As Primrose and Caleb descend the stairs, lacing their fingers as he leads the way to the ballroom, the blue rose on her hair falls again. The raven head stops and picks up the flower, feeling dejected at the blossom in her hand. She is hoping to wear it during the party.

"May I have it?"

She nods, giving him the rose. Caleb doesn't put the flower on her, but instead, holds it and escorts her into the ballroom.

Entering the party together, Primrose immediately senses all eyes fall on her. This time, instead of facing everyone alone, Caleb is by her side, ready to guide her through the sophisticated web of the noblemen. The crowd momentarily hushes as they make their entrance. The nobles, who had been gossiping about Primrose earlier, now observe the couple with a mix of curiosity and surprise.

Holding her close in his arms, the young lord makes his way to the guests, smiling as he engages in the conversation. Primrose remains by his side, nodding as she absorbs the exchange of the elites. However, even with Caleb by her side, the noblemen still act like she doesn't exist, continuing to talk to the vampire lord without acknowledging her. She catches a glimpse of Inna Cents discussing something with the other guests, a calculated smile forms on her lips as she masks it away with a fancy fan in her hand.

It seems like she conspires with everyone to seclude me…

"Primrose, what do you think?" Caleb turns to her, his gaze softens "His lordship here believes that the ballroom is the most beautiful place in the Vatore estates. How about you?"

"It is indeed beautiful, Caleb. The chandelier's light only makes this place feel more enchanting." Primrose looks up, meeting his silver orbs with a tender gaze "However, I believe that the rose garden is breathtaking. A moonlit stroll sounds lovely to the ears."

The nobleman casts her a disdained look before continuing his conversation with Caleb. The young lord takes notice of his discourtesy behavior, proceeding to include Primrose in their exchange. With each comment the elite man poses, he turns to her for opinion, actively riling up those who look down on her.

"I must say, Lord Vatore, it is quite lovely to see my lady here by your side." the underlying tone is obvious as he turns to her "We were worried about you."

Her grasp on his arm tightens at the mention of her earlier whereabouts, she finds herself unable to respond.

"Indeed, we were very worried about you." Inna Cents joins the banter, leering at the raven head "You left the room without a word, I thought that you find this party tiresome…"

Caleb's protective instincts kick in as he senses the condescending tone in the noblemen's words. His silver eyes narrow slightly, and he places a reassuring hand on Primrose's back, silently signaling his support.

"You also looked a bit pale earlier. Perhaps the atmosphere here is too much for someone not accustomed to our ways." Inna continues hurling insults at her "Are you alright? We must ensure that you feel safe here."

"Indeed she is safe in our hands. Primrose also told me how grateful she is for everyone to welcome her with kindness and warmth." Caleb intervenes, a subtle reminder to everyone about their respect for his beloved "I have to express my gratitude, Inna. Thank you for accompanying my beloved."

The brunette's smile falters, but she remains composed and calm. She wonders if butler Richard has informed Caleb about her disrespectful attitude towards Primrose earlier.

"Of course, Caleb. We merely wish to ensure her safety. If she's content, then we are pleased."

"Lord Vatore…"

This time, Seraphina intervenes, smiling coyly at Caleb. Despite his spiteful remarks earlier, she continues to try her luck and attach herself to the dashing young lord. Noticing the flower in his hand, she seizes the opportunity and compliments the blossom.

"That is a beautiful rose in your hand, my lord. May I have a closer look?"

Inna giggles, encouraging Caleb to give it to Seraphina. The velvety blue petals will surely add a touch of depth to the Bloodhaven princess's golden hair. Before he can respond, the brunette takes the flower off his hand and gives it to the Seraphina as she accepts it with grace. Putting it on her hair like a proud display, she twirls around in her dress, smiling as the elites compliment her beauty and how the rose suits her nicely.

"Thank you, everyone. The rose is a gift from his lordship and I am honored to receive it." the Bloodhaven beauty purrs, her eyes fixing on Primrose as if provoking her.

Caleb, undeterred at her audacity, turns to his beloved and asks her to wait for him. Her onyx eyes glue on his back, wondering where he is going. Seraphina's ominous giggles and Inna's constant jabs continue to aim at her.

Lilith and Kian spot her alone in the crowd and come to her aid immediately, they question where Caleb is, fearing that the ongoing tension between them has not been resolved. The water mage shakes her head lightly, pointing at the entrance as the young lord returns, in his hand is a freshly cut rose that he gets from the garden.

"Come here, beloved…"

Primrose steps closer and raises her head to meet his striking silver orbs. His gaze softens as he raises his hand, putting the rose on her hair. The velvety blue petals shine underneath the chandelier, casting a romantic glow on her and the raven head turns crimson at his display of affection. Not only does he go out all of his way to handpick a new flower for her, but he also does it in front of all the guests.

His loving gesture earns them high praise from the noblemen, complimenting how affectionate the young lord is in taking care of his mate. Other maidens throw glances at her, jealous at how pampered Primrose is in the hands of Lord Vatore. Lilith giggles at her brother's counterattack, subtly clapping her hand as she turns to the Bloodhaven princess and Inna Cents, wearing a victory smile on her face.

"Caleb…" the red hue on her cheeks amplifies her innocent nature "Thank you…"

Caressing her hair softly, he smiles at the sight. Even Lilith and Kian who are used to their lovey-dovey act blush at how open they are in their display of affection.

"As I thought, you look stunning with it, beloved."

Tracing her cheeks with his finger, he tilts her head upward and places a kiss on her forehead. Primrose, in awe at the loving gesture, attempts to hide her flustered face behind her hands as she leans onto his chest, unable to meet anyone's eyes. Caleb's move is calculated, yet behind it is a romantic notion that only she can receive.

Seraphina may think that she has the high ground for stealing the rose from them, but the young lord's showcase of love is a tactful decision that further solidifies Primrose's role as the only maiden who wields the key to his heart.

"Oh my, it seems like the roses match both of us." Seraphina speaks up, attempting to provoke her even more "Lord Vatore has a fined taste for beauty, don't you think so?"

Primrose looks at her, sensing the turmoil and resentment within the Bloodhaven princess's heart. The raven head rarely chooses to provoke an individual, especially when it comes to Caleb and his kind, knowing how prideful vampires can be. However, she refuses to be a doormat to anyone. His protective nature warms her heart but she won't allow herself to be insulted like that.

"Of course, but…" holding a steady gaze at the blond princess, a subtle smile dances on her lips as she speaks "The flower that is chosen by him is the most beautiful of all."

Seraphina flinches at her words and her graceful façade slowly morphs into a frustrated pout. Primrose Emberlynn just delivers an insult in her face...

"You're right. The chosen flower is always the most beautiful one, Primrose. Besides…" eyeing the rose on Seraphina's hair, Lilith smirks "That rose looks wilted now, you might want to throw it away, Lady Bloodhaven."

The ballroom simmers with tension as Seraphina struggles to regain control of the situation. Primrose's composed response and Lilith's added remark leave the Bloodhaven princess at a disadvantage. With a protective arm around her, Caleb steps in, mediating the situation. He comments on how each individual is beautiful in their way and there is no meaning in comparing one flower to another.

The raven head, understanding his words, agrees.

"Beauty is subjective after all, to each their own." her composed response holds a subtle meaning, but that is not important anymore.

Butler Richard catches on his lord's lead, instructing the band to start playing music, defusing the tension that takes place in the ballroom. Inna leads Seraphina away, her fuming glare still lingers but the raven head ignores it, finding herself enjoying the elegant tune played by the band.

Caleb steps forward, offering her a hand, an invitation to the dance floor.

"May I have this dance, beloved?"

Giggling at his gentlemanly manner, she nods, placing her palm on his as the young lord leads her to the center stage and sets one hand on her waist, sharing a lovely moment with her. He holds her close, whispering encouraging words in her ears as he praises her for holding her stand against the foul intentions of Inna and Seraphina. Primrose reminds him to not think about that and to focus on their dance, playfully commenting on how she might step on his foot if he distracts her.

Her jesting remark earns her a laugh from him and Caleb twirls her around, smiling to himself when he sees that bright light finally returns to her onyx eyes. As they dance, their eyes lock on each other, Primrose finds herself lost in the depth of his silver orbs, a mesmerizing color. No matter how many times she looks at him, his gaze always makes her feel so loved and cherished. The blue rose on her hair, his love sentiment, glows beautifully underneath the chandelier.

Caleb holds her ever closer, murmuring tender words into her ears, making her blush in response.

"I haven't had a chance to tell you…" Primrose's ears perk up, waiting for him to continue "You look beautiful tonight, beloved."

"O-oh…" her face is painted in a lovely shade of red as she nods, smiling to herself "Thank you, Caleb."

His beloved, once a lovely little rosebud is now blooming beautifully.

They glide gracefully on the dance floor with his arms wrapping around her protectively and in clear sight, a reminder to everyone of her place in House Vatore. The watchful eyes of Lilith and Kian, who have been witnessing the events unfold, reflect satisfaction at the successful turn of events. Butler Richard stands on the side, still keeping a close eye on Inna Cents and Seraphina Bloodhaven.

"I'm sorry again, Primrose…" guilt lingering in his eyes, recalling their cold war the past two weeks.

"Don't worry, it's all in the past now."

The loving gaze in her eyes mirrors the affection he has for her, her grip tightens, reassuring him that what happened before is a lesson for them to learn, believing in the love they share can withstand all obstacles. Her comment draws a chuckle out of him as the young lord twirls her around before bringing her to a warm embrace as the music fades away, ending the night on a high note.

"Thank you, Caleb…"

For coming back to me…

For your love…

And for everything you have done…

As the festivities continue, a pair of green eyes watches from the shadows, harboring anger. A dangerous shadow looms over the once-peaceful town of Forgotten Hollow, unbeknownst to the couple basking in the triumph of their love.

After the party, when all the guests finally leave the estate, Lilith finally allows herself to relax as she stretches her body, letting out a content sigh. It is not usual thing for her and Kian to be the center of attention…

"Caleb, I can never understand how you aren't tired after the party…" she turns to her brother, smiling at how his hand continues to hold onto Primrose's "But then again, maybe we have Primrose to thank…"

"O-oh…"

The raven head blinks at Lilith's words, unsure how to respond. She has done nothing but stay by his side during the party and offer a few diplomatic remarks on topics that she was being asked. Caleb, on the other hand, handles the exchanges beautifully, despite the lingering vile of Inna Cents and Seraphina Bloodhaven.

"I have to say, that was quite an assertive move on your end, Primrose." Kian smiles "Even I was surprised at how smart that response is."

"Of course, she only learns from the best, right Caleb?"

The young lord chuckles at his sister's jesting, admitting that Primrose has held a strong stand against the Bloodhaven's princess. While it is quite unusual for her to deliver such a strong statement like that, Caleb almost can not hold back his amusement when he witnesses that shocking expression on both Inna and Seraphina's faces.

"You know, sometimes being too nice is not a good thing." the raven head looks at them "My mom told me that."

"Rosalina? She has that witty side in her, that's for sure." Lilith giggles "I have to say thank you to her. The dresses she picked for us are beautiful."

"Well…" a flashback goes through Primrose's mind as she shivers "My mom can be scary sometimes…"

Rubbing her forearm, she sighs. Despite sitting in front of the fireplace, Primrose still gets goosebumps because of the cold, it seems like winter in Forgotten Hollow is much colder than other places. Caleb, as attentive as ever, takes off his coat and wraps it around her shoulders, shielding her away from the freezing temperatures. His kind gesture brings a smile to her face and she nods, expressing her gratitude.

"Please excuse me, my lord. I will prepare some tea for everyone."

Primrose watches Butler Richard take his leave and turns to Caleb, asking him to wait for a moment as she follows the advisor outside.

"Please, hold on for a moment."

The water mage walks toward him, raising her head as she meets his watchful eyes. The cold demeanor, coupled with his perfect way of masking his emotions, unnerves her. This man who has a distaste for her and Caleb's relationship is also the one who has stopped Inna Cents from pursuing her.

"My lady, how may I help you?" he bows down a bit, showing his respect.

"I just want to say…" bitting her bottom lips, Primrose takes in a deep breath before continuing "Thank you for protecting me from Inna Cents…"

There is a glimpse of surprise in his eyes, but his stoic expression remains intact. The butler never expects that she would come to him to express her gratitude like that.

"Well, it is my duty. Lord Caleb would do the same had he been there."

Primrose nods in agreement, she understands Caleb's protective nature over her. But for Richard, it is a different story.

"Still, it would be much worse if you had not intervened." she offers a small smile "I know that you don't like me and maybe, you even think that I'm not qualified to be by his side. But it doesn't change the fact that you chase Inna Cents away and I'm deeply grateful for that."

She bows down and a sincere thank you leaves her lips before she returns to the room, smiling when everyone asks her where she has been. Butler Richard watches her small back disappear behind the door, wondering if it is necessary for her to express her thanks to him. Shaking his head, the wise advisor will never be able to find out what is going on in her head when she does that.

"What an odd girl…"

And yet, he can't help but wear a satisfying smile on his face…

The delicate vase crashes onto the floor, shattering into pieces. Seraphina's screeching echoes through the halls of the Bloodhaven's manor, a haunting shriek that never seems to end. All of the servants, taking notice of their princess's bad mood, have deliberately hidden away from her sight. No one wants to be on the chopping block of the sadistic blond beauty.

Lord Bloodhaven sits on a throne-like chair, sighing in disapproval. No matter how angry she is, Seraphina must never allow her emotions to dictate her actions like that. Despite being his daughter, she lacks the emotional intelligence that allows her to navigate through stressing moments like this.

"That wretch of a human, she dares to humiliate me in front of everyone!" a tea set soon meets the same fate as the broken vase as Seraphina sweeps off the coffee table, but that is still not enough for her "I will kill her!"

Sending the servant by his side a look, he nods his head and makes a hasty retreat, only to return with a maiden with a wooden shackle around her neck, desperately trying to wry herself away from his tight grasp.

"Give her to me!"

The blond beauty grabs onto her hair, pulling harshly so the poor girl faces her. Tears well up in the corner of her eyes as she pleads for mercy, for them to let her go. She knows that whoever gets called will never have a chance to return to the jail cell, meeting their demise with a heartwrenching scream.

"P-please…"

"Stop talking!"

Slamming her face onto the cold, hard floor, Seraphina steps on her head, stomping on it as if she is squishing an insect. These worthless mortals… Just looking at them makes her want to rip off that wretch's head.

"Don't play with your food, Seraphina." Lord Bloodhaven calmly warns her "That one is a daughter of a plutocratic, the blood that goes through her veins belongs to a noble family."

"Really? Then I will make sure she enjoys her demise to the very end…"

Laughing eerie as the prisoner cries out for help, her dreadful scream sounds like a choir to the blond beauty's ears as she takes her time devouring her prey. The tile floor is soaked with an uncanny red liquid, a gruesome end to once a fine young woman. Even the servant who brought this prey shivers at the heinous act of violence Seraphina commits to her prey.

The captive maiden's screams pierce the air, a haunting melody to Seraphina's ears as the shadow of her struggling to break free cast upon the eerie dimly lit wall. Sounds of cracking bones send chills down his spine as he turns away, unable to watch the grotesque scene in front of his eyes. Eventually, the scream subsides as the body slumps down onto the blood-stained floor, her body twitches under the Bloodhaven princess's insatiable appetite for cruelty. The servant flinches when he meets her grotesque expression, a macabre dance that haunts those who witness it.

Lord Bloodhaven still remains in his seat, crossing his legs as he watches his daughter finish her meal. His soulless amber eyes carry a glint of satisfaction, he too enjoys the horrific assault that Seraphina has bestowed on her prey.

"What a delicacy, Father. I want more…"

Eyeing the servant again as he nods, leaving the room to fetch another prey to the scene. The Bloodhaven princess's maniacal laugh fills the still air, an eerie choir that stirs the sadistic nature within her. She thinks of Primrose Emberlynn and the insult she threw at her earlier, the thought of that wretch meeting the same end as this corpse here excites her.

Ah…why haven't I thought about it…?

She wonders what kind of scream that worthless human girl would make as she sinks her teeth into her.

"I know that look on your face, Seraphina." Lord Bloodhaven casts her a warning look.

"Father, that girl is an intricate meal of her own. I would like to have a taste…" a vile chuckle escapes her lips "She is a mage of Glimmerbrook, I believe…"

"A mage, you say…?" a hint of interest shines in his eyes "I heard that their blood is quite a delicacy of its own."

The blond beauty nods, she has heard stories about vampires devouring other supernaturals before and the taste of mages is just as exquisite as those with noble blood go through their veins. The notion of savoring the blood of a mage, especially one as young and vibrant as Primrose, excites the twisted desires within the Bloodhaven princess.

"However, a little bird told me that she is a new bloom…" Seraphina smirks "Are you interested in plucking the flower yourself?"

Lord Bloodhaven shifts in his seat, leaning forward as he attentively listens to his daughter's suggestion. His eyes narrow at her suggestion, a surge of excitement rushes within him as he contemplates her words. He too is a man with fine taste in beauty, to lay his hand on Caleb Vatore's mate and have his way with her sounds lovely to the ears.

"Perhaps... it could be an interesting diversion," he muses, his tone carrying an unsettling calmness.

"Of course, Father." wiping the blood from the corner of her lips, she continues "Unlike me who is a princess from a prominent family, the only value she has is her chastity. Once it is gone, she will hold no value in Lord Vatore's eyes."

Seraphina's eyes gleam with anticipation. The idea of her father participating in the act of tormenting Primrose seems to fuel her sadistic pleasure even further.

"I know how much you enjoy hearing those kinds of screams, dear Father. And I'm willing to share her with you."

Lord Bloodhaven, showing a rare hint of approval, nods in agreement.

"As you wish, my dear." he replies, rising from his throne-like chair.