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Description
The wedding the following day was complete torture. I received no alone time and was forced to put on a smile that fooled everyone into believing I was the happiest girl in the world. Mostly noble families were invited but some brought friends, not that I would care, however, I didn't even know the nobles. Sure some faces looked familiar here and there from past balls my father had thrown but all their names have slipped my mind by now. Perhaps because of the stress of the wedding, or because I simply tend to ignore the high class, nothing personal, they're just all the same.

I had a lower class friend once that was nothing like the stubborn members of my class. Of course he never told me his name and I only knew him for a day but at least he was worth remembering. He was maybe 8 at the time and I was 14 but a friend is a friend no matter the age gap. We met for the first time when I ran away from the castle when my father had gotten angry at me and locked me in my room for the day. I snuck out the window and ventured into the town with one of my bodyguards by my side. I made him swore not to tell my father, and it wasn't until later in my life that I realized my body guard, Ivan, was only loyal to me.

I was not forbidden from going into the town and have been there often so I knew right away where I wanted to go. At the forest edge in the east of the town was an apple tree, it may not seem like much but that was my safe haven. That was where I met my first real friend, he was sitting under that tree eating one of its bright red apples. At first I thought about turning around but curiosity pulled me over to the young boy. He was startled by my presents at first but I gave him a soft smile, grabbed an apple, and sat next to him. His appearance was strange, like nothing I had ever seen before; he had white hair and purple eyes and his clothes were dirty like he had been traveling for a while.

Another thing was that he spoke a language I had never heard before and our efforts to understand each other were useless. I could tell that he wanted to tell me something but I never figured it out. After we finished our apples we played hide-and-seek in the forest which was the game he figured out the fastest, perhaps his parents or siblings had taught him before.

But enough with old history, I guess I was just trying to distract myself from the bright party that was happening around me. I lifted my less-than-pleased (e/c) eyes to scan the guests once more before I met with the red gaze of my new husband. He was standing by the mysterious man from earlier. I have not yet learned the blondes name for I haven't gotten the chance to speak with him, perhaps Vladimir will introduce me later. They began to speak to each other for a moment; Vlad's eyes staying locked with mine. I began to fear the worst as he suddenly smirked and make his way over to me. There was a strange glint in his eyes that looked somewhat worried or maybe hesitant...?

No, I can't allow myself to let my guard down and think he is innocent just yet. As he reached my smaller form all he did was gently grasp my hand and pull me toward the stairs.

-----Time Skip-----

A cold hand brushed slowly up my bare shoulder, rousing me from my exhausted slumber. At first I didn't realize what was going on, all I could remember at the time was him leading me to his room then kissing my lips. But why was that kiss so painful? It made me shiver to the core much like the current soft caress on my skin. My weary eyes open with much hesitation but I remained still, now awake more started to come back to me.

‘Fangs. Yes, he had fangs. They bit my lip and…’ the hand crawled up to pet two distinctive marks, ‘...my neck.’

“I know you’re awake,” I curled my hands closer to my chest and shut my eyes as he kissed the bruises that lingered on my skin, “Your soul tells me everything, as does your heartbeat betray you.”

The final piece clicked into place, he had taken a part of my soul. According to vampire ‘tradition’ once married a soul exchange must take place, a swap so to speak. A part of mine went to him and a part of his was supposed to go to me, if he trusted me that much, but he didn't. That must be why I feel so cold, I don’t have a full soul.

“Find the library when you are up, I have something to show you,” His accent was heavier than normal, I noted as he left leaving me alone in the large red room.

-----Time Skip-----

After getting dressed I made my way into the hallways to look for the said library. That idiot didn't even bother to tell me where it was! He’s probably watching me right now, laughing at my misery as I peek cautiously around every corner in fear. As if reading my mind a shadow flashed at the edge of my eye. I turned quickly but didn't see anything. I continued my search but every now and then would be a shadow, likely his way of mocking me.

I felt as if being watched the entire trip but somehow I kept my sanity long enough to find two large oak doors. The smell of books almost leaked through, I knew I had found it. But before I could open them a man beat me to it. I froze in my place, wavy blonde hair, a cross pin, dull blue eyes, it was the man from earlier!

Instead of being surprised he simply bowed his head and spoke to me in a deep accented but monotone voice, “I guess we were bound to meet each other eventually. My name is Lukas, Vladimir’s assistant so to speak.”

“I-I’m _____, pleasure to make your acquaintance…”

He tilted his head and looked at my neck, “I think you've had enough of that for one day.” Frantically, I moved my hair over my shoulder to cover anything up, a blush forming quickly on my cheeks. “Forgive me, and him, please follow me.” He lead me to a sitting area within the massive library full with mountains of knowledge.

Then, he began to tell me tales about people called ‘vikings’ who once lived to the far north in countries I've never even heard of. It was truly fascinating for me to hear of the exciting but brutal old stories from outside of Romania. He talked about them with such detail that one would think he was once a viking who raided villages and killed innocent lives. But I knew better than that, those stories took place around 400+ years ago and he didn't seem like the type that would be affiliated with those barbarians. Despite knowing these facts the question still haunted my young, curious mind.

“Lukas, how do you know so many details about these people?” I asked with a smile and bright eyes expecting an answer like, ‘The stories were passed down in my family for generations,’ or ‘I read a detailed book from the time.’

“Don’t ask questions if you’re afraid of the answer,” He replied simply, keeping his deep eyes locked with mine as if trying to read them. My smile faded as I thought about his reply for a moment and slightly lower my head, he clearly noticed my struggle, “How about we make a deal?” I jumped back up to look at him as he moved his blonde bangs to the side. When he saw that he had my full attention he began to explain, “I will answer your question if you answer mine first.”

I didn't see what could go wrong so I nodded, “What’s the question?”

“How do you feel about Vladimir?”

Even though he showed no emotion I could tell that I could trust him and if he told my husband then at least I know who my friends are. “Honestly? I… I-I’m afraid of him. He has me so paranoid that I've been seeing shadows in the corner of my eyes since I got here, like he’s always watching me.”

He seemed intrigued by my answer because he leaned forward and raised an eyebrow, “Tell me more about these shadows.”

“You’re procrastinating now answer my question, you promised,” I pouted, curiosity getting the better of me.

“Procrastinating? I swear that was my line,” He said absentmindedly before leaning back in his chair and turning his blue gaze to a nearby window as if he was afraid of seeing my reaction. He sighed before beginning his explanation, “I was once a viking from a land called Nóregr*, I had brothers too who were also vikings. Back then I did everything I told you about, I killed people, I burned houses, I stole things, and more. I was ruthless... And in a way I still am for I regret none of it.” He paused and turned to me to ponder whether he should continue or not.

My (e/c) eyes were wide and my mouth slightly open in shock but I still wanted answers so I nodded, “C-Continue… Please.”

This time his dark eyes stayed on my figure, “At that time I was also studying the magic arts and was an adept user. However, there was only so much I could teach myself so I left my brothers behind and followed trails and rumors to find other claimed witches or monsters. Most of them were lies and dead ends but I eventually heard the rumor of a red-eyed demon that had been killing people in Hungary. I began searching for him and when I did find him I asked him to train me as his apprentice. He agreed but had some terms, I selfishly accepted them because they were surprisingly in my favor, and he gave me immortality. I never saw my brothers again, I didn't want them to see who I became and I didn't even say goodbye when they...” His voice trailed off but I knew what he meant.

When he was done he lowered his head in what I thought was shame as I sat there taking everything in quietly. It was difficult to imagine the idea that magic was real and that Lukas had a whole other life that he was hiding but I didn't blame him. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to open old wounds... I won’t hold anything against you Lukas, don’t worry,” I said in a soft voice.

He looked back up still keeping his emotionless expression, “It’s fine ______, the past is in the past and nothing can change it, no matter how much magic you know.”

I caught his hint and changed the subject off of his brothers, “Do you mind me asking what the terms that you agreed upon were?”

“For your sake I’d rather not say.”

“I know what the terms were,” Vladimir suddenly calls out from across the room making me jump in fear and surprise. He stalks across the room before sitting down beside me putting his arm around my waist making me tense up and look away in embarrassment. Lukas gave him a warning glare so he wouldn't give away his secret but Vlad didn't listen, “He stays loyal to me for eternity and I give him the souls of my prey and immortality. But he is not my apprentice anymore, I’d say he has more power than me by now. With enough souls up your sleeve you could do practically anything, isn't that right Lukas?”

Before the former viking could respond I echoed, "Souls?"

A wicked smile appeared on the vampire as he chuckled at my innocence, "It means that he takes everything they are and uses them to fuel his powers. Every time he uses magic it's like their very life is being pulled out of them, it is a very cruel process! But the best part is that souls can't die so they are stuck in their own little hell for eternity." Tears made their way to my eyes as I thought about all of the lives that were lost and are still being tortured, but part of me couldn't believe that Lukas would go along with something so malevolent.

"She didn't have to know, Vladimir," Lukas confirmed my suspicions in a deeper, intimidating voice. Before they could give away any more secrets I swiftly got up and practically ran toward the open door at the end of the library.

So much has happened in these past few days that it was hard to take everything in. 'Could I even trust anyone here?' I thought as I continued to weave further into the house not even knowing where I was headed. My paced slowed when I knew they weren't following me and I found myself by an old dusty door. At first I thought nothing of it but the longer I stared the louder the voices became. I couldn't look away nor move and my mind was spinning as if in a trance but I was still conscious. 'Stay away!' 'Run!' 'He did this to us! Lu-’ The voice cut out, my ears rang, the world spun, a shadow in the corner of my eye, then darkness.

Description
The wedding the following day was complete torture. I received no alone time and was forced to put on a smile that fooled everyone into believing I was the happiest girl in the world. Mostly noble families were invited but some brought friends, not that I would care, however, I didn't even know the nobles. Sure some faces looked familiar here and there from past balls my father had thrown but all their names have slipped my mind by now. Perhaps because of the stress of the wedding, or because I simply tend to ignore the high class, nothing personal, they're just all the same.

I had a lower class friend once that was nothing like the stubborn members of my class. Of course he never told me his name and I only knew him for a day but at least he was worth remembering. He was maybe 8 at the time and I was 14 but a friend is a friend no matter the age gap. We met for the first time when I ran away from the castle when my father had gotten angry at me and locked me in my room for the day. I snuck out the window and ventured into the town with one of my bodyguards by my side. I made him swore not to tell my father, and it wasn't until later in my life that I realized my body guard, Ivan, was only loyal to me.

I was not forbidden from going into the town and have been there often so I knew right away where I wanted to go. At the forest edge in the east of the town was an apple tree, it may not seem like much but that was my safe haven. That was where I met my first real friend, he was sitting under that tree eating one of its bright red apples. At first I thought about turning around but curiosity pulled me over to the young boy. He was startled by my presents at first but I gave him a soft smile, grabbed an apple, and sat next to him. His appearance was strange, like nothing I had ever seen before; he had white hair and purple eyes and his clothes were dirty like he had been traveling for a while.

Another thing was that he spoke a language I had never heard before and our efforts to understand each other were useless. I could tell that he wanted to tell me something but I never figured it out. After we finished our apples we played hide-and-seek in the forest which was the game he figured out the fastest, perhaps his parents or siblings had taught him before.

But enough with old history, I guess I was just trying to distract myself from the bright party that was happening around me. I lifted my less-than-pleased (e/c) eyes to scan the guests once more before I met with the red gaze of my new husband. He was standing by the mysterious man from earlier. I have not yet learned the blondes name for I haven't gotten the chance to speak with him, perhaps Vladimir will introduce me later. They began to speak to each other for a moment; Vlad's eyes staying locked with mine. I began to fear the worst as he suddenly smirked and make his way over to me. There was a strange glint in his eyes that looked somewhat worried or maybe hesitant...?

No, I can't allow myself to let my guard down and think he is innocent just yet. As he reached my smaller form all he did was gently grasp my hand and pull me toward the stairs.

-----Time Skip-----

A cold hand brushed slowly up my bare shoulder, rousing me from my exhausted slumber. At first I didn't realize what was going on, all I could remember at the time was him leading me to his room then kissing my lips. But why was that kiss so painful? It made me shiver to the core much like the current soft caress on my skin. My weary eyes open with much hesitation but I remained still, now awake more started to come back to me.

‘Fangs. Yes, he had fangs. They bit my lip and…’ the hand crawled up to pet two distinctive marks, ‘...my neck.’

“I know you’re awake,” I curled my hands closer to my chest and shut my eyes as he kissed the bruises that lingered on my skin, “Your soul tells me everything, as does your heartbeat betray you.”

The final piece clicked into place, he had taken a part of my soul. According to vampire ‘tradition’ once married a soul exchange must take place, a swap so to speak. A part of mine went to him and a part of his was supposed to go to me, if he trusted me that much, but he didn't. That must be why I feel so cold, I don’t have a full soul.

“Find the library when you are up, I have something to show you,” His accent was heavier than normal, I noted as he left leaving me alone in the large red room.

-----Time Skip-----

After getting dressed I made my way into the hallways to look for the said library. That idiot didn't even bother to tell me where it was! He’s probably watching me right now, laughing at my misery as I peek cautiously around every corner in fear. As if reading my mind a shadow flashed at the edge of my eye. I turned quickly but didn't see anything. I continued my search but every now and then would be a shadow, likely his way of mocking me.

I felt as if being watched the entire trip but somehow I kept my sanity long enough to find two large oak doors. The smell of books almost leaked through, I knew I had found it. But before I could open them a man beat me to it. I froze in my place, wavy blonde hair, a cross pin, dull blue eyes, it was the man from earlier!

Instead of being surprised he simply bowed his head and spoke to me in a deep accented but monotone voice, “I guess we were bound to meet each other eventually. My name is Lukas, Vladimir’s assistant so to speak.”

“I-I’m _____, pleasure to make your acquaintance…”

He tilted his head and looked at my neck, “I think you've had enough of that for one day.” Frantically, I moved my hair over my shoulder to cover anything up, a blush forming quickly on my cheeks. “Forgive me, and him, please follow me.” He lead me to a sitting area within the massive library full with mountains of knowledge.

Then, he began to tell me tales about people called ‘vikings’ who once lived to the far north in countries I've never even heard of. It was truly fascinating for me to hear of the exciting but brutal old stories from outside of Romania. He talked about them with such detail that one would think he was once a viking who raided villages and killed innocent lives. But I knew better than that, those stories took place around 400+ years ago and he didn't seem like the type that would be affiliated with those barbarians. Despite knowing these facts the question still haunted my young, curious mind.

“Lukas, how do you know so many details about these people?” I asked with a smile and bright eyes expecting an answer like, ‘The stories were passed down in my family for generations,’ or ‘I read a detailed book from the time.’

“Don’t ask questions if you’re afraid of the answer,” He replied simply, keeping his deep eyes locked with mine as if trying to read them. My smile faded as I thought about his reply for a moment and slightly lower my head, he clearly noticed my struggle, “How about we make a deal?” I jumped back up to look at him as he moved his blonde bangs to the side. When he saw that he had my full attention he began to explain, “I will answer your question if you answer mine first.”

I didn't see what could go wrong so I nodded, “What’s the question?”

“How do you feel about Vladimir?”

Even though he showed no emotion I could tell that I could trust him and if he told my husband then at least I know who my friends are. “Honestly? I… I-I’m afraid of him. He has me so paranoid that I've been seeing shadows in the corner of my eyes since I got here, like he’s always watching me.”

He seemed intrigued by my answer because he leaned forward and raised an eyebrow, “Tell me more about these shadows.”

“You’re procrastinating now answer my question, you promised,” I pouted, curiosity getting the better of me.

“Procrastinating? I swear that was my line,” He said absentmindedly before leaning back in his chair and turning his blue gaze to a nearby window as if he was afraid of seeing my reaction. He sighed before beginning his explanation, “I was once a viking from a land called Nóregr*, I had brothers too who were also vikings. Back then I did everything I told you about, I killed people, I burned houses, I stole things, and more. I was ruthless... And in a way I still am for I regret none of it.” He paused and turned to me to ponder whether he should continue or not.

My (e/c) eyes were wide and my mouth slightly open in shock but I still wanted answers so I nodded, “C-Continue… Please.”

This time his dark eyes stayed on my figure, “At that time I was also studying the magic arts and was an adept user. However, there was only so much I could teach myself so I left my brothers behind and followed trails and rumors to find other claimed witches or monsters. Most of them were lies and dead ends but I eventually heard the rumor of a red-eyed demon that had been killing people in Hungary. I began searching for him and when I did find him I asked him to train me as his apprentice. He agreed but had some terms, I selfishly accepted them because they were surprisingly in my favor, and he gave me immortality. I never saw my brothers again, I didn't want them to see who I became and I didn't even say goodbye when they...” His voice trailed off but I knew what he meant.

When he was done he lowered his head in what I thought was shame as I sat there taking everything in quietly. It was difficult to imagine the idea that magic was real and that Lukas had a whole other life that he was hiding but I didn't blame him. “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to open old wounds... I won’t hold anything against you Lukas, don’t worry,” I said in a soft voice.

He looked back up still keeping his emotionless expression, “It’s fine ______, the past is in the past and nothing can change it, no matter how much magic you know.”

I caught his hint and changed the subject off of his brothers, “Do you mind me asking what the terms that you agreed upon were?”

“For your sake I’d rather not say.”

“I know what the terms were,” Vladimir suddenly calls out from across the room making me jump in fear and surprise. He stalks across the room before sitting down beside me putting his arm around my waist making me tense up and look away in embarrassment. Lukas gave him a warning glare so he wouldn't give away his secret but Vlad didn't listen, “He stays loyal to me for eternity and I give him the souls of my prey and immortality. But he is not my apprentice anymore, I’d say he has more power than me by now. With enough souls up your sleeve you could do practically anything, isn't that right Lukas?”

Before the former viking could respond I echoed, "Souls?"

A wicked smile appeared on the vampire as he chuckled at my innocence, "It means that he takes everything they are and uses them to fuel his powers. Every time he uses magic it's like their very life is being pulled out of them, it is a very cruel process! But the best part is that souls can't die so they are stuck in their own little hell for eternity." Tears made their way to my eyes as I thought about all of the lives that were lost and are still being tortured, but part of me couldn't believe that Lukas would go along with something so malevolent.

"She didn't have to know, Vladimir," Lukas confirmed my suspicions in a deeper, intimidating voice. Before they could give away any more secrets I swiftly got up and practically ran toward the open door at the end of the library.

So much has happened in these past few days that it was hard to take everything in. 'Could I even trust anyone here?' I thought as I continued to weave further into the house not even knowing where I was headed. My paced slowed when I knew they weren't following me and I found myself by an old dusty door. At first I thought nothing of it but the longer I stared the louder the voices became. I couldn't look away nor move and my mind was spinning as if in a trance but I was still conscious. 'Stay away!' 'Run!' 'He did this to us! Lu-’ The voice cut out, my ears rang, the world spun, a shadow in the corner of my eye, then darkness.