91: 91 You Are My Mate

91 You Are My Mate

Vivian's POV 2

Something's not right.

I'm hiding in the bedroom, pacing around with my arms crossed, like an ant trapped in a hot pot with no way out.

Ever since I encountered that mysterious man in the garden – no, I should now call him Albert – my mind has been in turmoil.

He's definitely not a messenger for the rogues, or more accurately, not a werewolf at all. I bit my lip, recalling his appearance and that peculiar scent. It was a chilling, somewhat sweet smell, mixed with the stale stench of old blood. It didn't have the warmth and vitality that werewolves possess.

It's... I clutch the hem of my robe, my mind racing back to the knowledge my master once imparted to me. Suddenly, a memory strikes me.

It was a snowy winter's night, and my master and I were sitting by the fire in our cabin deep within the forest. Her long, translucent nails tapped against the window frame as she gazed at the moon in the sky. She smiled and said, "Vivian, do you know what else besides werewolves are captivated by the moon?"

I shook my head, then looked at her beautiful profile, turning my gaze to the snowflakes falling outside, landing softly on her golden hair and lashes. Soon, her fair skin bore the marks of dampness.

"I don't know, please tell me," I said, leaning against her leg. Her grey robe was embroidered with intricate spells, and they shimmered in my hands.

"I'll tell you. There's another kind of creature in the world, and they are called vampires," my master said, her hand gently touching my face. The smile on her face vanished, and her emerald eyes turned dark like the depths of a forest at night. I didn't know what to say.

"These creatures possess the appearance and physique of humans, but they don't age nor die. They survive by feeding on blood, fearing sunlight, and favoring darkness and shadows. They are cursed beings, condemned by all living things. Only the Moon Goddess showed them a hint of mercy, allowing them to roam freely under the moonlight."

"That sounds so pitiful, Master," the young me blinked, feeling that people who could only live in darkness were too tragic. All other creatures could enjoy both day and night, but they could only wander endlessly in the darkness.

"No, Vivian," my master's gaze locked onto mine, her eyes serious.

"Do not be deceived by vampires, and do not sympathize with them. They are the craftiest hunters of the darkness. Vivian, remember what I told you."

At that moment, my master's face carried an indescribable gravity. It was as if she foresaw that one day, I would encounter a vampire.

And now, I take a deep breath, snapping back to the present from the memories of the past.

Without a doubt, I did encounter a vampire. That mysterious man in grey attire is Albert, and he is a vampire.

My master said vampires are deceivers, so should I believe that he is my uncle? But I am a witch. How could I have a vampire as an uncle? It simply doesn't make sense.

Furthermore, should I tell my master that Albert has returned? She has never mentioned having a vampire friend. What does Albert want with my master?

I gazed at the moon outside the window. Earlier this evening, I was watching fireworks and enjoying desserts by the window. But now, I clutched my robe, anxiously biting my fingernails, feeling completely lost.

Driven by inexplicable intuition, I felt the need to return to see my master as soon as possible.

Just as I made this decision, a small voice suddenly appeared in my ear. "What about Alen?"

At that moment, I realized that my reliance on Alen seemed to surpass that of Delia. On this night when I decided to leave, the first person I wanted to see was Alen.

A stone seemed to sink into my chest. If I were to return to the dark forest, I would bid farewell to Alen. Perhaps we will not see each other for a very long time.

I felt pain, like a hungry person forced to take a bite of a rotten and bitter apple.

"Alen," I sighed his name in my heart.

'Knock knock.'

Late-night knocking always felt eerie, especially after encountering vampires.

"Who is it?" I quickly donned my robe and held a vial of potion, calling out loudly.

The lock of the door made a turning sound. A tall figure appeared at the door, followed by Alen's gentle voice, "So, besides me, has anyone else knocked on your door at this hour?"

Alen had removed his heavy armor and now wore simple clothing. Beneath his chestnut-gold hair, his sky-blue eyes always exuded a gentle demeanor.

"Um... I... I just forgot." I put the vial of potion back. My body relaxed, and I subconsciously didn't want Alen to know what happened tonight. I knew he was already tired.

"But why are you here? It's late, and I'm ready to sleep." Unable to come up with an explanation, I changed the subject.

"Really?" Alen raised an eyebrow, playfully glancing at me. Suddenly, his right hand appeared before me, holding a piece of pink cake.

"It seems like you won't have a chance to taste the newly released cranberry cake." Alen brought the cake close to my face, and just as I reached out to grab it, he quickly pulled it back.

Annoyingly, I heard myself involuntarily gulp. I glared at him with my most ferocious expression, but Alen seemed even more delighted.

"You dare to tease a witch like that. Do you know how scary I look when I'm angry?"

"Please, show me," Alen teased, lingering on the edge of my bed. The pink cake in his hand emitted a tantalizing aroma.

"I... um..."

The sound from my stomach interrupted the words I hadn't finished saying.

Alen's eyes curved with a smile. He lowered his head, getting closer to me. A unique warmth enveloped me as he asked, "Why didn't you come to see me tonight? If you did, you could have had plenty of this cake."

A hint of inquiry flashed through Alen's gentle eyes.

"...Why do you care? I thought the party wasn't fun anymore, so I wanted to leave. Is that not allowed?" I retorted nervously.

Though Alen had a mild temperament, being a werewolf, he was naturally suspicious. If he couldn't see me, he would inquire about my whereabouts. It was strange, though, that he always managed to find me in the end.

"Why do I care about you?" The amusement in Alen's eyes turned cold, but his expression remained unchanged.

Here it comes again. I dread this side of Alen, like a puppeteer wearing a mask.

"I was just worried that you hadn't eaten anything, so I brought you some cake for a late-night snack," Alen sighed, getting up from bed and placing the cake on the nearby table, preparing to leave.

"Stop!" I hurriedly called out, and Alen's figure halted.

"Alright," I anxiously twisted my fingers, stammering, "I saw that mysterious man in the grey attire, and I chased after him, and um..." Before I could finish my words, Alen grabbed my shoulders, and his gentle smile completely disappeared.

He spoke in a low voice, "Why did you go after him alone? Damn it! Are you hurt?"

Ignoring my struggles, Alen checked my arms and ankles as if inspecting his own belongings, being meticulous. He checked while suppressing his anger, "Do you know who that was? That's someone even Prince Kral can't catch! I shouldn't have let you go out. If you're hurt, I..."

"What will you do?" I interrupted him, staring curiously at his face.

"...It's nothing," Alen suddenly turned his head away, not letting me see his expression.

"Next time, don't do something so dangerous alone," Alen finished checking and tucked me back into the warm covers. He sighed, ruffling my hair, "I'll worry about you."

Under his gaze, I felt like I was being bathed in warm candlelight, an indescribable sense of security enveloping me.

Looking at his face, a certain sticky atmosphere surrounded us. His eyes seemed to be filled with only me, and I couldn't help but blurt out a question, "Why are you so good to me?"

I like Delia, so I'm willing to stay for her. I saved Kral, so he let me stay in the palace. But Alen, why has he always been so kind to me?

"Because you're my mate," Alen's voice was even gentler than morning dew at this moment. His eyes showed an expression I couldn't decipher, "Sleep now, my little witch."

Alen smiled faintly at me, a smile of warmth. He closed the door, his figure disappearing from the doorway, but I kept staring at the little cake on the bedside, unable to fall asleep.

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