Chapter 4: The Return of the Vampire Prince

Five years had passed. Morana was now nineteen, a lady of such breathtaking beauty that the servants often stopped their work just to admire her. With her long black hair reaching her knees and eyes that shone like pink pearls, she was like a fairy living in the darkness. She had grown so close to the staff and Doyle that she often forgot they were vampires at all; their kindness made her feel safe.

However, beneath her beautiful face lay a hidden darkness. Her inner thoughts were sharp and cold—sometimes even psychopathic. She felt a strange, secret joy when she saw blood or heard others cry, though she kept this side hidden from everyone.

One afternoon, Morana sat with Doyle in the garden. "Doyle, when will Damien return? He said he would be back months ago after fighting the Werewolf Kingdom."

"Master sometimes takes years to finish his work," Doyle replied calmly. "But he is the strongest vampire and the most powerful monster in this land. He will return safely."

Morana tilted her head. "Years? Just how old is he? He only looks twenty-three or twenty-five."

"No one knows his true age," Doyle said. "Vampires can live for thousands of years."

Morana was shocked. "Thousands of years? Then why do they need EVe’s blood to be immortal?"

"Vampires can live long, but they are not truly immortal," Doyle explained. "If a pure-blooded vampire drinks EVe’s blood for ten years, they can never die. For half-bloods, immortality only happens on a specific date every six thousand years."

"Which date?" Morana asked, leaning in.

"June 3rd," Doyle said. His expression then turned serious. "And I have news for you, Morana. It might be bad news."

"What is it?"

"Damien is arriving today."

Morana’s heart sank. "Why didn't you tell me? That means as soon as he arrives, he will want to drink my blood again."

"I only received the word this morning," Doyle apologized.

Morana quickly dressed in a stunning pink gown, preparing for his arrival. When Damien finally rode into the palace grounds, the servants gathered to welcome him. As Morana stepped forward, the entire courtyard fell silent. Her beauty was mesmerizing, and even Damien stared at her as he dismounted his horse.

"Who is that standing there?" Damien asked Doyle, his voice filled with surprise.

"Master, have you forgotten?" Doyle smiled. "That is Morana. The girl you brought here five years ago."

"Oh... yes," Damien whispered. "Now I remember."

Morana approached him gracefully. "Welcome back, Damien."

"In these five years, you have become even more beautiful," Damien said, looking her over. Morana offered him a polite smile, though her inner thoughts remained cold.

"What happened with the war?" Doyle asked. "Did you win?"

"No," Damien sighed. "The war was declared a draw. After five years of constant fighting, too many people were dying. We decided to end the conflict and declare a peace treaty."

Morana looked at him in disbelief. "You and the Wolf Kingdom are friends now? How is that possible? In all the movies and dramas I've seen, wolves and vampires are enemies. You’re changing history!"

Damien’s eyes flashed with anger. "Do you think reality is like your movies? I still hate the Wolf Kingdom, but I cannot let everyone die for a grudge. A banquet will be held soon to officially declare the end of the war."

As they walked into the palace, Damien glanced at her. "It seems you’ve made many friends here, Morana—even with my butler. I’m surprised. I thought you couldn't talk to anyone without getting angry."

Morana smirked. "That’s because they aren't like you, Damien. They don't constantly say things that irritate me."

To her surprise, Damien threw his head back and laughed. But the peace didn't last long, as the preparation for the banquet day soon after the banquet day arrived . Damien decided that Morana would accompany him to the banquet. When she finally finished getting ready and stepped onto the grand staircase, a hush fell over the palace. She was wearing a stunning lavender gown, draped so perfectly that no one could look away. Even the most stoic guards were mesmerized by her presence.

Damien offered her a rare compliment before leading her to the carriage. After a short journey, they arrived at the majestic banquet halls where the peace treaty was to be celebrated.

Upon entering, Damien turned to Doyle. "Keep Morana with you," he commanded. "Do not let her out of your sight." With that, Damien began weaving through the crowd toward the Prince of the Werewolves.

The Werewolf Prince wasted no time. As soon as Damien approached, the Prince spoke. "I want to meet her. I want to meet Morana."

Damien felt a surge of anger tighten his chest, but he forced himself to remain calm. He knew the Prince was aware of Morana’s true identity as EVe. Realizing he couldn't hide her forever, Damien reluctantly led the Prince over to where Morana was standing.

As they approached, Morana narrowed her eyes. She recognized him instantly. Five years ago, this man had tried to attack Damien, and she had struck him down with the first awakening of her hidden powers.

The Prince stepped forward, his gaze intense. "Nice to meet you. My name is Conri."

Morana didn't bow. Instead, she let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Conri? What a funny name!"

Damien stood frozen, shocked by her boldness. He expected the Prince to be insulted, but Conri simply offered a gentle, knowing smile.

"The name might sound funny to you," Conri said smoothly, "but it carries great weight. It means 'Wolf Prince' and 'King of Hounds.'"

(story to be continued...)

(The next chapter will be on next Tuesday)

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