainful look, he smirks "Tell Caleb Vatore that, he will know what to do."
Lilian takes in a deep breath, knowing that there is nothing more she can pry out of this man. Victor enjoys cryptic messages, he never gives any straightforward answers, believing that there is no fun in doing so.
There is nothing else for me to do here, time to report back to Caleb…
As she rises from her seat and is ready to leave, Victor stops her, holding onto her wrist, the smirk on his face grows wider.
"Before you leave, my lady. What is your name?"
Raising a brow at his question, Lilian's disdainful eyes grow more weary. There is no point in telling him her name when this is the first and last time they see each other. While the brunette admits that there is fun in their little games, she knows that associating herself with this vampire only brings harm into her life.
"Don't you think it is a bit rude for you to know my name and yet I don't know yours?" he chuckles "My lady, I'm wounded…"
Scoffing at his demeanor, Lilian shakes her head, This man doesn't seem like he is going to let her leave peacefully if she doesn't answer his request.
"And who says that this is the last time we meet?" looking at her nonchalantly, the dangerous glint in his eyes grows louder when he catches a glimpse of her surprised expression "Well? Your name, my lady?"
The brunette sighs, she really wants to leave this place…
"The name is Lilian Collins, honor to meet you, good sir."
"And what a lovely name it is, Lilian Collins…" Victor drawls, savoring the information. "I look forward to our next encounter."
The veiled threat in his words doesn't go unnoticed by Lilian. She realizes that her interaction with Victor might have consequences beyond what she anticipated. Bringing her wrist higher, he captures her palm in his hand and with a rare gentlemen-like demeanor, places a kiss on her knuckle.
Lilian, initially shocked at first, quickly pulls her hand back and stares at the vampire in front of her. An unexpected turn that she never thought would occur…
"Until next time, my lady,"
Victor's voice trails after her, filled with a mix of amusement and intrigue as she makes her way out of the cells, ready to inform everyone of her accomplishment.
"The dangerous place is the safest place?" Kian raises a brow at the cryptic message "Victor…"
Lilian, with the chess board in her hands, nods. That is what the Captain told her before she left his cells. Lilith hums, trying to figure out the meaning of his words. Victor of House Straud, as cunning as a fox, embraces the idea of playing games to the fullest. Instead of giving them a clear answer, he decides to hide it behind a cryptic message.
The revelation of Lilian's ability to prompt Victor to speak is celebrated within the house, yet the meaning of his message remains unsolved. Caleb closes his eyes, hoping to solve the quiz. Primrose is still staying in bed, but she is slowly regaining her consciousness.
The raven head reaches out to her friend weakly, prompting Lilian to walk closer, smiling as she reassures her that she is okay. Despite still feeling groggy, Primrose looks at her friend, her onyx eyes conveying a message, asking about everyone's safety. Even in the midst of her bed rest, she still wants to ensure that her loved ones are safe.
"We're here, Prims. Don't worry." caressing her soft raven locks, Lilian giggles "And look, Caleb's gift for you."
Taking out a blue rose from the vase, she places the delicate flower on her friend's hand before returning the spot to the young lord. Primrose looks at him, touching the vibrant petals carefully. A smile grazes her lips as she admires the beauty in front of her, Caleb is by her side, patting her head gently to chase the drowsiness away.
"How are you feeling, beloved?"
She gives him a soft nod, her hand still hanging on the flower as Caleb's touch trails down her cheek, his heart clenches at how sunken it feels. He might need to ask Butler Richard to prepare something she can eat for recovery. Primrose looks at other people in the room, Lilian and Kian are still musing at the message provided by Victor, Lilith is writing down all the possible connections to decipher it, and Caleb, despite wanting to take care of her, is busy pondering his thoughts.
"Maybe it is a warning? Considering his cunning nature, he may suggest that there are more layers in this missing students incident." Lilith raises her answer.
"It's possible that Victor is hinting at hidden dangers or traps within the situation. But why the safest place though?" Lilian puzzles, scratching her head as she dwells more into the meaning.
"Let's take it at face value, the safest and most dangerous places. Where could those possibly be?" Kian brings up a suggestion "I would say the Vatore estate is the safest place in Forgotten Hollow."
Lilith counters his argument, saying how the missing students can not be hidden within the territory of the Vatore estate. Her insight draws out a sigh from her husband, who silently curses under his breath. They are dealing with a puzzle within a puzzle.
Primrose hums to herself, taking in Kian's idea to observe the message at face value. The safest place and the most dangerous place are two faces of the same coin, both pointing at one possible location that may be the hiding place for the missing students. Up until now, they have been to Castle Straud and the abandoned castle that was Vladislaus Straud's last battle.
Where could it possibly be?
She thinks to herself, musing at any hints that may lead them towards a clearer answer. She recalls the incident with the Bloodhaven father-daughter duo, and how her virtue was almost breached by Lord Bloodhaven. He also consumed the oleander flower and made a hasty retreat to his home.
Wait…Home…
A light bulb appears on her head as she thinks about the likelihood of how it can be the answer to Victor's cryptic message.
"Butler Richard said that he has looked at the Voss manor too and couldn't find any leads, yeah?" Lilith turns to her brother.
"No, he didn't find anything there." Caleb shakes his head "The Voss Manor is quite secluded as well, it would be quite difficult to transfer the victims between houses."
Primrose hums, a triumphant smile forms on her lips. While it is just mere speculation, the raven head believes that this is the best place that fits Victor's narrative of the safest and the most dangerous places. Pulling Caleb's arm, she motions him to come closer and whispers something into his ears. The young lord raises a brow at first before his expression changes from surprise to contemplation to eureka.
"Maybe you're right, Primrose. That may be a possibility…" Smiling fondly at her, he places a kiss on her forehead, rewarding his maiden for the amazing insight.
"What is it, Caleb? What did you find?"
"Primrose was talking about seeing the terms 'safest' and 'most dangerous' as two sides of the same coin, pointing toward one location." looking at the raven head, he continues "She believes the Bloodhaven manor is the place we are looking for."
Kian is surprised at the answer, asking how the Seraphina Bloodhaven can keep the prisoners in her place like that. Caleb points out that it fits the narrative of Victor and considering all the possible places and how transferring victims may prove to be difficult as House Vatore is looking into the case, the best option for House Bloodhaven is to keep them locked in the cells underneath the manor.
"But wasn't Inna Cents visited the place regularly before? How can they hide the victims in plain sight like that?" the blond vampire asks.
"Actually, according to Inna, it was always Seraphina who came and visited her at the Cents manor. And the majority of the time was to get ready for any reasons related to House Vatore." turning to her husband, Lilith responds "Butler Richard investigates this case in the dark, which doesn't allow us to barge into anyone's manor to find clues about the human trafficking incidents and the missing students of Glimmerbrook."
"A diversion tactic, I see…" Lilian sighs "Well, I guess we have our destination."
Caleb nods, assuring that he will inform everyone to plan out the next move. He asks everyone to leave, hoping to spend some time with his beloved. Nodding in agreement, they take their leave, allowing the young couple to have their quiet time alone.
When the door closes, the young lord plants another kiss on her forehead, praising her perceptive insight and cradling her cheeks in his hands. Despite her bedridden state, her face flusters at his affection, smiling as she points out she merely just putting two and two together, which draws out a chuckle from Caleb.
As the couple shares a quiet and intimate moment, Caleb notices the sun gradually setting, casting a beautiful orange hue across the sky. The sunset adds a touch of warmth to the otherwise gloomy atmosphere of Forgotten Hollow. Primose has been staying in bed for so long that right now, she wishes nothing more than to go out and have some fresh air.
Caleb observes her for a moment before scoops the water mage in his arms and walks to the balcony of his bedroom, taking in the lovely sight of the sunset. Her onyx eyes shine brightly, enjoying the warmth of sunlight on her sickening pale skin. Despite the veil of mist continuing to embrace Forgotten Hollow, the peeking sunlight penetrates the haze, warming up the realm of the nocturnal creatures.
As the young lord holds her in his arms, he feels a sense of contentment and love. The balcony provides a private space where they can enjoy the beauty of the sunset together. Primrose leans into his embrace, enjoying the warmth and the gentle breeze that carries the scent of the night. The couple, surrounded by the mystique of Forgotten Hollow, shares a moment of peace and quiet.
"It is so beautiful…" her whisper is quiet, just enough to catch his ears.
"It is…" murmuring against her hair, a gentle smile dons his lips.
"You know what is even better?" Primrose looks at him, a glint of playfulness flickers in her eyes "This is the scene where the male lead will say to his lover that she is even more beautiful."
Caleb blinks a couple of times as her comment sinks in. He stifles a laugh, finding her sense of humor to be adorable. Her soft giggles echo in the still air, knowing that she has caught him off guard. In times like this, she prefers a lighthearted banter rather than succumbing to the unknown ambiance around them.
"You're right, beloved. It is a whimsical take on your end…" he shakes his head lightly "A good material for your writing, I assume…"
She nods, finding enjoyment in his words. Everything in life is material for her books, as Lilian might say…
"But…" his silver eyes lock onto her onyx ones "You are indeed more beautiful, beloved."
Her face turns crimson at his affection, avoiding his gaze as she tries to hide in the crook of his neck. Despite being a renowned author of many romantic stories, Primrose always finds herself flustered when she is on the receiving end of Caleb's affection. A vampire lord who never ceases to amaze her at how romantic he is at the core.
In the fading light of the sunset, Caleb gently tilts Primrose's chin, guiding her gaze to meet his. The red hues on her cheeks deepen their color and the balcony becomes a haven for them, away from the challenges and mysteries they face. He leans in, planting a soft kiss on the raven head's lips, a gentle affirmation of their connection.
The kiss surprises her at first but she soon reciprocates, her heart flutters with a sense of warmth and butterflies dance in her stomach. His kisses always make her feel so loved and cherished.
When Caleb pulls away, she looks at him, her eyes sparkling and he can see himself in those pretty orbs. Her feelings surface and with a flustered face, she expresses her love to him. The young lord places a kiss on her forehead, his hold tightens around her, he already knows the depth of her feelings and the unwavering devotion she has for him.
Even in the hands of those monsters, your love still shines through and I admire you for that, beloved…
"I love you too, my precious flower."
In this intimate setting, with the night slowly embracing Forgotten Hollow, Caleb holds Primrose close, whispering words of reassurance and affection. The couple, wrapped in each other's arms, takes solace in the warmth of their connection, savoring the quiet beauty of the night.