There was a long silence as Zethan and Lilia locked eyes. She waited for his response, but he seed speechless, caught off guard by her unexpected question.
Just as he was about to speak, a soft knock echoed through the room, interrupting the silence. A brief pause followed before the door opened, revealing Evie. She bowed respectfully before speaking.
"Ms. Lilia, I would like to remove the drip now."
Lilia gave a small nod. "You may."
Evie bowed again, straightened, and then walked across the room. She stopped midway, bowing once more before speaking, keeping her tone quiet and respectful as she turned to Zethan.
"Mr. Zethan, Mr. Lucas is outside with an important ssage for you."
Zethan rose to his feet, casting a glance at Lilia before saying, "I’ll be back. Once I return, I’ll answer your question."
Lilia gave a silent nod, and with that, he left the room.
She slowly lifted her arm as Evie carefully removed the IV drip and began to bandage the area. Her voice remained hushed as she advised, "Ms. Lilia, as you bathe, be careful with this area."
After Evie finished, she imdiately stepped out, leaving Lilia alone.
Taking a deep breath, Lilia stood carefully before making her way to the bathroom to undress. She had already been changed into a loose, simple gown—one that felt far too comfortable to have been chosen by anyone but Zethan.
She was sure that after she passed out, he had been the one who changed and cleaned her up, her heart ward by the thought.
Yet, what surprised her right now was that woman—the doctor. She had an aura unlike anything Lilia could place. And more than that, she was still struggling to process the fact that Zethan was a vampire.
Not that she hadn’t felt it before. In fact, she had sensed sothing countless tis—an inhuman presence, an aura so different from anything she had ever encountered. That was why, back then, she had asked him if he was even human.
So part of her had always known, even if she hadn’t wanted to admit it.
The thought alone felt impossible and absurd.
A slow, bitter smile curled on her lips. She didn’t want to overthink things. Right now, all that mattered was talking to Zethan. Communication was key, right? That was what they needed. But even with that resolve, more questions swirled in her mind.
If Zethan was a vampire, did that an Evie was one too? What about the other people in this place? Was Lucas also a vampire?
’Was she the only human here’
She exhaled softly, pushing those thoughts aside. She needed to calm down. There would be ti to think, to process everything. Right now, she just needed to focus on her bath, letting the warmth of the water soothe her nerves and stop overthinking, as it would only worsen her health.
The warm water ran down her skin, loosening the tension in her muscles. As steam curled around her, she closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. It was strange how quickly her life had changed—how quickly everything she thought she knew had been shattered.
She let out a slow breath, reaching for the soap. The scent was unfamiliar yet soothing. Everything here was different from what she was used to, from the air to the way the walls seed too pristine, too perfect. It all reminded her that she was in Zethan’s world now—a world she barely understood.
Once she was done with her bath, body care, and careful hair care, she dressed in a baggy top and skirt, slipping on a pair of flip-flops. She carefully removed the bandage on her head and replaced it with a fresh one, grateful that everything she needed had already been prepared in the bathroom.
Gathering her hair into a loose, ssy bun, she finally stepped out.
As soon as she exited, Evie was waiting outside, bowing respectfully.
"Mrs. Lilia, I have been instructed to inform you that Mr. Zethan has left for an important eting."
Lilia paused. He had just left. Now, he was already gone? A strange feeling settled in her chest. He did not even bother to tell her himself.
’He did not even answer my question’
"How long?" she asked after a mont. "Have they told you how long he’ll be gone?"
Evie shook her head. "No, Mrs. Lilia. But... it won’t be anyti soon. He’ll be traveling. It’s sothing very important."
Lilia stayed silent for a mont, then finally nodded. She chose not to let it bother her—at least, not now. Without another word, she and Evie walked to the dining hall, where she could eat and take her dicine.
The dining hall was quiet, almost eerily so. The only sound was the faint clinking of silverware as servants moved about, their presence almost ghost-like. Lilia sat at the long table, eyeing the al before her.
She noticed that most of the als arranged were vegetable-based, fruit-based, or nutrient-rich.
The juice seed to be freshly prepared, likely homade.
She ate in silence, each bite feeling chanical, her mind elsewhere. The food was delicious, but she barely tasted it.
Once she finally finished, she looked up at Evie and spoke softly.
"I’d like to paint."
If Zethan wasn’t coming back anyti soon, then fine. She wasn’t supposed to depend on him, anyway. It seed she was getting too attached, and that was the easiest way to get hurt.
Evie nodded. "I’ll have everything prepared, Miss Lilia. I’ll return shortly."
Lilia gave a small nod, watching as Evie left. Maybe this was for the best. Instead of fixating on things beyond her control, she could use her ti for sothing more productive.
As soon as Lilia finished her al, Evie spoke politely, "Ms. Lilia, please this way."
Lilia stood as Evie picked up a bag containing a bottle of water and a plate of covered fruit—just in case. As they walked toward the designated area, Evie added respectfully, "I would say the drawing shouldn’t take more than an hour, considering your health. You’ll need so rest afterward."
Lilia nodded, understanding Evie’s concern. Together, they stepped outside, heading toward Zethan’s special painting area.
This ti, everything had been set up outdoors, with chairs neatly arranged. The scenery was peaceful, the soft rustling of leaves blending with the faint chirping of birds.
As Lilia took in the serene surroundings, she spoke softly.
"How about I draw you two?"
Lucas, who had been standing quietly by the side, waiting, had been assigned by Zethan to protect Lilia. His eyes widened at her words. Evie’s face turned scarlet as she spun toward her, eyes wide in surprise.
"Miss Lilia, I don’t think that’s necessary. You could simply—"
Lilia shook her head, intrigued by Evie’s reaction. Was there sothing between them? A knowing smile tugged at her lips.
"No, I’d love to draw you two. I promise it’ll be a great sketch—if that’s what you’re worried about."
Evie’s blush deepened.
Lilia quietly spoke "How about—" She hesitated, then quickly said, "How about you position yourselves near the flowers?"
Lucas, still taken aback, stepped forward. His gaze flickered to Evie before shifting away. Lilia’s curiosity only grew.
"Alright," she said, tilting her head. "Evie, turn away from him. Lucas, hold her hand. Now, Evie, you turn back—like you’re about to leave, but he stops you."
They followed her instructions, Evie turning away before slowly looking back at Lucas, their hands still intertwined.
"Perfect. Now gaze at each other while I sketch. Don’t worry, I’m fast—this won’t take more than thirty minutes." Lilia giggled softly before focusing on her work.
Evie’s heart pounded as she and Lucas stood still, hands clasped, while Lilia worked her magic. Ti passed in a blur before she finally set her pencil down.
"Done."
Lucas nodded politely, bowing slightly. "I’ll take my leave now, Miss." He cleared his throat, his hand covering his lips, his ears slightly pink.
Lilia returned his nod, watching as he walked off. Evie lingered, stepping toward her.
Lilia resud sketching but soon paused, brushing back her hair as she took a second look at Evie. Her face was flushed—deep red, like a ripe tomato.
A soft giggle escaped Lilia. Oh, there was definitely sothing going on between those two.
Only if Lilia knew.
If only she knew they were the very ones outside on the day of her escape.
*
*
*
Inside a massive, isolated mansion, perched on the railing of the highest floor, a figure sat with unsettling ease. A single misstep would an death, yet he remained unbothered, inhaling deeply from his cigarette before exhaling a thick cloud of smoke.
The air was heavy with the scent of burnt tobacco, and beside him, a tray overflowed with discarded cigarette butts—silent proof of his patience.
A sharp, knowing laugh cut through the silence as another man stepped forward, his suit perfectly pressed, his expression unreadable.
Zack, the man on the railing, spoke first, his voice slow, dripping with amusent. "So... you’re telling this cousin of mine slaughtered all my n—while holding his wife?"
The suited man gave a slight nod. "Yes, boss."
For a mont, silence stretched between them. Then, Zack laughed again, but this ti, it was different—low, guttural, laced with sothing cruel.
"I see."
He crossed his legs, and in that instant, his teeth sharpened—longer, more grotesque, as if eager for flesh. Then, in a blink, they retracted. His gaze darkened, sothing inhuman flickering behind his eyes.
"How about I go myself?" His voice dipped, almost a whisper, yet it carried the weight of a death sentence. "Make sure to protect your wife, cousin Zeth..."
A slow smirk curled his lips, his next words barely more than a breath—yet they dripped with bloodlust.
"Because I’m coming for her."
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