Blood Bound To The Vampire King

ELIANA'S POV_THE NEXT DAY

I couldn't sleep last night—my stomach wouldn't let me. Maybe I should've listened to Xavier and eaten something.

With a groan, I opened my eyes and blinked against the dim light. Xavier was by the cell bars, staring out, unmoving. "Hey," I called softly, shifting on the hard bed.

No response. He didn't even flinch.

I stood and walked over, gently tapping his shoulder. He turned slowly, his face cold and unreadable.

"Good morning?" I mumbled, unsure.

"Morning," he muttered with a groan—like the word physically hurt to say.

Something was definitely wrong.

"What's wrong? We're getting released today. Aren't you... happy?" I asked, brows knitting.

"I'm fine."

I almost rolled my eyes. I hated those words coming from him. He was clearly not fine, so why lie?

I didn't press. Instead, I stepped back and sat on the bed, expecting—hoping—he'd say something more. Apologize maybe. But no. He just stood there, staring at the wall like I didn't exist.

Whatever. Let him play his little game.

A few minutes later, the guard from yesterday came and unlocked the cell. Xavier stepped out without so much as a glance in my direction.

I stared after him, my chest tightening. But I said nothing.

I climbed off the bed and followed, throwing a glare at the guard—he didn't even blink.

As I stepped outside, sunlight stabbed at my eyes. I winced and lifted my hand to shield them. It felt like knives.

I guess that's what I got for fighting for a jerk—and ending up in prison for him.

The maids from my chambers approached me and helped me walk to my room. Although my eyes were hurting, I secretly searched —hoping that maybe I would catch a glimpse of Xavier but I guess he didn't want to see me.

Sadness tugged against my heart strings, I sighed dejectedly.

We reached the room and they prepared a bath for me, I badly wanted to be alone but the maids seemed to make it their mission to annoy me. So, I let them do whatever they wanted.

I finish showering, letting the cold liquid calm my tensed nerves, then they prepared an outfit for me, the sweet mist of food filled my nostrils, making my mouth water.

I walked to my bed and gazed down at the food which was prepared for me. There was some rice, chicken and so much more.

I badly wanted to pounce on the meal and devour it like a beast would devour it's prey but, I was a princess, at least Eliana was and I had an image to uphold.

"Prince Xavier asked us to prepare some food for you—" one of the maids said with a bow and smile.

Oh, so he decides to ignore me and then send maids to bring me some food? Does he think I'm a toy that he can play with it? If he does then he doesn't know what's coming.

"Thanks, you may take your leave." I replied as I gracefully made my way to the seat prepared for me.

"My Princess, the Prince ordered that we stay with you and ensure that you finish all your food."

My brows knitted. "Do I look like a child? I don't need anyone to make any decisions for me. I decide if I want to finish this meal!" My voice rose.

"But My Princess…"

"I said get out, I'll eat my food by myself!" I glared.

Even though I knew I would finish this food in one go.

The maid bowed shortly. "I'm sorry Princess. I didn't mean to upset you." With that, she walked away leaving me alone with the food.

I immediately stuffed the chicken down my throat answering the cry of my empty stomach.

"Who does he think he is? Ordering me around like I'm a puppet!" I mumbled, murdering the already dead chicken.

Firstly, he's sweet to me then all if a sudden he ignores me. I didn't want his actions to get to me this way but it's happening and I don't like it.

Finally, after the long meal, I finish the food. I threw myself back, burping slightly. After two days— two long days. I finally had some food. I didn't expect to finish the food, I guess this body has its capabilities.

I hear a light knock at my door and I turned to it. Was it Xavier? Was he here to apologise?

I wiped my lips with a napkin before speaking. "Yes, come in."

I adjusted my dress and cleaned myself up to make myself at least presentable, I was a princess after all.

The door was pushed open and my hopes shattered now replaced with annoyance. It was Magnus.

He smiled lightly at my reaction. "We're you expecting someone else?"

Yes, Xavier! But I wouldn't say that.

"No, just surprised to see you." I mumbled. I could see his eyes moved to the food tray in front of my, before he could speak I interrupted him.

"Listen, I was hungry okay! Don't judge." He waved his hands. "Hey. I never planned to judge!"

He was so chill. Unlike his boss who was an iceberg in one minute then a flame in the next.

"Xavier told me to help you find someone and I came to ask for a description." He said, his tone professional as he pulled out a note pad.

"Oh. That." He remembered?

"Well, His name is Sebastian…" I began.

"Any Last names?"

"Ashbourne." I answered and I could see him scribble it down on his note pad. "He was a carpenter back in Thornvale. One of the best actually." I continued and I didn't know when I got lost in my thoughts.

He wasn't a carpenter, it was just a facade. Which hid the fact that we were supplying souls to the sick demons to keep them alive. I remembered when we both would pretend to be a couple just to get people to come into our house. I chuckled at the thought.

I hope he's okay. Wherever he is…

"Princess…" A voice rang out. It was the I remembered that Magnus was still here.

"mm?"

"You seem to be distracted? Is everything okay?" He asked and I sighed. "Everything is fine. Just thinking about him." I saw a teasing smile form on his face.

I immediately knew what he was thinking. "No, it's not Xavier. It's Sebastian." I defended but it was too late. "Yeah. Yeah. Sebastian." He teased and I scoffed.

"Anyways, I need a physical description."

"Emerald eyes, brown short hair, light skin. He's quite hairy. Very tall but has a slim build." I described and he wrote it down on his note pad.

When he was done. He called some maids to clear the table and walked away. I felt exhaustion press heavily against my shoulders and my body crumpled on the bed. Letting the comfort of the silk sheets wash over me.

I hadn't slept in this bed in two days and I didn't know how much I missed it. I closed my eyes and slept off.

********

I ran across the hallway, my breath coming out in desperate gasps, my palms sweaty. My feet heavy. My heart pounding loudly in my chest. I had to get away from here, immediately.

I reached a corner and darted to the left, not daring to stop even though my lungs begged for air.

My leg kicked against my heel and I came tumbling down face first to the cold tile floor. Shit!

I tried to stand up, but the monster had gotten to me. Its sharp claws wrapped around my ankle, dragging me back to the darkness— the darkness that horrified me.

My body scrapped against the floor, the world around me seemed to spin, my stomach twisted in pain. No. No.

I couldn't let this happen. I couldn't die.

The darkness swallowed me. So thick, so overwhelming. So scary. I shut my eyes, praying to the gods to save me when a bright shade of light cut through the darkness.

"Eliana! Eliana!" The masculine voice called.

I could recognise that voice. It was him.

Xavier!

I opened my eyes and they met his. His cold blue orbs which looked down at me with worry.

"Are you okay?"