Chapter 11: Sparking the Curiosity

  Evanora’s POV

  “We’ve walked for ages,” I muttered, brushing sand from my boots. “I think our mapmaker played a joke on us. Look at the moon—mocking us.”

  Zagan and I stood like lost knights, surrounded by nothing but rock, wind, and a whole lot of dark. “Where’s the vampire inn? Did we miss the 'Blood and Board' sign?”

  Gamma rolled his eyes. “Told you. They’re not coming.”

  “Wait,” Kaden said firmly, eyes on the horizon. “Rudi, give it another minute.”

  Rudi was impatient—or maybe just starving.

  Then—shadows. Two figures emerged from the distance, silhouettes growing sharper with each step. The tension in our group spiked like a dropped sword.

  One of the vampires approached, offering a courteous nod. “Beta Kaden. Apologies for the delay. We’ve been fortifying our borders after today’s rogue attack.”

  Whispers broke out among the wolves.

  “Silence,” Rudi barked. The air is still.

  “Any losses?” Kaden asked.

  “Minor casualties,” the vampire replied, voice clipped. “We’re regrouping.”

  He gestured toward the looming mountain behind him. “Follow us.”

  We gathered our belongings and trailed after the vampires until one pressed his palm to a stone. A hidden panel groaned open, revealing a narrow stairway descending into darkness.

  Inside, a torch flickered to life, casting shadows on walls etched with ancient vampire portraits—stern faces, wise eyes, no lavish gold or gemstone frames. These weren’t painted to impress.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  I lingered on a landscape in the background. The cliffs looked... familiar. Something from the vampire kingdom? Could these people be linked to us through blood, sea, or something older?

  I tucked the thought away for later.

  We passed through a stone arch, into a torch-lit corridor. Then came the gate—massive, silent, and flanked by six guards. As it creaked open, a woman stepped into view.

  Raven hair. Sharp features. Deep brown eyes with centuries behind them.

  “I am Arabella Xavier,” she said. “Wife of Xavier Dracula, leader of the Dracula Coven.”

  My blood chilled.

  Dracula. The name alone echoed through vampire history, veiled in myth and dread. But more than that—the tension in the air shifted. I knew what kind of vampire she was. I knew before she said another word.

  Devourix.

  Kaden stepped forward. “We’ve heard of you. I’m Beta Kaden of the EastGod Pack. This is Gamma Rudy. With us are Zagan, a merchant, and Faith, his... companion.”

  We bowed. Arabella’s gaze narrowed—not on me, but Zagan. Specifically, his arm. The dagger-shaped mark etched into his skin.

  My mark.

  Only a Devourix could create that sigil. A binding crest I carved myself with fang and dagger—the symbol of my Exanimat warriors.

  Recognition flashed in Arabella’s eyes. Understanding passed silently between us.

  “My husband and son are tending to today’s injured,” Arabella said, recovering her poise. “They will return by morning. For now, rest. Refresh yourselves. Dinner will be delivered to your quarters. And our blood room is open, should you... require nourishment.”

  With that, she gestured to her staff. We followed.

  The coven’s quarters were rustic—stone floors, minimal decor. Two beds per room, spaced far enough for comfort.

  Zagan and I dropped onto the beds, taking a moment to breathe.

  “Your Royal Highness,” he whispered.

  I glanced over. “Yes?”

  “I thought you were the last Devourix.”

  I studied him, curious. “Go on.”

  “These people call themselves Draculas,” Zagan said. “That means Devourix, doesn’t it? But they don’t... look like you. No crimson eyes. No red veins. Just vampires.”

  “We haven’t met their leader,” I replied. “Perhaps he’s the true one.”

  Zagan nodded slowly. “We’ll see.”

  We left our quarters and made our way to the main hall.

  Beta Kaden stood near the doorway, arms crossed, smirking as always. “Your Majesty awakens—radiant from her beauty sleep.”

  “Just a bit exhausted, Beta Kaden,” I replied, managing a smile.

  Before he could retort, the doors swung open.

  A man entered with quiet charisma—of average height, lean, well-dressed, and oddly warm for a Dracula. His hazel eyes scanned the room with casual charm.

  “Good morning, everyone!” he greeted, voice confident but friendly.

  Beside him stood a younger figure, slightly taller and broader, his posture razor-straight. His brown eyes were sharper—measuring everything.

  “This is Draven, my only son,” the man said. “I am Xavier Dracula.”

  Draculas.

  The name sat like lead in the room.

  I blinked. These weren’t the monsters of bedtime tales the vampire realm preached . These men carried themselves not with arrogance, but calm restraint.

  Beta Kaden stepped forward. “Good morning, Xavier. I’m Beta Kaden of the East god Pack.”

  Zagan and I bowed slightly, blending into the background—false names intact, secrets buried.

  Introductions followed. Small talk circled. Tensions cooled.

  They discussed rogue attacks, border security, and old grudges. I nodded in the right places but my mind drifted.

  Dracula. Devourix. So why can't they stop the rogue threat?

  The question scraped at the back of my skull.

  These vampires should be unmatched in power. What were they hiding?

  I exhaled slowly, forcing my mind to quiet.

  "This isn't my concern," I told myself.

  My hands curled into fists beneath the table. If this were my court, they’d all be kneeling. But here? I was invisible.

  "I was once a warrior princess. Now I’m just... an observer. Nodding. Smiling. Disappearing.”

  Eventually

  , I stood. No one stopped me.

  They don’t need me. They don’t even see me. Maybe this alliance isn’t worth the cost.

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